CONCLUSION.
“Too bad! I thought there would surely be some word from Oliver to-day.”
It was Mr. Bright who spoke. He sat in an invalid chair on the side
porch, propped up by soft pillows. Donald, the man of all work, had
just returned from the post-office with the information that there were
no letters.
Mr. Bright was getting well rapidly, but the lines of care were plainly
to be seen upon his brow. He started up with a deep sigh.
“Nearly two weeks since I received any word,” he murmured to himself.
“How slowly the time drags! Can it be possible that he was too hopeful
and that the Aurora has proved worthless after all?”
He passed his hand over his brow.
“If that is so what is to become of us? I am getting too old to work,
and he has no trade to which he can turn his hand.”
As he concluded, the latch on the gate was lifted, and, looking up, the
sick man saw Dr. Tangus enter the yard, and walk up the gravel path.
“Good-morning, Mr. Bright,” he said stiffly.
“Good-morning, doctor,” was the low reply. “Take a seat on the bench. I
am sorry there is not a chair here.”
“This will do very well.” The learned man paused for a moment. “How are
you feeling?” he asked.
“Much better, thank you. Another week and I think I will be all right.”
“I am glad to hear it. I suppose you know the purpose of my visit
to-day.”
“You are after the payment of that money.”
“Yes. You know it was due yesterday.”
“I know it was. But cannot you wait a few days longer? I am expecting
word from my son by every mail or by telegraph.”
“Concerning that mining scheme you mentioned?”
“Yes.”
Dr. Tangus tossed his head.
“I don’t believe that amounts to much,” he said. “You are altogether
too sanguine about it.”
“My son Oliver――”
“That boy isn’t as smart as you think he is. His going off on a
wild-goose chase――”
“It was no wild-goose chase, doctor.”
“I think it was. But, of course, that is none of my business. All I ask
is that you pay the money due.”
“I cannot do that just at present.”
“Then I will have to put the case in my lawyer’s hands――”
“At once?”
“At once.”
Mr. Bright felt a deep pang shoot through his heart. His pecuniary
difficulties were to be dragged before the public at last.
“Well, if you must,” he began slowly. Then he stopped short and
half rose from his chair. That figure hurrying so swiftly down the
road towards the house seemed strangely familiar. Was it――could it
be――“Oliver!” he cried out, “Oliver, my boy!”
“Yes, father, home again!” was the glad response; and a moment later
father and son were in each other’s arms.
“I did not write or telegraph because I wanted to surprise you,” said
the boy. “How do you feel?” And then, noticing Dr. Tangus, “Excuse me,
Doctor, I did not see you before. How do you do?” and he held out his
hand.
Dr. Tangus took it coldly.
“So you are back from your wild trip,” he remarked.
“Yes, sir; and glad of it.”
“Dr. Tangus has just called for his money,” put in Mr. Bright. “He says
he must be paid at once or he will go to law. Tell me the worst, my
boy.”
“There is no worst to tell,” replied Oliver. “Dr. Tangus shall be paid
whenever he wishes the money. The Aurora mine has been located, and is
to-day worth one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars.”
“Oliver!”
“It is true, father, every word of it. Here are the papers to prove the
fact.” And the boy drew from his pocket a large envelope and handed it
over.
“And your father owns an interest in this mine?” asked Dr. Tangus. He
felt mighty cheap.
“My father owns five-eighths of it. Of the other three-eighths, one
part belongs to the estate of one James Barr, and the other two to Mr.
Whyland of Boston, who has very kindly loaned us his check for three
thousand dollars to help my father out of his difficulties;” and Oliver
passed the check over for inspection.
“Seems straight enough,” grunted the doctor. “I will call again
to-morrow. I have no more time to spare to-day;” and catching up his
hat, he left without another word.
“Oliver, you have saved us from ruin!” cried Mr. Bright with tears in
his eyes. “But for you it would have gone hard indeed with us.”
“I am glad the search has ended so well,” said the boy; “glad for your
sake, and glad for my own.”
* * * * *
Several years have passed. Oliver is now at college, and has for a
room-mate Gus Gregory, who is as stout and as full of good-humor as
ever.
The Aurora mine is in active operation, managed by competent and
trustworthy men. James Barr’s interest was purchased by Mr. Whyland,
and the money went to support the surveyor’s aged mother, his only
known relative.
The Spaniard, known to the reader as Colonel Mendix, is now in prison,
suffering the full penalty of the law. Let us trust that when he comes
forth once more it will be with the determination to lead a better life
in the future.
Mr. Bright still lives at his old home, surrounded with all the ease
and comfort that money can procure. Of Oliver he never tires of talking.
“One boy in a thousand,” he says. “Thank God for giving me such a son
in my old age!”
And with these words let us say good-by.
THE END.
THE STRATEMEYER POPULAR SERIES
10 volumes Illustrated and handsomely bound in gold and colors
Attractive new cover designs Price $.75 per volume
[Illustration]
Since the passing of Henty, Edward Stratemeyer is the most widely read
of all living writers for the young, and each year extends the vast
and enthusiastic throng. In obedience to the popular demand we have
established this POPULAR SERIES comprising ten representative books by
this great writer, on which special prices can be made. The stories are
bright and breezy, moral in tone, and while full of adventure, are not
sensational. These books, at a popular price, will be a rare treat for
the boys and girls.
1. The Last Cruise of the Spitfire Or Luke Foster’s Strange Voyage
2. Reuben Stone’s Discovery Or The Young Miller of Torrent Bend
3. True to Himself Or Roger Strong’s Struggle for Place
4. Richard Dare’s Venture Or Striking Out for Himself
5. Oliver Bright’s Search Or The Mystery of a Mine
6. To Alaska for Gold Or The Fortune Hunters of the Yukon
7. The Young Auctioneer Or The Polishing of a Rolling Stone
8. Bound to be an Electrician Or Franklin Bell’s Success
9. Shorthand Tom the Reporter Or The Exploits of a Bright Boy
10. Fighting for His Own Or The Fortunes of a Young Artist
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
THE FAMOUS “OLD GLORY SERIES”
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
_Author of “The Bound to Succeed Series,” “The Ship and Shore
Series,” “Colonial Series,” “Pan-American Series,” etc._
Six volumes Cloth Illustrated Price per volume $1.25
[Illustration]
UNDER DEWEY AT MANILA
Or The War Fortunes of a Castaway
A YOUNG VOLUNTEER IN CUBA
Or Fighting for the Single Star
FIGHTING IN CUBAN WATERS
Or Under Schley on the Brooklyn
UNDER OTIS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Or A Young Officer in the Tropics
THE CAMPAIGN OF THE JUNGLE
Or Under Lawton through Luzon
UNDER MACARTHUR IN LUZON
Or Last Battles in the Philippines
“A boy once addicted to Stratemeyer stays by him.”――_The Living Church._
“The boys’ delight――the ‘Old Glory Series.’”――_The Christian Advocate,
New York._
“Stratemeyer’s style suits the boys.”――JOHN TERHUNE, _Supt. of Public
Instruction, Bergen Co., New Jersey_.
“Mr. Stratemeyer is in a class by himself when it comes to
writing about American heroes, their brilliant doings on land and
sea.”――_Times, Boston._
“Mr. Stratemeyer has written a series of books which, while
historically correct and embodying the most important features of
the Spanish-American War and the rebellion of the Filipinos, are
sufficiently interwoven with fiction to render them most entertaining
to young readers.”――_The Call, San Francisco._
_For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by_
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE SERIES
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
VOLUME ONE
_ON TO PEKIN_
_Or Old Glory in China_
Cloth 330 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute $1.25
The hero, Gilbert Pennington, goes from the Philippines with the Ninth
Regiment to take part in the rescue of the beleaguered British Embassy
at Pekin by the international forces. Mr. Stratemeyer has risen to the
occasion by giving, in addition to one of his very best stories, a
store of information concerning China and the Chinese, conveyed in a
natural and entertaining manner.
The demands of boy readers are peculiar, and the author who can
satisfy them, not once or twice, but uniformly, must possess rare
ability in an extremely difficult field. Such an author is Edward
Stratemeyer.――_Sunday News, Newark, N. J._
VOLUME TWO
_UNDER THE MIKADO’S FLAG_
_Or Young Soldiers of Fortune_
320 pages Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
“Under the Mikado’s Flag” relates the adventures of two young
Americans in Korea and Manchuria during the outbreak of the great war
between Russia and Japan, one of the leading characters being Gilbert
Pennington, the hero of “On to Pekin,” and the other, Ben Russell, who
with his brothers, Larry and Walter, is so well known to the thousands
of readers of the famous “Old Glory Series.” It closes with the great
Battle of Liao-Yang, and is as valuable for the information conveyed as
it is interesting as a story.
Mr. Stratemeyer is undoubtedly improving very greatly on the average
book for boys.――_Star, St. Louis, Mo._
He knows how to attract and hold boy readers.――_Evening Standard, New
Bedford, Mass._
VOLUME THREE
_AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR_
_Or A Young American in the Japanese Navy_
300 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
“At the Fall of Port Arthur” is another of Mr. Stratemeyer’s spirited
war stories. It relates, primarily, the adventures of Larry Russell,
so well known to countless thousands of readers of the famous “Old
Glory Series.” Larry is on board his old ship, the _Columbia_, which is
carrying a cargo for the Japanese government, and is made a prisoner. A
chase ensues, followed by a thrilling sea fight, and the young American
escapes to one of the Japanese cruisers. The young sailor joins the
Japanese navy, and under Admiral Togo assists at the bombardment of
Port Arthur. Life in the Japanese navy is described in detail, and also
life in Port Arthur during the siege and bombardment, which has few
parallels in history.
Mr. Stratemeyer is easily foremost among all writers of boys’ books
dealing with great events as they occur.――_Observer, New York._
“At the Fall of Port Arthur” is very well told.――_Chronicle, San
Francisco._
The story is timely, describing life in the Japanese navy in
detail.――_Times, Buffalo, New York._
Mr. Stratemeyer is one of the few writers for boys whose works
may be relied upon for historic accuracy without sacrifice of
interest.――_Journal, New York._
Presented with the skill of one of the cleverest juvenile writers of
the period.――_Globe-Democrat, St. Louis._
A rattling good story for boys.――_Republican, Denver, Col._
PAN-AMERICAN SERIES
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
VOLUME ONE
_LOST ON THE ORINOCO_
_Or American Boys in Venezuela_
12mo Cloth Illustrated Price $1.25
This volume tells of five American youths, who, with their tutor,
sail from New York to La Guayra, touching at Curaçao on the way. They
visit Caracas, the capital, Macuto, the fashionable seaside resort,
go westward to the Gulf of Maracaibo and lake of the same name, and
at last find themselves in the region of the mighty Orinoco, and of
course they have some exciting experiences, one of which gives name to
the book. Just the book boys and young men should read, in view of the
general interest in matters Pan-American.
Its pictures of South American life and scenery are novel and
instructive.――_The Literary World, Boston._
The scenes described are of the sort to charm the hearts of adventurous
boys.――_The Outlook, N. Y._
VOLUME TWO
_THE YOUNG VOLCANO EXPLORERS_
_Or American Boys in the West Indies_
12mo Cloth Illustrated Price $1.25
This is a complete tale in itself, but has the same characters which
have appeared so successfully in “Lost on the Orinoco.” The boys,
with their tutor, sail from Venezuela to the West Indies, stopping at
Jamaica, Cuba, Hayti, and Porto Rico. They have numerous adventures
on the way, and then set out for St. Pierre, Martinique, where they
encounter the effects of the eruption of Mt. Pelee, and two of the boys
are left on a raft to shift for themselves. Life in the West Indies is
well portrayed, and the tale will appeal to many an older person as
well as to the boys.
VOLUME THREE
_YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE ISTHMUS_
_Or American Boys in Central America_
306 pages Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
This is a complete tale in itself, but forms a new volume in the
surprisingly popular Pan-American series. It relates adventures in a
tour covering Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and the Isthmus of Panama. The
party travel the various canal routes, and have a number of highly
interesting experiences. The volume contains a vast amount of timely
information, and will be read with interest by young men as well as
boys.
It is a splendid book that will not only amuse and interest the reader,
but will supply him with most valuable instruction and information upon
subjects which every young American who takes pride in his country, and
what pertains to it, ought to know.――_American Boy._
VOLUME FOUR
_YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE AMAZON_
_Or American Boys in Brazil_
300 pages 12mo Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
An absorbing tale of sight-seeing and adventures in Brazil. The five
boys and their tutor travel the whole seacoast from Rio de Janeiro to
Para, and then move up the Amazon into the rubber country and beyond.
The volume is filled with pen-pictures of life as it exists in Brazil
to-day, and will be heartily enjoyed by all young people.
The Pan-American Series by Edward Stratemeyer has been declared by the
boys of this country to be the most up-to-date of all reading for the
young. Filled with action and good fellowship.――_Waverley Magazine._
Mr. Stratemeyer has acquired the art of weaving a good deal of solid
information with his web of startling adventure.――_San Francisco
Bulletin._
COLONIAL SERIES
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
FIRST VOLUME
_WITH WASHINGTON IN THE WEST_
_Or a Soldier Boy’s Battles in the Wilderness_
12mo Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute 302 pages $1.25
[Illustration]
Washington’s earlier life has received scant attention, notwithstanding
its possibilities. Mr. Stratemeyer has woven into an excellent story
something of Washington’s youthful experience as a surveyor, leading on
to the always thrilling Braddock’s defeat. The hero, David Morris, is
several years younger than Washington, with whom he becomes intimately
associated. Pictures of pioneer life are given; scenes with friendly
Indians; and old-time games.
SECOND VOLUME
_MARCHING ON NIAGARA_
_Or The Soldier Boys of the Old Frontier_
12mo Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
This tale is complete in itself, but many of its characters have
appeared in “With Washington in the West.”
The story relates the doings of two young soldiers who join the
Colonial forces in a march on Fort Niagara, during the time of the
war with France, when the whole territory between the Blue Ridge and
the Great Lakes was in a state of unrest. Many side lights are thrown
into the colonial homes, and much useful information is given of the
pioneers who helped to make our country what it is to-day.
David Morris is a fine fellow, and about him is woven a fine “Injun”
story that is sure to delight the boys.――_Universalist Leader, Boston._
Mr. Stratemeyer is an entertaining story-teller, and his books are
clean.――_Herald, Rochester, N. Y._
THIRD VOLUME
_AT THE FALL OF MONTREAL_
_Or a Soldier Boy’s Final Victory_
Illustrated by A. B. Shute 12mo Cloth Price $1.25
This volume relates the adventures of Dave Morris and his cousin Henry
during the two last campaigns against the French for the possession
of Canada and the territory below the great lakes. The scaling of the
heights of Quebec under General Wolfe, and the memorable battle on
the Plains of Abraham, are given in detail. There are many stirring
scenes of battle, but the tale is not all of war. Pictures of the
rough-and-ready camp life of that day are given, and there are also
adventures while fishing and hunting, and with the Indians.
Since the passing of Henty and Alger, Mr. Stratemeyer controls the
field in this particular branch of literature. The chief charm
of his stories lies in the fact that an enormous quantity of
valuable information, collected from the most reliable sources,
is deftly woven into the narrative without taking away from the
interest.――_Philadelphia Inquirer._
FOURTH VOLUME
_ON THE TRAIL OF PONTIAC_
_Or Pioneer Boys of the Ohio_
12mo Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
This volume tells of times in our country immediately after the war
with France for the possession of Canada. The tale is complete in
itself, but in it are introduced a number of characters which have
already figured in this series, including that brave young soldier,
Dave Morris, his sturdy cousin, Henry, and their common friend, Sam
Barringford. Pontiac, the great chief of the Ottawas, is also a leading
figure and much is told of his work in organizing his great conspiracy
against the whites. A fight with the Indians and the French in a
snowstorm is especially realistic, and the entire book carries with it
the atmosphere of colonial times.
Boys are attracted to stories by Edward Stratemeyer, and they will
enjoy “On the Trail of Pontiac.”――_Plain Dealer, Cleveland, O._
American Boys’ Biographical Series
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
VOLUME ONE
_AMERICAN BOYS’
LIFE OF WILLIAM McKINLEY_
300 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute and from Photographs $1.25
Here is told the whole story of McKinley’s boyhood days, his life at
school and at college, his work as a school teacher, his glorious
career in the army, his struggles to obtain a footing as a lawyer, his
efforts as a Congressman and a Governor, and lastly his prosperous
career as our President, all told in a style particularly adapted to
boys and young men. The book is full of interesting anecdotes, all
taken from life, showing fully the sincere, honest, painstaking efforts
of a life cut all too short. The volume will prove an inspiration to
all boys and young men, and should be in every library.
For nearly a year Mr. Stratemeyer has been gathering material and
giving careful study to the life of the young William, his childhood,
his boyhood, and all his inspiring and romantic history. The story was
nearing its end when the awful finale came and tragedy ended the drama
of President McKinley’s life.――_New York Journal._
VOLUME TWO
_AMERICAN BOYS’ LIFE OF
THEODORE ROOSEVELT_
300 pages 12mo Illustrated from Photographs $1.25
[Illustration]
This excellent work for young people covers the whole life of our
strenuous executive, as schoolboy, college student, traveler, author,
hunter and ranchman, as assemblyman, as civil service commissioner, as
Assistant Secretary of the Navy, as a daring rough rider, as Governor
of New York, and lastly as President. Full of stories taken from real
life and told in a manner to interest both young and old.
We unreservedly recommend Mr. Stratemeyer’s books for boys. They
are wholesome, accurate as to historical details, and always
interesting.――_Boston Times._
GOOD BOOKS FOR BOYS
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
_LARRY THE WANDERER_
_Or The Rise of a Nobody_
Cloth Illustrated Price $1.00
This is a plain tale of everyday life, written especially for boys and
girls who do not care particularly for stories with a historical or
geographical background. Larry is a youth who has been knocked around
from pillar to post for a number of years. The unravelling of the
curious mystery which surrounds the lad’s identity makes good reading.
_JOE, THE SURVEYOR_
_Or The Value of a Lost Claim_
Illustrated by A. B. Shute 12mo Cloth Price $1.00
This story relates the trials and triumphs of a sturdy country youth,
who is compelled, by the force of circumstances, to go forth into the
world and earn, not alone his own living, but also support for his twin
sister and his invalid father.
_TWO YOUNG LUMBERMEN_
_Or From Maine to Oregon for Fortune_
320 pages Cloth Illustrated Price $1.25
A splendid story, the scene shifting from Maine to Michigan and the
Great Lakes, and then to the Columbia and the Great Northwest. The
heroes are two sturdy youths who have been brought up among the
lumbermen of their native State, and who strike out in an honest
endeavor to better their condition. An ideal volume for every
wide-awake American who wishes to know what our great lumber industry
is to-day.
Mr. Stratemeyer’s books are not only entertaining but
instructive.――_Daily Press, Portland, Me._
_BETWEEN BOER AND BRITON_
_Or Two Boys’ Adventures in South Africa_
Illustrated by A. Burnham Shute 354 pages Price $1.25
Relates the experiences of two boys, cousins to each other, one
American and the other English, whose fathers are engaged in the
Transvaal, one in farming and the other in mining operations. While the
two boys are off on a hunting trip after big game the war between the
Boers and Britons suddenly breaks out, and while endeavoring to rejoin
their parents the boys find themselves placed between hostile armies.
A stirring story of the South African War.――_The Journal, Indianapolis,
Ind._
* * * * *
Transcriber’s Notes:
――Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_).
――Punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently corrected.
――Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved.
――Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.