Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1064) (1902 09)

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CoPYkion, 1881, By BeadLe & Apams. Published Every HAPPY HARRY, THE WILD BOY OF THE WOODS. BY OLL COOMES, AUTHOR OF “‘ LITTLE HURRICANE,” ‘‘ OLD SOLI- TARY,” “LITTLE TEXAS,” “EAGLE KIT,” ETO., ETO. CHAPTER I. HAPPY HARRY. In the depths of the trackless forest border- ing upon ke St. Clair, over half ‘a century ago, a score of birds held a concert or merry- making, one July afternoon. At least so it would have seemed to a casual observer, for never sung birds merrier than those assembled in that great, green oak. Birds of brilliant M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, (JAMES SULLIVAN, PRoPRIEToR), 379 Pearl Street, New York, = SADA AAS —— Seeremper, 1902. 10 Cents a Copy. $1.00 a Year, plumage, birds of somber ot 6 birds of sweetest song, and birds that could only twit- ter, were assembled there—hopping, ying olen and frolicking among the branches as thou the happiest creatures on earth. And at the same time, each one kept its eyes turned downward as if watching some thing or some person. And so it was. They were watching a human being—a boy who was seated upon a fallen tree-trunk regarding them with a glow of admiration in his blue eyes. A gun lay across his lap, and a large dog crouched at his feet. He was amusing him- self with the feathefed assembly above. When one sung, he whistled in exact imitation. He mimicked them all. He sung, twittered, and chirped as they did. He had called each one there by its own peculiar song, and it had come as if to greet a long-lost mate. Birds have almost a human sociability, and love the society of man more than any of the animal kind. There seems to be a mutual and sympathetic attraction existing between mankind and the birds of the air, And of this, the boy on the log was fully aware... He let Vie _ “HULL, MY LESTLE WALT, YOU ARE SAFE, THANK GOD!” SAID THE GIANT, ADVANCING TOWARD HIM, courted the society of his winged associates, He had been reared with them, as ib were, Ofttimes, when alone, he called them around him, through medium of his’ wonderful powers of imitation, and sung and whistled with them as though they were a band of rollicking boys, This youthful personage could not have been over sixteen years of age. His form was lithe and slender, yet it was easily seen that he was — as strong, wiry, and supple as a young panther. There was a fresh, healthful glow on his smooth brown face, and a twinkle of boyish mischief, combined with a spirit of adventure, in his so! blue eyes. And although he would scarcely draw a hundred pounds of avoirdupois, there was nothing effeminate about his sique or features; and stripped of that halo which radiated from the boy, he would not have been considered handsome. It was the expression of the face and the light of the eye that one would have admired. There was nothing deep or hid~ den in his looks. His was one of those good, honest, spirited souls that lay revealed upon the surface, Love of adventure was one of the most predominant traits of his character, com fo. U,

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2 Long Beard, the Giant Spy. bined with the many elements that go to make uy one of those odd, humorous, and jovial fel- lows often met with on the border and in the wilderness. A dimple lurked at each corner of “his mouth that seemed ready, at the least pro- vocation, to give way toa hearty laugh. Mis- chief cropped out on every feature, and the whole was slightly tinged with an expression bordering on the comical, to which a promfent Roman nose gave additional strength. The youth was dressed in buckskin pants and overshirt, which were ornamented around the knees, up the seams, and around the shoulders with a fringe of the same material. wore cocked back jauntily upon his head. He was armed with a rifle, a brace of pistols, andahunting-knife. A powder-horn and bullet- pouch hung at his side by means of a strap ssing over his shoulder and across his breast. pon the breech of his rifle was cut in rude characters the name— ; “Happy Harry.” -. The dog crouched at the youth’s feet was a i =ab. . larger in every respect than his master, an of prodigious strength. For fully an hour the youth sat amusing him- self with the birds that sported around him; but, growing tired of this, he arose and saun- tered away leisurely through the woods, his dog following at his heels; As he advanced the forest seemed to deepen around him, and the gloom to thicken. / “Great hornits, Belshazzar,” the lad sud- _denly exclaimed, addressing his dumb com- panion, ‘this here woods are gittin’ to be a | regler black wilderness; it is, for a sublime -fact. Sin wouldn’t breed here worth a cent, 80 we needn’t look fur sinners. there’s a red-skin within ten miles of us. But, kee = spirits, Shazzar; we'll soon reach St. Clair’s boomin’ shores, where the huge leviathan ae _ his dulcet lay to the luglubrious mud-tortle. } . We've had a tramp to-day all for nothin’, but » then, as we’re eternally and always on the go, wharfore’s the diierence? But come, Belshaz- gar; let’s amble along, my hearty, and mebby* we'll find somethin’ yet to take the melancholy out of your downcast spirits.” So saying, Happy Harry turned and resumed his journey through the woods, whistling a rightly air—apparently totally oblivious to é terrible fact that death and danger stalked - abroad in all the dark woods bordering on the Northern lakes—that thered-man prowled upon every hand in search of enemies, with a mur- derous intent in his heart—a murderous look upon hisdusky brow. He glided swiftly through the undergrowth and along the tangled mazes of the dense, dark thicket with the ease and familiarity of one whose life had been spent in threading the by ways of the wilderness. At the same time, however, he manifested none of that habitual precaution of the born frontiers- man in his movements. Indifference to un- known dangers was one of the youth’s modes | His careless | movements were not, however, unpremeditated; | within range escaped his keen, hawk-like | e searched every bush and thicket as | of guarding against that danger. nothin eyes. he advanced, and allowed nothing to give him undue excitement. in the lore of the woods. He knew every voice of the wilderness, and could interpret the mean- sing of every sound, even to the rustle of a mas) He was a natural student of ‘nature; | nothing escaped his eyes and ears; and from the most insignificant thing he could always pick a grain of knowledge. As the lad moved on his attention was sud- denly attracted by a low growl of his canine nd. ened his the dog of his tactics to avert it by a seeming He ceased whistling, but never slack- ace in the least. For all he knew ad warned him of danger; if was a ra eeegard of things around him. But, as he _* gontinued to advance, Belshazzar manifested lhe. be) a 9 ¥ greater uneasiness, and he finally concluded it ‘was best not to be too incautious. _. ‘What is it, Bell? what do you see?—hear? smell?” he said, stopping and turning to his dog. The dog uttered a low bark, and plunging on ahead, disappeared from sight. In a few moments, however, he came bounding back to his master’s side in no little excitement. ‘“Hoppin’ hornits! what’s up, Belshazzar? _ And munificent Moses! thar’s blood on your _ snozzle, thar is, for an awful fact.” | found To be certain, however, the boy examined the dog’s nose more Nery and, true enough, a slight stain of ood upon it. As ; was no scratch or abrasion from which bs Blood Surely somethi set out to investigate the matter. He ahead. The animal led bim al thicket, then stopped and and whining in vicious His feet | were incased in leather moccasins, and his head | covered with a three-cornered hat, which he | mastiff of the St. Bernard breed, consider- | | thrust his muzzle into the brown heap. | hand ! Don’t s’pose | | before him, he would have. believe He was thoroughly learned | | founded predickamint. weighted down with some green boughs cut from a neighboring bush. Happy Harry uttered a low whistle of sur- prise as he scrutinized the pile of dry leaves, that resembled a newly-made grave in its pro- ortions. Then he glanced carefully around im, through the thicket, into the tree-tops, as though he felt sure some one was watching him. But not a sign of life was visible any- where. The dog continued his sniffing around the } mound of leaves, now and then jumping back as - with affright, and uttering a low whining bark, ‘“Hoppin’ hornits, ‘Shazzar! what do you mean? What you treed thar, pup? a serpent? a sick bears or a red-skin? Which are it? Speak right out.” Rega did! barked the dog, scratching at the heap. “Great hoppin’ hornits!” burst. from his lips, as a human groan broke suddenly upon his ears. Then he gazed around him as if to see from whence came the sound. But all was silence and shadows. The presence of death could not have thrown more gloom around the youth than thatstrange cry. His eyes finally became fixed upon the heap of leaves before him. He spoke to his dog. The sagacious animal seemed to comprehend his very thoughts, and bounding agi he nan instant he withdrew it, and from the depths of the frail covering he drew. forth a human It was a small brown hand with taper- ing fingers and a wrist encircled by a hoop of gold—a woman’s hand beyond a doubt—a hand that was still warm and aquiver with life! CHAPTER. II. WHAT HARRY FOUND UNDER THE LEAVES. Happy Harry was completely dumfounded, and it was fully a minute before he could get his thoughts to work. And then, but for the | presence of blood on the little dusky hand, lying not and the green-headed frog warbles | so limp and yet so graceful on the pile of leaves that there was some movement on foot to entrap him. | But a low moan of agony, which could not have | been otherwise than the true expression of pain, | dispelled all feelings from his breast save deep- | est sympathy and kindness, and advancing to the leafy mound, he bent over it, and began carefully raking the leaves away. He soon came to'the form to which the hand belonged. It was that of an Indian girl. She was wrap- ped in a blanket, and, to all outward appear- ances was dead. “Hera, Bell,” the lad said to his dog, “ take hold and carry this gal out of these graveyard shadders.” He gathered the four corners of the blanket | together and placed them in the mouth of his dog. The powerful mastiff lifted the form of the maiden as easily as though she were a child. He carried her out of the thicket and some dis- tance through the. woods, when a grassy plot was pointed out to him by his master whereon to deposit his burden, which he did with almost human tenderness. Harry saw that the maiden was still bleeding rofusely from an ugly wound upon the head. She was totally insensible, but her wild, inco- herent mutterings gave evidence of returning consciousness, ‘Hoppin’ hornits!” exclaimed the boy, in apparent perplexity, ‘“‘here I am in a con- I’ve got an elephantee on my hands, | have fora mortal fact. And what the horned gallinippers am I goin’ to do with the kritter? And, what’s more, how came she here in this banged-up condition? She’s an Ottawa, and’s got a ’tarnal ugly jolt on the cerrebellum: but switched if she ar’n’t the prettiest little Ingin squaw I ever seen. She’s a royal diadem of a beauty. She’s jist exquisite, and I’m goin’ to do the fair thing by her, I am for a generous fact.” The maiden could not have beén over sixteen years of age, and for an Indian was decidedly retty, her face wearing a childlike simplicity. er neck and arms were loaded with costly jewelry, and a wreath of flowers girded her brow. But these, as was also her black hair, were covered with blood that oozed from the deep gash on her head. arry examined the nature and extent of her injuries, which he decided must have been in- flicted by the blow of a club or some heavy, blunt weapon. But who could be so heartless and cowardly as to strike a helpless girl down, he could not conceive, unless it was some resent- ful wretch of her own tribe whose love she had doubtless spurned, and who had resolved she should not favor another. The young borderman took the blanket from ; about her form, and running back to a. little stream he had recently crossed, dipped it into the water and returned to the maiden. He Weng sate of the cool liquid from the blanket upon her head and temples. He bathed her brow and washed the blood from her face and bands with all care and tenderness. stanched the flow of blood with some up md wy he nt from | Under these kind ministrations she appeared to recover rapidly. She finally opened her eyes, gazed around her, uttered a startled ery, and again appeared to sink into unconscious- ness. arry saw, however, that she had fully recovered her senses and was only affecting insensibility, doubtless through fear of him. “‘See here now,” he burst out, in an éxpos- tulating manner, “you needn’t play that on , me, Becky—I mean Lily-of-the-valley. ve + done the fair thing by you—me and the pup has—and now, if you could appreciate it, and condescend to open them black eyes and ad- dress us kindly, we’d be superbly tickled. Oh,i git out now! you needn’t try to look through yer half-open peepers. We're not fools, and y the horned gal inippers, we'll up and leave you here if you don’t recognize us as friends. Confound it! you're jest like all the girls.) You'd die ruther than do what I want ye to,; That’s feminine perversity out and out; it is,, for a scandalous fact.” The maiden did not understand a word he said, or else was determined not to stir from: her simulated insensible state; and after wait { ing a sufficient time for her to make up her mind in regard to the matter, he turned, called! his dog and started away. It was not his in. tention to deserf her entirely, for, as soon aa he was out of sight, he slipped back and took . position behind a tree where. he could watcb her. No sooner was the sly, terrified young girl assured. that she was alone, than her eyes opened and glanced quickly around. Then she arose to a sitting posture and felt of her head and the bandage upon it; then she attempted to rise to her feet, but failed. “You're purty weak yit, Lily-of-the-val- ley,” suddenly broke upon her ears, and Hap- py Harry stepped from his covert, with a mis- chievous smile upon his face; ‘‘ you’d better rest quiet an hour or so and you'll git stronger. har’s a monstrous big leak on your head, and the best part of the gal’s leaked away.” The maiden’s eyes sought the ground, and a look of petulancy overspread her face. She made no reply to Harry’s remarks. ‘Girl, have you got a tongue?” the lad asked, a little curtly. . “ It’d be a sublime satisfaction for me to know, it would, for an honest fact.” He repeated the question in the Ottawa dia- lect. : The maiden looked up. She touched her head, and in a feeble tone, said: ea the young pale-face has saved Eeleelah’s life. “Tm slightly conscious of havin’ done a, lit- tle for you by way of keepin’ you from the land of your forefathers; but how did you git hurt, Heleelah?” She shook her head, which act Harry accepted as a refusal to answer him. ‘Wal, it’s all right,” he moralized; “ them as has their sekrets can stick to’em. It makes no odds to me. It’s a monstrous queer world this is, for an embellished fact.” A low growl from his dog started him, and turning, he saw a man approaching at a lei- surely pace. He. was an entire stranger to the boy; moreover, he was dressed and painted as an indian: but Harry was too well versed in the movements of an Indian not to see that the new-comer was a white man in disguise. He was a young man, with a rather handsome face, a rakish air, and a dark-gray eye, that was not altogether pleasing to the critical mind of the young border-boy. But, concealing his dislike, he exclaimed, in a frank, open tone; “Hullo, here! Howdy, stranger?” “No reason to complain, sir,” oe ae the stranger, glancing at the youth, then at his dog; “‘but how’s this—that ornery-lookin’ big cur bite?” “Softly, gently, respectfully, stranger, speak of that dog,” replicd Harry, waving the man back. “That pup is sagacious—he’s sensitive, and all creation couldn’t stop him if be took a notion to masticate you. Hoppin’ hornits! that little critter has fainted away ag’in; she has, for a bitter fact.’ It was the girl of whom he now spoke. She had fallen prostrate in a swoon, and now lay like one dead, : ‘ ; “ Hullo! what you got there? <A sick Ingin, ar’n’t it? asked the stranger, a8 his eye fell upon the maiden’s form. i “Sick? why, sick’s no name for it. Some cowardly devil has nigh about bu’sted her head open, stranger. Thar’s an awful gash ‘on it and I’m afeard the poor pouns, thing will no see her way through. I found her out here in a thicket, cove’ with old leaves. But I'm goin’ to do my best for her, for she’s the purti- est Ingin I ever sot my eyes on. But, goky here, stranger, why are you trigged out likea bloody Ottawa?” ; : “T find it convenient to one’s scalp in this outlandish country,” responded the man, » “ Well, who be you?” ' * Abel Doyle; and you?” “Tm a royal young sap-sucker—a descendant — of the children of Adam, and am called Hapov Harry.” Pay ear ”

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Long Beard, the Gian “Don’t yeu know there’s a price on your head?” “Of course I do, for a clear fact.” * And do you know what for?” Doyle con- tinued. “To be sure I do,” responded Harry, seating himself on the ground, “T dare say you do not know.” ‘‘ Well, set down and Ill tell you all *bout it, Abel. You see, I used to live and flya kite up in northern Injianny, at a place called Gomor- rah. Thar was a log school-house thar; with long log benches that’d carry a dozen thinish- like boys. I war goin’ to school thar when the thing Measpeced. I war a real likely scholar, Abel, and could jist rattle off ‘incomprehensi- biliousness ’ without takin’ breath or battin’ my eyesonce cl’ar through. Id ’a’ bin a spankin’ good scholar if I’d kept on, and by this time I might ’a’ bin a preacher or a dancin’-master. But that little affair played the deuce. You see, Peggy Long war as sweet on me as a bee on clover, and I jist-despised the donged old thing. She was only ten years older’n me, and uglier than a bullfrog on a mud fence. She war al- ways stickin’ her ole nose in atwixt me and Sally Beems, and that made me hornit mad. And one day she up and slipped her gum, that she’d been wallerin’ atween her jaws for six months, into my hand, and said, with an ex- oon smile, that I might use it till recess. iz! it made me mad as a hoppin’ hornit; and so, when ole Peg went to recite her lesson, I basted her gaim on the bench whar she sot, and when she come back, down she dabbed her- self on it, and she had on her fap dress, too. But, things run along awhile, and nearly all the boys on my bench got to laftin’ and titter’n *bout Peg’s gum; then ole Bilkins, the teacher, ‘ gsee’d us, and you ort to’a’ hearn his long dog- wood stick rattle down off the joist. Whew! he swung the p’isen thing on high, and, oh, hornits! how ten coat-tails, all strung along nicely on the same seat, did flip up, as that ole dogwood warped down upon us. Some of the boys were studyin’ away like old philosophers, and wasn’t expecting the gad, but they got it, and I tell ye it h’isted ’em deliciously. ‘*When one boy on a bench that xi its to cuttin’ up, the rest might as well pitch in and have their little fun, too, for they’re sure to it their sheer of the dogwood. I never keered IT war in the middle‘or next to the teacher; |” but, Lord, Abel! was it ever ‘your ghastly mis- fortune to sit on other end of the bench and have a loose end of the switch hug right up till it'd hist a blister every warp? If you haven't, Thave, and Pll be hung if it don’t smart till a feller can see little rings floatin’ out of his eyes. Aside from the dogwood, Abel, a school- house is a dull place for me. I allers could sleep soundly in one, and even now the sight of one makes me drowsy. Somethin’ queer ’bout that, ar’n’t it, stranger?” “Tl admit it is,in your case at least,” re- plied Doyle, somewhat interested in the lad’s story; ‘‘ but you have lost the main thread of your story. You commenced to tell about the reward.” Well, yes, I war comin’ to that,” continued Harry. ‘‘ After ole Bilkins had given us boys a good bastin’, and regulated his system, he re- turned to his class. Hlevating his spectacles on his forehead, he bawled out: ‘“**Can any one tell me how the deestrict township of Gomorrah is hounded? “On the north by Pole-cat crick, south by Muskeetér swamp,’ squeaked Peg Long, bounc- in’ to her feet, when rip wert ber dress, The gum had stuck it, and snatched out a strip the hull length of the skirt. The boys began to iggle, the girls to titter behind their books, xz to ery, an’ ole Bilkins to champ his bits. Down rushed the old dogwood switch with a rash-ee-tee-swash, and then, in tones of thun- der, the culprit was called for. I had a notion to Jay it to Dicky Howes, but then I thought of Georgie Washington and his hatchet, and I riz to my feet and told the hull truth like a little man, thinkin’ it would induce ole Bilky to ease up on me. But, hoppin’ hornits! you’d ort to ’a’seen the cld tiger pant! He fairly danced, he war so mad. ‘I'll Varn ye,’ he whistled, as he let his glasses fall to the floor, and before he could pick ’em up, one of-the boys brushed ’efn aside with his toot, another icked ’em up and passed ’em to the next, and in two seconds they were on t’other side of the house on willy Seoters sees tsa you bet, Billy kept his big geography spread out well iefece his face and Sankod at us boys around the corners. But the loss of his g s ay ole Bilkins a mad fit. ‘Veneration,’ he yelled, like an Ojibway squaw, ‘you, Harry Wilde, will provoke me to your destruction, My blood’s b’ilin’ hot,’ enh b’lieved him, stran-, , fer I thought I could hear it blubberin’ his veins; and so I concluded_to make my- self rare in that place, and so out I jumped at a winder and away I went. And out bounced ilky, and away he started after me, I tell aes war fun a for ee one mae i See oO! s game legs go wal across the - meadow tee wheels out of dish. Even old - cern he jand I nearly killed myself laffin’, SPY: 5 Wal, I took to’rds the creek whar I knowed thar war a deep hole, and jist as I reached the bank I dodged ahind a big tree. In a minute the ole pettygog came tearin’ up like a whirl- wind and sweatin’ like a Turk.* He thought I'd dodged down into the water, or under the bank, and so he walked up and was leanin’ over lookin’ for me, when I slipped up behind him and dumped him into the water. “ It was mean in me, I know, but I done if to cool his blood. It'd ’a’ made a wooden man laff to’see him spout water. Oh, it war de-lightful, stranger, Bilky got out and—so did I. He swore out a s’arch-warrant, or some law thing, to have me arrested for murder, and so I jist come off out here to look around St. Clair awhile. And I understand Bilkins offers five dollars reward for my arrest.” “ Just so,” responded Doyle, with a tinge of sarcasm which Harry did not fail to detect. He had also noticed that, while he was relating his story—which was told more to throw Doyle off his guard than any other object— Doyle had kept a continual watch upon the motionless form of the Indian girl with mani- fest uneasiness. Harry aiso stole a glance now and then at the face of the maiden, and being situated so that he could see her features distinctly, he was: not a little surprised to see that she was only feigning unconsciousness, and watching Doyle through her half-open eyes. This led Harry to believe that the two were not strangers to each other, and in order to bring the matter to a point, he said: ** Stranger, I s’pose you know who that gal is, seein’ she’s an Ottawa and you a Huron.” “*T know nothing of the girl. The village of the Ottawas is far from that of the Hurons,” - S'pose, then, you're hunting down this way? ae Well, yes,” responded the man, with some hesitation. “That’s what we’re doin’—that’s me and Belshazzar. I tell you, Abel, that dog makes a strong old fight. You'd ort to see him handle the jugular of an Ottawa or—” “ Huron, I presume,” interrupted Doyle. ‘No, stranger} me and the Hurons are friends.” ‘You were, but are not now.” “And why not?” ‘ “You haven’t heard that the United States has declared war against Great Britain, and hostilities have opened, and that the Hurons have taken sides with the latter?” “Great hoppin’ hornits! it hinted before., But, munificent Moses! won’t it make times brisk? Of course you side with us, don’t you, stranger? “Do eae mean the American Republic?” “Weil, yes, seein’ we’re a fraction of the republic—American citizens.” “What organization do you represent?” “Why, stranger, you puzzle me. I don’t know that 1 represent any other than the ana- tomical organization of Happy Harry.” “My lad, I am inclined to doubt your word. Don’t you know something about an organiza- tion of doubtful character called the’ ‘ Fisher- men’s Union?” ° “Why, great hornits! how you talk, man! That ‘ Wishermen’s Union’ is nothin’ but a band of lake pirates that come over into the United States to steal, and then seek refuge under the English flag in Canada,” * Admitting that to be true, you haven’t an- swered my question, sir,” Doyle persisted. “T would be a fool to answer it if it were so,” was Harry’s swift rejoinder. “Look here, my boy; you, know more than you pretend. It’s not a schoolmaster’s reward that is on your head,” and Doyle glanced fur- tively at the youth, then at the inanimate form of Eeleelah, “Stranger, you _mustn’t insinuate; you do me injustice,” and Harry's face assumed a look of deep earnestness. With a contemptuous smile upon his painted face, Doyle rose to his feet, and turning, walked slowly and with massive tread away into the woods. Scarcely was his back turned ere Heleelah sprung to her feet, and, hurrying to Harry’s side, said, in the Ottawa dialect: ““Pale-face flee! He is a bad, wicked man. He will kill you, as he thought he had done me.” As the last word fell from her lips, she turned and hurried away as fast as her feeble strength would permit. Happy Harry was astounded by this turn of affairs and startling revelation. He glanced first after the girl, then after the renegade. He saw the latter suddenly stop, turn toward him and raise his right hand. He saw a a of urred his side ion of grief that seemed But ole | No! I never heard | | gone into camp. He seemed Birk ve of | situation?” a and fled into | been f a CHAPTER III. SURPRISES. THe shadows of night hung low and dark over the forest bordering on the western shore of Lake St. Clair. The sky was overcast with a dull, hazy mist. A damp, heavy wind stirred-_ the great oaks and pines into an ominous mur- mur. Not far away the surge of the heavy © waves could be heard breaking upon the rock- bound shore with a sullen boom. From afar off came the long howl of a welf, alternatin with the to-whit-to-who of an owl The di droning of nocturnal wings and the chirp of insects pervaded the night. Nature was enjoy- — ing a sweet repose, The mysterious voices in the wilderness were but the gentle breathings— of her great night-enshrouded bosom, Through the murky gloom came the twinkle of a light that burned almost under the falling spray of St. Clair’s breakers. It was a dim>= red light, appearing and disappearing at inter- vals as though it came from a building whose door was being opened and closed, his was, in a measure, the case. The bolle though was one of canvas, It was a small, conicak tent. The light was reflected from a lantern that hung inside the structure, which was built upon a little sand-bar projecting out into the waters of a narrow bay. Two persons occupied the tent. Both were J white men. The pw a man of fifty years, | was dressed in the suit of a borderman, which contrasted well with bis uncouth appearance, He was a low, heavy-set man, with cold, gray eyes and a bearded face that would not bear | the closest scrutiny. He was a jovial com- panion, however, and was admired.by hiscom- per for his whimsical humor and odd talk, e was armed with a rifle, pistols and knife. q This man answered to the name of Bill Muck- lewee. ou The other person was a young man of abouj ~ three and twenty years, and bore evidence of mental culture and refinement in both feature | and language. Of rather prepossessing general appearance, he was a little above medium hight, with a military bearing in his move- ~ ments, but nothing arrogant or haughty, for ~ his countenance was open and pleasant. He wore a long cloak, beneath which was the unjform of .a captain of the United States army. A sword bung at his side, while a pair of polished pistol-butts peeped from their re- ceptacle in his girdle. "4 ‘his man was Captain Robert Rankin. Inthe bay just back of their encampment a little sail-boat lay at rest on the waves. This was the ey gees of the young captain. All that day had he and his companion traveled upon the lake, going ashore only when dark- — ness set in, feeling entirely disposed torun the risks of the dangers of land rather than those | of a.night on rough waters, ' 4 Frome their conversation it was evident thab young Rankin was a stranger in. those “ and that Bill Mucklewee, the hunter and trap- — per, was acting in the capacity of guide to him, ” Although the old borderman had been first to advocate the idea of spending the night ashore, he could not rest easy after they had — ‘ danger and kept up a continual dodging in and Aa out of the tent to watch and listen. es ‘Wrieud guide,” said Rankin, “are younob | giving yourself undue trouble regarding our “You-can’t be too keerful, cap'n, in this | dashed Ingin country,” the trapper-guide re- sponded, . ‘‘ Thar’s been red-skins, as I’ve said before, in this vicinity within the last twenty- four hours, and they may ‘be around yet somewlhar.” “But I should think you were nearly ex~ hausted with the day’s joumney ; «Exhossted! Old’ Bill Mucllewee exhossted! Why, dash it to thunder, cap’n, do you take me for an old woman? Bless my eyes, iy hardly ’ve got wurmed up. I’m like an Hedberg stage-hoss; the longer I go the nim blerer I git. It takes at least twenty hours hard drivin’ to warm the j’int grease in my corporosity. But, cap’n, I never did take Ks water like a duck. It’s too confining. é

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4 a “riend guide, you live most of your time in the forest. You know little of what is going ‘on in the busy world, consequently you can have no idea of the important dispatches [am bonrer of to the good people of Laketown, as w il as all other points along the shores of St. Clair.” ** Indeed, cap’n?” * Yes, indeed; though I should not have said 60 much, even to my guide. But then I in- trust this much of my secret to you in con- fidence.” “It’s thar, cap’n buried deep,” replied the guide, laying his hand upon his breast. ‘I never go back on a friend, dashed if I do—but there—whist !” Something like the crack of a dry stick started them. Mucklewee rose to his feet, took up his rifle, and glided out into the night. In a few minutes he returned. ** Any discovery?” asked Rankin. ; “Not a dashed thing could I hear, see, or smell.” ' “Pm glad of it. I wouldn’t have an enemy hear what I told you for a fortune.” “No danger, bert, of an enemy hangin’ around here listenin’. lf thar’s any about, they'll not hesitate to bulge right in onto us like and dash off our hair in two twinks of a lightnin’-bolt.” “Tm afraid we're getting a little nervous, Bill, for want of refreshments,” said Captain Rankin, ‘‘so we may as well take our rations now as any time.” : ‘ He opened a small provision bag, from which he took some biscuits, cold meat, and a flask of brandy. Both fell to and made a hearty meal upon the cold viands, in the mean time dis- cussing the events of the day in a low tone. They had about concluded their repast when a soft step was heard without, and the next in- stant the flap door was thrust aside, and a head, in which was set a pair of gleaming eyes and a double row of white, glittering ' teeth, was protruded within the tent. It was the head of a great, shaggy beast. Its jaws were open, its red tongue protruding from _ the mouth from which the hot saliva was al- ' most streaming. It was panting as though ex- bausted from sheer exertions. “What in thunder is it, cap’n?’ questioned the borderman, drawing back as if with af- fright. f Mi : “You tell,” responded Rankin, grasping his revolver. “ Bow-wow-wow!” barked the animal in a _ | deep and thunderous tone that fairly shook the we ound. It seemed to have comprehended the ; wo men’s want of information. aa heavens, it’s a dog, Bill!” exclaimed Rankin. “Tt is, Pll be dashed to atoms} and what an if awful big kritter it is. But, cap’n, I'll sw’ar I __ %elieve it’s rantin’ mad.” 6 | ~*~ * Bow-wow!” barked the mastiff again, and _ he withdrew his head and disappeared in the gloom of night. i ie Rankin and the old borderman rose and went out. All was silence, but in a moment they | heard the patter of the dog’s feet coming back. : They waited his approach. He came running he) An them, in a friendly yet excited manner. barked softly. Herubbed around their feet and whined uneasily; then he bounded away again into the w . In a few moments he came back and went through the same maneu- '_ vers and disappeared as before. He-went in the game direction every time—going entirely be- yon‘ their hearing. yf “ Well, what the mystery does it mean, any- how?’ Rankin asked, somewhat puzzled. “Pll be dashed to thunder if I can tell ye,” _ Mucklewee answered, not a little surprised him- self. “* Pd like to understand it.” Asif in answer to Rankin’s remarks, a sound resembling a cry of distress came to their ears. “Dash it, cap’n! sumthin’s up, sure as death “somebody is in trouble! That dog’s got a sight of human Se ene Rankin. He wants ; help—help for his master. Here he comes in. etre enough; the pattering footsteps of the _ dog were heard approaching again, and in a - moment he was fondling around them, whining - with an eager, kindimpatience. When he started off again, Rankin said: | Let's try and follow him up, Bill. He don’t » go far.” '~ “Nuff said—here goes.” They set off after the animal, and had gone _ -but a little way, when that cry of distress was . again heard, ashort distance before them. _ ___ **Oh, hoppin’ hornits! hor-nits! b’nts!” wailed the unknown sufferer. ‘ ; what's the matter? out in a partially subdued -. “Glory! glory!” was the glad response. Acoli hats Kha matter, I ay?” again demanded ‘2 great hornits! I’m dead, stra i as a door I for a og Wo be SS | | want help?’ demanded Mucklewee, and the | two men advanced to the side of the pros- trate sufferer, whose voice denoted his youtb- fulness plagued unlucky world,” was the respouse. ‘I’ve been shot by a ’tarnal villain that Vl foller to purgatory that I may haunt him, I will for a burning fact. Yes, strangers, I’m down flaton my back. The yampire brought me flat, and if it hadn’t been for Belshazzar, my noble ole dog, the wolves’d had me sand- wiched long afore this.” ‘“Who are you? and what are you doing here?” queried Captain Rankin. ““Y'm Happy Harry, the Wild Boy of the Woods, stranger; but if ever there was an un- happy young devil, it’s me. The varlet’s shot was a bunglin’ thing—it only carried away one side of my head. How much nicer I'd feel if it had been plum-center—took my hull sum- mit off, smack and smooth.” ‘My lad, let us help you to our tent, and we'll see what can be done to alleviate your suffering,” said Rankin. “Do so, strangers, and if thar is sich a thing as speakin’ a good word for another in heaven, Pll not forgit you fellers, if I go that way. I | know a feller can’t live long with one side of his head off.” Mucklewee advanced, and stooping over the youth took bold of his shoulder to raise him up, when Belshazzar uttered a growl,.and mani- fested a disposition to object to the guide’s lib- erty with his,young master. “See here, boy, make that ole grizzly growler subside, or I’ll let you drap,” said Mucklewee. “Tt’s all right, Belshazzar,” the youth said, addressing his dog. ‘‘ Don’t take on, ole pard, and mebby we'll git patched up so’s we can rate a while longer: Stranger”—addressin ucklewee—“‘ jist git me up onto my feet an let me lean on you, and then I guess I can walk. I’m lopped-sided as thunder, on account of tother half of me bein’ gone. Yes, strangers, the hull section of my head war blown to atoms. Oh, hornits! it war a miserable, bunghn’ shot friends. I could ’a’ done better with my hull head blown off, I could fora fact—ouch! here we Balan en strangers.” “Thar ar’n’t more’n enuff of ye to make a good wolf-bait, boy,” Mucklewee said, as he started toward the tent, half-carrying, halt- dragging the young borderman along. ‘Pm no great shakes, stranger, for heft,” Harry replied; ‘‘ I never war, even when I had tvother half of my head, and ten gallons-of blood that’s leaked away.” ‘Dashed if you mustn’t be about dry then, if you’ve lost sich a power of claret.” “Dry? why thar isn’t a drop of blood in me. Every grain’s been pumped out, and I’m as good as dead, am for a fact.” Mucklewee laughed a dry sort of laugh, which was evidence of his disbelief of the youth being seriously hurt. It was so dark that they could not ascertain the extent of his injuries, although they were satisfied that his suffering greatly magnified the fact. How- ever; they moved slowly on and finally reached the tent. The lad was laid upon a_ blanket and the light brought down and held so as to fallupon his head. There was blood upon his face and neck and upon his hands and in his hair, but to their happy surprise they found that he had merely sustained a flesh-wound across the skull. It was sufficient, however, to cause great pain and loss of blood, and there was no doubt in the minds of the men but that the boy believed one side of his head was gone. Captain Rankin made the examination and reported: the nature of the wound. Harry seemed wonderfully cheered and strengthened by the good news. “ Hoppin’ hornits!” he exclaimed, rising easily to a sitting posture. ‘T thought I was killed, stranger. I was sure the hull side of my head was blown off by that bunglin’, jackass shot. It’s queer how one’s feelin’s will effect the imagination, ar’n’t it?’ ; “Tt seems to be the case with you, at least; but was it an Indian or white man that at- tempted your life?” : “Tt war awhite red-skin, stranger, and a ornery thief he war. Aman that couldn’t make a better shot than that is no business in this eountry. But I tell ye, I see’d stars and little rings about the time the bullet waltzed through my hair, and over I keeled, as superbly as you please. And I expect if it hadn't been for Bel- shazzar the fool ’d’a’ scalped me. I’ve laid out thar ever since four o’clock, or thereabouts, and that valiant old dog has stood over me. Oh, I Mace ye, he’s a noble brute, and sich strength— whew lewee, inclined to jest with the boy. “Ugly? Great hoppin’ hornits, stranger! ou’ teeth into your breathin’ arrangemints. monsterous told me that ‘* Well, I don’t know as help will do me much | good, strangers, unless you help me out of this | “He’s a dashed ugly old brute,” said Muck- ink he war ugly if he war to sock his @ alers feels with a vengeance for a red-skin’s fpeier, he does for dead fact, But, friends, Long Beara, the Giant Spy. Happy et vid of Bectonted 30 the a | lieve I'll escort myself out to the water and di in. Once cleaned up, you can see what I loo! like. I’m no great shakes for beauty, but I am purty good with arifle. Ican bring a deer, wing a bird, or bark a squirrel furder’n any other man on old St. Clair’s howlin’ shores,” “You can’t do it, friend Harry,” replied Mucklewee, ‘‘and [ll stake my moccasins on that.” ‘“‘Shake on that, Mucklewee,” said the youth, extending his band; ‘‘ andsoon as mornin’ comes we'll test the matter.” “Cap’n Rankin, you hear that?” cried the guide. eT dow? The youth turned and walked out of the tent, followed by bis faithful canine companion. “Rankin,” said Mucklewee, and bis voice fell to a husky whisper, ‘‘ that boy’s been fool- in’ us. He knowed he wer’n’t hart bad, and jist like as any way hurt himself on purpose. e’s a spy on our movements, dashed if I won’t bet on it. He'll bear watchin’. H:’s gone out, mebbe to run off with our boat. Dashed if he ar’n’t a sharper if be is a brat of a boy. But he’s older and knows more’n one’d think. And that dog—dashed if he isn’t a trained brute, I never—” ‘*Great hoppin’ hornits!” exclaimed the boy, dasbing suddenly into the tent; ‘friends, do you know you're in an all-fired pre: icament?” Both men started to their feet, for they saw that Happy Harry was excited. ‘““What’s the matter, Jad?’ questioned Ran- kin. ‘““Why, great hornits, man, you’re in a trap! Yow re afloat on Lake St. Clair with a dozen bloody savages |” CHAPTER IV. LONG BEARD. “ ANOTHER sell by that ’tarnal little imp,” ex- claimed Mucklewee, as he started toward the door of the tent; but, Rankin was convinced that there was something wrong, else the boy was the most perfect actor he had ever met. The captain followed the guide out, and to his horror found that the youth had told the truth. The little sand-bar upon which they had pitched their tent bad actually detached its from the shore and was floating out into the bay! Toadd still more to the horrors and peril of the situation, our friends saw half a dozen savages scrambling out of the water up on the floating raft. In an instant it flashed through the mind of Happy Harry that Rankin and bis guide had, by some means or other, got themselves into a well-concealed trap. He saw that the sup- posed sand-bar was nothing more than a raft covered with sand and gravel, and joined to the main shore so artfully that one less skillful than Bill Mucklewee was supposed to be would never have detected the cunning arrangement. Moreover, it was dark when sney landed, else they might have discovered that the little sand- bar was not a natural one; and, as there was no action of the water in the bay, the raft lay perfectly motionless, doubtless held by props under it in the water. The trap was, in all probability, sect for these two persons, but it was a mystery to Harry hew the savages had anticipated the intended camping spot of the travelers so well; for the men knew not where they would camp ten minutes before they pitched their tent on the bar. There was something certainly remark- able about it; but there was no time for con- jectures or idle words new. A conflict was at hand—a bloody hand-to-hand encounter. Happy’ Harry gave utterance to a cry so much Mike that of a terrified eagle that Rankin inyoluntarily turned to him with a sudden start, The next instant the youth drew his pistols, and, boundin, forward, opened the attle. The report of his weapons followed each other in quick succession. Belshazzar was close at his master’s side, and in an instant was at a red-skin’s throat, : a ts now rose the tumult of battle upon the night. he cunning red-skins, seven in number, had, by this time, all gained the top of the raft, But they had evidently met one not calculated upon—in fact, two of them—Harry and his dog. The raft had, by this time, drifted out into the misty moonlight, thereby enabling the foe to see where an upon whom to direct their blows. Mucklewee and Rankin became engaged with the tent. savages were entirely nude, with the exception of their loin-cloths, Clubs were their only weapons, which was further evidence that they had calculated upon an easy victory. They tag sree to concentrate their main force against kin, as though his uniform was in- centive to the deadliest vengeance. But the captain was a trained and skillful man, and with his sword held them well at bay. _ pee and his dog soon eir three ssistat four ag tenes on the opposite side of, v

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q- ‘ — Long Beard, the Giant Spy: 5 lively upon the tufted skulls of the warriors. By a flank movement the captain was finally brought down, and two of the warriors seemed intent upon taking bim alive, and would, doubt- less, have succeeded, had it not been for the quick blows of Harry’s club and the rending teeth of Belshazzar. While engaged in liberating Rankin, a figure rushed suddenly upon our hero with a horrible imprecation upon bis lips, but the youth greeted him with a blow that sent him reeling over- board into the water. But it was not until it was too late that he discovered he had commit- ted an irreparable blunder—that it was Muck- lewee, the guide, he had struck. He regretted the act, but felt justified, for the reason that in the excitement of the moment Mucklewee was rushing upon him with deadly intent, no doubé mistaking him for an enemy. : By this time but three savages were: left to contend with, and one of these Harry soon knocked overboard. Another was struggling hand-to-hand with the young soldier, while the third, seeing the havoc made in their ranks by Harry’s club, rushed upon the youth and grap- pled him. Together they rolled on the raft in deadly conflict. The savage was far the heavier and stouter, but Harry was the more skillful, and proved as difficult to handle as an eel. The youth’s club being of no further use to him now, he dropped it and endeavored to draw bis knife. But this he was unabie todo, for the savage’s arms in a measure pinioned his. His move- ments were also somewhat bampered by his rifle, which was hung at his back, but, despite these disadvantages, he fought like a young tiger, giving the red-skin all be wanted to do in the hand-to-hand grapple. Finally the lad saw that the red-skin’s weight was an advantage he could not overcome, and that he must endeavor to free himself, while strength remained, from the powerful arms of the savage. He threw all his strength into a single effort, but without success, The limbs of the foe were like welded bands of steel. They whirled to and fro across the raft in rapid evolutions. Harry squirmed and wrig- gled like a serpent, at the same time shouting defiance in the ear of his antagonist. ‘ At length they struggled to their feet and went spinning away across the raft and fell overboard. Both sunk from view, but they soon appeared at the surface again, struggling * all the fiercer now that the water was contend- ing for the victory over both. They fought in silence—that is, no word escaped their Jips, for they found it prudent to keep their mouths shut and the water from their lungs. Their flying limbs beat and churned the water into .a foam. Suddenly a loud, deep bark rung out, and was succeeded by a plunge. It was the dog, Belshazzar, who, seeming to comprehend the perilous situation of his master, bounded to his assistance. Nor. was the faithful animal a moment too soon. _Happy Harry was almost exhausted when the dog swam up arid seized the red-skin by the throat, ending the conflict jn_a short time. oe himself abové water as well as he could in his almost breathless condifion, until Belshazzar had dispatched the warrior, he then grasped the dog by the tail and was towed ashore. Both dog and master were quite exhausted when they reached the bank, and crawling ont of the water they threw themselves upon the beach for a moment’s rest. Harry now glanced out over the bay. He could see the raft and the two forms strug- gling in their death-throes upon it. The water in the bay was still, but at the same time there was a natural inclination of the current lake- ward and the raft gradually drifted down the bay until it reached the lake, when it soon was whirled by the current out on the bosom of the watery expanse, “Great bald-faced hornits, ’Shazzar!” ex- claimed young Harry, “there goes that poor oung captain to destruction, and we unable to lp him. But we’ve done our duty, Bell; we done all we could until we war teetotally discombobarated. We're tired and wet as mops. It’s a damper on us, old friend, and all because we're so unfortunate as to be Lt i It always did seem to me that boys war the most perse- -euted set of critters that ever war inflicted on the world. And yet one can’t jump out of boy- hood into manhood; things hey got to take their naturai course. Now, if we'd been gals, Bell, we'd not be here to-night, but tucked away somewhar in a quiet nest of feathers and quilts. But what’s the use to lament? a boy’s. a boy, rr we can’t make anything else out of him. i we enjoy all this as only boys can enjoy fun. ut poor Rankin! TI hope he'll get through all right with that red-skin, _I want to tell him sumthin’—sumthin’ that he’d never have suspected, old doz. They say boys have _alers got their noses into other e's ‘susiness, and know more’n they ort to; but, ’Shazzar, a F 8 got to know a heap oy Bal Ai through 3 unt tarve\ari nd but they didn’t hel he captain. him to a knowledge of one thing—that is, of the border and its characters. If they only had, he’d not been trapped by a traitor!” Belshazzar raised his eyes and gazed at the face of bis young master as though he fully comprebended his words. “Yes, Bell,” continued the lad, “that man Mucklewee war a condemned traitor to Rankin, he was, for a cruel fact. {[t war bim that had the trap arranged for the captain’s reception. But, hoppin’ hornits, ’Shaz, I give the low-browed wretch a jolt across the organum that sent him to water. I don’t know whether he got out or not—nor I don’t care; but I do know he is a black-hearted trai— Ah! now, Belshazzar, what is it, old pard?”’ The dog started up with a low growl toward the woods. The massive tread of a foot sounded near, and a moment later Happy Harry saw the giant figure of a white man appear from the dense shadows of the undergrowth. ‘Great hoppin’ hornits and glory!” shouted the youth, springing to his feet and advancing toward the intruder, “it is my big friend—my dear friend, Long Beard; it is, for a living fact!” pa CHAPTER V. THE LAKE SCUD. Tue man that stood before our young friend was full seven feet in hight, and in the night appeared taller. He was built in proportion to his stature, with great muscular arms, swelling chest and massive form, to which a tremendous beard, reaching far down upon his breast, gave additional strength. But it was snow- white. He was dressed in a suit half-civilized and half-savage, which gave his powerful form a formidable appearance. Fifty years had de- tracted nothing from his OP bee manhoed, while his venerable beard and hair gave to him an air of wisdom and mental ripeness. He was armed with a long ‘Kentucky ” rifle, a brace of pistols and a hunting-knife; and as he appeared upon the beach he droppe: the butt of his rifle to the ground, and, crossing his hands over the muzzle, gazed around him and at Harry and bis dog in silent astonish- ment. He knew the Wild Boy of the Woods, and was astonished to see him there in the plight he was ins They had met before and 1ad spent days together, but always in the forest.. But neither dne knew aught of the other’s habitation, nor of his life beyond their first meeting in the wild-wood. It is true, Harry bad heard something of a reputed giant, called Long Beard, that frequented the forest bordering -on St. Clair, but as there are always so many stories prevalent on the border, of mysterious giants, avengers and spirits, he gave no credence to the report until he actually met the long bearded man himself. Belshazzar growled fiercely and seemed in- clined to arrest the man’s further advance, but his master bade him be quiet, and he again laid down. . Seeing the giant did not reply to his greeting, Harry said: i “Tong Beard, I am monstercusly Happy to meet you. lam for a golden fact.” “Why, Harry, my little fellow, are you lost? are you in trouble?” the giant asked, in a deep, measured tone, ‘Me lost! hoppin’ hornits, no, gineral. But I’m wet—soakin’ wet—me and Bell are. We've had the gol-awfulest, bloodiest, wiek- edest fight that ever took place on St, Clair’s shores.” “Indeed! I thought TI heard a fearful racket | off hereaways,” Long Beard said, with that | same deep, measured tone; ‘‘ but are you hurt, my boy? ‘*‘Wuss than that, Big Beard, I’m tetotally tuckered out, demoralized. was never so tired in all my life. I’m soakin’ wet, and never felt so ornery in my life. But Je-whiz, we had « magnificent fight—me and Bell and the boys. It was superb, the way we reeled the red-skins off onto the Hiya black skein of eternity. I tell ye, them Spartan fellers we redd about doin’ such big fightin’ at—at Trigo- nometry couldn’t hold a candle to us. But, Long Whiskers,” and his voice fell to a serious tone, ‘‘ I’m afraid one of the boys went under, while the other ort to’a’ died afore his mother war born,” “Why, Harry?’ } “He war a pusillanimous, unrectified traitor, and betrayed his friend—a splendid young man with sojer clothes on.” “Harry, come with me; I‘want to know more about this affair. My boat lies off north of here. I will make.a fire in the cabin, and while you are drying your clothes you can tell me of your day’s adventure,” “Mhat’s fair, dogged if it arn’t, Big Beard, and I guess I'l! accept of your hospitality ; forl don’t feel any too much like laying around loose ht. Times are revivin’, gineral; I guess to-nig thar’s goin’ to be war, sure enough.” Sh wart”, ex: sinjed. Long’ Beary Sydientiy pon tne Jad as | C | once. ve had mere’ c pola boy. end Lord 4 “Why, hoppin’ hornits, general, haven't you erst the war ‘twixt this country and Eng- land? ‘7 have not, Harry.” ‘‘ Well, neither have I, gineral; but I guess: they'll arrange things for a high old squabble of a war, if they can agree on it.” A faint smile stirred the placid calmness of the giant’s face, and he said: “Come on, Harry, you will take cold in these wet clothes.” The youth and his dog followed him some dis- tance along the shore, when they came to whera the little schooner, rigged with sails, was tied up in a cove or bay. They went aboard, 116 boat was unfastened, sail heisted, when the lit- tle craft glided out of the bay into the lake and sped away over its bosom. The craft was about twenty feet in length by eight in width. Forward was a little cabin (x tending from the hatchway to about three feet above the deck. From the cabin to the rear extremity of the boat extended a long pole, ar beam, parallel with the deck, and about tvo feet above it. It was attached to an upright post aft, but of what use it could be Barry could not imagine. Long Beard conducted Harry and his ¢op + Wy down into the cabin, when he at once struck a fire on the elevated stone hearth in the apart ment. The smoke and heat escaped through an opening in the roof. The lad removed his outer garments and hung them around the fire to dry, substituting a — blanket furnished by the giant in their place, He next turned his attention to his fire-arns. — He drew the charge from his rifle and wiped the barrel dry. The contents of his powder- | horn were perfectly dry, but those of his bullet- pouch were thoroughly soaked, but. not mate- rially damaged. Meanwhile an animated conversation had been carried on between the man and boy, “ve been in many predicaments, Big Beard,” the youth finally said, when they touched uy on the subject, ‘‘but this one to-night was the nastiest one I ever got into, Shazaar thar will havea spell of the creup.” “How many savages boarded the raft?” “Seven; and they fit like secreech-owl. But come down to the fine thing of it, we bed” eight enemies to contend with. As I said be fore, the feller Mucklewee was a traitor. Hi who they were, and sot to work thinkin’ ap some caper to play ’em to git inside their tir, I soon got it. I let on that I was dead, and sent Belshazzar after help to their tent. He understood a thing or two, gineral. derful knowin’ dog, he is, for a square’ far and when I’m hart, he’ll cut right out for le or it I'll let him, he'll just pick mo right np tra carry me anywhere. He’s stout as # lim, governor, he is for a loud fact. Lrode om lik back one whole day the time I got my 10oF hurt, and he never minded it a bit. was goin’ to say, 1 sent bim to them feliay tent, and after repeated trials, he brought them — up to where I Jaid, all covered with blood tive that cut across my head, whar a blunder’ fool grazed me with a bullet awhile befiiey The men kindly helped me down to their tént, ish. “Very likely, Harry,” replied Long Bec reflectively. (ie “And great hoppin’ hornits! wouldn’t 5 though be proper glad toknow how he come «ut of the fight. I'm afeard he went uncer, p< cr feller! But then it’s some consolation to knov ; we've all got todie. What puzzles me is } a Ihave ped so long. I’m a reg’lar walkin? misfortune. My first misfortune was bon born at all, and the Lord only knows Icy Pve had it up hill, ever since. ar’s not Jj enous in me to stand hard knocks. Vd 3 anything if I had as boomin’ big’ enatemy ou; and hornits! don’t I wish l had a fist’: foot like you? They’d stand me many p<« turns, they would for a solid fact. A Te wouldn’t bave fo plant the foot cn an Iny! base, or shove the fist into pg reelares noceo I’m afraid Bel-) 7] Hesawncre 98 But 1s if) 5

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6 pS i eis Ninian SS seo tan’t die happy till he wagon-whips me. Reckon you never heard of him, did you, Big Beard?” “7 think not,” replied Long Beard. ““Well, he war a caution to all that’s mean | and stingy—why, stingy is no name forit. He Was so awful, owdacious hoggish that he’d dive to the bottom of St. Clair to take a chaw to- ’ accor, for fear some one’d ask him for a chaw. He’s been known to try to jug up sunshine to use at night to save candles, and a lot other sich mean things. But the meanest he ever } done was at Deer Creek school-house, one Sun- | day. There was meeting there, and old Phin ' Blume went down. After the preacher had got through, Deacon Podge went around among the | Congregaticn, takin’ subscription for the benefit | of the minister. Everybody give a little sum- thin’, if it wasn’t more’n a chaw tobaccor, but ' old Blume. He didn’t give a mite; however, the deacon said nothin’ and handed over his cadet to the preacher, who sorted out the ifferent things and put ’em in his pockets, took afresh quid of tobaccor, and then said. ‘The i Lord loves a cheerful giver, but despises the | stingy miser.’ What should old Blume do jist | as soon as he got out but swear that the preach- t er meant him when he spoke ’bout the miser? i “He went off home a-rantin and a-ravin’, _ and cussin’ and swearin’. He declared he’d | break up the next meetin’ they had there or overturn the brimstone diggin’s; but nobody believed him, and so the thing dropped there. ' But the very next meeting at Deer Creek, _ * Phineas Blume actually combed his hair, washed his face, and changed his moccasins, and come - to meetin’, and took a seat in a back corner b hisself. I see’d somethin’ mean lurkin’ in his eyes, and knowed he meant business, I see’d he had somethin’ kivered under his. wamus- tail, and s’posed it war his old moccasins he war goin’ to donate to the preacher when the hat was passed sround. ell, the preacher sung his song, prayed his prayer, and give out his text, which I'll never forgit. It war: - ‘Above all, taking the shield of faith, where- ne with ye shall be able to quench all the fiery ' darts of the wicked.’ : “a “Tsee’d ole Blume smile when he read this - off, and give his wamus-taila hitch. But the ie eher went into it, and just raked it down. ; \ hornits! how he pitched into the wicked; Ee and I guess old Blume war the only mean sin- _ mnerin the house. It made him squirm, I tell s en, ea as though a fiery dart was rankling in " old heart. But all the time I kept one eye _ onhis face, and I could see forty devils were durkin’ in that satanic smile, which be tried to _ make folks believe war piety. Wal, things run along smoothly for awhile, and the minister war rantin’ bout the fiery darts of the wicked, when, all of a sudden, he clapped his hands to - ose, and uttered a word that came mighty bein’ a cuss word. B’isness was suspended for awhile, and everybody became clamorous to _ know what the matter war—everybody but ole Blume. He jist reclined there in the corner, _ smilin’ away as calm and placid as an angel. ' But things soon got settled when the preacher said it wa’n’t nothin’ but a stray yaller jacket that had come in through the open winder and stung him on ‘the nose. So he went into it again on the ‘darts of the wicked’ with re- newed vigor. Things went along svimmingly _ for awhile, when all at once ole Mrs. Trott gave a fearful scream and begun clawin’ at \p hair like mad. Preachin’ was suspended Her , and sister Trott’s ills inquired after. HA said sumthin’ had prodded her on the / head with a sharp instrument, and while she was fuming about it, brother Sharp let slip, - unthoughtedly, the plumpest little oath you mostéver heard a good man use, and it come out kind o’ natural, too. He said sumthin’ had ked him on the upper lip, and nigh about d him. The next minute old uncle Jerry Finch got a thrust in the ear that bounced him ' ‘clear off bisseat. Then it wa’n’t but a little | __-while till Mirandy Brookover got a drive on the | Ieft cheek that made the old maid’s tongue flut- - ter like an ague chill. Next follered aunt Jane Ann Stump, an awful old termagant, who got an owdacious pop above the eye that knocked her a-fiukin’, heels over head off thé bench. sail yet no one knew from where all this Viltry came from; but when ole Blume smil- Sealy sugzested that it might be the ‘ fiery darts e wicked,’ I suspected something, and kept ap eg on that ole galvanized sinner—I did for And now what do you suppose I dis- red, Long Beard?” “ Couldn’t imagine, Harry,” replied the giant, his bearded face aglow with a smile. __ “Pl tell you: I diskiveréd that that ornery ole sneak had « hornit’s nest under hiswamus ! see now why he’d set down ina dark corner; it wasso’s that the insects would poll ont for r dg el ass6oon as they got out, and wouldn’t KS) ’ i ti Ay - s im. It beat me, it did, for a fact; and : I could tell on him, things ‘ot quiet, and preacher went on with hist s! darts of the _ wicked.’ But I kept a sly watch on ole Blume, and all 4 ee Beate te prio, Ma ieee hen out po! mee big hornits, and awa: hey t around the roare a-buzzin’, ch it tn for vicakes Jake slicker’n lightnin seein’ ole Squire Fipps sinkin’ into a. gentle doze, descended on gauzy wing and slipped its javelin into his under lip. Lord! it made the old feller fairly ‘ sizz.’ tuings to a close. Then they all riz to sing the dockology, you’d ort to see’d’em folks as had been stung. I had to snicker right out, and that old hulk of a Blume kept his head down, and his eyes closed, while he sung away as though he war the most innocent lainb in the flock. The preacher’s nose was all swelled up, till it glistened like the top of his bald head. He had to tip-toe to see over his probuse Bro- ther Sbarp’s upper lip had swelled till it pro- jected like a water-shed, while the under lip of Squire Fipps pouted out like the lips of a mo- therless colt. Mirandy Brookover’s cheek puffed out like a stuffed toad, and shoved the corner of her mouth away down to her chin. Jane Ann Stump’s eye kad swelled shet, but the other ’n’ done business for both, but it looked lonely over at the men’s side. Jerry Finch’s ear was so big that it made bim lop-sided, it did, for a fact. Altogether, gove’nor, it was the sorriest and most laffable sight ever see’d. And you'd ort to ’a’ hearn them martyrs sing! Great ornits! they roared as if for all. that was out. Mirandy Brookover swelled so long on the up- ward scale that she like to never got her breath again. But, Big Beard, right in the middle of that dockology, what did that p’izen ole Blume do but jerk out that whole hornit-nest and throw it over in the middle of the house! Yes, it’s a burnin’ fact, he did do that very thing, pt ae may bet nobody waited far the ‘amen,’ but husseled out of that house like sixty. I got one awful sting. The gosh-oned thing launched its harpoon right slap into my face, and, oh, but I swore vengeance on that demon, Blume! I war detarmined to be even with him, and, Big Beard, you may bet I did; and now I'll tell you | Dream- | how I done it—now, now, Belshazzar! in’ of Ingins?” S The dog started up, with a low growl, and turned toward the door of the cabin. Harry arose, opened the door and gazed out. A ery burst from his lips. “‘ Great hoppin’ hornits, Big Beard! The Old Scratch is to pay!—a dozen piratical demons have boarded our schooner !” CHAPTER VI. LONG BEARD'’S SWEEPSTAKE. THE reply that Long Beard made to Happy | Harry’s startling announcement was calm and indifferent. soft tread of a lion, advanced to the door of the cabin, and gazed out. True enough, he dis- covered a dozen forms, most of which he saw were savages,’ standing aft. Alongside the schooner lay their canoes, ~ “The shadowy imps! they must think [m | asleep. They have come to their death, or—” “ Or to ours, one’r tother,” interrupted Harry. ‘Tt jist seems as though the yarmints war de- termined on exterminatin’ me.” “You must be a thorn in their sides, Harry,” the giant quietly remarked. “A thorn? gréit hoppin’ hornits! if I ever git through this night, I’m goin’ to turn toa con- tagion and spread through the Ingin country, and smite the red vagrants hip and thigh. I will, for a bloody fact.” “You need have no fear of getting into | trouble on this craft, wih Those savages meant to trap us, but they’ll be trapped. There, one of them is coming this way to reconnoiter, no doubt. As soon as he finds the door is closed they'll make.an attack. But the moment they start this way, I propose to sweep the deck. Now, you keep an ‘eye on that one crawling this way.” Harry was not a little surprised at the giant’s calm self-assurance, and wondered wherein he possessed the power to ities declared he would. ® The youth kept hiseyes on the advancing savage through an opening in the door. The wily red-man crept softly to- ward the cabin and paused at the head of the steps, and gazed at the door a moment, then turned and crept softly back to his comrades. They held a momentary consultation, then all together started toward the cabin, ** Now look ont, Harry!” cried the giant. | The boat was gliding along steadily, her sails drawn taut and full; butscarcely had the giant’s words of caution fallen from bis lips, ere the boat seemed to reel like a drunken man—turn almost at a right angle, and so suddenly, it came nigh upsetting. Simultaneous with this change of course, the long beam hitherto men- tioned swept suddenly and violently ‘around, like a mighty arm, and knocked every savage, heels over head, into the lake. “Gemently hornits!”. exclaimed Happ: Harry, completely astonished. every savage is.gone a-flukin’ overboard. Gra- cious! what's it mean?” A low laugh escaped the giant’s lips. “Tt cleared the deck, did it?’ he asked. “Cleared the deck? Why, that’s,no name for it. That pole just swang around like a raule’s heel, and popped them over into the . Great hornits But things got quiet | onee more, and the preacher began to bring | v He rose to his feet, and with the | the deck, as he “Big Beard,.) it war, $i war, for a sober fact; but there comes that dogged pole back. It’s huntin’ for more red- | skins, it is. sure as you’re born.” “As the boat gets square with the wind that pole takes its former position,” explained | Long Beard. ‘‘ You see, this boat, is a contri- vance of my own. By means of these ropes and pulleys that you can see here, I am en- abled to steer the craft, hoist or lower sail, or by a sudden puil on this rope, change the course of the boat almost instantly; and, as it | swings around, the beam sweeps around, and all that stands in its way is raked off, as you have seen.” ‘* Hoppin’ hornit! what an all-killin’ contrap- tion itis! A régler fightin’-machine, It don’t like dogs, does it, gineral?” ““Tt is no respecter of persons. It would serve friend and foe alike, if acted upon. I | have used it several times in sweeping the | deck e f savages, and never made a bad job of it yet.’ “Wal, it’s a mighty convenient thing, Bi | Beard, it is, for a downright fact. But fre | ged if it didn’t knock me and Belshazzar out of a fight; but then, it’s all right. We're not overly anxious for a battle—we have had | enough to-night. But strikes me your gig is trotting along purty lively, gineral.” “Yes, we are moving along ata sharp speed now, and are going right down the coast. oot see, the faster the boat is moving the quicker and stronger the arm out there sweeps the air. “‘And so the stronger a queer pain strikes the Indians about the bulge of the bread-basket, eausing them to bow ae and retire quick- ly, to be embraced in St. Clair’s placid deep.” | “Exactly,” replied the great, white-bearded man, with a grim smile, as he led the way out upon the deck. They glanced far back over the misty waters, but no sign ofthe struggling enemy could be seen; but their boats, attached to the schooner, | were dragging in its frothy wake behind. | ‘That crew ll never trouble us again,” said the giant. , ‘“No, no, gineral, they’re gone. What a ghastly, ghastly world this is. But then, everybody has his notions, everybody his ways.’? “Let's see,” said Long Beard, reflectively; “you were just going to tell me about how ou repaid ole Blume for his hornets when the ndians boarded us. Now, as we are moving | along with a good wind and fair prospect, you might kill time by narrating the story.” “Tt’s a short story this time, govenir; but Tl tell it anyhow. It war jist this way: | Blume got to be rich as Croesus. He fell heir to five hundred dollars back in New ean A shire, and then you’d ort to seen that old pleb’ian come down with his style. He actually got a full suit of store clothes, washed and shaved, and went to slashin’ on airs that ’d’a’ beat anything in Boston town., And the fust thing we knowed he got to crossin’ the river to spark ole Squire Fipps’s daughter, Susan, a sweet-scented gal of thirty-five, who jist puckered up her mouth to all the other gals, and wouldn’t ’sociate with auybody but rich Phineas Blume. Oh, yes, Blume war every- thing to her; but people knowed old Tood Fipps, they did, for a scandalous fact. It war Mister Blume and Capting Blume with her; and the reason they called him captain was because he commanded a mud-scow once on | which thar wasn’t but one other nigger besides | hisself. But, oh, me! how old Tood did gush; | and everybody knowed it wasn’t his personal beauty she war after, but his fortune—his five hundred dolars. It’s awful queer, Long Beard, what difference clothes made at the store and a little money will make with fe- male woman; but then, if that’s love, no gal will everset her claws on my head; she won’t, for a sacred fact. But, as I war sayin’, ole Squire Fipps had ort to ’a’ shot Blume when he went there, for he war one o’ the congregation that got so thunderin’ly hornited that Soney) at meetin’. But the feller’s style and done it to the old man, and all they’d say war: ‘Cap Blume war a jolly dog—always playin’ his pranks with somebody,’ and he said that that hornit affair was the most capital joke of the season, illustratin’ the text about the ‘darts of the wicked’ so forcible. But that’s all the sense some people has got. One Sunday, how- ever, I knowed Blume were going to see his maple-sugar, and I concluded now was m | time to be eyen with him for that hornit job got. I knowed he had to cross the river in the | canoe used at the ferry, so down I goes to whar | the craft war tied up, and right under the seat, | where he couldn’t see, I cut a big, round hole, | | | and. plugged it up with a plug criven in from the outside. To this plug I tied a great, long, stout string, vother end of which i tied to a bush that hung in the water, so the string was | all under the water. I hid in the bushes to | wait, and d’rectly here came old Blume, whist- | lin’, ‘I won’t go home till mornin’, till mornin’, gay as a lark, and with a kind of a upper-ten snort, jumped into the canoe, seated hisself, ut on his buckskin gloves to keep h

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, where his sweet-cider, old Tood Fipps, stood | waitin’ for him, a-wavin’ of a big yaller henker- | chief and shoutin’ ditties to him, like an Ottawa | Ingin. Hal ha! ha! Long Beard, it didn’t take long ) to run out the full length of that string, when | out popped the plug and in rushed the water like all sixty. Up jumped Captain Phin Blume | with a yoop, and then you’d ort to ’a’ see’d him | tip-toe it, flip and flirt. | *** Hornits! hornits! yelled I, runnin’ down to the river bank, ready to split with laffability. | ‘Damnation! was all I could hear from the | captain’s lips, the wicked ole sinner; but the | next instant he raised his wings, and out he | sailed into the water, and now began the fun. The sp'ilin’ of bis clothes wa‘n’t nowhar—it wa’n’t, for a fact. He couldn’t swim a lick, and of all the flounderin’ and flummixin’ about I | ever see’d, he done it. Why, he kicked water forty feet high, and the river war all afoam, But he couldn’t keep that up long; he war growin’ feebler and feebler all the time, and I see’d he war goin’ under, and so I sent Bel- shazzar, here, out after him. The ole pup pad- dled up to him, and takin’ him by the collar, yanked him across the river and laid him gently at the feet of his sweet pumpkin pie. Great hoppin’ hornits, but if he wasn’t in a plight! It’d ‘a’ made a dog laff to’a’ seen him—dogged | if Belshazzar didn’t laugh his way when he swam over to me. I never see’d a dog tickled like he war. He’d jist wag his head sometimes, thinkin’ it war his tail, he war so full of dog-laff and besides himself. But, you bet, Blume had to. resume his buckskin and homespun for | awhile... It ruinated his store clothes, and then | the best of it was that naughty ole duck of hissen went square back on him—sacked him on the spot, and called him ole Blume, and ’cused him of bein’ drunk. Broken-hearted and ruinated, he become desperit. He swore venge- ance against me, took up his old blunderbuss, and struck boldly out in search of me. The last I hearn of him he war tryin’ to climb the North Pole to look over the country for a small boy and a big dog.” wong Beard could not repress an outburst of free, hearty laughter. The look of the boy’s face, the mischievous sparkle of his big, blue eyes, his whimsical expressions, and the comic gestures that accompanied them, were sufficient | to have provoked any one to laughter. At length, however, the attention of the giant borderman was attracted by a moving light off toward the west.- He knew it was along the shore, He called Happy Harry’s at- tention to it, and after defining their geographi- cal location, asked: “Have .you ever seen anything suspicious along this part of the coast, Harry? “Haven't, Big Beard; in fact, J haven’t been this fur south along the lake for over a year; IT haven’t, for a historical fact. But I’ve been easin’ myself down. this way for several days. But, Big Beard, if that is anything you’d like to look into, Belshazzar and me can figger it out to a demonstration; we gan, for a gospel fact. | But there, the light’s gone.” ‘Yes, I see it is; nevertheless, I believe I will | ne ashore and reconnoiter a little along there. "ti touch the coast a mile below where the light disappeared.” Descending to the cabin, tho giant at once changed the course of the boat toward the shore, and in less than an hour they had ef- fected a sate landing. They now turned their, faces northward, and, preceded by Belshazzar, followed along the coast for some distance. | Further progress was finally disputed by a long, | narrow bay cutting out abruptly into the woods. This bay was skirted by @ wall of rock rising | almost perpendicular from the water’s edge, and ranging from five to a ‘hundred feet in hight. Its facade was covered with small | bushes that grew out of holes and fissures, and a festoonery of vines that trailed their graceful length in the water. The moon was now in the zenith. The dull, hazy mist that hung over lake and woodland at { the beginning of ay had disappeared. The two scouts were enabled to see alt the northern | side of the bay quite distinctly, and while they | stood regarding the rocky shore now rendered | grandly picturesque in the mellow moonlight, they made a discovery that caused them no lit- | tle curiosity. Midway between the lake and | the other extremity of the bay was a narrow | rift or passage in the es wall sloping down | to the water’s edge, and a little to the right of | this passage was moored a canoe, half of whose | length was concealed under the overhanging | vines, 4 Long Beard turned to Harry and said: | | for the safety of my friends there. there was a cavern leading back into that hill; and if so, rest assured it is used for no good purpose, If I find nothing, or no one, I will charter the canoe and cut straight across to you. But, while lam gone, Harry, I want you Long Beard, the Giant Spy. to stand right-here and keep a close watch—see | | if any one boards that canoe while I am going around. If sucha thing should happen, don’t fire, even if the occupant is a savage, but watch him closely and make out all you can concern- ing him.” “If it’s an Ingin, govenir, I’d like to make him out a pass for the brimstone diggin’s, I would, fora veritable fact.” “Do not raise an alarm, Harry, unless it is absolutely necessary. And I will tell you why I am so anxious to find out the meaning of that light: you, of course, have heard that a band of lake pirates have been operating along the coast in both the United States ‘and Can- ada. Their head-quarters have defied the vigi- lance of the shrewdest detectives, and now a heavy reward is offered by the country for information that will lead to the capture of the freebooters. I have no desire to obtain that | reward, but T am anxious to have the band broken up; and [il tell you why: for the past week, off and on, a strange, piratical-looking little sail-boat has been dogging me about over the lake in a rather suspicious manner. It has also been seen off the Islands, and I have fears Should they find out what treasures I have there my home would be desolated. Now you know, Harry, why Iam so interested in this move- ment.” “Yes, yes, gineral,” replied the youth, “and when one knows what he wants he can go ahead with half the trouble, he can for a square fact. Go ahead, Big Beard, and I'll keepa close watch on that boat from here.” The giant turned and moved away with noiseless footsteps, while Happy Harry sat | down under the wide, branching boughs of an oak to await and watch. Belshazzar took his usual position at the feet of his,young master. Alone, and with the strictest silence imposed upon him, Harry very naturally fell into -a train of reflections, from which he started at length, exclaiming half indignantly to himself; ‘Blast it, it’s a nuisance to have to be a boy, for thar never war a boy but what war under- rated. Everybody thinks he can do anything better than ? ean, and it’s jist because Pma boy. Now, why didn’t he let me and Bell go round thar? But then Long Beard is a capi- tal feller. And, gracious hornits, how sober! Asmile on his face is like e burst of sunshine through a black, dismal cloud. 3ut Pm afraid he'll git bisself into trouble jist because he didn’t let me and Bell go rownd thar.” Thus he passed some ten or fifteen minutes when he plainly saw Long Beard emerge from the narrow defile and pause at the water’s edge. For full a minute the giant stood and seru- tinized the surrounding rocks and bay, He listened intently. He saw and he heard noth- ing, and feeling satisfied that no enemy was near, he stepped into the canoe that lay at his feet, and, seating himself, tock up the paddle. But scarcely had he done so when Harry, who was watching on the opposite side of the bay, saw a light under the bank flash through the vines that partially concealed the prow of the boat, and the next instant the canoe, with Long Beard in it was drawn suddenly under the | bank, and disappeared entirely from view. ‘ ‘Oh, great hornits! he’s caught, he is, b heavens!” cried Happy Harry, starting to his feet as the stunning "clash of a pistol, mingled with a cry of agony and the sound of a deadly struggle, rolled out in clearly-heard intonations from the depths of the great cavern! CHAPTER VIL. IN THE FREEBOOTERS’ DEN. fy making the circujt of the bay, Long Beard had seen no signs of the presence of enemies, nor was he aware of the presence of danger until he had seated himself in the canoe. The flash of a light, and the suddenness with which the boat was drawn through the screen of vines and foliage, were the very first_intimations he had of the trap he was in. He was thrown almost from the seat by the violent start of the craft, but recovering himself he endeavored to escape; but his enemies, seeing the intention, gave the canoe'a sudden jerk that again threw him off his balance. The boat was dragged and pushed through shallow backwater along a narrow cavern until it reached dry ground. Here again Long Beard essayed to effect his | cano. struggle brought otbers to the scene of ¢on- | flict. , within him; his teeth became set, his eyes glared with a deadly fire; the cords stood out upon his brow and neck, and his breast rose and fell as though by the palpitations of an internal yol- | The foe closed in around him. He clinched his huge fist and beat them down. They ral- lied and renewed the attack, rendered furious by his terrible blows. The sound of the A dozen were now upon him, but he fought them all. His strength seemed superhuman. His majestic form towered grandly absve bis” adversaries. In the dim wavering light of two lanterns, his venerable beard rendered” an Chie’ that should have appealed to the wickedest heart. : To and fro across the cavern the combatants surged. The giant kept a space clear around him for awhile, but his enemies, growing more | desperate under his smarting blows, crow closer upon him; they finally made a charge— zrappling him around the waist, by the armg. = the legs, until he was completely loaded down and unable to moye, Then a cowardly — wretch seized bim by his whife beard and jerked ~ him to the ground. This ended the str ea Before he could regain his feet the wi , strength of a dozen men was concentrated u wy him and made hima prisoner. He was then ~ securely bound, and conducted through the narrow windings of the cavern into a commo- | dious apartment. Here he was seated upon @ stone chair that had been hewn out of a stalag- | mite. The gi now had an a tage to look around him. The room was lighted with three © or four lanterns suspended from the jagged — ceiling. The place bore strong evidence of hayv= ing been occupied by man for a number of years. This satisfied the captive that Le was im | the den of the lake pirates. Not less than forty or fifty men were passin to and fro across the cavern bafore and pS ; the prisoner. All of them were heavily armed, and the 2 hei singular thing of all was, their weapous were of English patterns and of recent manufacture. > The giant studied considerably over this mat- ter, It gave rise toa sudden thought—if these — men into whose power he had fallen were ( lake pirates, they had been armed and eq" pped | by, and were in the employ of the British Gov- * ernment. Taking into consideration the rumors | of war with England, he thought it possible and altogether probable that he was right that the party had been placed there to accom- | plish some particular work of destruction the moment the order was given. , i There was a military bearing ahout all t} men, and but for the absence of uniforms, he | would=have sworn it was a party of al troops. Some of them wore breeclies of buck= skin, mdde after the style of the border; others” itp them made of woolen and cotton mate-_ rial. The leader of the band—he whose voice had | sent a shudder, to Long Beard’s soul—was a | man of nearly any years, He had a fine mar | tial figure and features regular in contour, but not handsome. A ents grizzled beard co ered a face marked with a life of dissipal His eyes were of a dark-gray color, sharp 4 keen, but cold and cruel. Aterniman of cha acter was written upon every feature of © man’s face. He was dressed in a citizen’s su but wore a sword at his side. His movements were as easy, his step as elastic as those of a youth of twenty. Time had made little inroad — upon the physical man, ee Long Beard knew the man, and feared him. Of all others in the wide world, he was the last— person the giant borderman expected to me ut, concealing his inward emotions, he ap peared not to know him. xAY “You are doubtless surprised, big stra; at the existence of such a place, or else 4 would havo been more careful in your recon= noissance,” this enemy finally said, approaching | Long Beard. But, singular as it may bg this man did not recognize the giant, else he was aso affecting ignorance of the recog tion. * ae ““No one knows when he will step into an | ant: hill,” was Long Beard’s response, spoken in a tone of bitter sarcasm. a. ‘Nor of the stings of the ants,” replied the commandant. e iw 4, ail “You threaten me; well, you can afford to do so, now that I am powerless.” “Yes, you aro powerless as a spy.” ““ Upon whom? “Know you not that our country has _ This is about the point where we saw that | escape. He had drawn one of his pistols, which light.” ; | be fired at a cloaked figure rushing upon him “Yes, I believe it is, govenir,” replied the | with a lantern in ono hand and an upraised “You mean to say yous, country has youth, “and I should not wonder if the man or | club in the other. The foe whirled half round | war upon mine,” was Long Beard’s answer, men that owns that canoe knows all about the | and staggering, fell with a groan; but the next “We are not British subjects.” \ light.” moment a dozen men surrounded the bearded “ Nor American.” to know something more about | giant and demanded his surrender. ‘* No; we are Neutrals,” I am going to pass around One voice directed the movements of the men ‘*Ready to pick up the spoils of war.” . } to the other side and approach that canoe by | and sent a shudder to the heart of the border- ‘As you please,” \ : way of that rift you can see near it; then I | man, yet: it steeled his nerves, and he fought “Tam no partisan, J am silent.” ' will explore the immediate vicinity for some | with the desperation of a macman. Bis face “Why, then, were ro 6 “to that hioh shonidm’t wond ati 9 re w i with the terrible ex _ surging “Polovwing ti taut war on England?” the man asked, witha glance at the prisoner.

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8 Long Beard, the Giant Spy. “ Which has got you into trouble.” “Why has it if you are Neutrals, and not outlaws?’ * We have a right to the benefit of our doubts, and will be compelled to hold you in custody until we have some assurance of your purpose in coming here.” “Till you find out my home, inhuman wretch,” thought Long Beard, as a look of bit- anguish swept over his face. He made | ‘no reply to the man’s words, but became silent. The commandant turned and walked away | to where a man was seated upon a couch of | > dry leaves, his head swathed in a bandage, his face bruised and swollen. “Tt is he, Bill, by heavens!” the command- ant said in an undertone. “T thought it war,” mumbled the man of the bandage and swollen face. Long Beard overheard the remark, and though he sickened with terror, the power of a lion gathered Within him. His breast swelled and his eyes glowed. Evil designs were evident in in the very tones f and movements of the man, Kirby Kale, as be | was addressed by his companions, and the t if Bets. @: : nt felt satisfied that he was recognized. {* owing the man of old, no wonder he feared 5 him ’~ Outwardly, however, Long Beard yielded ' submissively to his fate. He regarded Captain 4 Kirby Kale with the greatest indifference. Few living persons had the least idea of the | relationship, of the deadly hatred, of the dark secrets existing between these two men. Years y - of separation had failed to eradicate one tithe ' of this awful bitterness—so terrible that each one was afraid to declare his recognition of the other, although one was captor and the other captive. Bitter and strange indeed must have been the antagonism between these two men. Tn the Course of an hour Captain Kirby Kale came around, and in a tone of feigned indif- ference, said: “Gray Beard, I have talked with my men * and all suggest that you be kept a eaptive unti " Wwe are assured of your real character and of your place of residence.” > “What is that to you, if you are Neutrals, as ‘you claim?” asked Long Beard. “= “We are partial to our own safety.” | *Then you fear a single man?” ! “Only his tongue.” |. * You have reason for tear, then, Your con > ‘science must be guilty.” |) “One word might bring a regiment of | Americans down upon us.” | ~ “hen you favor the English?’ > . Captain Kale betrayed a slight emotion. He | had incautiously said more than he had in- aya! tell you, sir, I am neutral,” he affirmed, severely A se “And I, too,” replied Long Beard, indiffer- it yf .) ” > ; | * We'll see,” and the captain turned and | met sy He was soon at the further \ex- | tremity of the cavern, in a whispered conversa- ion with a few of bis men. ~~ Leaning his head against the wall behind him, | the prisoner gave himself wp to reflection. A | ' ‘deep silence now fell upon the place. Most of ‘the men had sought their couches. The lanterns burned steadily and brightly, but their light failed to reach the extremities of the cavern. ’ Where the light ended and darkness began was “a wall of purple gloom. ‘The cavern was a natural one, hollowed out by the hand of the Creator. Stalactites, tipped ‘with the silver ligbt of the lanterns, studded the - black dome overhead like stars, and huge stalag- )~ mites rose up here and there, grim and ghostly. Phe prisoner noted everything closely, tor he > had resolved to make an attempt at escape ’ when the proper time came, and he wanted to ., familiarize himself with the place ahd get the Tight course leading out. |» The night stole on. The captain had retired, ‘>> and one by one the others dropped off, leaving » the prisoner and his guards alone. The lights began to burn dimly. Only the heavy respira- ‘tions of the sleepers, or an occasional question ‘drawled out by one of the guards, broke the lence of the place, when, suddenly, a deep, peeing sound came crashing through the ern from the main entrance. It started the } into his face with an almost human intelli- | gence, ards and aroused the sleepers! It was the deep bay of a dog, and the old man’s mind at once reverted to Happy : and his faithful companion, Belshazzar. A feeling of hope took possession of his, breast, ut as he saw the men hurrying from their touches all vanished again. hat meant the joise? ~Was Happy Harry coming to his as- sistance? Had the youth seen him drawn into p trap of the enemy? The bay of the animal again echoed through hollow chambers of the great vault. This way, this way, some of you!” called thenian who stood guard near the entrance ie Bh) eae ‘our men, ern, 0 9 one of them ga do to the water's edge. A The man held his lantern high above his head. The light streamed out upon the water. | He saw that the water was agitated—little waves were chafing the walls of the cavern. Something dark was in the water—something possessed of life—struggling slowly and labori- ously toward them. ** Well, what is it, anyhow?” | Al stood speechless with wonderment. No | one could answer, for noone knew. All saw | a black mass struggling in the channel, but | the faint gleam of the lantern’s light was not strong enough to reveal its outlines. ‘Ts a bear!” one of the men finally ventured to assert. The whole party recoiled with an involun- tary start. The object came nearer and assumed a more tangible form. | “By heavens, it’s a big dog!” exclaimed the man with the lantern. “Tt is, for a fact,” affirmed the others. “But what’s he got in his mouth? Whats | that he’s draggin’ this way through the water?” | ** Merciful Moses! it’s a person!—a human— ; dead!—-drowned!” The man saw aright. The black object was a dog—it was Belshazzar. And he was drag- ging a human body through the shallow water toward them! It was the body of his young | master, Happy Harry! With bated breath, and wonder written upon moe feature, the Neutrals watched the animal. He dragged the body along, making desperate efforts to keep it out of the water. He soon came within reach of where the men stood, then one of them stooped down and pulled the body ashore. “ Hold the lantern here, Victor.” Victor held the lantern close to the face of the dead. “*T declare, it’s a boy, and he’s dead as a door-nail.” Harry’s eyes were closed, his teeth set, his hair wet and draggled, A death-like pallor | was upon his young, boyish face. In one hand was clasped, ina vise-like grip, a broken bough. One of the men attempted to remove it, but failed. ‘Ti’s fast,” he said, “‘in the icy grip of death. And that’s what's killed the little feller. He’s been climbing along the rocks, and that bough has broke and let him fall.” Belshazzar came out of the water, shook the wet from his shaggy form, then advanced: to the side of his young master and gazed down Then he seated himself upon his haunches, and looking back into the black, | dismal cavern, howled at the black, sullen | waves, - CHAPTER VIII. HARRY ON HIS WITS. “He must have been a friend of that big | White Beard,” said one of the men, as they | wood mutely around the motionless form of the Oy. And this was the conclusion that they all came to. “Is he dead?” asked Captain Kale, coming up at this juncture. ‘* Deader’n the Prophets.” Kale stooped and felt his pulse. ‘He is not dead,” he exclaimed; “‘he has a strong pulse. Carry him up to the room and we'll pump the water out of him and give him a strong stimulant.” ; Two men stooped to lift the youth in their arms, when the dog disputed their right to the body; but, after some coaxing, they succeeded in convincing the animal of their friendly in- tentions, and were permitted to move the body, though the faithful mastiff followed close behind the two men. They placed the youth on a couch, not far from where Long Beard sat in bonds. “Do you know him?’ Captain Kale asked, pointing to the youth. Long Beard shook his head involuntarily, His Brest heart grew sick when he recognized’ the face of the motionless form, The broken branch still clutched in his hand told him that | the boy had doubtless met his fate in trying to assist him. Belshazzar crept pp aud crouched down by | his master’s side, and watched the adwinistra- tions|of the men with an eager, anxious look. The captain ordered some brandy, which being furnished was poured quite freely down the youth. Then three or four men set to work chafing his limbs to assist in starting the cir- culation. Thus for some minutes they worked faithfully to bring back the failing spark, but with no apparent success. “Tm afraid he’s too far gone to be saved,” said the captain, hopelessly. Long Beard heard the words. They fell like a death- knell upon his ears. Tiring of their efforts, the meo finally wrap- ped the body in manifested little an: his re a | tone expressing his surprise, exclaimed; a blanket and left it. They | xiety about his re eat | ou eet iF | his foot and moved on, muttering profanely ts himself. Long Beard kept his eyes upon the boy’s face. Some invisible power bade him watch; and, to his joyful delight, as well as surprise, he saw Happy Harry open bis eyes and flash a wry face at the retreating form of the man of the | bandage. Then he glanced toward him, winked significantly, closed his eyes, and to all ap- pearances was dead again, In an instant all flashed through the mind of | the captive—Happy Harry was feigning uncon- sciousness! By the help of his trained and powerful dog, the daring boy had deceived the enemy and gained admittance to their strong- hold. He played his part well, He was a skillful actor, with courage and recklessness | enough to carry out any cunning design. For some time our hero lay pertectly motion- less upon the ground. His dog crouched by his side. Now and then a man walked past him, regarding him only with a passing glanee. Again the men sought their couches, and si- lence once more pervaded the cavern. Some of the lights burned out, leaving a dusky twilight. Suddenly the figure of Happy Harry stirred. It rolled over—rolled toward Long Beard. It rolled over once, then stopped. Atter a few mjnutes’ pause it rolled over again. This was repeated until the prisoner was reached, unob- served. in a moment it rolled back to its former position, Then a groan escaped the hoy’s lips, The guardsstarted up and glanced toward him. Long Beard apparently was sound asleep: ‘* By St. Peter! that boy must be comin’ to,” said one of the men. “The little sprig was about played out,” re- sponded the other. “Such a tender infant shouldn’t be turned loose so early, in this unhealthy latitude.” ‘He must be'that Big Beard’s boy.” A ery of surprise and an oath was the reply. The man had looked up trom his cards justin time to see Long Beard rise from his seat and dash away toward thé entrance of the cavern. No bonds hampered his movements. They lay upon the cavern floor, where he had sat. The whole band was aroused, and in a mo- ment all were hurrying through the cavern. Captain Kirby Kale, rgent up the rear. Curses fell from his lips ai® rage darkened his brow. cs “Take it easy, gov’nir; it’s the best way: it is, bya sacred fact,” said a pleasant voice near hin. Kale turned, and to bis surprise saw Heppy Harry reclining on his elbow on the ground. A. mischievous, comic smile—the natural ex- ression of the boy’s countenance—was upon lis face. He manifested no alarm vor curiosity concerning his whereabouts, but seemed per- fectly indifferent to his situation. And so skillfully, boldly and shrewdly had be played his part in Jiberating Long Beard, that the captain mistrusted notching of tle truth. He turned short upon the boy, and ina ” * Why, lad, I thought you were dead ‘Dead?’ reiterated Harry; ‘ well, s’pose I had been; a dead nigger couldn’t rést in this place for the confounded noise. Whatails them tatterdemallions rushin’ down there like mad? Where am J, gov’nir?” ‘ “Do you remember where you were last?’ asked Kale. ; “‘Pve a faint sprinklin’ of an idea,” replied the youth, scratching his head reflectively. “T think I was scramblin’ (long a lecge over- lookin’ a bay of Lake 5t. Clair, tryin’ to git to a hawk’s nest, when my foot slipped and I ecareened handsomely over into the water. And about this time—while I war fallin’ awd while mussin’ around in the water—1 tried to think of so many things at once that my brain eouldn’t hold ’em, and so I didn’t think of any- thing. As towhere I am, I can’t say whether I’m on earth, or in the regions of darkness pre- sided over by Satan. Strikes me them fellers rushin’ down thar are a legion of imps the way they beller. And—” he sniffed the air like a hound—‘‘ strikes me I smell brimstone.” Kirby Kale indulged in an outburst of laugh- + ter. ‘“ Who are you, boy?’ he asked. “T used to be called Happy Harry, the Wild Boy, when I lived on earth, and made a b’is- ness of huntin’ squirrels and robbin’ birds’ nests, I wom this is the hunter’s corner of perdition, ens At this juncture a man came up with the information that Long Beard had escaped, Kale swore with impotent rage, and eyen threatened the guards with violence. Happy Harry suddenly caught a glimpse of the man with the bandage on his bead. . [t was the traitor, Bill Mucklewee—he who had be- frayed pe a Rankin into the bands of the savages. But fi as Ps c Geren. sdentiyy et avlizht finally came o but « remained in the cavern. The 1: be kept buraing both nig u he villain kept aloof from him

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L ong Beard, the If the sagt from General Brock does not arrive by midnight, we will embark for the Saven Islands.” Happy Harry heard the order, for all he was per ently asleep. ? id long before midnight came, the Wild Bo _ was missing. Search was at once made through ‘the cavern, but neither boy nor dog ceuld be found; both had made their escape! | CHAPTER X. HARRY AT HIS OLD TRICKS. Happy Harry had made his escape from the | tavern a few minutes after the last man had re- | tired to his couch. He-saw that he had effect | Ually thrown the band off its guard—that it | @xercised no watch over him, and possessed of, ' Sufficient information to establish the true char- ’ acter of the men, he concluded now was the a the opposite side of the bay. Here he secured : weapons, which he had concealed before ta venturing into the cavern, and beat a hasty re- _ treat northward along the bay. He pushed ' Yapidly on until assured that the distance be- ’ tween him and the cavern placed him beyond | danger, when he came to a halt. Being somewhat tired and worn, he sought a | good place for rest, and lying down soon fell | asleep. He slept soundly till morning. He did | not.wake till thesun was up. ‘Then he arose to asitting Pea and rubbed his eyes. A bird ' sung in the tree-top above. He imitated its | Song. It chirped as ifcalling to a mate; Harry | answered, and the bird came nearer, h Thus for some time he amused himself imitat- ' ing the cry and song of birds, and his answers were to the ears of the feathered songsters what | the eyes of the serpent are. It seemed mag- _ Hetic—to draw them toward him. There seemed | to be a fascination in his voice that they could \ not resist, for they gathered around in evidence l oe the fact. They alighted in the tree-top over- y and in the bushes. They sung and twit- _ tered, and flew from bough to bough, peeping | down at him with their diamond-bright eyes. They appeared as if desirous of approaching nearer, and yet afraid. ifn air of mele? doves sat on a limb | nearest the youth. gt took a position on thetipof a swaying bush. A frisky little ' robin swayed among the verdant foliage. A ‘pheasant drummed on a log. A sly old wood- _ pecker peered over a dead limb on which he oc- ¢asionally rattled his beak. A speckled tom-tit Mi danced awkwardly around a tree-trunk, and a i: flock of blackbirds, with red and gold upon their \ Wings, chattered above all. In answer to | Harry’s call a squirrel frisked out of a hole in a | tree hard by, curled its tail upon its back, reared | upon its hind feet, and regarded the surround- ings with a critical eye. "And lying upon his back, Harry Paap upon all with an eye of admiration. He was su- ely. happy. He felt that his society was be by oaae innocent inhabitants of the wildwood. He loved them, and the greatest of his life was to be surrounded by them. te en he was lonesome—whepn a vague feeling of unrest took possession of him—he called the birds.. They would always come at his call, heir presence filled the unknown void in ey 4. o ‘i h ty i in their instinct and existence. possessed a human heart susceptible of Sait emotions, a mind’ capable of It is true, in ht and reason of unusual intelligence. | And Yet, he had been brought u it were, frominfancy. The s daily and most constant companions, and he Saturalls partook of their nature. He never killed a bird, nor did he slay an animal unless he, lutely necessary for the maintenance of life. He had learned to regard them as fellow- | beings. But Harry knew his enemies, both hu- | ~manand beast. This knowledge in most cases, | wasinstinctive. He often met strangers whom | hefelt at a glance were enemies, and he was seldom wrong. His education combined both ; reason and animal instinct. The latter often led him into doing things without the will’s volition. i _He knew the language of the birds and ani- ‘mals to some extent, for the birds and animals do have a la e. He knew by its whether a bird sought its mate or not. e knew by its song whether it was one of sadness or joy. He knew by its movements whether anger was near; and all this he had learned in’ the woods, 7 ways and habits of others by mingling in their + society. _ For fully an hour the youth lay upon the b fnndeitog the different songsters and with the squirrel, all the while his radiant with delight. The doves r head ; to him and cooed softly ; “Have everything in readiness, boys, and | | time to escape. This he effected by swimming | _ Out ofthe mouth of the cavern and across to-| irds had been | by association with them, just as we learn the } flapped their wings of scarlet and yellow in the feathers, shook the dew from her wings and ar- ranged her phan, Nem with all the vanity of a fastidious belle. The red head of the comic der the dead limb, now and then, like a bashful boy peering around a corner; the squirrel frisked in an out of its home, up and down the though conscious of Master Harry’s admiration. Suddenly, however, the doves craned their necks and flew rapidly away. ‘The blackbirds rose in the air and circled f*om sight. The woodpecker dropped from his perch as if shot, flapped his wings and staggered off through the air as no other bird ever flies. The squir- rel darted into his hole, and Harry was alone. He rose quickly to his feet. Belshazzar sniffed the air. silence. A man on horseback emerged from the woods and drew rein within twenty feet of our hero. In one hand he held a cocked pis- tol, which he leveled at’ Harry’s head and called out: “Surrender, or P’ll blow your ’ead off!” The man wore a military cloak and a mili- tary air, Under the one was the uniform of a British officer, under the other a murderous intent, ““Great hoppin hornits, stranger!” exclaimed the boy, seeing the predicament he was in, “vou needn’t repeat thatdemand. If you want to be encumbered with trundle-bed trash, just take me a prisoner and let me ride behind you, for I’m awful tired. Besides, it don’t make a tinker’s darn who I’m with, or where I am, so’s Ihave plenty to eat and skads of fun.” “Hexactly; but you don’t look as though you’d been very well fed of late.” “No, Lhaven’t, for a lean, straight fact.” “What's your name, little Yankee; and where do you live?” demanded the officer, dropping his hand to the pommel of his saddle, though keep- ing the pistol still turned upon the youth. *T hain’t got any name—never had—no home. either. [I’m one of the babes of the woods; are for a fact.” “You hare a young Yankee Doodle, and I’ll eall you such,” replied the insolent Englishman. ‘*My desire now is, sir, that you ’and me that rifle of yours.” “All munificent, major,” and Harry handed him his rifle. “Hil how do you know I’m a major?” “You Jook so dogged much like ole Deacon Hobb’s big bulldog what they called Major.” * Hill teach you manners, you hinsolent brat hof a Yankee!” and the officer released his foot from the stirrup and kicked at the youth, but failed in reaching him. | “What is your lordship’s further pleasure?” asked Harry, with mock politeness. “Yn the name of his Majesty, King of Hengland, I command you to march on before meas my prisoner. believe you are a Yan- kee spy.” vs Whew! whistled Happy Harry, in appa- rent surprise, “‘arn’t you goin’ to let_ me ride?” “No words, Yankee Doodle. I have no time to spare in dallying with you. Moreover, it is not for prisoners to make conditions, Right habout!—face!—march, | say.” Harry turned coolly upon his heel, and striking a military attitude and step, marched away before the officer, whistling Yankee Doodle in tones almost as shrill and musical as | the fife. The Englishman rode close behind him with his pistol in his hand; and as fast as the con could walk, they hurried on through the forest. Belshazzar followed at the horse’s heels. Meanwhile the young borderman’s thoughts were busy. He knew his captor was what his uniform proclaimed him to be—an English of- ficer; and there was no doubt in his mind but that the man was on his way to the cavern from which he had so recently escaped, and that he was the messenger expected there from the English province with orders that would set the band in motion. If so, this man’s cap- ture would be of incalculable service to the Americans on the northern frontier. At least this was the conclusion Harry came to as he moved on, whistling merrily, to the eminent delight of his et pe captor. At length their journeying brought them | into a glade or opening in the woods across which their course ran, and when near the cen- ter of this clearing, a voice in the woods to their right suddenly shouted: | “Halt!” ra . Harry stopped, and_ the officer drew rein— both acting aig “Dismount there, glisher!” shouted a voice in the timber*before them. “Surrender!” demanded a voice behind, when the word was taken up and repeated at a | dozen different points around the glade. “Dismount and surrender!” cried that same creaky voice behind them, ‘or, by heavens, we'll pepper you through and through! Down, { command, in the name of the American Re- public!” : : - The officer His face tu hada achasi bed —ioete Giant Spy. bright morning sun; the pheasant ruffled her | old woodpecker was thrust shyly above or un- | The clatter of hoofs broke upon the | ned | fight, when Ha yet a dozen different, strange voices had de- manded his surrender, and he felt positive that a dozen American rifles covered his breast. Former experience had taught British soldiers how Americans fought—that they made no unnecessary display and exposure of their persons. Trained to Indian-fighting, the bor- der militiamen and scouts fought from behind | trees, rocks, and whatever else afforded a cov- tree, and sprung from bough to bough, as | er; and this Harry’s captor knew, hence his speechless horror. ‘“‘Stranger,” said Harry turning to the of. ficer, ““ you’re in a slashed ugly pickle, you are, for a clear fact. You're surrounded by ole Wheezy Jack’s band of border scouts! and now if you’d like to save your bacon from be- in’ peppered down with bullets, you’d better give up. I know who you are, and where you're goin’. I just come from thar—that’s } the eave where Captain Kirby Kaie is conceal- ed. You're the messenger they’ve been ex- sectin’ for two days, I know you are, major. hey sent me out to watch for you and con- ag Si to the right place.” “Why didn’t you say so before?’ replied the major, ‘“‘and I might have averted eres trap!” “T thought it would be such a good joke on™ you, major. I’m fond of a joke, and then it’d ’ ‘a’ tickled the at i to death to see you come marching a friend into camp a prisoner.” ee ose scouts know-you are their ene- my? : ‘“Great bal’headed hornits! no; and I hope you won’t let on. You havin’ me a prisoner ll keep suspicion down, don’t you see, major?” ‘*Look here, then,” said the officer, dis- mounting and wrenching a large brass button from his cloak, end plucing it in Harry’s hand, ‘i? you escape, give that to Captain Kale, Tell him what befell me.” ‘ ““T'll do it, major, with the greatest haste,” nis Harry, slipping the button into his pocket. \ Then the officer gave ay Harry’s rifle. Harry turned aside to depart. ‘**Do-you surrender?” demanded that squeaky voice in the bush, south of the glade, ““T would not were I surrounded by men who were not afraid to come out and fight,’ replied the Englishman. tappy Harry, with a mischievous smile upon his face, walked rapidly across the opening and entered the great woods. Belshazzar trudged along at his heels, There was no reply to the Englishman’s last retort. He stood ready to surrender, but no one advanced, and he was afraid to move, for fear the concealed foe would make the least motion an excuse to fire upon him. Five minutes passed. “Cowards! knaves! poltroons! why do you not show yourselves?’ demanded the humili- ated officer. ‘‘Do, you want an excuse to as- sassinate a prisoner?” There was no response. Not a soul stirred from the woods. Birds twittered in the tree- tops, and a huge (Se she orp iene upon a limb, chattered and barked as if in derision. Again the officer called to his enemies, but there was still no response. *“T wonder if that boy has betrayed me?’ he mused, “and is holding a council with those scouts?” He waited half an hour—an hour, but with the same result. Nobody appeared to take charge of him. He was puzzled; he was dumfounded. He stood there waiting like a fool, and at length he resolved 10 move seross the glade, cost him what it might. He started off slowly, leading bis horse. No one halted him—no one appeared to meet him on the mar- in of the woods—he could see nor hear no living soul near. He grew more courageous; still he was in a quandary. If any one was watching hini, he resolved to know it; so he raised his foot and placed it in the stirrup, but no one bade him displace it. Then he threw himself into the saddle, and putting spurs, gal- loped away through the woeds, at a wild, break- neck speed. Still no voice halted him, for none was near. Happy Harry was the only living soul within miles of them when these voices bade the offi- cer surrender. They were Harry’s voices! Brave little Harry! he had outwitted the haughty English major, and accomplished his heart’s desire. He had got the officer's secret message into his possession, and with it had made good his escape. E And what historian has recorded this daring act of the noble boy? an act which ultimately led to the most decisive blow which England received in the memorable war of 1812, especi- ally in the North-west. CHAPTER XI. $ CAPTAIN RANKIN’S FATR, We will now go back in our narrative, and look after Captain Robert Rankin, whom, as will doubtless remembered, we left on the raft, engaged hand-to-hand with a savage. They were the only two combatants left were down, fighting as only desperate ene: WwW arry saw them rik ppy wee ae aq

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— 2+ L Tn the commencement of the battle, Rankin had received a flesh wound on the arm, that bled profusely, and from loss of blood he grad- ually grew weaker. But he fought on; he grappled with his adversary and together they went down. Neither one could get at his wea- on. Rankin had a knife, the savage a toma- ta wk; both were in their girdles. The young officer saw that he must soon end the conflict, or the tide of victory would turn against him. His strength was fast failing, but by a mighty effort the captain succeeded in throwing his adversary partially loose from him. It liberated his right hand, and, quick as a flash, he drew his knife. But the change in their position gave the savage the same ad- yah a and he drew his tomahawk and raised t. The hand of the white man was the quicker, and he plunged his knife into the warrior’s breast. It partially broke the force of the de- scending tomahawk, yet the weapon fell heavy enough to strike Rankin senseless on the deck, The savage at full length, fell back in his death throes; a few convulsive quivers, and the form became motionless. The raft floated on. The moon came up and shone upon the two still bodies drifting further and further away into the great expanse. Now and then a night-bird screamed along the bosom of the deep and flapped his somber wings above the dead. All else was silent. The long hours of darkness wore away. The sun, rising, shot his quivering beams of light across St. Clair. They fell upon the raft with its white tent and ghostly faces still drifting on over the waves. One face was lifeless, staring with stony eyes into the heavens. The other possessed a faint spark of life—Robert Rankin was not dead; but, all through the long night he had tain to- tally unconscious, and not until the bars of morning light had diffused some of their warmth into his body was he able to move. Little by little he gained strength until he was able to raise his head and glance around kim. He saw the boundless sea beneath and the sky above—nothing more. ~Ay! he did see some- thing else—the stark form of his late adversary, and the white tent which he and Mucklewee had erected. Gradually he collected his bewildered senses. One by one he recalled the events that had transpired up to the time he had fallen under the blow of the savage’s tomahawk. But, where was his friend and guide, Bill Mucklewee? Where was tlfe boy, Harry? What had been their fate? The sun beating down upon his aching head increased his suffering. He attempted to rise, but sunk to the raft with sheer weakness. On his hands and knees he crawled into the tent out of the hot sun. Here he found everything exactly as they left it at the time Happy Harry gave the alarm of danger. He at once took a ask of brandy from among his effects and awallowed some of the contents. Itstrengthened him—it renewed his spirits. But he was still unable to rise to his feet. He openéd the box in which he had some cold provision, and taking a. biscuit and some meat therefroni, ate heartily. This helped him also,,and he rapidly grew stronger. The hot sun beat down upon the raft. There was a light breeze blowing from the west, but it was hot and sultry as the breath of a storm. , Birds appeared afar off in the ethereal blue of heaven, tiny specks at first, but gradually ®rowing larger and larger. They were’ ap- proaching—they were buzzards. They finally took a position above the raft and rose and fell in the air in spiral circles—growing bolder and bolder each minute. They were after the dead—that savage corpse swelling in the hot sun; but Rankin was unable to remove it from their filthy beaks—unable to consign it to a } watery grave. Overcome by a sudden. reaction, the young captain sunk down half fainting. He fell asleep; and for hours slept soundly.. When he awoke the sun was in the zenith. It was pour- ing down upon him with a fervid heat. He looked out of the tent and over the great ex- panse of water. Upon all sides green-clad isl- ands broke the monotony of the waves. The sight was so surprising that fora moment he believed it a delusion—a fantasy of a bewil- dered brain. He had drifted into the midst of a group of islands. _ he young captain’s heart now took cour- age. He looked out py the islands. How cool and inviting was their green, rustling fo- fiage and silvan shade! and yet, how like mockery, with his aching head, he re- clined upon the raft beneath the blazing sun, unable to turn the heavy craft aside. He carefully scanned each island, but no sign of human Jife was visible upon any of them. MeL oA ds Ms a8 eS eee El him. Somethin; , with grea n wings, and bright, diamond eyes reiead his vision. It was a huge bird—a buzzard. Mechanically the poe es ced at the porpse of the savage. . at the re- - way #! > Soht he ho swollen: tho the jaws distended, and the protruding eye- balls staring awfully into the heavens. ‘The young man shuddered with horror. A buzzard descended and perched itself on the bloated form. The filthy bird flapped itssomber wings, held them extended for a moment, glance around him, and then peered down into the stony face of the dead. ; For a moment it regarded the ghastly object, then it uttered a cry of satisfaction—a cry that grated terribly upon the ears of its auditor. Another bird immediately descended from the clouds. Then another, and still another, until nearly a dozen of the foul scavengers of the air had assembled at the banquet. They hesitated about beginning the feast. They chattered around the dead as if discussing some point of etiquette, or as if in doubt of something. Suddenly their necks became outstretched. They uttered a shrill ery of alarm, then they spread their wings, beat the air, rose aloft, and circled swiftly away through the air. What had frighteded them? Rankin crawled to the door of the tent, and gazed out. To his surprise he found the raft floating in a narrow channel between two isl- ands, both of which were covered with a dense growth of luxuriant foliage, The raft drifted slowly down the channel, keeping away from either island as if guided by the hand of an invisible Charon who was carrying the soul of the suffering man out into the illimitable sea beyond this life. Nearing the eastern extremity of the island, the helpless man saw a human figure push out from the shrubbery and pause upon the beach. A white woman stood there before him! Scarcely had Rankin made this discovery wre a shadow crossed his path. Raising his eyes, they fell upon what appeared to be a bright vision—tho delusion of a pleasant dream. It was the face and form of a young girl. She stood upon the raft before him. CHAPTER XII. TEMPY, THE ISLAND ENCHANTRESS, RANKIN’S mind was weak and confused with pain and mental torture. His brain ached and throbbed; his eyes were dimmed and blurred by constant watching and by the dazzling sun, and as he gazed upon the form and face of the young girl before him, he was not sure that she was a being of flesh. There was something so ethereal about the form, something so an- gelic about the face. “You are hurt—wounded, stranger,” the apparition at length remarked, seeing he was speechless, that there was blood upon him, that his face was pale, and that his eyes were wild and startling. The sound of her voice broke the spell and drove all doubt and uncertainty from his mind; the being before him was in the flesh, and his very*soul cried out in gladness. “ Weak,” he responded, in a broken, fever- ish tone, “‘Lam dying by inches, fair maiden. Look around you, and jee you can imagine | a tithe of what I have seems an age.” “I have already made myself fully ac- quainted with the distressed sight this raft presents,” the fair girl replied; ‘* but, sir; you are fast drifting out into the open lake, and if you would escape from this raft, now is the time. If you will accept of my assistance, I can help you to the island, where you will re- ceive kind attention.” “Then you live upon the island?” he asked. ‘The one to the left, as you float east,” she replied. . nkin staggered to his feet. He could not refuse the proffered kindness of the beautiful girl, even had he known that she was hurry- ing him into unknown dangers. He had fought bravely against the enemy and the horrors thatsurrounded him; but, almost in the very hour of his triumph, he yielded to the will of a tender, feeble girl. But this girl possessed charms of soul and body that true manhood could not resist. She was not over seventeen years of age; her form was a model of exquisite beauty, her face a type of rare loveliness, her eyes were ofa soft brown, with the wild, timid expression of a fawn’s; her hair was of the color of her eyes. aud gathered back from her brow and confine in braids, ‘She wore the rather.pretty, yet odd frock of an Indian princess; but, i ad of Indian blood coursing her veins, it might have been that of a royal queen. Her faceand hands were tanned veg re to the summer sun and wind; but this exercise inthe open air had been instru- mental in im ing a healthful glow to her cheeks, a sparkle to her eyes, and strength and activity to her budding form. She conducted Rankin to the rear of the raft, where a light canoe fastened by its pee and assisting him into it, she seated erself, took up the gts and turned toward P 7 e been suffering for what ‘the island. blade with remarkable skill, she sent the little craft waters, and in a very few q aie Sioa |e 11. captain had first seen upon the island. She ap. proached them, expressing both surprise and sympathy in the look she gave the wounded man. She was perhaps ten years older than Tempy, a handsome woman, with threads of silver among her dark brown hair, a large, sad. eye, and a face upon which was written the in- delible hand of hidden sorrow. “Yes, Margery,” replied the maiden, “it was as I told you—a'wounded man upon the a though he himself insists on it that he is ying.” Ti Rar from it, I hope, stranger,” said Mar gery. ‘“ Letus not tarry here,” and turning, she led the way along a beaten path, ben the cool shadows of the dense foliage, Rankin and Tempy followed, moving slowly, for the captain was so weak he as he walked. ‘ Threading their way through the grove, | they finally debouched into an openin 3 the” center of which stood a log-cabin, half buried | inan arbor of wild cucumbers and m a glories. In the rear of the building was a vegetable garden, in front a garden of flowers that sent forth a mingled odor sweet as the perfumes of Araby or Ind. Rankin was conducted into the ‘cabin, which | was furnished with neatness and * Tempy gave him water in a stone L which to make an ablution, and after this needed operation had been performed, be , seated in an easy-chair, when Margery, w womanly tenderness, dressed his wi Then she brought some brandy and water, and | ve him as a stimulant, and in afew minutes obert Rankin felt that he was himself again. He conversed ies? with his fair Samaritan: friends, giving a full history of his late ‘ ous adventure, which eventually led. guest to their cabin. i" * The females, however, evaded all questioning concerning their secluded home. nkin di¢ not come boldly out and ask what calling their male friends followed for a livelihood; be ap= proached them with all the caution of a general | approaching an enemy; but they proved tWem-| selves the most disciplined skirmishers, and de~ feated him at every point. Of course, this led to the supposition that the life of the women and their friends was shroudedin some mystery, | and so he asked no further questions, ! Finally the conversation turned to the proba= ble war with England. I say probable, aithod ah the war was at that time Pally inaug | and Rankin knew it, but he affected ignorané in order to test the knowledge and sympathy of his two female friends, ps He soon found that they were ignorant of the threatened wer, but as they expressed the | strongest sympathy for the American cause, hi soon became more communicative, “War,” he said, ‘has been declared, and] already the enemy is moving across the fron= tier. Mackinaw is beleaguered, and in ease it a the straits will be open to’ the English fleet. tug The women were greatly surprised by th startling information, and expressed fears for) their own safety. Misid “The English in Canada have anticipated the war,” continued Rankin, “and have al} ready taken such stepsas will result in a terri- ble blow to our country, unless we can manage to be prepared for therf. There is a party the enemy now in the territory, waiti for orders from head-quarters to blow.” ‘““Where is that party of enemies m asked Margery. “T have been unable to fing out; my im sion is, however, that they are conceale squads along the western shores of St. Clair, the’heavy woods, or they may be guests of red allies, the Indians.” “*When were orders from the British ¢o mander expected, do you know?” é “* During the week. a “Then youare in the secretsof the Brit movements.” |__| “‘Tam Robert Rankin, with the commission of captain of dragoons,” replied Rankin, eva sively, and with a smile. : “Tsee you are in uniform,” continued } _“Td bave fared better without it under circumstances. “Indeed!” exclaimed the keen-witted gery. ‘‘I comprehend the meaning of evasions— you are a spy!” “The same as a dead one, though. I wounded—unable to move, and will be so 4 Ol only ND fi | i he | some days to come,” as % Have you dispatches or word of importance to carry to any or village?” } , Rankin looked up and smiled. He made no}

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L t bim whose ears they are intended for,” re- ied Rankin. “Task not for your secrets, Captain Rankin; but I thought, if I could do so, I would take vyon myself the responsibility of concluding your mission for you.” * You? a feeble woman!” exclaimed Rankin; “ why you are weary leagues from the military post at Laketown.” __ “I care not for that,” she replied, with a firmness that denoted her courage and patriot- ism; ‘‘a woman can serve her country as well as a man. Tell me what 1 am to say and I will “T cannot, Margery,” the young captain said, regretfully ; ‘*my manbood ca, BS from sending a woman out alone on a wide, watery waste. Perhaps I will be able to strike out sooner than I expect.” **T know these waters well—perhaps far bet- than you, captain ; besides, I am no novice in water-craft,” Margery persisted. ‘‘To refuse me the conclusion of your fap aber | may bring disaster to our country and entail the loss of hundreds of innocent lives.” “That's all true—very true, Margery; and if ' your ability is equal to your persistent desire to he Laketown you can accomplish the mission. “Pm a woman!” interrupted Margery, with rity in her tone. ‘I have nothing more to add, Margery,” the oF yous man said; and removing one of his ts, he unscrewed the heel and took from the receptacle therein a small leaden ball, which he handed to her, saying: ‘That contains the message I desire to be placed in the hands of none other than Colonel Miller, the command- ant at Laketown. Had you not been a woman 1 would never have surrendered it otherwise than with my life.” “You have faith in woman’s honesty, then and so I shall endeavor to strengthen that _ faith,” replied Margery, with the resolute deter- ' ‘ination of a brave and noble nature. ‘God ' willing, this message shall be delivered into the hands of Colonel Miller.” Rankin was now highly impressed with the tharacter of this woman, He saw that she was yi mre than an ordinary personage in intellect, and was fully aware of the responsibilities an dangers she was assuming for the sake of her try. The two women left Rankin’s presence and went into an adjoining room—Margery to pre- _ pare for her long, perilous journey. . The soung cap in awaited their return im- _ patiently. e soft, ‘brown eyes, the pretty f ce, the sweet voice and gentle kindness of Tempy had made an indelible impression upon his heart, and he could hardly help thanking the terrible fate that had thrown her in his way. ‘© had recovered so rapidly, or, at least, felt | #80 much better, since his advent in the island _ howe that his wounds gave him no uneasiness | whatever. His heart feasted es the myste- | ious beauty of the angelic Tempy, and his ; ah w stronger. he. At t (a @ same time there was a struggle goin, _ @n within his breast. His spirit of manhoo _ rebuked him for surrendering his message, _ which was of the most vital importance, to f atorge ; while he felt it was a duty that he | wed his country to have the message delivered _ at all hazards. But, while he looked upon | Margery as a woman of more than ordinary ih ‘ability, it was his manly courtesy that rebelled _ at the idea of placing such a i While speculating over the situation, T A ie ng over the situation, Tempy _ burst into the room like a sunbeam, her face radiant with joy. _ A little sailor hat, trimmed with blue, was pon her head. , Gloves were upon her hands, ' end a light, purple scarf was around her Het ren going,” cho said, with's look of alight Feu im going,” she said, with a look of deli turnin fo Renkin. ony its the post pith the as I led ; ‘o the post e message. I prevaile on sister Margery to let me go as her health is mewhat feeble. Besides, I think I know the lake better than she does.” _ *Tempy, you—” began Rankin, but he was interrupted by the maiden, who exclaimed: —*T hope spon will not object to my going, Mr. Rankin. e Mar- erculean task ih ae Tem, his, CHAPTER XIV. . rf THE ENGLISH BRIG-OF-WAR. __ Happy Harry was soon far beyond the glade Sere ye bad ao,etntng! ats she ings messenger. ‘ace was all aglow | triumph as he sped away through him PSION lake shore, where, out of breath, be sat down to rest and examine the button that the unsus- pecting Englishman had intrusted to bis care. “Great bhoppin’ hornits, Belshazzar!” he ex- | claimed, wiping the perspiration from his brow, “this is jest more’n fun, ar’n’t it, ole chum? And, mortal p’izen! didn’t I doit up to that Brit- isher slicker’ a peeled sapplin’? 1 didn’t know I war so good reachin’ out with my voice. I didn’t, for asacred fact. By George! he war a kind of a spy, that red-coat, and T’d ort to ’a’ taken him prisoner; but then, what did I want with him elise I got the feller’s secret? Ho! out here, ole button. What news from the head- quarters of the ole king’s army? Open, my pretty silver bauble, and let it out.” After repeated efforts, he succeeded in un- screwing the button, which he found to bea mere shell of silver, the cavity of which was filled with a neatly-folded paper of the finest quality. “Sweet Jerusalem! there lays the kernel of the silver nut!” exclaimed the youth, looking at the paper as if half afraid to touch it, for fear it would vanish like a bubble. While thus occupied, Belshazzar uttered a low, plaintive whine, A twig cracked in the undergrowth not far pathos and was succeeded by a rustling of oliage. Happy Harry sprung to his feet, slipped the ered ales his pocaet, kine cocked his ride. Aman emerged from the undergrowth, and a look of profound astonishment mounted his face as he confronted the young wood-tramp. The man was Long Beard, the Giant Wood- man, a hornits,” burst from the boy’s lips, and he dug his knuckles into his eyes, as if to remove a mist of doubt gathered over them, te can’t be so—it’s a mistake, it is, for an ugly act, ‘*Hulle, my little waif! you are safe, thank God,” said the giant, advancing toward him. “ Rafe? why, that’s no name for it,” replied Harry. ‘Great hornits! but I’m proper de- lighted and majestically glad to meet you. I am, for a fact, govenir. Giv us your ten-acre w—there! och!—squeeze gently; you’ve a ear’s hug in that fist. But, whar ye been keepin’ your corporosity, gineral?” “Tn dhe woods, on the lake, along the shore, looking for you.” * And D’ve been lookin’ for you, gineral.” ““Well, the objects of our search have been found. What news have you, Harry?” “Nothin’ but some good news; but wasn’t them a smashin’ set of fellers we bunked with tvother night at the cave?” “ “ A notorious set of scoundrels, I must say,’ returned the giant, emphatically. “They had you haltered up pretty snug, hadn’t they, Big Beard?” “ Ay, my boy; and did you know what I do of that man, Kirby Kale, you would not won- der that I was haltered up so securely,” “You don’t say, do you, gineral? Why, great hornits! arn’t they all Englishmen?” ‘Most of them.” ‘* And is Kirby Kale?’ ‘“*-Yos; and as mean a man as ever breathed.” “Wal, by hornits!—but, say, Big Beard, did ou see that feller in the cave with his head ied up and arm in a sling?” **1 did; and I saw him spurn yore body with his foot when you lay apparently dead in the cavern,” ‘That was the traitor, William Mucklewee Esquire, whom I banged over the head an sent a-bouncing and a-waltzin’ into the lake— the very demon that tried. to betray Rankin into the savages’ power, But, Big Beard, 1 think them devils at the cave are waitin’ to do some awfully bloody work, I do, for a serious fact. They are English soldiers, 1 know they are, for I saw their uniforms stickin’ around the cavern one place and another. | 1 think they’re waitin’ there in disguise for some or- ders to strike—in fact, I know they are; and them orders are to come through a mes- senger expected from Canada. And, would you believe it, gineral! sure as I’m livin’, me and that messenger had a little difference awhile ago. He just scooped me right in a prisoner of war, inthe name of the king, the sun, moon, and stars. I wasn’t hard to take, and Belshazzar, he just tucked his tail atwixt his legs and away we marched. But, sudden- Wy, my friend of the King. had summons from ifferent quarters to yield himself up to su- panier force, that war hid in the woods not ur away. Before he could reply, I turned and informed him he war in what might be termed a snap, and soon, Then I told him who he was, and whar he war goin’, and that \I b’longed at the cave and was out lookin’ for him, and that I’d let him capter me for the fun of it, and a whole lot of just sich—sich funny things.’ This tickled the royal major of his majesty’s army, and quicker’n wink he jerked a button off his coat and handed it to me, with orders to deliver the same to Kirby Kale. The he war surrounded by uld be seen, d_ he thought tL ong Beard, the Giant Spy. | scout filed. oe, fool thought i / op Arey of American scouts, though not oe meee - ————— a and away I went, lickey-te-split, leavin’ the fore English dispatch bearer from across the riny deep, waitin’ for the Americans to file out of the wood and salt him down. But nary The fact of it war jist here: there wasn’t a scout within miles of him, and for all I know, that poor, deluded man from the moon is standing thar in the opening yit.” “You tricked him with that tongue of yours, did \ ou?’ asked Long Beard. ‘* Didn't I, though, general?’ replied Harry, / with a sly wink, ‘I jist had ’em demandin’ his surrender all around, and you ort to’a’ heard the one with a creaky voice. Dogged if I didn’t like to overdo it on that voice. But, here’s the button, Big Beard, already unscrewed, ready for an investigation of its contents.” He handed the button to the giant, who re- moved the paper therefrom e found the latter to be of the finest texture, capable of being compressed into a very small space. It was nearly a foot square when spread open. Upon the upper half was traced, by a skillful band, a map of all that portion of the United States and Territories lying north of the forty-second egree of north latitude, also a portion of Canada. There were red dots upon it, which doubtless represented the location of | the American posts of defense. It was also traced with blue lines, a to represent the an- ticipated routes of the English army in their in- vasion of the republic. neath this map was an explanation written in cipher, which the gp at once set to work upon to translate, t seemed as though he had had some ex- perience in such things before, for in a few minutes he had unraveled the secret of the whole. And what a secret worth knowing it was to the citizens of the American republic! It proved to be a key to the proposed opera- tions of the English in in the United States, and which, if Successful, would place the whole northern frontier and the great lakes in British possession! On the back of this map was written, also in cipher, these words: “Oaprary Kirpy Katm—Money secured General Hull's retreat from Canada, and I believe it will se- cure the surrender of Detroit. Try it, at any rate, if your present moyement should prove a failure. “ Mav.-Gen. Brook.” ““Great hoppin’ hornits!” exclaimed Harry, when Long Beard had revealed the secrets 0 the paper; ‘‘afore such a thing shall happin, Tl run my very soul out, Ill start this very hour for the nearest military post. Wouldn’t Mo Long Whiskers, if you, were a little risky boy?” “T might, it is true, Harry. But then, this is a matter of such vital importance to our country that no risks must be encountered in delivering it to the proper authorities. There is no great hurry in the matter, therefore you can afford to take your time and run no risks, Now, if you will go with me to the Pleiades Islands you can take a boat and reach Lake- nde in half the time you can go there on ‘oot, “Just as you say, Long Beard. I’m alers willin’ to obey them as are older than me, There’s my dear ole bunknsate, Davy Darrett, whom I hain’t seen for a month, who’s alers right on sich things as b’long to the border.” ‘«Then come along with me.” They moved along the shore and in a few minutes came to where the giant’s little schooner was tied up. Boarding her, they at once put to sea. E As they pulled out from shore Belshazzar uttered a low whine, and gtancin back to- ward the shore, Long Beard and Harry saw the cause of his uneasiness. An [Indian girl, -whom Harry recognized as the princess Helee- lah, was standing on g prominent point of the shore, waving her hand toward them in a vio- lent manner; and the very instant she ceased she +t hy vised bee a ot ‘Oh, grea ornits!”’ crie a Harry; “it?s Beleclah, and she’s drowned Healt lsh “Nay, nay, Harry,” responded Long Beard; ‘‘ that girl is our friend. ose gestures were intended as a warning. Look! she is swim- mate around the base of that rock, evidently to reach the 4 de side unobserved. Enemies to us must be approaching the point from whence we pier eaeenthe there they come now! Fully twenty men, with flashing uniforms and aigcteieg muskets, emerged from the great woods, It wes a company of British soldiers, and at their head Happy Harry could distinguish the forms of Captain Kirby Kale and his late cap- tor, the English major. “Halt there!” cried Kale, at the top of his lungs, and: the soldiers brought their muskets into pesiien But Long Beard and Harry paid no attention to his order. | ‘‘Halt, or we'll fire!” again shouted Kale. icker than a flash Happy Harry threw his rifle to his shoulder and soldier fell at the feet of his comrades. The next instant a line of smoke burst from f and the crash of ty at the foe. A .

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A. FE LPS ee ee their bullets pattered against the side of the little schooner, but Long Beard and Harry having sought shelter in the cabin escaped un- harmed. The giant at once ran up another sail and soon they were out of reach of the enemy’s uns, Then the two again went on deck, and, ) their surprise, saw that a number of savages had joined the English, and all together were holding a consultation. With his field-giass Long Beard scanned the allies closely, and while thus engaged he hap- pengi to run his eye along the coast, when, to his surprise and astonishment, he discovered a small sail bearing down the wind toward them, It was over a league away, yet he could see distinctly that it was a brig carry- ing a gun fore and aft and flying the English colors! “By heavens, Harry!” exclaimed the giant, *“‘an English vessel has gained our lake! “Look off here and you'll see her.” Happy Harry took the glass and, having scanned the sail, confirmed his friend’s’ state- ment. ° “Strikes me, gineral,” he said, “‘ that we're in a fair way for a bit of naval engagement.” “The chances for a fight are good, but our ; condition to stand up to a brig carrying heavy ns is not very promising of good results. Sur best hold lies in flight, and I shall press | every inch of canvas into service and attend promptly to the helm and ourcourse. It is now one o’clock, and it will take us until evening to reach the Pleiades,” ‘* Well, all right, gineral; drive on your gig, and if thar’s anything that we can assist you in doin’ make a clean breast of it and we'll be on hand like a dozen warts.” “Keep a watch on the brig, Harry.” “*T'll do so, gineral; I will, for a solemn fact.” Half an hour had passed in silence when he suddenly exclaimed: ““There, by hornits! Captain Kale has sve- ceeded in hailing the brig and! two boats have been sent ashore.” “Then depend upon it, every effort will be made to overhaul us, Harry,” said Long Beard, “and you in that English me3sunger’s |hands and I in Kale’s, we would fare badly.” Suddenly the boom of a cannon came down the wind, and glancing back, the fugitives saw a cloud of smoke hanging upon the brig’s row. Long Beard took.the glass and brought it to bear upon the enemy. A ery burst from his ‘ iS. Re ghe has sighted us, and -is giving chase! Now for liberty, an English prison, or death, } Harry!” he exclainied, a stern, desperate look : kindling in his eyes, and his great form grow- } ing majestic with the firm resolutions that strung every nerve and inspired his soul. The race now began in earnest between the little schooner and the brig-of-war. Silent and firm the giant woodman stood at the helm, while Happy Harry stood aft gazing away at a the pursuing enemy with a kind of a vague | fascination, at the same time humming softly himself: p vay name was Captain Kidd hen I sailed, when I sailed.” CHAPTER XV. THE PLEIADES NIGHT-WATOH. Captain RoBpertT RANKIN could not forgive himself for having made known the secret, of rather giving up the dispatches, that led the fair little empy to brave the dangers of a long journey by land and water. He walked the floor in feverish agony. Mar- gery endeavored to calm bis emotions: “Tempy is not in half the danger you are, Captain Rankin,” she said, ‘“‘and I pray you will not worry yourself into a fever over her departure.» She is well acquainted with the Vjake, and I dare say will reach her destination in safety.” though,” 4 ‘*Not before night, { “She will do well if she reaches it by to- { morrow ‘ge “Well, I cannot rest easy until I know harm has not befallen that brave ae girl who r virtually saved my life. But, kind friend, how soon do you expect your friends in?” “Not hetore evening. Father usually returns about sunset.” "i “Ts your father a fisherman?” «Simply a recluse,” replied Margery, evasive- Jy. ‘He has a penchant for secluded places, hence tho reason that we dwell here among the romantic Pleiades.” : ‘ “And is this secluded life agreeable to you Po and your sister Tempy ?”’ ee “We love our (3 wherever he is happiest.” Around this lonely islan ie | inmates there hung'a mystery to Captain Ran- i a i kin. He would have had it solved, for already aan he had become deeply interested in the family’s He did n though be tried, at firs' rie waa bat am ) notary infatua- ight be the children |_ ather, and are contented d cabin and its lovely hesitate to admit that he fallen desperately in love with the fair al to convince cence and honor that surrounded the women stood confessed. Margery extended every kindness in her power to alleviate the suffering of her guest, and in her gentle administrations there was a power as of magic. To him, she and Tempy had been good Samaritans—Sisters of Merey— reserved in nothing that makes woman noble, gentle, loved and companionable. The hours dragged wearily along to Rankin. He watched the sun changing in the doorway, and ati times it seemed as though an hour made no difference in the position of the light and shadow. But, despite his impatience, the sun was gradually sinking westward, and finall dropped behind the tree-tops. Then the twi- light shadows began to gather in the cabin. A light breeze, sweetened with the perfume of wild flowers, stirred the green drapery of the trees, Away out along the margin of the island a bull-frog sent forth his harsh, rasping croak, while a solitary cricket chirruped shrilly under the door-step, its ungrateful music harmonizing with the gathering gloom and depressing soli- de, Margery sat down at the open window, and, gazing out over the lake, hummed a low, plaint- ive tune to herself. Her thoughts were far away; she was soon in deep meditation. _Meanwhile Rankin’s thoughts turned upon his own situation. The silence and shadows filled him with vague forebodings. Both were suddenly started by the boom of a cannon breaking upon the silence, It rolled down from the north with a stunning shock. “Oh, my God!” cried Margery, and she sprung to her feet and ran out of the cabin. Rankin rose and followed her, tottering al- most as he went. y From a point where they could obtain a par- tial view of the twilight-enshrouded lake, they beheld two sails. One of them, a little schooner, was already within a few rods of the island. The other, a brig, pe ges the English colors, and a gun fore and aft, stood on the northern extremity of the group of islands, over a mile away, It had evidently been anchored there, for all sails had been lowered. ‘That is father’s sail approaching there,” ex- claimed Margery, in detight. , “Do you know that other one off north?’ asked Rankin. “T do not; it’sa stranger. rhaps.” The little schooner soon turned into the shoro. A tall man, with a long, snowy beard, stepped ashore, followed by a boy and a large dog. It was Long Beard, Harry and his dog. Long Beard, then, was Margery’s father. Having secured his little craft by means of a heavy rope, he turned and \proceeded with the boy and his dog toward thie cabin, to be met by Margery and Rankin, Before a word of greeting had passed be- tween the father and dauchtar: Harry shouted, as his eyes fell upon Captain Rankin: ‘Hurrah for glory! hoppin’ hornits! there he is, gineral; the very identikul chap that war in the big fight with us on the raft.” “Yes, 1 am the man, my good fellow,” re- sponded Rankin, extending his hand: toward the youth. ‘I remember you very well, my brave and peerless youth, The last IT saw of you /was during the fight on that trap of a raft.’ “*T have a distinct remembrance of that raft, captain, and a little onpleasantness we had on it. That were a gory old fight, it was, for a stubborn fact.” “Yes, and I have wondered a hundred times how you and Mucklewee came out of the fight.” “ Mucklewee!” exclaimed Harry, ey Pee ly; ‘‘darn his hide! he got off with a basted head, I’m sorry to say..” “You speak severely of my guide, Harry.” “Your guide!” the youth replied, with dis- dain. “Captain, didn’t, you know that he war a traitor?” “T did not, Harry.” F “Tt’s a holy fact, captain; it war him that ‘ot you into a confused muss with the red- skins. He is a British emissary.” Rankin was confounded by this intelligence, and, but for the sober look on Harry’s face would have disputed his word. He hurriedly connected different events that had occurred since he and Mucklewee had been together, and out of the links thus collected he gathered sufficient material to construct! a chain of strong evidence corroborating Harry’s story. Meanwhile Margery and her father "had stepped aside, when the: former at once in- formed her parent of what had been going on since his departure. The giant seemed deeply affected by the news of Father will know, ‘empy’s departure; at the same time, however, he expressed bis approvel of her going forth on a journey of such importance to their country. “But at the same time she may be in less danger then we are in,” he said, in concluding his remarks on that subject, and introducing another. — ‘ ‘* Why _island, six rods or more away, 13 ‘*“ Why, Margery, war has been fully ineu- gurated, and the armies are moving. Hull has relinquished the conquest of Mahivks and retreated on Fort Detroit. The English are already across the frontier; but our greatest danger, Margery, does not come from that’ source”—he spoke ina low tone. ‘Night be= fore last I was a prisoner in the stronghold of | acompany of British soldiers under command of-none other than Captaiu Kale, alias Sir Eugene Nealmurry.” wo) Mant “Oh, God of mercy!” cried Margery, clerp- ing her brow, while her face turned ghasiiy) pe and her form reeled as if about to fall ter father drew her arm in his to support her, and then narrated the story of his capture by Kirby Kale, and his release by Happy Harry, Finally matters were explained Al aronnd, | when Long Beard led the way to the cabin, He introduced Harry to Margery and his se- — cluded home. \ The youth was welcomed by Margery in — words that filled his young heart with joy.” He “ had never before received such praise and — thanks as Margery bestowed upon him. He — GA secu he was a rs a hero. argery soon had an ample supper prepared — for all, when Harry and Rankin were invited 4 to the board. The Wild Boy and his host vid justice to the meal, for they had fasted since — morning. , Before night had closed in Long Beard made — certain of the brig-of-war’s position. He found it was still standing off, north of the Pleiades. But he knew that the enemy would not remai idle during the night—that they would, in » probability, send out a boat to reconnoiter and scout among the islands. To defeat the sucess of such an expedition was the main object with the giant, for if his cabin was discovered, he knew its destruction would be inevitable. hs { Happy Harry, ever ready for adventure, — volunteered to keep on the move with his qog — during the night, venturing the assertion ro no boat could approach undiscovered, A The night was dark—extremely dark, the sky being overcast with a heavy, gray mist. Everything was as still as though the heavy — gloom subdued the very pulses of the air al Like two shadows, Harry and his dog orm i through the undergrowth that skirted the — margin of the little green clad islands; like | shadows they stole along the beach. Now ard — then they stopped to listen—the master vibe bis hand upon his dog’s head. The animpvs hearing was most acute; did he detect a suspi-- cious sound, a toss of the head, or a low wha would announce the fact to his master, Thus for hours they continued their wateh around the island, Harry was growing drowsy — and careless for the want of excitement when — his attention was suddenly attracted by we ti surging of the waves along the bank, i “There’s no wind ‘to make them waves? the youth reasoned with bimself, ‘and wht's — makin’ them tickle the shore is more’n I enn | tell, ‘lees thar’s sumthin’ in the strait between — the two islands, If it wasn’t so wickedly oork | a feller and his dog might see sumthin’, On great hornits, Bell, I hope nothin’ will 1 AY fall these folks here. That poor woman locks | sad enough anyhow, and then the old ginesal's — takin’ on so "bout his tother gal that’s gone t Laketown. Gracious! if wé ever git fire this bald-headed darkness alive, I’ll strike o after that little gal of his’u. And we'll # her, too, or expand a blood-vessel in the » tempt. ’Sh!—harkee, ‘Shaz—ar!—jiggered — there isn’t—if there doesn’t come a canoe ci ing through the darkness like a spell of deu.b And now who is it?—and whar are they goi Dog their riggin’s, they’ve got muffled oars, a1 that means op a he world over. They a p’isen pack from the brig. They’re Pn lish ‘ come down here to reconnoiter, and Pll fusticated if I know whether to here and exterminate ’em, or fire into ’em let ’em slide. But then I guess Vl] do nei So Pll trick ’em,” and so saying, he call out: * Boat ahoy !” ; The voice seemed to come from the oppo 4% S ag! ay!” sas the response from the barge “Who goes there?’ demanded the voice | the island. i The crash vet half a oa Praecoge was t response. groan issu rom the isl. The boat turned in toward the shore, Harry laughed to himself, ed | ‘““Gue-s we laid him out,” he heard one of t unknown boatmen say. te te Quicker than we can record the fact, Ha Harry bad stripped off his clothing, and, w his knife between his teeth, entered the w and struck out directly boat. Belshazzar at his sid so/ father? Doda dint. waft off wectine|| brigofewan. reached ah

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Lo ‘owth for the body of their supposed @ one left to watch the boat re- His musket was lean- The oars hung loose The stillness was unbroken save by the noise made by the men among the rustling bushes. | Thus several moments passed; then a tiny | wave broke against the side-of the boat and 'chafed the bank. The soldier noticed it. stinctive precaution made him a good soldier. He recognized, im an instant, the fact that was no air tostir a ripple on the lake, ery naturally concluded that the water by something in it. bent*his head and listened; he heard the very faintest noise like that which is made by the tf of a small animal cleaving the waters as it glides along. He peered into the deep, dark might around him, and upon the bosom of the water; not two feet from the side of the canoe, | he imagined he saw a round, spherical object ' resting upon the waves. Mechanically he put out his hand toward it, when to his horror he felt a pair of sharp fangs close like a vise upon ' mained seated within it. “ing against the side. in the rowlocks, had been disturbe A cry of horrible agony escaped the man’s aati held on to his Pansy pile arry, springing up into the boat, pite ea the man overboard. / The youth was instantly warne dangers by the hasty approach of the men on Seizing an oar he pushed the boat out n the bosom of the night-enshrouded waters. The unfortunate soldier of his mishap. n the party di scovered that they had been pped—at least enticed ashore upon an isl- and—from whence they could not escape. ' The soldiers heard the boat with the unknown enemy retreating, and discharged their muskets ‘inthe direction of the sound, but in the dark- : shot at random and Harry escaped CHAPTER XVI. THE BESIEGED CABIN, ARRY having crossed the channel ) and made fast his boat, hurried to the cabin of - Long Beard and reported his adventure. The giant at once became very uneasy, for ld the enemy discover bis location escape _ “must get away from her ill be death—yea! more than children, should we fall into the power of English, We must escape under cover of ‘ht. Iwill move our effects most needed death to me and haps we could dodge the enemy here, at least until your daughter Tempy returns from the iller will give her a f course, Colonel ee and this assistance will enable us Se er empy may not get back for a week, and 1,” answered the giant, half you, gineral,” said Harry, his face w with joy and boyish excitement; “if jist stay here and stick to the islan s3e8 to a boy’s hair, do; kapter or sink that my cats if I don’t ritish brig—me and ist get into the lake and ll be a torpedo to that her right over—w: oat; we will, for a fact.” h he questioned the youth’s ability to eard’s main re- @ was centered upon the Wild Boy of the He had seen the lad tested under the ing circumstances—he had seen him s of daring that none but Happy y could have accomplished, So the giant outhful borderman to watch recluse sent the i id not effect a landin: ‘island; and this precaution was not adopted a Those at the brig had heard of musketry down among the Plei- at once dispatched another boat to scene of action with half a dozen armed ust effected a landin: it; and having picke “men. This boat hi hen Harry discove ‘those left upon the opposite island, a force ‘a dozen armed men were now ready to in- the retreat of the mysterious Long Hurrying back to the cabin, the youth made wn his second discovery. y thoroughly alarmed, at once proposed to cuate the island. He could not be induced attempt a defense, although his cabin had constructed and provided with every isite for defensive measures. des a fear of the result of an English in- ion seemed to prey upon his mind and that : hter, like some awfel horror. ¥ ‘o Rankin there appeared to be some secret derlying the whole of this man’s fears, and S to believe that there was a Long Beard, It required but a few moments for the father and daughter to prepare for departure. change or twoof raiment, some cooked food and a few articles of bedding were all they at- tempted to carry away with them; and even these would not have been taken had they not been absolutely necessary for the comfort of the party during the journey. They left the | cabin in no disorder. On the contrary it was in its usual primness, so that the invaders | would not suspect it of being deserted. Harry led the way along the dim path to- ward the point where Long Beard had left the boat—Margery and Rankin following, while the giant brought up theyear. As they neared the water a slight noise arrested Harry’s at- tention, Stopping still, he cautioned his friends, and | requested them to remain standing there until he crept forward and reconnoitered. Softly he moved away, and for several min- utes a deathlike stillness reigned. Finally the lad came back with the startling intelligence that the schooner was in_ possession of the enemy and that all escape from the island was cut off. ‘Then let us go back and do last what we should baye . done __first—intrench ourselves within the cabin,” said the giant in a husky tone, “Govenir, we—that’s me and Bell—don’t keer about coopin’ up to fight. We'll stay out- side and bushwhack on the corner—kind 0’ split the attention of the foe should they at- tack the cabin. If you fellers ‘ll do your duty inside like a dose of p’isen, we'll be a red-hot blister outside, and tn bet we'll dcc- tor the red-coats up magnificently. They can’t catch me, that’s certain, if ’ve got elbow- room. This island’s a little cramped for me to operate on without crowding upon the lake, and the water there’s so tarnal thin that it lets afellerin. But go ahead, govenir; scoot back into your cabin and then let into ’em bald- headed jayhawks like a swarm of hornits with fresh sharpened javelins. I’ve hearn say that | a British soldier can’t stand fire half as well as an average Yankee-doodler, and I propose to test the matter. Yes, I'll keep outside and run a side-show of my own, gineral; and Vil bet we'll make’em think we're runnin’ a little {ndgment-de , too, of our own. Bet you'll hear somethin? drap cat time little ‘ Brown Chick’ here chirps,” and he patted the breech of his boy’s rifle significantly. And so Long Beard, Margery and Captain Rankin returned to the cabin, which had not yet been found* by the enemy. Hastening in- side, the recluse barred the door, and at once proceeded to pnt the cabin in the best possible shape for defense. The plugs were removed from the loop-holes that pierced all the four walls of the house. A prc eget of water was placed in the middle of the room ready for ri emergency ih which it might be needed. A lamp was lighted and placed behind a screen nese its rays would fall only on an unexposed spot. The face of Long Beard wore aserious yet determined look. His voice was low and firm, his movements like that of the lion. Margery’s pale face and heavy, mournful eyes evinced the deepest emotions, yet with resolute step she moved about the room ar- ranging things so as to afford every facility for defense. “Now I am ready,” said Long Beard, finally, as he looked to the priming of his rifle. “Give me a rifle, friend,” said Rankin, ‘‘ that I may assist.” And the giant brought bim a rifle and brace of pistols. Five minutes later there came a sharp, vio- lent rap, rap upon the door, “They are come, father,” whispered Mar- ery. The eee y, were at the door, “Who is there?’ demanded Long Beard. ‘Persons desirous of admittance,” was the Da solaye: ong Beard turned to Margery and in a husky tone asked: : ‘* Daughter, did you recognize that voice?” “Oh, my God, yes! it is his—Eugene Neal- murry’s!” ““Yos: Nealmurry’s, alias Captain Kirby Kale’s,” Fear seemed to hold the father and. daughter spellbound for awhile. Rap, rap, rap, came the summons at the door again, Gai 3 “‘T cannot admit you,” Long Beard replied, rallying from‘his momentary stupor with the look of a lion starting from a nap. “We seek admittance,/on peaceful measures, bnt cannot accept a refusal,” came from with- out. ¥ n “Then you threaten,” replied Long Beard. “We must be admitted; if, you refuse we will be compelled to force un entrance.” “‘-You will do so at your peril.” ° “We demand admittance in the name of His Royal Majesty the King of England!” and the speaker emphasized his words witha thunderous Yap upon the door, : : ‘And I refuse to admit you in the name of the President of the the American ng Beard, the Giant Spy. The violent crash of musket-butts against the door was the. only response. made of heavy oak boards, however, re- to yield to the terrific blows. eard thrust the muzzle of a pistol through a loop-hole, and fired into the crowd in Evidently the shot was without effect, but a violent exclamation of surprise and the rush of feet followed. party retreated a few pacesand poured a volley | of shot into the door, but not one of the leaden missiles pierced the hard, caken harricade. \ deep silence succeeded the crash of mus- ketry, and the English were wondering what effect it had had upon the inmates of the cabin, when they were suddenly surprised by a loud, shrill ‘‘chirp, chirp,” like that of a haif-erown chicken when lost from the rest of the brood, It issued from the thicket to the right. the men laughed and said: “‘ We're disturbing the hen-roost.” At this instant a tongue of flame leaped from the thicket to the left, a rifle »ung out on the air, and a cry of mortal agony escaped the lips of one of the soldiers as he fell dead at the feet of his comrades, “Charge the thicket,” thundered the voice of the commandant; ‘bayonet the assassin!” With fixed bayonets eleven men charged into the thicket, through the thicket, straight on- ward until they reached the water’s brink. But They turned and hurried to the side of their dead comrade. down to the boat, a consultation as to their further movements, which resulted in sending to the brig for reinforcements, Im an hour’s tine five more men landed upon the island, and the attack was renewed upon But the defenders were upon the alert, and met them with a sharp and deadly fire, forcing theni to retire under cover of thé three men killed and wounded: Here they again held a short deliberation over their repulse, and the probability of success should they attempt to force an entrance by the cabin on both sides—at the door In the midst of their talk that ominous “chirp, chirp” was heard again, this time coming from the direction of the cabin before them; but it was immediately followed by the whip-ike report of a rifle behind them, and another of the soldiers fell dead. “Search the island till that murderous devil is found!” commanded Kale, and he launched away, sword in hand, through the undergrowth, followed by his men. Like so many. bounds leash, they beat through 1 of the enemy. front of the cabin. -_ they found no enemy. men carried the bod Then the party he ust freed from the shadowy grove in he island was not more than three acres in area, but being overgrown with dense vegetation, it afforded the skulker every advantage over his enemy. The noise made by the soldiers adva through the thicket enabled Harry to deter- mine their exact position, and getting into their rear, he kept along a few paces behind them. Accustomed to the wcods, the youth ided along without creating a sound above e rustling bushes stirred by those that pre-~ An hour’s search proved fruitless. diers bad not seen nor heard one thing of the enemy, and, under the impression that he had left the island, they returned to the cabin and renewed their demand for its unconditional As usual, they were promptly met with a refusal, when a vigorous and - The soldiers were more careful ition close in against the wall efenders could not reach them, The only decisive resistance now came from skulking in the darkness outside, No sooner had they renewed their attack upon the building than that hidden foe,be Three soldiers were to watch, with cocked rifles, for the flash of bis rifle, and shoot him. ceived by that ominous ‘“ chirp.” sought the enemy at the point whence the sound came, death was sure to come from some other etermined as- work_of death. ey were always de- Captain Kale concentrated all his force ainst the cabin door. With the heavy butts their muskets they hammered away unceas-- ingly. At first it was like heavy wall, but the door fina] e on its huge wooden hinges. This encouraged e besiegers, and they worked away all the grew more and more shack- ling, and finally burst from its hinges and fell inward with a crash. The tall, majestic form of Long Beard con- fronted the soldiers in the doorway. He dis- arged his pistol in their very faces, then he threw the worthless weapon aside, and with bis e fist fought the enemy. ‘aptain Rankin came to tho assistance of his host, Margery crouched with terror on the floor, murmuring a prayer. / The British troops erowded into the The sledge-haromer fist of the giant bea He seized a musket, and bi “s hand, swung 3 unding upon a began to rattle

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ia, } 4) | ,% ‘ef the ruthless plunderer when his eyes fell | fell under its awful sweep. Lhe floor at the | giant’s feet was piled with struggling men, and | slippery with blood. The voice of Kirby Kale | was heard above the din of conflict, urging the | men on. Rankin fell under a blow. Long Beard fought alone, and inch by inch the foe pressed him back into the room; the tide of battle was slowly but surely turning against him. The ayes of the great man blazed with an un- earthly fire. In the dim light that pervaded the room his tall form and venerable beard ren- dered him grand and imposing. His very soul seemed inspired with the majesty of strength. He seemed possessed of a charmed life, and | within that nimbus of unearthly power the foe disappeared, one by one, bleeding and dy- | “a ing. But this was not to last long. A soldier suc- | ceeded in getting in behind the giant and deal- ing him a blow upon the head. He staggered forward, and before he could recover his foot- ing half a dozen men were upon him. Thus overpowered, he was borne to the floor and se- curely bound. : ‘* At last, my venerable Long Beard,” said Kirby Kale, glaring triumphantly down upon the old man. A look of loathing—unutterable scorn—was the latter’s only response, and even from this Kirby Kale involuntarily started back. Neither one affected ignorance of the other’s | identity now—they recognized themselves as foes to the death! CHAPTER XVII. THE WATER SPRITE’S RETURN. WE will not attempt to describe what fol- | lowed the capture of Long Beard, Margery and Captain Rankin. They were all bound and carried away to the boats, the woman ina state of total unconsciousness. Kirby Kale searched the cabin through and through as if for something which he particu- larly wanted. He ransacked every box, nook | and corner in the house. In a small chest in a bedroom he found an infant’s clothes and some playthings all carefully folded and laid away. A sigh, then an oath escaped the lips upon the infantile garments and _ trinkets, With set teeth and clenched fists he sat and azed upon them, his thoughts reverting to the im past. Then, as a mist gathered in the sinful man’s eyes, that hard, wicked look on his face softened; his soul seemed smarting under the remorseless reproaches of a guilty conscience, é Finally he dashed everything aside and with a violent oath strode out of the building. Just across the threshold he stopped, when he saw that his men had all gone to the boats with the dead, wounded and prisoners. Torror seized upon him when he found that he was | alone in the gloomy night. He trembled—his teeth chattered and his soul cowered. Then | that terrible death-warning, that strange | “chirp” rung startling upon the air. With a bound the English officer reached the darkness as a bullet cut through the space where he had stood a moment before. He ran with all speed, urged on by the phantom of vengeance, down to the boats, | where he found the men in a passion of fury over the loss of every oar left on tho boats. This loss delayed their retreat all of an hour untiloars could be extemporized from boards torn from the outbuildings. In the mean time Happy Harry was busy. Having stole about, putting in a deadly shot now and then, until he saw that his aid was of | no further avail. to his friends,‘he turned, and hurrying down to the boats, removed and con- cealed every oar. Then he crept back into the bushes and waited until the soldiers had emerged from the cabin with their captives. Fearing, however, that there might be others in tho cabin, he waited several minutes, when, true enough, a man appeared in the doorway. He recog- nized the form by its outlines as that of Kirby Kale. sing his. rifle,,and giving utterance to his warning cry, he fired, with the result al- ready seen. Satisfied that the house was deserted, he | crept up to the door and entered. Ajl around | gave evidence of the dreadful struggle; the ruin was complete—that home was indeed ceso- | late. With a heavy heart he turned to go ont, when Belshazzar uttered a low growl and crouched in the doorway as if about to spring | upon something in the darkness without. Harry’s first thought was that one of the soldiers had returned to the cabin. He glanced out into the night; all was gloom; but a voice from out the darkness came: : “Doggy, will you bite?—here, fellow,” it | oe in a low, musical tone, tremulous with ear. “Be still, Belshazzar!” commanded the | youth, and his dog rose from his couchant po- | sition and turned aside. Then the darkness seomed to part, and from between the walls of gloom a light appeared— the lig! it of a sweet, angelic face. oung girl of sixteen crossed the threshold and con- Long Beard, the Gia nt Spy. 16 In speechless wonder he stood and regarded the maiden, who, running her eyes about the room and seeing its disorder, cried out: ‘*Oh, where are my friends?” Harry knew her now—the maiden called Tempy, who had gone to Colonel Miller with Captain Rankin’s dispatches. “I’m sorry—very sorry to say,” the lac re- plied, recovering from his momentary embar- rassment, ‘‘ that the English soldiers took your friends away to their brig.” ““Oh, my poor papa! my poor sister!—it will kill them, kill them!” she cried,-wringing her little hands in a paroxysm of grief. “Little woman,” said the youth, with rude rallantry, ‘‘T b’lieve I know who you are, I Fanta ‘your sister Margery tell Long Beard that ‘empy had gone off with some dispatches to fhe head-quarters of some colonel, and I guess you're the girl, are you not?” “Yes, sir, Lam.” ‘“ Well, you see, ’m Happy Harry, and am down here with the govenir—that’s Long Beard. | I’m a friend of hisn, and done all I could to keep them p’isen English from capturin’ them. But it wasn’t nouse. They come too many, and bu’stin’ the door down, bolted in. But I tell you, miss, a bornet stung a few of them red- coats, as they won’t hear another buzz this side of the judgment day. I’ve been the very edge of despair—a brink of eternity to several of ’em, and I can jist fight for you like a nest of hornits, | And that ole dog, Belshazzar, ‘Il fight for an an- gel any time; but, as we’re not overly safe here, Miss Temple, we’d better get away from here. Them soul-corrupted English are on this island, yit, and are liable to drop in on us at any mo- ment.” ** And what became of the young captain— Mr. Rankin, whom I left here?” “He was taken with the others.” ‘*Taken!—where to?” “Them English are soldiers, and jist off the Pleiads to the north, they’ve got a small brig- of-war, and it’s to that vessel they’ll take your friends.” Tempy's eyes filled with tears, and her slen- der form shook with deep emotion. Her tears touched Harry’s heart, for his lips quivered, he sighed heavily, and, turning aside, he drew his hand across his eyes, and said, in a half-choked voice: “Come, Temple, we’d better git out of here into the night, afore them varmints find you’re here, or all creation will be overturned to git you.” “‘T have friends near here,” Tempvy replied. ‘‘We heard firing in the vicinity of the house as we approached the island, and as | was ac- uainted with every foot of the ground, [ in- sisted on their allowing me to creep up and see what was the matter, for fear of some trap.” “Who are your friends?” “An escort of soldiers under Lieutenant Reeder, of Colonel Miller’s command.” “The great hoppin’ bornits! you don’t say? Why, I’m jist at Bon with them fellers, Tem- ple, 1 am, for a munificent fact. I know every mother’s boy of ’em better’n a book. Just lead the way to whar they be; I want to grapple with ’em.” bes 9 led the way from the cabin, along a dim path through the undergrowth—down to the beach where seven men, in the uniform of United States soldjers, were waiting. “My friends ar all taken captives,” sobbed Tempy, as they approached the men, “Indeed! It is too bad, but I see you are not alone,” said one of the men, whose voice Heppy Harry recognized as that of Lieutenant Philip Reeder. ‘No, sir, she’s not alone, Lieutenant Reeder,” the youth answered, stepping forward. “Happy Harry, the Wad Boy!” exclaimed the soldiers, Lieutenant Reeder Seeapes the youth’s hand, and shaking is warmly, asked: ‘“ What's the trouble here, Harry? Have the English got this far down?” “You mean this fur wp, don’t you?}—up from Satan’s dominions?” “ Well, have it as you please, but what’s the trouble?” Harry narrated all that had transpired on the island hin) the night. The soldiers, completely astonished by his story, knew not what course to pursue, so turned to Harry for suggestion. *Hornits!” exclaimed the youth, “if my say ‘d do the work, ’'d say exterminate the Englishers and Indians, overrun Canada, and take possession of the province and run it in our own private interests. But, as we're only a few, we'd better do the best we can.” ** Well, what can we do? that’s the ques- tion,” x “Let ime see,” said the boy, scratching his head, reflectively. “I guess we'd better hide this little angel here on the island, then we’ll take to the lake, row down toward the brig, and sea what we can do about takin’ possession of the institution.” ; ‘*Preposterous!” exclaimed Lieutenant Reed- er. ‘“Thar’s nothin’ onpossible, Lieutenant Phil. saat roar —_——— aa, squad of men and captured ’em. Why, if nothin’ after you git used to itonce. When yor git to be an ole veteran like me, you'll bueé right up and attack a cannon, and if it arn loaded you may carry the wérks. And so if ig with the brig; if we'll spruce right up to her. we may capture her, providin’ her crew is no aboard, ‘Oh, certainly: but that is not likely to be. “Tt is, lieutenant, likely to be,” returned Harry; “you see, the dogged thing war afraid torun down here among the islands and bars without takin’ soundin’s and so they anchored up thar and sent a boat down here to reconngi ter; but, ’atwixt mo and Belshazzar, we man aged to extract their boat out from under ’em, and then I talked out of my long-ranged mouth to ’em, when click, click, whang-che-bang went their'gld muskets into-the gloomy night. ese sounds made them up at the brig think a battle was goin’ on, sodown to the islands come an other boat-load of English buzzards, and afte a while here come another, and so I don’t think there were many left at the big boat. Allofs score of men came down, and I can’t see what more’n that’s a-doin’ aboard a little affair like tbat brig. But, say there are five left: I believe we can gitin ahead of them as have been he and ’salt the brig and her crew. I do for monstrous fact.” ( “ But those that were here may be at the brig ere this.” ~ ha ‘“Nary brig; they’re on this: island bry the t’other end, buntin’ for oars to paddle the old shebangs with. You see, l abstracted the oars from their boats when they were at the eabin raisin’ hob, and dog my cats if I didn’t for git to put ’em back; and it’s caused a botherated delay to’em sweet-scented royalists. If they git to the, boat in the next two hours theyll do well, and so we might try to take the brig inj out of the wet; and if we manage things ri we might cabbage a few of the crew. Tilt a little canoe layin’ right around there and I the way to within hailin’ distance of the bri when you can stop, and I'll go onand gitaho the British renegade and find out how man men’s aboard of her. If thar’s two er three such a matter, Vl give a whistle, and then bear proudly down upon us and board thi brig.” \ a “That is\ easier proposed than executed Harry,” said Lieutenant Reeder. ; “Great hoppin’ hornits, yes! in course it i easier to do the talk than the work, lieutenan But then, we must always lay our plans work up to 'em. Now, that brig, lieuten: is not goin’ to be fool enough to pull up run down here and surrender herself to No, sir; we've got to go up there and — thunder outen her crew of. red-coats, an 1 course we’ve got to get up and buzz. Here's seven of you and one of me, that’s sigh d Belshazzar Dll leave with Miss Temple, Well, eight is a good foree, Every. Yankee is : to three Britishers: that makes eight time three, which is forty-four—forty-four red-coats that we can whip. Just think of it, Lieutens nt Reeder! But then, what’s the use talkin’? it’s! only wastin’ time. If you won’t go with me, —} believe Pll run up alone and try the brig a jolt or two. I’ve done just as foolish a thing as to} attack a man-of-war, and come out top canin Ihave for an extended fact, It’s all in Ine one can’t tell what he can do till he tries, But what do you say, lieutenant—go? or stay?” Lieutenant Reeder was a soldier, but he line no practical experience in the field, therefor he used more discretion about ven ig hh unknown dangers than the “ old veteran” w has been under fire, as it were. He was slo and cautious — brave, but not vyentureso however, he could not stand still, and hear boy—a mere child—like Happy Harry, be for his assistance in an woteraking whiel declared be would attempt alone, if not ¢ eee the officer consented to his prop tion, and at once prepared for departure. ky, was concealed ina clump of bus and Belshazzar left to protect her. She was) somewhat rejuctant about remaining behind; but when apprised of the danger to which would be exposed in caso she accompan them, sho yielded to her friends’ desire—py ing that success might crown the expediti and lead to the rescue of her father and sis The soldiers at once embarked in their boat—a six-oared barge, creeping away throu the darkness after the indomitable Ha’ Harry, who, in asmall canoe, headed toy the brig-of-war. CHAPTER XVIIL . “BRIG AHOY!” ; Aurnover Lieutenant Reeders boat was, stated, provided with three pairs of oars, were handled hy ve strong, skillful men, it was scarce able to keep vp with the little er manned by Happy Harry. . The darkn sa somewhat against the lieutenent’s party by careful Leena they were enabled to ke the Wild Boy in sight. In this manner th traveled nearly a league, when the young derman dropped looms their boat, and < Bom, 40.7 0m see Fhe abt ote RRR pyr |v :

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16. ‘Long Beard, the Giant Spy. “That's her —that jade of a brig; things appears still, too. In course, they’re anchored ipers with their rags of sail taken in to wait for ‘fair weather and fair wind.’ But, boys, if we find the sullen-browed rip deserted by all but one or two, she won’t be a circumstance tous. And if we git her, we'll weigh anchor, ord svirts and send her promenading over the Inke Iie Julia Fipps racks it off for style ' down to Cornfield Corner, Now, boys, I’m ’ to pull straight for the English bussy, and if I git aboard without gettin’ perforated with a composition of metals kicked from a | ten-pound cannon, and find the English lady deserted, or nighly so, I’ll whistle Cap’n Kidd smartly, and then you come on down and board ll direct you then, and if we're, likely to have a fight, you shell know it in @ue sea- son. Sonow hold your tongues and Keep yer- ' gélves ready to march at the tap of the drum.” + The next instant Happy Harry was gone. The darkness grew more intense. Nothin around could be seen save the occasional flash of a light on-board the brig. All was silent but ' the ripple of the waves circling outward from the wake of Harry’s boat. ’ Tn dire suspense, Lieutenant Reeder and his - Yen waited the movements of the young ad- venturer. } Boldly the youth pushed across the water and _ alongside the brig. A voice bailed him, and he “Who are you?” demanded the watch on the j ‘Nobody but a small specimen of a boy,” re- _ plied Harry, boldly, in his reckless, whimsical fer way of i Somciga | “What'are you doing here, then?” again de- _ manded the watch. 1 dy nae why, I’m run away from home, and call myself Captain Kidd, and I’m out sailing on the sea. I'ma pirate—that’s what I am, come to think; and jigger my buttons if I don’t believe Till board you. Got any treasure?—surrender, or I'll open fire on you!” ' “Keep your mouth shut, or P’ll put a bullet ,) through your pate!” was the response of a uj , Savage voice, that came from above, It was the captain of the brig who spoke so au- thoritatively. “Whew!” whistled Harry, softly, regular ole blurterin’ hurricane. ‘Spect he'll knock me baldheaded when I git within his ‘reach, but, blest if I go back withont first cing the deck of this old galavantin’ tub, y, up there,” and be spoke in a suppressed tone, “ would you have any objections to takin’ ‘me aboard?” Without further parleying, Harry was taken " rd the brig and straightway conducted to the captain’s room, which was lit up by the dim ‘rays of a lantern. \ . The captain was a true f of the English ‘bully, with dark, morose, and savage features, * His form was’short’ and stout and clothed ina | ‘Naval uniform, that lent an additional air to his - blustering bravado. ' He received Harry with a fierce searching Jance, and a disdainful toss of the round ullet-head, while the lad, hat in one hand and tifle in the other, bowed humbly to the soldier of the sea. *Humph!” sueered the officer, “a blarsted little Yankee! Who sent you here, sir?” » * Who?’ ejaculated Harry, in apparent as- iy iment; ‘“why, commodore, nobody. I’m ike ung royer-boy—I’m a pirate—I’m Captain am, for a fact.” ‘ *You’re a young idiot, that’s what you are. Bi oe agg te ether apd tell me er you hear at firing off among the (gies awhile ago?” > *Treckon I’m not deaf, ‘ when I sail, when I il,’” was the laconic reply. » Don't you know something about that dis- ~ turbance over there?” ; "~~ * Nothin’ worth mentionin’, commodofe,” innocently. ~ Don’t lie to me, boy, or I'll put this blade _* throu gh your body,” said the captain, drawing sw ord. Great hoppin’ hornits, commodore! don’t ler me, Serine I sail, when I sail,’ for I the truth, as fur as I possibly a her. + “he’s a i Ne i; \ [t’s not salt, salty sea, Id breakers and yaves and treasure. Oh, I’m a bully old pi- ate, and never goin’ home again til! I git a shipload of gold. Hurrah for Captain Kidd, the over of the seu!” and he gave utterance to a ut that might have been heard a mile, and which raised the ire of the British captain to uch a pitch, that he seized tho youth by the bllar and shook him savagely. Rot aia tell you to keep still?” he roared. _ * And didn’t I tell you I was a pirate?” Whe officer slapped him in the face. He lol eeply, in his usual good-natured gineral, when he gets wounded, is an awful old butter. I war out huntin’ with my dear old god-father, Davy Darrett, when he shot and hurt a lammin’ big buck. The animal keeled over for dead, and Davy shouldered arms and marched up to tap the critter’s throat; when, what should that buck do but jump up, face Davy, shake his head that way,” —and Harry illustrated the movement by taking oi his hat, lowering his head and shaking it fiercely; ‘‘then,” he continued, ‘*the buck started to’rds Davy this way, and slap he took Davy in the paunch, that way,” and with all the force of a young bull, Harry drove his head into the plethoric stomach of the unsuspecting officer who went down like a log, completely breathless. Quicker than a flash Harry snatched the key from the lock on the door of the room, and running outside, locked the captain in. Hur- riedly ascending to the deck, the youth uttered two or three shrill whistles that were imme- diately answered from out the darkness. “What does this mean?’ asked the watch, approaching Harry. ‘It means that I’m Captain Kidd, the pirate, and that I’m master of this brig.” The mate drew his short sword, but, before he could use it, Harry dealt him a blow that laid him prostrate upon the deck. Five minutes later Lieutenant Reeder and his men were aboard the brig. Before the mate had fully recovered, he was bound and gagged. Then they descended to the captain’s quarters, unlocked the door and pushed it open. Like a hurricane the enraged skipper started toward the door in blind fury, but the muzzles of seven American rifles caused him to recoil with sur- prise and horror, It required but a moment to convince him of the situation, and he sheathed his sword in token of submission. He was at once bound and gagged and locked in the room, This success suggested a second stroke, and arrangements were made for the reception of Long Beard’s captors. Each man took his position to await their arrival. A deathlike stillness settled over the brig. That dim light still hung in the rigging, a guide to those on’the dark waters. Half an hour went by. Still those eight shadowy forms on deck wait and watch with bated breath. Suddenly the dip of oars breaks upon their ears—the boats are coming! The Americans nerve themselves for the or- deal. A. severe struggle is imminent. Hither and thither, like a dusky shadow, flits Happy Harry, trying to catch a glimpse of the boats. One of them soon came alongside the brig. The murmur of voices could be distinctly heard below. In a few moments five soldiers ascended from their barge to the brig’s deck, with three captives in custody. The guard was conducting its prisoners across deck, when eight forms rose | up before and around the English with leveled | rifles, and a voice cried out: “S’render, every mother’s brat of you Tt was the voice of the Wild Boy of the Woods. The English, so lately flushed with victory, wero stricken almost speechless. They saw at afglance that the brig had been captured, and not knowing how many of the enemy were aboard, surrendered without a word. And Long Beard, Margery and Captain Ran- kin were free again! ‘‘ Harry, Harry, my boy, is this your work?” ? asked the giant, advancing to his side and lay- | ing his hand upon the Jad’s head. “Well, not all of it, gineral, figurin’, a bit of fightin’, skulkin’, and finally came to with my bead in the grub basket of this brig’s pussey old cap- tain, and I—” I done some “Sh! hark!” cautioned Reeder, “the other | boat is coming.” True enough, the other boat could be heard | approaching, and it is quite probable that its crew would have met the fate of the first Loat, had it not been for one thing—the first mate succeeded in getting his mouth free, when at the top of his lungs he shouted forth a thunderous warning to bis friends. Lieutenant Reeder sprung forward and de- manded the ‘surrender of the ». which was already within bailing distance; but ‘the crew, seeing the trap into which their friends had fallen, resolved to avert a similar fate, eS turning their boat, fled away over the water, This left the brig in the undisputed sion of the Americans, and without a dissent- ing voice it was declared the prize of Happy y CHAPTER XIX, WHERE WAS SHE? Tu captive crew of the ‘ Scout,” this being the name of the little brig, was at once se- eurely bound and lodged below deck, Then attention was given to Captain Rankin, who still suffering seyerely from bis wounds and late captivity in. com- fortable quarters with all the surg Margery, although a sufferer herself from the mental tortures and horrors of her late cap- tivity, rendered every kindness in her power to make those around her comfortable, Long Beard, fortunately, was an old sailor, and made himself at home aboard the brig, To him all now turned for further directions, and he suggested that, as the wind was favor- able, they weigh anchor and make for a south- ern port, ‘But, look a-here, gineral,” said Harry, “couldn’t you be induced to drop down to your istand, and see if all’s right there?” ““T care nothing about the island, Harry. When my children are safe, then I may look after our home.” “But, see here, Big Beard, I’ve news for you,” replied the youth; ‘an angel fluttered down onto that island after you were cap- tured, and she said her name war Temple, and that she war your gal.” “Harry, you're jesting now.” “T can preve it; these soldiers came with her.” “Tt is so, stranger,” affirmed Lieutenant Reeder. “Then, of course, I will stop at the island for her; but how does it come that she is back so soon?” ‘“T will tell you,” answered Reeder. ‘* Colonel Miller sent me out with eight men to reconnoi- ter the coast, some fifty miles north of tho fort, and fortunately met your daughter, When we made ourselves known, she told us where she was going and for what purpose. I offered to relieve her of the’ dangerous journey, when she ave up the dispatches, and | sent two men in Fer boat back to the post with them, while I took her in our boat and brought her back to the island. We landed a few minutes after your capture.” - “Thank Heavén! thank Heaven! Then Tempy is_safe, too,” said the old father, joy- fully. ‘* Yes, of course we’ll touch the island roe take her aboard. Did you leave Tempy one? more runnin’ and | “Yes,” replied Reeder; “‘ we dare not weaken our little force a single man. We’ thought if we made sure of the brig, all would be well otherwise, and if we failed and were ourselves captured, she would be safe. That’s why we left her alone on the island.” “Allow me, lieutenant,” said Harry, polite- ly, ‘‘to say that Miss Temple are noé alone. My dog, Belshazzar, are with her, and you know, gineral, that that’s as much as to say that half a dozen mi hty good men guarded her. Bell will fight as long as he’s able to wag his tail, and so 1 think we'll find the young an- gel all right.” “Then we will move at once.” Tt required but a few minutes to weigh an- clior, hoist sail and put the brig in moticn. The giant, assisted by the soldiers, manned the little craft with remarkable skill, and in an hour’s time they stood off the island—the home of Long Beard. , : A boat was lowered, and Harry and a couple of soldiers were sent ashore for Tempy. They were gone nearly two hours, and when they re- turned they were accompanied only by the youth’s dog, which bore many bloody marks— ee of a terrible encounter with a terrible | foe. But Tempy—she was not to be found—she was gone from the island! THIS news well-nigh crazed the father. He walked the deck and wept tears of bitterest | agony. Margery, too, was almost prostrated | by the news, while Captain Rankin seemed in- wardly suffering the tortures of death, He sprung from his couch, his feeble hody stimu- lated by the sad tidings, and rushed on deck; but this strength was unnatural—the force of excitement, and he soon sunk under a relapse of the most aggravating nature. “We must never leave here ti]! wo know | what has become of her, gineral,” Harry said, after discussing the matter. “No, no, never!” cried the father. ‘I can- not leave my child, dead or alive, in the hands of the foe!” ‘Tm of the pinion that that ornery Kirb Kale and his crew come back to the island af- ter we chased ’em from the brig, and captured her,” averred Harry. ‘‘It is hardly likely that a pers of red-skins have got off here, though sich.a thing is possible.” ‘ They cast anchor and spent the night off the Pd. to. band ew ane with = Lelee, streaks of early fey: 8) rry an is dog, accompani iv Tone tient. coterie a boat and crossed to the island. When the rising sun had dispelled every trace of the eventful night, they an the search. ; They went to where Hi had left her, and there found strange tracks in the yielding soil. One was a very small footprint, and bad been made with a moccasined foot. This discovery gave Long Beard cause for alarming app sions, and further search served to strengthen his fears. They found other Pooceahia-fuaaie in abundanee, whieh proyed beyond doubt | ; Sa 3 , upon - —

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4 a the Giant Spy. Le deadly conflict. The ground was torn up; there was blood upon the leaves and bushes, and fragments of clothing strewn about. “There, gineral, there is the very spot where Belshazzar had his skrimmage, and trom looks of things they both made the fur fly. Great hoppin’ horgiitel T'll bet it was lively "bout the time they spun through that thicket whar ye ean see some slices of Injin and clumps of fur stickin’ on the bushes. Bell makes a nasty fight—chaws away without any regard for jugular veins and sich machinery. He’s a lee- tle rude and _ barbarous-like in sich things. He’s never had.a thorough trainin’ on the mode of civilized warfare, therefore he has no choice *bout doin’ up a death fora red-skin, It’s my opinion, however, that we'll not find your | daughter here, for I think the red varmints have carried her away.” Long Beard groaned in spirit. “Oh, my poor child! why does God punish me so?” he exclaimed, pressing his throbbing ir bs “You may feel very thankful that the British didn’t get her, gineral. The Indians are ornery bald-faced varmints, but they do most always treat young white gals kindly in their way— especially sich angels as your Temple is, * But, thar’s no telling what them red-mouthed foreigners ’d do.” “T would rather see her die than fall into Kirby Kale’s power,” groaned the father. “You know that feller, don’t you, Big Beard? you fear his power, don’t you?” * He is a Nemesis to me, Harry.” ** A—what?” : “A curse that pursues me, haunts me—the fiend incarnate that made me an exile—a re- cluse—a hunted wretch!” “Oh, great hornits, Big Beard!” exclaimed Harry, sympathetically; ‘“‘you and me have met off and on nighly two like the needle to the pole to’rd each other— right there; and I’m awful sorry to hear this. But, I always thought you’d trouble on your mind; and, gineral, if Kirby Kale is the cause of that trouble, I can eradicate it as effectually as though Kale had never been born. (I'll en- gage to hoist his hair afore two more moons; I will for a polished fact.” “Do not stain your hands with human blood, Harry, however vile it may be, unless in self- defen-e or in a just cause.” “ Why, wouldn’t it be in a just cause to stop ' Kale’s respiration? Ar’n’t he in_ battle-array against our country? Don’t he fly the rag of | England? while I throw to the breeze the stars and stripes of ole Hail Columbia Yankeo Doodle! Tm an American patriot, gineral—me and Bel- shazzar are, and for the cause of our kentry we'll fight till the cows come home. No, no, gineral; { don’t see as it would be wrong for me to put Kirby Kale on the list of reyal dead, and henceforth I shall keep an eye open for that | foreign Johnny jump-up. But then, we must look further for your Temple—not give up till we know she is goue.” “Yes; let us’ look further. We may _find her dead,” said the white-bearded man, sadly. They moved on, searching every s:ep of ‘ound for some evidence of the girl’s fate. arefully they approached the cabin and eu- tered it. It had been plundered of everything worth carrying away, and an attempt had been made to fire the building. They also found that the giant’s sail-boat was gone, which left no doubt in their minds but that the enemy had all disappeared from the vicinity, carrying the eaptive with them. appy Harry climbed to the top of the tallest tree on the island, and from this point he could command a tolerable view of the whole group of islands that dotted the lake. The first thing that caught his eyes was a thin column of white smoke rising above the tree-tops on an island a mile or more north of them, “see a smoke, gineral,” he exclaimed, “over there on the furthest island.” “Indeed! what does it imply?” “Well, it’s not the smoke of a recent camp- fire, that’s plain to be seen. The red varmints that got Pee’ gal our have spent the night there and left a smoldering camp-fire, or else Kirby Kale, after turnin’ tail on the ‘Scout,’ might have ytd ie in there to wait for day- light, I'll bet it’s one or t’other, and maybe both. If :hey are there yit, they will be apt to stay there till night; they'll not venture out as long as the brig, now an American fish, swims around in this vicinity. So Vl keep a watch here, and if I see any change in the color and volume of that smoke about noon or after, Pll know the fire’s been replenished, and then as soon as convenient, PU figure off in that direction, And now, gineral, Pd suggest, in order to throw them varmints off their guard, if they are watchin’ the ‘Scout,’ that you re- turn to the boat and run south eight or ten leagues, and return durin’ the night. That/ll give me more chances to figure.” ‘Harry, my brave boy, I will do as you sug- Oe i have implicit faith in you and your ow. ze of frontier life and skill in circum- p.ctiemy, therefor E,will, go. at.guoe wi AD years. We've been | ** Good-by, and may God bless you.” The giant turned and moved away, leaving the brave little fellow and his faithful dog alone upon the island. CHAPTER XX. THE JEALOUS PRINCESS. WE will now go kack and look after Tempy, whom we left on the island, with no one but Harry’s faithful dog to keep her company. It was with no little reluctance that she consent- ed to remain behind, but she knew that both Harry and Lieutenant Reeder acted in the best of faith in leaving her there; so the peer- less little maiden was concealed in a clump of branching oaks, Belshazzar at her side. She soon made friendship with the dog by kind words and gentle caresses. He crouched at her feet as if assuming the guardianship of her safety. Tempy sat down upon the gnarled root of the oak and leaned her head against the tree. She was tired—almost exhausted. The day’s journey and the night’s perils had been more than her feeble strength could withstand with- out wearing upon her. Her physical strength was not equal to her courage. Moreover, she was laboring under a terrible suspense—she was troubled about the fate of her father and sister. Nor was this al) that weighed upon her. The face of Captain Rankin, pale and wan, yet handsome in its manly beauty, haunted her young heart like the vision of a dream, and some aching, longing desire filled her breast. She wept over the fate of her friends, but when her thoughts reverted to the young captain, she choked down emotions that she had never before experienced. Young as she was} love had fettered her innocent, guile- in heart, though she was scarcely aware of the act. She sat thinking, taking no note of time, nor dreaming of danger, until the dog at her feet started with a low growl. She listened with bated breath. She heard a faint rustle of the bushes near. The dog growled again. “ Pale-face, pale-face!” suddenly called'a soft, feminine voice, evidently that of an Indian, speaking English. Tempy’s heart ceased almost to beat, and it was some moments before she could recover suf- ficient to reply. “Who calls?’ she finally made out to ask. ‘“Me—your friend Heleelah, the Indian girl, the princess of the Ottawas.” ‘What seeks Heleclah?’ returned Tempy, with an air of relief. * Hor white sister.” “Then come nearer, and tell me why you seek me.” ‘But your dog growls flerce—he bite Helee- | lah.” Tempy spoke to Belshazzar, and he at once became quiet, when, with that characteristic precaution of her race, the Indian maiden crept softly and shyly toward Tempy. As she came nearer, the white girl asked: “How did the princess know I was here?” She spoke farniiarly of the Indian girl, for she was not unknown at the island home, “T saw you come here in the boat of the Long Knives. i followed you.” : “ Ah! then it was your boat we saw follow- ing us like a tiny speck on the water? But why have you followed me here?” Ww hy does the .bird seek its mate in the } woods? “Because if loves the one it seeks, I would think,” “That is why Eeleelah is here.” “Then I am the one sought?” “No, it is the master of that dog,” inter- rupted the princess; ‘‘ but I would rather find you now than him,” and her voice lowered to a strange whisper. “I welcome my red sister; I am in trouble. The English havé robbed my home.” “That is not as bad as to rob one’s heart.” Tempy was surprised at this EY, She knew there was a hidden meaning in the words, but she could not imagine what it could be. “T do not understand you, Eelcelah,” she said. “My white sister’s tongue is crooked, like all the pale-taces but the Wild Boy’s. Why is that dog here?”. ‘His master left him to protect me,” “Phen the Wild Boy loves you?” “T am sure I do not know. “My white sister knows—she bas won his heart—stole it away from Eeleelah,” and her voice was tinged with bitter sadness. Bae Tempy now divined what the girl was aiming at—thati a feeling of jealousy rankled in her Marre heart like a poisoned shaft, ‘*Keleelah is mistaken,” she said. ‘I do not love the white boy. I never met him till since the night set in.” “That is long enough to learn to love, Three suns ago a bad white man strnck Welee- lah down in the woods because she would not love him, He covered her with leaves and brush where the. shadows were ceep, He thought the eye of the Great, Spirit cr sy “4 id not M way, and his dog scented the blood where Ke- leeiah fell, and led his master to where she-lay with a cloud on her brain. But he soon drove it away as the sun in his eyes shone down into Eeleelah’s heart and made her love bim. And now her white sister would steal that love Tete “l would not, Eeleelah, stand between you and the Wild Boy of the Woods.” ** But do you not wait his coming here?” **T do,” replied Tempy. ‘“You will never see him here,” the princess said. Then she began murmuring, as if to her- self, growing louder and londer until she broke into a plaintive chant. This she kept up for several moments, to the surprise and terror of Tempy. When she had ceased, footsteps were heard approaching through the undergrowth, Belshazzar started up and growled fiercely, Tempy shrunk back and turned to flee, but ” ce seized her by the arm and held her fast. ‘What do you mean, Eeleelah?’ the maiden cried; ‘release me!” Eeleelah made no answer. The crashing in the undergrowth came nearer; friends of the princess were approaching. Belshazzar dashed — orward and became engaged in a terrible en- counter with a savage. thers came on an seized the now terrified Tempy. They were all — Ottawas, friends of the jealous Keleélab. , Tempy shrieked for help, but no friendly ear — save that of Belshazzar heard her. Already the dog had seized an Ottawa by the throat, and — together they rolled upon the earth, The con- test would have been of short duration between the animal and warrior had not others come to — the assistance of their dying friend. Two of © them threw themselves upon the dog, and in | deadly contest whirled and crashed through the undergrowth in rapid evolutions, The struggle | had lasted for some moments when the é managed to elude the grasp of his enemies aot i escaped in the darkness, as if conscious of his oe amma to cope with such overwhelming num- ars. | Tempy was carried away across the island. — Stopping at the cabin, the savages plundered it | of everything that would be of use to them. Then they fired the building and burried to their | boats, expecting to be far away ere the aes cabin lit up the surrounding gloom. ‘To their — disappointment, however, the fire went out, and — surmising that it had heen extinguished by ene | , they pushed. sy mies who were upon the islan westward among the islands, Tempy sat in the boat, weeping bitterly. So. suddenly had the blow fallen upon her that she could searcely realize the terrible truth. To ~ Feleelah she attributed all her trouble, The | girl’s jealousy had made her treacherous and — merciless, She would listen to no reason nor truth from the lips of the innocent girl. hal The Indians were all young warriors, and | seemed not only willing but anxious to obey et mandates of the fair princess, By berdirection they paddled along through the islands, and” finally landed upon one of the largest of the! } group—for what purpose we shall see, LAY. CHAPTER XX. if WHO SHOT HARRY? i Ir required but a few minutes for the say- ages to effect a landing, remove their hooty | and fair little captive ashore and beach their boat. This done, they advanced to the terior of the island, ait eelecting a little ope ing in the dense woods, went into camp. Out ot the bed-clothing taken from Tempy’s hom a kind of a lodge was constructed for the cap tive, and Eeleelah, with every sense sharpen by her burning jealousy, constituted herself | watch over the prisoner’s apartment. ee In the heart of the forest, where no breath of | air stirred, gnats and musketoes and imsect-life | of annoying nature, gathered in swarms ; harassed the warriors until it became nece to strike a fire or smudge to drive the pe ferous insects away. Surrounded on all sides, as they were, by dense vegetation, the wa had no fear of, the light hetraying them, usual precautions, however, were not neglec Guards were posted at points where encm were most likely to approaeh, and after as deliberation over their pipes, most of hen stretched themselves upen the ground a The sentinels were relieved at intervals, so each peste his share of duty and rece bis share of xest. There was but one int party whose eyes were not closed that nig! eleelah, the princess.’ She would not be lieved of her watch over Tempy, but sat whole night esa ye holt upright, a statue of patience end unyielding determinatic watching her captive rival as she tossed moaned in a troubled sleep, ‘ Thus the night wore away. ati : With the first streaks of dawn every § was astir. By permission of her rele guard, Tempy was conducted. down to ter’s edge, where she made a thorough abl abi roved quite refreshing to both ani nt p e While here alone, she said to ¥ av bat are you going, todo with at

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t “{ know not,” Tempy responded, bursting into tears. “Oh, Heleelah!” she finally cried, ‘I know | why you keep me aclose prisoner. You love the Wilt Boy of the Woods, and think I doalso —that I stand between you and’him. Be aft, au ) ones undeceived, Heleelah; I love another—not | Happy Harry—and if you would win and hold if his love, take me to my people. He will search | , for me, and if he finds me the captive of Eelec- | lah’s people,-he will hate her. I know the pale- | face licart.” i “Does the pale-face speak tho truth?’ she i asked. Wa call the Great Spirit to bear witness to what { have said being true,” replied Tempy. |; own heart g * My pale face sister should have told me this | |) before—when we stood alone upon the island Heiieath the shadows of last night; then Kelee- ‘Jah’s heart would not have grown so hard, and |») She would not have called the warriors that ie were near.” ed **Weleelah’s ears were deaf last night with | ~ her feelings of revenge, and she would not hear ' > me. But then, it is not too late to free me yet, » and then the princess can seek her lover, and I ly mine.” “The young chief, Gray Fox, is your lover now,” Heleelah said, affecting reget. “It is 400 late to free my white sister, for she has be- come entwined in the heart of the young chief, He will make her his wife when he returnsfrom the wor-path.” At this juncture a warrior appeared and re- > quested the immediate return of the maidens to # ear with which request they at once com- A fire had been lighted, and a number of wild pigeons, procured in the woods, had been dressed and roasted for their meal. Tempy did not re- ing to her bunger. She ate with relish, and me tender food gave her new strength and new hope. / Since their interview by the water, she no- * ticed that Eeleelah had become ewhat tas: downeast and thoughtful. Tempy’s words had as ofully impressed her, 1)” Breakfast dispatched, all but five or six ) )) warriors entered their boat and pushed off i getong the islands, evidently on some expedi- 1. ! Tempy was consigned to her lodge, and a Hv! Warrior detailed as guard, for the princess ne Seemed to have lost all desire to perform that rl further., when the faint report of a rifle on an adjacent island enlisted the attention of the red-skins. As it was not repeated, however, no serious appre- - hensions arose, and all relapsed into their wont- » ed silence and patient waiting for the return of the expedition. ' The afternoon had worn nearly away when he patter of feet suddenly started the encamp- t. To the surprise of all, a large dog bounded into their midst. Ib was Selanne: Te “savazes’ faces, uttered a low bark, waggod his tail, then, turning, bounded away again into the woods, ~The red-skins were awe-stricken by this un- ted movement of the great mastiff. eelah uttered a little cry of surprise, and to her feet. Fora moment she gazed af- the fleeing dog, then s-arted to follow him, ut she had scarcely taken a dozen steps ere ‘the dog again appeared in sight. He was “alking backward and appeared to be drag- sing something that taxed his power to its fimost extent. ie an instant every savage was on foot. ) Beleelah, who was nearest the dog, suddenly uttered a cry, that was repeated time and ” uotil it was prolonged into a piercing ek. She recognized the object that the dog s dragging. It was a lifeless human body. of the Woods! He was covered with blood, hair was all soaked and draggled. His face ; covered. almost beyond recognition with firband gore. His clothing was tattered and forn and thoroughly saturated with blood. ‘His dumb friend had seized him by one leg, jena in this manner dragged fim along the - 2 ot the Indian camp! CHAPTER XXII. A “BLOODY ” TRICK. )) Tae savages stood gazing in astonishment on | the bloody, lifeless form before them. Eeleelah, the princess,set up a chanting wail f rung in mournful, sclemn and weird ca- s through the woods. elshezzar crouched by his young master’s ge and howled piteously. haan ad no idea how the fuse to eat, for the roasted birds were too tempt- | pacaty ; i day wore slowly on; it was past noon, | time previous. But his scalp being untouched was evidence that no Indian had slain him. They speculated some time over the manner of his death, and were about to institute an investigation, but Belshazzar refused to allow them to touch the boc A young warrior s¢ d his rifle and was about to shoot the dog when ‘Eeleelah interfered. The princess’s every wish was their law. To do her bidding the young warriors seemed to vie with each other, She was the flower of the tribe, whose love every warrior strove to win. By her orders a blanket was thrown over the | body, and then she sat down by it and began chanting a sad and mournful requiem to which Belshazzar lent the deep bass of his voice. Tempy looked out upon the scene, and her 2w almost hopeless at sig of the bloody tace of the boy scout lying before her. She turned away, sat down and wept bitterly. The warriors became very anxious about the manner of Harry’s death and sct off to follow the track where he had been dragged along. | They followed it some ten rods from camp, or I i'was the body of Happy Harry, the Wild | und, through the brush, into the very | | with these ’ere dirty duds on me. | down, hide and hair, tocth to the ngs where it appeared the dog had underta ken his laborious work. Even here there was no sign of a struggle, but in the weeds | at one side was found the body of a large squir- rel. It had been so recently killed that it still retained some animal heat. It had been shot through the head with a small bullet, and its throat had been cut with a knife. Having made this discovery, the warriors exchanged significant glances and started back toward camp as fast as they could run. In the mean time matters had assumed a lively condition at camp: the warriors were | searcely out of sight ere the blanket that covered the body of Happy Harry was thrown aside and the suppesed dead boy rose to a sit- ting posture and gazed around him, one of the most doleful and distressed looking creatures imaginable. His dirty, bloody face wreathed in a smile, his blue eyes sparkling and his hair hanging down in wet, draggled locks over his face—all conspired to give him a look that would have provoked any one into laughter. ‘Great hornits!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Munificent Moses! what’s all this yowlin’ about? A dead man can’t rest in peace—hope it isn’t ole Ga- briel’s trumpet that Parson Peas used to spout about. Mortal ages! whar be I?’ Eeleelah started back aghast and Tempy rushed from her prison-lodge. “Harkee! not a word above a whisper,” eommanded the youth, springing to his feet; “Tm here to save you, little Temple. I am, for a fact. Now come on; foller me as fast as you can.” “Will you not go along, Heleclah?’ asked Tempy, as she walked by the princess. The terrified look on EKeleelah’s face softened. “Tam not wanted!” she replied. “Tf you are friendly to us, come along,” said Harry, ‘“‘and we'll talk on the run.” The three at once set off—going directly north. ‘“* How came you in this predicament Tempy?” Harry asked. Tempy explained all, even to Eeleclah’s jealousy. Harry smiled and said to the princess: “Tam glad to know you are a friend to me, Eeléelah, for I did do you a good turn once, and now if you would do the fair thing by me you will promise to see that your white sister ets safe back to her friends. {I am not quile done with this island yet, so now let Heleelah prove that she is my deer friend by taking her white sister in -yonder canoe to the big boat lying toward the rising sun.” “ Keleelah will prove that ske is true.” They approached the shore where a light canoe was beached. Harry at once launched the craft, The twomaidens entered, Heleelah took the paddle and drove the canoe out into the wa- ter, across the channel, and sought shelter be- hind an adjacent island—e movement made by Harry’s direction in order that the savages might not see which course they took. ‘A yell in the vicinity of the camp told Harry that his trick bad been discovered, and warned him of danger. With Belshazzar at his heels, he crept away through the undergrowth and finally secreted himself—to await the move- ments of the red-skins—in a thicket where he had left his rifle and accouterments an hour previous. “Great hornits, Belshazzar,” he said alond to his dumb companion, “I feel awful squalmish That poor squirrel wasn’t born for nothin’;. besides, ra bet ’em red vagrants will find it and gobble it right and nails—not the blood, though—we got that. You did your part well, Belshazzar—you done it proper right, you did, for a noble fact. Glad Iam that you did- n’t let the *tarnal corruscated sinners feel my pulse, for ’li swan if beat hard enouzh to bu’st the buttons off my-sleeves when I laid there.’ And my heart! why, great hornits! 7é jist got and pounded a jubilee, it did, for a fact. And raclous 1 over me, Pll swear [ thought Pd bu’st wide open, I wanted to laff so. But, Bel, if it hadn’t been for the princess you’d ’a’ been shot deader na nit. She thing by you. Our luck has b we always come out top canines iu : But ‘ious Peter! what yowlin’ an n’ as that neess done! she’s sweet on she for & lovin’ 3 108, fact. sn’t an Injin she’d not be such an all-killing ugly gal. But that blood—thatll s itself on all oceasions. You can’t tame a full-blooded Ingin more’n you can fly to Guinea. Why, jist see about the Scroggins family. They took young pup Ingin boy tora and fed him up well till he got to ten years old, when he turned in one day and skulped the whole family, ‘nt up the house, stole the best hoss | in the neighborhood, and sought the land of his forefathers and soon become a mighty chief, Now that’s Injin, Belshazzar, it is, for a p’izen fact. But then an h is some honor, efter all, and if that little Beleelah’il » as she evidently with the intention of returping soon But no oh nce par they out of sight ; in t briv-of-war, and. embrace a agreed to and take Temple to the Vil think a mortal sight of her every opportunity to speak a good word for you —whist! there goes one of the red posics—a sweet-scented tguch-me not! and ! on mine and the girl’s trail, be is for a fact.” The youth straightened himself wp and uttered a sound that seemed to come from be- yond the red-skin. The Wary foe listened in- tently for a moment, then bent his course and glided away in the direction from whence the sound emanated. “Now,” said Harry, in a low tone, as if his dumb companion could comprehend what he said, “bear me witness, ole friend, that I am not the most bloodtbirsty Yankee boy lirin’. I could ‘a’ shot that red-skin dead if I'd ’a’ wanted to.. But then one gets tired of blood, they do, for an eternal fact. I’ve sce’d enough of it the past two weeks to float the bi; vessel on the sea. ‘If it is necessary, wh shoot; but then if don’t do much good to killa red skin. It’s like killin’ a muskeeter—two will come to see the spot where he fell, and si from the hole already bored by his deed friend. And so the thing wags; salé one and two ‘ll come to avenge him. But there is one thing we must do, Bel, and that’s to seo whether Cap- ting Kirby Kale is on this island. We don't want to foolish with him, for he’s ole devil-catcher. I know it, and am s’prised to see dear cle Long Beard afeard of him. But never wind; we'll spring a leak in his: hide if we ever get half a chance, we will, for a gos- pel fact.” With all the caution that the bo ter, he crept softly away through the bushes toward the camp. He soon came to where he could command a fall view of it, and saw three or four savages éeliberating over something that was occasionally emphasized by violent gestares. The youth was satisfied that he was the subject of their conversation, and convinced of it beyond a doubt when he saw one of them hold up the dead squirrel from which ke had procured the blood to cover his face and hands. A smile passed over his roguish countenance, for he saw they had detected his trick. In the course of two or three minutes several scouts made their appearance in camp with a look that implied dissatisfaction. In a few minutes more the chief of the party, Gray Fo and these who had accompanied him, returne from his expedition among the adjacent islands to learn of the trickery of the pale face boy and the less of the fair captive, as well as absence of Eeleelah, Captain Kirby Kale came to the island with the chief. The impression prevailed that Happy Harry had taken Eeleelab a captive, and when the whdéle matter concerning the coming of the supposed dead youth and subsequent release of Tempy was narrated, it suddenly occurred to Kale’s mind that he had scen a canoe, with two or three occupants, pass around the adja- cent northern island, a few minutes before he had met the chief’s party. They were so far away that he could not make out who the persons were, but naturally supposing they were some of Gray Fcx’s braves, he did not give the matter a second thought after the cenoe had passed from view. Now he was satis- fied that the canoe contained the fugitives and the missing princess, and so a boat was immedi- ately dispotched in pursuit. Harry knew what it all meant, but felt ratis- fied that the maidens were beyond danger of being overtaken, and so he Hngered in the woods, his eee upon Kirby Kale, and his fin- gers upon tht trigger of bis rifle. He sought the villain’s life in behalf of Long Beard, and yet there was that natural fear and dread at- tending the taking of human life that caused him to hesitate. He could not deliberately shoot a white man down without justification, and in entertaining these conscientious scruples he Icst the oppertunity of riddirg Long Beard could mas- ~of his foe, for Kale turned and moyed away, followed by the savages. The red-skins left all their plunder in camp,

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. fire. ment, and entering the camp, heaped every combustible article in it upon the smouldering Quilts, blankets, feather-beds and cloth- ing, plundered from Long Beard’s cabin, were piled in one promiscuous heap upon the red coals. A huge volume of dense smoke at once began to roll up among the bre id seatter in the wind over the island. The fetid, stifling smell of burning wool and fe air. It reached the keen olfe the red-skins, and brought tl back to camp to find their stolen chattel oods all aflame, and the incen ry gone. Search v at once instituted for him, but of course in vain. Believing that be had done all the mischief he possfbly could to the red-skins, Happy Harry resolved to quit the island and strike out for tho brig. So he crept around to where the enémy had beached their canoes, and. selecting the lightest one e1 ‘ked therein. The island near- est to the one just left laid off to the south, and so he made for that with all his migh' of his course, itis true, but he wished to hind the nearest island, and endeavor t« it between him. and the enemy. He soon reached the island, and passed around it; as he believed, unobserved:,but, to his surprise and horror, he suddenly discovered the savages in a stx-oared barge coming round the island from the other direction directly toward him. The youth was almost horror-stricken. Hoe nerves of 1s ithers filled. the | scarcely knew what he could do, and, for a mo- | ment, held the paddle motionless. But.no time was to be lost. The savages were not over forty rods away, and were skimming aleng at a rapid ace, In his flurry and excitement, Harry laid own his paddle and took up, his rifle, but a second thought convinced him that to fire upon the red-skins would only add new dangers to his already perilous state. So he laid the rifle aside, and taking up the paddle again pulled for the lake. CHAPTER XXIII. WALLIAM MUCKLEWEE TAKES A BATH. MEANWHILE where were Eeleelah and Tempy? | and had the princess been true to her promise | to Harry? She bad shown what she could do as an enemy and rival, now let us sée what she could do as a friend. Eeleelah was skillful in the use of the paddle, and sent the canoe gliding swiftly through the water. She Jabored with all her strength to put an island between them and her red friends, and when she had finally accomplished this suc- cessfully, she permitted the canoe to come toa stand that she might gain a moment’s rest, Her address and demeanor had assumed a different phase toward Tempy. The cold, relentless look of a jealous captor had vanished. Her speech was softer, and tempered with the kindness of a friend and protector. Her whole soul seemed set upon the accomplishment of the mission in- trusted to her by Happy Harry. Her wild eyes roamed restlessly around like those of a star- tled fawn. She was ever on the alert for dan- ger, or rather that which would defeat her es- pepe to the brig-of-war. , suming the paddle, she pushed cautiously around the island, and was nearing the eastern side, when she suddenly discovered a succes- sion of waves circling outward from behind the island. She felt satisfied that they were made by some moving object, and fearing it might be made by a party of her friends in pursuit, she turned the canoe in toward the island, Along the shore at this point grew a fringe of dense, wild rice plants. It grew out in the water, and was in places five feet high, making an admirable place of concealment; and into this miniature wilderness the princess drove her canoe. When unable to use the paddle on account of the stalks, she pulled the canoe for- ward by means of the plants, but so carefully replaced every stalk that the boat left no trail, and when some ten feet in from the open water they came to a halt. The plants with their loaded heads hung over and around them so densely that they were completely screened from view on all sides. They were blended with the shadows, and at the same time could command a vartial view of the open lake, looking through the sieve-liko openings among the stalks, Both of the fugitives listened with bated breath for the approach of the unknown boat, but not a sound save the wave like rustle of the reeds could be heard for some length of time. Finally, however, they heard a crash- ing sound among the plants before them—a sound like that which their own canoe made when they entered the rice thicket. 7 Eeleelal’s eves started wildly; she listened with all the intensity of her soul, her hand raised as if to invoke silence, her lips parted as if to speak, and her whdle form-bent slight- ly forward and trembling with the intensity of anxiety, like one of the graceful reeds around r". ‘“What is it, Keleclah?’ asked Tempy, in a bar tee F Danger! danger!” returned the princess. The noise xrew louder, which made it evident tho canoe was approaching. The canoe now so close ing what to do to avert discove was creeping closer and closer that they could make out that it contained red- | skins. With dilated eyes and quivering lips the girls sat motiouless, watching and listening. And still the boat creeps on—now so close that they can hear a sudden exclamation from the lips of a warrior, who has discovered some- thing! Eeleelat’s heart almost ceased to beat. She realized iho situ 1 more fully than Tempy did, She listened—she heard an exclamation pass from lip to lip of those in the approaching canoe. There must have been fourof the war- riors—there were four, for the canoe suddenly crashed past them so ciose that the plants wav- ing above their heads were disturbed. ingularly enough every warrijor’s head was turned—he was looking southward and regard- ing a dense columa of smoke rising from the center of the grove in which their camp was located. They seemed to know what it implied, andin the moment of excitement forgot the ob- ject of their search and passed on, leaving the Inaidens behind them. Releelah drew a long breath of relief, and Tempy unfolded her ‘hands that had been clasped over her heart to still its wild throb- bing. | dashed sight superber than you ever dreampt But | The princess waited till the sound of the re- | treating canoe had died away, then she stood up in the boat and gazed around over the wil derness of rice plants, No sign of life was _vis- ible, unless the smoke ascending from the island south mis have been considered such. Tempy saw it, and asked: “« What does it mean, Meleelah?” “T do not know. §& The Wild Boy of the Woods is there yet. He may ? ghed sadly, regretfully. lab bezan ‘pulling, the canoe along throuzh the swamps, moving gradually out- ward toward the open Jake, Théy were nearly out of the thicket when the boat touched against 5i something in the water possessed of life. . A | pair of human hands reached out and seized the gunwaies of the canoe. A man in thé water, almost to his waist, peered up into their faces with a half-sinister leer. He was a person past forty, with a rough, bearded face, and dressed in a hunter’s garb. He carried no weapons ex- cept a brace of pistols, the muzzles of which just reached the water. It was tue notorious traitor, Bill Mucklewee, “*Gee-glory to heavins!” ho exclaimed, ag he drew the boat closer to him, “I’m dashed glad you’ve conte along, little folks, I’ve been standin’ here a month, if Pve stood a second Ihave, by crackey. I jist escaped four dashed or’nary Ingins. They’d ’a’ salted me right down if they had beheld me—say, can’t I ride with you, leetls Carlin’? I’m dashed near dend —drowned—di-solved, and I know you would not refuse an ole man.” The maidens both regarded this queer speci- men of humanity with distrust. His counten- ance was enough to provoke suspicion in the keen-sighted princess. He was an entire stranger to the girls, and his presence there led them to believe that he was in league with the English and Indians, and had been sta- tioned there for the express purpose of watch- ing for them. Before they could express u permission or refusal to his desire, he threw himself into the canoe with/an ease that was remarkab!e for a man of his age. The maidens were dumfounded by his bold- ness, and sat regarding him with silent amaze- ment. “Thanks for your generosity, gals,” he: said, with that samo leering expression bordering on the grotesque and comical; ‘‘now, whero in mercy’s name will you take me tof” “ We're going to the brig-of-war on the luke,” said Tempy. “What? holy pokers! that English brig-of- war? Dash it to thunder, are ‘you allies of Great Britain? If you bo, Pu get out of this boat if I drown,” “The brig is English, but has been captured recently by the Americans.” “Oh, exquisite de-light! it was, eh? Now I breathe, easier—a dashed sight superber. I don’t like the English, The royal hounds ae my grandfather at the battle of Bunker iL” Something is burning. | re to the things taken from your | | 1 : Long Beard, the Giant Spy. 19 you lef me take that paddle and do that work. Tm stronger and tougher and a dasbed sight uglier than you be. Ill jist posh this boat across this water like a streak of lightnin? across the heavins. Ill do ihe paddle @ of.” Eeleelah gave him the paddle and changed” feats with him, He teok his position, and with a grand flourish of the blade sent the ~ craft out into the open lake, and then turned 1 upon the maiden’s course ! “The big boat is this way,” said Heleelahy” pointing toward the east, “Yes, I know it is: but we'd better go around this way, for thar’s a dashed lot of 5 Ingins’round that way,” and the man paddled on, Eeleclah glanced toward Tempy, her eyes {| flashing with a terrible fire, then she turned” to Muckleweo again, and reaching carefully) forward, lifted beth his pistols from his girdle: So vigorously was the villain working, and §6 > quick and easily had the movement of the in- | cess been, that he failed to detect the theft until Eeleelah rose 'to her feet and cried: bs “Stop, pale-face!” t Mucklewee, Who sat with his back to both | of the girls,*turned his head and glanced over | his shoulder, to behold two pistols pointed full at his head. The princess held one, and Tem="| py the other, and the look that flashed in the of the girls, convinced him that they were as determined in their intention as their” nerves were steady. He started as though a” knife bad been ‘thrust into his back, and — throwing up his arm as if to protect his face,” cried out: pi ‘Oh, Lord, dash it! don’t! don’t!” and he felt for bis pistols. a ‘“*Get out, or you will die,” Eeleelah said, calmly, yet with a terrible earnestness. 3 ‘Why, little un, dash it, what do you mean? Be keerful with ‘em ‘ere things —- they're p’isenous.” ad * “ Get out or die,” repeated the princess. “You | lied to us; you are our enemy, and we know how to shoot. If one miss, the other will not. | Get out, for you will die if you stay here.” “Oh!” groaned the astonished renegade, and ) he laid down the paddle and squirmed about ‘se | ifin agony. He was completely outdone, He | saw that the princess was a dangerous person to trifle with, and he was rot in a position to’ seize and disarm her before Tempy, no less re= solute and determined in ber looks, could fire. In fact, to save his life, he could see no way of cape but to obey the princess’s command; so le threw one foot over the side of the boat, and soon as it touched the water, be said, pleadingly?: “Great mortal Redeemer! girls, don’t cit. me to drown myself. The lake here is a mile” deep if it’s an inch, and I can’t swim a lick, | Dash it, ifa feller can’t expect mercy from @ | py who on earth ’ll he turn to ‘for consolé , tion ‘*Get out—one minute more and I will fire, said the relentless Eeleelah. ae ‘he man threw both feet over the side of the” boat, and holding on to the gunwale, began low= | ering bimself slowly into the water, ae ‘* Don’t you see I’m goin’ clear under?” he ex-_ claimed, as be sunk inch by inch; “ gals, thar’s | no bottom here. This lake’s ten miles deep if | it’s an inch, But, oh, Lord! never mind, dashed, relentless creatures! I'l) haunt you yow'll see my poor, ole face starin’ up from these eold depths at you all your lives. Dash it, Pm sure to drown; I tell you this lake’s twent , miles deep if it’s an inch—oogh! oogh!” While thus expostulating upon his appa fears of drowning, a wicked fire of resentmer burned in the villain’s eyes. TEeleelah, hi ever, saw it, and divining bis purpose to up the canoe, she rapped fim sharply over knuckles with her pistol, causing Bim to how with rage and release his ho d at once, t Like a leaden weight he sunk from view, before be could rise to the surface again, princess took up the paddle and sent the @ flying over the waters, | “Tiow came you to be here, stranger?” asked | Tempy. ‘“How?’ drawled the man, somewhat sur- prised by the question; ‘why, I took a boat and come down here to ruminate among the Pliadees—heard it war a dashed superb place for an ole man. A million Injuns by actual count, gals, big as it may seem, got after me the very second I landed, and so I had to swamp it. Lerd! if I've been there a minute, V’'ve been there a month, a roostin’ post for lizzards, frogs, serpents, and even a shark a mile long come up the other day and acted 1s though he wanted to sun hisself’; but I squirt- ed some aniber into his eyes, aud then you'd ort. to ste him hamp hisself away fron ‘mo. albeale 4 When several rods away they glanced b and saw the redoubtable Bill Mocklewee pop uf to the surface, spouting water like a wounded whale. As soon as the worthy villain could get bis eyes and lungs cleared of the water, I glanced around him, and when he saw th innidehs fleeing over thelake several rods away he began cursing and shouting at the top of voice: A grim smile lit up the face of Heleela while Tempy regarded the whole with a mii gled feeling of fear and delight, ’ The princess plied the pode vigorously, soon they Lad passed the islahd and were spe ing away toward the brig of-war. The lg glimpse they had of Mucklewee, he was sta ing in the water to bis chin, shaking his fist) threateningly toward them, and no doubt hisse | ing forth vile imyrecations. ion ‘Really, Eeleelah, you are as true and bray a friend as hea were a cold and cruel exem Pompy finally said, when their proximity to’ ibe brig assured them of safety, | NY oa “When Eelcelait promises to he 8 Silda i t is no coward t an een hor wor She

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20 Long Beard, the Giant Spy. Fnglish soldiers that skulk behind walls and in holes when they fight.” JT will never forget my red sister’s kindness in saving me.” “You owe me nothing. I thought you loved the Wild Buy of the Woods, and [led you into trouble. It was my duty to lead you out, and our—” 5 ee = 2 n co ade So my 4 8 =) s Bo) = © 5 a9 ' “J am glad my white sister will soon be safe and happy with her friends,” declared the princess. In ten minutes more they ran alongside the brig, and were taken aboard amid the wildest shouts of joy. ' The reunion of Tempy and her friends was most joyous, and among the first to greet her _ return was Captain Rankin, who, pale and weak, was out walking about on deck. But in the midst of the joyous meeting, a man ‘ suddenly cried out: ‘A boat! a boat.” ‘ Whereaway ?” pa See Long Beard. “Just rounding the island—with one or two _ ‘@ecupants. If is bearing this way rapidly— | { yes and there comes another boat in pursuit of ‘the first. Look, friend Long Beard.” Long Beard took the glass belonging to the : brig, and scanned the two boats closely. ' Ay, by heavens!” burst from his lips, ‘Happy Harry is in the first boat, and he is being pursued by a number of savages in a six- Poe Vonred barge oys, now is the time to try -- your hands at the guns. Be quick or Harry ‘ will be overtaken!” _ ¢ The men flew to one of the brig’s heavy guns _ j with the alacrity of old gunners, and in & mo- i ment later a cloud of smoke ‘puffed from the | vessel’s side, and a thunderous boom rolled '? across the waters of Lake St. Clair. eg i: 4 CHAPTER XXIV. ee Us A LUCKY SHOT. 1 Happy Harry struggled as he never did be- fore to escape the pursuing savages. There 1 was no dodging them on the open water, as he _ eould easily have done in the forest. Two miles ] or more separated him from the brig, and with - theenemy but a short distance behind, he felt | ‘eertain that nothing but the intervention of q mrovidence could save him from being cap- tured. He was at home on the water, as well as on ‘ the land, and handled the paddle with all skill, £ but the pursuers had the advantage of him. They (were in a six-oared barge that belonged to the 1 -of-war—the same one in which Kirby Kale ' ‘Yanda portion of the vessel’s crew had escaped - ithe trap set for them by the Americans. | i ‘Phe chase became one of fearful interest to | Toth pursuets and pursued. The savages, ever _ ©and anon, uttered wild terrific whoops caleu- iV 1 Jated to strike terror to the fugitive’s heart and i ; lyze his efforts. Belshazzar stood up in the | # rear of his master’s boat, and barked fiercely at the pursuing foe. Now and then Harry | Vglanced back over his shoulder to note the My 2 Ne 1 y } (| ny i i ’ i { mity of his pursuers, and when he saw how aly t e distance between them was lessen- ‘ing, his hope deserted him. But his courage never flinched, and he pressed on with all his ht and main. uddenly he hears a voice yell out: “Stop! stop! you little wretch, or we will paiddle you with bullets.” It was the voice of Kirby Kale, but the youth 1 paid no attention to the peremptory demand, ti ‘kept boldly on—his exertions redoubled by ‘1 the discovery that the villain Kale was one of ers, @ enemy could have siain Harry, but they ed so confident of capturing him alive that le' forbid firing upon him. He had.use for boy, hence his desire that he be taken e, They finally ran clear of all the islands and ood out in plain view of the little war-vessel. by this time the enemy were within a few of the young borderman, and Kale was hing at the top of his lungs for him to and surrender, accompanying his demand a threat. But this did not scare him at He pushed on until he saw that further were useless, when he dropped his paddle, and rising to his feet, faced the enemy. The next instant the prow of the swift-mov- barge struck the canoe aft with a crash, g it almostintwo. Both Happy Harry || and his dog were precipitated into the water | both sinking from view. The dog soon rose _ to the surface and struck out for safety, un- , molested by the savages, who were on the alert | © for the a nee of Harry. But, to their der and surprise, the youth did nob appear. he moments wore away into minutes—the extreme limits for human endurance beneath @ water had expired, and still no boy arose to i. je surface. 1 Bh e disappointed victors searched the waters ‘and near, mepocting an attempt to righ ‘imming under water ond f° ‘ho; dash my old p of the boy. Aside from the waves {circling out from the boat, the sea was still and the least object was visible for many rods around. Kale thought it impossible for Harry to have swum beneath the water beyond range of his vision; but to make certain of this, they began moving slowly outward in a circle, searching the water around them carefully. For half an hour they kept this up. Kale shook his head in a puzzled manner. He could not exactly understand the mystery of the lad’s disappearance, Even if he had been drowned, the body should have risen to the surface at least three times before sinking for the last time. The sudden scream of a cannon-ball, foHowed by the sullen boom of the gun, startled them. They glanced away toward the brig and saw a cloud of smoke rising from her deck. “By heavens!” cried Kale, ‘ they’ye opened fire on us from the brig, and it seems there is some one aboard of her who can handle a gun. We've got to get out of this and let that boy go. If he has gone to the bottom of the lake, the | probability is that the dispatches he got from the English spy are with him. And then, come to think, he’d be a fool to be packing them around with him, if he has any idea of their value to the American people. But we had better return and help search for the maidens, Eeleelah and the white girl.” ‘*Hooh! Mucky-wee-lee come!” suddenly ex- elaimed an Ottawa chiet. All looked away behind them, and to their surprise, discovered the invincible Billy Muck- lewee coming around the island directly to- ward them ina small canoe. The man seemed to be exerting his utmost strength with the paddle, for the canoe fairly leaped through the water. The paddle rose and fell like the win- nowing of a bird’s wing. The water parted-in great rolls on either side of the prow of the boat, while a line of frothy ripples marked the course behind for several rods. “ Something’s wrong, red-skins,” said Kirby Kale; ‘‘ whenever you see Bill Mucklewee ina hurry, you may knuw something’s up.” They rode leisurely along toward him, and in a few minutes they came to, together. ‘*What’s the matter, Bill?’ questioned the officer, ‘‘are you running away? “Whew!” puffed the renegade, mopping the perspiration from his face with his \sleeve —‘ oi’me—breath, gol—dash—it—thunderation, gi’me breath!” he panted. ‘* What ails you, man?” asked Kale again. ‘““Whew—dash it! what ard you fellers pad- dlin’ round here—for, like a passel of nincom- poops—whew! I found them gals, and if Pd ‘a’ had help they’d ’a’ been in our possession now. But the dashed on hussies yanked out a small shootin’ iron each, and thrustin’ the p’izen thing under my nose, solicited me to va- cate my position in their canoe; and, gentle- men, I vacated in a dashed hurry. You may think me a coward by doin’ so, but if you have been married, you know it is nothin’ but bra: vado that’d ’a’ kept me in-the boat. Ihave been married, gentlemen, and V’ll say right here that my wife has been married three times since we divorced, and every mother’s boy of ’em sleeps neath the daisies to-day. So you see, I know something ’bout female nacher. Vhen a woman draws a pistol or a broom on you, and observes something *bout your retir- ing from her presence, you might as well retire. It’s no use whinin’; an argyment in the shape of a pistol in a desperit woman’s hand is con- clusive, ’specially if she has the opposite side of the question. Dash take a woman, anyhow. They’re the most necessary torture and bother that war ever inflicted on mankind. Any man ’d be a dashed sight better off if he’d never seen a woman, and yet the dashed fools will be drawn toward the dod-dashed critters lilo as if they were a load stone. As for me, gi’me a catamount, or gi’me death.” ae Well, where are those girls now?” questioned ale. “T daresay they’re aboard yonder brig—both of the dashed critters, red and white—wild-cat and painter.” Kirby Kale uttered a fearful oath. “ A pretty set of fools we're getting to be,” he growled, savagely, “to Jet a boy have de- feated us for a week right along. All this trou- ble—the loss of yon brig, and the escape of these captives are directly owing to that boy. And hero we sit like.a parcel of fools under the very muzzle of our own cannon in the hands of our enemy, both boy and girl lost.” “What boy you talkin’ ’bout bein’ lost, cap’n?’ asked Mucklewee, a queer light flashing in his wicked eyes; ‘do you mean that dashed young Happy arry divil?” “Yes; weran afoul of him awhile ago’ and smashed his canoe; he sprung out into the water and sunk, and to save our souls we can’t find him dead or alive.” “Fol ho! haw!” roared Mucklewee, slapping his knee and shaking his head in a paroxysm of merriment; ‘‘oh-ho, Lord dash it! if that ar’n’t ihe best thing that I ever sce'd sence ihe mule kicked Mrs. Mucklewee into the middle of the followin’ week., Can’t find that boy? Ho, ho, Sif, that ar’n’t! des- Mig fist in che palm of his other hand. _ 7 res se —$<<——r" that boy’s within arm’s ritch of you this holy, sanctified minute, Just look over under the edge of your flaring old barge, and you'll see that owdacious young dare-devil cozily tucked away under there!” Captain Kale leaned over the edge of the boat and peered under its flaring side: and, to his wonder and surprise, beheld the object of his late search concealed there within half an arm’s reach of him. In an instant the whole truth flashed through his’ mind; when the boy rose to the surface he came up directly under | been there, clinging on like a barnacle, while “eae savages were paddling around in search of | him. “4 *“Oh-ho! my young imp!” hissed Kale, ‘‘ your | cunning and deviltry are worthy of a better | cause; but, young man, you—” He did not finish the sentence, for a cannon- ball from the brig came skimming along the sur- face of the lake and struck the barge a little forward, cutting its end squarely off, and sbiv- ering the canoe in which Mucklewee was stand- ing to splinters. Onesavage was killed outright, and all others in the boats were instantly plunged into the cold water. No attention was given to Happy Harry, the auther of their troubles, but, side by’ side, all battled the element that threatened their very existence, CHAPTER XXV. THE GIANT’S STORY. Happy Harry experienced no difficulty in keeping afloat upon the waves. He seemed as familiar with the ‘waves as with the intricate mazes of the woods, He turned upon:his back and a ar to move along as easily as if pro- sited: y the volition of his will rather than by physical exertion. : ucklewee shouted and spouted as though he were drowning. He called for help at the top of his lungs. Harry laughed at him, his clear, boyish voice pealing forth his Aijoy- ment of the other’s predicar ent. “Oh, great Lord dash it!” the strugglin renegade blubbered, ‘‘if I only could get Sale of that young boy-devil I'd stain these waters with his blood—I'd squash bim to thunder.” “Here I be,” cried pee as he shot past the struggling villain, and kicked a sheet. of water into his face, causing him to gasp for breath. The man uttered a fearful oath as soon as he got his breath. It was allhe could do’ toward avenging the insult. He had enough to do— in fact, more than he could successfully accom- plish, to keep above water. Happy Harry, however, never considering the possibility of the failure of his strength be- fore he could reach lend, amused himself among his struggling enemies ina manner that reminded one of the sparrow fighting the hawks. He glided to and fro among them, now dousing a red-skin’s head’ under water, pulling his scalp-lock, or throwing himself upon a broad, upturned back. Kirby Kale came in for a share of the youth- ful Leander’s persecations. Harry took © po sition in front of the English captain and kicked the water into a perfect foam around him, enveloping the captain’s head in a torrent, Kale dared not open his mouth for fear of be- ing strangled; he dare not attempt to seize the youth for fear he would have more than he could manage, and so he could do nothing but turn aside, Thus matters lasted for some time when a succession of waves began rolling over the swimmers. They came down from the north- east. Harry glanced along the surface of the water, and to his joy and surprise saw the brig “Scout,” bearing down upon them. On board he could distinguish the tall form and x mg, white whiskers of his giant friend, Long 3eard, The youth threw up his hand and shouted. A moment later he saw a boat lowered and six armed men, under Lieutenant Philip Reeder, put out toward him. Kale saw the enemy ap- re but neither he nor Mucklewee at- empted fo getaway. Captivity to them was better than raid bin ‘Great hoppin’ hornits, lieutenant!” ¢x- claimed Harry as the boat approached, “you are jist in time to help us folks out of this pre- dicament. I like cool, moist atmosphere, but there’s too much dampness here forme, 4 har’s friend Mucklewee who seems to be enjoying it hugely, and thar’s Cap Kale and a few red - Johnny-jump-ups that are playin’ around like a school of whales: they are, for a sober fact.” The boat advanced and Fair Harry up amid shouts of joy from the lips of the soldiers, Then Kirby Kale, Mucklewee and the savages Acard also picked up when the boat headed for / e brig. “ Kale was sullen and morose, as were the In- dians also, Mucklewee was cross as a sick bear, His tongue clashed almost incessantly, and he exbausted bis vocabulary of anathemas upon the head of Happy Harry, ever and anon rounding off a peroration with a crack of his aah bey _git wel “ x fata S sx Nap Rast soe sone | the projecting side of the canoe unseen, and bad °

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22 with me, for he isa brave old codger and knows every foot of ground along St. Clair. I hope ‘ou will git rid of that lower regioner, Kirby Kale, and that you may live a long and happy life yet; I do for a sublime fact.” “hank you, Harry; thank you.” “Well, good-by, Big Beard,” the lad said, extending his band. “Good-by, Harry; may God guide and pro- tect you through ail the dangers that beset your path.” \) Tears rolled up into the lad’s eyes as he turned I away. To prevent an outburst of feeling, he broke into a run and hurried on, never daring to look back until assured he was out of sight K ~ of Long Beard; then he slackened his pace toa walk : \ “Here we are again, ole dog, alone in the woods,” he said, brushing away the mist from his eyes. “It seems kind a-natural, don’t it, old friend? The birds, and the squirrels, and the wind whistling among the trees, and the | | droning around us—great hornits! who says it isn’t music, sweet music?” Presently the youth began his favorite amuse- ' ment of calling the birds around him through power of imitation. A robin was tho first F to answer his call. ‘ It perched itself high ina Hh tree-top, but when assured that it had nothing int _to fear, it descended closer. Then, one by one, i came other winged songsters, until nearly a Ny) score had gathered around him. They took Ait, their position among the branches of the green- Ka robed trees; and as he moved on, they followed him, singing, chattering, and chirruping in ry concert. Now and then a squirrel frisked out of a gnarled old oak, and regarding the passing youth and his escort of songsters with a look of apparent delight, sent forth a sharp bark that rang clearly through the woods, - And thus for hours the youth journeyed on through the great forest, the birds following— some dropping out of the ranks and others ¥ joining. And as he was now approaching the _enemy’s country, he watched the birds closer and closer. Long association with them had » taught him their habits and peculiarities. He _, knew by their movements whether danger was about or not. g ; The gun had long since crossed the meridi- ‘an, and the shadows of evening were gathep- / ing. The last bird had deserted the youth, } and, instead of the music of the feathered tribe, the hoot of an owl rung upon his ears. » This was suddenly followed by the tramp of » hoofed feet: and jingle of military trappings. Armed horsemen were approaching through the )) woods, but Harry knew not whether they were | friends or foes. Belshazzar pricked up his ears and whined uneasily. “Hist, Bell!” exclaimed the youth in an un- ' dertone; ‘‘some one’s comin’! git away from here—out into the woods, ole dog, for I’m ) goin’ to climb this tree and hide. Away, Bell, “away!” and he motioned the dog away toward the south. sagacious animal seemed to comprehend, and at once scampered away, and Harry, sling- ing his rifle at his back by means of a strap ‘attached for that purpose, climbed a huge oak -tree with low, ‘far-branching limbs, and en- ‘sconced himself among the dense foliage on a i “bough about ten feet from the main trunk and twice the distance'from the ground. t done so, and the foliage ‘around him was still rustling from his move- “ments, wlien a number of mounted soldiers in ‘the English uniform appeared in sight. ~ Happy Harry was almost afraid to breathe, for ie at once discovered that the soldiers were a squad of the king’s cavalry, and the advance guard of an\invaging army. Of this he was positive, for he could hear, in the dis- tance, the tramp of the army, the rumble of artillery and baggage-wagons, the blows of axes. clearing a way through the woods for the teams, the commands of authoritative voices, and the general confusion of sounds incidental to a moving army. ; Harry’s surprise and fear the detachment ‘of cavalry drew rein within a fow rods of where he was concealed, and the officer in command » “Wewill wait here until the main column ‘comes up. It will require some time to bridge that creek, and so by the time they get across ‘it it will be time to go into camp. This will be ‘a favorable spot for an encampment.” So saying they dismounted, and just about jor-General Brock and staff rode up at the head of the advancing army. / “Have you selected grounds suitable for an encampment, colonel?’ demanded Brock of the ea pneet : 1 “This spot, general, is the most favorable one sonvenient,” replied the colonel. _ “Then here we will halt,” replied the general. heard every word, and it almost chilled the blood in his veins. : ensconced. A baggage wagon was drawn up near ip huge wey. a number of tent va removed therefrom fe a = ye 2. J vr ~ aE inlet pr eet General Brock selected a spot directly under the very limb upon which the boy was perched, and ordered his tent pitched upon it; and asa number’ of men proceeded to work, Harry’s heart almost ceased to beat through fear of de- tection. The tent was a large conical structure about ten feetin hight at the apex, which reached well up among the limbs, It required but a féw minutes to prepare it for occupation, and, thanks to the providential shadows that lurked among the foliage, Harry was not discovered. But he was in for a nigbt there in the tree, and in a position, too, that might prove more than his endurance could bear. The deeper shadows of night proved a great relief to the boy, and he gradually settled him- self into a more comfortable position. The soldiers lighted no fires. hunger on cold provisions, and slaked their thirst at the little stream that rippled close by. The low murmur of voices rose on all sides, The animals were hitched here and there to trees and bushes, and given their provender on the ground. The harness and saddles had not been removed for fear of surprise. The whole camp was a continuous stir of mingled life and sounds, and arelief to Harry; for the stamping of hoofed feet, the rustling of bushes and the clinking of harness chains served to drown any noise that he might make. Suddenly a: faint ray of light/ pierced the gloom within’ a few feet of his face. It came from asmall, round hole in the very top of the British commander’s tent, and the lad could not resist. the temptation to lean slightly forward and peer down through the hole. He saw a lamp burning on a small stand, and before if | sat General Brock and two of his officers on camp stools, examining a map that was out- spread upon the general’s knees. He could see their faces but indistinctly. He could hear the murmur of their voices, but could only make out a word now and then. At length, however, one of the general’s aid- de-camps appeared at the door of the tent, and said, in a tone quite audible: “General, pardon my intrusion, but there is an Indian chief at the door desiriag an audience with you.” “Of what tribe?” inquired the general, a lit- tle crustily at being disturbed. ‘Of all tribes, general; it/is the great Te- ecumseh.” The general started as if at a hostile shot. He rose to his feet, and as he folded the map he dismissed the two officers, and then said to the d; ‘“* Admit the great chief, Tecumseh.” Harry’s curiosity now assumed a more eager form. Carefully he dropped from limb to limb until he actually pressed his eye to the little opening to obtain a glimpse of the mighty war- rior, as well as to catch the words that passed , between him and Brock. With stately dignity Tecumseh stalked into the presence of the English general, who ad- vanced to mect him with the palms of both hands outward in token of friendship. They shook hands, Brock we!comed the great warrior, and with his own hands spread a blan- ket upon the ground for him to be seated upon. When Tecumseh sat down the general sat down uponhis camp stool facing him. : Then the chief demurely filled the pipe on the head of his tomahawk, lit it, and having taken a whiff or two, passed it to the general. The latter knew its signification, and followed the chief’s example by smoking with Tecumseh the pipe of peace. Leven eh of the general’s friendship now, the chief said: ‘*Messengers from the Canada Father told me of your friendship to the red-men.” He spoke English fluently, and Harry could hear every word he said. “T have no cause to entertain other than the kindliest feelings toward my red brothers,” re- sponded Brock; «they have long been the friends of the English.” “We are friends now because! the Yankees are our enemies. The red-men have dug up the hatchet, and are ready to recover the land of their forefathers. The Great Canada Father said to Tecumseh, in a whisper: ‘Go, fight the Yankees; strike when the English strike, but tell it not that I thus whispered in my red children’s ear. Fight as though you fought in- dependent of the English, for if it should be known that we urged the red-men to fight for us, other nations might execrate us, and send their soldiers and big boats to help the Ameri- cans years ago.’ en my Canada Father said this, I come to see the chief of the English warriors that I might know when to strike.” ““T will be glad to have you co-operate with me,” replied the British general, encouraging the great chief in what English history dis- claims to be true, “‘ for the Yankees are many and cunning. They cannot stand, however, before the Indian’s tomahawk and the English soldiers’ muskets. Already the Yankee chief, Governor Hull, has retreated from Canada like a coward. He has gone to Detroit, and there ees They feasted their | Long Beard, the Giant Spy. “Tecumseh and his braves will be there to fight with his white brothers.” ‘* How far away is your village?” “Not a half sun’s travel.” “Then I can depend upon your assistance at Detroit?” ““Yes, when my white brother is there.” “Then let this be so understood.” | ‘*Tecumseh always keeps his word with a friend.” | By this time the greatest excitement pro- vailed in camp. The news had spread like wild- fire that the great Tecumseh was a guest at | head-quarters, and in a very few minutes hun- dreds of men had gathered around the tent, eager to get a glimpse of the mighty chieftain. But of course not one in twenty could get near the door, and many were compelled to retire to | their quarters without having a chance to | gratify their curiosity. 4 One young soldier, however, determined not ' to leave without seeing the notorious Indian; that faint beam of light shining from the apex of the tent suggested a means, and so he hastily climbed the huge oak under which the tent stood, and began crawling along the very limb upon which Happy Harry was concealed! ; And the tree-top spy found himself in a ter- rible dilemma, from which there appeared no possible chance of escape! CHAPTER XXVILI. “IN A BOX.” Happy Harry drew back as far as possible to get out of the way of the inquisitive sol- dier, but he could retreat only a few feet as the limb had been broken and. drooped downward at an inclination of forty degrees. This left | but one course to pursue, and he quickly made up his mind to adopt it. He drew his pistol and as the soldier game within reach, dealt him a powerful blow upon the head, A groan escaped the Englishman’s lips,’as he tumbled from the limb upon the tent. It so “bappened that he fell where the selvages of the canvas lapped one over the other, and under his weight they parted and he fell through into the tent, landing squarely on the princely head of the great Tecumseh. A war-whoop burst from the savage chief- tain’s lips, and an oath from Brock’s, The for- mer sprung to his feet and drew his tomahawk and the latter his sword. But in the confusion consequent upon the unceremonious intrusion of the soldier, the table was tipped over and the lamp upset. The canvas took fire, and in a mo- ment the whole structure was in flames, the, general, the chief and the wounded soldier) barely escaping. | Up among the foliage of the great oak rose; the smoke and flame. The green leaves crackled and crisped in the excessive heat which soon became more than human endurance could withstand. Harry was right over the worst of ‘ it. He began sneezing and coughing violently, but owing to the general confusion below, no one heard him. Men crowded.and jostled each other eager to get a view of Tecumseh in the glow of the burning tent. The horses near at hand snorted'and pawed uneasily. A number of men with bucketfuls of water made their | way to the fire and dashed it on the flames. This proved the worst blow of all to Harry. Steam, ashes and smoke whirled up into the foliage so strong and suffocating that he was compelled to leave his perch, and ‘slide down the fimab to the ground in the midst of the as- tonished army! : “Great hor-nits!” he exclaimed, rubbing his eyes and, gasping for breath, ‘‘ what the ’tar- nal nation’s up here?—a camp-meetin’ goin’ on? ‘“By heavens! a young Yankee!” exclaimed a soldier. “ Ay, that accounts for Dinwiddie’s fall,” re- plied a colonel; “lead the little ferret out and shoot him; the surgeon says Dinwiddie will die.” ‘Ves, shoot him! shoot him!” cried a hun- dred voices. “Order! order!’ thundered General Brock. “Have you forgotten, men, that you are sol- diars of the English crown? Shame for such conduct; he is but a boy, not the American army!” This merited rebuke at once restored order, then Brock led the boy into the tent of one of his generals and questioned him regarding his presence there. ees f The youth talked in sucha childish, frivolous manner, the commandant came to the conclusion that he was a little runaway Yankee, who had become imbued with the spirit of some hero of a fireside story, and had rambled forth to seek renown in thé great’ wildwood. Brock did not suspect him of having dealt Dinwiddie the wound upon:the head, from which the surgeon | feared there was no recovery. All had seen the soldier climb into the tree, but the fact that the boy was there at the time, was no evidence to the general that he— Harry —had dealt the blow. His natural conclusion was that Din- widdie had received his injuries by his fall. However, as the youngster was in their power, nd neh pn retal —s =

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— ‘mal, and like a a i > eard, the Giant Spy. 23 common sense, he might be thoughtful enough to give the Americans some information that would be of interest to them. Harry acted as thoughtless and simple before | the general as was consistent with his purpose and nature. throw the look into his unusually intellectual face that should necessarily correspond with his | rambling talk. He was confined in an ambulance and a guard placed over him. He was not bound, as it was thought that the presence of the guard was all that would be necessary to keep him in his place. The watch took his position in the for- ward part of the prison-vehicle. upon the driver’s seat with his guu at his side, rry occupied the rear end of the carriage, and soon after he was placed therein, he began whistling sharply as if calling a dog. “Shyt up thatnoise or Pil slap you,” vocif- erated his angelic guard. But Harry had ac- complished his purpose—he had called up Bel- shazzar, who came bounding from the woods to the side of the vehicle in which he was con- fined, “‘ Let him in, Englisher; poor ole Bell’s tired,” said Harry to his guard. ‘“ He’s my friend; he’s a bully ole dog, he is for a fact.” “Let him stay where he is,” growled the amiable guard, and Harry had to obey. ; The dog laid down under the carriage, where he remained the long night through. The night wore away, and by dawn the next morning the army was astir. Dinwiddie was still unconscious, and the author of his ills had begun to contemplate an effort at escape when €& mun appeared in camp, the sight of whom drove all hope from the breast of the youth. The man was the notorious renegade and traitor, Bill Mucklewee! Bill Mucklewee was conducted to General Brock’s quarters, where he was closeted for some time with the commandant. When he ap- peared again the general was with him. to ran his eyes over the camp where they happened to espy the face and form of Harry. Muckle- wee started back as if with terror, exclaiming: “Great Jehoyiah! Dll be dashed to thunder!” “What ails you, Mucklewee?” asked the general. * Ails me? Why, don’t you see that boy? that’s him—that imp of all that’s mean, and cun- nin’, and sneakin’, and devilish!” “What do you know about him?” “Well, jist listen! dash my picters to thun- der! What do J know about him? Why, he’s the worst enemy the English have got to con- tend with, He’s a reg’lar American spy. It was him—that very little imp of cussedness, that took. your dispatches from Major Crafton; and it war him that led the party that captered the brig-of-war Scout, off the Pliadees islands,” ‘What? is the Scout captured?” asked the general, with a sudden start, for aboard the brig was a large amount of supplies for his army. “Captured? yes! and that boy right there done it--that very dashed, insignificant little pup of a boy right before your eyes.” “Well, who is this mighty little fellow that’s whipping the English navy?” asked Brock, sar- castically. = Happy Harry, the dashed brat’s called— Happy Harry, the Wild Boy of the Woods.” “Then, if this is the case, he has been play- ing a part with my’ confidence,” said Brock; ‘Tet him be arrested.” Harry, who was standing near with a grim, defiant smile upon his boyish face, eyed Muckle- wee with a look that fairly caused the villain to wince. Belshazzar, squatted upon his haunches, and towering almost as high as his young mas- ter, regarded the renegade with a look that told he had not forgotten he was an enemy to his master. When the two men started toward the lad for the purpose of seizing him, the dog showed his teeth and growled. “Look out, thar, sojers!” Mucklewee shouted; “you want to watch that durned dog. A man’s not a bite for the dashed brute; stand aside and Pll put a bullet through him; [ owe him a grudge anyhow.” . 2 The soldiers parted on either side between the dog and renegade, who took up his old flint-lock musket to examine its priming. Harry saw that a critical moment was at hand for him and his dumb companion, and not an instant was to be lost. Turning, he threw his slender form upon the dog’s back, locked his arms around his neck and his legs around his body, then he spoke a single word to the ani- art he shot away through the camp, carrying his young master with apparent ease, So sudden and une ted had this movement been that the dog with his human burd fifty\ yards away before a man foe Then Mucklewee up with his musket and blazed away at the boy and dog, but the piece hanging fire, he m his mark and wounded a valuable horse, whose terrific plunging and stampeded half the horses in camp. And now almost to that of battle tumult, equal Erol hegre soldiers, the commands of the officers, and the plunging and thundering about It was his only recourse to outwit | the English, although it was difficult for him to | He sat down | en was cavorting | that drew attention from the youth for thé time being. But, as soon as quiet had been re- stored, a number of mounted troops started in pursuit®of the Wild Boy. Having passed the pickets in safety, Harry gained the woods beyond without. a scratch, and when assured that he was free from im- mediate danger, he dismounted from his dog’s back. ‘* Well done, ole dog; well done,” said Harry, patting Belshazzar upon the head; “ your name should go down to posterity like your namesake of Bible fame, of whom Parson Lotts used to spout so much. It’s well that you are a big dog, and that I’m a ‘little, in- significant pup,’ as ole Muckleweed called me, We two eeetar make one purty good man— T furnish the thinkin’ apparatus and ‘you the bone and muscle; I git us both into trouble and you git us out.” The dog was warm and panting with bis re- cent violent exercise, and as they had halted near a little stream that crept along under the leaves and grass like a guilty thing, both master and dog slaked their thirst, and then moved on through the woods. ‘Yes, by the hoppin’ hornits,” the lad mused as he moved on; “I understand’a thing or two now, I do, for a fact. Ole Tecumseh is goin’ to give ole England a boost in this war, and. yit England don’t want to let on that she’s anything to do with the savages, ob, no! She’s a mighty civilized country, and don’t want it known as the gineral said, that she’s hirin’ savage barba- rians to butcher and scalp Yankees and burn and tear up hob, Oh, Lord, no; ine don’t for a fact! But Jl see bout that. Vil put a flea in General Hull’s deaf ear, and then when that little paper in my moccasin is brought out and discomboborated, Vll bet somebody’s calcula- tions ‘ll be spilt. And, great hornits! that darned ole Muc!x sed, how I’d like to be his final settlement, and I willbe yit if he don’t keep entirely owt of my way. Everybody thinks because I’m a boy lve no feelin’. Every- body has a lesson to learn me, and if they don’t quit foolin’ T'll learn some of them how to shoot; I will, for a bloody fact. But, speakin’ of shootin’ reminds me of the fact that I’m here in the wilderness without even a knife. I never even got to try my rifle that CapRankin give me; but no difference, ’ll have another. By hornits! I know where Til get one—at ole Davy’s! Hiscabin is right on onr way. Poor, dear ole Davy, he’s been a father tome. For three years I roosted under his roof, and many things have I learnt from him. We'll strike his palace bout night, and I reckon we'll be glad of it, too, for we’ve not a bite to eat nor nothin’ to procure it with. Yes, ole Davy Dar- rett’salways got a lot of extra guns, and I'll bet I git an outfit there; I will, fora fact.” The youth quickened his pace and hurried on south. Mile after mile was traversed. The sun crossed the line and sunk slowly westward, and just as the evening shadows were gather- ing he hove in sight of the cabin of Davy Dar- rett, the trapper. The building stood alone in the great wilder- ness on the bank of a little purling stream. A ‘light smoke was curling from the chimney-top —a huge pile of stone, sticks and mortar. Nd other sign of life was visible about the place, but Harry pushed boldly on and spproaching the door vapped sharply upon it, Come in!” bawled out a voice. It did not sound exactly like that of Davy Darreti’s, but whose else could it have been? It had been some time since ‘he had heard Davy’s voice, and thought he might have been mistaken in its sounding unnatural, so he opened ee Yoor and entered. His dog sprung in ahead of him, The instant the youth was inside some one standing behind the door banged it shut, and placed himself between it and Harry; while a second person appearing from behind a curtain of blankets suspended from the ceiling to the floor, confronted him with a devilish; triumph- ant leer upon his face. This man was the notorious Bill Mucklewee, and the man at Harry’s back was a soldier of the king. Again had the Wild Boy fallen into a trap of the enemy from which there seemed no es- cape! CHAPTER XXVIII. THE CABIN CONFLICT, Harry glanced around the room, an inward terror taking possession of him for a moment. A fire was burning on the great stone hearth, and some meat Se broiling on a heap of coals. To him it was evident that the men had taken possession of the cabin and were helping them- selves. But, where was old Davy? As he asked himself the question his eyes caught sight of a little pool of blood upon the floor. He also saw a track of blood leading from the 1 across the floor into one corner where shite was a heap of straw and blankets used by the old trapper as a bed. There was a ous look about this heap, and as he eyed it closely ihe blood was almost frozen in his veins by sight the pile of blankets. It told a fearful tale; it was Davyy’s foot without a doubt! Those human fiends had murdered the old trapper and con- cealed his body there in the corner. “Yon needn’t stare around here, you dashed young rascal, tryin’ to come innocence on me,” — urst from Mucklewee’s lips. ‘It’s me—the — veritable ole Billy Mucklewee, You needn’& — think that you and that durned, pete big dog of yourn can outwit, outrun, outfig’ gee ‘ Billy. No, sir-ee; ’'d an ijee you'd cut out this — way, and so [ took wings and let out, too. You © and your little elephant of a pup ll not slip me again, You're caged, my son, and you might ~ as well drap your feathers.” ; ‘‘ Murderer!” hissed the youth, with all the loathing scorn that he could throw into the words, '‘ you ought to be quartered and fed t¢ the wolves! You have murdered Davy Dar — reit, a harmless old trapper.” - Involuntarily the murderer glancéd toward | the heap in the corner around which Belshazzar | was sniffing inquisitively. : ‘Nobody ’Il miss him,” replied the wretch, | seeing that the boy'had discovered his blood crime; ‘and to cut matters short and end this” talk, Tl tumble that old dog over b: him,” — and he drew a Aa and cocked it, But, before — he could fire, Happy Harry sprung behind the villain, and jumping on bis back, cl his arms around his neck so tightly that choked to the floor. ‘*Take ’em, Bell!” cried the lad, and the next instant the dog sprung upon the soldier, i “Into ’em, Harry!—sick ’em, Belshazzar— — give ’em goss—rack it to ’em, the bloody hel- lyons! ‘Yoop! hurrah, for here’s ole Davy. good as a dozen dead men yit! Lap itto’em | boys, and T’ll lend a helpin’ hand—hurrah for: * Hail Columbus!” i Covered with blood and suffering with a number of severe wounds, old Davy had sprung from the heap in the corner and hastened to assist his young friend and Bel- | shazzar. q Harry clung to Bill’s neck like a monkey to a — limb, and the old reprobate failing to dislodge | him by rolling upon him, drew his ‘Se pistol, and was about to fire back over his shoulders into the boy’s face when Davy came | to the rescue. He struck the pistol from the villain’s hand, and then dealt him a furious ~ kick in the ribs that doubled ‘him up like a) twisted limb. eH With a howling imprecation Mucklewe: strove to spring to his feet, but before he eenld rise the trapper snatched up the villain’s pistol and shot him dead! it Then over the fallen body, Davy Darrett ex> | tended his hand, saying: “Shake, Harry, shake! God bless blessed little soul; shake, I say!” “Great hornits, Dave! I oes dead,” replied the lad, extending h } si “T war mortal nigh it, and thought P’d Be ‘possum like you are in the habit of doing Wa ay Harry, for God’s sake don’t let that dog chaw ~ that Englisher any moré! ‘The man’s deadern” thunder, now. Call him off, Harry, call him ni off.” Ma) Harry called his dog away from the really |) dead soldier; then, white almost as a sheet, he turned to Davy and said: Ra ‘This is awful, awful business, Davy. TF almost makes me sick at heart to think men become hunters of men, and butcher and kill | one another,” yveaa ‘You're entirely too tender-hearted, He my boy,” replied Davy. ‘I don’t see how you get along as well as you do. But thén youll | git over this by’m’by. It’s natural fora y } ster to have a soft tide I like to see a & kind and gentle heart when the right tim comes, but then I want to see it stiffen and © brace up when courage and firmness is watited, | You've that kind of a heart, boy; I know y Brave are you when bravery ’s required; gen tle and kind when gentleness and kindness wanted. You must git over feeling bad abo these two villains unless you’re afeard their death will make times dull,” i “Tve had it lively for the past week, friend ~ Davy,” Harry announced, “and I must say that that dead wretch lying there has been the — cause of a good share of it all. But, Davy, do you know a regular ole war with England goin’ on now?” - “That tells meso,” and he pointed to the — dead soldier. “And do you know that a big army of red- coats have crossed the frontier and are mar ing down this way?” ‘Didn’t know that, Harry.” “Tt’s true, it is, for a startlin’ fact; I camp with ’em last night by their earnest request & forced witha loaded musket. They'll be here aways about to-morrow noon, and maybe sooner, for I left them fellows at camp.” “ Jewhillikins! you don’t say, Harry?” » “T do, for a downright fact, Davy. I come ou, ‘ @ was | A "f your you were is hand, * army in the North-west, which is at Detroit. enlaces and tbe whole plans of t

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captured from a Britis major t’other morn- in **You don’t say you have these things, do you? Why, if that’s so, it’ll bu’st the Britishers’ calculations all to smash. Gracious! ves, you want to get that news to Hull, and it'll be the makin’ of you. You're a trump, boy, and ort to be made a gineral or a govenir when you grow bigger. I’d walk a thousand miles to vote for you, Harry.” “Davy, are you goin’ with me? or will you stay here?” “Stay here?—stay here and git gobbled by the British? Nary stay; Pll shoulder my old rifle and peg out with you. I’ve not much here to lose, and everything to gain. Yes, Sir Harry, lll shoulder rifle and peg out for tall timber with you. I want to take a band in this war, for I never expect to see another war in my, time. __ “I wilk be pleased to have your company, Davy; and I’d suggest that we get away as soon as possible, for other enemies may near. But, before we go, me and Belshazzar wants something to eat, if you’ve anything in your opened of the kind. e’ve fasted for a week, it seems like,” “Anything to eat? Why, Py look thar, _ brilin’ on them coals. My jolly, genial guests put me to bed and then went in on their nervous tem. But, ah, me! how very unsartain is life. Now thar they lay, and here I stand. Yes. we'll have a rousin’ old supper, thon se sail, Fust, let us drag these poor dead devils aside and cover ’em up; then, while I’m washin’ up and puttin’ on some clean buckskin, you amuse yourself the best you can.” “Tl select a rifle from among our eneniies’ ef- fects, as I was relieved of mine at the British - eamp last night.” “Do so, Harry—go ahead, make yerself right to home—indulge freely, partake of whatever leaseth your fancy—be reckless as you please. ‘or this is our last hour, p’r’aps, at the alas 0 ole Davy Darrett.” _ Harry examined the weapons of the soldier and Mucklewee, and, to his happy surprise, found the gun and accouterments that he had been compelled to leave in Brock’s camp. _ Mucklewee had substituted the elegant new rifle for his old flint-lock musket, little dreaming what a short time he was to possess it. Old Davy soon washed the blood from his per- - son and attired himself in a clean suit of buck- skin from head to foot; then he set about pre- paring supper. This igi bag but a short time, _ when they sat down and ate heartily. When the meal had been finished some of the remnants were stowed away in a leather game- bag for future need, then the two took their de- re for Detroit, Davy bidding farewell to e cabin as though it were an old time-honored friend. It was dark by this time, at least it seemed so to our friends when they first plunged’ out into _ the woods. The wilderness was droning forth _ its monotonous song; but the sky was clear and starry, and the air cool and fragrant with the ; _ odors of the wildwood. _ The two had journeyed but a short distance _ when the whinny of a horse suddenly broke through the woods, They came toa halt and listened. Not far away they could hear a sound, like a horse impatiently pawing the ‘i earth, mingled with the clinking of ring-bits and ps. Davy pressed his ear to the earth and listened long and intently, but could make _ out nothing further than the sounds indicated. __. *By hornits!” exclaimed Harry, as a thought occurred to him. “Now what, Happy?’ questioned Davy. “T hadn’t thought of that before,” “Of what?” ‘Of Mucklewee and the soldier havin’ horses - concealed near your cabin.” - “You don’t know yit that such is the case.” “Wo, but then it’s possible. That noise is With some difficulty d of old Davy, doubled up and reeling to and fro on the ’s back a monkey ina iS - oy, why do you laff gt met I catch the hoss’s step, and then [ll sway edzactly right every time.” “You're top-heavy, Davy; you are, for a fact." “Ah, my boy! if you’d clumped around on foot as old Davy, you’d be top-heavy, too, under sich circumstances as these. But, never mind; I'll soon git ballasted, and then I’ll show youathing or two on hossback. _ It’s not my fault that I’m reelin’ around here; it’s the hoss’s fault; he won’t walk square under me, that’s what's the matter.” “ You are like Jerry Jones when he got drunk and fell down. It wasn’t on his account nor the liquor’s, oh no, that he fell. He said that the earth was like an old wagon-wheel, and had lost its disk and got to wobblin’ on its axis, and of course he couldn’t keep his footin’.” “Well, Jerry wasn’t fur from right,” re- peated Davy, affecting justification for his own awkward horsemanship. They rode on as fast as the nature of the forest would admit, and about midnight struck the head-waters of a little creek owing ina south-easterly course toward the Huron river. “Do you Happy Harry questioned. “Tt’s Brownstown creek,” replied the trap- per. ‘“‘It’s bout twenty miles to its confluence with the Huron river, then it’s twenty or thirty miles from there to Detroit.” “Can’t we reach the fort without followin’ the creek and river?” “We can, yes; but then as it is night and the way uncertain and dangerous, we'll make time to stick to the water-courses as guides.” “ All right, Davy; as you say,” and they kere on down the stream. hey journeyed on until daylight, when they rode into the creek and watered their animals. then selected a grassy spot, drew rein and dismounted. to allow the animals to rest and graze awhile. While reclining under a tree and partaking of the remnants of their supper, they were suddenly started by the report of fire-arms far down the creek. The firing was sharp and NA Sao for several minutes, then it ceased entirély. “Something wrong down that way, Harry,” declared Davy, with a dubious shake of the head; ‘‘surely the British haven’t got in ahead of us and been attacked by our sojers.” “Impossible; the army could not have moved so rapidly with their heavy guns and baggage-wagons. It may, however, be a de- tachment of cavalry sent out in advance of the main column to reconnoiter, Or it may be a skrimmage atween the Americans and a band of Injins.” ‘©We can soon find out by mountin’ our crit- ters and joggin’ ’em friskily down that way.” “And we might jog into an amb ie of Injins, too. A feller can’t be too _keerful, Davy, these war times. An Injin or Britisher is just liable to hop out of a bush as a wolf or deer, and we’ve got to feel carefully, along.” “You know your bisness, so go ahead, just as you think proper.” ; hey finished their breakfast, mounted their. animals and rode on down the creek. The im- eee of horses’ hoofs in the yielding earth sud- enly arrested their attention; and upon care- ful examination of the ground they found that a large body of horses had fe upene down the stream. They also examined the tracks and found that they had been made by iron-shod hoofs. They found such a materia) difference in the shape of the shoe and that of the animals they rode, that they were led to believe a party of American horsemen had gone down the creek that morning. If so, they had fallen in with a band of savages, which accounted for the firing. ‘““What do you still counsel, i gl asked Davy; ‘had we better keep on’ down the creek, or bend off to the right a leetle?” “ Keep right on down the Brownstown. We may fall in with a party of friends, and be able to make ourselves useful.” “Just as you say, Harry. I’m in for any- thing that’ll not disgrace the American Ly, ue rea A that'll shed glory on old Cumby, ’m or. They pushed carefully on, and finally entered an opening in the forest of porbape forty acres in area. On the opposite side of this clearin the keen eyes of our friend caught sight of something fluttering in the air above a clump of bushes, It required not a second glance to tell him what it was. A low, suppressed ay of delight burst from H "s lips, while old Davy Darrett swung his sp oft and shouted at the top of his power- lungs: fi ‘Hurrah for the star-sprangled banner! the Sreeeatt eagle! and Hail Columbus, happy at ; The sight of their country’s flag eens gracefully in the bright, morning sun, filled their Hae en with escned rit’ pod enthu- is the reins, they pea ge et their ani ‘orw: "Althoug ia ce ow what stream this is, Davy?” would be greeted by friends and American patriots with “Freedom’s soil beneath their feet, And freedom’s banner waving o’er them.” CHAPTER XXTX. THE OLD BORDERMAN’S TEST. As Happy Harry and old Davy continued to advance toward the camp, a man, in the uni- form of a captain of the United States army, rode out of the woods and halted them. ‘Who comes there?” he demanded, in a sten- arty = — ‘ “Two doggone good American chaps,” was old Davy’s response. ‘I am ole David Dar- rett, hunter and trapper, and this ere fractional me of a man at my side is Happy Harry, the ild Boy of the Woods.” ‘Advance, then,” responded the officer. “You will report at once to Major Van Horne,” The two rode forward and were conducted into the timber where nearly two hundred mounted infantry were temporarily encamped. They were ordered to dismount at the edge of the camp, and while two men took charge of their animals, the captain conducted them to the commandant, whose quarters were under a low, branching tree. Major Van Horne received them kindly. He knew them both by reputation, and so enter- tained no doubts of their loyalty. After hav- ing H ravees the usual compliments, the officer a Z ‘‘ What news have you from the North-west?” “ Nothin’ good, major,” replied Harry. ‘General Brock, with a lammin’ big army, is in this wc ra hE marchin’ on Detroit, with old Tecumseh and his minions at his right. Fifty miles don’t separate you from them this holy minute; it don’t for a fact.” ‘Can this be possible?’ exclaimed the major, startled by the information. ‘*Tt’s a fact, a ge I war a prisoner in the camp of the Britis , night before last, and so I know of what I’m speakin’, Before captured, I was an eavesdropper at an interview be- tween General Brock and old Tecumseh, and heard ’em make their ’rangements. Oh, I tell ou, major, it’s goin’ to be warm on the pen- insula, ey’ve gained admittance to the lakes with their ts, and, justa few nights ago, a party of us surprised and captured the little brig ‘Scout,’ with supplies for Brock’s army. But then, major, this is not what I’m here for —in fact, ’m not here for anything. I’m on my way to Detroit with some documents of great interest to the American army.” ‘““Ah, indeed! Is it possible that you are one of our spies?” asked Van Horne, in an un- dertone. “*T don’t know what you'd call me, but ’'m ghtin’ for yonder gp y an American boy, and You see, I captured, or rather played a s trick on a British major t’other mornin’, and got from him the paper I am now carrying to meral Hull.” “Do you think it contains anything that , would be of interest to me, Harry? “Not a doubt of it, major, for it is of interest to every loyal American; and I believe I’d bet- ter let you see it.” So saying, he pulled off his moccasin and with the point of his knife ripped a slit in the lining, from behind which he eae out a folded paper and handed it to Van Horne, cs he major unfolded it, and with the assist- ance of Harry, the whole secret was unraveled. ‘Good heavens, Harry!” exclaimed the offi- cer, as soon as it had been examined, ‘that paper must be forwarded to Hull immediately —without another hour’s delay. lt is of the most vital importance to the American arm in the North-west. It isa key that will enable us to open the way to victory. It is the writ- ten plan of the viene general’s proposed campaign, and with this in our possession it will enable us to meet them, fully prepared. Yes, Harry, this must be forwarded at once. I will send a special messenger with it—an old ranger, who knows every foot of ground be- tween here and Detroit, and who has the fleet- est horse in the command. By noon be will deliver it at Detroit. But rest assured, Harry, that your part in this heroic deed shall receive full mention in my official report. Your pa- triotism and bravery in this matter shall not es- cape the notice of President Madison.” ** Well, major, if this document is of so much value and importance as that, start your man for the fort at once.” f The major summoned one Lieutenant Strahl, an old ranger, to whom he intrusted the paper, with orders to deliver it to General Hull at the earliest moment possible, “T)1 do my best toward it, major,” replied + the old ranger, bowing himself out of the com- mandant’s presence. Ina few minutes he was mounted upon the fleetest horse in the command, and flying through the woods toward Detroit. “Now, my friends,” said Major Van Horne, turning to and Deoxys “vou fellows must be tired hungry. I will order youa e of such as ve to eat, especia ly ——— a, »)

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ors | * ‘will receive proper attention, so you may con- sider Touran guests in our camp, to exercise yourselves at pleasure,” " “Thank you, major, for your kindness,” re- plied Harry, “‘ but will you permit me to in- quire the cause of that firing we heard off here awhile ago?” : “Our advance-guard got into a brush with a party of savages, though nothing fatal, so far as we have learned, occurred.” “ We heard the noise, but didn’t know what it meant. But, major, [’'m afraid if old Brock comes this way with his avalanche of sojers and Ingins, he'll gobble you all up.” ““We expect to break camp by evening, at furthest. e are here to convoy a train of supplies, coming down the lake, to its destina- tion south. A messenger arrived in camp this morving with information that the train would reach the creek about the middle of the day, or soon after. My only fears have been of the Indians, but if the British army is as close as you say, we may have trouble from their ad- vance-guards before we get in. Have they cavalry?” “Till you can’t rest,” was the laconic reply. “Then the chances are favorable for some fighting before we get back, if not before we got away from here. If I thought we were in anger, I would send to Colonel Miller for rein- forcements.” ‘Well, major, if there’s an count meand Belshazzar, my T tell you, we’re numerous, too, when it comes to fi tin’; we'll figure up to about six common - glishmen, we will, for a square up and down act, ** And. chalk me down one, too, major,” said old Davy; ‘I’m p’izen to red-coats and red- skins, and can fetch one further’n any other man on the peninsula.” “Have you anything to back that?” asked a stalwart borderman standing within ear-shot; “have you anything that ae I can’t beat any man in the camp on an off-hand shot? If ye have, spit it right out, and old Iron Hand ’ll cover it, and try you one, two, or as many shots as you want.” “Wal, stranger, I don’t know what your cali- ber is; you look as though you might be real handy with a rifle,” replied old Davy; ‘fm no great shakes at shootin’, Pll admit, but here’s my rifle that says you can be beat.” ‘Let’s shake on that, stranger,” said Iron Hand, the scout, and the two frontiersmen clasped hahds over the bet. , By this time no little excitement prevailed in consequence of what was likely to prove a source of amusement. The soldiers gathered around the two old bordermen, eager for, the sport. They bet freely on the men, Iron Hand stand- ing two to one against old Davy. “You hear the bet, men?” Tron Hand ex- claimed, turning to the soldiers, and upon re- ceiving an affirmative reply, he continued, ad- dressing Davy: ‘Now, friend Davy, choose your mark and distance—no difference to me what it is.” Davy hastily ran his eyes around him, up among the tree-tops, up at the sky, but shook his head in.a dissatisfied manner. He could see nothing upon which to test the skill of Iron Hand, and for several moments stood in a sort fighting to do, og, in on it; and, ' of a “brown” study; then he turned to Major Van Horne, and asked: ‘Major, how long have you been here in camp?” “Not over two hours.” “Ethougbt not.” “Don’t back down, Davy, and try.to talk the matter off,” said Iron Hand. ‘* Never, Iron Hand,” replied the old trapper, advancing to where his opponent stood, and ponding, up among the branches at a little forked ough, quite conspicuous on account of its blood- red leaves; ‘ you see that limb, don’t you, with the red leaves?” “Td be blind if I didn’t see it,” replied Iron Hand. “Wal, now, Pll select that as a target, and bet that if you can cut the left limb off with a bullet, I can cut the right limb off and draw blood—both with the same bullet.” “Durn sich a bet; I don’t understand it,” said Iron Hand. ‘‘ Explain yer meanin’.” “Take me just as I say, and you'll get at the meanin’ ; Tl bet you I can shoot that left limb off and draw blood, and that you can’t. That’s lain enough.” A puzzled look mounted the faces of the sol- and the exchanged inquiring glances. “Some ‘sell’ to that,” began a bystander, but before he could finish the sentence, lron Hand broke in: . “ Allright, Davy, I'l take you,” and throw- . ing his rifle to his shoulder, he fired, cutting the rel; but he did not five. tion designated twig off as smooth as though it had been done with a knife. i ** Well done.” exclaimed old Davy, “and now here goes for blood,” and he drew his long rifle to his shoulder and glanced along the bar- ; He changed his posi- ‘shifted his posi- ieee Noe —aimed phen t a “ be prash of the ong Beard, the Gispt SP y. 25 tree-tops, a hundred yards, or more, from where they stood, and as the severed limb came flutter- ing to the earth, a buman body went crashing down among the branches and fell, with a heavy thud, upon the ground. CHAPTER XXX. THE BATTLE OF BROWNSTOWN CREEK. Tue soldiers, as well as Iron Hand himself, looked aghast. Old Davy broke into a hearty laugh, for he well understood the result of his shot; he had killed a red-skin spy! He had discovered the | warrior in a tree-top when looking around for a bird or an object upon which to test Tron | Hand’s marksmanship, and keeping the fact to himself, mace the bet he did upon the strength of his discovery. The savage had enseonced himself there be- fore the command came up, in order to watch } the movements of Van Horne, and to gain some knowledge of the strength of his force. He was found to be in war-paint, which was evi- dence of his having been on the war-path, and which also justified Davy in-shooting him. Although it was rather an extraordinary af- fair, and the bet made in the spirit of fun by the two bordermen, the stakes were awarded Davy, amid shouts of applause; and Iron Hand offered up his gun. But of course Davy refused to take it, saying: “Tl loan it to you awhile, lron Hand; take ood care of it, for Ill bet it’s an ole raker- rom-taw; besides, I think you'll need it to plug British pink-coats with—there! by Jeru- salem!” The far-off report of a rifle sounded suddenly through the woods, starting every man. ‘““What can that mean?’ asked Major Van Horne. “More skrimmagin’, I reckon,” responded lron Hand. “ Have Be scouts out beyond the creek, major?’ asked Happy Harry. “We have picket-guards posted in the woods beyond the creek.” ‘I believe [ll make a little scout off that way, gineral, If you’ve no objection,” the youth remarked. ‘* None, whatever.” Harry, accompanied by his dog, crossed the creek and plunged into the woods. Shortly after his departure Iron Hand and Davy went out to reconnoiter. Happy Harry was gone an hour when he came running into camp, almost out of breath, his face flushed with wild excitement. He ran directly toward Major Van Horne’s quarters, and was met by the commandant, who had been eagerly watching for his return. “Great hoppin’ hornits, major,” the boy cried, * the British are comin’! A body of not less than two or three hundred infantry and cavalry, with one or two pieces of artillery, are within three miles of here this holy minute; they are, for a fact.” “Are you sure of this, Harry?’ the major asked, in no little excitement: ‘*There’s no denyin’ it, major; it’s a Gospel truth.” “Then we must prepare to meet them.” “Yes, and don’t lose a minute, major, for the bloody varmints are comin’ lickey-te- spilt. Instantly the call to arms resounded through the camp. The rush of feet, the murmur of subdued voices, the command of officers, and the tramp of hoofed feet succeeded the hitherto quiet of fhe camp. The soldiers were eager for the conflict, each man believing that he was equal to two or three British, They were brave, reckless fel- lows, most of whom had been trained to Indian fighting, and would hear to no other alterna- tive but to fight the advancing foe; and so Major Van Horne resolved to give battle. A company of fifty men were detailed to take charge of the horses and act as a reserve. Then the main body forded the creek and took up a position behind the northern bank, which af- forded an admirable shelter. Scarcely had the Americans thus been posted when firing between their pickets and the ene- mies’ advance-guard began, It was kept up for some time, sharp and decisive, when the American outposts were all driven rapidly back on the main body and compelled to seek shelter behind the bank. A death-like stillness succeeded the disappear- ance of the soldiers behind the embankment. The enemy’s advance-guard halted in the wood beyond sight, A hundred and fifty heads were ranged along just above the edge of the bank; the same number of gleaming rifles rested on the earth with their muzzles pointed northward, and still the same number of pairs of gleaming eyes watched for a Mec se of the foe. Happy Harry and old Davy were there in the ranks, ready for the fray. None watched the ; coming of the foe with calmer courage than did the boy hero, was silent save the of the creek over its stony bed and the ute i the Bot. suddenty Not a word escaped the soldiers’ lips. All) bu murmur of the trees. | Old he tramp of many feet and |. woods. ‘Then the gleam of bayonets in the bright sun, and the flash of the foe’s scarlet uniform amid the green of the woods burst upon the view of the Americans, With steady tramp the enemy advanced toward the creek, and when only twenty paces from the bank es command to fire was given by Major Van orne. All along the American line a stream of fire) spit forth, and a curtain of smoke rolled up tween the foes ax if to shut from view the scene! of destruction that must have followed such a withering volley from the rifles of cool, deter) mined soldiers, Mia The British discharged their muskets at the) unexpected foe, then fell rapidly back under cover of the woods, leaving the ground strewn with dead and dying comrades, iY The horrors of war were now, for the first time, fully presented to Happy Harry’s @ , His young heart shuddered, at the sight of so many dead, and the agonizing screams d piteous moans, the horrible oaths and the fer-| vent prayers of the wounded and dying. (ia Not an American had been injured, and the! shout of triumph that pealed from their lips fairly shook the earth beneath them. a The enemy soon recovered from their first) repulse, and, reinforced by a company of reg- ulars that came up at this juncture, they again advanced. As they neared the edge of the} woods they made a dash, with fixed bayonets, | for the creek, intending to carry the Ame can defense by storm; but they were again met by such @ deadly fire that they were again | driven back in disorder under cover of the woods. Scores of their men went down before the withering volley. The front rank fell like] grain before the sickle. The ground strewn with English dead, and the cries of wounded and the yells of the victors rent air. he Harry heartily wished that the attack wou not be repeated. Mes (t| The English fell back some distance and | again reformed their broken lines and filled up their thinned ranks from a company of mount ed infantry that had beer held back as a serve. ie iM A consultation of the British officers was now held, for some were in favor’ of renewal the attack and others of falling back and waiting | the arrival of the entire army advan une | der General Brock. ie Said one favoring the latter movement; “T belieye old Hull’s whole army is behind that bank.” “Tmpossible. There can’t ba over three hu dred men,” replied another, PS “Can't we geta gun into position so ast rake the stream? I hate for five hundred of strong to give up the battle to a hundred ort Yankees,” said the general in command of army. MEY ‘‘General, I assure you the Americans hat twice our number behind that bank: with reserve in the woods beyond; and proba haifa dozen batteries ready to rake us show we succeed in making a stand on the b How do’they know but what this is B ock’s | whole army? and if they suppose it was, two) or three hundred men would not be bal “4 with a thousand. Yes, general, there’s mo i three hundred Americans behind th an,’ . “General,” said a captain of infantry, ping up to the commandant, “furnish me #@ orse and I will settle this matter—I will lan whether there jis a hundred or a thousand © our bebind that bank.” le “That,” replied the general, “is thé ve formation we want, and there is my horse,’ The captain turned, and leaping into the dle gathered up the reins, and then das away through the woods toward the Americ lines. He rode boldly and rashly up to very edge of the bank, and leaning forward it the stirrups, looked over the bank, and ran burning, flashing eyes up and down the saw that he wished to with a sw. glance—that thero was but a handful of cans behind the embankment. His eye they swept along that gleaming line ot turned upon him, encountered those of Harry. ey even rested for a moment those of the youth, for each one recognized | other. 7 4 The British officer was Captain Kirby I ' Wed Pi’ CHAPTER XXXL ‘ THE PRICE OF GLORY. Tue reckless Kirby Kale reset a 0) the d of his horse, so quick did he upon the bank, glance over the edge, then away toward the woods with his inforn But before he bad e@ a doxen paces he and his horse sunk to earth riddled

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cia Five minutes after the fall of Kirby Kale the British again advanced, reinforced by a Jarge band of savages, whose blood-curdling f elis did more to strike fear to the hearts of t tbe Americans than the bristling bayonets of i the Hinglish. The fight now became desperate. ir (- The enemy pressed on to the very muzzle of ae | the American rifles, and a few succeeded in ering over the bank to meet a certain death. jor Van Horne’s reserve coming up put the enemy to rout for the third time. aya “Charge! Charge!” thundered the voice of _ the commander, as he saw the enemy turn and ‘fiee, and in an instant the Americans swarmed i) =) fous from behind their breasiworks and started Pou) "eam pursuit of the foo. But victory had not yet I) been purchased. Tho savages now, from their ) cencealments, opened a deadly fire upon them, |)» checking their advance, and giving the English ) 8 chance to rally and return to the conflict. ))# terrible hand-to-hand encounter now en- » ‘sued. Both sides fought desperately—one flushed with partial victory, the other with that des- ) peration upon which life and victory are staked. ) And Happy Harry was in the hottest of the struggle. Men fell around bim on all sides. | The terrible eyes of the enemy glared into his )) very face. Ho could see that awful look which » the heat and excitement of battle gives to the {human face and features. Tho soul was trans- _ formed to that of a maddened demon in each /) warrior. He seemed drawn on to battle by some fascination that he could not resist. Death appeared to have no borrors for him. He was past fear; he was literally clate with ‘the combined horrors of battle and death. He _ took no thoughts of what he was doing. > Barry saw the color-bearer of the enemy pushing directly toward him with a ,drawn sword. He was a powerful man—a Hercules in stature and strength. His face was mad- dined and contorted by the horrors of battle. ‘He fixed his glaring eyes upon the youth with ‘@ look that told his murderous intention. » death look of that man. ‘ Ne The youth grasped the colors from the bear- _ er’s lifeless hand, and at the same instant the American lines. But the retreat began in dis- order, and terminated in a wild panic. The ‘Americans endeavored to rally behind the bank of the creek, but the enemy were so close upon fhem, and in such overwhelming odds that a ud was impossible, and ‘the defeat became to the American arms.* Seeing how matters stood, Happy Harry, iil} cinging to the captured colors, ran for ar. life, e soon reached the bank of the kata point where the bigh waters had, at @ time, broken across an abrupt bend in the itream. leaving a narrow bank of earth stanc- ng out in the stream a few feet from shore. The water had eaten tho dirt away from the se of this until its upper edges hung over )two or three fect. There was no water at the me within three or four feet of this ridge of earth. cet as he camo up, made a leap { bank, but the distance was too long i i, and he landed at the base of the ridge. soldier, more successful than he, succeeded Minleaping upon it, and just as his feet left it “jin a hound for the opposite side, tons of the ; er ihelving top fell over upon Harry, completely ))) burying bim from human eyes! | Tee Americans were completely routed. hai at first had promised to besuch a bril- it victory terminated iu total defeat and the loss Of many brave and noble men. But we ill notenter into further details of this battle jis necessary to follow up the characters of ww Ys | That one could exist for a single moment be- ath a pressure of two or three tons of earth is ®@ question that uo ono would give a second )thought. Nor did the British soldier who saw ihe earth fall upon the youth. “But Harry was far from being dead, notwith- nd the weight that was over him. He tf 80 close in against the bese of the ge that whenthe projecting top feli down a ® space was left; between the bottom of the Hand the dirt that fell, ond im this space y lay. This narrow prison was closed at *This conflict, known in Listary. a& the Battle of ownstown, was fought August 5th, 1912. The de- of Van alee as, however, seine a few : on the same round brilliant victory nericans und Col, Miller, Rea: ‘orders for the retreat were sounded along the | Long Beard, the Giant Spy. j ] as 2 Cs the top, for the earth fell in one solid chunk, | the darkness which precedes the rising of the but at each end there was a small opening that | admitted air and sound. For awhile a dust pervaded the youth’s narrow prisou, and if seemed as though he should surely suffocate; but this soon settled, and Harry was to rejoice over bis own miraculous escape only to bewail the fate of the little army whose hones had once been so buoyant. He could hear the awful cries. and moans of the wounded, the yells and shouts of the vic- torious British and savages, and the thunderous tramp of hoofs along the creek. But all sonnds of the battle soon died away. Oniy ¢ iz- |} ing groans without reminded him that the dreadful conflict through which he had so re- cently passed was a stern reality. The vouth knew that he could not escape from | his confinement before dark. He knew that the battlefield would be frequented throughout the whole day by the enemy in burying the dead and caring for the wounded. His safety lay in waiting the coming of night, and upon this he resolved at once, without a second thought. He spent the long hours of waiting im reflec- tion. He epitomized all the events of the past week, and recalled ‘the faces that had figured therein. The noble face of Long Beard and the angelic Tempy, sicod out the most conspicuous. The hateful visages of Kirby Kale and Bill Mucklewee were the next most prominent, but the assurance that both these men were dead | gave him relief. Then he recalled the events through which he had passed—his adventure in General Brock’s camp; his narrow escape at old Davy’s cabin; the battle; the first discharge of | | the American rifles; the groans of the dying; and that awful, awful look worn by the face of | | the color-bearer as he walked a lifeless corpse toward him! Old Davy did not escape his thoughts. He remembered the last words he had heard the veteran borderman utter as he went down in | battle; and then he wondered if be had died, | or had been tramped to death beneath the feet | of the victors and the horses. And last but not | least, came the sudden thought of Belsbazzar. | Where was he? his faithful companion of years? Had he been slain? or had he been lost m the | rout? The last time he had remembered seeing him was a few moments before the battle opened, Thus musing, the hours wore away, and the first thing Harry knew he was growing sleepy. | He had not slept for two or three nights. He had been. kept awake by excitement and ac- tivity, andso he resolved to take a nap. Rest- ing his head upon his arm he soon became los in the oblivion of sleep. When he awoke it | seemed as though he had been sleeping a week. | He knew however, that such could not be the | case; but he was satisfied that hours had | passed, and that it was then far in the night, He listened for some sound without, but not | the slightest noise could be heard unless it was the soft, creeping ripple of the water in the ereek. This satisfied fies that the enemy had vicinity; and he at once began to entertain thoughts of attempting his release. But to his | horror and surprise he heard a slight noise out- side just as he was about to begin operations. He listened closely, and discovered that some- thing or somebody was digging into the bank that covered him’! He could distinctly hear a kind of scratching noise that grew louder and louder each moment, and which left no doubt in the boy’s mind but that search was being made for him, either by a friend or foe, who had seen him fall and buried. | “A horrible susperse tco’: pcssession of bim. | He remained quict, liste: iag with bated breath. A great lump came up ‘in his throat when he felt particles of dirt crambling down upon bim, | It told him that the digger had made his way through the wall that separated him from the outer world. He could now see the open, starry sky through the hole made by the unknown. outside, and could hear a noise like the low panting of an animal. He happened to think of his dog. name. Instantly the dark object outside thrust itself into the hole and uttered a low whine, Harry’s beart geve a great bound, and he could seareely suppress a cry of joy. It was | his faithful friend, Belshazzar, true enough, who his young master’s concealment. the dog sufficient for his body to pass through, | Then he thrust his head aiid shoulders out. and listened, at the same time caressing the dog. He heard a slow, measured footstep on the opposite shore, and peering through the night | he saw the outlines of a British continel pacing | to and fro along the bank. By this he knew he | was inside the enemy’s lines, unless they had | changed their position south of the creek, and that great danyer would attend his pro attempt at A&cape. : He knew the mocn would soon be u was already crowing light in the east. 3 ¥ Omen aS 2 DASE TO. PIA er the falla cloud of stifling | | made his way t | all retired from the battlefield, if not from the | | by some unaccountable meaas had sought out | The youth soon enlarged the hole made by | permitted | | and swim where moon, and securing the English flag which le bad captured in battle about his person, he crept out of his. cell, and upon his nds and knees » the water's } He had decided to creep dow1 where he could not crawl on | uid not we the creek, wade nds and knees, ide, believing he ce | that the ripple of the water would drown all In a low tone he called him by | wn. | world, lad. He could see a dark object near the opening | sounds be might make. : Without a moment's hesitation he crept in- to the water and began moving slowly down using his utmost p ; than > eTiem} tl t beyond t himself s he found him really felt that be was at the i, he had his friend, Bel- vas more than a match for any one man, and trusting to his keen instinct he pushed on down the creek, He had not gone over half a mile when the dog came toasudden ston, and uttered a low, sniffing whine. Harry knew he bad discover- ed something, and stopped. He heard a slight noise in the bushes before them, and a heavy sigh. The dog wagging his tail and with his rectly ahead; and as Harry conti teu, he heard that heavy breathing of some oue or something repeated. The lad began to think the matter over, and finally wondered if it could be some woundtd soldier who had crept away unobserved from the battlefield and concealed himself there. He became so impressed with the belief that this was the case, as be thought the matter calmly over, that be could not think of leaving with- out knowing positively, and so, in a low tone, he agked: r “Hullo! anybody in that thicket?’ An almost deathly silence followed. Tt last- ed nearly a minute, when a voice in the thicket answered: “Speak ag’in, stranger; I sw’ar I b’lieve I war right.” “Yes, you were right, Davy. Come eit,” responded Harry, and the old trapper, vcak and suffering from a terrible wound, stagecred out of the thicket. CHAPTER XXXII. A LONELY GRAVE IN THE FOREST. ‘“*Ler me jean upon you, Harry: ’m weak —weaker than water,” said Davy Darrett, as he came out of the thicket and approached the little hero. “Yes, let me help you, Davy,” replied the boy, ‘‘for | know you are badly hurt. I saw yon fall, and was afraid I would never see you again.” “ Ah! that was a terrible battle, Harry, a terrible battle. Our men_should never have left their intrenchments. I got a terrible blow, but it wasn’t half as bad as some others got, Poor fron Hand lay dying as IT passed him, H6 reached out his hand, and said, ‘ Goodeby. Davy; then be carched sight of my shattered arm, and continued: ‘T’Jl tell ’en you’re comin’? soon.’ He knowed I couldn’t live.” “My God, Davy! are you burt that bad?’ cried the boy. “Hurt that bad? why, lad, Iam titerally dy- ing by inches ” “Oh, no, Davy,” replied Harry. persistently, and with a tremor in his voice; ‘you are not hurt that bad.” “Well, f hope not, Harry; but don’t worry *hout me.” ‘‘Lean upon me heavier, Davy; don’t hesi- tate, for 1 am stout, you know. Let me help you to a place of greater security. The Indians are no doubt scouting through the woods after stragglers, and they may find you.” “They have found me already, Harry, but I was dead then. Oh, but this is a cruel, ernel Here I’ve fought along fifty years or more and have nothin’ to lose, and every- thing in the world to gain: I’ve seen but 4 few sunshiny days in all these years. The outside world has been dull to me, in one sense, but in another ’'ve made it lively.. Ah, Harry, {can go no furder! I must sit down and rest in this little glade. It would be a nice place for a grave, lad.” f “Oh, don’t dowt give up, Davy—don’t say die!” pleaded the youth. ; J They were now in the center of a little glade or natural opening in the dense woods. The moon was up, and her mellow rays fell full and bright upon the old man and boy. The latter started at sight of bis companion’s terrible aspect. , His face and body were cov- ered with coagulated blood. His eyes were hol- low and sunken. His left arm bung limp and lifeless at bis side} “Davy!” cried) Harry, ‘‘ you are worse than vou appear. You have been keeping the truth from me—where did all that blocd come from. on your face and breast?” plied the old man, rather evasively; ‘ if without gun “From my arm, Harry, from my arm,” re- .

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+ cada “ts 8 Harry eased him carefully down to a seat Davy’s cap and beheld a spectacle that sent a | apon the ground, with his back against the | trunk of a fallen tree. “There, there, that is better, Harry,” he said, / resting his head back upon the log. | “Then, le6 mo dress your wounded arm, | Davy. Lhavea silken flag, here, that I cap | tured from the English, and it will be the very | thing to bind up your wounds with.” “ Rotter save the flag, Harry,” replied old Davy; “it'll be a big thing for you. To cap- ture an enemy’s colors is a great thing, lad. They speak about such things in history, so don’t throw it away on me.” “JT care nothing for the honor of kapterin’ the flag, compared with my desire for your com- | fort, Davy.” “You can do me but little good, lad, but, that you may feel that you done all you could for me, you may bind upmy arm.” “Davy, you don’t really believe you’re goin’ | ' | | to die, do you?” “TH never see the sun rise again, lad—no, never!” “You are disheartened and feeling bad, Davy. You must not die—you have been my best friend these many years, and I cannot give | you up.” “T know I have been your friend, Harry, and I never told you why I liked you so well, but now I might as well tell you. I used to love your mother, lad. When I was a young man | of twenty, I had a smatterin’ of education. I | could read and write, and went in the best | society. Then I loved Mary Grayson, a pretty, modest girlof eighteen, and I guess. she liked | me. But the fates war against us. A villain | came in between us, and made me what Iam. He was your father, was Ishmael Wilde. He won Mary away from me and married her, and I bundled up and put off to the woods and be- came a hunter. Then, a year or two after they | were wed, you war born. Your father treated Mary very unkind, and one day she died when you war four yéars old. You war then left with the family of an old hunter, of whom you received many valuable lessons in woodcraft and Ingin-fighting. Your father was killed by | the Ingins, and the old hunter’s wife dyin’ and his gal marryin’, left you alone in the world again. But all this time Pd been keepin’ a watch on you, and when I see’d you war _ with- out a home again, I induced you to take up your abode with me, where you've staid a good | many years, offand on. You have been a good | boy, Harry, with all the virtues of your dead mother; and this is why [loved you as though | you were my own boy.” : ’ Harry burst into tears as he listened to this | story of his parentage. It was the first time he | remembered of ever having heard of his early | life. He knew that the family in which he had been raised was not bis own; nevertheless he loved its members as dearly as though they had been near kindred. Carefully as he could, under the circumstan- ces; the lad bandaged the wounded arm of the old borderman, and when completed he said: “ Now, Davy, let me take your coon-skin cap and I will run down to the creek and bring you ar a sup of water in it. You must be fever- ish. | “No, no, don’t move my cap, Harry,*till after I'm gone. My head will burst, it aches | so, if you remove the cap, It serves as a bandage, and oh, if it was an iron hoop it would feel much better! Just sit down, Har- ry; it won’t last long. The clouds are break- in’ away now, and out of them I see a snow- white throne appear—ah! me; ah! me; lean my head back against the log, lad—don’t movo the cap—there! there! I feel easier—much easier! Oh, that radiant light! Who says there’s not hope for all beyond this life? He who does, maligns God’s mercy, for God is kind and just. He makes the good and makes the wicked. He has an object in it, for His ways are inscrutable. He will be unmerciful to none—we are the offsprings of His will, and He doeth all things well—Harry, Harry ! where } are you, boy?” t “Here, Davy, here, by you,” said the lad, kneeling by the old man’s side. “ Ah, there’s a mist gatherin’ over my eyes— T can’t see you, and my sight never failed be- fore. But, Harry, don’t take off my cap till lm dead—bury me here—right here in this glade, Harry. The rush of the creek and the moan of the woods won’t disturb my slumber— Tl sleep here sweetly—Harry, here—your hand —fare—well, lad, fare—” ’ He rattled in the throat; his head fell for- | vard upon his breast, and all that was mortal } of Davy Darrett had returned to its Maker. | Happy Harry sat down upon the log by | Davy’s side and burst into tears. He sobbed as though his heart was broken. He had lost | a friond—a dear friend. The scerie was, sad | and solemn, The deep, dark wood, the little / moonlit glade, the weeping boy, the couchant | dog, the deep and awful silence of night—all,, in the presence of death—conspircd to make the ocension one of the deepest solemnity. Tt was some time before the Jad could sbake the dread and sorrow that had settled over | and sliced away | into pure love. Long Beard, the Giant Spy. shudder to his heart. Davy had been ge The Indians had found him, true enough, which accounted for his refusal to have his cap re- moved. “Poor Davy! how he must have suffered!” the lad murmured; ‘‘ but he is out of this mis- ery, and I can do nothin’ but—” He burst into 1 he rallied, and taking Davy’s knife, began the laborious task of cutting outa grave. He cut tue sod, then put Belshazzar to digging. Thus the two together finally ac- complished the work, and looked over the eastern forest-tops. with sorrowful heart and tearful eyes, turned | away from the lonely grave of his beloved friend, Davy Darrett. CHAPTER XXXII. AS IT SHOULD BE. As he turned away from the grave of Davy Darrett, Happy Harry broke into a run as if to keep down the terrible emotions of sorrow struggling in his breast for expression. When 2 mile or two away he stopped to think whither he was going. He knew by the course of the Brownstown creek and the position of the sun, where the points of the compass were. But he wished to reach some point of safety, He | remembered where Van Horne had tcid him that Colonel Millar was encamped with a large party of troops, and so at once set out toward that point. He reached the’camp during the day in an almost exhausted condition. But, when it he- came known in the camp who he was, every kindness in the power of the soldiers was shown him, and by the following day he was himself again. The news of Van Horne’s defeat preceded Harry to Miller’s command, and the colonel at once made preparations to move against tho énemy. On the following day he took up kis line of march, and the same day engaged the British and Indians in a desperate strugele, gaining a decisive victory over them, as already related. Harry accompanied the little army and passed thtough the hottest of the battle without a | scratch, fighting side by side with veterans of the army. On the day following this second battle, the youth took his departure for Laketown, where e had Jeft Long Beard and his daughters. And it was the happiest moment of Kis life when he broke ao the giant the news of Kirby Kale’s death in battle, and reccived the ble ings of the father and daughters for the ser- vices he had rendered them in the hours of trial and trouble. ; From this time on dated a new era in the life of the persecuted Long Beard) and his feir daughters, With the chief instigator of all his troubles forever silent he had nothing fur- ther to fear. He never returned to Epelan’ but made America his adopted home, and all through the war of 1812 he served the Ameri- | can cause in the capacity of a scout, along with Happy Harry. Eappy Harry never met with the Princess Eeleelah again. He even never heard of: her, and always believed, from certain evidences, that she had been murdered at the Pleiades Islands after her return from the brig-of-war the day she took Tempy to her friends aboard the vessel. If she bad been killed, Bill Muckle- wee had done the deed in retaliation for her turning upon bint that day with his own pis- “te and driving him out of the canoe into the ake. And now comes the denouement of our story, which will no doubt be a surprise to the reader. Captain Robert Rankin took command of his company as soon as he had recovered from his injuries received that memorable night, and during the time that he was absent from Tempy, the infatuation that had sprung up between them at the Pleiades died gradually out. After each one had been placed amid different sur- roundings, the romance of his and her first meeting lost its charms. Tempy’s was but a childish attachment, and the captain’s that of a gallant man for a pal- Jant child. Had they been permitted a more intimate acquaintance and years cf courtship this attachment would no doubt have ripened But, the hand of fate willed it otherwise, since they were no more than com- mon mortals, susceptible of all the changes that young lives are heir to. : They had never been betrothed, so there was no violation of either’s words or honor, in their disseverance and forgetfulness of their first admiration, And so, shortly after the war ended, Colonel Rankin married a young lady, of Detroit; and some five years later, Happy Harry, then a noble specimen of rusuhoud, and captain in the army, married the lovely Tempy, his. first and only love. ars again, but after awhile | just as the sun | Harry, | a0 ea — Yann se STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS, Speakers, BEADLE AND ADAMS have now on their lists the fok lowing highly desirable and attractive text-booksy| | prepared expressly for schools, families, ete. Bach) volume contains 100 large pas printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collection of Dias logues, Dramas and Recitations, (burlesque, comic) and other ».) The Dime Speakers for the season) of 1831—as far as now issued —embrace twenty-thres| | volumes, viz.: " er rican Speaker, | 13. School Speaker, 2. National Speaker. 14. Tudicrous Speakers 8. Patriotic Speaker. 15. Komikal Speaker. 4. Comic Speaker. 16. Youth's Spaaker, 5. Elocutionist. 17, Bloquent Bpeaieaet 6. Humorous Speaker. | 18. Hail Columbia Speale 7, Standard Speaker. ey. i. 8, Stump Speaker. | 19. Serio-Comic Apeaker, 9, Juvenile Speaker. 20. Select Speaker, + AK 10, Spread-Eagle Speaker | 21. Funny Speaker. 11, Dime Debater, 22, Jolly Speaker, 12, Exhbibifion Speaker. 8, Dialect Speaker, These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, ate, i are drawn from FRESH sources, and contain some the choicest oratory of the times. 75 to 100 Declama:| tions and Recitations in each book. if Dialogues, The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, | brace twenty-eight books, viz.: Dialogues No, One, Dialogues No, Vifteen. Dialogues No, Two. Dialogues No, Sixteen. ' Dialogues No. Three. Dialogues No, Seventeen, ~ Dialogues No, Four. Dialogues No. Bighteen Dialogues No. Five, Dialogues No. Nineteen. Dialogues No. Six. Dialogues No, Twenty, % | Dialogue . Seven. Dialocues N: Twenty-one. | Dialogue . Hight. | Dialogues No. Nine. Dialogues No. Ten. Dialogues No, Twenty-two. Dialogues No, Twenty-thre |Dialogues No. Twenty-four, | Dialogues No. Eleven. Dialogues No, Twenty-five. Dialogues No. Twelve. Dialogues No, Twenty-six, Dialogues No. Thirteen. 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—— (—|B\E|A|D|L|E|’S|-|D|I|M|E|—|L|1/B|R/A/R/Y.|— - ET a See LEN —————=a | 4 A Mard Crowd; or, Gentleman Sam’s Sister. | 66 The Specter Barque. By Mayne ng f 132 Nemo, King ofthe Tramps. By po J Philip 8. Warne, 67 The Boy Jockey. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Frederick Whittaker. = he Dare-Wevil; or, The Winged Witch of | 68 The Fighting Trapper; or, Kit Carson | 133 Rody, the Rover the Ribbonman of Ine the Sea. By Col. P: Ingraham. to the Rescue. By Captain J. f. C. Adams. land. by William Carleton. . 8 Kit Carson, Jr., the Crack Shot of the | 69 The Irish Captain. By Capt. F. Whittaker. | 134 Barkie Dan, the Colored Detective; or, Th N West. By Buckskin Sam. 70 Mydrabad, the Strangier; or, Alethe, the Mississippi Mystery. By Col. P. Ingraham. ! | 4 Whe Kidnapper; or, The Great Shanghai of Child of the Cord. By Dr, J. H. Robinson. 135 The Bush Ranger; or, The Half-Breed the Northwest. By P » 8. Warne. | 71 Captain Cool-Blade; or, The Man-Shark Brigade. By Francis Johnson. Whe Fire-Fiends; or, Hercules, the Hunch- | of the Mississippi. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 126 The Outlaw-Uunter; or, Red John, the k. By A. P. Morris. 72 The Phantom Hand; or, The Heiress of Bush Ranger. By Francis Johnson. 6 Wildcat Bob, the Boss Bruiser By Ed- Fifth Avenue. by A, W. Aiken. 137 Leng Beard, the Giant Spy. By Meta) ward L, Wheeler. 73 The Knights of the Red Cross; or, The Coomes. 1 fF Death-Notch, the Destroyer. 3y Oll Coomes. Magician of Granada. By Dr, J. H. Robinson. A388 The Border Bandits; or, The Horse * WS Whe Meadiess Morseman. Bv C» tain | '74 The Captain of the Rifies; or, The Queen Thief’s Trail. By Francis Johason, 1 Mayne Reid. ‘| of the Lakes. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 139 Fire-Eye, the Sea Hyena; or. The Bride of 9 Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 75 Gentleman George. By A. W. Aiken, a Buccaneer, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. “40 Vidocg, the French Pol'ze Spy Written by | 76 The Quéen’s Musketeers; or, Thisbe, the | 140 The Three Spaniards. By Geo, Walker, ._ Himself, f A Princess Palmist. By George Albany. 141 Equinox Tom, the Bully of Red Rock; or, 1 Midshipman Easy. sy Captain Marryat. | 77 ‘Khe Fresh of Frisco. By A. W. Aike> Dan Brown's Masterstroke. By Joseph. EB, 27The Deatt hot; or, Tracked To Death. |'78 Phe Mysterious Spy. By A. M. Grainger. Badger, Jr. By Captain Mayne Reid. 79 Joe Phenix, the Police Svy. By A.W. Aiken, | 142 Captain Crimsow, the Man of the Iron 8 Pathaway ; 0: ck Whiffles, the old Trap- | 80 A Man of Nerve. By Philip 5. Warne. Face. By Maj. Dangerfield Burg ; gedine Nor'we red Dr. J. H. Robinson. 81 The Human Tiger}; or, A Heart of Fire. 143 The Czar’s Spy; or, The Nibilist League | 4 Thayendanegea, the By Albert W. Aiken. By Col, T. H. Monstery. | le of the Mohaw 32 Yron Wrist, the Swordmaster. By Colonel | 144 The Hunchback of Notre-Dame Thomas Hoyer Monstery. By Victor Hugo. 83 Gold Bullet Sport. By Buffalo Bill. 14& Pistol Pards; or, Soft Hand, the Silent ; or, The Great Prevhet | 84 Hunted Down; or, The League of Three, S ort from Cinnabar. By Wm, R. Eyster. By Ned Buntline, By Albert W. Aiken. 146 The Doctor Detective; or, The Mystere 85 Whe Cretan Rover; or, Zuleikah, the of the Golden Coffin. By George Lemuel. H. Robinson, Beautiful. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, : 147 Gold Spur, the Gentleman from Texas, by lit. By Ned Buntline. Pp 86 Khe Big Hunter; or, The ees of the Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 49 ited Cedar, *~s Prairie Outlaw. By Gustave Woods. By theauthor of ‘‘ The Silent Hunter.” 148 One-Armed Alf, the Giant Hunter of the _Aimard. 5 ( 87 Whe Scarlet Captain 3 or, The Prisoner of Great Lakes. By Ou Coomes. 0 The Bandit». Bay; or, The Pirates of the the Tower. By Col. Delle Sara. 149 The Border Ritles. By Gustave Aimard, Prairies. By Gustave Aimar 88 Big George, the Giant of the Gulch; cr, The 150 El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen;' bs Trapper’s Daughter; or, The Out- Five Outlaw Brothers. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery. ; ‘4. law’s Fate. By Gustave Aimard. 89 The Pirate Prince. By Col. P. Ingraham. | 151 ‘The Freebooters, By Gustave Aimard. 22 Whitelaw; or, Nattie of the Lake Shore. | 90 Wild Will, the Mad Ranchero; or, The Ter- | 152 Captain Tronnerve, the Counterfeiter oe Dr. J, H. Robinson, ¢ ’ rible Texans. “By Buckskin Sam. Chief By Marmaduke Dey. Ihe Hed Warrior; or, Svela Delorme’s | 91 The Winning Oar; or, The Innkeeper’s | 153 ‘ihe White Scalper. By Gustave Aimard} Comanche Lover. By Ned Lurtline. Danghter. By Albert W. Aiken. 154 Joaquin, the Saddle King. By Joseph E, { Prairie Flower. By G. Aimard. 92 Buffalo Bili, the Buckskin King; or, The Badger, Jr. $ The Gola Guide; or, Steel Arm, the Regu- Amazon of the West. By Maj. Dangertield Burr./| 155 ‘The Corsair Queen; or, The Gipsies of te) lator. By Francis Johnson. 93 Captain Dick Talbot, King of the Road; the Sea. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 6 The Death-Track 3 or, The Outlaws of the or, The Black-Hoods of Shasta. By A. W. Aiken, | 156 Velvet Face, the Border Eravo; or, Muriej Mountain, By Francis Johnson. 94 Freelance, the Buccaneer; or, The Waif of the Danite’s Bride. By Dangerfield Burr. 27 The Spotter Detective. By A. W. Aiken. the Wave. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 1457 Mourad, the Mameluke; or, The Three {28 Whree-Fingered Jack, the Road-Agent of | 95 Azhort, the Axman; or, The Secrets of the Swordmasters. By Col Thomas H, Monstery. te the Rockies, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, Ducal Palace. By Anthony P. Morris. 158 Khe Doomed Dozen; or, Dol , the 9 Bizer Dick, the Faro King; or, The Cashier's | 96 Double-Death or, The Spy Queen of Wyo- Danite’s Daughter. By Dr. Frank Powell. ; ~ > Crime. By Philip S. Warne. ming. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 159 Red Rudiger, the Archer; or, The Lady 180 Gospel George; or, Fiery Fred, the Outlaw. | 97 Bronze Sack, the California Thoroughbred. Bertha’s Treachery. .By Capt. F. Whittaker. . eee h E, Badger, Jr. By Albert W. Aiken. 160 Soft Hand, Sharp; or, The Man With thé Tne New Work Sharp; or, The Flashof | 98 The Rock Rider; or, The Spirit of the Sand. By Win. R. Byster. \ ia Lightning. By Albert W, Aiken, Sierra. By Capt. Frederic Whittaker. 161 The Wolves of New York}; or, Jos 2 Whoys of Vale; or, The Scrapes of a Hard | 99 Whe Giant Rifleman. By Oil Coomes. Phenix’s Great Man-Hunt. By A: W. Aiken. | ' Set of Collegians. By John D. Vose. 100 The French Spy; or, The Bride of Paris, | 162 The Mad Mariner; or. Dishonored and Overland Kit; or, The Idyl of White Pine. By Anthony P. Morris. Disowned. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, : a Albert W. Aiken. 101 The Man From New York 3 or, The Ro- | 163 Ben Brion, the Trapper Captain: or, Reds 4 Mocky Mountain Rob. the California mance of a Rich Young Woman. By Aiken, path, the Avenger. By Dr, J. H. Robinson. ». Outlaw, By Albert W. Aiken. 102 The Masked Band; or. The Man With- | 164 ‘The King’s Fool; or, The Knights of the 5 Kentuck, the Sport; or, Dick Tethot at outa Name. By Georg? L. Aiken. Claspe Hands and Red ey ae es z vom y J. F. Badger, Jr. the Mines. By Albert W. Aiken, 103 Merle, the Mutineer; or, The Biand of | 165 Joaguin, the Terrible. By 6 TInjun Dicic 3 or, The Death Shot of Shasta. the Red Anchor. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 166 Owlet, the Robber Prince; or. The Unknown \ 2 ad Albert W, Ailen. ‘ 104 Montezuma, the Meérciless; or, The Highwayman. ‘By S ptimus R. Urban. : 7 Wirl, the Hunebback: or, Tne Sword- Eagle and the Serpent. By Col. P. Ingraham, | 167 ‘The Man of Steel: or, The M)sked Knight » makeroft +e Santee. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 105 Dan Brown ot Denver, the Rocky Moun- of the White Plume. By A. P. Morria. - i 8S Velvet Hand; or, The iron Grip of Injun tain Detective. By Joseph KE. Badger, Jr. 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot; or, Dagget ‘ ~ Dick. By Albert W. .\ik* 106 Shamus ©’ frien, the Gould Boy of Glin- Don’s Double, By Col. Prentiss ngraham, 169 Corporal Cannon, the Man of Forty Duels, P The Wussian Spy3e,. che Brothers of the gal, By Col. Delle Sara. By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery. ) Starry Cross. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. 107 Richard Talbot of Cinnabar; or.The 2 p )Khe Long Maired **Pards:» or, The Brothers of the Red Hand. By A. W. Aiken. 170 Sweet William, the Trapper Detective, : Tartars of the Plains. By Jos. E. Budger, Jr. 108 The Duke of Diamonds; or, The Flower By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. | Gold apr. or, The White Savage of the Great of Calcutta. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. | 111 Higer Dick, the Man of the Iron Heart; oF | Lake. By Albert W. Aiken, , 109 Captain Kyd, the King of the Black Flag. The Dumb Baudit, By Philip S. Warne. @he California Detective; or, The Witches By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 172 Ehe lack Pirate; or. The Mystery of ] SS York. By Albert W. Aiken. 110 ‘WheSilent Riflemam By H. W. Herbert.- thé Gol en Fetters. By Col. P. Ingraham, , IMS Dakota Dan the Reckless Ranger; or, The | 111 The Smuggier Captain; or, The Skip- 173 California John, the Pacific Therough+ Ni . Bee-Hunters’ Excursion. By Oll Coomes, er’s Crime. By Ned Buniline, bred. By Albert W. Aiken, 4 d i 174 The Phantom Knights. By Capt, Fy Old Ban Rackback, the Great Extarmina- | 112 Joe ements, a Detective: or, The) re, |. tor: or, The Triangle’s Last Trail, Oll Coomes. League of the Skeleton Keys. By A. W. Aiken, Whittaker, t ‘Ol : The Amateur Free- | 175 Wild Bill?’s Trump Card; or. The Indian’ a Heull’s Eye, the Lichtning Shot of the | 113 ‘The Sen S ipper 3 or. . Plains, By Jos. &. Badger, Jr. hooters, By Prof. J. H. Ingraham. Heiress, By Major Dangerfield Burr. Bowle-Knife Ben, the Little hunter of the | 114 The Gentleman Krom Pike 3 ov, The | 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen, By Ca) Nor’-West. By Oll Coomes. _ . Ghost of the Canyon. By Philip S. Warne. tain Mark Wilton. : : The Secret. af | 177 Don Diablo, the Planter-Corsair; or, The Frariis Pete, the Pri ea” ‘e Revolver. By | 115 ‘Whe Severed Meads; or, $ maegh KB. Badger, Jr, | Castle Couey, By Capt. Fred. Whittaker Rivals of the Sea, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, | o ‘Kom, the Youu Outlaw of Silverland; | 116 Black Plume, tho Devil of the Sea. ty 178 Dark Dashwood. the Desperate; or, The the Hunters of the Wild West. By Oll Coomes, Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Child of the Sun, By Major Sam S. Hall. { ¢ Wolf Demon,_ By Albert W. Aiken. 117 Dashing Dandy, the Hotspur of the Hills. 179 Conrad, the Convict; or, Was He Guilty? ¥ ‘Sack Rabbit. the Prairie Sport By Jos. By Major Dangerfield Burr, By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve, LL. D. ek E. Badeet wR) 4, ' 118 The Burglar Captain; or, The Fallen | 180 Old 2493 or, The Amazon of Arizona. By ner the 'ss, Roaa-dgent’ By Oli Star. By Prof, J. H. Ingraham. Jos. E. Badger, Jr. ( oomes. 4 ’ 119 Alabama Joe; or, The Yazoo Man-Hun- 181 The Scarlet Schooner: or, The Nemesis Death Wrau.urer. the Chief of Sconts; or, Life | - ters. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. of the Sea. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham r and Love ina Frontier Fort. By Buffalo Bill. 120 The Kexan Spy; or, The Prairie Guide. | 182 Hands Up; cr, The Knights of the Canyon,) ‘Nilver Sam or, The Mystery of Deadwood By Newton M. Curtis. By Wm. R. byster. ; Delle Sara. 121 The Sea Cadet; or, The Rover of the Rigo- | 183 Gilbert, the Guides or, Lost in the Wi-| By Philip 8. Warne: latts. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. derness. By C. Dunning Clark, Munters, By Capt. Mayne Reid. | 122 Saul Savbersay, the Idiot Spy; or, Luliona, | 184 The Ocean Vampire; or, Th marertss or, The Madman the Seminole. By Ned Buntiline. Castle Curse. By Col. Prentiss Ingraban, ot By A. W. Aiken. = 123 Alapaha, the Squaav ; or, The Renegades | 185 The Man Spider; or, The Beautiful Sphing. )7 Phe Silent Wfunter; or, The Scowl Hall of the Border. By Francis Johnson. By Anthony P. Morris. Jit, iystery, By Percy B. St, John. 124 Assowaum, the Avenger; or, The } 186 The Black Bravo; or, The Tonkaway’y Silver Knife} or, Wickliffe, ‘The Rocky Doom of the Destroyers. By Francis Johnson. Triumph. By Buckskin sg a iy t] ‘ 5 fountain Ranger. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 125 Th ws or, M -187 The Death’s Head Cu 5 e Blacksmith Outlaws: or, Merry Fane ates, By Capt, Fred. Whittaker , e Heiress ot 9 The Wan From Vexas; or, The Outlaws England. By Harrison Ainsworth. ‘kansas. By A. W, Alken. 126 The Demon Duelist; or. The League of | 188 The Phantom Mazeppa; or, The Hyente fide Awake the Robber King; or, The Steel. By Col, Thomas Hoyer Monstery. of the Chaparrals. By Maj. Dangerfield bs of the Black Hills, By Frank Drmont, 127 Sol Scott, the Masked Miner; or, Dan | 189 Wild Bill’s Gold Trail; cv. The Despeé, tain Seawaif, the Privates’ Sy Ned Brown's Double. By Jos. BE. Badger, dr. ado Dozen. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, ne. 128 Whe Chevalier Corsair. By the author | 190 The Three Guardsmen. By Alexanin 3 or, The Trappers ot Ai cansus, Nas ‘ Merle the Mutineer.” ae Dumas. ids : 2 ; SERS! Moses or, A an's issue ev nesday. 4 e Wing 2 By A. W. Aiken, “ Sacritice hae Edward Willett. ai: Ee os es ay _ & meee Saks, the Deatu Shot; or, The Ou | 130 Captain Volcano; or, The Man of the Red Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale at shar ofa cuansal By ao Bideer JPi.8 | par Bavekeliae bet iniGios TeattgrnsThe | Kempt of Queue cent cach BEADLE ® ADAM i e@ hee ajeh zor, The Scour suckskto Sam, the Texas Trailers or, The o - 4 ) aden, Rv Cant, *. Whittaker EaSis ot the Bravo. By Col P Ine d= | Publishers, 98) Williar” Street, New Yor ny: f ' ; i ‘ eae <

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THE Wumbers 1 to 24, inclusive. Each Speaker, 100 pages 12mo., containing from 50 to 75 pilecese Dime American 'Young America, Birthday of Washington, Piea for the Maine Law, Not on the Battlefield, The Italian Struggle, fIndependence, Our Country, The Equality of Man, Character of the Revo’n, ‘The Fruits of the War, The Sewing-Machine, True Manhood, ‘The Mystery of Life, The Ups and Downs, The Truly Great, Early Retiring and Ris’g, A. Ward’s Oration, ‘True Nationality, Our Natal Day, Solferino, Intelligence the Basis of: The War, [Liberty Wharge of Light Brigade, fter the Battle, The Glass Railroad, Case of Mr. Macbeth, Prof. on Phrenology, Annabel Lee, Washington's Name, The Sailor Boy's Syren, Speaker, No.'1. J. Jeboom’s Oration, A Dutch Cure, The Weather, The Heated Term, Philosophy oe ag An Old Ballad, Penny Wise, Pound Fool- True Sicen koe [ish, Sat’d’y Night’s in joy "ts, “Tn a Just Cause,’ No Peace with Oppres- sion, A Tale of a Mouse, A Thanksgiving Sermon, The Cost of Riches, Great Lives Imperishable The Prophecy forthe Y’r Unfinished Problems, Honor to the Dead, Immortality of Patriots, Webster’s Polit’l System, A Vision in the Forum, The Press, Woman’s Rights, Right of the Governed, = Ladder, oman, Alone, The Rebellion of 1861, Disunion. Dime National Speaker, No. 2. Union and its Results, Our Country’s Future, The Statesman’s Labors, True Immortality, Let the Childless Weep, ‘Our Country’s Glory, Union a Househokl, Independence Bell, The Scholar’s Dignity, The Cycles of Progress, A Christmas Chant, Stability of Christianity, The True Higher Law, The One Great Need, The Ship and the Bird, Tecumseh’s Speech, Territorial Expansion, Martha Hopkins, The Bashful Man’s Story, The Matter-of-Fact,Man, Rich and Poor, Secing the Eclipse, Beauties of the Law, Ge-lang! Git Up, The Rats of Life, Creowning Glory of U.5., Three Fools, Washington, Our Great Inheritance, Eulogy on Henry Clay, Dime Patriotic Speaker, No. 3. America to the World, Love of Country, Right of Self-Preserva- Our Cause, [tion, A Kentuckian’s appeal, Kentucky Steadfast, Timidity is Treason, The Alarum, April 15, 1861, The Spirit of '61, . The Precious Heritage, The Irish Element, Train’s Speech, Christy’s Speech, Let Me Alone, Brigand-ier-General, The Draft, Union Square Speeches, The Union, Our Country’s Call, The Story of an Oak Tree, L-e-g On My Leg, | Defense of Jefferson, Ohio, Oliver Hazard Perry, Our Domain Systems of Belief, The Indian Chief, The Independent Farmer | Mrs. Grammar’s Ball, | How the Money Comes, Future of the Fashions, Loyalty to Liberty, | Our Country First, Last, | Devils. and Always, British Influence, National Hatreds, Murder Will Out, Strive for the Best, Early Rising, Deeds of Kindness, Gates of Sleep, The Bugle, A Hoodish Gem, Purity of the Struggle, Old Age, Beautiful and True The Worm of the stin, Man and the Infinite, Language of the Eagle, Washington, The Deluge. History of Our bef T. F. Meagher’s Address, We Owe to the Union, Lincoln's Me: 2. Last Speech 0! Stephen A. Doug’ Great Bell Roland, e New Year and the King Cotton, [Union, Rattle Anthem, The Ends of Peace, Freedom the Watehword Crisis of Our Nation, Duty, of Christian Pa- | triots, } 1 aE re UEC e ee Dime Elocutionist, No. 5. SEC, I. Pruycre.es or True Enunciation.—Faults in Enunciation; How to Avoid Them, Special Rules and Observations, SEC. Il. Tae Arr or Oratory. the Passions: RA’ Sheridan’s List of Tranquillity, Cheerfulness, Mirth, DIME SPEAK Permanency of States, Liberty of Speech, New England and Union, The Unseen Battlefield, | Plea for the Republic, Raillery, Buffoonery, Joy, Delight, Gravity, In- | quiry, Attention, Modesty, Perplexity, Pity, Grief, elancholy, Despair, Fear, Shame, Remorse, Courage, Boasting, Pride, Obstinacy, Authority, Commanding, Forbidding, Affirming, Denying, Difference, Agreeing, Exhorting, Judging, Approv- ing, ral erga Condemning, Teaching, Pardon- ing, Arguing, Dismissing, Refusing, Granting, De- pendence, Yeneration, Hope, Desire, Love, Re spect, Giving, Wonder, Admiration, Gratitude, Cu riosity, Persuasiow, Tempting, Promising, (ffecta- tion, Sloth, Intoxication, Anger, ete, | SEC. Tl. Tue Component Exemenrs or AN Ora TIoN.—Rules of Composition as applied to Words and Phrases, viz.: Purity, Propriety, Precision. As applied_to Sentences, viz.: Length of Sentence, Clearness, Unity, Strength. Figures of Speech; the Exordium, the Narration, the Proposition, the Confirmation, the Refutation, the Peroration. SEC. IV. Representative Exercises in Prose AND VersE.—Transition; A Plea for the Ox; Falstaff’s Soliloquy on Honor; the Burial of Lincoln; the Call and Response; the Bayonet Charge; Histor Turkey Dan's ration, A Fearless Pleu, The Onus of Slavery, A Borstaneris Tribute, The Little Zouave, Catholic Cathedra The “Speculators,” Dime Comic Speaker, No. 4. Klepeyergosson the War, | A Song of Woe, Age Bluntly Considered, Early Rising, The Wasp and the Bee, Comic Grammar, No. 1, i'm Not a Single Man, A. Ward's Advice, Buzfuz on Pickwick, Romeo and Juliet, Happiness, Dogs, ree A Texan Eulogium, How to be a Fireman, The United States, Puff's Ace’t of Himself, Practical Phrenology, enue yl abbage, Disagreeable People,” What isa Bachelor Like? “amny Bolks, Ward’s Trip to Richm’d, tat The Mountebank, Compound Interest, A Sermon on the Feet, Old Dog Jock, The Fishes’ Toilet, Brian O’Linn, Crockett to Office-seekers Who Is My Opponent? Political Stump ee Comic Grammar, No, 2, Farewell to the Bottle, The Cork Leg, The Smack in School Slick’s Definition of Wife, Tale of a Hat, The Debating Club, A Dutch Sermon, Lecture on Locomotion, Mrs. Caudle on Umbr'lla, of a Life; the Bugle; the and the Dagger; ells; Byron; Macbet' amlet’s Soliloguy; Old Things; Look Upward; King William Rufus; the Eye; an Essa Onto Musik; Discoveries of Galileo. its SEC. V. OpsEeRvations or Goop AuTHoRITIES. Dime Humorous A Sad sage A String of Onions, A Tragic Story, ‘ats, Courtship, ebt, © Dow, Jr.'s Lectures, Ego and Echo, Fashionable Women, Fern Thistles, Good-Nature, Gottlieb Klebeyergoss. Schlackenlichter’s snake, Hosea Biglow’s Opinions, How the Money Goes, Hun-ki-do-ri’s Fourth of July Oration, If you Mean No, Say No, Jo Bows on Leap Year, Lay of the Henpecked, Lot Skinner's Elegy, Matrimony, Nothing to Do Old Caudle’s Umbrella, Old Grimes's Son, Paddle Your Own Canoe, Parody on “Araby’s Daughter,” Dime Standard The World We Live In, Woman’s Claims, Authors of our Liberty, The Real Conqueror, The Citizen’s Heritage, Italy, The Mechanic, Nature and Naire’s God The Modern Good, [Sun, Ossian’s Address to the Independence Bell—1777, Posey Thought oggy Thoughts, The Ladies’ Man, Life, The Idler, The Unbeliever, The Two Lives, The ‘True Scholar, Judges not Infallible, Fanaticism, Instability of Successful Agriculture, [Crime, Treland The People Always Con- Music of Labor, — [quer, Prussia and Austria, Wishing, Speaker, No. 8. Poetry Run Mad, Right Names, Scientific Lectures, The Ager, The Cockney, The Codfish, Fate of Sergeant Thin, The Features’ Quarrel, Hamerican Voodchuck, The Harp of a Thousand Strings, The Last of the Sarpints, The March to Moscow, The Mysterious Guest, The Pump, The Sea-Serpent, The Secret, The Shoemaker, The Useful Doctor, | The Waterfall To the Bachelors’ Union _League, United States Presidents, Vagaries of Popping the S ergy What T Wouldn't Be, Yankee Doodle Aladdin, a Moskeetare, Speaker, No. 7. John Burns, Gettysburg, No Sect in Heaven, Miss Prude’s Tea-Party, The Power of an Idea, The Beneficence of the Suffrage, [Sea, Dream of the Revelers, HowCyrus Laid the Cable The Prettiest Hand, Paradoxical, Little Jerry, the Miller, The Blarney Stone, The Student of Bonn, The Broken Household, The Bible, The Purse and the Sword My Country, True Moral Courage, What is War? Butter, My Deborah Lee, The Race, The Pin and Needle, The Modern Puritan, Immortality of the Soul, Occupation, Heroism and Daring, A Shot at the Decanter, Dime Stump Speaker, No. 8. on the Situation, , Hans Schwackheimer on Woman's Suffrage, All for a Nomination, Old Ocean, (Sea, The Sea,the Sea, the open Star Bangled Spanner, Stay Where You Belong, Life’s What You Make It, Where’s My Money, Speech from Conscience, ’s Relation to Society ~ Hon. J. M. Stubbs’ Views The Limits to Happiness, Good-nature a Blessing, Sermon from Hard-shell Tail-enders, [Baptist, The Value of Money, Meteorie Disquisition, Be Sure You are Right, Be of Good Cheer, Crabbed Folks, [Shrew, Taming a Masculine Farmers, [Our Country, The True Greatness 0: The Cold-water Man, j America, (Fallacy, “Right of Secession” a Life’s Sunset, Human Nature, Lawyers, | Wrongs of the Indians, Appeal in behalf of Am, Miseries of War,[Liberty, A Lay Sermon, A Dream, Dime Juvenile Speaker, No. 9. A Boy’s Philosophy, Hoe Out Your Row, | Six-Year-Old’s Protest, | The Suicidal Cat, A Valediction, Popping Corn, The Editor, The Same, in rhyme, The Fairy Shoemaker, What Was Learned, Press On, The Horse, The Snake in the Grass, Tale of the Tropics, . Bromley’s Speech, The Same, second extract The Fisher’s Child, Shakspearian Seholar, A Maiden’s Psalm of Life, A Mixture, Plea for Skates, Playing Ball, Ah, Why, Live for Something, Lay of the Hen-Pecked, The Outside Dog, Wolf and Lamb, Lion in Love, Frogs Asking for a King, Sick Lion, Country and Town I e, Man and Woman, Home, The Lotus-Planter, Little Things. A Baby's Soliloquy, Repentance. A Plea for Eggs, Humbug Patriotism, Night After Christmas, | Short Legs, Shrimps on Amusements, Dime Spread-Eagle Speaker, No. | ! 0 en Buster's Oration, Jans Von Spiegel’s 4th, Josh Billings’s Advice, A Hard-shell Sermon, The Boots, The Squeezer, Noah and the Devil, A Lover's Luck. Hifalutin Adolphus, Digestion and Paradise, Distinction’s Disadvant- Smith, {ages, Gushalina Bendibus, A Stock of Notions, Speaking for the Sheriff, Daking a Shweat, Then and Now. Josh Billings’s ‘Lecturng, Doctor De Blister's Ann't, Consignments, Hard Lives, Dan Bryant's Speech, A Colored View, Original Maud Muller, Nobody, Train of Circumstances, Good Advice, The Itching Palm, Debater and Chairman’s Guide N, 1.—Depatina Society. Its Office and Usefulnees, Formation of, Constitution of, By-Laws of, Rules of Government, Local Rules of Order, Local Rules of Deba*e, Subjects of Discussion, u.—How to DeBaTE. Why there are few good Debaters, Frey cal Su The Logie of Debate, The Rhetoric of Debate, Maxims to Observe, The Preliminary Premise, ‘ Order of Argument, Summary. uisites to Oratori- GRS, sone Astronomical, he Moon, Duties of American The Man Temptations of Cities, Broken Resolutions, There is no Death, Races, A Fruitful Discourse, A ¥renchman’s Dinner, » Unjust National Aequi'ng The Amateur Coachman John Thompson’s Daw’ House begs, It Is Not Your Business, | How the Raven Becam Black, A Mother's Work, The Same, Who Rules, %i | A Sheep Story, A Little Corre ndent, One Good Turn D ese i My Dream, [Anoth ain, ; T'll Never Use Tobacco, | A Mosaic,’ | The Old Bachelor, Prayer to Light, Little Jim, Angelina’s Lament, Johnny Shrimps on B Mercy. Choice of How } | Poor Richard’s Who Killed Tom Nothing to Do. Honesty Best Polley, Heaven, Ho for the Fields, Fashion on the Brain, — On Shanghais, 1.4 A Smile, ! ie pe pecans 3 Homeeopathic Soup, Nose and Eyes, "iy Malt, (Com A Hundred Years + The Madman and he Little Sermons, [Razor Snufiles on Electricity, | The Two Cradles, The Ocean Storm, —_ Do Thy Little—Do it Wel Little Puss, “Si Base-Ball, i n Prescription for Sprin | Drum-head Sermons, _ oneieree Bat sopedi “Woman's ‘hts, Luke Lathan The Ancient Bach , Jacob Sa eech,| erks Prognos | | A Word with Snookaes i | Sut be ats a A Mule Ride, Josh Billings on B ll Trovatore, t Kissing in the Street Scandalous, Slightly Mixed, The Office-seeker Old Bachelors, The Nia Niams, 1e Niam People Will Talk, Swackhamer's Ba Who Wouldn’t be Don't Depend on Da Music of Labor, The American Ensign, 7 ** jal rin Moet dinar ee! an A ables, : myo ‘ The * Question,” : can be : The “ Question.” Hoy be Consid wre:

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BEADLE'’S*] )IME*[IBRARY: Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. 9° ——<— — = BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. Sy Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 994 Buffalo Bill’s Lone Hand. 989 Buffalo Bill’s Marked Bullet. $84 Buffalo Bill’s Life Raffle. ' 279 Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail, 964 Buffa'o Biil’s Invincibles. | 960 Buffalo Bill’s Blue Belt Brigade. ~ 956 Boffalo Bill’s Volunteer Vigilantes. 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay. 943 Buffalo Bill’s Block Game. 936 Buffalo Bill s Black Para, 927 Buffalo Bill’s Bluff; or, Dusky Dick the Sport. 921 Buffalo Bill's Quandary: or, Velvet Bill's Vow. Buffalo billand the Surgeon-Scout. ; Buffalo Bill’s League; or, Red Butterfly. 4904 Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Trail. i Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders. "395 Buifalo Bill’s Secret Ally. 890 Buffalo Bill’s Life-Stake. ) 882 The Three Bills: Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill and Band- box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth. $74 Buffalo Will’s Buckskin Braves. $69 Buffalo Bill’s Road-Agent Round-up. 863 Bu Bill’s Death Charm. Bill’s Royal Fi i Bill’s Double Dilemma, Bill’s Redskin Rus Bills Boys in Blue. Bill’s Sharp-Shooters. Bill’s Best Bower. Bill's Red Trail. Bill’s Death-Knell. Bill’s Winning Hand Bill’s Dead Shot. Bill’s Brand. Bill’s Spy Shadower, Bill's Sweepstake. 765 Boffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. 761 Buffalo Bill’s Mascot. ‘57 Buffalo Bill’s Double. 750 Buffalo Bill’s Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow. | 743 Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand. ‘i |e Buffalo Bill's Blind: or, Th a aS : fasked Driver. |} 2% Buffalo Bill and His Mc ‘ Buffalo Bill's Beagles ‘727 Buffalo Bill’s Body Guard. - } 722 Buffalo Bill on the War-path. 4716 Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers. ‘710 Buffalo Bill Baffled: or. The Deserter Desperado. Buffalo Lill’s Buckskin Brotherhood. Wuffalo Bill’s Blind Trail; or, Mustang Madge. 667 Buffalo Bill’s Swoop; or, The King of the Mines. The Cowbov Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas. Lasso King’s League; or, Buck Taylor in Texas. 649 Buffalo Bill’s Chief of Cowboys; or, Buck Taylor ; or Buffalo Bill’s Ponanza; or, Si ver Circle Knights, n. ilk Lasso Sam, Buffalo Bul’s Grip; or, Oath Bound to Custer. 9 Buifalo Bill’s Pledge; or. The League of Three, ) 41189 Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen. 41% Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress. 68 Wild Bill, ‘the Pistol Dead Shot. By Buffalo Biil. The Dread Shot Four ‘Texas Jack, the Lasso King The Ranch King Dead-Shot. White Beaver’s Still Hunt, Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist. Wild Bil, the Dead-Center Skot. Buffalo Bill’s Gold King. The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains. 4 Red Renard, the Indian Detective. One-Armed Pard; or, Borderland Retribution. The Wizara Brothers: or, White Beaver’s Trail, White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte. 8 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler. The Pilgrim Sharp: or, The Soldier’s Sweetheart, Gold Bullet Svort; or, Knights of the Overland, Death-Traiier, the Chief of Scouts. Tors By icon Lewis, Ned Huntline, etc. Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue. | Buffalo Bill’s Secret Service Trail. 62? Buffalo Bill’s Daring Role; or, Daredeath Dick. 1517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail; or, The Express Rider. Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts, ' Buffalo Bill s Strange Pard; or, Dashing Dandy. 92 BufFalo Bill, the Buckskin King. / BY HAROLD PAYNE. 'The Man from Mexico in New York. 872 The-King-Pin Shark; or, Thad Burr’s Ten Strike, 7861 The Tenderloin big Four 8 The Quaker City Crook. Tracked to Chicago. The Policy Broker’s Blind. The Frisco Sharper’s Cool Hand. The Tramp Shadower’s Backer. The Sham Spotter’s Shrewd Scheme. D6 The Grand Street Gold-Dust Sbarpers, Detective Burr’s Lunaiic Witness The Wall Street Sharper’s Snap. ues. , the Invincible; or, The “‘L.” Clue. ) Matchless Detective. the Fatal Clew; or, Burr’s Master Case. y COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERY., 95 The Czar’s Spy.’ 36 Wrist. the Swordmaster. El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen. - BY J. W. OSBON. ch, the Sport De’ ive. G spu poe D: mpion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show. BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES, 929 Gentleman George, the Showman Sport. 912 Genteel Joe’s Lone Hand. 903 The Train Detective. 896 Kent Keen, the Crook-Crusher. 888 Nightshade in New York, 879 Falcon Flynn, the Flash Detective. 871 The Crook Cashier. 859 Clew-Hawk Keene's Right Bower. 847 Hiram Hawk, the Harlem Detective, 840 Major Bullion, Boss of the Tigers. 831 Shadowing the London Detective. 817 Plush Velvet, the Prince of Spotters. 803 The Bogus Broker’s Right Bower. 788 The Night-Hawk Detective. 779 Silk Ribbon’s Crush-out, 766 Detective Zach, the Broadway Spotter. 751 The Dark Lantern Detective. 736 The Never-Fail Detective. 724 Captain Hercules, the Strong Arm Detective, 711 Dan Damon, the Gilt-Edge Detective. 701 Silver Steve, the Branded Sport. $94 Gideon Grip, the Secret Shadower. 684 Velvet Van, the Mystery Shadower. 678 The Dude Desperado 871 Jason Clew, the Silk-Handed Ferret. 664 Monk Morel, the Man-Hunter. 654 Sol Sphinx, the Ferret Detective. 642 Red Pard and Yellow. 608 Silent Sam, the Shadow Sphinx. 592 Captain Sid, the Shasta Ferret. 579 Old Cormorant, the Bowery Shadow. 569 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Mystery. 559 Danton, the Shadow Sharp. 550 Silk Hand, the Mohave Ferret. 543 The Magnate Detective. 532 Jack Javert. the Independent Detective. 523 Reynard of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective 512 Captain Velvet’s Big Stake. 505 Phil Fox, the Genteel Spotter. 496 Richard Redfire, the Two Worlds’ Detective, 487 Stinshine Sam, a Chip of the Old Block, 480 Hawkspear. the Man with a Secret. 468 Coldgrip in Deadwood. 460 Captain Coldgrip, the Detective, 453 Captain Coldgrip’s Long Trail. 447 Volcano, the Fviseo Spy. 441 The California Sharp. 434 Lucifer Lynx, the ™ onder Detective, 421 Father Ferret. the Frisco Shadow. 413 Captain Coldgrip in New York. 407 Captain Coldgrip’s Nerve; or, Injun Nick. 400 Captain Coldgrip: or. The New York Spotter. 292 The Lost Bonanza: or, The Boot of Silent Hound 374 Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities. 365 Keen Kennard. the Shasta Shadow, 352 The Desperate Dozen. Denver Duke, the Man with “ Sand.” Cool Conrad, the Dakota Detective. ° California Claude, the Lone Bandit. Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy. The Shadow Sport from Frisco. BW WILLIAM H. MANNING The Red-Gloved Detective. : Frisco Frank at Glory Gulch, The Montana Miner in New York. The Doomsday-Den Detective. The Double-Quick Detective. Yellow Gid, of Dark Divide. The Expert Detective’s Shake-up. 875 Trapping the Race-Track Judge. 864 The Police Special’s Dilemma, 849 The Genteel Sharpér’s Combine 841 Graydon’s Double Deal. 888 The Sport Detective’s Grip. 823 The Athlete Sport About Town. 808 TheCrook-Detective’s Pull. 790 Plunger Pete, the Race Track Detective. 782 Royal Rock, the Round-up Detective. 774 Steve Starr, the Dock Detective. 764 The New York Sharp’s Shadower. 738 Detective Claxton, the Record Breaker. 714 Gabe Gall, the Gambolier from Great Hump, 708 Spokane Saul, the Samaritan Suspect 692 Dead-Shot Panl, the Deep-Range Explorer. 655 Strawberry Sam, the Man with the Birthmark. 646 Dark John, the Grim Guard. 638 Murdock, the Dread Detective. 623 Dangerous Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective. 611 Alkali Abe, the Game Chicken from Texas. 596 Rustler Rube; the Round-Up Detective. 585 Dan Dixon’s Double. b7o Steady Hand. 899 893 885 551 Garry Kean the Man with Backbone, 529 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective. 531 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prarie Centaur, 521 Paradise Sam, the Nor’-West Pilot. 513 Texas Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives. 506 Uncle Honest, the Peacemaker of Hornets’ Nest. 498 Central Pacific Paul. the Mail-Tram Spy. 492 Border Bulleg, the Prairie Sharpshooter. 486 Kansas Kitten, the Northwest Detective. 479 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassajack. 470 The Duke of Dakota. 463 Gold Gauntlet, the Gulch Gladiator. | 455 Yank Yellowbird, the Tall Hustler of the Hills. 449 Binff Burke, King of the Rockies. 442 Wild West Walt, the Mountain Veteran. 437 Deep Duke: or, The Man of Two Lives, 427 The Rivals of Montana Mill. 415 Hot Heart, the Detective Spy. 405 Old Baldy’ the Brigadier of Buck Basin. Colorado Rube, the Strong Arm of ted oe 279 The Gold Dragoon, or, California Bl BY NED BUNTLINE 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. 633 The Sea Spy, 9 584 the Buecaneer King. 517 Buffalo Bill’s five Trail. 361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot Spy. 382 The Bonanza Band: or, Dread Don of Cool Clan. Flash Dan, the Nabob, or, Blades of Bowie Bar. SPE Se Ae ink Be oe patna i Pent tenn aa les be ee, “See - 4 101 The Man from New York. the Napoleon of Detectives | 563 Wyoming Zeke, the Hotspur of Honeysuckle. ALBERT W. AIKEN’S NOVELS. Dick Talbot Series. 991 Dick Talbot at the Mines: or, Kentuck, the Sport, 988 Rocky Mountain Rob. 976 Overland Kit: or, The Idyl of White Pine. 741 Dick ‘Vvalbot’s Close Call. 37 Dick Talbot in Apache Land. 733 Dick Talbot. the Ranch King. : 729 Dick Talbot’s Clean-Out. 725 Dick Talbot in No Man’s Camp, \ 854 Dick Talbot; or, The Brand of Crimson Cross t 36 Dick Talbot; or, The Death-Shot of Shasta. i Aiken’s Fresh of Frisco Series. 825’ Fresh, the Race-Track Sport. 660 The Fresh in Montaua; or, Blake’s Full Hand. 652 The Fresh’s Rustle at Painted City. 4 647 The Fresh at Santa Fe; or, The Stranger Sharp. 556 Fresh, the Sport: or, The Big Racket at Slide ay 3 by 3 587 Fresh Against the Field; or, Blake, the Lion, 497 The Fresh in Texas; or. The Escobedo Millions, 461 The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande. : 97 The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or, Bronze Jacik | Aiken’s Joe Phenix Sertes. } 965 Joe Phenix’s Mascot, 4 : § | 959 Joe Phenix’s Double Deal. 954 Joe Phenix in Chicago. : 949 The Doctor from Texas; or, Joe Phenix’s Clue. 944 Joe Phenix’s Right Bower. é 865 The Female Barber Detective; or, Joe Phenix in Silver City. 799 Joe Phenix’s Great Blue Diamond Case; or, The New York Sport at Long Branch. 793 Joe Phenix’s Decoy; or, The Man of Three. 760 Joe Phenix’s Lone Hand. 749 Joe Phenix’s Big Bulge. 745 Joe Phenix’s Mad Case. , 708 Joe Phenix’s Siren; or, The Woman Hawkshaw, 700 Joe Phenix’s Unknown; or, Crushing the Crooks 681 Joe Phenix’s Specials; or, The Actress Detective _ 637 Joe Phenix in Crazy Camp. } 632 Joe Phenix’s Master Search. { 628 Joe Phenix’s Combin: ; or,the Dandy Conspirator 620 Joe Phenix’s Silent Six. ] ' ‘ nae 601 Joe Phenix’s Shadow; or,the Detective’s Monitor 419 Joe Phenix,, the King of Detectives. 161 Joe Phenix’s Great Man Hunt, 112 Joe Phenix, Private Detective; or, The League, 79 Joe Phenix, the Police Spy. Aiken’s Miscellancous Novels. 980 The All-Around Athlete. $40 Captain Jack, the Scalper. 935 The Hawks and Wolves of New York 932 Detective Gordon’s Grip. J ' 926 Old Sunflower, the Silent Smiter. . | 923 Old Sunflower. the Hayseed ‘Detective. 901 The Hotel Swell-Sharp; or, The Siren Shadower, 892 The Country man Detective. 876 Gold Button Sport; or, The Miner Sharps. 842 Teton Tom. the Haif-blood. 835 The King-Pin Detective. The New Yorker Among Texas Sports. King Dandy, the Silver Sport. Gideon's srs at Babylon Bar. ' Captain Pat_ McGowen, the Greencoat Detective, Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective. The Lightw eight Detective. The Frisco Detective; or, The Golden G ;te Find., Keen Billy, the Sport. Oid Benzine, the “ Hard Case” Detective. Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. The Silver Sharp Detective. \ of Calif ornia; or, Detective’s Shadow Act.) \ or, The Invisible Hand! 586 577 Tom, ‘ 570 The Actress Detective; 562 Lone Hand, the Shadow. 520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo. 490 The Jone Hand in Texas. “5 Chin Chin, the Chinese Detective. 465 The Actor Detective. 440 The High Horse of the Pacific, 423 The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Recreants. | 408 Doc Grip, the Vendetta of Death. 381 The Gypsy Gen tleman;: Ni : B Grande High Horse 370 The Duskv Detective: or. Pursued to the Ena. 863 Crowningshield, the Detective on 320 The Genteel Spotter; or The N. Y. Night Hawk, 22 The Wali Street Blood; cr, The Telegraph Girl, 203 The Double Detective: or,The Midnight Mystery. 195 La Marmoset, the Detective Queen. cr. Niek Fox, Detective 376 Black Beards; o1, The Rio 91 The Winning Oar: or. The Tankesper's Daughter. 84 Hunted Down: or, The League of Three. 81 The Human Tiger: or, A Heart of Fire, %5 Gentleman George: or, Parlor. Prison and Street, 72 The Phantom Hand; or, The 5th Avenue Heiress. | 56 The Indian Mazeppa: or, Madmen of the Plains. 49 The Wolf Demon; or. The Kanawha Queen. t 42 The California Detective: or, The Witches of N.Y. 81 The New York Sharp; or, The Flash of Lightning. 27 The Spotter Detective: or, Girls of New ork. NEW ISSUES. 1000 Buffalo Bill’s Grim Guard. By Col. Ingraham, 1001 The Brand-Burners of Cimarron. By Jobn W, Osbon. 4002 Silver City Sam. By Jos. E. Badger. 1003 Gold Dare: or, Dick Talbot in Utah. By Albert W. Aiken. 1004 Buffalo Bill's Death Deal. ar Col. Ingraham. 1005 Foot-Hills Frank. By Jos. Badger. 1006 The Sea Cadet. By Col. P. Ingraham. JUST ISSUED. i Shasta Dead Shot, Aiken. Hotspur Hal, the Sport from ae aes By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Y Seawaif, Privateer. By Ned Buntline. Geptaivet Hand; or, The Iron Guin of Injun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. ‘A new issue every Wednesday. THE PIWE LIBRARY is for sale by all non 996 997 998 999 ens 3

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Each Number Complete. BUFTHLO| BILL Hovels | Bill's Relentless Trail, Prentiss Ingraham, ——— - — The Dread Shot Four; or, My Pards of the, S16 Bu Buffalo Bill's Invincibles; or, The Sable Shad- 812 Buffalo Bill's Death-I ower’s Sublime Sacrifice. —~— Bill's Blue flower Sam of Shasta. By Col. P, Ingraham. |807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist: or, The Girl| 629 Buffalo Bill's Daring Role; or, Daredeath ) Bill’s Volunteer -Vigilantes; Mysterious Man in Blue. Jaffalo -Bill Gold Seeker's} Buffalo Bill’s Block Game; the Overland. The Gold Boomers of the Big Horn. By Col. P. Ingra-| = Dick, the Velvet Bill's Col. P. In- Butterfly. By Buffalo Bill's League; Gentleman Tangled Trai Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders; or, Texas Jack’s rp-Shooters. Prentiss Ingraham. » By Col. Prent Ifgraham. 204 Texas alo Bill's Big Four or, Go- ¢ Col, P ; or, Custer’s Shadow. Queen of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo Bil Pt Roe Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 243 The Pilgrim Sharp; or, The Soldier's Sweets 743 ffalo Bill's Flush Hand; or, " as Jack's heart. Buffalo Bill, Government. Seout travos. By Col. Prent Ingraham. and G . tavante| 739 Buffalo Bill's Blind; or, The Masked Driver] 1898 Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Texan’s|°" of Death's Canyon. By’ Col. Prentiss Ingra- Dozen. . By Col. P. Ingraham. Pledged a 175 Wild Bill's Trump Card; or, The Tndian eese"!735 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men; or, The Heiress. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham , Robin Hood Rivals. By Col. Prentiss Ingra-| 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot; or, Dagger? Puffalo Bill, Wild Bill and ham. Don's Double, By Col, Prentiss ‘ign By Col. Prentiss of the Hills. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Shad By Col.|722 Buffalo Bill on the. War Path; or, Silk Lasso) o9 purrar Sam, the Will-o’-the-Wisp, By Col, P. In- Ama The Man graham. B perado’s Defiance, By Col. P. Ingraham. and I 697 Buffalo, Bill’s Buckskin Brotherhood; or, he Opening Up a Lost Trail. By Col. P. In- NEW ISSUES TO COME. 4 . itd . -| 981 The Gold Lace Sport; or, The Texan Sam- 691 Buffalo Bill’s Blind Trail; or, The Daughter o GOI ; r ; * n anch King Dead-Shot; or, Texas Jack's of the Regiment. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. son's Wide Swath. By Jos, B. Badger, Jr. 29 hy 682 Buffalo Bill’s Secret Service Trail. By Major 982 Chris Dangerfield Burr. Morri foe DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail, pre-paid, on re- ceipt of price. tk. By Buffalo Bill. Texas. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. il; or, The Road-Rider| 649 Buck Taylor, the Saddle King. Buffalo BUNS Woman of the Colorado Canyon. 3y Col. P. 517 Buffalo Bill's First Trail; or, Will Cody, the ; The Wizard Brothers; or, White Beavers) A Wronged Man's Red Trail. By Buffalo Col. Prentiss Ingraham. | 3¢9 Buffalo Bill's Grip; or, Oath-bound to Guster: me 229 Buffalo Bill's Pledge; or, The League of lo De- Buffalo Bil. 731 Buffalo Bill’s Reagtes; or, Silk Lasto Sam.| 158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts; or, The Doomed | | Ingraham. Dozen. " Ingraham. 727 Buffalo Bill’s Body Guard; or, The Still Hunt 117 Buffalo Bill's Strange Pard; or, Dashing D. Burr. zon of the West, By Major Dangerfield Rascally Valet's Double Game. By A, P, | Lira asso King’s League; or, The Tigers of of Scouts. By Col. P. Ingraham, ) Bill’s Bonanza; or, The Knights of} lver Circle. By Col. P. Ingraham. old King; or, Montebello, the Magnifi- By Buffalo Bill, King of the Cowboys. By Leon Lewis; Yead Shot Nine;.or, My Pards of the . By Buffalo Bill. Express Rider. By Ned Buntline, ne-Armed Pard; or, Red Retribution th land. By Buffalo Bill. By Buffalo Bill. teaver, the Exile of the Platten or, - l. Prentiss Ingraham. By Col, P. Ingraham. Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. By Jack, the Prairie Rattler; or, The By Dr. Frank Powell. , the Hotspur of the Hills. By Major (#) » Bill, the Buckskin King;, or, The Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; cr, Lite ove in a Frontier Fort, By Buffalo), { Crewley’s Winning Hand; or, The s. Ready August 25. lo Bill's Life Raffle; or, The Doomed G@O00000000 000000000 000000000 009000000

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