BACK TO THE HOMESTEAD--CONCLUSION
It was a happy meeting, and for some time Dave could think of but
little excepting that his father was restored to him. While the two
compared notes upon what had passed, Barringford, White Buffalo, and
the other Indian went on guard, to prevent a surprise by any enemy who
might be moving toward them.
But no one came near them, and an hour later the whole party moved off,
toward a trail which White Buffalo was certain would sooner or later,
bring them to the encampment of what was left of the English army.
“It was a sad disaster,” said James Morris, after telling his story and
after listening to all Dave had to say of himself and those left at the
homestead. “Barringford told me how General Braddock walked into the
trap, which was set with the greatest of care by the French and the
Indians.”
“Washington would not have been caught that way, had he led,” returned
Dave. “I suppose this campaign is done for,” he added, soberly.
“More than likely, Dave. The victory will elate the French, and our
people will be correspondingly cast down. It will take a good while
before anything more is done, I feel certain.”
“And what of the post?”
“As you know, part of it was burnt down during the attack. I heard at
the fort that Jean Bevoir was repairing it and had taken possession.
Well, such are the fortunes of war,” and James Morris sighed deeply.
“Didn’t you save anything, father?”
“Oh, yes, I saved my furs and a good part of the stores. I suspected
the attack and sent the things by pack train to Lambert’s post.
Yesterday I heard, through a soldier, that Lambert sent everything of
his own and mine to Winchester. So the loss is not near so great as it
might otherwise have been,” concluded Mr. Morris.
The march through the wilderness was slow and painful and at every half
mile Dave had to rest, and most of the others were glad enough to do
the same. Once there came an alarm, and Barringford and White Buffalo
went forward to investigate. They discovered two grenadiers and a
Ranger, who had lost themselves in the woods. These soldiers were glad
enough to join them, and this made the little party correspondingly
stronger.
They did not dare to fire at any game, and lived entirely on fish taken
from brooks flowing into the river and on some corn bread Mr. Morris
had with him. Thus three days were spent in the wilderness when, late
one afternoon, they came in sight of a soldiers’ camp.
“The Rangers!” cried Dave, and he was right, and soon they were among
the Virginians, or rather among what was left of them, for the Rangers
had lost nearly three-quarters of their command.
All was still in confusion, for those in charge of the baggage train
had fled as soon as the news of the defeat reached them, and the
drivers had taken a large number of the horses along. The camp was
filled with the wounded, and so many officers were down that in some
instances the oldest private had to command what was left of his
company. The grenadiers, especially, were utterly downcast and their
one thought was to return to some safe English town without delay.
They were brave, and on an open field of battle would have done well,
but the Indian method of fighting from behind trees, rocks, and bushes
unnerved them.
At Will’s Creek there had been erected Fort Cumberland, and to this
place of safety the army now directed its footsteps and Washington
sent on ahead for extra horses to carry the wounded. The worst of the
panic over, Colonel Dunbar assumed command, but this English officer
was still so full of fear that he would not listen to any plan of
Washington’s for a stand at Fort Cumberland. It would be foolhardy, the
French were too powerful and the Indians aiding them too numerous, to
dream of such a thing, was the way in which Dunbar reasoned, and in the
end he did not stop until he had pushed his way across Pennsylvania to
Philadelphia. His sick and wounded he left at Will’s Creek, under the
care of the colonists.
Yet no other attack came from the French, and for a good reason. The
garrison at Fort Duquesne was much reduced, and as a matter of fact,
the “army” that had attacked Braddock’s troops had been nothing but a
detachment of several hundred French regulars and Canadians and six or
seven hundred Indians! Had this detachment been met as Washington and
others wished to meet it, victory it is likely would have been upon
the side of the English. As it was, while the fight was going on, the
commander at the fort was considering whether he should withdraw in
secret or wait and surrender upon honorable terms!
The long, weary march to Will’s Creek told upon poor Dave and when
the settlement was gained he looked but the shadow of himself. He was
glad to find his Uncle Joe awaiting their arrival and equally glad to
obtain permission from Washington to go home on sick leave. With him
went Barringford, who was now attached to his protégé more than ever.
White Buffalo had left the party when the fort had been sighted, saying
he would come in when the snow came. The next day the Indian and his
followers were off to avenge the fall of their brethren.
“It’s not a joyful home-coming,” remarked Joseph Morris, to his
brother. “But I am glad that you and Dave are alive.”
“But the loss at the post--” began James Morris, anxiously.
“Let that drop, James. The loss is nothing compared to what it would
have been had you lost your life out there. In the future you may be
more successful.”
“Then you think we will eventually conquer the French and Indians?”
“I do--and it will not take many years to do it either,” replied Joseph
Morris, and his words proved true, as history testifies.
When Dave and the others came in sight of the homestead, all even to
little Nell, ran forward to greet them, and it was Mrs. Morris who
first folded the young soldier in her arms and kissed him.
“I am so glad to see you back!” she cried. “You must not go away again!”
“Not for the present, Aunt Lucy,” answered Dave. “I think I’ve earned a
good rest.”
“I’ve got a little news to tell,” said Henry, after all had entered the
cabin. “Do you remember the horses which disappeared? Well, father and
I got them back last week, from some Indians who were going to turn
them over to the soldiers for thirty pounds apiece.”
“You’ve got Fanny back?” cried Dave, and his face lit up with pleasure.
“That’s splendid! Did you have any trouble?”
“No, as soon as the Indians saw father they ran away. One of them was
that rascal Turtle Foot, and I suppose he thought father had it in for
him on account of the way he treated you at Winchester.”
Henry was quite himself again, and Rodney was also doing finely,
and had to tell how he could now work on the farm almost as well as
anybody. He had been a great help during Dave’s absence.
“The work seems to strengthen me,” he said. “And, oh, Dave, you don’t
know how good it feels to walk around once more like other folks!”
“I can believe you--now I am under the weather myself,” replied Dave.
“The home looks quite natural,” remarked James Morris, as he dropped
into a comfortable chair. “Quite natural, and I am very glad to get
back to it again.”
“And so am I glad,” murmured Dave. And then, as little Nell climbed
up on his knee, he added: “I can tell you what, war isn’t all fun and
glory, after all.”
* * * * *
A few words more and I will bring to a close this tale of a young
pioneer’s war adventures while “With Washington in the West.”
After the defeat of Braddock came the defeat of English arms in other
quarters, and as a consequence the whole frontier was in a state of
excitement and terror. At Winchester and at Fort Cumberland there were
frequent reports that all of the Indians were rising for a general
massacre of the whites. These reports proved, upon investigation, to be
untrue, but for many weeks the settlers, including the Morrises, slept
upon their arms and kept their horses in readiness for immediate flight.
There could be but one result of all this, and early in the year
following war was formally declared between France and England, and
each nation set to work to send large forces to America in the hope of
conquering its rival. These forces united with the colonists, and once
again the tocsin of war sounded, spreading gradually from Virginia on
the south to Canada on the north. Excitement was again at a fever heat,
and in the midst of this, Dave Morris and his cousin Henry, now as
well as ever, thought it their duty to go again to the front, and with
them went old Sam Barringford. What their further adventures were will
be related in a second volume of this series, entitled: “Marching on
Niagara; or, The Soldier Boys of the Old Frontier.”
Yet for the time being Mrs. Morris was glad to have the boys at home,
and shook her head sadly when they spoke of going away.
“You must stay here for a long time,” she would say. “You did your duty
nobly. Let others do as much.”
“Thet’s right,” Barringford would add. “The lads have the blood of
their fathers in ’em, God bless ’em!”
“Well, who wouldn’t want to fight, when following such a leader as
Washington?” came from Dave. “Why, a fellow simply can’t help himself.”
“A wonderful man--truly a wonderful man,” put in the youth’s father
reflectively. “I feel certain we shall hear a good deal more of him in
years to come.”
And we have heard a good deal more, haven’t we, reader?
COLONIAL SERIES
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
FIRST VOLUME
_WITH WASHINGTON IN THE WEST_
_Or a Soldier Boy’s Battles in the Wilderness_
12mo Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute 302 pages $1.25
[Illustration]
Washington’s earlier life has received scant attention, notwithstanding
its possibilities. Mr. Stratemeyer has woven into an excellent story
something of Washington’s youthful experience as a surveyor, leading on
to the always thrilling Braddock’s defeat. The hero, David Morris, is
several years younger than Washington, with whom he becomes intimately
associated. Pictures of pioneer life are given; scenes with friendly
Indians; and old-time games.
SECOND VOLUME
_MARCHING ON NIAGARA_
_Or The Soldier Boys of the Old Frontier_
12mo Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
This tale is complete in itself, but many of its characters have
appeared in “With Washington in the West.”
The story relates the doings of two young soldiers who join the
Colonial forces in a march on Fort Niagara, during the time of the
war with France, when the whole territory between the Blue Ridge and
the Great Lakes was in a state of unrest. Many side lights are thrown
into the colonial homes, and much useful information is given of the
pioneers who helped to make our country what it is to-day.
David Morris is a fine fellow, and about him is woven a fine “Injun”
story that is sure to delight the boys.--_Universalist Leader,
Boston._
Mr. Stratemeyer is an entertaining story-teller, and his books are
clean.--_Herald, Rochester, N. Y._
THIRD VOLUME
_AT THE FALL OF MONTREAL_
_Or a Soldier Boy’s Final Victory_
Illustrated by A. B. Shute 12mo Cloth Price $1.25
This volume relates the adventures of Dave Morris and his cousin Henry
during the two last campaigns against the French for the possession
of Canada and the territory below the great lakes. The scaling of the
heights of Quebec under General Wolfe, and the memorable battle on
the Plains of Abraham, are given in detail. There are many stirring
scenes of battle, but the tale is not all of war. Pictures of the
rough-and-ready camp life of that day are given, and there are also
adventures while fishing and hunting, and with the Indians.
Since the passing of Henry and Alger, Mr. Stratemeyer controls the
field in this particular branch of literature. The chief charm
of his stories lies in the fact that an enormous quantity of
valuable information, collected from the most reliable sources,
is deftly woven into the narrative without taking away from the
interest.--_Philadelphia Inquirer._
FOURTH VOLUME
_ON THE TRAIL OF PONTIAC_
_Or Pioneer Boys of the Ohio_
12mo Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
This volume tells of times in our country immediately after the war
with France for the possession of Canada. The tale is complete in
itself, but in it are introduced a number of characters which have
already figured in this series, including that brave young soldier,
Dave Morris, his sturdy cousin, Henry, and their common friend, Sam
Barringford. Pontiac, the great chief of the Ottawas, is also a leading
figure and much is told of his work in organizing his great conspiracy
against the whites. A fight with the Indians and the French in a
snowstorm is especially realistic, and the entire book carries with it
the atmosphere of colonial times.
Boys are attracted to stories by Edward Stratemeyer, and they will
enjoy “On the Trail of Pontiac.”--_Plain Dealer, Cleveland, O._
THE FAMOUS “OLD GLORY SERIES”
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
_Author of “The Bound to Succeed Series,” “The Ship and Shore Series,”
“Colonial Series,” “Pan-American Series,” etc._
Six volumes Cloth Illustrated Price per volume $1.25
[Illustration]
UNDER DEWEY AT MANILA
Or The War Fortunes of a Castaway
A YOUNG VOLUNTEER IN CUBA
Or Fighting for the Single Star
FIGHTING IN CUBAN WATERS
Or Under Schley on the Brooklyn
UNDER OTIS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Or A Young Officer in the Tropics
THE CAMPAIGN OF THE JUNGLE
Or Under Lawton through Luzon
UNDER MACARTHUR IN LUZON
Or Last Battles in the Philippines
“A boy once addicted to Stratemeyer stays by him.”--_The Living
Church._
“The boys’ delight--the ‘Old Glory Series.’”--_The Christian
Advocate, New York._
“Stratemeyer’s style suits the boys.”--JOHN TERHUNE, _Supt. of Public
Instruction, Bergen Co., New Jersey_.
“Mr. Stratemeyer is in a class by himself when it comes to
writing about American heroes, their brilliant doings on land and
sea.”--_Times, Boston._
“Mr. Stratemeyer has written a series of books which, while
historically correct and embodying the most important features of
the Spanish-American War and the rebellion of the Filipinos, are
sufficiently interwoven with fiction to render them most entertaining
to young readers.”--_The Call, San Francisco._
_For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by_
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
American Boys’ Life of
Theodore Roosevelt
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER 325 pages Illustrated from photographs $1.25
[Illustration]
Ever since the enormous success of Mr. Stratemeyer’s “American Boys’
Life of William McKinley” there has been an urgent demand that he
follow the volume with one on the life of our present President, and
this has now been done with a care and a faithfulness certain to win
immediate appreciation everywhere.
The book covers the whole life of our honored executive step by step,
as schoolboy, college student, traveler, author, State assemblyman,
Civil Service and Police Commissioner, Governor of New York, as a
leader of the Rough Riders in Cuba, as Vice-President, and finally as
President. Many chapters have also been devoted to Mr. Roosevelt’s
numerous adventures as a hunter and as a ranchman (true stories which
are bound to be dear to the heart of all boys who love the strenuous
life), and full particulars are given of the daring battles for Cuban
liberty, in which our worthy President, as Lieutenant-Colonel of the
Rough Riders, took such a conspicuous part.
The Appendix contains a Chronology of Theodore Roosevelt, and also
brief extracts from some of his most famous speeches and addresses.
_For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid, on receipt of price, by
the publishers._
LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.
BOSTON
THE STRATEMEYER POPULAR SERIES
10 volumes Illustrated and handsomely bound in gold and colors
Attractive new cover designs Price $.75 per volume
[Illustration]
Since the passing of Henty, Edward Stratemeyer is the most widely read
of all living writers for the young, and each year extends the vast
and enthusiastic throng. In obedience to the popular demand we have
established this POPULAR SERIES comprising ten representative books by
this great writer, on which special prices can be made. The stories are
bright and breezy, moral in tone, and while full of adventure, are not
sensational. These books, at a popular price, will be a rare treat for
the boys and girls.
1. The Last Cruise of the Spitfire Or Luke Foster’s Strange Voyage
2. Reuben Stone’s Discovery Or The Young Miller of Torrent Bend
3. True to Himself Or Roger Strong’s Struggle for Place
4. Richard Dare’s Venture Or Striking Out for Himself
5. Oliver Bright’s Search Or The Mystery of a Mine
6. To Alaska for Gold Or The Fortune Hunters of the Yukon
7. The Young Auctioneers Or The Polishing of a Rolling Stone
8. Bound to be an Electrician Or Franklin Bell’s Success
9. Shorthand Tom the Reporter Or The Exploits of a Bright Boy
10. Fighting for His Own Or The Fortunes of a Young Artist
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE SERIES
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
VOLUME ONE
_ON TO PEKIN_
_Or Old Glory in China_
Cloth 330 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute $1.25
The hero, Gilbert Pennington, goes from the Philippines with the Ninth
Regiment to take part in the rescue of the beleaguered British Embassy
at Pekin by the international forces. Mr. Stratemeyer has risen to the
occasion by giving, in addition to one of his very best stories, a
store of information concerning China and the Chinese, conveyed in a
natural and entertaining manner.
The demands of boy readers are peculiar, and the author who can
satisfy them, not once or twice, but uniformly, must possess rare
ability in an extremely difficult field. Such an author is Edward
Stratemeyer.--_Sunday News, Newark, N. J._
VOLUME TWO
_UNDER THE MIKADO’S FLAG_
_Or Young Soldiers of Fortune_
320 pages Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
“Under the Mikado’s Flag” relates the adventures of two young
Americans in Korea and Manchuria during the outbreak of the great war
between Russia and Japan, one of the leading characters being Gilbert
Pennington, the hero of “On to Pekin,” and the other, Ben Russell, who
with his brothers, Larry and Walter, is so well known to the thousands
of readers of the famous “Old Glory Series.” It closes with the great
Battle of Liao-Yang, and is as valuable for the information conveyed as
it is interesting as a story.
Mr. Stratemeyer is undoubtedly improving very greatly on the average
book for boys.--_Star, St. Louis, Mo._
He knows how to attract and hold boy readers.--_Evening Standard, New
Bedford, Mass._
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:
Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_.
Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.
Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.