CONCLUSION
Will’s first visit, after arriving in London, was to Dulwich. He had
visited the house with Mr. Palethorpe when it was in progress of building,
and had been favourably impressed with it, but now that it was complete he
thought it was one of the prettiest houses that he had ever seen. The
great conservatory was full of plants and shrubs, which he recognized as
natives of Jamaica, and the garden was brilliant with bright flowers.
“I am delighted to see you again, Will,” Mr. Palethorpe said, as he was
shown in. “Alice is out at present, but she will be back before long. I
must congratulate you on your promotion, which I saw in the _Gazette_ this
morning.”
“Yes, sir, my good fortune sticks to me, except for this wound, and it is
nothing serious and will soon be right again.”
“Don’t say good fortune, lad. You have won your way by conduct and
courage, and you have a right to be proud of your position. I believe you
are the youngest captain in the service, and that without a shadow of
private interest to push you on. I am very glad to hear that your wound is
so slight.”
“You are not looking well, sir,” Will said, after they had chatted for a
time.
“No, I have had a shock which, I am ashamed to say, I have allowed to
annoy me. I came home with £70,000. Of that I invested £40,000 in good
securities, and allowed the rest to remain in my agent’s hands until he
came upon some good and safe security. Well, I was away with Alice in the
country when he wrote to me to say that he strongly recommended me to buy
a South Sea stock which everyone was running after, and which was rising
rapidly. I must own that it seemed a good thing, so I told him to buy.
Well, it went up like wildfire, and I could have sold out at four times
the price at which I bought. At last I wrote to him to realize, and he
replied that it had suddenly fallen a bit, and recommending me to wait
till it went up again, which it was sure to do. I didn’t see a London
paper for some days, and when I did get one I found, to my horror, that
the bubble had burst, and that the stock was virtually not worth the paper
on which it was printed. The blow has affected me a good deal. I admit now
that it was foolish, and feel it so; but when a man has been working all
his life, it is hard to see nearly half of the fortune he has gained swept
away at a blow.”
“It is hard, sir, very hard. Still, it was fortunate that you had already
invested £40,000 in good securities. After all, with this house and
£40,000 you will really not so very much miss the sum you have lost.”
“That is exactly what I tell myself, Will. Still, you know, a dog with two
bones in his mouth will growl if he loses one of them. Nevertheless
£40,000 is not to be despised by any means, and I shall have plenty to
give my little Alice a good portion when she marries.”
“That will be comfortable for her, sir, but I should say that the man
would be lucky if he got her without a shilling.”
“Well, well, we’ll see, we’ll see. I have no desire to part with her yet.”
“That I can well understand, sir.”
“Ah, here she is!”
A rosy colour spread over the girl’s face when she saw who her father’s
visitor was.
“I expected you in a day or two,” she said, “but not so soon as this. When
we saw your name in the _Gazette_ we made sure that it would not be long
before you paid us a visit. I am glad to see that your wound has not
pulled you down much.”
“No indeed. I am all right; but it was certain that I should come here
first of all.”
“And what are your plans now?” Mr. Palethorpe asked.
“I am going to set to work at once to discover my family. I have not been
to my lawyer yet, so I don’t know how much he has done, but I certainly
mean to go into the business in earnest.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter to you much now, Will, whether your family are
dukes or beggars. You can stand on your own feet as a captain in the royal
navy with a magnificent record of services.”
“Yes, I see that, sir; but still I certainly do wish to be able to prove
that I come of at least a respectable family. I have not the least desire
to obtain any rank or anything of that kind, only to know that I have
people of my own.”
“I do not say that it is not a laudable ambition, but I don’t believe that
anyone would think one scrap better or worse of you were you to find that
you were heir to a dukedom.”
Will slept there that night, and the next morning drove into the city to
his lawyer’s office. “Well, Captain Gilmore?” said that gentleman as Will
entered his private room. “I am glad to see you. I have been quietly at
work making enquiries since you were last here. I sent a man down to
Scarcombe some months ago. He learned as much as he could there, and since
then has been going from village to village and has traced your father’s
journeyings for some months. Now that you are home I should suggest
employing two or three men to continue the search and to find out if
possible the point from which your father started his wanderings.
Assuming, as I do, that he was the son of Sir Ralph Gilmore, I imagine
that he must have quarrelled with his father at or about the time of his
marriage. In that case he would probably come up to London. I have
observed that most men who quarrel with their parents take that step
first. There, perhaps, he endeavoured to obtain employment. The struggle
would probably last two, or three, or four years. I take the last to be
the most likely period, for by that time you would be about three years
old. I say that because he could hardly have taken you with him had you
been younger.
“It is evident that he had either no hope of being reconciled to his
father or that he was himself too angry to make advances. I therefore
propose to send men north from London to enquire upon all the principal
roads. A man with a violin and a little child cannot have been altogether
forgotten in the villages in which he stopped, and I hope to be able to
trace his way up to Yorkshire. Again, I should employ one of the Bow
Street runners to make enquiries in London for a man with his wife and
child who lived here so many years ago, and whose name was Gilmore. I am
supposing, you see, that that was his real name, and not one that he had
assumed. I confess I have my doubts about it. A man who quits his home for
ever after a desperate quarrel is as likely as not to change his name.
That of course we must risk. While these enquiries are being made I should
like you to go back to your old home; it is possible that other mementoes
of his stay there may have escaped the memory of the old people with whom
you lived. Anything of that kind would be of inestimable value.”
“I will go down,” Will said. “I am afraid there is little chance of my
finding them both alive now. I fancy they were about fifty-five when I
went to live with them, which would make them near eighty now. One or
other of them, however, may be alive. I have not been to my agent yet, and
therefore do not know whether he still sends them the allowance I made
them.”
After leaving the lawyer he went to his agent and found that the allowance
was still paid, and regularly acknowledged by a receipt from the
clergyman. He supposed, therefore, that certainly one, if not both, of the
old people were still alive. He went back to Dulwich and said that he had
taken a seat on the north coach for that day week. “I could not bring
myself to leave before,” he said, “and I knew you would keep me.”
“Certainly, my boy. I don’t think either Alice or myself would forgive you
were you to run away the moment you returned.”
When the time came Will started for the north, though he felt much
reluctance to leave Alice. He acknowledged now to himself that he was
deeply in love with her. Though from her father’s manner he felt that when
he asked for her hand he would not be refused, about Alice herself he felt
far less confident. She was so perfectly open and natural with him that he
feared lest she might regard him rather as a brother than as a lover, and
yet the blush which he had noticed when he first met her on his return
gave him considerable hope.
On arriving at Scarborough he stopped for the night at the house of his
old friend Mrs. Archer. She and her husband listened with surprise and
pleasure to his stories of his adventures in spite of his assurances that
these were very ordinary matters, and that it was chiefly by luck that he
had got on. He was a little surprised when, in reply to this, Mrs. Archer
used the very words Mr. Palethorpe had uttered. “It is of no use your
talking in that way, Will,” she said. “No doubt you have had very good
fortune, but your rapid promotion can only be due to your conduct and
courage.”
“I may have conducted myself well,” he said warmly, “but not one bit
better than other officers in the service. I really owe my success to the
fortunate suggestion of mine as to the best method of attacking that
pirate hold. As a reward for this the admiral gave me the command of
_L’Agile_, and so, piece by piece, it has grown. But it was to my good
fortune in making that suggestion, which really was not made in earnest,
but only in reply to the challenge of another midshipman, that it has all
come about. Above all, Mrs. Archer, I shall never forget that it was the
kindness you showed me, and the pains you took in my education, that gave
me my start in life.”
The next day he drove over to Scarcombe, and to his pleasure, on entering
the cottage, found John and his wife both sitting just where he had last
seen them. They both rose to greet him.
“Thank God, Will,” John said, “that we have been spared to see you alive
again! I was afraid that our call might come before you returned.”
“Why, father, I don’t think you look a year older than you did when I last
saw you. Both you and mother look good for another ten years yet.”
“If we do, Will, it will be thanks to the good food you have provided for
us. We live like lords; meat every day for dinner, and fish for breakfast
and supper. I should not feel right if I didn’t have a snack of fish every
day. Then we have ale for dinner and supper. There is no one in the
village who lives as we do. When we first began we both felt downright
fat. Then we agreed that if we went on like that we never could live till
you came back, so we did with a little less, and as you see we both fill
out our clothes a long way better than we did when you were here last.”
“Well you certainly do both look uncommonly well, father.”
“And you ain’t married yet, Will?”
“No, I’ve not done anything about that yet, though perhaps it won’t be
very long before I find a wife. I am not going to apply to go on service
again for a time, so I’ll have a chance to look round, though I really
have one in my mind’s eye.”
“Tell us all about it, Will,” the old woman said eagerly; “you know how
interested we must be in anything that affects you.”
“Well, mother, among the many adventures I have been through I must tell
you the one connected with this young lady.”
He then told her of his first meeting, of his stay at her father’s house,
and of the hurricane which they experienced together.
“Well, mother, I met her again unexpectedly more than two and a half years
ago in London. Her father had come over here to live, and has a fine house
at Dulwich. I have just been staying there for a week, and I have some
hope that when I ask her she will consent to be my wife.”
“Of course she will,” the old woman said quite indignantly. “How could she
do otherwise? Why, if you were to ask the king’s daughter I am sure she
would take you. Here you are, one of the king’s captains, have done all
sorts of wonderful things, and have beaten his enemies all over the world,
and you are as straight and good-looking a young gentleman as anyone wants
to see. No one, who was not out of her mind, could think of saying ‘No’ to
you.”
“Ah, mother, you are prejudiced! To you I am a sort of swan that has come
out of a duck’s egg.”
They chatted for some time, and then Will said:
“Are you quite sure, John, that the bundle the clergyman handed over to me
contained every single thing my father left behind him?”
“Well, now I think of it, Will, there is something else. I never
remembered it at the time, but when my old woman was sweeping a cobweb off
the rafters the other day she said: ‘Why, here is Will’s father’s fiddle’,
and, sure enough, there it was. It had been up there from the day you came
into the house, and if we noticed it none of us ever gave it a thought.”
“I remember it now,” Will exclaimed. “When I was a young boy I used to
think I should like to learn to play on it, and I spoke to Miss Warden
about it. But she said I had better stick to my lessons, and then as I
grew up I could learn it if I still had a fancy to do so.”
He got on to a chair, and took it from the rafter on which it had so long
lain. Then he carefully wiped the dust off it.
“It looks a very old thing, but that makes no difference in its value to
me. I don’t see in the least how this can be any clue whatever to my
father’s identity. Still, I will take it away with me and show it to my
lawyer, who is endeavouring to trace for me who my father was.”
“And do you think that he will succeed, Will?”
“I rather believe he will. At any rate he has found a gentleman, a
baronet, who has the same name and bears the same coat of arms as is on
the seal which was in my father’s bundle. We are trying now to trace how
my father came down here, and where he lived before he started. You see I
must get as clear a story as I can before I go to see this gentleman.
Mind, I don’t want anything from him. He may be as rich as a lord for
anything I care, and may refuse to have anything to do with me, but I want
to find out to what family I really belong.”
“He must be a bad lot,” John said, “to allow your father to tramp about
the country with a fiddle.”
“I would not say that,” Will said; “there are always two sides to a story,
and we know nothing of my father’s reasons for leaving home. It may have
been his fault more than his father’s, so until I know the rights and
wrongs of the case I will form no judgment whatever.”
“That is right, my boy,” the old woman said. “I have noticed that when a
boy runs away from home and goes to sea it is as often his fault as his
father’s. Sometimes it is six of one and half a dozen of the other;
sometimes the father is a brute, but more often the son is a scamp, a
worthless fellow, who will settle down to nothing, and brings discredit on
his family. So you are quite right, Will, not to form any hard judgment on
your grandfather till you know how it all came about.”
“I certainly don’t mean to, mother. Of course I have so little
recollection of my father that it would not worry me much if I found that
it were his fault, though of course I would rather know that he was not to
blame. Still, I should wish to like my grandfather if I could, and if I
heard that my poor father was really entirely to blame I should not grieve
much over it.”
“I can’t help thinking that he was to blame, Will. He was a
curious-looking man, with a very bitter expression at times on his face,
as if he didn’t care for anyone in the world, except perhaps yourself, and
he often left you alone in the village when he went and wandered about by
himself on the moor.”
“Well, well,” Will said, “it matters very little to me which way it is. It
is a very old story now, and I dare say that there were faults on both
sides.”
Will spent a long day with the old people and then returned to
Scarborough, taking the violin with him. When he told how he had found it
Mr. Archer took the instrument and examined it carefully.
“I think really,” he said at last, “that this violin may prove a valuable
clue, as valuable almost as that coat of arms. That might very well have
been picked up or bought for a trifle at a pawnshop, or come into the
hands of its possessor in some accidental way. But this is different;
this, unless I am greatly mistaken, is a real Amati, and therefore worth
at least a couple of hundred guineas. That could hardly have come
accidentally into the hands of a wandering musician; it must be a relic of
a time when he was in very different circumstances, and may well have been
his before he left the home of his childhood.”
“Thank you very much for the information, Mr. Archer! I see at once that
it may very well be a strong link in the chain.”
Two days later he returned to London. Mr. Palethorpe was greatly pleased
to hear that he had found so valuable a clue.
“I don’t care a rap for family,” he said, “but at the same time I suppose
every man would like his daughter—” Here he stopped abruptly. “I mean to
say,” he said, “would like to have for his son-in-law a man of good
family. I grant that it is a very stupid prejudice, still I suppose it is
a general one. You told me, I think, that your lawyer had found out that
this Sir Ralph Gilmore had only two sons, and that one of them had died
suddenly and unmarried.”
“That is so, sir.”
“Then in that case, you see, if you prove your identity you would
certainly be heir to the baronetcy.”
“I suppose so, sir. I have never given the matter any thought. It is not
rank I want, but family. Still, I might not be heir to the baronetcy, for
even supposing that my father was really the other son, he might have had
children older than I am who remained with their grandfather.”
“That is possible,” Mr. Palethorpe said, “though unlikely. Why should he
have left them behind him when he went out into the world?”
“He might not have wished to bother himself with them; he might have
intended to claim them later. No one can say.”
“Well, on the whole, I should say that your chance of coming into the
baronetcy is distinctly good. It would look well, you know—Captain Sir
William Gilmore, R.N.”
“We mustn’t count our chickens too soon, Mr. Palethorpe,” Will laughed;
“but nevertheless I do think that the prospects are favourable. Still, I
must wait the result of the search that my lawyer has been carrying on.”
“Well, you know my house is your home as long as you like to use it.”
“Thank you, sir! but I don’t like to intrude upon your kindness too much,
and I think that I will take a lodging somewhere in the West End, so that
I may be within easy reach of you here.”
“Well, it must be as you like, lad. In some respects, perhaps, it will be
best so. I may remind you, my boy, that it is not always wise for two
young people to be constantly in each other’s society.” And he laughed.
Will made no answer; he had decided to defer putting the question until
his claim was settled one way or the other.
In a few days he again called upon his lawyer.
“I have found out enough,” the latter said, “to be certain that your
father started from London with his violin and you, a child of three. I
have considerable hopes that we shall, ere long, get a clue to the place
where he lived while in London. The runner has met a woman who remembers
distinctly such a man and a sick wife and child lodging in the house of a
friend of hers. The friend has moved away and she has lost sight of her,
but she knows some people with whom the woman was intimate, and through
them we hope to find out where she lives.”
“That is good news indeed,” Will said. “I had hardly hoped that you would
be so successful.”
“It is a great piece of luck,” the lawyer said. “I have written to my
other agents to come home. It will be quite sufficient to prove that he
journeyed as a wandering musician for at least fifty miles from London. Of
course if further evidence is necessary they can resume their search.”
“I have found a clue too, sir,” Will said; and he then related the
discovery of the Amati, the possession of which showed that the minstrel
must at one time have been in wealthy circumstances.
“That is important indeed,” the lawyer said, rubbing his hands. “Now, sir,
if we can but find out where the man lived in London I think the chain
will be complete, especially if he was in comparatively good circumstances
when he went there. The woman will also, doubtless, be able to give a
description of his wife as well of himself, and with these various proofs
in your hand I think you may safely go down and see Sir Ralph Gilmore,
whom I shall, of course, prepare by letter for your visit.”
Four days afterwards Will received a letter by an office-boy from his
lawyer asking him to call.
“My dear sir,” he said as Will entered, “I congratulate you most heartily.
I think we have the chain complete now. The day before yesterday the Bow
Street runner came in to say that he had found the woman, and that she was
now living out at Highgate. Yesterday I sent my clerk up to see her, and
this is his report. I may tell you that nothing could possibly be more
satisfactory.”
The document was as follows:
“I called on Mrs. Giles. She is a respectable person who lets her house in
lodgings. Twenty-five years ago she had a house in Westminster, and let
the drawing-room floor to a gentleman of the name of Gilmore. He was
rather tall and dark, and very variable in his temper. He had his wife
with him, and two months afterwards a child was born. It was christened at
St. Matthew’s. I was its god-mother, as they seemed to have very few
friends in the town. Mr. Gilmore was out a good deal looking for
employment. He used to write of an evening, and I think made money by it.
He was very fond of his violin. Sometimes it was soft music he played, but
if he was in a bad temper he would make it shriek and cry out, and I used
to think there was a devil shut up in it. It was awful! When he came to me
he had plenty of money, but it was not long before it began to run short,
and they lived very plain. He had all sorts of things, whips and books and
dressing-cases. These gradually went, and a year after the child was born
they moved upstairs, the rooms being cheaper for them. A year later they
occupied one room. The wife fell ill, and the rent was often in arrears.
He was getting very shabby in his dress too. The child was three years old
when its mother died. He sold all he had left to bury her decently, and as
he had no money to pay his arrears of rent, he gave me a silver-mounted
looking-glass, which I understood his mother had given him, and he said:
‘Don’t you sell this, but keep it, and one day or other I will come back
and redeem it.’ ”
“This is the glass, sir,” the lawyer said. “My clerk redeemed it after
telling her that her lodger had died long ago. He went round to St.
Matthew’s Church and obtained the certificate of the child’s baptism. So I
think now, Mr. Gilmore, that we have all the evidence that can be
required. Mrs. Giles, on hearing that the child was alive, said she would
be happy to come forward and repeat what she had said to my clerk. She
seemed very interested in the affair, and is evidently a kindly
good-hearted woman. I fancy the silver frame is of Italian workmanship,
and will probably be recognized by your grandfather. At any rate, someone
there is sure to know it. Now I think you are in a position to go down and
see him, and if you wish I will write to him to-day. I shall not go into
matters at all, and shall merely say that the son of his son, Mr. William
Gilmore, is coming down to have an interview with him, and is provided
with all necessary proofs of his birth.”
The next morning Will took the coach and went down to Radstock, in
Somersetshire. He put up at the inn on his arrival, and next morning hired
a gig and drove to the house of Sir Ralph Gilmore. It was a very fine
mansion standing in an extensive park.
“Not a bad place by any means,” Will said to himself; “I should certainly
be proud to bring Alice down here.”
He alighted at the entrance and sent in his name, and was immediately
shown into the library, where a tall old man was sitting.
“I understand, sir,” he said stiffly, “that you claim to be the son of my
son, William Gilmore?”
“I do, sir, and I think the proofs I shall give you will satisfy you. You
will understand, sir, please, before I do so, that I have no desire
whatever to make any claim upon you; I simply wished to be recognized as a
member of your family.”
The old man looked him up and down, and then motioned him to take a seat.
“And what has become of your father, supposing him to be your father?” he
asked with an evident effort.
“He died, sir, nearly twenty years ago.”
The old man was silent for some little time, and then he said: “And you,
sir, what have you been doing since then? But first, in what circumstances
did he die?”
“In the very poorest. For the last two years of his life he earned his
living and mine as a wandering fiddler.”
“And what became of you?”
“I was brought up, sir, by a fisherman in the village in Yorkshire in
which my father died.”
“Your manner of speech does not at all agree with that, sir,” the old man
said sharply.
“No, sir,” Will said quietly. “I had the good fortune to attract the
interest of the clergyman’s daughter, and she was good enough to assist me
in my education and urge me on to study.”
“And what is your trade or profession, sir?”
“I have the honour, sir, to be post-captain in His Majesty’s navy.”
“You a post-captain in His Majesty’s navy!” the old man said scornfully.
“Do you think to take me in with such a tale as that? You might possibly
be a very junior lieutenant.”
“I am not surprised that you think so, sir. Nevertheless I am indeed what
I say. My name appeared in the _Gazette_ a month ago.”
“I remember now,” the baronet said, “there was a William Gilmore appointed
to that rank. The name struck me as I glanced through the _Gazette_. I had
noticed it before on several occasions, and I sighed as I thought to
myself how different must have been his career from that of my unfortunate
son. Now, sir, I beg that you will let me see your proofs.”
“In the first place, sir, there is this seal with your armorial bearings,
which was found upon him after his death. This is a looking-glass, one
which I believe was given to him by his mother. This is the violin with
which he earned his living.”
The old man stretched his hand out for the violin, with tears in his eyes.
“I gave it to him,” he said, “when he was eighteen. I thought it a great
piece of extravagance at the time, but he had such a taste for music that
I thought he deserved the best instrument I could get. The looking-glass I
also recognize, and of course the seal. Is there anything more, sir?”
“This, sir, is the certificate of my baptism at St. Matthew’s Church,
Westminster. This is a statement of my lawyer’s clerk, who interviewed the
woman in whose house my father and mother lived, and my mother died.”
The baronet took it and read it in silence.
“I can produce also,” Will went on, as the old man laid it down with a
sigh, “the evidence of the lady who educated me, and to whom I owe all the
good fortune that has befallen me. The old fisherman and his wife who
brought me up are still alive, though very old. I have means of obtaining
abundant evidence from my shipmates in the various vessels in which I have
sailed that I am the boy who left that village at the age of fifteen, and
entered as a ship’s boy in one of His Majesty’s vessels.”
“And you are now—?” the baronet asked.
“I am now twenty-three, sir.”
“And a captain?”
“That is so, sir. I was made a midshipman before I had been three months
on board, partly because I saved the first lieutenant’s life, and partly
because I understood enough mathematics to take an observation. Of course
I served my time as a midshipman, and a year after passing I was made a
second lieutenant. By the death of my first lieutenant at the battle of
St. Vincent I succeeded to his post, and obtained the rank of captain for
my share in the battle of Camperdown. I received post rank the other day
when, in command of the _Ethalion_, I brought the _Bellone_, a frigate of
Admiral Bompart’s fleet, a prize to Portsmouth.”
“Well, sir, your career has indeed been creditable and successful, and I
am proud to acknowledge, as my grandson and heir to my title, a young
gentleman who has so greatly distinguished himself. For I do acknowledge
you. The proofs you have given me leave no doubt in my mind whatever that
you are the son of my second son. You were, of course, too young to
remember whether he ever spoke to you of me.”
“Yes, sir. I was but five at the time of his death, and have but a very
faint recollection of him.”
“Of course, of course,” the baronet said; “it was a sad affair. Perhaps I
was to blame to some extent, though I have never thought so. Your father
was, as doubtless you know, a second son. Although somewhat eccentric in
disposition, and given to fits of passion, I had no serious occasion to
complain of him until he went up to Oxford. There he got into a wild and
dissipated set, and became the wildest and most dissipated among them. His
great talent for music was his bane. He was continually asked out. After
being two years up there, and costing me very large sums in paying his
debts, he was sent down from the university. He would not turn his hands
to anything, and went up to London with the idea of making his way
somehow. He made nothing but debts, got into various scandalous affairs,
and dragged our name through the dust. At last he came home one day and
calmly informed me that he had married a woman in a rank of life beneath
him. She was, I believe, the daughter of a horse-dealer of very doubtful
character. He also said that he wanted £1200 to enable him to start fair.
I lost my temper and said that he should not have another pound from me.
We had a desperate quarrel, and he left the house, taking with him all his
belongings. It was four years before I took any steps to bring him back.
Then his elder brother died, and on that I took every means to find him
out. That he would ever be a credit to me I did not even dare to hope, but
at least he could not be allowed to live in poverty. I advertised widely
and employed detectives for months, but all without result. I have long
since given up any hopes of ever seeing him again. I am glad, indeed, to
find that the title, at my death, will not go to a distant cousin, but to
my grandson, a gentleman in every way worthy of it. You are not married, I
hope?”
“I am not married, sir; but I think, if you had asked the question, I
should have replied that I was engaged, or rather had hopes of being
engaged soon.”
“Who is she?” the baronet asked quickly.
“She is the only daughter of a successful West Indian planter, a man of
the highest standing in the colony, who has now returned and settled
here.”
The baronet heaved a sigh of relief.
“That is well,” he said; “and considering that you have been all your life
at sea, and have had no opportunity of making the acquaintance of ladies
of titled families, it is better than I could have expected. As I do not
know the procedure in these matters I had better consult my lawyer as to
the best way of using these relics and the proofs you have given me that
you are my grandson. It may be that my recognition of you is sufficient,
but it would be as well to make sure that at my death there will be no
opposition to your succession. You will stop here for a day or two, I
hope, before going up to town to arrange the little affair you spoke of,
and I think if your chances were good before, they will be still better
now that you are recognized as heir to a baronetcy and one of the finest
estates in England.”
“I have never thought of that, sir. I have my profession and nearly
£40,000 of prize-money, which will enable us to live in great comfort; and
indeed I anticipate that her father will wish us to reside with him, or,
at any rate, that she shall do so while I am away on service.”
“I hope you will not think of remaining at sea. It would be monstrous for
a man heir to £10,000 a year, besides very large accumulations, to be
knocking about the world and running the risk of having his head taken off
with a round-shot every day. I earnestly entreat you not to dream of such
a thing.”
“I will think it over. I am fond of the sea, but shall certainly be fonder
of my wife, and I feel that your wishes in the matter should weigh with
me.”
“Well, I hope you will at least spend a portion of your time here. It will
be your future home, and it is well that you should acquaint yourself with
your duties. Besides, remember the years that I have been a lonely man.”
“I would rather not give a promise, but I shall certainly take your wishes
into consideration.”
“Well, I am content with that, my boy. You will stay here now a few days,
I hope. I have so much to hear of your life, and of course I wish to
become better acquainted with you.”
Will remained a week, during which time he made a great advance in the
baronet’s affections, and the old man seemed to gain some years of life as
he walked in the garden and drove through the country with his young heir,
whom he was delighted to introduce to everyone.
When he returned to London he at once drove over to Dulwich.
“Well, Will, what is the result of it all?” Mr. Palethorpe asked, for Will
had purposely abstained from going to their house after his last interview
with his lawyer. “Alice has been imagining all sorts of things: that you
had been run over, or had run away with some girl.”
“Father! I never thought that for a moment,” his daughter said
indignantly, “though I have been very anxious, for it is nearly a
fortnight since he was here.”
“I have done a good deal in the time,” Will said. “I did not write to you,
because I wanted to tell you. I am acknowledged as the grandson and heir
to the title and estates of Sir Ralph Gilmore.”
Both gave an exclamation of pleasure.
“And now,” he said, taking her hand, “I only need one thing to complete my
happiness, and that is, that you will share my good fortune with me. May I
hope that it will be so?”
“Certainly you may, Will. I think I have loved you ever since I was a
little girl, and acknowledge that my principal reason for inducing father
to come to live in England was that I believed I should have more chance
of meeting you again here than in Jamaica.”
“I am heartily glad, too, that it is all settled,” Mr. Palethorpe said. “I
have seen it coming on ever since you met us the first time in London, and
I may say that I have seen it with pleasure, for there is no one to whom I
would sooner trust her happiness than you. Now I will leave you to
yourselves.”
It need hardly be said that Alice was as anxious as Sir Ralph Gilmore that
Will should quit the navy, and he consequently yielded to their
entreaties. He wrote to his grandfather to tell him of his engagement, and
the baronet wrote back by return of post to Mr. Palethorpe, begging him to
come down with his daughter and Will for a time.
“I only half know him at present,” he said, “and as I understand that just
at present he will not want to leave the young lady of his choice, you
will gladden an old man if you will all three come down to stay with me.”
Three months later the marriage took place from the house at Dulwich. Sir
Ralph Gilmore came up for the ceremony, and the change that the three
months had effected in him was extraordinary. He was the gayest of the
party.
Among those present at the ceremony were also Will’s two devoted friends,
Dimchurch and Tom Stevens. The baronet was greatly pleased with their
affection and pride in Will, and offered both good posts on the estate. So
none of the comrades went to sea again.
The baronet gave into Will’s hands the entire management of the estate and
house, so his death, seven years later, made practically no difference to
Will’s position. Will took to country pursuits, and became one of the most
popular landlords in Somersetshire, while his wife was quite one of the
most popular ladies in the county. Her father, up to the time of his
death, spent most of his time down there, and they used the house at
Dulwich as their abode when they stayed in London during the season. Mrs.
Archer came more than once to stay with them, as their most honoured
guest. Stevens and Dimchurch both married. The former became
head-gamekeeper on the estate, a post in which he showed great talent. The
latter took a small cottage with a bit of land just outside the park
gates, for he was able to live very comfortably on the interest of his
prize-money. He had no children of his own, and his great pleasure was to
wander about with Will’s, telling them of their father’s adventures in the
great war.
It was not till well on in the sixties that Sir William Gilmore, captain,
R.N., departed this life, a few weeks after the death of his wife, leaving
behind him a large family to carry on the old name.
THE END
“English boys owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Henty.”—_Athenæum_.
Blackie & Son’s
Illustrated Story Books
--------------
_HISTORICAL TALES BY_
G. A. HENTY
With the Allies to Pekin: A story of the Relief of the Legations.
Illustrated by WAL PAGET. With a Map. 6_s._
On the outbreak of the Boxer movement Rex Bateman, by a daring stratagem,
rescues some relatives from an outlying village, and conducts them into
Pekin. Then he makes his way down to Tien-tsin and joins Admiral Seymour’s
column. When the advance of this force is checked he pushes on alone to
the capital, where his courage and ready invention are invaluable to the
defenders. On the declaration of an armistice, however, he again succeeds
in eluding the Boxer bands, goes through the storming of Tien-tsin, and
marches with the allied army to Pekin.
“The hero contrives and performs all kinds of exciting undertakings, and
a clever story is woven into an accurate account of the various
expeditions.”—_School Guardian_.
“A boy could have no better guide to that story of British pluck and
energy.”—_Spectator_.
Through Three Campaigns: A Story of Chitral, the Tirah, and Ashanti.
Illustrated by WAL PAGET. With 3 Maps. 6_s._
The hero of this story, the son of an officer, joins the Chitral
expedition secretly as a private soldier, but the enormous difficulties
which have to be overcome in the course of the march soon call forth his
noble qualities, and before the end of the campaign he qualifies for a
commission. His subsequent career is a series of brilliant successes. He
takes part in the storming of the Dargai heights, is more than once
captured by the enemy, and by a heroic sacrifice wins the V.C.
“Every true boy will enjoy this story of plucky adventure.”—_Educational
News_.
“Gives animation to recent history, and its confident art and abundant
spirit will greatly satisfy the intelligent and spirited boy.”—_Dundee
Advertiser_.
For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. Illustrated by SOLOMON J.
SOLOMON, A.R.A. With a Map. 3_s._ 6_d._
Mr. Henty weaves into the record of Josephus an admirable and attractive
plot. The troubles in the district of Tiberias, the marches of the
legions, the sieges of Jotapata, of Gamala, and of Jerusalem, form an
impressive historic setting to the figure of the lad who passes from the
vineyard to the service of Josephus, becomes the leader of a guerrilla
band of patriots, fights bravely for the Temple, and after a brief term of
slavery at Alexandria returns to his Galilean home with the favour of
Titus.
“A good tale of early Bible times, told with a verve and vigour that
keeps the interest sustained to the very end.”—_Academy_.
—With Kitchener in the Soudan: A Tale of Atbara and Omdurman. With 10
Illustrations by W. RAINEY, R.I., and 3 Maps. 6_s._
In carrying out various special missions with which he is entrusted the
hero displays so much dash and enterprise that he soon attains an
exceptionally high rank for his age. In all the operations he takes a
distinguished part, and adventure follows so close on adventure that the
end of the story is reached all too soon.
“Mr. Henty has collected a vast amount of information about the
reconquest of the Soudan, and he succeeds in impressing it upon his
reader’s mind at the very time when he is interesting him
most.”—_Literary World_.
—With the British Legion: A Story of the Carlist Wars. With 10
Illustrations by WAL PAGET. 6_s._
The hero joins the British Legion, which was raised by Sir de Lacy Evans
to support the cause of Queen Christina and the Infant Queen Isabella, and
as soon as he sets foot on Spanish soil his adventures begin. Arthur is
one of Mr. Henty’s most brilliant heroes, and the tale of his experiences
is thrilling and breathless from first to last.
“It is a rattling story told with verve and spirit.”—_Pall Mall
Gazette_.
—The Treasure of the Incas: A Tale of Adventure in Peru. With 8
Illustrations by WAL PAGET, and a Map. 5_s._
The heroes of this powerful story go to Peru to look for the treasure
which the Incas hid when the Spaniards invaded the country. Their task is
both arduous and dangerous, but though they are often disappointed, their
courage and perseverance are at last amply rewarded.
“The interest never flags for one moment, and the story is told with
vigour.”—_World_.
[Illustration: THE LATE G. A. HENTY]
[Illustration: _From WITH THE ALLIES TO PEKIN_
BY G. A. HENTY (See page 1)]
With Roberts to Pretoria: A Tale of the South African War. With 12
Illustrations by WILLIAM RAINEY, R.I., and a Map. 6_s._
The hero takes part in the series of battles that end in the disaster at
Magersfontein, is captured and imprisoned in the race-course at Pretoria,
but escapes in time to fight at Paardeberg and march with the victorious
army to Bloemfontein. He rides with Colonel Mahon’s column to the relief
of Mafeking, and accomplishes the return journey with such despatch as to
be able to join in the triumphant advance to Pretoria.
“In this story of the South African war Mr. Henty proves once more his
incontestable pre-eminence as a writer for boys.”—_Standard_.
—Both Sides the Border: A Tale of Hotspur and Glendower. With 12 page
Illustrations by RALPH PEACOCK. 6_s._
The hero casts in his lot with the Percys, and becomes esquire to Sir
Henry, the gallant Hotspur. He is sent on several dangerous and important
missions in which he acquits himself with great valour.
“With boys the story should rank among Mr. Henty’s best.”—_Standard_.
“A vivid picture of that strange past ... when England and Scotland ...
were torn by faction and civil war.”—_Onward_.
—Through Russian Snows: or, Napoleon’s Retreat from Moscow. With 8 page
Illustrations by W. H. OVEREND. 5_s._
Julian Wyatt becomes, quite innocently, mixed up with smugglers, who carry
him to France, and hand him over as a prisoner to the French. He
subsequently regains his freedom by joining Napoleon’s army in the
campaign against Russia.
“The story of the campaign is very graphically told.”—_St. James’s
Gazette_.
“One of Mr. Henty’s best books, which will be hailed with joy by his
many eager readers.”—_Journal of Education_.
“Is full of life and action.”—_Journal of Education_.
—Out with Garibaldi: A Story of the Liberation of Italy. With 8 page
Illustrations by W. RAINEY, R.I., and two Maps. 5_s._
Mr. Henty makes the liberation of Italy by Garibaldi the groundwork of an
exciting tale of adventure. The hero is an English lad who joins the
expedition and takes a prominent part in the extraordinary series of
operations that ended in the fall of the Neapolitan kingdom.
“A first-rate story of stirring deeds.”—_Daily Chronicle_.
“Full of hard fighting, gallant rescues, and narrow escapes.”—_Graphic_.
At the Point of the Bayonet: A Tale of the Mahratta War. With 12
Illustrations by WAL PAGET, and 2 Maps. 6_s._
Harry Lindsay is carried off to the hills and brought up as a Mahratta. At
the age of sixteen he becomes an officer in the service of the Mahratta
prince at Poona, and afterwards receives a commission in the army of the
East India Company. His courage and enterprise are rewarded by quick
promotion, and at the end of the war he sails for England, where he
succeeds in establishing his right to the family estates.
“A brisk, dashing narrative.”—_Bookman_.
—Under Wellington’s Command: A Tale of the Peninsular War. With 12 page
Illustrations by WAL PAGET. 6_s._
In this stirring romance Mr. Henty gives us the further adventures of
Terence O’Connor, the hero of _With Moore at Corunna_. We are told how, in
alliance with a small force of Spanish guerrillas, the gallant regiment of
Portuguese levies commanded by Terence keeps the whole of the French army
in check at a critical period of the war, rendering invaluable service to
the Iron Duke and his handful of British troops.
“An admirable exposition of Mr. Henty’s masterly method of combining
instruction with amusement.”—_World_.
—To Herat and Cabul: A Story of the first Afghan War. With 8 full-page
Illustrations by C. M. SHELDON, and Map. 5_s._
The hero takes a distinguished part in the defence of Herat, and
subsequently obtains invaluable information for the British army during
the first Afghan war. He is fortunately spared the horrors of the retreat
from Cabul, and shares in the series of operations by which that most
disastrous blunder was retrieved.
“We can heartily commend it to boys, old and young.”—_Spectator_.
—With Cochrane the Dauntless: A Tale of his Exploits. With 12 page
Illustrations by W. H. MARGETSON. 6_s._
It would be hard to find, even in sensational fiction, a more daring
leader than Lord Cochrane, or a career which supplies so many thrilling
exploits. The manner in which, almost single-handed, he scattered the
French fleet in the Basque Roads is one of the greatest feats in English
naval history.
“As rousing and interesting a book as boys could wish for.”—_Saturday
Review_.
“This tale we specially recommend.”—_St. James’s Gazette_.
Redskin and Cow-Boy: A Tale Of the Western Plains. With 12 page
Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. 6_s._
Hugh Tunstall accompanies a frontiersman on a hunting expedition on the
Plains, and then seeks employment as a cow-boy on a cattle ranch. His
experiences during a “round up” present in picturesque form the toilsome,
exciting, adventurous life of a cow-boy; while the perils of a frontier
settlement are vividly set forth. Subsequently, the hero joins a
wagon-team, and the interest is sustained in a fight with, and capture of,
brigands.
“A strong interest of open-air life and movement pervades the whole
book.”—_Scotsman_.
—With Buller in Natal: or, A Born Leader. With 10 page Illustrations by W.
RAINEY, R.I., and a Map. 6_s._
The heroic story of the relief of Ladysmith forms the theme of one of the
most powerful romances that have come from Mr. Henty’s pen. When the war
breaks out, the hero, Chris King, and his friends band themselves together
under the title of the Maritzburg Scouts. From first to last the boy
scouts are constantly engaged in perilous and exciting enterprises, from
which they always emerge triumphant, thanks to their own skill and
courage, and the dash and ingenuity of their leader.
“Just the sort of book to inspire an enterprising boy.”—_Army and Navy
Gazette_.
—By England’s Aid: or, The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585–1604). With 10
page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE, and 4 Maps. 6_s._ & 3_s._ 6_d._
Two English lads go to Holland in the service of one of “the fighting
Veres”. After many adventures one of the lads finds himself on board a
Spanish ship at the defeat of the Armada, and escapes from Spain only to
fall into the hands of the Corsairs. He is successful, however, in getting
back to Spain, and regains his native country after the capture of Cadiz.
“Boys know and love Mr. Henty’s books of adventure, and will welcome his
tale of the freeing of the Netherlands.”—_Athenæum_.
—Condemned as a Nihilist: A Story of Escape from Siberia. With 8 page
Illustrations by WAL PAGET. 5_s._
Godfrey Bullen, a young Englishman resident in St. Petersburg, becomes
involved in various political plots, resulting in his seizure and exile to
Siberia. After an unsuccessful attempt to escape, he gives himself up to
the Russian authorities. Eventually he escapes, and reaches home, having
safely accomplished a perilous journey which lasts nearly two years.
“The escape from Siberia is well told and the description of prison life
is very graphic.”—_Academy_.
The Lion of St. Mark: A Tale of Venice, with 6 page Illustrations. Cloth
elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._
A story of Venice at a period when intrigue, crime, and bloodshed were
rife. The hero, the son of an English trader, displays a fine manliness,
and is successful in extricating his friends from imminent dangers.
Finally he contributes to the victories of the Venetians at Porto d’Anzo
and Chioggia.
“Every boy should read The Lion of St. Mark.”—_Saturday Review_.
—The Dragon and the Raven: or, The Days of King Alfred. With 8 page
Illustrations by C. J. STANILAND. 5_s._
In this story the author gives an account of the desperate struggle
between Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England. The hero, a young Saxon,
takes part in all the battles fought by King Alfred, and the incidents in
his career are unusually varied and exciting.
“We have nothing but praise for this story, which is excellently
written, and will make the history of the period to which it relates a
reality to its readers.”—_School Guardian_.
—The Bravest of the Brave: or, with Peterborough in Spain. With 8 page
Illustrations by H. M. PAGET. 5_s._
There are few great leaders whose life and actions have so completely
fallen into oblivion as those of the Earl of Peterborough. He showed a
genius for warfare which has never been surpassed. Round the fortunes of
Jack Stilwell, the hero, and of Peterborough, Mr. Henty has woven a
brilliant narrative of the War of the Spanish Succession (1705–6).
“The adventures of the aide-de-camp, Jack, will probably be found to be
no less interesting than the marvellous operations of the General
himself, in which he takes a leading part.”—_Spectator_.
—For Name and Fame: or, To Cabul with Roberts. With 8 page Illustrations.
5_s._
After being wrecked and going through many stirring adventures among the
Malays, the hero of this story finds his way to Calcutta, and enlists in a
regiment proceeding to the Afghan Passes. He accompanies the force under
General Roberts to the Peiwar Kotal, is wounded, taken prisoner, and
carried to Cabul, whence he is transferred to Candahar, and takes part in
the final defeat of the army of Ayoub Khan.
“The book teems with spirited scenes and stirring adventures, and the
boy who reads it attentively will acquire a sound knowledge on subjects
that are of vital importance to our Indian Empire.”—_School Guardian_.
—Maori and Settler: A Story of the New Zealand War. With 8 page
Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. 5_s._
The Renshaws lose their property and emigrate to New Zealand. Wilfrid, a
strong, self-reliant lad, is the mainstay of the household. The odds seem
hopelessly against the party, but they succeed in establishing themselves
happily in one of the pleasantest of the New Zealand valleys.
“A book which all young people, but especially boys, will read with
avidity.”—_Athenæum_.
—Beric the Briton: A Story of the Roman Invasion of Britain. With 12 page
Illustrations by W. PARKINSON. 6_s._
Beric is a boy-chief of a British tribe which takes a prominent part in
the insurrection under Boadicea: and after the defeat of that heroic queen
he continues the struggle in the fen-country. Ultimately Beric is defeated
and carried captive to Rome, where he succeeds in saving a Christian maid
by slaying a lion in the arena, and is rewarded by being made the personal
protector of Nero. Finally, he escapes and returns to Britain, where he
becomes a wise ruler of his own people.
“He is a hero of the most attractive kind.... One of the most spirited
and well-imagined stories Mr. Henty has written.”—_Saturday Review_.
“His conflict with a lion in the arena is a thrilling chapter.”—_School
Board Chronicle_.
“Full of every form of heroism and pluck.”—_Christian World_.
—The Dash for Khartoum: A Tale of the Nile Expedition. With 10 page
Illustrations by JOHN SCHÖNBERG and J. NASH. 6_s._
In the record of recent British history there is no more captivating page
for boys than the story of the Nile campaign, and the attempt to rescue
General Gordon. For, in the difficulties which the expedition encountered,
and in the perils which it overpassed, are found all the excitement of
romance, as well as the fascination which belongs to real events.
“The Dash for Khartoum is your ideal boys’ book.”—_Tablet_.
“It is literally true that the narrative never flags a
moment.”—_Academy_.
“The Dash for Khartoum will be appreciated even by those who don’t
ordinarily care a dash for anything.”—_Punch_.
—With Wolfe in Canada: or, The Winning of a Continent. With 12 page
Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 6_s._
Mr. Henty tells the story of the struggle between Britain and France for
supremacy on the North American continent. The fall of Quebec decided that
the Anglo-Saxon race should predominate in the New World; that Britain,
and not France, should take the lead among the nations.
“A moving tale of military exploit and thrilling adventure.”—_Daily
News_.
—Held Fast for England: A Tale of the Siege of Gibraltar. With 8 page
Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 5_s._
The story deals with one of the most memorable sieges in history. The
hero, a young Englishman resident in Gibraltar, takes a brave and worthy
part in the long defence, and we learn with what bravery, resourcefulness,
and tenacity the Rock was held for England.
“There is no cessation of exciting incident throughout the
story.”—_Athenæum_.
—In the Irish Brigade: A Tale of War in Flanders and Spain. With 12 page
Illustrations by CHARLES M. SHELDON. 6_s._
The hero is a young officer in the Irish Brigade, which for many years
after the siege of Limerick formed the backbone of the French army. He
goes through many stirring adventures, successfully carries out dangerous
missions in Spain, saves a large portion of the French army at Oudenarde,
and even has the audacity to kidnap the Prime Minister of England.
“A stirring book of military adventure.”—_Scotsman_.
—At Agincourt: A Tale of the White Hoods of Paris. With 12 page
Illustrations by WAL PAGET. 6_s._
Sir Eustace de Villeroy, in journeying from Hampshire to his castle in
France, made young Guy Aylmer one of his escort. Soon thereafter the
castle was attacked, and the English youth displayed such valour that his
liege-lord made him commander of a special mission to Paris. This he
accomplished, returning in time to take part in the campaign against the
French which ended in the glorious victory for England at Agincourt.
“Cannot fail to commend itself to boys of all ages.”—_Manchester
Courier_.
—A Final Reckoning: A Tale of Bush Life in Australia. With 8 page
Illustrations by W. B. WOLLEN. 5_s._
The hero, a young Englishman, emigrates to Australia, where he gets
employment as an officer in the mounted police. A few years of active work
gain him promotion to a captaincy. In that post he greatly distinguishes
himself, and finally leaves the service and settles down as a squatter.
“A stirring story capitally told.”—_Guardian_.
“Young reader have no better friends than Blackie & Son.”—_Westminster
Gazette_.
Blackie & Son’s
Story Books for Boys
--------------
G. MANVILLE FENN
Quicksilver! or, The Boy with no Skid to his Wheel. With 6 page
Illustrations by F. DADD. 3_s._ 6_d._
Dr. Grayson has a theory that any boy, if rightly trained, can be made
into a gentleman. He chooses a boy from the workhouse, with a bad
reputation but with excellent instincts, and adopts him, the story
narrating the adventures of the mercurial lad. The restless boyish nature,
with its inevitable tendency to get into scrapes, is sympathetically and
humorously drawn.
“Quicksilver is little short of an inspiration. In it that prince of
story-writers for boys—George Manville Fenn—has surpassed himself. It is
an ideal book for a boy’s library.”—_Practical Teacher_.
“Not only a most engrossing story, but full of noble impulses and
lessons.”—_Newcastle Journal_.
—In the King’s Name. Illustrated. 3_s._ 6_d._ _New Edition._
A spirited story of the Jacobite times, concerning the adventures of
Hilary Leigh, a young naval officer on board the _Kestrel_, in the
preventive service off the coast of Sussex. Leigh is taken prisoner by the
adherents of the Pretender, amongst whom is an early friend and patron,
who desires to spare his life, but will not release him. The narrative is
full of exciting and often humorous incident.
“Mr. Fenn has won a foremost place among writers for boys. This is, we
think, the best of all his productions in this field.”—_Daily News_.
—The Golden Magnet: A Tale of the Land of the Incas. With 12 page
Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 3_s._
The tale is of a romantic youth, who leaves home to seek his fortune in
South America. He is accompanied by a faithful companion, who, in the
capacity both of comrade and henchman, does true service, and shows the
dogged courage of an English lad during their strange adventures.
“There could be no more welcome present for a boy. There is not a dull
page, and many will be read with breathless interest.”—_Journal of
Education_.
Capt. F. S. BRERETON, R.A.M.C.
Foes of the Red Cockade: A Story of the French Revolution. Illustrated by
WILLIAM RAINEY, R.I. 6_s._
Two English lads, wrecked at St. Malo, are persecuted as Aristocrats. They
see the Reign of Terror in all its horror, but fortunately escape to the
château of an uncle in La Vendée. A quarrel with a cousin ensues, and
fighting occurs at the same time with the Republicans. As a scout the
elder does gallant service till captured and taken to Paris, where he
confronts Robespierre and falls into his cousin’s hands. Again, however,
he escapes, and after many exciting experiences finally reaches safety and
friends.
“Cannot fail to give great enjoyment to many boys and girls, and not a
little profit.”—_Literary World_.
—In the Grip of the Mullah: A Tale of Adventure in Somaliland. Illustrated
by CHARLES M. SHELDON. With a Map. 5_s._
The hero organizes a search-party and advances into Somaliland to rescue
his father, who has fallen into the hands of the Mullah. The little force
is opposed from the outset, but undaunted they push forward, and in spite
of many difficulties and dangers succeed in accomplishing their object.
The interest increases as the story advances, and becomes intense when the
hero penetrates alone into the heart of the Mullah’s camp.
“A fresher, more exciting, and more spirited tale could not be wished
for.”—_British Weekly_.
—One of the Fighting Scouts: A Tale of Guerilla Warfare in South Africa.
Illustrated by STANLEY L. WOOD. With a Map. 5_s._
This story deals with the guerrilla aspect of the Boer War, and shows how
George Ransome is compelled to leave his father’s farm and take service
with the British. He is given the command of a band of scouts as a reward
for gallantry, and with these he punishes certain rebels for a piece of
rascality, and successfully attacks Botha’s commando. Thanks to his
knowledge of the veldt he is of signal service to his country, and even
outwits the redoubtable De Wet.
“Altogether an unusually good story.”—_Yorkshire Post_.
—Under the Spangled Banner: A Tale of the Spanish-American War. With 8
Illustrations by PAUL HARDY. 5_s._
Hal Marchant is in Cuba before the commencement of hostilities. A Spaniard
who has been frustrated in an attempt to rob Hal’s employer attacks the
hacienda and is defeated, but turns the tables by denouncing Hal as a spy.
The hero makes good his escape from Santiago, and afterwards fights for
America both on land and at sea. The story gives a vivid and at the same
time accurate account of this memorable struggle.
“Just the kind of book that a boy would delight in.”—_Schoolmaster_.
HERBERT STRANG
Tom Burnaby: A Story of Uganda and the Great Congo Forest. Illustrated by
CHARLES M. SHELDON. With 3 Plans. 5_s._
Field-Marshal Lord Wolseley writes:—“It is just the sort of book I would
give to any school-boy, for I know he would enjoy every page of it.”
The Rev. Dr. Wood, Head-master of Harrow, writes:—“I have read it
through with interest. It is an excellent book for boys, full of vigour
and romance.”
“The fierce struggles between the Bahima and the Arabs, with their
Manyema allies, are told with a vigour and enthusiasm that will stir the
heart of any boy.... When we add that Mr. Strang gives us a really
graphic and thrilling impression of travel in the forests of Africa, and
an almost living acquaintance with Arab and Negro, it is scarcely
necessary to recommend it to boys as a delightful story of African
adventure.”—_Spectator_.
Dr. GORDON STABLES, R.N.
In the Great White Land: A Tale of the Antarctic Ocean. With 6
Illustrations by J. A. WALTON. 3_s._ 6_d._
This is a most fascinating story from beginning to end. It is a true
picture of what daring healthful British men and boys can do, written by
an author whose name is a household word wherever the English language is
spoken. All is described with a master’s hand, and the plot is just such
as boys love.
“The narrative goes with a swing and a dash from start to
finish.”—_Public Opinion_.
ERNEST GLANVILLE
In search of the Okapi: A Story of Adventure in Central Africa.
Illustrated by WILLIAM RAINEY, R.I. 6_s._
Two school chums join an expedition into the unexplored reaches of the
vast central forest which the Okapi inhabits. The search for the strange
animal, however, serves merely as an excuse for the journey, and once the
little party is afloat on the Congo they go whither fortune leads them,
and many and exciting are their adventures in the unknown wilds.
“A story to make a boy’s heart throb with eager interest.”—_Birmingham
Gazette_.
The Diamond Seekers: A Story of Adventure in South Africa. With 8
Illustrations by WILLIAM RAINEY, R.I. 6_s._
The discovery of the plan of the diamond mine, the dangers incurred in
reaching the wild, remote spot in an armoured wagon, and the many
incidents of farm and veldt life, are vividly described by an author who
knows the country well.
“We have seldom seen a better story for boys.”—_Guardian_.
FREDERICK HARRISON
The Boys of Wynport College. With 6 Illustrations by HAROLD COPPING. 3_s._
_New Edition._
The hero and his chums differ as widely in character as in personal
appearance. We have Patrick O’Flahertie, the good-natured Irish boy; Jack
Brookes, the irrepressible humorist; Davie Jackson, the true-hearted
little lad, on whose haps and mishaps the plot to a great extent turns;
and the hero himself, who finds in his experiences at Wynport College a
wholesome corrective of a somewhat lax home training.
“A book which no well-regulated school-boy should be
without.”—_Whitehall Review_.
LÉON GOLSCHMANN
Boy Crusoes: A Story of the Siberian Forest. Adapted from the Russian by
LÉON GOLSCHMANN. With 6 page Illustrations by J. FINNEMORE, R.I. 3_s._
6_d._
Two Russian lads are so deeply impressed by reading _Robinson Crusoe_ that
they run away from home. They lose their way in a huge trackless forest,
and for two years are kept busy hunting for food, fighting against wolves
and other enemies, and labouring to increase their comforts, before they
are rescued.
“This is a story after a boy’s own heart.”—_Nottingham Guardian_.
MEREDITH FLETCHER
Every Inch a Briton: A School Story. With 6 page Illustrations by SYDNEY
COWELL. 3_s._ 6_d._
This story is written from the point of view of an ordinary boy, who gives
an animated account of a young public-schoolboy’s life. No moral is drawn;
yet the story indicates a kind of training that goes to promote veracity,
endurance, and enterprise; and of each of several of the characters it
might be truly said, he is worthy to be called, “Every Inch a Briton”.
“In Every Inch a Briton Mr. Meredith Fletcher has scored a
success.”—_Manchester Guardian_.
EDGAR PICKERING
In Press-Gang Days. With 4 Illustrations by W. S. STACEY. 2_s._ 6_d._ _New
Edition._
In this story Harry Waring is caught by the Press-gang and carried on
board His Majesty’s ship _Sandwich_. He takes part in the mutiny of the
Nore, and shares in some hard fighting on board the _Phœnix_. He is with
Nelson, also, at the storming of Santa Cruz, and the battle of the Nile.
“It is of Marryat, that friend of our boyhood, we think as we read this
delightful story; for it is not only a story of adventure, with
incidents well-conceived and arranged, but the characters are
interesting and well-distinguished.”—_Academy_.
FRED SMITH
The Boyhood of a Naturalist. With 6 page Illustrations. 3_s._ 6_d._ _New
Edition._
Few lovers of Nature have given to the world a series of recollections so
entertaining, so vigorous, and so instinct with life as these delightful
reminiscences. The author takes the reader with him in the rambles in
which he spent the happiest hours of his boyhood, a humble observer of the
myriad forms of life in field and copse, by stream and hedgerow.
“We cannot too highly recommend the book to all readers.”—_Guardian_.
—The World of Animal Life. Edited by FRED SMITH. Profusely Illustrated
with Engravings after F. SPECHT and other eminent artists. 5_s._
The aim of _The World of Animal Life_ is to give in non-scientific
language an account of those inhabitants of the land, sea, and sky with
whose names we are all familiar, but concerning whose manner of life the
majority of us have only the haziest conceptions.
“An admirable volume for the young mind enquiring after
Nature.”—_Birmingham Gazette_.
J. CHALMERS
Fighting the Matabele: A story of Adventure in Rhodesia. Illustrated by
STANLEY L. WOOD. 3_s._ _New Edition._
A story of the great Matabele rising in 1896. The hero and his friends are
surprised by the revolted natives in the heart of the Matopo mountains,
and after many stirring adventures make their way back to Buluwayo. The
hero subsequently joins the Africander Corps, and distinguishes himself in
the operations by which the insurrection is crushed.
“The stormy times of the recent insurrection in Matabeleland are
described with a piquantness which will ensure the book becoming a
favourite.”—_Liverpool Courier_.
CLIVE PHILLIPPS-WOLLEY
Gold, Gold in Cariboo: A Story of Adventure in British Columbia. With 4
Illustrations by G. C. HINDLEY. 2_s._ 6_d._ _New Edition._
Ned Corbett, a young Englishman, and his companion set out with a
pack-train in order to obtain gold on the upper reaches of the Fraser
River. After innumerable adventures, and a life-and-death struggle with
the Arctic weather of that wild region, they find the secret gold-mines
for which they have toilsomely searched.
“It would be difficult to say too much in favour of _Gold, Gold in
Cariboo_. We have seldom read a more exciting tale of wild mining
adventure in a singularly inaccessible country. There is a capital plot,
and the interest is sustained to the last page.”—_The Times_.
ROBERT LEIGHTON
The Wreck of the Golden Fleece. Illustrated by FRANK BRANGWYN. 3_s._ _New
Edition._
The hero is apprenticed on board a Lowestoft fishing lugger, where he has
to suffer many buffets from his shipmates. The storms and dangers which he
braved are set forth with intense power. The narrative deals with a
highway robbery, the trial of the accused fisherman, his escape, and the
mad chase after the criminal out upon the high seas.
“Excellent in every respect, it contains every variety of incident. The
plot is very cleverly devised, and the types of the North Sea sailors
are capital.”—_The Times_.
S. BARING-GOULD
Grettir the Outlaw: A Story of Iceland in the days of the Vikings. With 6
page Illustrations by M. ZENO DIEMER. 3_s._
A narrative of adventure of the most romantic kind. No boy will be able to
withstand the magic of such scenes as the fight of Grettir with the twelve
bearserks, the wrestle with Karr the Old in the chamber of the dead, the
combat with the spirit of Glam the thrall, and the defence of the dying
Grettir by his younger brother.
“Has a freshness, a freedom, a sense of sun and wind and the open air,
which make it irresistible.”—_National Observer_.
C. J. CUTCLIFFE HYNE
The Captured Cruiser: or, Two Years from Land. With 6 page Illustrations
by F. BRANGWYN. 3_s._ 6_d._
The central incidents deal with the capture, during the war between Chili
and Peru, of an armed cruiser. The heroes and their companions break from
prison in Valparaiso, board this warship in the night, overpower the
watch, escape to sea under the fire of the forts, and finally, after
marvellous adventures, lose the cruiser among the icebergs near Cape Horn.
“The two lads and the two skippers are admirably drawn. Mr. Hyne has now
secured a position in the first rank of writers of fiction for
boys.”—_Spectator_.
—Stimson’s Reef: With 4 Page Illustrations by W. S. STACEY. 2_s._ 6_d._
This is the extended log of a cutter which sailed from the Clyde to the
Amazon in search of a gold reef. It relates how they discovered the
buccaneer’s treasure in the Spanish Main, fought the Indians, turned aside
the river Jamary by blasting, and so laid bare the gold of _Stimson’s
Reef_.
“Few stories come within hailing distance of _Stimson’s Reef_ in
startling incidents and hairbreadth ’scapes. It may almost vie with Mr.
R. L. Stevenson’s _Treasure Island_.”—_Guardian_.
[Illustration: _From IN THE GRIP OF THE MULLAH_
BY CAPT. F. S. BRERETON (See page 10)]
[Illustration: _From THE DISPUTED V.C._
BY FREDERICK P. GIBBON (See page 15)]
PAUL DANBY
The Red Army Book. With many Illustrations in colour and in
black-and-white. 6_s._
This book includes chapters on the various branches of the regular army,
and also on such attractive subjects as “Boys who have won the V.C.”,
“Pets of the Regiment”, “The Colours”, “Famous War Horses”, &c. Each
chapter, besides dealing generally with its subject, is full of capital
anecdotes, and the book as a whole is excellently illustrated with colour
and black-and-white illustrations.
“Every boy would glory in the keeping and reading of such a
prize.”—_Daily Telegraph_.
FREDERICK P. GIBBON
The Disputed V.C. Illustrated by STANLEY L. WOOD. 5_s._
“A tale of the Great Mutiny which should stir a boy’s blood, and will
tell him all he cares to know of that memorable death-struggle for our
supremacy.... Even Lord Roberts scarcely gives a more spirited account
of the defence of Delhi, of the difficulties to be overcome, and of the
good service of the gallant little army which so long held stubbornly to
the Ridge.”—_Times_.
A. J. CHURCH
Two Thousand Years Ago. Illustrated. 3_s._ 6_d._ _New Edition._
Lucius Marius, a Roman boy, has a very chequered career, being now a
captive in the hands of Spartacus, again an officer on board a vessel
detailed for the suppression of the pirates, and anon a captive once more
on a pirate ship. He escapes to Tarsus, is taken prisoner in the war with
Mithridates, and detained in Pontus for a number of years.
“Adventures well worth the telling. The book is extremely entertaining
as well as useful, and there is a wonderful freshness in the Roman
scenes and characters.”—_Times_.
OLIPHANT SMEATON
A Mystery of the Pacific. Illustrated by WAL PAGET. 3_s._ _New Edition._
The _Fitzroy_, a small sailing vessel, discovers an extraordinary island
in the South Seas, that has been hidden for ages behind a wide belt of
sea-weed. The country is peopled by descendants of colonists from Imperial
Rome, and by a yet older race who trace their origin to the long-lost
Atlantis. In graphic language the author describes the strange experiences
that befell the crew of the _Fitzroy_ among these remarkable people.
“A tale of unprecedented adventure in unknown lands.... Boys will revel
in the book.”—_Birmingham Gazette_.
R. STEAD
Grit will Tell: The Adventures of a Barge-boy. With 4 Illustrations by D.
CARLETON SMYTH. Cloth, 2_s._ 6_d._
A lad whose name has been lost amidst early buffetings by hard fortune
suffers many hardships at the hands of a bargeman, his master, and runs
away. The various adventures and experiences with which he meets on the
road to success, the bear-hunt in which he takes part, and the battle at
which he acts as war correspondent, form a story of absorbing interest and
after a boy’s own heart.
“A thoroughly wholesome and attractive book.”—_Graphic_.
HARRY COLLINGWOOD
The Pirate Island. With 6 page Illustrations by C. J. STANILAND and J. R.
WELLS. 3_s._ _New Edition._
By a deed of true gallantry the hero’s whole destiny is changed, and,
going to sea, he forms one of a party who, after being burned out of their
ship in the South Pacific, are picked up by a pirate brig and taken to the
“Pirate Island”. After many thrilling adventures, they ultimately succeed
in effecting their escape.
“A capital story of the sea; indeed in our opinion the author is
superior in some respects as a marine novelist to the better-known Mr.
Clark Russell.”—_Times_.
FLORENCE COOMBE
Boys of the Priory School. With 4 page Illustrations by HAROLD COPPING.
2_s._ 6_d._
The interest centres in the relations of Raymond and Hal Wentworth, and
the process by which Raymond, the hero of the school, learns that in the
person of his ridiculed cousin there beats a heart more heroic than his
own.
“It is an excellent work of its class, cleverly illustrated with ‘real
boys’ by Mr. Harold Copping.”—_Literature_.
JOHN C. HUTCHESON
Afloat at Last: A Sailor Boy’s Log. With 6 page Illustrations by W. H.
OVEREND. 3_s._ 6_d._
From the stowing of the vessel in the Thames to her recovery from the
Pratas Reef on which she is stranded, everything is described with the
accuracy of perfect practical knowledge of ships and sailors; and the
incidents of the story range from the broad humours of the fo’c’s’le to
the perils of flight from, and fight with, the pirates of the China Seas.
“As healthy and breezy a book as one could wish.”—_Academy_.
Blackie & Son’s
Story Books for Girls
--------------
KATHARINE TYNAN
A Girl of Galway. With 8 full-page Illustrations by JOHN H. BACON. 6_s._
When Bertha Grace is on the threshold of young womanhood, she goes to stay
with her grandfather in Ireland, with the trust from her mother of
reconciling him and his son, Bertha’s father. Bertha finds her grandfather
a recluse and a miser, and in the hands of an underling, who is his evil
genius. How she keeps faith with her mother and finds her own fate,
through many strange adventures, is the subject of the story.
“Full of the poetic charm we are accustomed to find in the works of that
gifted writer.”—_World_.
—The Handsome Brandons. Illustrated by G. D. HAMMOND, R.I. 3_s._ 6_d._
_New Edition._
A delightful story of an ancient Irish family. Every one of the nine young
Brandons was handsome, and every one was spirited and lovable. The shadows
in the picture hang ominously over Castle Angry and its inmate, the
vindictive Sir Rupert de Lacy. The story ends happily for “The Handsome
Brandons” with the re-establishment of the family fortunes.
“A really excellent piece of work, ... the literary quality of Miss
Tynan’s work is its chief distinction.”—_Spectator_.
CAROLINE AUSTIN
Cousin Geoffrey and I. With 6 full-page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON.
3_s._
The only daughter of a country gentleman finds herself unprovided for at
her father’s death, and for some time lives as a dependant upon her
kinsman. Life is saved from being unbearable to her by her young cousin
Geoffrey, who at length meets with a serious accident for which she is
held responsible. She makes a brave attempt to earn her own livelihood,
until a startling event brings her cousin Geoffrey and herself together
again.
“Miss Austin’s story is bright, clever, and well developed.”—_Saturday
Review_.
ELLINOR DAVENPORT ADAMS
A Queen among Girls. With 6 Illustrations by HAROLD COPPING. Cloth, 3_s._
6_d._
Augusta Pembroke is the head of her school, the favourite of her teachers
and fellow-pupils, who are attracted by her fearless and independent
nature and her queenly bearing. She dreams of a distinguished professional
career; but the course of her life is changed suddenly by pity for her
timid little brother Adrian, the victim of his guardian-uncle’s harshness.
The story describes the daring means adopted by Augusta for Adrian’s
relief.
“An interesting and well-written narrative, in which humour and a keen
eye for character unite to produce a book happily adapted for modern
maidens.”—_Globe_.
—A Girl of To-Day. With 6 page Illustrations by G. D. HAMMOND, R.I. 3_s._
6_d._
“What are Altruists?” humbly asks a small boy. “They are only people who
try to help others,” replies the Girl of To-Day. To help their poorer
neighbours, the boys and girls of Woodend band themselves together into
the _Society of Altruists_. That they have plenty of fun is seen in the
shopping expedition and in the successful Christmas entertainment.
“It is a spirited story. The characters are true to nature and carefully
developed. Such a book as this is exactly what is needed to give a
school-girl an interest in the development of character.”—_Educational
Times_.
FRANCES ARMSTRONG
A Girl’s Loyalty. With 6 Illustrations by JOHN H. BACON. Cloth, 3_s._
6_d._ _New Edition._
When she was still but a child, Helen Grant received from her grandfather,
on his death-bed, a secret message. The brief words remained fast in her
memory, and dominated her whole career. She was loyal to her trust,
however, and to her friends in the hour of their need. For the girl was
possessed of that quick courage which leaps up in a shy nature when
evil-doers have to be unmasked, and wrongs made right.
“The one book for girls that stands out this year is Miss Frances
Armstrong’s A Girl’s Loyalty.”—_Review of Reviews_.
MRS. HERBERT MARTIN
The Two Dorothys: A Tale for Girls. Illustrated. 2_s._ 6_d._
In this story the shy, dreamy, unselfish Dorothy Heriot comes to live with
her great-aunt, the other Dorothy. This old lady is kind enough, but her
discipline is unsympathetic. But the younger Dorothy’s loving, unselfish
nature wins upon the proud old lady, and the end is happiness.
“Will not only interest and please all girls, but will also stimulate
and encourage to better and higher things, youthful hopes and
ambitions.”—_The Lady_.
ETHEL F. HEDDLE
Strangers in the Land. Illustrated by HAROLD COPPING. 6_s._
Two old maiden ladies and their charming young friend, Elspeth Macdonald,
voyage to the beautiful island of Java on a quest that involves a story of
uncommon interest. In the course of a series of exciting adventures,
Elspeth unwittingly makes a discovery which seriously affects her friends.
Towards the close the narrative is darkened by tragedy, but a flood of
sunshine is thrown on the final chapter by the happy ending of a pleasant
love-story.
“Apart from providing the best of entertainment, this book is noteworthy
as stimulating high ideals of life and action, and renewing faith in
lofty and chivalrous sentiment as a factor in human service.”—_Dundee
Advertiser_.
—An Original Girl. With 8 full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 6_s._
Christobel Beauchamp makes her living by typewriting in an office till
chance throws her across the path of Lady Anne Prideaux, her grandmother.
Her mother had made a _mésalliance_ by marrying an actor. Lady Anne
desires to adopt Christobel, but the girl prefers to help her father. The
story tells how the poor actor at last receives his “call”, and ends with
the promise of good fortune for Christobel and her devoted lover.
“A very clever, well-constructed tale is this, and we wish it
success.”—_British Weekly_.
—A Mystery of St. Rule’s. With 8 Illustrations by G. DEMAIN HAMMOND, R.I.
6_s._
“The author has been amazingly successful in keeping her secret almost
to the end. Yet the mystery attending a stolen diamond of great value is
so skilfully handled that several perfectly innocent persons seem all
but hopelessly identified with the disappearance of the gem. Cleverly,
however, as this aspect of the story has been managed, it has other
sources of strength.”—_Scotsman_.
“The chief interest ... lies in the fascinating young adventuress, who
finds a temporary nest in the old professor’s family, and wins all
hearts in St. Rule’s by her beauty and her sweetness.”—_Morning Leader_.
SARAH DOUDNEY
Under False Colours. With 6 Illustrations. 3_s._ 6_d._
A story which will attract readers of all ages and of either sex. The
incidents of the plot, arising from the thoughtless indulgence of a
deceptive freak, are exceedingly natural, and the keen interest of the
narrative is sustained from beginning to end. _Under False Colours_ is a
book which will rivet the attention, amuse the fancy, and touch the heart.
“This is a charming story, abounding in delicate touches of sentiment
and pathos. Its plot is skilfully contrived. It will be read with a warm
interest by every girl who takes it up.”—_Scotsman_.
ROSA MULHOLLAND (LADY GILBERT)
Cynthia’s Bonnet Shop. With 8 Illustrations by G. DEMAIN HAMMOND, R.I.
5_s._
Cynthia, one of three charming lively sisters of an impoverished Connaught
family, desires to make money for the sake of her delicate mother. Cynthia
and her star-struck sister Befind go to London, the former to open a
bonnet shop, which becomes a great success, and the other to pursue the
study of astronomy. How both girls find new interests in life, more
important even than bonnet shop or star-gazing, is described with mingled
humour and pathos.
“Just of the kind to please and fascinate a host of girl
readers.”—_Liverpool Mercury_.
—The Girls of Banshee Castle. With 6 Illustrations by JOHN H. BACON. 3_s._
6_d._ _New Edition._
Three girls, with an old governess, migrate from Kensington to the West of
Ireland. Belonging as they do to “the ould family”, the girls are made
heartily welcome in the cabins of the peasantry, where they learn many
weird and curious tales from the folk-lore of the district. An interesting
plot runs through the narrative, but the charm of the story lies in its
happy mingling of Irish humour and pathos.
“Is told with grace, and brightened by a knowledge of Irish folk-lore,
making it a perfect present for a girl in her teens.”—_Truth_.
—Giannetta: A Girl’s Story of Herself. With 6 full-page Illustrations by
LOCKHART BOGLE. 3_s._
The story of a changeling who is suddenly transferred to the position of a
rich English heiress. She develops into a good and accomplished woman, and
has gained too much love and devotion to be a sufferer by the surrender of
her estates.
ANNIE E. ARMSTRONG
Three Bright Girls. With 6 full-page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON. 3_s._
6_d._
By a sudden turn of fortune’s wheel the three heroines are brought down
from a household of lavish comfort to meet the incessant cares and worries
of those who have to eke out a very limited income. The charm of the story
lies in the cheery helpfulness of spirit developed in the girls by their
changed circumstances.
“Ever bright and cheerful, they influence other lives, and at last they
come out of their trials with honour to themselves and benefits to all
about them.”—_Teachers’ Aid_.
ELIZA F. POLLARD
For the Red Rose. With 4 Illustrations by JAMES DURDEN. 2_s._ 6_d._
A gipsy finds a little girl in the forest of Wimbourne, after the sacking
of the castle by the Yorkists. He carries her to the camp and she is
adopted by the tribe. The story tells how, when some years later Margaret
of Anjou and her son are wrecked on the coast of England, the gipsy girl
follows the fortunes of the exiled queen, and by what curious chain of
events her own origin is discovered.
“This is a good story, and of special interest to lovers of historical
romance.”—_Court Circular_.
—The Doctor’s Niece. With 6 Illustrations by SYDNEY COWELL. 3_s._ 6_d._
The scene of this charming story is laid in Brittany at the end of the
eighteenth century. The heroine is educated considerably above her
station. When she is about sixteen she becomes companion to a little girl
at a neighbouring château. Her charge mysteriously disappears during a
peasant rebellion, and she goes out into the woods to find her. The result
of the adventure is that Rosette discovers her mother, who proves to be
the rightful owner of the château, and the tale ends happily.
“Full of mystery, adventure, and a winning simplicity.”—_Bookman_.
—The King’s Signet: The Story of a Huguenot Family. With 6 Illustrations
by G. DEMAIN HAMMOND, R.I. 3_s._ 6_d._
This story relates the adventures of a noble Huguenot family, driven out
of their château by the dragoons after the Revocation of the Edict of
Nantes. A friend of the family, Claudine Malot, who is also a Huguenot,
but a protégée of Madame de Maintenon, possesses a talisman, by means of
which she saves many lives; but this brings trouble upon her, and she has
to leave France. The adventures lead to the battle of the Boyne, and to
the happy reunion of the scattered family in Ireland.
“A stirring tale of the persecution of the Huguenots clearly and
touchingly told.”—_Guardian_.
BESSIE MARCHANT
Three Girls on a Ranch: A Story of New Mexico. Illustrated. 2_s._ 6_d._
The Lovell family emigrate from England to New Mexico. Mr. Lovell is
delicate and unfit for farming, but the three eldest girls take upon
themselves the burden of working the ranch. They have adventures of a
perilous kind, and the story of their mishaps and how they overcame them
is throughout both exciting and stimulating.
“A story with a fresh, bright theme, well handled.”—_Nottingham
Guardian_.
E. EVERETT-GREEN
Little Lady Clare. Illustrated. 2_s._ 6_d._
The little Lady Clare inherits the responsibilities of an ancestry and a
family feud, but the estates and title of her father fall to the hated
branch of the family. The child, however, works out for herself the
problem of the divided house, which is at last united again in a romantic
manner.
“Reminds us in its quaintness and tender pathos of Mrs. Ewing’s
delightful tales. The characters are very real and lifelike. Is quite
one of the best stories Miss Green has yet given us.”—_Literary World_.
SARAH TYTLER
A Loyal Little Maid. With 4 page Illustrations by PAUL HARDY. 2_s._ 6_d._
This pretty story is founded on a romantic episode of Mar’s rebellion. A
little girl has information which concerns the safety of her father in
hiding, and this she firmly refuses to divulge to a king’s officer. She is
lodged in the Tolbooth, where she finds a boy champion, whom in future
years she rescues in Paris from the _lettre de cachet_ which would bury
him in the Bastille.
“Has evidently been a pleasure to write, and makes very enjoyable
reading.”—_Literature_.
—Girl Neighbours. With 6 Illustrations. 3_s._
A story for girls, told in that quaint, delightful fashion which has made
Miss Tytler’s books so popular and attractive. The introduction of the two
young ladies from London, who represent the modern institutions of
professional nursing and schools of cookery, is very happily effected.
“One of the most effective and quietly humorous of Miss Sarah Tytler’s
stories. Very healthy, very agreeable, and very well written.”—_The
Spectator_.
ALICE CORKRAN
Margery Merton’s Girlhood. With 6 full-page Illustrations by GORDON
BROWNE. 2_s._ 6_d._
The experiences of an orphan girl who in infancy is left by her father—an
officer in India—to the care of an elderly aunt residing near Paris. The
accounts of the various persons who have an after influence on the story
are singularly vivid.
“_Margery Merton’s Girlhood_ is a piece of true literature, as dainty as
it is delicate, and as sweet as it is simple.”—_Woman’s World_.
[Illustration: _From THE FOUR MISS WHITTINGTONS_
BY GERALDINE MOCKLER (See page 23)]
[Illustration: _From CYNTHIA’S BONNET SHOP_
BY ROSA MULHOLLAND (See page 20)]
GERALDINE MOCKLER
The Four Miss Whittingtons: A Story for Girls. With 8 full-page
Illustrations by CHARLES M. SHELDON. 5_s._
This story tells how four sisters, left alone in the world, went to London
to seek their fortunes. They had between them £400, and this they resolved
to spend on training themselves for the different careers for which they
were severally most fitted. On their limited means this was hard work, but
their courageous experiment was on the whole very successful.
“A story of endeavour, industry, and independence of spirit.”—_World_.
ALICE STRONACH
A Newnham Friendship. With 6 full-page Illustrations by HAROLD COPPING.
3_s._ 6_d._
A sympathetic description of life at Newnham College. After the tripos
excitements, some of the students leave their dream-world of study and
talk of “cocoas” and debates and athletics to begin their work in the real
world. Men students play their part in the story, and in the closing
chapters it is suggested that marriage has its place in a girl graduate’s
life.
“Foremost among all the gift-books suitable for school-girls this season
stands Miss Alice Stronach’s A Newnham Friendship.”—_Daily Graphic_.
BESSIE MARCHANT
A Heroine of the Sea. Illustrated by A. M‘LELLAN. 3_s._ 6_d._
Maudie’s home was on the wild westerly shore of Vancouver Island, and she
earned her living by fishing in the Inlet, heartily despising all merely
feminine occupations, and not even knowing that she was beautiful. Then
changes come, and Maudie awakes to the charm of a domestic life. Clouds
gather about the home, and many troubles intervene before the mystery is
at last happily cleared away.
“A genuine tale of adventure for girls, and girls will thoroughly enjoy
it.”—_Academy_.
—Three Girls on a Ranch: A Story of New Mexico. With 4 page Illustrations
by W. E. WEBSTER. 2_s._ 6_d._
The Lovell family emigrate from England to New Mexico, where they settle
on a ranch. Mr. Lovell is delicate and unfit for farming, but the three
eldest girls take upon themselves the burden of working the ranch. They
have adventures of a perilous kind, and the story of their mishaps and how
they overcame them is throughout both exciting and stimulating.
“A story with a fresh, bright theme, well handled.”—_Nottingham
Guardian_.
“A rousing book for young people.”—_Queen_.
MRS. HENRY CLARKE
The Fairclough Family. With 6 Illustrations by G. D. HAMMOND, R.I. Cloth,
3_s._ 6_d._
It was matter for amazement when Ronald Hammersley fell in love with Kathy
Fairclough, who was considered a blue-stocking, instead of with her
younger sister Nell, whom Mrs. Hammersley had chosen for him. Why Mrs.
Hammersley desired her wealthy stepson to marry one of Dr. Fairclough’s
penniless daughters was a secret. How the secret became known, and nearly
wrecked the happiness of Kathy and Ronald, is told in the story. But all
ends well, and to the sound of marriage bells.
“One of those stories which all girls enjoy.”—_World_.
J. M. CALLWELL
A Little Irish Girl. Illustrated by H. COPPING. 2_s._ 6_d._
An orphaned family inherit a small property on the coast of Clare. The two
youngest members of the party have some thrilling adventures in their
western home. They encounter seals, smugglers, and a ghost, and lastly, by
most startling means, they succeed in restoring their eldest brother to
his rightful place as heir to the ancestral estates.
“Sure to prove of thrilling interest to both boys and girls.”—_Literary
World_.
E. EVERETT-GREEN
Miriam’s Ambition. With Illustrations. 2_s._ 6_d._
Miriam’s ambition is to make someone happy, and her endeavour carries with
it a train of incident, solving a mystery which had thrown a shadow over
several lives. A charming foil to her grave elder sister is to be found in
Miss Babs, a small coquette of five, whose humorous child-talk is so
attractive.
“Miss Everett-Green’s children are real British boys and girls, not
small men and women. Babs is a charming little one.”—_Liverpool
Mercury_.
ELLINOR DAVENPORT ADAMS
Those Twins! With a Frontispiece and 28 Illustrations by S. B. PEARCE.
2_s._ 6_d._
Two little rogues are the twins, Horatio and Tommy; but loyal-hearted and
generous to boot, and determined to resist the stern decree of their aunt
that they shall forsake the company of their scapegrace grown-up cousin
Algy. So they deliberately set to work to “reform” the scapegrace; and
succeed so well that he wins back the love of his aunt.
Blackie & Son’s
Illustrated Books for Children
--------------
CHARLES ROBINSON—WALTER JERROLD
The Big Book of Nursery Rhymes. Selected and edited by WALTER JERROLD.
With nearly 400 Illustrations in Colour or Black-and-White by CHARLES
ROBINSON. Large 4to, cloth elegant, gilt edges, 7_s._ 6_d._ net.
This beautiful volume, in which Mr. Charles Robinson has interpreted with
delightful humour and rare artistic skill the old familiar rhymes of the
nursery, will be an unfailing source of pleasure to children of all ages.
The pictures are bold, clear, and direct, as befits a book intended in the
first place for little folk, but they exhibit at the same time a power of
draughtsmanship that will give the volume a permanent artistic value.
“This is a really magnificent gift-book for quite little
children.”—_Saturday Review_.
JOHN HASSALL—CLIFTON BINGHAM
Six and Twenty Boys and Girls. Pictures by JOHN HASSALL; Verses by CLIFTON
BINGHAM. 25 pages in full colour, and 24 pages of letterpress. Picture
boards, 9 inches by 11¼ inches, cloth back, 3_s._ 6_d._; also cloth
elegant, 5_s._
Most of us know some at least of the little girls and boys portrayed by
Mr. Hassall in this amusing picture-book. As depicted with Mr. Hassall’s
inimitable skill, and described in humorous verse by Mr. Bingham, they may
challenge comparison with the classic Struwwelpeter. Each picture is not
only attractive and amusing in itself, but furnishes a hint of virtues to
be imitated or faults to be avoided.
“A most original picture-book.”—_World_.
MRS. PERCY DEARMER
Roundabout Rhymes. With 20 full-page Illustrations in colour by Mrs. PERCY
DEARMER. Imperial 8vo, cloth extra, 2_s._ 6_d._
A charming volume of verses and colour pictures for little folk-rhymes and
pictures about most of the everyday events of nursery life.
“The best verses written for children since Stevenson’s _Child’s
Garden_.”—_The Guardian_.
STEWART ORR—JOHN BRYMER
Gammon and Spinach. Pictures by STEWART ORR. Verses by JOHN BRYMER. Cover
design and 24 pages in Full Colour. Picture boards, cloth back, 6_s._
In _Gammon and Spinach_ Mr. Stewart Orr has produced a picture-book unique
of its kind. Nothing could be more droll than the situations in which he
represents the frog, the pig, the mouse, the elephant, and the other
well-known characters who appear in his pages. Little folk will find in
these pictures a source of endless delight, and the artistic skill which
they display will have a special appeal to children of an older growth.
“Merry and handsome enough to make thousands of friends among little
folk, what with its original verses and its amusing pictures.”—_Literary
World_.
“The book should attain a wide popularity in the nursery.”—_Morning
Post_.
—Two Merry Mariners. Pictures by STEWART ORR. Verses by JOHN BRYMER. Cover
design and 24 pages in full colour. Picture boards, cloth back, 6_s._
This delightful volume tells in picture and verse how Dick and his friend
the Hare sailed to the Downy Isle, the adventures they met with in that
strange country, their encounter with the Dragon, and their remarkable
voyage home. Mr. Orr exhibits in these designs a rare combination of
humorous invention with brilliant draughtsmanship and command of colour,
and the author supports him with a series of racy verses.
“The illustrations are masterpieces of drollery.”—_Manchester Courier_.
“The verses are very funny and original.”—_World_.
FRED SMITH
The Animal Book. A Natural History for Little Folk with a Coloured
Frontispiece and 34 full-page Illustrations by F. SPECHT. Crown quarto,
11¼ inches by 9½ inches, picture boards, cloth back, 2_s._ 6_d._
This book consists of a series of bright and instructive sketches of the
better-known wild beasts, describing their appearance, character and
habits, and the position they hold in the animal kingdom. The text is
printed in a large, clear type, and is admirably illustrated with
powerful, realistic pictures of the various creatures in their native
state by that eminent animal artist F. Specht.
“A work of the greatest value to the young.”—_Eastern Morning News_.
[Illustration: _From THE BIG BOOK OF NURSERY RHYMES_
BY CHARLES ROBINSON—WALTER JERROLD (See page 25)]
[Illustration: _From MY BOOK OF TRUE STORIES_
(See page 31)
SIR PHILIP SIDNEY AND THE DYING SOLDIER
(_Reduced from a Colour Illustration_)]
H. B. NEILSON—CLIFTON BINGHAM
The Animals’ Academy. With 24 full-page Colour Illustrations and many
Black-and-White Vignettes. Picture-boards, cloth back, 3_s._ 6_d._; cloth,
5_s._
In _The Animals’ Academy_ Mr. Neilson and Mr. Bingham have again combined
their forces, and have turned out a picture-book which for fun and variety
will be difficult to equal. In bright, musical, “catchy” verse Mr. Bingham
tells of the many amusing events that take place at a school in which the
elephant is master and other well-known animals are the scholars, and Mr.
Neilson illustrates the story as only he can illustrate animal frolics.
“A humorous, clever, and delightful book. The pictures of the dressed-up
animals will captivate little children.”—_British Weekly_.
H. B. NEILSON—JOHN BRYMER
Games and Gambols. Illustrated by HARRY B. NEILSON; with Verses by JOHN
BRYMER. 26 pages in colour, and 24 pages of letterpress. Picture boards, 9
inches by 11¼ inches, cloth back, 2_s._ 6_d._; also cloth elegant, 3_s._
6_d._
Mr. Neilson surpasses himself in these irresistible colour pictures
representing the animal world at play. The great test match between the
Lions and the Kangaroos, Mrs. Mouse’s Ping-Pong Party, Mr. Bruin playing
Golf, Towser’s Bicycle Tour, and the Kittens _v._ Bunnies Football Match,
are a few among the many droll subjects illustrated in this amusing and
original series.
“Mr. Neilson has a positive genius for making animals comic.”—_Academy_.
“Children will revel in his work.”—_Daily Graphic_.
S. R. PRAEGER
How They Went to School. With 24 full-page pictures in full colour.
Picture-boards, cloth back, 2_s._ 6_d._; cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._
A pretty picture-book for the little ones, full of quiet humour and shrewd
observation of child life. The book tells in picture and story how Hal and
Kitty, two tiny scholars, set out on their way to school, and the various
adventures that happen to them on the road.
“Quite the most charming book we have yet seen.”—_Daily News_.
OUR DARLING’S FIRST BOOK
Bright Pictures and Easy Lessons for Little Folk. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾
inches, picture boards, 1_s._; cloth, gilt edges, 2_s._
An interesting and instructive picture lesson-book for very little folk.
Beginning with an illustrated alphabet of large letters, the little reader
goes forward by easy stages to word-making, reading, counting, writing,
and finally to the most popular nursery rhymes and tales.
“The very perfection of a child’s alphabet and spelling-book.”—_St.
James’s Budget_.
ELLINOR DAVENPORT ADAMS
Those Twins! With a Frontispiece and 28 Illustrations by S. B. PEARSE.
Cloth elegant, 2_s._ 6_d._
Two little rogues are the twins, Horatio and Tommy; but loyal-hearted and
generous to boot, and determined to resist the stern decree of their aunt
that they shall forsake the company of their scapegrace grown-up cousin
Algy. So they deliberately set to work to “reform” the scapegrace; and
succeed so well that he wins back the love of his aunt, and delights the
twins by earning a V.C. in South Africa.
“A merry story for young and old.”—_World_.
A. B. ROMNEY
Little Village Folk. With 37 Illustrations by ROBERT HOPE. 2_s._ 6_d._
A series of delightful stories of Irish village children. Miss Romney
opens up a new field in these beautiful little tales, which have the
twofold charm of humour and poetic feeling.
“A story-book that will be welcomed wherever it makes its
way.”—_Literary World_.
MY NEW STORY-BOOK
Stories, Verses, and Pictures for the Little Ones. 290 pages, of which 48
are in colour. Cloth; 2_s._ 6_d._
A treasury of entertainment for the nursery. The contents are extremely
varied both as regards the text and the illustrations, and carefully
designed to meet the tastes of the little ones. The many bright colour
pictures will be in themselves a never-failing source of delight.
“A fascinating little volume, well filled with stories and quaint and
pretty illustrations.”—_Guardian_.
STORIES BY GEORGE MAC DONALD
(NEW AND UNIFORM EDITION)
--------------
A Rough Shaking. With 12 page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON. Crown 8vo,
cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._
Clare, the hero of the story, is a boy whose mother is killed at his side
by the fall of a church during an earthquake. The kindly clergyman and his
wife, who adopt him, die while he is still very young, and he is thrown
upon the world a second time. The narrative of his wanderings is full of
interest and novelty, the boy’s unswerving honesty and his passion for
children and animals leading him into all sorts of adventures. He works on
a farm, supports a baby in an old deserted house, finds employment in a
menagerie, becomes a bank clerk, is kidnapped, and ultimately discovers
his father on board the ship to which he has been conveyed.
At the Back of the North Wind. With 75 Illustrations by ARTHUR HUGHES, and
a Frontispiece by LAURENCE HOUSMAN. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._
“In _At the Back of the North Wind_ we stand with one foot in fairyland
and one on common earth. The story is thoroughly original, full of fancy
and pathos.”—_The Times_.
Ranald Bannerman’s Boyhood. With 36 Illustrations by ARTHUR HUGHES. Crown
8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._
“Dr. Mac Donald has a real understanding of boy nature, and he has in
consequence written a capital story, judged from their stand-point, with
a true ring all through which ensures its success.”—_The Spectator_.
The Princess and the Goblin. With 30 Illustrations by ARTHUR HUGHES, and a
Frontispiece by LAURENCE HOUSMAN. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._
In the sphere of fantasy George Mac Donald has very few equals, and his
rare touch of many aspects of life invariably gives to his stories a
deeper meaning of the highest value. His _Princess and Goblin_ exemplifies
both gifts. A fine thread of allegory runs through the narrative of the
adventures of the young miner, who, amongst other marvellous experiences,
finds his way into the caverns of the gnomes, and achieves a final victory
over them.
The Princess and Curdie. With Frontispiece and 30 Illustrations by HELEN
STRATTON. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._
A sequel to _The Princess and the Goblin_, tracing the history of the
young miner and the princess after the return of the latter to her
father’s court, where more terrible foes have to be encountered than the
grotesque earth-dwellers.
NEW “GRADUATED” SERIES
_With coloured frontispiece and black-and-white illustrations_
--------------
No child of six or seven should have any difficulty in reading and
understanding _unaided_ the pretty stories in the 6_d._ series. In the
9_d._ series the language used is slightly more advanced, but is well
within the capacity of children of seven and upwards, while the 1_s._
series is designed for little folk of somewhat greater attainments. If the
stories are read _to_ and not _by_ children, it will be found that the
6_d._ 9_d._ and 1_s._ series are equally suitable for little folk of all
ages.
*“GRADUATED” STORIES AT A SHILLING*
Holidays at Sunnycroft. By ANNIE S. SWAN. _New Edition._
At Lathom’s Siege. By SARAH TYTLER.
Fleckie. By BESSIE MARCHANT.
Elsie Wins. By ELLINOR DAVENPORT ADAMS.
Bears and Dacoits. By G. A. HENTY.
Crusoes of the Frozen North. By DR. GORDON STABLES.
A Saxon Maid. By ELIZA F. POLLARD.
Uncle Bob. By MEREDITH FLETCHER.
Jack of Both Sides. By FLORENCE COOMBE.
Do Your Duty! By G. A. HENTY.
Terry. By ROSA MULHOLLAND (Lady Gilbert).
*“GRADUATED” STORIES AT NINEPENCE*
Gipsy Dick. By Mrs. HENRY CLARKE.
Two to One. By FLORENCE COOMBE.
Cherrythorpe Fair. By MABEL MACKNESS.
Little Greycoat. By ELLINOR DAVENPORT ADAMS.
Tommy’s Trek. By BESSIE MARCHANT.
That Boy Jim. By Mrs. HENRY CLARKE.
The Adventures of Carlo. By KATHARINE TYNAN.
The Shoeblack’s Cat. By W. L. ROOPER.
Three Troublesome Monkeys. By A. B. ROMNEY.
The Little Red Purse. By JENNIE CHAPPELL.
*“GRADUATED” STORIES AT SIXPENCE*
Hi-Tum, Ti-Tum, and Scrub. By JENNIE CHAPPELL.
Edie’s Adventures. By GERALDINE MOCKLER.
Two Little Crusoes. By A. B. ROMNEY.
The Lost Doll. By JENNIE CHAPPELL.
Bunny and Furry. By GERALDINE MOCKLER.
Bravest of All. By MABEL MACKNESS.
Winnie’s White Frock. By JENNIE CHAPPELL.
Lost Toby. By M. S. HAYCRAFT.
A Boy Cousin. By GERALDINE MOCKLER.
Travels of Fuzz and Buzz. By GERALDINE MOCKLER.
Teddy’s Adventures. By Mrs. HENRY CLARKE.
NEW CHILDREN’S PICTURE-BOOKS
--------------
Grimm’s Fairy Tales
In this beautiful series of picture-books the best of these fairy tales
are given. The text is printed on good paper in a large and clear type,
and the many illustrations in colour and in black-and-white are by Miss
HELEN STRATTON.
HALF-CROWN SERIES
_Picture-boards, 13½ inches by 10 inches_
*Grimm’s Fairy Tales*
This handsome volume contains a large selection of the most popular
stories by the brothers Grimm. The cover and no fewer than thirty pages
are in full colour. Also in cloth, 3s. 6d.
ONE SHILLING SERIES
_Picture-boards, 13½ inches by 10 inches_
*Hansel and Grettel* | *Cherryblossom*
*Roland and Maybird*
Besides the title story each volume contains several of the most popular
of _Grimm’s Fairy Tales_.
--------------
Historical Picture-Books
This novel series comprises those stories in English History that will
interest and amuse little children. The tales are told in such a manner as
to attract children, dates and anything that might even in the slightest
way suggest the lesson-book being carefully avoided.
ONE SHILLING SERIES
_Picture-boards. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches_
*My Book of True Stories*
This book contains over thirty full-page drawings and a large number of
smaller illustrations by Mr. T. H. Robinson. The cover and about twenty
pages are in colour. Also in cloth, gilt edges, 2_s._
SIXPENNY SERIES
_Picture-boards. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches_
*True Stories of Olden Days*
*True Stories of Great Deeds*
*My Book of Noble Deeds*
Each book contains seven or eight pages in colour and many black-and-white
illustrations. The text is printed in bold type.
--------------
Scripture Picture-Books
This excellent series includes several books of New Testament stories
simply told. The illustrations are by eminent artists, and the text,
which, besides incidents in the life of Christ, includes most of the
Parables, has been specially written by Mrs. L. Haskell, one of the most
popular authors of stories for little folk.
ONE SHILLING SERIES
_Picture boards. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches._
*Stories from the Life of Christ*
This interesting volume contains over thirty full-page drawings, and a
large number of smaller illustrations. The cover and no fewer than twenty
pages are in colour. Also in cloth, gilt edges, 2_s._
SIXPENNY SERIES
_Picture boards. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches_
*Glad Tidings* | *Gentle Jesus*
*The Good Shepherd*
Each book contains an average of six full-page illustrations, many
vignettes, and eight pages in colour. The text is printed in bold type.
--------------
Animal Picture-Books
This is certainly the best series of Animal Picture-books published at the
price. The pictures, which are all drawn by eminent artists, will form an
endless source of pleasure to little folks. The text is written in very
simple language.
ONE SHILLING SERIES
_Picture-boards. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches_
*A Picture-Book of Animals* | *Faithful Friends*
These bright and attractive volumes contain over thirty full-page
drawings, and a number of smaller illustrations. The cover and about
twenty pages are in colour. Also in cloth, gilt edges, 2_s._
SIXPENNY SERIES
_Picture-boards. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches_
*Talks about Animals* | *Bow-wow Picture-Book*
*Animals of All Lands* | *Cats and Kits*
*My Book of Animals* | *Friends at the Farm*
Each contains seven or eight pages in colour and many black-and-white
illustrations. The covers, also in colour, are very attractive.
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE
The following typographical errors were corrected:
page 54, “been” changed to “been on”
page 54, “mast.” changed to “mast?”
page 60, “clergyman” changed to “clergyman.”
page 96, “operation.” changed to “operation?”
page 97, “may” changed to “many”
page 251, “coxwain” changed to “coxswain”
page 252, “as well” changed to “a swell”
page 319, “kine” changed to “kind”
page 341, “Colpoy’s” changed to “Colpoys’”
advertisements, page 12, “success” changed to “success.”
In addition, many missing or wrong quote marks have been standardized.
Inconsistent use of hyphens and capitalization of military ranks has been
retained as in the original.
One illustration, which was between pages 32 and 33 in the original
edition, has been moved to page 65, as indicated in the list of
illustrations.