JIM BOOLUS TRAPPED
“Say that again,” cried Mr. Lanfranc, delight and incredulity struggling
for the mastery.
“Sure as shooting,” affirmed Lee with a happy laugh. “It isn’t more than
an hour ago that we came across them. Come here and I’ll show them to
you.”
The whole party hurried to the precious memorials and examined them
closely. The Parish Clerk was skilled in such matters, which came within
the duties of his office, and he confirmed the belief of the boys that
these were the only things necessary to make Mrs. Cartier’s title to the
property absolutely secure.
“This has been a great day,” he said, as he rose from his knees after
making notes of the inscriptions on the stones, “not only because we
have found you boys, but because we’ve been able to put a crimp in the
plans of the greatest rascal in this part of the parish. It was a clever
thing, by the way, that you boys caught on to the meaning of these
boundary stones.”
“Oh, as for that,” said Lee generously, “all the praise must go to Bobby
here. He was the one that figured it all out.”
“Some boy,” said Mr. Lanfranc approvingly, and Bobby flushed to his
ears.
“It’s a queer coincidence,” continued Mr. Lanfranc, “that we ran across
Boolus, accompanied by one of his negroes, in another part of the swamp,
no later than yesterday. He said that he was out hunting, but I didn’t
see that he had any gun. But here come the other fellows,” he added, as
he caught sight of a party of three coming into view, “and as it is
pretty near noon, I guess we’ll have our lunch right now and hurry back
home. I can imagine how impatient Mrs. Cartier will be to have you with
her as soon as possible.”
The newcomers were quite as delighted as the first party had been, to
learn that the missing ones were found and that their anxious search was
ended. They chose a spot on higher ground in a clump of trees, and set
to work on the abundant lunch with which they were provided. The boys,
with their minds free for the first time in days, thought it was the
most delicious repast they had ever tasted.
They had not quite finished when Bobby caught sight of two figures at
the edge of a fringe of trees some distance away.
“Here come two other men,” he announced.
“Is that so?” said Mr. Lanfranc with some curiosity. “I wonder who they
are. Hunters I suppose.”
“No,” cried Lee, who had been studying them closely. “It’s Jim Boolus
and that darkey of his.”
“So it is,” confirmed Mr. Lanfranc, after another look. “Lie down flat,
all of you. I’m curious to see what the old rascal is up to.”
They stretched themselves flat on the ground and looked through the
bushes at the approaching couple.
All unconscious of the scrutiny, they came on, Boolus in the van, his
eyes scanning the ground as they advanced.
Suddenly he caught sight of one of the boundary stones, which, having
been largely uncovered during the investigation of the markings were now
in plain sight. With an exclamation of satisfaction, he hurried toward
it, and fell on his knees to look at it closely. Then he rose to his
feet and rubbed his hands together in glee.
He beckoned to the colored youth, talked to him for a minute or two and
then both set to work digging about the stone, using some implements
that the attendant had brought with him.
“What are they after?” asked Fred in a whisper.
“I know very well what they are after,” replied Mr. Lanfranc in a low
tone that held grimness in it. “He’s hanging himself with his own rope.”
The couple worked hard for perhaps a quarter of an hour, and then with
great effort dragged the heavy stone out of its hole and laid it on the
grass. Then after resting a moment each took one end, and half carrying,
half dragging it, moved toward the edge of a bog that lay twenty yards
away.
“Halt!” shouted Mr. Lanfranc, and at the same moment the whole party
rose to their feet and poured out from among the trees.
At the sudden command, Boolus and his helper dropped the stone as though
they had been shot. In a moment the members of the party were upon them.
The negro started to run, but one of the men caught him and dragged him
back by the collar.
“So, Jim Boolus,” said Mr. Lanfranc, “you robber of widows and orphans,
we’ve caught you at last. You’ve kept out of the grip of the law for a
long time, but it’s got you now. The evidence is so clear that the jury
will convict you without leaving the box. You stole the boat of these
boys and left them to starve and die, for all you cared—”
“I didn’t,” denied Boolus, “and you can’t prove it.”
“This boy has confessed that he did it at your direction,” declared Mr.
Lanfranc, indicating the negro.
“You don’t suppose a jury would take the word of a negro against that of
a white man, do you?” replied Boolus, who thought he saw a ray of hope.
“Against such a white man as they know you to be, I think they would,”
answered Mr. Lanfranc. “But let that pass. Just now, all of us have seen
you commit a crime. Two minutes more and that stone would have been
swallowed up in the bog. The removal of boundary marks is a serious
crime and a state prison offense. You’re due for a good long time behind
the bars, Jim Boolus. Come along now,” he commanded, cutting short
abruptly the mumbling appeals for mercy that the detected wretch was
beginning.
The whole party took up the march, and in a few hours reached the
nearest town, where Jim Boolus was committed to the charge of the
sheriff, who took him to the jail. There he stayed until, a few weeks
later, he began his long prison term.
The boys hurried at once to the plantation, where Lee flew to his
mother’s arms. She hugged and cried over him, as mothers do, and then
Bobby and Fred came in for a welcome scarcely less warm. It was a
glorious reunion and one of the happiest occasions that the boys had
ever known.
“Do you remember what I said about a hunch this morning?” Bobby asked
Fred, when, at the end of that jubilant day, they were getting ready for
bed.
“Yes,” agreed Fred, “your hunch was right. It sure has been our lucky
day!”
“And to think we found those boundary stones,” put in Lee. “That’s the
best ever. My mother will want to thank you for that—when she gets over
all this excitement over our return.”
“Gee, but we’ll have a story to tell, when we get back to Rockledge,”
was Fred’s comment. “Lost in a swamp, and fighting a cougar, and a
moccasin snake, and sinking in the mush—”
“They won’t believe the half of it,” added Bobby. “It sure was a lot of
adventures!”
“Well, now you’ve got to settle down to good times on the plantation,”
said Lee.
“I wonder if we’ll get back that motor boat,” cried Bobby, suddenly.
“I don’t know,” answered the Southern boy. But it may be added that the
boat had already been found and was returned to the Cartiers the next
day.
Delightful days on the plantation followed. The boys avoided the big
swamp, but they visited the cotton and the rice fields, and had the best
of times.
“And now, back to school!” sang out Bobby one day, and here, getting
ready to return to Rockledge, we will leave the lads.
THE END
This Isn’t All!
Would you like to know what became of the good friends you have made
in this book?
Would you like to read other stories continuing their adventures and
experiences, or other books quite as entertaining by the same author?
On the _reverse side_ of the wrapper which comes with this book, you
will find a wonderful list of stories which you can buy at the same
store where you got this book.
Don’t throw away the Wrapper
Use it as a handy catalog of the books you want some day to have.
But in case you do mislay it, write to the Publishers for a
complete catalog.
THE HARDY BOYS SERIES
By FRANKLIN W. DIXON
Illustrated. Every Volume Complete in Itself
THE HARDY BOYS are sons of a celebrated American detective, and
during vacations and their off time from school they help their
father by hunting down clues themselves.
THE TOWER TREASURE—A dying criminal confessed that his loot had been
secreted “in the tower.” It remained for the Hardy Boys to make an
astonishing discovery that cleared up the mystery.
THE HOUSE ON THE CLIFF—The house had been vacant and was supposed to
be haunted. Mr. Hardy started to investigate—and disappeared! An odd
tale, with plenty of excitement.
THE SECRET OF THE OLD MILL—Counterfeit money was in circulation, and
the limit was reached when Mrs. Hardy took some from a stranger. A
tale full of thrills.
THE MISSING CHUMS—Two of the Hardy Boys’ chums take a motor trip
down the coast. They disappear and are almost rescued by their
friends when all are captured. A thrilling story of adventure.
HUNTING FOR HIDDEN GOLD—Mr. Hardy is injured in tracing some stolen
gold. A hunt by the boys leads to an abandoned mine, and there
things start to happen. A western story all boys will enjoy.
THE SHORE ROAD MYSTERY—Automobiles were disappearing most
mysteriously from the Shore Road. It remained for the Hardy Boys to
solve the mystery.
THE SECRET OF THE CAVES—When the boys reached the caves they came
unexpectedly upon a queer old hermit.
THE MYSTERY OF CABIN ISLAND—A story of queer adventures on a
rockbound island.
THE GREAT AIRPORT MYSTERY—The Hardy Boys solve the mystery of the
disappearance of some valuable mail.
WHAT HAPPENED AT MIDNIGHT—The boys follow a trail that ends in a
strange and exciting situation.
WHILE THE CLOCK TICKED—The Hardy Boys aid in vindicating a man who
has been wrongly accused of a crime.
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
TED SCOTT FLYING STORIES
By FRANKLIN W. DIXON
Illustrated. Each Volume Complete in Itself.
No subject has so thoroughly caught the imagination of young
America as aviation. This series has been inspired by recent daring
feats of the air, and is dedicated to Lindbergh, Byrd, Chamberlin
and other heroes of the skies.
OVER THE OCEAN TO PARIS;
or, Ted Scott’s Daring Long Distance Flight.
RESCUED IN THE CLOUDS;
or, Ted Scott, Hero of the Air.
OVER THE ROCKIES WITH THE AIR MAIL;
or, Ted Scott, Lost in the Wilderness.
FIRST STOP HONOLULU;
or, Ted Scott Over the Pacific.
THE SEARCH FOR THE LOST FLYERS;
or, Ted Scott Over the West Indies.
SOUTH OF THE RIO GRANDE;
or, Ted Scott On a Secret Mission.
ACROSS THE PACIFIC;
or, Ted Scott’s Hop to Australia.
THE LONE EAGLE OF THE BORDER;
or, Ted Scott and the Diamond Smugglers.
FLYING AGAINST TIME;
or, Breaking the Ocean to Ocean Record.
OVER THE JUNGLE TRAILS;
or, Ted Scott and the Missing Explorers.
LOST AT THE SOUTH POLE;
or, Ted Scott in Blizzard Land.
THROUGH THE AIR TO ALASKA;
or, Ted Scott’s Search in Nugget Valley.
FLYING TO THE RESCUE;
or, Ted Scott and the Big Dirigible.
DANGER TRAILS OF THE SKY;
or, Ted Scott’s Great Mountain Climb.
FOLLOWING THE SUN SHADOW;
or, Ted Scott and the Great Eclipse.
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
THE REX LEE FLYING STORIES
By THOMSON BURTIS
Illustrated. Every Volume Complete in Itself.
The author of this series of exciting flying stories is an experienced
aviator. He says, “During my five years in the army I performed nearly
every sort of flying duty—instructor, test pilot, bombing, photographing
pilot, etc., in every variety of ship, from tiny scout planes to the
gigantic three-motored Italian Caproni.”
Not only has this author had many experiences as a flyer; a list of his
activities while knocking around the country includes postal clerk,
hobo, actor, writer, mutton chop salesman, preacher, roughneck in the
oil fields, newspaper man, flyer, scenario writer in Hollywood and
synthetic clown with the Sells Floto Circus. Having lived an active,
daring life, and possessing a gift for good story telling, he is well
qualified to write these adventures of a red-blooded dare-devil young
American who became one of the country’s greatest flyers.
REX LEE; GYPSY FLYER
REX LEE; ON THE BORDER PATROL
REX LEE; RANGER OF THE SKY
REX LEE; SKY TRAILER
REX LEE; ACE OF THE AIR MAIL
REX LEE; NIGHT FLYER
REX LEE’S MYSTERIOUS FLIGHT
REX LEE; ROUGH RIDER OF THE AIR
REX LEE; AERIAL ACROBAT
REX LEE; TRAILING AIR BANDITS
REX LEE; FLYING DETECTIVE
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
FLYING STORIES FOR BOYS
IN THE AIR WITH ANDY LANE
By EUSTACE L. ADAMS
Illustrated. Every Volume Complete in Itself.
Mr. Adams, the author of this flying series for boys is an experienced
aviator and has had many thrilling adventures in the air—both as a
member of the famous Lafayette Escadrille in the World War and in the
United States Naval Aviation Service flying with the squadrons
patrolling the Atlantic Coast. His stories reveal not only his ability
to tell daring and exciting air episodes but also his first hand
knowledge of modern aeroplanes and the marvelous technical
improvements which have been made in the past few years. Andy Lane
flies the latest and most highly developed machines in the field of
aviation.
FIFTEEN DAYS IN THE AIR
OVER THE POLAR ICE
RACING ROUND THE WORLD
THE RUNAWAY AIRSHIP
PIRATES OF THE AIR
ON THE WINGS OF FLAME
THE MYSTERIOUS MONOPLANE
THE FLYING WINDMILL
THE PLANE WITHOUT A PILOT
WINGS OF ADVENTURE
ACROSS THE TOP OF THE WORLD
PRISONERS OF THE CLOUDS
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
BUDDY BOOKS FOR BOYS
Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.
Tales of Western pioneer days and the California gold fields; tales of
mystery, humor, adventure; thrilling stories of sports and aviation.
There is a wide range of subjects in this list of titles—all by
well-known authors of books for boys.
HOT DOG PARTNERS, By William Heyliger
YOUNG EAGLE OF THE TRAIL, By J. Allan Dunn
THE LAND OF MONSTERS, By Harold M. Sherman
QUARTERBACK HOTHEAD, By William Heyliger
LEFTY LEIGHTON, By Percy Keese Fitzhugh
NUMBER 44, By Harold M. Sherman
BILL DARROW’S VICTORY, By William Heyliger
THE STORY OF TERRIBLE TERRY, By Percy Keese Fitzhugh
BEYOND THE DOG’S NOSE, By Harold M. Sherman
DING PALMER, AIR DETECTIVE, By Harold M. Sherman
BEAN-BALL BILL, By William Heyliger
CAMERON MacBAIN, BACKWOODSMAN, By Harold M. Sherman
FLYING HEELS, By Harold M. Sherman
FLASHING STEEL, By Harold M. Sherman
BUFFALO BOY, By J. Allan Dunn
THE CLOUD PATROL, By Irving Crump
SPIFFY HENSHAW, By Percy Keese Fitzhugh
THE PILOT OF THE CLOUD PATROL, By Irving Crump
DON RADER, TRAIL BLAZER, By Harold M. Sherman
TUCK SIMMS, FORTY-NINER, By Edward Leonard
WIGWAG WEIGAND, By Percy Keese Fitzhugh
HERVEY WILLETTS, By Percy Keese Fitzhugh
SKINNY McCORD, By Percy Keese Fitzhugh
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
GREAT SPORT STORIES
For Every Sport Season
By HAROLD M. SHERMAN
Here’s an author who knows his sports from having played them.
Baseball, football, basketball, ice hockey, tennis, track—they’re all
the same to Harold M. Sherman. He puts the most thrilling moments of
these sports into his tales. Mr. Sherman is to-day’s most popular
writer of sport stories—all of which are crowded with action, suspense
and clean, vigorous fun.
The Home Run Series
Bases Full!
Hit by Pitcher
Safe!
Hit and Run
Double Play
Batter Up!
The Basketball Series
Mayfield’s Fighting Five
Get ’Em Mayfield
Shoot That Ball!
The Gridiron Series
Goal to Go
Hold That Line!
Touchdown
Block That Kick!
One Minute to Play
Fight ’Em, Big Three
The Ice Hockey Series
Flashing Steel
Flying Heels
Slashing Sticks
Other Stories of Sport and Adventure
The Land of Monsters
Beyond the Dog’s Nose
Cameron McBain Backwoodsman
Ding Palmer Air Detective
Don Rader, Trail Blazer
No. 44
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
WESTERN STORIES FOR BOYS
By JAMES CODY FERRIS
Each Volume Complete in Itself.
Thrilling tales of the great west, told primarily for boys but which
will be read by all who love mystery, rapid action, and adventures in
the great open spaces.
The Manly boys, Roy and Teddy, are the sons of an old ranchman, the
owner of many thousands of heads of cattle. The lads know how to ride,
how to shoot, and how to take care of themselves under any and all
circumstances.
The cowboys of the X Bar X Ranch are real cowboys, on the job when
required, but full of fun and daring—a bunch any reader will be
delighted to know.
THE X BAR X BOYS ON THE RANCH
THE X BAR X BOYS IN THUNDER CANYON
THE X BAR X BOYS ON WHIRLPOOL RIVER
THE X BAR X BOYS ON BIG BISON TRAIL
THE X BAR X BOYS AT THE ROUND-UP
THE X BAR X BOYS AT NUGGET CAMP
THE X BAR X BOYS AT RUSTLER’S GAP
THE X BAR X BOYS AT GRIZZLY PASS
THE X BAR X BOYS LOST IN THE ROCKIES
THE X BAR X BOYS RIDING FOR LIFE
THE X BAR X BOYS IN SMOKY VALLEY
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
BOOKS BY LEO EDWARDS
Illustrated. Every Volume Complete in Itself.
Hundreds of thousands of boys who laughed until their sides ached over
the weird and wonderful adventures of Jerry Todd and his gang demanded
that Leo Edwards, the author, give them more books with belt-bursting
laughs and creepy shivers. So he took Poppy Ott, Jerry Todd’s bosom
chum and created the Poppy Ott series. Now there are two more series,
The Andy Blake and the Trigger Berg—and if such a thing is
possible—they are even more full of fun and excitement than the Jerry
Todds.
THE JERRY TODD BOOKS
JERRY TODD AND THE WHISPERING MUMMY
JERRY TODD AND THE ROSE COLORED CAT
JERRY TODD AND THE OAK ISLAND TREASURE
JERRY TODD AND THE WALTZING HEN
JERRY TODD AND THE TALKING FROG
JERRY TODD AND THE PURRING EGG
JERRY TODD IN THE WHISPERING CAVE
JERRY TODD, PIRATE
JERRY TODD AND THE BOB-TAILED ELEPHANT
JERRY TODD, EDITOR-IN-GRIEF
JERRY TODD, CAVEMAN
THE POPPY OTT BOOKS
POPPY OTT AND THE STUTTERING PARROT
POPPY OTT AND THE SEVEN LEAGUE STILTS
POPPY OTT AND THE GALLOPING SNAIL
POPPY OTT’S PEDIGREED PICKLES
POPPY OTT AND THE FRECKLED GOLDFISH
POPPY OTT AND THE TITTERING TOTEM
POPPY OTT AND THE PRANCING PANCAKE
THE ANDY BLAKE BOOKS
ANDY BLAKE
ANDY BLAKE’S COMET COASTER
ANDY BLAKE’S SECRET SERVICE
ANDY BLAKE AND THE POT OF GOLD
THE TRIGGER BERG BOOKS
TRIGGER BERG AND THE TREASURE TREE
TRIGGER BERG AND 700 MOUSETRAPS
TRIGGER BERG AND THE SACRED PIG
THE TUFFY BEAN BOOKS
TUFFY BEAN’S PUPPY DAYS
TUFFY BEAN’S ONE RING CIRCUS
TUFFY BEAN AT FUNNY-BONE FARM
TUFFY BEAN AND THE LOST FORTUNE
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
THE WESTY MARTIN BOOKS
By PERCY KEESE FITZHUGH
Author of the Tom Slade and Roy Blakeley Books, Etc.
Illustrated. Every Volume Complete in Itself.
Westy Martin, known to every friend of Roy Blakeley, appears as the
hero of these adventures. As a scout in Bridgeboro and Temple Camp he
has learned the rudiments of scoutcraft. Now as an Eagle scout you can
follow him along new trails and among new adventures. How he became
the companion of an old trapper on a trip into the heart of the
Rockies, how he followed an old Indian trail, how he explored the vast
spaces of the old Sante Fe Trail, and later was plunged into the
dramatic events of the Mississippi flood, is told in these stories
teeming with action and thrills.
WESTY MARTIN
WESTY MARTIN IN THE YELLOWSTONE
WESTY MARTIN IN THE ROCKIES
WESTY MARTIN ON THE SANTE FE TRAIL
WESTY MARTIN ON THE OLD INDIAN TRAIL
WESTY MARTIN IN THE LAND OF THE PURPLE SAGE
WESTY MARTIN ON THE MISSISSIPPI
WESTY MARTIN IN THE SIERRAS
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
End of Project Gutenberg's Bobby Blake on a Plantation, by Frank A. Warner