Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 1) (1879 03 01)
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THEFIVE CENT Mi Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1819. by FRANK' TOUSEY, én the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. 6. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Matter. FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 18 Rose Street, N. ¥. TE. : pias: f March 1, 1879. Se “You ought to know something about that,” observed Harkaway Afloat. Jack, turning round and kicking him. i ‘* What do you mean by kicking my brother?” asked Hunston, senior, clenching his fists angrily. Tf you don’t like it, you may do the other thing,” replied Jack, “ What's that?” CHAPTER I, WAICH IS THE BEST MAN. “oor here,” replied Hunston, senior, “I mean to} ‘‘ Lump it.” ' my own way.” “ Oh! that’s the sizeof it, is it? = must teach you ‘Mot if I know it,” answered Jack, fearlessly; “at | better manners,” said Hunston, senior, * I’ve licked bet- ter men than you on board ship, and, since you’re so cockey, we’ll see who is the best man,” “AN right,” replied Jack. “Tl back you up,” said Harvey. “Take my jacket, then, and my cap,” answered Jack, giving them to Harvey, as he took them off, And tn &, short tirae tae, ineogling cozabataits a 6 the com! were surrounded by # dense ring, P not if ha our Own way m ce ving y yy means any interference “Do you ‘want to have a row with me?” replied Hun- “ eames | ap e ‘ it, Harry, He can't fight,” said his brother, _ ye ve A ~e + Subseription Price $2.50 per year, — } No. 76. There was no usher in thé playground, it being part of Mr. Crawcour’s new programme that the boys should do as they liked while they oceupied themselves in theix own amusements in play hours. Hunston, senior, was not long in following his oppe nent’s example, They both stripped themselves to their shirts and trousers. Hunston, senior, was a tall, well-built young iqleg, rather clumsy in his movements, but strong and werg., PRICE & CENTS. { “Seeing their murderous intention plainly displayed on their faces, Jack resigned himself to his fate.” It was evident thathe did not think Jack formeiegble. i Pod see how I'll polish him off,” he saig to hig rother. ** He can fight, though I chaffed him just now, and said he couldn't; do lick him; you_don’t know how I hate that fellow,” answered Arthur Hunston * Leave him to me, When I’ve done with him his own mother wouldnt know him. I learned fighting at
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HARKAWAY AFLOAT. Portsmouth, and his friends will have to fetch.a shutter to carry him off.” . Popular feeling was slightly in Jack’s favor, x It was considered an ser Coe match, and the boys fan- ‘cied that though Jack’s pluck might carry him through a) half-a-dozen or more rounds, he \was sure to be badly beaten in the end. : a Besides this, et ee | senior, was & new-comer, and his “ bouncing ” off-hand manner was not liked either by young or old. mY him well, Jack,” whips Harvey. Jack nodded and stepped into the ring, Hunston, senior, faced him, and carelessly threw out his left arm. F Jack parried the blow and stepped back, which drew his opponent forward. Then he dashed in and struck him a violent blow on the nose. i ~The blood began to flow, but, no daunted, Hun- gton struck ont right and left, and hi Jack on the temple, he went down. i _ Dime ! cried Harvey. . -The principals retired each to his corner, and their @econds ee to ee ‘* ‘ Hf Hunston’s brother had gota dipped water, witti-which he bathed hia face, sii Minevie ed Jane on the back, saying : “ Not hurt, are you, old man?” Tt as a turnip, and fresh as a daisy,” replied * Goin and win, then. ‘They have sent their man Hunston, senior, looked very determined and savage, ' Hemade arush at Jack, but failed to hit him, where- pon Jack feinted with his left and struck him” in the stomach with his right. “ Oh!” ejaculated Hunston, doubling himself up, Jack followed this migra 9 by dealing his opponent heavy blows, one after the other, in the face, and _Munston rolled over. ~ “Time!” exclaimed his brother, who: began to look father grave. Hunston, sénior, gasped for breath, and sat still for nearly halt. minute. Tm ready,” he said. ‘ That swab isn’t going to have # all.his own way.” t #1“ Hit straight at him, and keep at a distance; your @rms are long enough,” replied his brother, ‘¢ Wait a bit,” returned Harry Hunston, through his teeth ; “I'll show him a trick I learnt at Port Rico.” Jd was waiting for him, and they walked round one @nother warily. deaeates Hunston, senior, retreated and drew Jack Then he advanced, ducked his head, causing Jack to miss his blow, put out his footand tripped him up, deal- he feo a terrific cut between the eyes, which sent him re) g into Harvey’s arms, . For some seconds Jack showed no signs of conscious- poss. But at length he opened his eyes, o Where sont?” So aoa id : “I knew I would make him see stars,” exclaimed, *¢ Get him into chancery,” Harvey. Jack nodded, and went up's , though he trembled @ little and showed signs of ts é- This time he made straig) ae Se one, and they ook blow for blow several times without doing rau . } ' At funston made a rush, Jack bled purposely, and Hunston fell over him ; but Jack, was up in an instant, aise him round the neck with his left arm, holding him in an iron-like FPien he dealt him blow after blow in the face until he lay like a log on the ground, ell done, Harkaway! Go it, Bed- ned, choke,and gurgle, ward, | “T think he has swallowed a tooth,” replied Arthur Hunston, ; oe . Tt was as he sup: bs Harry Hunston had one of his teeth broken short off by Jack’s sledgehammer blows, and he swallowed the fragment. , Itstuckin his throat first, but when slapped on fhe back it went down, and he breathed again, Phen idk er pee not give in, Stepping in’ ie ring again he looked wildly around him, scarcely able to see out of his left eye, eae oe ne aoe Jack 1” Pp iee : ‘ou’ve bun, up one o} es, and the other isn’t much good, You've half endped with tis own on ge if you don% give him what’s-a-clock, it’s your, _ Jack knew that.there was some strength left yet in his genie opponent, and he advanced warily. ‘ | Bano x ; paiva: “= f is ae i xe ib in foo) ad © striko, tried the rut lingon, ; ‘ ae ihe shawied ds eas tink peaks, the mouth and on the nose, until he dropped to the grownd beaten. . , Arthur Hunston carried his brother toa corner, and ee to revive him, but it was some time before he could do 80, When he did open his eyes, he said— ** Youll go up again?” 2 ; ‘No; I’ve had enough of it,” replied Hunston, se- “ Cant you peg away any more?” “ Not now.” : Harvey approached, “Well,” said he; “are you licked?” “Yes,” replied Arthur Hunston, sulkily, time, at least.” “Oh, don’t alarm yourself,” rejoined Harvey ; ‘ we'll oblige you whenever you call upon us.” Jack’s friends came up and patted him on the back, congratulating him on-his victory, which was a popular one. Hunston, senior, hada very bad face, and felt weak and ill, but he contrived to go into school, and though the masters could tell there been a fight, they took no notice of it,.as Mr. Crawcour had advised them not to be too particular. _ . He had found that the very strict’severe principle had failed, and he was going upon a different system. ‘« Boys will be boys,” said his wife. ‘Let them fight and find their level.” Harvey and Jack walked away together to the pump in the yard after the fight, and Jack had his head pumped upon, which did him good. “Yon’ve given Hunston, senior, what’ for,” exclaimed Harvey. ‘Yes; andnow I must settle Maple, I won’t have fellows sneaking about me. — Besides, it’s spoilt my ven- triloguism. If I try it again, every one will know who does it,” said Jack. «« The little beast, ’d wig him.” “T say,” exclaimed Jack, ‘‘ you know the chief’s aqua- rium? Wouldn’t it bea lark to takeit ont ‘of the draw- ing-room, and empty it into Maple’s bed ?” “ For this “Rather !” “We'll do it.” “ Fish and all?” “ Yes, We can carry it together,” Right you are,” replied Harvey. ‘I’m on.” They were passing by the studios of the sixth form, one of which was occupied by Hunston, senior, who, as a big boy and an exceptional sort of pupil, had a right to one. “ Hark |’ whispered Harvey. Harry Hunston was speaiing jana they could see his brother Arthur and Maple througk a chink of the door. “‘ He's knocked me about. pretty well,” exclaimed Hun- ston, senior, ‘and I did not think he could fight, but the faot is, his wind is good, and I am outof training. But I'll have my revenge—if I don’t, ’ll eat my hat. If I can’t be revenged one way, I will another.” “How 2” said Maple, . “You leave that tome. I’m not the fellow to stick at trifles, I don’t have my teeth knocked down my throat for nothing.” ¥ “TJ should think not,” said Maple. “T hate that fellow Harkaway, or Bedington, or what- ever his name is, and eee Age remarked Arthur Hunston; “and now I hate more than ever. He is bef ena me.” * T know how we got a fellow we didn’t like kicked out of the navy,” observed his brother. “How was that?” “T'll tell you some day when we take a walk in the cmd I don’t like to tal here, because you never know eat : ‘) ” Tee CATE Ge ten, rete passed on, > do “They mean. to ‘ou some harm in an underhand way, that is clear,” sai P iaeree : “Tf they can.” 4 “ What’s to prevent them ?” “Oh, don’t bother yourself about shadows. I tell you| I’m not afraid of them,” replied Jack, im; “ The dinner bell rang, and they went into the iayatory to wash and brush their hair before dinner, ; In spite of Jack’s easy manner, he could not disguise from himself that there was danger in the hatred of such a young man as Harry Hunston. He had been dismissed from the navy for bad conduct, 80 he-boasted that he would stick at , and was capable of anything. { CHAPTER I. had | of the boys and the other half of masters, it was a fair he was } any other .| maliciously practicing yentriloquism in school ho | create a dis' and lay among the shells and sand, with all sorts of beastly big, shark-like fisk swimming rommd me, Ifeel | quite wet and slippery. Inever had such a peculiar or before, and I can’t bring myself to believe it isn’t real. y Go to sleep, and don’t bother me with your sharks,” said Jack, é There was a momentary silence. Suddenly Maple exclaimed— “ Hallo y “ At it again, are you?” cried Jack, ‘TI shall have to lick you, my boy, if you aren’t quiet.” “‘Tve caught a fish,” said Maple, “A what?” ; “A fish,” “ Caught your grandmother,” replied Jack derisively. *‘ And here’s another, and the bed’s wet through and through, Am I atsea, or where ami? Can I haye been drowned!” HEA : : ae my opinion you're going off your nut,” answered Maple, however, sprang out of bed, and pulled up the blind, which let the moon-light through and enabled him to see that his bed was literally soaked through, Fish of all sorts were moving about, and a pretty mess there-was in the sheets, what with sand and shells and the rest of it. ‘What a shame!” exclaimed’ Maple. ‘I'll tell Mr, Crawcour of this. Here’s a trout anda goldfish, and a horrid red-looking thing, You'll gétit for this, Jack.” “Why, you little disguster,” said Jack, “do you mean to sayI did it? I'll skin youif you tell stories about me,” ; i “~ Somewhat alarméd, Maple answered: ‘TI did not mean to say it was you, but—” i “You'd better not, that’s all.” “It’s very oddythough,” continued Maple, ‘‘ and some-~ body mist haye put all these thinge in my bed ; they could not have come there of their own accord.” ; **No one said they could,” ‘¢ Will you let me sleep in your bed to-night, Jack?” “No, Dll see you hanged first, and then I won't,” ‘Why not?” “‘ Because I hate sneaks,” Maple turned to Harvey, but he was equally obdurate, and at last he rolled himself up inthe counterpane an slept on the floor, vowing that he’d let Mr, Crawcour know all about it in the morning, and then somebody would find out his mistake.” Jack employed himself, with Harvey’s help, in picking up the fish and shells as well as he could, and putting them back in the glass bowl, which he filled with water from the jug. ‘Only one carp was dead, and that he threw up the chimney.” 4 Then he carried the aquarium down stairs and put it back in its usual place, nN _ Maple watched Jack at work, and could not help say- ing: “T know it was you, Harkaway, and 1’ tell of you as sure as fate, “Will you? then you shall have something to tell about,” answered J: adding, “Ha ; Oldman, get the poker and rake fish down I shied up the chim- ney. S arvey did so andheld it out in his hdna, nicely cov ered with soot, ~ ‘ «You like fish and you shall eat it,” exclaimed Jack, sieges oy ee by the neck. , id +? eat that nasty thing ?” “Yes, soot and all.” S «It isn’t cooked.” * All the better. Shove it down his throat, Harvey, if he won’t chew it, while I hold him tight." A little pressure under the ears caused Maple to opan his mouth. 232 The fish was put in, and, to avoid yen. choked, he | was obliged to eat, which he did slowly an st. “Ts it pone Yee Jack, Yes,” ans Maple, witha gle, as he d down ie last bitef the head, adding wiitve ghatdoes “Oh! Ifeelso iland sick! Let me lie still; etme — die.” . ve Th _ Jack laughed, and said : si <p hat teach you to sneak about me; and if you t me into a row for this, I'll have it out of you some- © ow.” ; i : “JI never sneak again—never, never,” muttered Maple. ay ey ‘Then T’ye done you some good, and you'll grow up _ a decent connate which you ought to truly thank your — This Grom ud Yack ‘aid. Haphdy stent to. baal” aple ned, any an I went to bed ‘again, leaving the wretched victim’ of their cure for sn to t his supper. ee ar uss However ply Maple might haye felt, he took very good care not to incur Jack’s resentment bysaying — anything, which was all the more agreeable to Jack, as_ to be tried by a jury, as we have said, in threo days, and his sentence would have Venom ree complaint was made agaimst him. ~~ Mr, Craweour expected great results from his new system of trial by jury. As half the jury was com) and impartial tribunal. = ee When the time came the jury was selected, and sat in Mr. Orawcour’s study, ; . The case against Jack was stated by Mr. Mole, and on Maple’s eyidence against him he was found bance, make the boys laugh, aud On t inishmen’ of the rf
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, be + when a fellow wants to HARKAWAY AFLOAT. Jack thought he had got off very well, as he infinitely ) money when it was once given mto his hands except for preferred the silent’ system to being soundly birched, and | the gratifieation of his own pleasure. ulated himself on his good luck, He would drink beer ana spirits in town, and play at ‘“\ week will'soon pass,” he said to himself; ‘(and I | billiards at the inn when there wasa holiday and he haye several books I want to read. ‘I shall be able to get through ‘ Robinson Crusoe’ during play hours, which I shouldn’t have been able to do if I had been playing at prisoner’s base or hoppy in the playground.” pe So Jack put a good face on it and went about smiling, though no one addressed a word to him, for fear of + being themselves punished for such a breach of disci- une, The insurgent spirit which for the last half day had pervaded the school, from the highest to the lowest, had passed away. - The boys spoke of the barring out with pride, but didn’t hint at doing such a thing again, In fact, Mr. Craweour’s authority was restored, and his heart was cheered by the efforts his wife made to help him in his business. She behaved now asa schoolmaster’s wife shonld; at- tended to the boys, and spoke to them in a motherly manner, The week passed quickly as Jack had expected, and though the enforced silence was irksome he bore it bravely, and did not murmur, for he knew he had been wrong, and had sense enongh to know that order could not reign in the schoo) if the boys did not obey their masters. He did not mind the infliction of a fair amount of pun- ishment when he knew he had deserved it, One day a circumstance occurred which enabled his enemies to have their revenge upon him ina remarkable manner, He received a letter from little Emily. It contained a post-office order for two pounds ten, Which she said were her sayings for two years, and she did not know what better to do with the money than send it to her dear old Jack, She had thought of giving 1t to the missionaries, but she had changed her mind, In conclusion she begged him not to say a word about it to anybody, as her father, Mr. Scratchley, would be very angry ig by any means he heard she had broken pen her money-box and sent its contents to him. Jack took Harvey on one side and showed him the | said tter. \ “* We'll go into the town,” he exclaimed, “‘and get it changed, and go to the pastry shop and have a tuck 1n, I owe Mrs, Croy some money, and I'll pay her,” “All right,” said Harvey, “Won't it be jolly ?” And his mouth watered at the prospect of unlimited tarts, cheese, cakes and cream. ‘* Don’t say a word, because if Mr. Crawcour heard of it be might write to Mr, Scratchley, and I don’t want to get Emily into a row.” “Not I,” answered Harvey. “I’m as tight as wax asecret, I shan’t blab.” By some chance Maple overheard this conversation, ends hastening to Hunston, senior, he repeated it to “Well, what of i?” said Harry Hunston. “Why, I'll tell you,” replied Maple, his wicked little ..@yestwinkling maliciously, ‘‘My father sent me two pounds ten yesterday, and I hayen’t touched it.” ' Pin of Sy + na e 4 3) ‘ Suppose I were to give 1t to you to mind for me ? “ Where is it now ?” “In my desk.” “ It’s quite safe there.” ‘*Yes, I know,” said Maple; “but you don’t under- org do t,” replied Hunston, senior, blunily 0, m’t,” replied Huns' senior, blunily. “4 Vibe f somebody stole it, and swear I saw Jack at “Oh,” ejaculated Hunston, ‘TI smell a mice; in other words to twig.” “You see,” continued Maple, “he won’t admit that he has had any money, because of this Emily who sent him rho ** But he can proye payment of the order.” “He can if he likes, but I tell you he won't, I know him better than youdo, If he says a thing he sticks to it. We'll ve that he has had two pounds ten, Dll ‘say I have lost that sum, and if he can’t and won’t ac- count for the money he’s ie will say he stole mine. If he does clear hi , and tell about this girl Emily, I can say I’m sorry for accusing him, and there’s ears ad to ae ‘unston, enough to try on,” said Huns’ senior. a eae “atten,” cried Maple, “for making me eat that fish and lots of other things, Whenever he passes me he pulls my ears or kicks me, and calls mea sneak.” “You don’t hate the big slashing brute more than I do, my dear boy,” answered Harry Hunston, f ly. Cf havent forgotten the hiding he gave me, nor éver “Will you help me in my plan?” pos Bg AM i. bring you the’ coin and to-night I'l begin to sing out abour Sas 083,” said Maple, Its a good dodge,” answered Hunston, senior. “What will the chief do with him, do you think? Send him away?” f / “No, he'll birch him. Crawcour does not send fel-, _Jows away ; it doesn’t pay. But the birching isn’t much; he'll soon get over that. It won’t hurt after a day or two. ~ What I am thinking of is the shame he will feel, and the fine chaff we can have against him.’ ? “So wecam. He won't like being called a thief.” “ All the sixth form will cut him, and even his friend, Collinson, will have to give him the cold shoulder Say “he has been found out thieving,” exclaimed | } good idea,” said Hunston, senior, Pivigs Bi like a brick, Go and get the $ | could get out. Maple little imagined that the money was not safe in Hunston, senior’s, hands, or his miserly little heart would have been broken, and he would haye given up his idea of vengeance upon Jack. Our hero meanwhile, was perfectly unconscious of the plot in preparation against him. But the mine was soon.to burst, as his enemies were active, and that very night Maple began to talk about his loss, It is very unpleasant to everyone in a school when money is lost, and the boys soon began to take an inter- est in it. Jack was almost the last to,hear of it, and the infor- mation came from Harvey. ‘“‘ What do you think?” exclaimed the latter, ‘‘ Maple’s lost his money.” ‘A good job, too, I’m glad of it, the dirty little cur,” answered Jack. ’ ‘* But he says you have bagged it.” “T2 Does he say that?” Jack cried, coloring up an- grily. ‘* Well, he doesn’t exactly say so inso many words, but he says he saw you at his locker to-day.” * That's odd, I did go to his desk,” ‘this afternoon to borrow a ruler, It was the only desk : ibd unlocked ,and as he wasn’t there I took it. Where is he 2” Up at the other end of the room, talking to Hunston senior, and Collinson.” “Pil give him something for talkiag about me,” ex- claimed Jack, compressing his lips tightly together. The’ boys were preparing their lessons for the next day ; some were talking, some writing, others reading. Mr. Mole, the master in charge, was out of the roem. “ Maple,” said Jack, addressing his enemy, ‘‘ What do you mean by saying I took your money ?” “T only said I = you might have done it out— out of a lark,” said Maple, turning pale. Jack caught him a stinging box on the ears. Maple began to ery, and got behind Collinson, who ‘Don’t hit the fellow; I won’t have it. He was com- plainizg to meas head of the school, and I won’t have him touched,” “Why does he go and tell lies about me?” yelled Jack, his eyes flashing indignantly. ‘* How do I know they are lies?” ‘Oh, Collinson !”” exclaimed Jack, looking hurt; ‘ you can’t believe I would steal anything 2?” “T did not say so, but the charge must be inquired in- to, Here’s Mr. Mole. I will speak to him.” “The senior master approached Collinson, saying, ‘Who is that crying? I was walking in the yard when I heard a dismal wail.” “ Harkaway Bedington struck by ald ‘«That was wrong. Iam afraid, ‘kaway, you have afondness for bu g, and you know Mr, Crawcourt does not like it,” Mr, Mole, addressing Jack. ‘He deserved it, sir.” \ “No matter; 1f he is impertinent, you should com- plain to me.” “The fact is, sir, Maple has lost two pounds ten out of his cel exclaimed Collinson ; and he says that he saw Harkaway there, and just after he had taken some- missed the money.” : ' ae out he “Oh, indeed,” observed Mr. Mole, looking grave, “It seems very curious, sir,” remarked a boy named Jackson, ‘But’ yesterday Harkaway was 80 hard up that he borrowed a shilling from me, “Yes,” said Hunston, junior, ‘“Isaw him do that, and to-day he was in the pastry-cook’s with Harvey, when I was there. He paid his tick, and he and Harvey ate nearly everything in the shop.” “This is very strange,” Mr. Mole exclaimed, What have you to say, Harkaway ?” Jack was silent. He could have cleared himself in a moment, but he had said he would not betray Emily, whose request to preserve secrecy about her present to him was sacred in his eyes, and his dogged, obstinate nature would not al- low him to break his word. Yet he could see how cleverly he was caught in the meshes of the net prepared for him by his enemies, though he did not suspect them, just then, of being so base as to have plotted for his annoyance.” He thought Maple was sincere in saying that he fan- Jack was the thief. “ Have those boys spoken the truth?” continued Mr, Mole, in a loud and severe voice, Everyone looked at Jack, whose face grew deadly pale. OHAPTER Itt, THIEF! THIEF! 3 ‘92 WELL !” cried Mr, Mole, impatiently; “can’t you 2). eens ey, Yeplied. Jack, | t' A murmue of astonishment ran round the little circle of boys, “ Foolish fellow,” said Mr. Mole, with more kindness than he usually displayed. ‘“‘ Don’t you see that the onky way to clear your character is:to account for the B= sion of the money you are proved to haye had? By the way, how much you this afternoon ?” “Two pounds ten, sir.” “The very amount Maple has lost,” cried Mr. Mole, exchanging a significant glance with Collinson, «All in gold it was,” put in Maple. * Silence !? exclammed the senior master, see the foree of what I say, Harkaway 2?” “Yes, sir.” “« And yet you won’t speak ?” “T cannot; as I said before, I have my reasons,” “Do you deny taking, or I should say stealing the money of Maple’s?” ; “Certainly I do. I never knew he had it in his desk, I am not a thief, sir,” Jack replied, o) and boldly, **Tt is very odd,” said Mr. Mole, in perplexity. ** He had it safe enough,” exclaimed Maple, “ Will you hold your ae ah Tf not, I shall send you to bed without any supper!’ Mr. Mole exclaimed, Maple subsidec, ‘« Harkaway did not take the money, sir,” said a voice. It was Harvey. ; “ What do you know about it?” asked the senior mas« r. “ He could clear himself in a moment, if he liked,” ** How ?” Harvey was about to when Jack said : i “* Harvey, remember what you promised, If I don’t say anything, I don’t want you to, Harvey was s‘ont. ** Come, cor vice, do not jesitate,” Mr, Mole said, But Harvey remained obstinately silent. “ Tt’s as clear as daylight,” exclaimed the irrepressible Maple. “ Of course he stands in—” J . Mole seized Maple by the collar, and put himin a corner with his face to the wali, un “Just you stop there til the supper-bell rings,” he ex ed, The boys laughed and Maple made a wry face, hat re- ‘oltes ie the “fool’s corner” ali th sam knowing that the senior master was not to be *ritie.. wil Then returning to Jack, Mr. Mole ic, very seriong. ly: “Look here, must repeat it to Mr, Crawcour, You are accused -” Wolly guapeotod of stealing *t muoo th Ww su of st money can’t mince the matter, ada oath must say in all candor; that the evi- dence, so far as I have heard it, points in yourdi: Does it not, now, I ask you?” “Don yor - sir, it does, and I don’t blame you for your re | imac? , ; 5 “Then my duty is clear, by your own admission. I must consult the Principal.” if “Very well, sir.” / “ You still refuse to speak?” “T cannot say anything more than that I am inn and perhaps you will know all some day,” Jack, in a tone of resignation, Pn ’ Mr. Mole looked at him and left the room, A buzz of conversation instantly arose, and the matter was loudly and generally discusse . “ Collinson,” ex ed Jack, — ’ , “Don’t talk to me,” ied the captain of the school, “Why not? We used to be such friends,” “ “Used to be.” ten ay any woplegmant, e ase 4 lon’t wan! 88; leasant 3 way ” des fe Collinson; ‘thorefore, if’ you have any regard for your feelings, you won't ak 8, ton, very well,” replied Jack, looking hurt and turn- away. ; iy “Tell him what he is,” said Hunston, senior, BNE eer Pe Jack, facing him sharply. In an instant Jack struck at him, and sent him rolling over a form half stunned. : ‘Then he caught upa ruler and’ brandished it threatens ly. ee “Don’t any of you touch m Wr) Von ae if you do, by George, I'll floor the me.” The crowd shrank back, . 2 “Tm not a thief, whatever you may think,” he con- aia “and I don’t mean to stand any nonsense or umbug. acc Whatever ition Collinson and the other members of thesixth ma unprovoked assault upon Hunston, they did not ives to interfere with him, and retired down the xoom | 7 where Harvey was rege A small hiss pee ich grew into a Some one said, “‘ and “Thief! ral chorus, 1? was heard on all sides. ! jd you 80: ,andT s cume , 1: you can do your friend a ser- Harkaway; this is no trifling maiter. .. rection, may have had to resent, his jsudden but rob — te °
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4 Tt wont kill me,” replied Jack, with smile, “Til burt, though, confoundedly.” «J shall think it is for Emily’s sake,” “J wont try and argue the point with you, because you know best.” Jack was about to reply, when Mr. “fole entered, teil~ ing him that Mr. Orawcovr war%ed umm in his study, He rose, and slowly followed the senior master to the Principal’s room. His heart fluttered a little, but he determined not to GeO Way. os CHAPTER IV. IN TROUBLE AGAIN, Mr. Crawoovur looked up 2s Jack entered and ex- claimed: “Oh, here you are, Bedington. What is this Mr. Mole A ; me? * About einige money, sir?” answered Jack, “Yes; has extracted a sum from his desk, 1 wish my boy’s friends would not send them so much atatime, It is only a temptation to them and to others, Iam told that the evidence peints to you as the ~akem !—the culprit.” “© know nothing aboutit, sir.” € Do you persist in that denial?” “¢ Undoubtedly.” ; “Tn that case there will be nothing for it but to have you tried by my new system of the jury; and that you jnay have nothing to complain of, the twelve shall be all chosen from your schoolf by yourself, and Collin- son shall be the judge. Is that fair ? “Ttseems so, sir.’ * And you will not think it unjust if I inflict upon you any punishment the judge sentences you to?” “No, sir. I can’t clear myself, so I suppose I must : mt up with it; still I should be glad if you did not be- ve me guilty. «« What else can I do?” answered the Principal. “ Circumstances are against me, IT may be mischievous and troublesome, but I am not so bad astothieve. Be- sides, why should1? I can always get money from home by writing for it.” “I know your friends are rich. But I must do my duty for the sake of example. Sleep over the matter, and perhaps to-morrow morning you may have changed your mind and be inclined to speak. If you can clear yourself as you say, it is sheer insanity to remain silent, You ean go now.” , Jack went away and spent the evening in preparing his _ lessons for the morrow. ‘ The master being in the room, the boys did not tease geck at “ase though in going up to bed he was chaffed on the 3. However, he bore it with fortitude, and treated his ene- mies with contempt. The next day he, at Mr. Crawcour’s request, selected twelve of the boys from the sixth form to try him, \ They went into the evidence, and, as a matter of course, Ptocittiivont paabe sate him, that a b lollinson passed sentence mn. saying that a boy who could commit so mean eration as to steal another’s et-money deserved to be birched. i Accordingly, Jack had to Imeel down before a chair, in the middie of the room, in thej presence of the whole school, and Mr. Mole and Mr. Stonor held him, while “Mr. Crawcour gave him twenty strokes with a birch. He got up tingling with the pain, but not caring much for it, as he mew he had not deserved it, and took his next to Harvey, a8 usual, Silence reigned in the school, and the ordinary work of the day was proceeded with. ri) ing boys, saying that as Jack had been dealt with he hoped they would not make’ his life miserable and chaif him about the theft. _ But Jack was decidedly cut, Harvey stuck to him, and during the play hour walked around with him, Jack was @ull, and did not speak much, “Don’t be down in the mouth, old fellow,” said Harvey. “T can’t help it,” answered Jack, ‘There is a fatality about me. Everything I do is wrong, andI am sure to get into rows somehow, whether I deserve it or not.” “ What will you do now? Write to Emily ?” ~- “No, They have done their worst, I shall simply fefy the whole school, and the masters included, I ghan’t write to Emily,” said Jack, putting his fists did when he was determined. Harvey, in surprise. do?” continued Jack, “If 7) found out some day.” “Tt don’t think if has,” **Don’t you? That view of the question never oc- @urred to me before.” _ “J think he did it out of revenge, and Hunston, senior, Becked him up in it.” ; f Yl make it my business to find oct, But of this I in, ‘wmdiscovered, If they have done me this great wro: _ §& will all come home to them.” t af #Shut them up at once, Jack,” exclaimed Harvey. You can do it by writing to Emily.” ‘was formerly chums with cut me? I shall know who ; a are in future. It will be rather fine to be wi at being chaffed and '- Mr. Crawcour spoke to Collinson and some of the lead- God never allows a wicked action to pass P ys , “JT won't. What does it matter tome if the fellows 1}. the hares HARKAWAY AFLOAT. dozen of them; one down and the other come on,” re- bh him a cheer when he set off at @ plied Jack, fiercely. “You gave Hunston, senior, a regular nose-ender last ht,” observed Harvey, with a laugh. *Served the ~ overgrown brute right, too, That fellow is a beast. He has a bad face.” v “So Ithink, Iwonder how the tooth you made him swallow, when you milled him, agreed with him ida “Here he is, Let’s walk away, Oome to the field; we shall be alone then. 1 don’t want another row wil him,” said Jack, hastily. And they moved away. They had not gone far before they met Collinson, and they were passing by without speaking, when the captain of the school said : “Oh, Harkaway, I want a word with you, if you can spare me a moment,” “ Oertainly,” answered Jack, in his usual good-natured, cheery manner. ; “ At this time of the year, February, we always start our paper chase, T think f spoke to you about it last “ Yes.” *¢ Will you lead one for us?” *T might steal your paper,” answered Jack, sarcasti- cally, “Don’t chaff,” replied Collimson, “If you were guilty, it does not follow that you are always to be taunted with it, andas you and Harvey are two of the best runners in the school, and the longest-winded, and you know the country p: well, we want you to lead us a good chase, Will you do it?” “T don’t mind,” replied Jack. ‘‘ But if you have such a bad opinion of me as to think that I stole—” ‘<We won't talk about that. I hope itis not so, I be- lieve you to be innocent. I do, indeed; but appearances were against you, and are now.” “Thank you for that,” said Jack, warmly, ‘I'll lead your paper chase, but I would not have done it before, You will all find out your mistake some day, but at pres- ent I cannot put myself right.” “T hope sincerely you will. You cannot have a better well-wisher than I am,” replied Collinson. ‘I am very much in the position in which you are,” Jack wrung his proffered hand. “Then, continued Collinson, ‘I will tell the fellows that you and Harvey willlead the chase with pleasure.” They separated, and Jack said to Harvey: Collinson isa stunner, He sets a good example tothe school ; wo shan’t get another captain like him when he’s gone.” “<He leaves next half.” “Yes, I know, to go to Oxford.” ae Have you ever led a paper chase before?” asked ‘arvey. “No, but I know all about it, as I have heard the fel- lows talc,” **Ive been here longer than you, and we had several beauties last year, Do you know the line of country?” “Not much,” answered Jack. Well, I do. Ihave been all gbout for miles’ round, and the best way is to go as the bird flhws and take all the ditches one comes to.” “Have you got any bags to put the paper in?” “Yes, and I have some paper left over from last year, We must get all the old papers and 8 we can find to tear up, for I mean to give them a winder this time. Col- linson knows I am the best runner in the school, and al- ways had the best chance, and he also knows I wouldn’t go without you, which—” «¢ Accounts for his asking me to lead,” said Jack, “ Tixactly.” “ Never mind; I don’t hate any of them, I daresay I should behave as they have done if circumstances had been different. Let’s go and get the paper ready.” “ All right; I’m your man,” answered Harvey. And they went together to the school-room, where Har- vt fay Boe fa benen ¢ fill them with hich They soon began to em. paper, w! the tore into little bits, mg ‘ Each boy who led was accustomed to carry two bags, one slung over each shoulder, In starting, they had a quarter of an hour’s grace al- lowed them, 4 That is to say, the head of the following party, or the hounds, took out his watch when the leaders of the hares, as they aro sometimes called, started, and counted ‘teen minutes, They all ran along in their track quickly. The leaders dropped bits of paper in the roads and fe fields as they went, to show the direction they had taken, If they jumped, oc swam, or plu: through a brook —of which there are plenty in Hertfordshire—they left paper on each side. So that the hounds or followers eould plainly see which bites stg had gone, though they were far away and out of sight. The object of the chase was to catch the hares before they could get home ayain ; and there were many good run- ners in the school, so that the chase was always an inter- esting feature in outdoor amusements of the boys. Two better, or stronger, or swifter hares than Jack and Harvey could not have been selected. We must give an account of the chase, which might by be uninteresting, because it y etafe re to an occur- rence which proved of some value to Jack, CHAPTER V. THE PAPER OHASE.| THE occasion chosen for the ‘hare and hounds,” or paper chase, was a half-holiday. N Dinner was over at a quarter of two, and at half-past started. ig _ ‘The boys seemed to have forgotten x the supposed swinging jog elbows went into his side, bent and head thrown a little forward, with Harvey on his left hand. Thin and wiry, Harvey was a splemdid runner, and when he boasted that he did not think the hounds could catch him, he was not bragging idly. Perhaps Collinson’s sensible conduct in woking out Jaok to lead the chase had some effect on the boys, If the sixth form frowned on him and led a persecu- th | tion, all the lower boys would follow, as a matter 3¢ course, But Collinson really liked Jack in his heart. } He could not help thinking him guilty of stealing; Maple’s money, although he could not understand the} why and wherefore, but he made an allowance for him im a spirit of true Ohristian charity, and did not want to sea him sent to Coventry again, and this time by the consont of his schoolfellows. In fact, he had by his generous behavior done much to remove the prejudice existing against Jaek, which was fostered in every way by Maple and the two Hunstons, They raised an objection to “following a thief,” but as they did not find any one to agree with them, made up their minds to join the hunt, rather than lose the fun of it, Harvey and Jack were in excellent form, and cut out the pace at a rate which promised to baffle their pur suers, The country thereabouts was admirably fitted for Just the sort of ie they were indulging in. It was flat and moist, rich meadows were intersected by ditches full of water and streams, the hedges were but stunted bushes on raised banks. There was scarcely any wind, so that the paper lay where it fell, and the trail was perfect. “Do you kmow Black Adder Wood, Jack?” said Hare yey. eh I’ve heard of it,” answered Jack, ‘though I’ve never been there. It’s on my father’s estate, a mile or two beyond the Willow Copse. They say it grows good blackberries.” « J should think it did, too, That’s just what took me there, and the recollection of a very tidy stomach-acho brings it forcibly before me. Blackberries are awful _ things to give a fellow the mully-grubs, But what I waa going to say is this, it wouldn’* be a bad lark to take the hounds through the wood. On the other side there is a lot of plowed Jand leading down into the main road, which we could use aS an easy means of making for home, “T don’t mind,” replied Jack, ‘though I must confess I should not like to get lost in wood.” They had stopped to talk. Suddenly they heard a shout, ~ i It came from the hounds, Jack climbed up a tree, which gave him a view of the surrounding country, ‘Funston, senior, Collinson and Maple are Jeading,* he said, ‘+ And very pretty play with their legs they are making, too.” “ Wire in,” answered Harvey, starting again. Putting on the steam and throwing a little life into it, as Jack ob- served, they were soon out of sight. So they went on until they reached the confines of Black Adder Wood, a wild and extensive piece of time ber-covered land, which was never interfered with or thinned out, Occasionally the wanderer in its depths would come across a couple of swarthy fellows, who looked like de- mons, but who, in reality, were nothing more than char~ coal-burners, f They had a hut in the wood where they lived for three or four days and nights, only going into the town on Friday night, and staying in their regular homes till the beginning of the next week, The boys pbnged into the weod, pushing their way through, and making the trail lie as well aa they could, but it was hard work. “T wish we had kept to the open,” sdid Jack. you sure you know your way through?” “J think so, We can’t go back now, because we should be caught if we did, and that would look foolish,” an- swered seine © “It was a stupid thing to leave the Sin res be ing twigs, how they hurt!” cried Jack, branches, which would fly in his face, “That's what you said yesterday, when the Principal was performing, wasn’t it?” said Harvey, with a sly “Are «J ghall answer you, as somebody says to the queen, in Virgil: £ Oh! cruel queen, you order me to ale | ief.” Birching is one of the delicate operations w! ought not to be alluded to out of echook so with your kind permission we will drop it.”? Harvey laughed, and said: x “ By the way, Jack, it would be a jolly spree to make the hounds lose themselves in the wood, by breaking off the trail, If they came to a break, they’d hunt here and there and get utterly fogged at last.” ; “ Let’s do it, and start the trail again on the other side of the road, Some of them will strike it, 4 a right. Don’t throw any more paper,” Harvey obr served, They 8 casting bla paper and pressed on. Tt seemed as if they would never come to the extrem ity of the wood. An hour or more had passed since they entered it,. The shonts of boys calling loudly to one another showed that the hounds had entered the wood and had lost their way, as Jack and Harvey had anticipated they would, _ By ceasing to cast down paper, the hounds had be- come puzzled, While the leaders did so, the followers could always ee the main track. \ ow they were all at sea, ; “« Hexe’s a pretty how-d’ye-do,” laughed Harvey, stands ing still in a small, open glade which bad some bundles Cte 2 it, put there oe : the keepex ‘Yes, it’s a nicestart, ‘8 my Queer szvet * replied Jack, 0
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- —_—— “Te we could only find one of fhe paths used by th ars eheke Panik, d I'm getti Kish, I didn’t vs i lark, ani m getting peckish, 7e nivel forest at dinner to-day, so that I might run better, and now I féel as empty as an old drum,” **T could do with a chop and some muffins,” answered Harvey; “but it’s my idea we shan’t have the luck to tumble across anything till we get home.” “Which may not be till next week,” ‘* Dem’t croak,” said Harvey. They were bewildered and perplexed, not knowing ‘which way to turn, and the growing darkness threatened 36 add materially to their troubles, “Hark! what’s that?” said Jack, Both listened. * NG ae hide! It’s Maple and Hunston, senior,” con- tinued Jack, almost, forcing his companion behind the trunk of a large tree. Hunaston, senior, and Maple were quarreling. “*T don’t believe a word you say,” exclaimed Maple. “It’s true; when I first got lost in this infernal woodT stumbled across some fellows with fires, burning char- coal,” #aid Harry Hunston. “It is very odd I didn’t see them.” “You were not in that direction. They are on the eastern side, and this is the western; and, asI take it—” "And they robbed you ?” “*'Yes.”? What did they steal from you?” “(4 likely story. growled Maple, * He knew he could afford to be impudent and familiar with Hunston, senior, becaiise they were accomplices in the plot to ruin Jack’s honor. “ Why, all Thad; your two pounds ten, I mean,” Jack squeezed Harvey’s arm convulsively. “Do you hear that ?” he whispered, hoarsely. “Listen,” returned Harvey, in the same tone. “ What shall I do?’ said Maple ; “ that tin was to have | % lasted the half, and now I shan’t be able tobuy a walnut. ra pear, or an apple. Ishan’t have any tarts or sweet stuff. What a nuisance! Are you sure it isall gone?” “ Quite suré. @ Just as you took the money out of your locket, I put it into my pocket; the charcoal-burners rushed at me; one held me, while the others turned my pockets inside out.” There was an air of sincerity about Hunston, senior’s, aarrative which convinced Maple that the prospect of see- ing his money back again was very slight indeed, “TI wish those charcoal-burners had been, I know where, before they had my money,” he said, “Don’t stand jawing there, you young donkey,” cried oe “T want to get home Sietore it’s quite ark,” ga on, then, I can’t help being wild,” Maple d. They moved in the direction of a path in the, brush- wood, which ‘was just what Harvey was looking for. It was the footway used by the ‘charcoal-burners, which Hunston had hit ppon, accidentally. ~ it i | forward before they had gone more than 5 few steps, J “Stop a bit, Hunston,” he said, putting himself before him. “TI have something to say to you before you go any further,” i oe senior, turned pale, visible even in the dim ight. Maple tried to get. away, but Harvey caught him by dhe neok and nearly throttled him. ; “Oh, don’t! don’t hurt me, Harvey !” he whined, “*T'll do anything you ask me.. I willindeed, Oh, I wish I had never come here,” “Shut up,” war Harvey’s reply. « Foe a monacut there was a dead rilence, CHAPTER VL, SUNSHINE AFTER STORM, “Waar do you want?” asked Harry Hunston, stand- ing at bay. 5 ve ought to know as well as any one,” answered ‘acl “Tf I did, I should not ask you. What's 6%’ Hunston continued, affecting a bol tending to brazen it out. . “T have overheard ee conversation, Mr, Maple,” “Listeners never hear any good of themselves, 1 thought you were mean enough for anything, and now I el it,” sleek CA aire ; am not so mean as to get up a plot to take away a fellow’s character because I hate him,” y “ We'll talk about that when we get home,” **No, we won’t; Ihave found you out.” “Youve got to prove it, and my word is as good as yours,” Hunston replied, * You will come with me to the charcoal-burners, and I will ask them what money they took from you.” * Tshall do nothing of the sort; make me.” eee folded his arms and assumed an attitude of CO, “Pye eked you once and I can do it again,” Jack re- plied; ‘and by Jove TP’! thrash you within an inch of your life, if you don’t walk before me to those men, I am determined to sift this matter to the bottom, now that { have begun.” i “Oh, you are. Come on then. I can stand a little pun- sahitg ; and perhaps you won't have it all your own way tuls time.” 5 ’ ‘ nth ack knew the ace of a first blow, and seeing that enemy meant business, he dashe & i mated ans ton Six ke an ox. d out his right and } e was standing over him in an inetant, and as s he got on his knees hit him again, : ep “You coward !” said Hunston, lying on the grass. It isn’t fair to hit a man when he’s down.” **T don’t mean to fight fairly with you,” Jack rejc aed. “TI shall take every advantage I can.” funston, senior, tried to get up; but he was knocked ever again, his nose and mouth streaming with blood. \ our little air, and HARKAWAY AFLOAT. In fact, Jack had it all his own way. He was not fighting fairly, and he knew it; but with such an opponent he thought any means justinable, “* Will you do as I tell you?” said Jack, seeing Hunston did not attempt to rise. “No, I shalf lie here. “You'll have to drag me; I won’t walk. Perhaps you'll kick me; you’re brute enough !” exclaimed Hunston, senior, “T shan’t kick you; but I’ll ext a stick from one of these trees and leather you with it till you consent to go with me, I’m not joking. If I say I'll tan you, I will, Jack bent down a bough and cut from it a long pliable switch which he brought in contact with Hunston’s shoulders with a will. He soon tried to get up and meet his assailant on more equal terms; but Jack was too quick for him and he went to grass again. “You'd better knock under,” Jack exclaimed, holding the switch in the air, “Allright, Your one toomany for me,” replied Hun- ston. ‘I'll go quietly if you'll leave off.” Jack let him get up, which he did with a cowed and sullen air; and, without saying a word, he led the way threngh the forest, taking the ta we have mentioned which led direct to the charcoal-burners’ hawnt. * Don’t you attempt to bolt,” said Jack, ieee of “Till be the worst for you if you do; ’'m justin the hu- mor to warm you again.” ~ - But Hunston was not in the humor to do go, His heart was full of anger and hate; but he was bruised, bleeding and in pain. For the time at least he was thoroughly beaten. What his thoughts were the reader can imagine, Shame was mingled with fear, and his mind was with conflicting emotions, The walk was not long, Night now fell fast, and it was difficult to make pro- Tess. So much so that they all felt’ a sense of rélief when a bright glare brought them in sight of the charcoal- burners’ haunt. It was a wild, weird scene, They had chosen an open space in the heart of the for- est, on one side was a hut, in which: they slept and had their meals, Tt was composed of stakes driven in the ground, be- tween which branches were twined. -Outside: of this, again, were walls of turf, and the roof was thatched with straw. The charcoal was smoldering in heaps, and ‘the men were sitting round the fire, smoking their pipes, and drinking something out of a bottle. ce Now,” said Jack, ‘‘ which jis the man who robbed you? *¢ Both of them,” answered Hunston; Harvey, holding Maple by the collar of his jacket, as if he were 4 policeman, stood in the background, ** Tsay, my men,” cried Jack, “Servant, sir; what is it?” answered one of the men, respectfully, “This young gentleman says you have robbed him of two poundsten. Is this true?” “Lord love you, sir, we never robbed anyone in our lives. We're poor chaps, but honest, and gets our livin’ a burnin’ this charcoal stuff. ‘*Have you seen him before 2” “ Who 97? “This person before me,’ sald Jaor, “Yes, this afternoon, He said aboutan heur ago he’d lost himself in the wood. We told him which way to go, ae ty: mato ’ere begged a pips o” baccy, which he gave “In that case,” said Jack to Hunston, senior, ‘you have told : Maple -# lie, "Hand out the money or I'll make you, Reluctantly Hunston put his hand in his pocket and produced two pound ten. “Ts all Pye got,” he said. ple gave it me.” “Then you admit that your saying that I stole the money fromthe desk was a conspiracy between Maple ani you?” “ Yes,” ‘ ud money was never taken at all by anybody?” 0.” ¥ pac you repeat this to Mr, Crawcour?” pursued ack, “You can, I shan’t deny it, now I’m bowled out,” “It doesn’t matter much, These men have heard your confession,” Jack replied, triumphantly, adding. ‘What a lying, deceitful, wretched thief you must be! You are not content with telling fulsehoods about me, but you musteven rob your friend,” “Jack,” said a voice in the rear, It was Maple. $6 Naber what do you want?” answered Jack, turning round, ‘Give me my money, will you 2?” “Not a halfpenny of it,” Jack answered, firmly. rie — tell the principal if you stick to it,” observed aple; \ “You may tell him what I did with it, and I think the whole pricage will say Lacted very properly,” Jack an- swer d, “What is that. You've got it now.” “ook here, my man,” continued Jack, to the fore- most charcoal-bugner, who remained standing respect- fully before him, . “ What’s your name?” ig” ‘Sam Adams, sir,” answered the man, me ** And your companion’s 2?” * Bill Simson.” ** Are you married ?” “Yes, sir; both of us.” “And got families ?” “Pye got ten, and Bill’s got twelve, and he’s expectin’? another on ’em shortly, though what todo to pay the doctor he don’t know,” replied Adams. “T suppose five-and-twenty shillings a-piece for you would be acceptable.” “Bless your young heart }” tae man exclaimed, as the There it is, just as Ma~ ¢ tears of emotion stood in his eyes. “* Tt wor ; tune to us; we don’t often make as much as that in rece this nae | claimed Jack, hending it te “ Take money,” ex ‘ ‘ Sam Adams, “ Divide it between you. No questions will be asked. Never mind what that whining cur says to the contrary.” He pointed to Maple. “You've no right to give away my money,” he said, tearftlly. ‘It’s a beastly shame, and Mr, Crawcour will make you give it me back again.” “Willhe? Idon’t think he will. However, I'll take my chance about that, Think that you have done an act of charity, and that the money is of more use as I have adap of it than it ever would have been in your dirty ands, “T suppose it’s'all right, sir,” said Adams. “Don’t look a gift horsein the mouth. My name is Harkaway Bedington, and I’m the son of a gentleman near here,” replied Jack. “What, the gentleman that’s come to live to Willow Copse Hall, along of Lady Mordenfield, who was his wife all along, or something? I don’t quite know what it is, but I heard a talk of something down at the ‘Three Brewers,’ ‘on Saturday night, Why, sir, he’s taken my son on to work in the stables, and a werry nice gentie- man he be.” é 2 .‘* That's all right. Now thank this boy for his present, I’m only the agent in the matter, Maple,” “Yes, Jack.” j “Go and shake them by the hand, Don’t hang back; their hands are honest, my lad, and that’s more than yours aré, Tell them how glad you are to be of use to them, and say you hope the money will do them and their families good. e . Maple hesitated, ey: “What, you won't, you obstinate young beggar! Where is my persuader 2?” fee “Jack picked up the switch he ‘had cut ‘to beat Hunston, senior, with, and which he allowed to fall frona his hand, and shook it over Maple’s back. " “Oh! don't Jack—don’t, please don’t! Tl say any- thing you like, only don’t hit me!” screamed Maple. . “ Cut along, then, and look sharp.” borgir “Maple went to the charcoal-burners and shook their hands timidly, . — “Say what I told you!” crisdack, in an an authorita- tive. voice, hale “Thope you will be benefited by the money IT ld he you, and that it will do you and your family good, said, Y “That's it; now you and Hunston may go: Slope away—hook it—do you hear!” exclaimed Jack, ‘ * Won't you come with us?” asked Harry Hunston, ~~ “Come with you? Not I!” replied Jack, with intense scorn. ‘*I wouldn’tbe seen ata dog fight with either of you, See how you've treated me; I don’t like such con« temptible humbugs. Be off !? ‘ 7 Ese “Which is the way ?” ” a Ne “Wind out.” “ But suppose I can’t.” j : 4 ‘a “Then sleep in the wood, They kicked you out of the quarterdeck, and if you're not good enough for the navy, I’m sure your society is not good enough for me. Don’t stand there, unless you want to have it haieer than you have had it already; that’s all I’ve got 0 Bay. ‘ co Smothering something which sounded yery like a naughty exclamation, Harry Hunston shrugged «his shoulders and bent his back, as he always did when he was annoyed, and, making for the little path, strede into the mazes of the wood. 3) Maple ran after him, receiving a sharp cut from Jack’a: switch as he went. : * “Wait for me, Hunston !” he cried, in -piteous accents, “Oh, do please wait; I shall be lost in the wood, and then I shall die of fright; I know Iyshall! Oh, do, do, wait!” Presently the sound of his voice died away and they were both lost to sight. “ Now,” said Jack, ‘I think itis about time for us to think of making tracks. What doyou say, Dick?” , > Harvey, for whom this remark was addressed, replied in the affirmative. : we: “Tt gets dark at five, and it’s been dark a full hour. sir,” exclaimed Sam Adams, the charcoal-burner, “ es «0 watch, but I can guess the time pretty well, } “Tt's jolly dark, too,” observed Jack, “The moon’ll be up about ten, sir. Would you like to stop wi’ us till then? I’ve got some beer in a bottle; my mate can sing, and we could get up a bit of a blar- ney. ‘No, thank you; we should be missed,” answered Jack, ,“‘ muck obliged all the same to you, my friend, Pve made a mistake in coming into the wood at all, though I’m glad of it for one thing.” sh “Bowling out Hunston,” said Harvey. ios ‘Exactly ; but I think we'll hook it.” f ** You are welcome to stop if you will, sir. But if not, thank’ce for me,” exclaimed (dams, re Jack extended his hand, and did not disdain a drop of beer when it was proffered him, as he was thirsty after his long run. They took leave of their friends, the charcoal-burners, With many exclamations of gratitude ‘on the part of the latter, and receiving instructions which way to go, they struck out in the dark forest. 3 Black enough it was in that dense wood in all con- science, : They could scarcely see their hands before their ‘aces, ; ie Jack’s pluck was a little in excess of his prudence, or — he would have got one of the -burners to show him the way to the open. However he neglected the op= _ portunity and did not accept Adam’s offer, which the lat- — ter bawled out after him as an after-thought. = 7 “It’s all right,” he snouted. ‘We can find our way,” thank you, Good night!” *y “Good night, sir, and many of them, thank you, for us,” answered Sam Adams, eat They followed the path for some time, but at douse i< eae
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S ‘ ta be kicked out’ of it.” contrived to miss it, and went floundering about ina “@ense growth of underwood and trees; “It was excusable in the dark, for the path, such as it was not so big or clear as a sheep track, 6 brambles tore their clothes, and the overlapping éwigs hit them in the face in an irritating manner. A last Jack, who was leading the way, came toa halt. “I say, Dick,” he exclaimed; “it isa case.” *€ A caseof what?” asked Harvey, “ Case of stump. I'll be jiggered if I know where we ” “Then we're in for a night of it,” ] of moss—babes in “Right you are, hollow tree—bed fe wood, and all that sort of thing.” \ TY don’tlike doing the Robinson Crusoe dodge, but if ‘we're in tor it, it?’sno use making any bones about it,” said Harvey, dismally, nie Not a wit; we've got tocamp, and it’s no good cry- *I wondex where Hunston and Maple are?” “T think the same as we are, and hope,” replied Jack, * Maple will have a fit.” “What's the 7 t,and a tee lortnetn® of grub; Pm “ Look what a run we had,” replied Harvey. ‘I have pelted along full tilt, and I could sat a horse.” “ Ta pet ie a cow for ein said Jack, laugh- 3; “ora cow—say 4 sirloin of beef, with plent; of horseradish and mustard.” 4 Bee “Don’t!” exclaimed Harvey; “you make my mouth water.” ‘ *Be a Nebuchadnezzar, King of the Jews, and treat yorarself toa SA “Tf 1 can find one,” * Seriously,” said Jack, ‘“¢ what are we to do?” “ Blest if I know!” replied Harvey. fy aid they heard just over their heads, ‘Oo, 00, 00 ek What’s that?” said Harvey, shrinking back. “TI say,” he added, ‘no tricks upon travelers,” ack laughed. ‘ ‘ “It’s an oldowl, you fool!” he exclaimed. .“ Have never heard an owl before’? and it’s a good thing we ave heard him, Owls generally roost in hollow trees, aod we,may find a shelter, We can’t build a log house, because we have neither logs nor tools, and we can’t yp Ourselves in our blankets like the men we read of in “eA of foreign travels, because our blankets are on our 4 TI thor t if was some tramp going to robor murder us,’ replied Harvey, “‘ What an unearthly sound it was | gad we sare in England, where there are no wild or snakes, . “T hate snakes |" Jack remarked, ‘I'd rather face a @iger ever so much, I’m as tired as adog,and can’t go my further. We’re in for a night of it!” * That’s about the size of it,” replied Harvey, who did met seem to relish the prospects at all, Jack groped his way. to the tree. from, which the owl soted, and fo Bis idalig found that it was hollow, hay~ a large aperture into which he could easily squeeze “Here's alice of lick!” he éeied, The tree’s hol- “Where are you?” 'isked Harvey. “Tnside,” replied Jack, in a hollow voice. “Yve heard of being up a tree, but never of being in- one,” Harvey said, laughing, and he, too, #1 into the tree, which had a hollow trunk just an Ba kent tha both, em warm and preyérted them feel- ing the cold wind which blew ‘witha, It’s snug,” Jack remarked, “if it isn't roomy; and ® we only had some grub we should be 4s right as the “At all eveuts,” Harvey replied, “itis better than na about the forest in the dark; that was awful ! | you feel happy at finding out these fellows, Jack 7” Jack rather thought he did. a “ What will Mr. Crawcour do with them?” “He ought to serve Maple as he served me, and as for SManston, senior, he’s a disgrace to the school, and ought *T should tell him so.” “Don’t alarm yourself. TI shall, and make no bones of &" replied Jack. I'm not afriid of a live lion stuffed Ww. “Theard Hunston, junior, say that his father paid ething extra for his brother, or the chief would not we had him at all.” , 4 Very likely. Hullo, what’s that?” exclaimed Jack, They listened and heard a shouting at a distance. Some one was arying out at the top of his voice. “ Hillo! hi! hi! Hullo! hullo!” “¢Some one after us,” said Jack. ‘*Like my luck. | When I am comfortable for the night I don’t approve of taterruption.” z ss at M in “Where are you?” asked Mr, Mole, “T suppose others beside ourselves are lost, and the fellows who followed us have told Mr, Crawoour that Mey lost the trail in the wood and people have been sent after us,” said Harvey. _“T shouldn’t wonder,” replied Jack. _ Hullo! hullo! again arose the ery, Shall I fog them ?” said Jack. “How?” asked Harvey. * You know I can ventriloquize.” Oh, I see; do. Suppose it’s the governor himself! What alark it will be! They'll be cutting about in all @irections, and you can say it’s a deceptive echo.” _ ¢*4 very deceptive echo,” answered Jack. ‘* However, Jack stepped out of the owl’s nest, and Harvey stayed ong have a go in at them. Seeif I don’t give ’em fits.” _ inside, because he rather liked his comfortable quarters. Pera RLY hi, hi!” said a voice, which Jack recognized as “Hi!” answered Jack, throwing his veice before him. HARKAWAY AFLOAT. “ This way. More to the right.” « Why do you say to the right? ” asked Harvey. * Because I noticed a little pond, as we came along, where the peter oi cara answered Jack, and I want Ly here, and I can’t see the stars, It’s muddy, too. Is it all right? Hi, hil? “Hi, hil” replied Jack, “All right. Safe as a “ Harkaway.” There was a short silence oe but it was soon bro- brious cries from Mr. Mole, who shouted: “A tree, sir, A gum ee “Help me out of this, will you? I’m in a pond up to my middle, and the mud sticks so, I’ve lost my right boot. Oh, my, what shall Ido? There, the left boot gone now,” Mr. Mole spoke in a plaintive tone, “Jack threw his voice into a remote part of the wood, saying, faintly : “ Where are you, sir? I’ve lost you. Speak again.” “Hi, hi!” answered Mr, Mole, flounderiug out of the mud as well as he could, i “Deuce take the boy! I wish they’d come up with the lantern.” As he spoke, Mr, Craweour, Mr, Pumpleton and Mr. Bolivant came up, Mr, Stoner being left at home to keep the boys in order, C) oe ones who were lost were Hunston, senior. Maple, Jack and Harvey. These were unaccounted for; and hearing that the boys who returned from the paper chase had very nearly been Jost in the wood, the princi- pal sent down to the ‘‘Crown” for a chaise, and drove over with all the masters he could spare, “Ha!” cried Mr. Bolivant, “Jack o’Lanternin ze swamp, ha, ha, ha! ‘The light enabled Mr, Mole to flounder out of the mud and gain firm ground again. As may be imagined, he was not in the best of tem- pers. Going up to M. Bolivant, he said: “What do you mean, Monsieur, by gibing at me?” “T not gibe. What 1s gibe? Tt on ly laugh, So—ha, ha! ven I see you in ze mod,” answered M. Bolivant. “Perhaps you won't laugh when you see yourself there,” exclaimed Mr, Mole, giving him a push which sent him backward into the pond, “Mr, Mole, this violence—” began the principal. It’s excusable under the circumstances, sir,” replied Mr, Mole. ‘This infernal—I beg your pardon—this Frenchman has mocked me before now, and I will not be mocked by any man living,” a Ha, ha, ha!” said a voice close by. “Fre’s at it again,” cried Mr, Mole, “Ha, ha!” “Tl knock him down,” Mr. Mole continued, furi- ously, M, Bolivantextricated himself from the mud and water, and came out dripping like a rat. “Vot does he say?” he exclaimed, ‘I no # a yord—not von leetle vord. He strike me! he push mein zemod, IamaFrenehman, and ze blood of ze Boli- vants not stand it.” “ Frogs.” ; ; The word seemed to come from Mr, Mole’s very lips ; and Mr. OCrowcour, putting aside the French Deacon, stood between the two, . i “ That’s a little too bad, Mr, Mole,”-he exclaimed. “I heard you say ‘ Frogs.’ ” “No of the kind, air, I deny it,” exelaimed the senior mi “ Don’t deny it, because I heard you.” “Tts— it’s a—” “ Chain ze English beest up!” This time it seemed to be M. Bolivant who spoke. “¢ Monsieur,” exclaimed Mr. Crawcour, “I must really beg of you to be temperate,” J * Shut up !?? “Mr, Pumpleton, did yeu speak ?” cried the principal, | P¢ns turning sharply round, “No, sir.” “It was your yoice, This is disgraceful, What am I to understand by such conduct? I did not expect this from my staff,’ “Mr, Mole has grossly insulted me, and I demand ze satisfaction of a gentlemans, or I vill make him know ze reason why, as yousay jn your wretched country,” re- plied M, Bolivant, , said Mr. Mole, “ The injury is on my side,” “T too am implicated in this matter, without rhyme or Ha, ha!” reason,” remarked Mr. Pumpleton, “Go it ye cripples! crutches are eheap ! Those dreadful words were put into the mouth of Mr. Crawcour himself. The principal of Pomona House stood aghast at the sound of them, ; * Gentlemen,” said he, ‘we are the sport of some de- lusion—some spirit of the wood.” “Ho! ho! ho!” sounded wildly and weirdly close to him, They all started. “Ah, I have ect!” exclaimed M. Bolivant, “It ees that Jack Harkaway, He play tricks with his voice. Ve are made what you call ze sacres fools of.” “That’s it,” said Mr. Orawcour, “It’s that Hark- away! What a stupid to be sure I was not to think of it before !” “Of course it is,” answered Mr, Mole, “Td dust his jacket,” observed Mr, Pumpleton, savagely. . Sf Gentlemen, be reconciled,” said the principal, *' Mr. Mole,” answered M. Bolivant, ‘I have always ze great respect for you; to-night you push me into ze pond. Iam coyered with mud, I haye zo taste of ze fish in my mouth, but I forgive you.” f ' ‘feel rather sharp-set after wandering in the wood. * 4 la bonne heure,” replied the Frenehman, shaking his hands with characteristic good nature, Harkaway and Harvey now deemed it prudent te emerge from their hiding-place, which they did, and guided by the light of the lanterns carried by the mast- 'ers they quickly discovered their whereabouts, Mr. Crawcour had lost all patience with Jack, and he %o sooner saw him than he seized him by the collar and shook him heartily. “Look what you have done!” he exclaimed. “‘ What, sir,” “ Behold Mr, Mole and M. Bolivant; do you see what a plight they are in?” ‘ “T'm sure I’m very sorry, sir,” Jack answered in & penitent tone, “TJ believe you have no organ of yenoration, 1s this your respect for your teachers 2?” “ He-is one little scamp,” said M. Bolivant, shaking bis fist in his face, When the principal had done shaking him, Mr. Mole began, and shook him 80 thoroughly that Jack gauped fom breath and began to kick, ““Oh, my shins,” cried the senior master, “the litie clodhopper’s boots are like iron, “'Purn it up then,” replied Jack; “I can’t stand too much of it, You'll shake my inside out; drop it,” a Tl owe it you,” replied Mr. Mole with a vindictive grin. ‘ “Tt keep it air,” replied Jack. Now, gentlemefi, let us retrace our steps to eur gig. The boys can get into the boot or run behind, whichever they like,” said Mr, Crawcour. - The party began, to make fox the nighisad, wllsca. thay The party an. to make for the where had lett the gig in charge of a countinyingn, who for @ consideration was holding the horse, : Not caring about a six-mile run home, Jack decided upon going in the boat, and he and Harvey were accord- ingly put inside, Hunston and Maple having been pro» viously dispatched on foot, ‘ Ae sore were closely packed—something like herrings a . ; But, being tired and hungry, they wert pleased at the pro of supper, and did not complain, Pomona House was reached in time. The senior master and M. Bolivant changed their clothes, as did Jack and his companions, who had warm. baths, A hot. supper was served to the masters, whick Jack and Harvey were graciously asked to join, in considera~ tian of their fatigue. They were asked how it was they came to lose them- selves, and Jack gave a vivid account of the adventu telling all about his exposure of Hunton, sentor, an Maple, and the disposition of the latter’s money, When the masters heard this, they were loud in their expressions of regret at what had eae after Jack’s 3 found guilty of the supposed theft, when he was really innocent, “Tl make an example of those two boys the first thing to-morrow morning!” exclaimed Mr, Crawcour, indig- nantly, ae Hunston, senior, is too big to flog,” remarked Me, ole, “pa Se ee! sir, if he were as big asa honae, I can make no distinction ; he has behaved in a mean, rascally and cowardly manner. But how was it, Harkaway, that you did not clear yourself, when you knew you were the victim of a pers fans Ay! } “JT don’t mind tell: you now jin confiden sir,” answered Jack, ‘My old playfellow, Emily Sornibisle’y, sent me her savings, amounting to two pounds ten,” «They will tell you at the post-office that I cashed an order for that amount on the day of the charge against me.” “But Emily begged that I would not say a word te any one, a8 her father, who is very close, would perhaps beat her, and I did not sey anything, as you know.” fe aa you put up with the indignity of being called » lef 2” ““T knew it would all come out some day, sir, and them you would none of you think the worse of me, —Wicked- ness like that of Harry Hunston and Maple never pros 6) 2? “Right, it never does,” replied Mr. Orawcour, ‘® owe you an apology for whipping you when you did deserve it, and I will let you off the next time you do,” “hank you, sir,” said Jack, making a n of Poe and determined to do something outrageous bev ore long. “Ts there anything else I can do for you?” “You can give me some more of that boiled rabbit, and plenty of onion sauce, sir, as wellas a good slice of, pork. I’m uncommonly fond of rabbit, and J \ Mr, Crawcour smiled at Jack’s unabashed impudence, He rather liked it, thongh, The boy was open an@ straightforward, and he had his good qualities, “M. Bolivant patted Jack on the head, saying: “He was one fine fellow, this Jack Harkaway.” “Paws off, Pompey,” said Jack, moving on one side. The French master grinned, aud the boys retired to get ready for prayers, : “Pye had a rattling good supper,” observed Jack te thie Harvey. ‘Sort of a regular buster, and I feel as happy asa king.” : «Won't Hunston, senior, and Maple catch it?” repile? Ht arvey. a Rather, and serve them right, too,” When they entered the school-room everyone erowded round them, , “You're a nice couple of fellows to lead us into the woods,” exclaimed Collinson. ' “We got the worst of it,” answered Jack. “Tt spoilt the chase.” : “Tt wasn% bad fun, though, after all, Ted the mas. ters such a dance,” “ell us. Jack, Tell us all about it,” exclaimed half a dozen voices, Jack recounted the adventure, much te every one’s delight, and had scarcely finished before My 4 f t
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| @ny consequence occurred, except that " twived to win the game in _ Pomona House and an eleven from Hertford, pe HERKAWAY AFLOAT. ? _ Grawcour entered ata side door and mounted his desk One day he was walking in Lillie Bridge, having paid a to read prayers,”” CHAPTER Vil. UGLY BoB, Mr. Crawoovur said nothing that night about the discovery he had made respecting Jack’s innocence, and the confederates were on thorns to know what course Jack had adopted, Hunston, senior, scarcely slept at all during the night; he was drowned with rage aud shame. To be pointed out to the whole school as a villain base enough to take away a boy’s character because he hated him, was a ter- rible anticipation. At length, worn out with fatigue, he fell into an un- easy slumber, soon to be roused by the ringing of the bell which sounded at seven every morning for the pu- pils to dress and come down to school, ed Crawoour never made his appearance at early echool, Breakfast took place at nine, and afterward half an Sour was allowed for recreation, so that school began again at ten and continued till twelve, when the boys had two hours to themselves, dinner being ready at two o'clock, and work recommenced at three, The principal was at his place when the boys trooped me the school-room to the ringing of the great bell at Mr, Mole stood by his side, holding in his hand the dveaded birch, : ‘What's up now?” said Collinson to Jackson, “« Can’t tell,” replied the latter, though it looks as if somebody was going to be swiped.” Ser gamer Y? exclaimed the principal, raising his nd, . ; In an instant every voice was hushed, and you might have heard a pin drop. : “*T have a very agreeable, and at the same time a very painful duty to perform,” began Mr. Crawcour. ‘Agree- able, because I am enabled to do tardy justice to a boy who has been wrongly suspected and punished for a fault which he never committed, and ‘ul because I ara compelled to publish the lasting infamy of two boys whom it is a disgrace to have among us, Harkaway Bedington, as you are all aware, was publicly punished in the most severe manner I could adopt for stealing two pounds ten, belonging to Maple. Iam in @ position to prove that mith | was never stolen at all, but that Maple conspired with Hunston, senior, to fix this charge upon your friend, Harkaway, in order to blacken char- acter, and bring him into disrepute with both masters and companions, to gratify some private grudge they had against him.” } Loud murmurs of astonishment arose, “ Order |” cried Mr, Crawcour, And again all was still. “T am now about to punish the guilty,” continued Mr. Craweour. ‘Hunston, senior, stand forward,” * “What for? ” demanded Hunston, assuming an atti- tude of defiance. Pag As Harkaway Bedington was punished, so shall you ‘'That’s all nonsensé,” said Hunston, senior, with a laugh. “You forget that Iam a young man, and cannot be birched like a boy.” “While you remain one of my pups you must con- form to my rules and subject yourself to proper disci- pline,” returned Mr, Crawcour, “Then I cease to be one of your pupils from this mo- mem, I shall go home.” The principal looked surprised, “Don’t attempt to stop me, &ny of you,” exclaimed Hunston, senior, grasping a ruler, “I’ve knocked a man down before now with a belaying-pin, on board ship, and I shan’t be too particular now. I’m not going to allow myself to be performed upon, don’t make any mistake,” He rose and took his hat on with a jerk. « . Then he moved toward the door, No one attempted to stop him. * Go, bold and bad boy,” said Mr, Orawcour, in a most severe tone. “You are a moral pestilence, and the echool will be purified at your departure,” The door shut with a bang. Hunston, senior, was gone. ‘Without betraying any disappointment, Mr, Crawcour ealled up Maple, who advanced, trembling. Two masters seized him, and presently his howls were mingled with the hissing sound of the birch as it de- @eonded through the air, At length it was over, Maple was wriggling and crying back to his seat, “Boys,” exclaimed Mr, Crawcour, ‘I shall give youa holiday in honor of Harkaway’s vindicated innocence, There will be no work to-day,” “Murrah! hurrah |” shouted the boys, who all rushed pell-mell out of the school-room, Jack's friendsshook his hand heartily, and he was once more the popular favorite, overwhelmed with con- gratulations, Hunston, senior, went to the “ Orown,” well known, and sent up to Pomona Hous going home fe ae usitee Every one thought they had seen the last of hi they were mistaken, as will be found out icone” sas Mr. Bedington was informed by a letter from Mr Crawcour of what had happened, and he marked his sense of Jack’s conduct by sending him a handsome new Si watch and chain, which was the enyy of all hisicom- panions, Jack was now once more at the top of the tree, Three weeks passed very pleasantly, and nothing of that Jack was put in and by his brilliant play con- amatch between the boys of down froma peg and put it where he was efor his box, the school football eleven, brief visit to his favorite pastrycook’s, 'To his surprise he ran up against Hunston, senior, who, with his hands in the pocket of a pilot coat, was smoking a short black pipe, and strolling along as if all the town belonged to him. “ Wunston !” exclaimed Jack. ‘ ‘ “Yes, ’mthe man, alive and kicking, as they say,” replied Harry Hunston, coolly, ‘ Didn’t you know Iwas Bere ie ” rl “I'm at Dr, ‘bie’s, Craweour wouldn't have me, and I thought I'd try t’other crib, which I’like a precious deal better.” ‘What # strange thing !” Jack exclaimed, . “T don’t see anything at all strange about it,”? Hunston said, ‘I’ve gota right to go where I like if I pay for it, hayen’t 12” “T suppose 80,” b “Well, tip us your fist. You’re not above shaking hands with a fellow,-are you?” jabs Jack hung back. Somehow or other his instinct made him distrust Hun- ston, senior, who had always been his enemy. “Tt was through you I got the dirty kick out from Crawcour’s, but I don’t bear malice,” Hunston went: on. **T can’t see that it was my fault,” replied Jack. “Tt was in reality all Maple’s doings. He put me up to the dodge, but ’'m sorry for it, and I beg your pardon. I can’t say more than that, can te, Won by this affection of frankness, Jack took his proffered hand. ‘Consider that I’ve made youa handsome apology; let’s be friends,” ‘ and now Suppose twe have a beer at the ‘ Crown,’ and drink to our noble selves.” “All right,” zreplied Jack, whose great fault was his pth good-natured way. ‘unston slipped his arm in that of Jack’s, and they walked to the “Crown.” Shortly afterward they passed Collinson, who was going to the stationer’s, He stared hard at Hunston, senior, and looked both grieved and puzzled to see Jack with him, ‘¢ He’s too proud to ” remarked Hunston, senior, as Collinson went on, ‘It’s his loss, however, not mine. By the way, how’s my pup of a brother? ‘Tell him to come down to Begbie’s and see me,” “T will,” replied Jack, They entered the ‘“Crown,” which was an old-fashioned hostelry of some consequence in the posting day, and had two glasses of bitter beer in front of the bar, A flashily-dressed man was standing by, wearing a pro- fusion of jewelry, which did not look real. Near him was another man of the same dissipated ap- pearance, They had two dogs with them, and accosted Hunston familiarly. “‘ Who are those fellows?” w! d Jaak, “One we call Ugly Bob, and the other is known as the ‘Brum,’ because he hails from Birmingham, I'll intro- duce you,” said Hunston, “What are they ?” “Sporting men,” “‘ What do they do for a living, I mean ?” cried Jack, “Oh, bet on races. Get up pigeon-shooting matches, dog-fights and billiard matches, and all that sort of thing ; they’re two stunners, I say, Bob, here’s a friend of mine anxious to make your acquaimtance, and you too,” he added, addressing the Brum. The men shook hands with Jack, and proposed, as it was cold out there, they should go tothe billiard-room ire, Jack followed them, scarcely knowing whether he was doing right or wron; jn mixing with such peculiar peo- ple, but his suspicions ey were formed, | “Suppose we have a game at billiards 2” said Ugly Bob, adding, as he looked at Jack, “ Play, sir?” “T know a cannon counts two, and a white ball pocketed is also two, and that anything off the red is three; and I can make a bridge and knock the balls about a little } but I can’t play,” replied Jack. “No more can I,” answered Ugly Bob, When I play it is for amusement, like, But I’ve no objection to play you twenty points up, andI give you five, for half a crown. “Play him, He’s the biggest duffer I know,” whis- pered Hunston, senior, “T thought you said he was a sporting man.” ‘Ah, but he knows nothing about billiards, It’s horses he’s so big upon. Don’t bet with him,” answered Hun- ston, senior, with a significant shake of his head. The Brum took upa position near the board and said he would mark, ‘ Jack, against his will, began to play. The balls run very easily and Tuckily for him, and, by the aid of a few flukes, he won the game, Ugly Bob handed him a half-a-crown, saying : “So help me never! you’re pretty good for one who doesn’t play.” ‘‘He’s one too many for you, Bob,” said the Brum, “Vl try him again, Never say die,” Hunston patted Jack on the back, and exclaimed ; ‘“‘ What do you say to my novice? Isn’t he a beauty 2?” “* Reg’lar lamb,” answered the Brum, rapturously, “I mean a wonderful good ’un to play.” Jack did not see the eqaneoltnn between a good player and a lamb, as he was not aware that young sheep in- dulged in the pastime of billiards, nor did he see the ex- quisitely comic grimace with which that intelligent coun- tryman, the Brum, favored him behind his back, Flushed with suecess, and fully believing, in the inno- cence of his heart, that, he could beat Ugly Bob on his merits, he felt no reluctance in playing him again, and this time for a larger stake, + \ 4 As a matter of course he won. : Ugly Bob growled a little, and was <.dvised by his friend to leave off. . “T tell you he’s too good for you,” said’ the Brum. vanished almost as soon as almost rudely, taking no notice of ‘Tf you are wise, you will turn it up before you drop any more coin,” “T shan’t. I’ve lost a pound, Itain% much, and Pil stake another pound and my watch and chain against hie watch and chain; and mine’s the heaviest by far. I gave thirty-five guineas for the two in London last year.” “ Go it,” said Hunston, senior, “I say, Jack, 1’ give you thirty for them if you win,” “T don’t know,” replied Jack, ‘I think I ought te leave off now,” ** What! without giving the man his revenge |” “Tis nearly time to go.” _ After winring his money, too,” continued Huns if the gentleman likes to behave shabby, the There’s more where that came ton. “Oh money's of no account, 'from,” said Ugly Bob, “« By the rules of the game, you’re entitled to your re- venge,” observed the Brum, “ That’s law,” he added, enpppaticaly. , “Tvs only twenty minutes past one,” Hunston ex claimed, ‘‘and you’re not due at dinner till two. You can run home easy in a quarter of an hour, I’ve done # myself scores of times ; so that excuse won’t hold water, my beauty. But. still, if you want to go, don’t let me persuade you to stay, only I shall be obliged if’ you will not play any more with friends,” “Tf I ought—” began Jack, “T’ll haye a spar with you, Bob, interrupted Hunsion, ack’s exclamation, ** Did the gentleman, speak ?” observed Bob, “T was about to say that I will play you,” replied Jack, his face burning painfully. ‘Right youare, I’m agreeable, You’re kind, and na per Twenty up to save time, andI give you five, ts upede against me, but no matter, ‘Be jolly,’ is my motto, \ “T'll hold the stakes,” said Hunston, senior, } Ugly Bob handed him a sovereign, and his watch and chain, Jack did the same, though he felt an aching at the heart. when he took his beautiful watch out of his poeket, and thought how wrong it was to risk the loss of his father’s valuable gift, Drinking a glass of brandy neat, Ugly Rob exclaimed: “Ym in form now, I feel fit to play for a man’s lifa A dollar I win him,” j ® ** It’s a*pound to @ pinch of snuff,” remarked the Brum, “if he’s inform, If he says he's fit, PU back him,’ Jack began to tremble, and his nervousness increased as Ugly Bob led off with a break of ten, “Tl bet on Harkaway,” said Hunston, “Done with you for a fiver,” exclaimed the Brum, “Now, Jack, my boy, look out. You are not playing well this game. Your hand shakes, This won’t do, Haye a nerver, A little brandy will liven you up,” com tinued Hunston, senior. Jack shook his head, and made a miss, * Eleven, five, that’s the game,” exclaimed the Brum, Ugly Bob now muttered somet about “ putting scored very ray jor beg! the phi ae ints necessary to win the game.” “Didn't give him a smell,” remarked the Brum, “I “Hand over,” said Ugly Bob, taking the watches as a matter of course,” and pocketing them, together-with the money, Suddenly a light broke upon Jack, who thought it very odd that Daly, Bob should play so badly at.first and se very well all at once afterward. : “Tis my belief,” he said, with his usual impulsive. ness, ‘‘ that Pye been swindled,’’ “What 2?” said Ugly Bob, ears a him, “Well I never did,” remarke @ Brum, “The young gent wants to say that he's been had, when it wag all as “air as fair could be. Says he’s been done, Well, if that don’t lick cock-fighting. It was assquare a match as ever I see, but that’s how they always goes on when they loses,” “Took here,” exclaimed Hunston, senior. ‘I won have my friends insulted.” “ But they’ve got my watch,” answered Jack, “ Wouldn’t wn have kept mine if you’d won it?” asked Ugly Bob. . “No; Lhad made up my mind to give it you back,” “More flat you, then,” replied Ugly Bob, with a grin of contempt. “It’s like your impertinence,” continued Humston, se- nior, ‘‘to talk about being swindled, You've lost your watch, and I’m jolly glad of it, because I hate you.” Now Harry Hunston’s real sentiments were a ipeacing, “You brought me here under the guise of friendship, 80 that I might be cheated!” exclaimed Jack, “Punch his head, Bob,” said Hunston, “Right, sir,” replied Ugly Bob, And before Jack properly realized what had happened to him he was standing in the road ontside the “Crown,” with a black eye, a loose tooth, and nose which was bleeding. 7 All of which favors Ugly Bob had conferred upon him in the brief space of one minute, It Was useless to attempt to. go back to the billiard- room, . ora his misery,” ani oy ‘knew how it would be.” That course would only be to subject himself to a_ fresh attack, 4 So with Hunston, senior's, jeering laugh Tinging in his ears, he wended his way back slowly and mournfully te Pomona House. Hesaw how shamefully he had been treated and tricked. ‘ " Tt was alla trap of Hunston, senior’s, to get him into the billiard room, so that he might lose everything yaluable he bad about him, His friendship was a sham and a pretense. He was not a man to forgive an enemy, Jack’s triumph over him rankled in his mind, He had not forgotten the affair in Black Adder Wood. Jack did not like to say anything about his loss to the boys, for fear of being chaffed, and he was still more re« Tuctant to speak to the master. j Sie, i 4
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- for a policeman.” “He did, and sneaked away with his 5 HARKAWAY AFLOAT. “What should he do? “Did you accept it 2” He leaned against a tree which grew by the side of the goad and reflected. : A couple of minutes were passed by him in great per- xity. thes he heard his name called. It was Collinson, who was hurrying home from Lillie Bridge to be in time for dinner. “Been in the wars, eh?” he exclaimed. ‘‘ How’s that? But I needn’t ask, since I saw you with Hunston, senior, who, I find, is at Begbie’s ; a nice young man for a amall ¥ea-party that is ; and now, Master Harkaway, walk along by my side, and tell me how you came to fall in and chum with one who tried to do you a very grave in- yee ari am very giad I met you,” answered Jack, ‘‘very @lad indeed, Collinson, for I am just out of my mind.” “A pleasant state of things! But out with it.” Jack hesitated no longer, and faithfully recounted to Collinson all that had taken place, “The low scoundrel!” exclaimed Collinson, indig- nantly. “But it’s just like him, and I am not a bit sur- prised—not abit, It only serves you right for too good-natured. Don’t you understand that we cannot get on in this world if we are unable to say * No?’ That lit- tle word, judiciously uttered, often sayes us from a deal of worry and trouble.” **T shouldn’t care so much if it wasn% for the watch,” @aid Jack. ‘‘My father, you know, is very kind, but atrict also, and he has a horror of my being in any way fast, What he would say if he knew I had in so foolish a ‘manner gambled away his handsome Sg") re Isn’t it a case for the police ? “T am inclined to think it is,” réjoined Collinson. “ But leave it to me till after dinner; I'll get leave from Mr. Crawcour to go to Lillie Bridge this afternoon, and ‘we will see if we cannot give Mr. Hunston and his pleas- ant companions, Ugly Bob and the Brum, a dressing they little expect.” : ‘Thank you a*thousand times,” said Jack, warmly. “Tf you can only get me out of this scrape, I'll never 60 foolish again—never, never.” “Tlkdo my best. Are you satisfied with that prom- fse ?” Collinson replied, with his pleasant smile, “ Quite.” Jack answered, gratefully. ‘ The bell was just ringing for dinner as they entered the school-yard, and Jack washed his face, which was not so much myollen as he had expected. : He buttoned up his jacket, so that the loss of his watch would not be noticed, and sat as near the bottom of the table as he could get, in order to avoid observation, oe CHAPTER VIII, ‘THE FOOT-BALL MATOH, Mx. Cnawcour readily gave Collinson Jeave to go in- yo'the town instead of attending school, when he heard why he wished to go. “Youare acting very wisely in Harkaway’s behalf,” be said, I never heard of a more infamons transaction. Why, it’s rank swindling. The boy was foolish, but the: dad not any right to take advantage of his in experience.” ** You don’t blame Harkaway, sir,” said Collinson, “Not much, If you take my advice you will goat once to Dr. Begbie. We are rivalsin the Echolastio Iine, but I have always heard him spoken of as a high-spiri gentleman and a good scholar, He surely will not tolerate such conduct in any pupil of his,” “TJ should think not, sir; and I am obliged to you for the hint. I did intend to go to the police-station, but I will go to the doctor first.” ; ‘Dogo, and let me know the result of your interview | &' as soon as you return. These men must give up their spoil, or be punished for their shameful behayior,” ‘Gollinson thanked the principal, who added that he left the matter entirely in his hands, and he wert at once to boctor Begbie’s. p It was nearly tea-time brs hae apt soso aaa os: had sed an uneasy, restless time 0; uring absence, ne wondered if’ he would be successful in getting back fs watch or not. Collinson, however, returned and handed his watch and chain, Jack was too much overcome to speak. ar do not deserve this ]” he exclaimed. ‘ How did you i 9? ; . it I had some difficulty,” replied Collinson, “ But I did zt, and I will tell you how. 1 went straight to Dr, Begbie, who saw me, and behaved, I must say, in the most hand- _ gome manner, When he heard my story he declared that he was shocked, and he sent for Hunston, senior,” ‘ What did he say ?” _ “ He heard the accusation against him and replied that the men, of whom he knew nothing, had, in his opinion, won the watch fairly. The doctor retorted by saying that tt was a cheat from beginning to end, and that he looked npon flunston as an accomplice and should at once send “Did he?” asked Jack. “No. Hunston turned ber and at last consented to go to the ‘ Crown,’ where the men were, with the doctor and myself, and see if he couldn't get the watch restored. Bo we went down together, and found the men, who were - in the bar. We told the landlord he would probably lose _ his Jicense for allowing such characters in his house, and bbe prevented them from running away. We threatened shem witk the police; they then gave up the watch and _ @bain; had they not done so, we should certainly have given them in ch ed Sh ad said Jack, “ Didn’t Harry Hunston look y ? detween his jegs, as we say of a dog. Dr, Begbie assured me he was | ery sorry that any boy of his should lend himeelf to such ' adiscreditable transaction, and regretted that the victim _ was one of our boys. He said further that he was very \Bnxious to establish a friendly feeling between the ‘gchools, and should be happy if you would accept a challenge to play at football,” — ‘that a match was actually arranged present, I cannot | “Yes, I said I was captain of the Pomona Heus« eleven, ‘and that we would play his fellows in our field this day week,” “Bravo! I say, Collinson, you're a stunner,” cried Jack, delightedly. ‘ You'll put me in the eleven I” “ Certainly.” y. * May I tell the fellows?” ; Jack thanked him again and again for his kindness to him, and vowed that the affair of that day would be a lesson to him for life, and that he would never more go into a billiard room, The news that Begbie wanted to play Crawcour’s at football flew through the sehool, and when it was known the enthusiasm knew no bounds, Those who were likely to play m thc eleven were spoken of very much as possible cabinet ministers are after a general election, Nothing else was talked of, « We'ra safe to beat them,” said Harvey to Jack, *‘T don’t know that,” answered Jack, Theirs is a larger school than ours, and they have bigger fellows and more weight. They have a larger choice than we. It will be a hard tussle.” “ Are you chosen ?” “Yes. Collinson has promised to put me in, and I think you will be the goal-keeper.” “Try and work it for me, will you?” said Harvey, anxiously. ‘‘I shouid so like to play, Collinson is fond of you, and if you ask him it is sure to come off.” Jack promised*to do his best for him, and exerted his infinence on his behalf successfully. The eleven being chosen, the boys practiced every day, and played very well together. When the important day arrived, chairs were placed near a bass in which refreshments were provided for the ladies, reporter was present from the country paper, anda good number of spectators thronged the eld. The boys of both schools were present, ready to back up their respeetive eleven. The Eton game was selected, and the game began in the center of the field by what is called a bully, © | Collinson was post, Jack pnw orga Emery, a strongly- e built boy, second side-post, and tie other fellows ¢lose by supported them, , Behind was the flying-man, and behind him again the goal-keeper. At the side of the bully was the corner, whose duty it was to put in the ball and watch for it’s coming out. Hunston, senior, was post for Begbie’s supported by Merriman and Sileox. ‘ Are you ready ?” said the corner. ‘ The reply being in the affirmative, the ball between the two posts, and the bully swayed bac and forward. Huuston, senior’s, side being the heaviest, their strength enabled them to push the ball through ; and Merriman, pushing it along at about a yard at a time, first with one foot and then with another, came up with the flying man, dexterously tripped him up and made play for goal, Eivery eye was now fixed upon him and Harvey, who ee i pao him. “Well play Begbie,” shouted the doctor’s 85 well played, indend ee Tega boys held their breath, tremulous with ex- pectation, Merriman was too wary a player to take a cool kick: He never let the ball get away from him. All depended upon Harvey. Suddenly they met about ‘oal. The shock was tremendous, Presently Harvey lay on his back, with a tremendous “shin,” which tingled up to his knee, but he had sent the ball flying back into tae middle of the field over the players’ heads, ’ “Bravo! Hurrah! Well played, Harvey. Good again, sir 1”? arose on all sides. The goal was saved, and Harvey picked himself up, Tnoping back to the goal, but not caring much for tet urt, in the consciomsness that he had done his duty Jack so managed to get the ball, and, closely followed by Hunston, senior, and others, played it swiftly to the other side, Hunston overtook him and tried to twist the ball round, just as Jack kicked it hard, but he only succced- ed in bathers its course from the goal-sticks, and it went spinning behind, missing the goal by about a foot, * Touch it, touch it !” cried Jack’s side. Both boys started after the ball, straining every nerve to arrive at it first, as. touching the ball was a very im- portant operation, a touch being the next thing to a If Jack touched it first, he gained what is called a rouge,” which we shall describe directly. If Hunston, on the other hand, touched &, the result was simply a kick off from without any sensible advantage to either side. They were neck and neck, and the excitement was in- tense, * Touched 2?” cried Jack, leaning forward and throw- matin ard & dozen yards from the ing himself upon the ball. “A rouge! a rouge!” exclaimed Crawcour’s boys. Mr. Mole, with a pardonable pride. “How well Harkaway Bedington roy 1” said Mr. Crawcour, ‘and how handsome he 1. his red shirt Both elevens walked to the goal. Hunston, senior, tooka yard fromthe center of the goal, and stood still, Their object was to keep the other side from getting the ball between the stioks, Crawcour now completed the circle leaving a gap for “By Jove! we’re beating them in a canter,” remarked and white cap !” His eleven formed in asemi-circle, on each side of him. Jack to run in at, and the ball was placed between Hun- J ston’s feet, an As soon as Jack had touched the ball, the struggle commenced, and a fierce one it was. He ran in at the gap with great impetuosity, and was all confusion. Funston, senior, held the ball tightly, in spite of and putting his elbows on Jack’s shoulders, tried te force him down. His t bulk enabled him to succeed im this endeayor- and Jack fell face downward eyer the ball, A dozen fellows fell upon him, and in the scrinimage which ensued he received more kicks on all paris of the body than he could count on his “th twice over. Begbie succeeded in getting the ball from under him, and kicked it away. : 4 hes went the eleven after it into the middle of the Bed betes however, lay upon his side, and did not move. was ‘ No one noticed him but the goal-keepar, 2 flow named Simmons, and bending over him, he said * Are you hurt, young man?” “ Yes,” replied Jack, feebly. “Where? About your legs?” **No; about my neck, Ican’t moyeit, Oh!” This was followed by a prolonged groan, “ Hi, hi!” shouted Simmons, ‘‘ Merriman! Hunstom}. Here’s a man come to grief.” Hearing the cry, the boys halted in their career, and Merriman exclaimed: “Hold the ball, some one, Stop the game,” “What are they stopping for?” inquired Mrs. Craw cour, “Some one hurt, my dear,” answered the prinef hastening to the s oA 4 pel, hiss a hg is hetbing serious,” said Dr. Begbie, fole lowin| 5 CWho is it? Oh, dear, whatasad thing! I did not think this horrid football Was so dangerous,” continued Mrs. Crawcour, adding, ‘Do, Mr. Mole,, go and se¢ what has happened, and bring me the news.” ; i ee, ma’am, I will,” replied the senior mastér, hure ig off. : Jack was now surrounded by a.dense ring of specta- tors, all anxious to know what was the matter with him, “Mr, Craweour, was the first to kneel by his side, “No bones broken, I hope ?” rer “T fear there are, sir,” replied, Jack, “I'm in great pain. It’s my neck. I felt something crack when the sk Sas over Sire ee a ing his hand gently over the boy’s neck, the prin-: cipal turned ‘ Dr. Begbie and said: : “T don’t know anything of surgery, but I should the collar-bone was broken, and in more than one piace, ‘Dear me, how sad |!” replied the doctor, pityingly. **We must get him home,” , 6 “Tl go and geta hurdle from the sheep-pen at thes bottom of the field,” said Collinson, starting for thas purpose, / Jack grew deadly pale, his eyes closed, his head fe heavily back, and he scarcely seemed to breathe, “Stand back] Stand back, all of you!” exclaimed Mr, Crawcour, ‘“ The Jad’s fainted. Give him air,” ° Merryman took up a goal stiek, and by dint of hitting: the boys on the shins drove them back, and the eurre of air was not impeded. In a few minutes Collinson returned with the hurdle, on which Jack was placed. Merryman, Collinson, Harvey and Simmons each took a corner, Hunston, senior, refused to help, saying, as he turned away: “Tm not going to carry him.” ‘ “ Brute |” watt Harvey, loud enough for him to ear, * “Am 12” replied Hunston, savagely, * Wait till I meet you alone, old cock, and I’ll give you brute,” i The melancholy procession now started for home, and the boys stood about in groups, discussing the accident, Play was over for that day, as the match waa effectu« ally interrupted by the disastrous occurrence to one of Crawcour’s best players. j z Mr. Mole was sent on in advance to bring a doctor from Lillie Bridge. . Mrs. Crawcour hastened back to get a bed ready for the sufferer’s reception in a quiet and private part of the house, where he would be far from nolse and interrup tion, OHAPTER IX. A KIND NURSE, TuxE doctor made am examination of Jack, and soom discovered the extent of his injuries, His collar-bone was broken in two places, as Mr, Craw- cour had imagined. i . “He must remain in bed,” said he, “ for a few weeks. Iwill setthe bone, An accident of this sort at hie age is never serious. He is young, has a good constitution, and will soon be on his legs a, ‘The bonawha ede “avid the anxiety of his friends re- | specting him relayed, His mother and father drove over to see him, and he was well supplied with various little dainties and booke to while away the tedious confinement in the sicke room, Mrs, Crawcour was kindness itself fo him, and it seemed as if she could not lavish too much tenderness upon him, Jack liked to seo her come into his room, and sit down by and talk to him with her sweet, musical yoice. the bedside, smooth his hair, hold his hand in hers, Hers were like an angel’s visits, and she did more good : by her attendance than the doctor with all his medieines and splints, . When he was well enough to be moved she had him brought into the drawing-room, and he dined at her own table, Mr. Crawcourt making no objections, as his wite's will was always law to him, ii The cold, cheerless winter bad gone, and the pleasa» } i‘ wo
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MARKAWAY AFLOAL. : ee —— @ made the fields and hedgerows green and resonant with thesongs of birds and the perfume of in- numerable wild flowers. Jack’s delight was to get out in the garden and sit in & rustic chair, reading some book in the glorious sun- shine. After a while he got quite well and strong again, and relt that be ought to join his schoolfeliows once more, but Mrs. Craweour insisted upon it that he was not quite cured, “You ~rould get romping with some rough boys, and break the bone again,” she exclaimed one day, sitting jlown by his side in the drawing-room onthe sofa, “T hope not, ma’am,” replied Jack, : “You shall not run the risk, however,” she continued. *T promised your mamma that I would care for you, Have I beenkind? Are yon satisfied with me ? _ “Oh, yes, ma’am. I sbould like to beill forever, if I wight always have so kind a nurse as yourself.” She put her arm round his neck, and kissed his fore- head, while she smoothed back curly chestnut hair from his temples, ‘ How would you like tohave me for a mamma?” she aeket. “T would rather have you for—for——” He hesitated. “Well, dear, for what? Speak out,” said Mrs, Craw- cour, inan SucOurAEEne tone, : “«t was going to say for a sweetheart, ma’am.” “But you have one. The little girl who sent you the ern ted your sweetheart, is she not?” “TJ like her very much, but not nearly so much as I do you, ma’am. You are so lovely,” replied Jack, “Am I lovely?” Mrs, Crawcour repeated, looking at her handsome and majestic figure in glass with some satisfaction. The hot blood mounted to Jack’s face and made it ‘How you blush! Why doyou blush so?” She “TI don’t know, ma’am? It’s because I’m taking to you, I think.” “ But you can’t have me for a sweetheart. I am your schoolmistress and your master’s wife.” “ Still I may love you quietly and at a distance, ma’am. You cannot help people lo you,” “You area funny boy,” she exclaimed, kissing him “T was cruel to you once,” she continued. “I should have thought you had not forgotten it.” “Long ago, ma‘am. Ido not care for anything you might do to me,” replied Jack. “ Silly boy,” she said. “Now go into the gardem-and play ; I will call you when dinner is ready.” Jack took a fond, lingering look at her, and reluctant- ly left the drawing-room, the window of which opened en the ground and admitted him to the lawn. He strolled along, intent upon his own thoughts, until he came to a high wall which separated the garden from the yard, in which he could hear the boys playing. Their voices made him long to be among them again, a for the time the pretty Mrs, Crawcour was for- mn, en at once a piece of wood struck him on the arm, He looked round to see where it came from and found Warvey in the branches of a tall chestnut tree, which grew $a the playground, from which he had often obtained a view of the principal’s private pleasure garden, “allo, Dick,” he cried, ‘mind Mole don’t nail you.” “‘ He’s gone,” replied Harvey. ** Gone where ?” *¢ To see his pigeons in the loft, and there is no master im the playground; so I thought I’d swarm up this tree @nd takea squint round to see if I could get a glimpse of ; andmnow, how are you, old man ?” t rai ‘ou.”? ow we miss you. When are you os “You don’t know eoming back?” continued Harvey, “Shan’t be long first, I expect, Get op the wall and @ome over.” “ Won't there be a row ?” “No,” answered Jack ; ‘I can do as TI like with Mrs, @rawcour. She won’t say anything to me.” “You're a wonderful fellow, You generally do con- trive to do pretty much as you like, “ Why shouldn't I?” replied Jack, with a laugh. Harvey climbed lik “ Glad to see you about again,” said get “Thank you,” replied Jack, ‘Don’t Mole keep hie pigeons over the stables 2” * Yes, in the loft.” “ Let's have a lark with him. I’ve been shut off so long that a spree would do me good.” _ * There is a door at the bottom of the garden,” added Jack. ‘I have noticed the key is always in the lock on this side. igh.” rd, The pigeons were flying about’ and whirling over the roof in eccentric circles, as if they did not like an intruder $n their cot. 5 Mr. Mole was « great pigeon fancier, He took a great deal of care with his birds; with them he won prizes at shows, and sold fancy sorts for high prices, 90 that he made money out of them. He had fantails, and pouters, and carriers, and tumblers, ond all the select varieties. ~ A common blue-rook he disdained. His were all prize birds. Pecan dadd 1a on in the yard, its top reachiug to the en- 3 ce of the loft. _ “Give us a hand Harvey, and we'll move the laddex,¥ bxclaimed They did so, and placed it against the wall, waiting | ‘‘what on earth are you doing? Have you taken leave anxiously for the senior master’s appearance, Presently Mr. Mole popped his head out to the loft, *¢ Bless me, where is the ladder !” he exclaimed, But seeing Jack he added : A “Oh, you’re about again, Harkaway, glad to see you, By the way, have you touched the ladder?” . “ “Who did it?” SS, Tarkett, oh! I shall be cut in half. You would not like to see me in two pieces, Mr. Craw- cour.” : “Hang that ” exclaimed Mr, Crawcour, geing te the oor of the conrygiory. ° Here he met Jack ea ar Have a grape, sir?” ples gens . Craweour gave him a cuff on the ear, He could not help it, There is a limit to human end ‘*Mind my collar-bone, “Bother your collar-bone. an injury,” replied Mr. When he over ‘the wall, leaving the of Pomona House to extricate, as best he ‘ganldytho afar aire master ae ky oi ng from —, ‘ortable ion, he ran wing-room, where Cigna found . 1a “I was just to call you todinner, John,” she upon him, “Will you protect me, ma’am ?” he asked, “Of course I wil, From what?” “ve offended Mr, Orawcour, ma’am; but it was only fun,” Jack replied, ntly. “What have you done?” % “And Mr, Mole and Mr. man ager fult against me, Till tell you presently, were not tied.” too, are ly, ma’am, But here comes! Mr, Crawcour and Mr. Pumpleton, Take my part, ma’am, will you?” “t have told you I will, Whatever you have done, they shall not punish you. It ‘ht throw you back, So it suet. ma’m, I don’t feel at all strong to-day * replied Jack, nypocritically. “* Poor boy, said Mrs, Crawcour, with a glance of sym The tart pe Regd entered the room at this juncture, wi 6 second master, who made frequent grimaces, as if in considerable pain. s ed CHAPTER X, JACK £ETS THE SCHOOL ON VIR, “Mns. Ornawoour looked at her husband and the master in an angry lo drawing-room, in thi claimed. . * Because, my dear, this young monkey has been at his tricks ,” replied Mr, Crawcour, : : ‘‘What ricks ?” s C odode gtices 1 eect his p as you would, perhaps, cal] my. respected coadjutor, Pumpleton, very broke his neck by tumbling into the green-house,” » With all respect to Mr, -Pumpleton, 1 must way manner. = entlemen intrude upon me, in : nian ia boisterous manner?” ‘she = *Mr, Pumpleton,” ers the »rineipal, angrily, “ue Li : should wave seen fbero he wae going to, ree A a e. 4°
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mm “Tf the boy is well enough'to indulge in practical jokes, eis well enough to go into school.” “You will punish him no further,” said Mrs. Craw- sour, ‘‘he claimed my protection and I wish him to be pardoned.” “Since it is your desire, I consent,” rejoined Mr. Crawcour, ‘though I must say, my dear, that your re- quest is singularly ill-timed, and it goes very much against the grain with me to. grant it. Harkaway, go to school at once, and beware lest you provoke me too far.” Jack thanked his mistress with a look, and, thinking himself very lucky, went away at once, lest the principal . might change his mind and introduce to his acquaint- ance those little perstiaders, as he called them, which he , kept in a cabinet ready for instant use. ‘The boys welcomed him back again gladly; and. he was not. sorry to be among them once more; the confinement he had undergone had proved very tedious. It was the play hour. In half-an-hour dinner would be ready, and Jack re- gretted that his expulsion had not been deferred till “after dinner, as he generally got some dainty in the dining-room from Mrs. Crawcour. A savory smell came from the region of the kitchen, ani Jack putting his head in at the window, said: “Gook, what's that ?” 4 What’s what, sir?” replied the cook, who knew Jack well, as he had often beenin the kitchen while recover- ing from his accident. “That stuff that smells so nice ?” “Boiled rabbit and onion sauce forthe up-stairs din- ner, Master Harkaway,” replied the cook, *°Oh, all right; I'll come round.” = Meg teed Youve got mutton, and a nice batter udding.”? 3 “That's for the boys,” said Jack; ‘I know—mutton and stodge; but Mrs. Crawcour said I was to come to you and have rabbit, because I’m delicate, you know, sookey. Oh, my, shouldn’s I like to give you a kiss!” “Go along with your impudence, Master Jack,” said the cook, laughing. “<TH come to you with it, and, T say, just cut me one of those bunnies in half. Ilike the hind part ; there’s more to eat on it; and give me lots of onion sauce and don’t forget the boiled pork, cookey.” : a **TLor’ bless me, what a boy itis!” said the cook, who neyer doubted that Mrs; Crawcour had given him leave to take part of the principal’s dinner, Pi made his way round to the kitchen and passed arvey. “Where are you off to?” said Harvey. “The fellows told me you had come back.” “Look through the kitchen window, Dick,” replied Jack ; “and you'll be able to see the whole performance free of charge, gratis, nothing.” Harvey after but did as he had been told, and the next minute saw Jack comfortably seatéd at the kitchen table, where a cloth had been laid for him, peg- ging away atthe principal’s dinner, =< Isn't it nice to be ill?” said Jack, cutting off a fine, Ke tender-looking leg. “How do you do it?” asked Harvey. “T's wonderfulhow we doit, but wedo. Don’t we, cookey darling?” answered Jack, with his mouth half- = full; adding, “‘Isay, Dick, this rabbit’s stunning, and the pork’s first-rate, and cookey ‘can make onion sauce andno mistake, Do it again, my dear.” “Do what, Master Jack?” asked the cook. «Give me another help of pork and a nice crummy po- tato; and I think #s: you’re:so pressing, I'll finish the . bunny, There’s nice picking about a rabbit’s head; and 4 don’t forget the pork, Cut it fat.” “You're cutting itfat, I think,” said the cook. ‘There aches enough master's dinner if you’d eat a whole rabbit. “They must go'short for once, It won’t hurt’ theni,” - replied Jack, coolly. ; _ + Pile it.on,cookey; don’t be afraid of it, The princi- pal isfatenough. Let him put in astreak of lean for once in the way.” . The cook laughed, and Jack finished his dinner; much to his satisfaction, and rejoined Harvey outside, »#£You’re going it, my tulip,” said Harvey. “I believe you, my pigeon,” bound to go it; And now what do you say toa glass of rhutarb wine to wind up with 2?” of Where is it?” nae ; “«T know where it lives. You don’t suppose TL have had| soda. _ the run of the house for a fortnight or more’ and not ‘ know where the cask of rhubarb wine livés? Oh, Dick!” ; exclaimed Jack, with a ruefully injured expression of eonutenance which was quite comical. “T haven't grubbed yet. I’m not like you,” fy “Full to the bung,” said Jack. ‘But come along. It e will give you an appetite for dinner. I’ve got’ a et, amd a quill to suck it through. Ihad a tastethe other day and it’s Al.” ; He led Harvey along a passage where the domestic Offices were situated, no one taking any notice of them, and eounet before the door of a cellar; which he opened. : Before them were several small casks on pedestals of brick, for Mr, Crawcour wag fond of making British wine ' for home consumption, ~ - _ . &'There’s cowslip and gooseberry,” exclaimed Jack. “I Gon’t know whai’s in the fourth and fifth; but if you take my tip you'll stand the rhubarb.” 5 ' Harvey expressed his willingness to do so, and Jack - made a hole with his gimlet in the cask, into which he stuck the quill. eid (ate _ Each of the boys applied their lips in turn, and drank and talked in whispers, and drank again, until the wine, which had a considerable portion of brandy in its com- position, began to take effect upon their unseasoned eads, which were not accustomed ‘to such strong pota~ peesnnge bal sane Out along to your dally ~ ronr swipes, and. your atickjaw cadting, I don’t _ sayy you; but you'd better go!” e ck. = sia © Bother the dimmer! I’m ton, your swi d Ja SeMSee. hy ‘present in it. See, T add a little mixture of replied Jack. ‘‘T’m |. tothe curtains, the mante’ oe Ae ptecat re ted cot gy fdas fume HARRAWAY AFLOAT: wine,” replied Harvey, who scarcely knew what he was saying. Jack endeavored to stand up and look severely at Har- vey, who was sucking away vigorously at the quiil, but he was unable to do so, The wine had taken effect upon him also, and, with a ludicrously funny lurch, he rolled against the wall and sat down. ’ “ Dick,” he said, laughing, ‘‘yyou’re screwed.” “Tf any one but you had said that, Jack, ’d have punched his head,” replied Harvey. A nice life of it. I “*T say you’re as tight as a besom. shall have to get you into bed.” 3 “You're as ” Harvey said, letting his head fall on one side. Presently he rolled over, and Jay on his back just under the quill, so that the wine ran slowly down his neck, and insinuated itself under his clothes until he was saturated. Jack tried to laugh, but he, too, felt sleepy, and fell across his friend’s body, There they lay like the two babes in the wood, until a hue and vty was raised after them. One of the servants said she recollected seeing two boys go along the passage. A search was made and the culprits were found fast ep soaked in the wine which had all run out of the arre The news was at once taken to ihe pringinel of Pomona House, who with Mr. Mole proceeded to the cellar. “Disgraceful!” he exclaimed, ‘* Let them be put to bed. I will make an example of them.” The boys were accordingly carried up-stairs, un- dressed, and put to bed. Whatever the principal’s intentions were on first dis- covering the delinquents, they were considerably modi- fied the next day. Probably Mrs. Crawcour interested herself on. Jack’s eee when she heard from the servant what had hap- pene Some tea and toast were brought them when they woke up, and for this they were undoubtedly indebted to her kindness, Mr. Crawcour merely told them that they would have nothing but water for dinner for a fortnight, and dis- missed them with an admonition. Toward the end of March a German named Herr Schmellfungus came to Lillie Bridge to give a lecture on chemistry. Mr, Craweour, wishing to encourage the scientific taste of his boys, gave them all permission to go to the lecture hall and hear it. Accordingly they were marshaled under the care of Mr. Mole,-and went to the town, being much pleased with the experiments. Jack, like most lads of his age efter having witnessed a novelty, was full of it. z — thought of chemistry, and talked about nothing else. Proctiring some materials, he announced to a circle of privileged and delighted friends that he would give them a private lecture, illustrated with startling experiments, Jack’s study was the last one in the row and Close to the school-room. He had fitted it up neatly with chairs, table, carpet and bookcases, The upper boys were allowed to prepare their lessons in their studies, and frequently sat In one another’s room in the evening, so that Jack easily got up an audi- ence to hear his I ee Collinson, Harvey and half-a-dozen more were ranged in chairs near the door, Jack stood behind a table near the window. ’ On the table were ranged sundry phials and saucers, containitig variously colored liquids and powders, “Gentlemen,” began Jack, ‘‘ I will presume that you ‘| are aware that chemistry is the science which’ teaches the nature and constitution of bodies, and the manner of their action on each other,” . “Observe the solution. It is colorless, yet iron is galls and it turns black,” “ Bravo Jack |” from Harvey. “You shut up, and don’t interrupt. the lecture,” ex- claimed Jack, with dignity, : “Ohemical affinity,he resumed, “is more strongly. shown between some substances than others, ‘Tako sul- phuric acid. You observe that tt combines with barytes in preference to potash, but again it prefers potash to “T don’t, when there's a little brandy init,” remarked “Order, gentlemen!” said Jack. - ‘¢Now,. by latent heat Iam about to produce gases or vapors. Observe this quicklime, I pour water on it, and it becomes hot enough to light this bit of phosphorus, ? : “Capital!” cried Harvey. ‘You can doit, Jack,” By some chance or other the phosporous. burnt to Jack’s finger; and with a howl he let it fall Into:some yeopodium, which caught fire; this igni peter, charcoal and sulphur, which blew up, blackening his face, and upset ajar of gas. The gas exploded with a loud bang, knocking Jack back- ward and shattering some panes of glass. The spectators rushed to the door and got into the yard without being hurt, and Jack, throwing ay the window, made his escape that way, feeling rather izzy and con- fuged, as well as half-ehoked with a compound of villain- ous smells. 3 F Meantime the table-cloth caught fire, which extended I-piece, and the woodwork of the window ; sothat in an incredibiy short space the study was on fire, 5 } as The wind was blowing strongly at the time, and dense Clouds of smoke arose, mingled with tongues of fire, At the sound of the explosion Mr. Mole rushed out of the schoo! and met Harvey, breathless with excite- ment and frightened out of his wits. ‘*What’s the matter ?” asked the senior master, *¢ Oh, oh, sir !” replied Harvey. “Oh, to a Mr, Mole, seizing his eax, ‘ What) way’s blown us up, sits”? hae ha “ ited ‘some: salt-. and a AP 9 more kicks than half-pence,” “Jack will grow out of his bad habits,” said Mra, ET ou" look like ik” _— **Blown youup? I shall biow you up,” seid the senior master, angrily. a * Look, sir, look!” replied Harvey, pointing to the smoke and flames issuing from the study, Then Mr. Mole began to comprehend dimly whai bad really occurred. Rushing to the bell-rope, he pulled it viokently, shoms ing: * Fire! fire! fire!” as if he were mad, OHAPTER XI. SEND HIM TO SEA. THE school-yard was soon full of le—men, Women, arid boys—the women mas, and the boys shouting, as if they rather liked it, and hoped the whole give would be burnt down, so that they might have a holiday till it was built wp again. Mr, Craweour and his assistant masters lost their heads, and did not know what to do. “Run for the engines,” said Mx. Craweour, Nobody stirred. “Pump on it,” suggested Mr. Mole, The pump being some distance off, and only iat a volume of water a few inches, this idea was not thought worthy of consideration, as é oy. into Harkaway ; I would. He did it! exclaimed aple. The principal of Pomona House heard thisand would have acted on this advice, only there was one difficulty in the way, and that was Jack could not be found. ~ The fact was he had come to the conclusion that noth. ing could save the whole of the school buildings from pete burnt to the ground, and he had climbed up into a tree to enjoy the sight without interruption. Safely perched upon a forked branch, he awaited the gradual spread of the flames with philosophical calm- ness. Jack had always been fond of fires. When quite a youngster, he had run all the way from Highgate to Pentonville to see a fire, and was found the next day at the Clerkenwell police-station, quietly eati bread and butter, which had heen generously supplie him by the policeman who had found him sitting dis- consolately on a doorstep, and erying because he did net’ iknow his way home. Suddenly Mrs, Crawcour made her appearance in the crowd, and walked to where the masters were standing ina grou looking, as they were, parric-stricken, “ Why ‘do you not do sometl 2” she exclaimed, “ Get buckets and form a chain, so that you can throw the water on the burning building. Do you not see that if the conflagration is not checked, it will soon extend te the school, and the whole building will be enveloped im flames ?” e “Excellent,tmy dear, Mole, Pumpleton, Stoner, dear, good fellows, run’ to: tie stable for Packets, sale Mr. Crawceour, with tears in his eyes. “T will place the boys in two chains to pasa the buckets backward and for ward, and do the pumping myself. For Heaven’s sake bestir yourself! Saye me! Save my school!” jz “ ta) got the idea, there was little difficulty in carry- ing it out. Buekets were procured, a double chain formed, and the principal pumped away with a will, while Mz, Mole waa made chief fireman, and standing on a pair of steps soon began to make an impression on the fire, ‘ Jack got down from the tree in disgust, He walked into the erowd and found out Harvey, who was as black as aswesp through helping Mr. Mole, and pre fallen out of the service for a erie owing to fas gue. , rm “Tsay, Dick,” exclaimed Jack, “‘here’s a beastly sell I pone iz eee have a Bone flare-up.” * aig m g 2 is going out,” replied Harvey, — ‘Cmeyods Teo oe “Took at the damage,” said Harvey. aye ro ‘What does* that matter? Oracour’s insured, fand any damage aboye the insurance my guy would have made up. I took the trouble to be nearly blown ont of the window and have ‘my curly locks ait ,and then they go and put if out, I never was so sold.” ce Tn Jess than anshiour the fire was got under, and noth, ing of it remained but the smoking ruins of Jack’s study and the one adjoining. a = strict investigation was made into the cause of the re, , ae * But it was purely an ‘accident, Mr. Oraweour,* xepentee Jack, and put a stop to any further fire works, P Still he was very much annoyed, and drove oyer to Willow Copse Hall the next day to seo Mr. Bedington, whom he intended to ask for a check for the damage, ag the insurance did not cover the studies, which had been built since he effected it. ifs Mr, Bedington and his wife were in the drawing-room, and received the visitor with some anxiety, as if they pein that their boy had again been doing something ou eous, : 2 Mr, Crawcour soon told them what had happened, and they felt equally as much annoyed as he did, wa “Certainly, you shall be paid for any lossmy son has put you to,” said Mr. Bedington. “TI will send a come petent surveyor to act with one appointed by yourself +e estimate the extent of the damage, Be ‘I fear,” remarked Mrs, Bedington, “that Sohn is irrepressible. He is always doing some Se “Always, ma’am,” replied Mr, Craweour, ‘‘and yet I can’t help liking the lad.” , : The mother thanked him with a glance for this speec! “Pl tell you what it is, Craweour,”’ said Mr. Beding ton. ‘I shall have to send him to sea,” ‘ ‘As. profession?” asked Mrs. ‘*No, my dear, but just to knock some of tho nonsense out of him. I know what the sea is. ‘The life is
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HARKAWAY AFLOAT. il “ The sea, obseryed Mr. Crawcour, ‘is all yery well fa ita way. I sliould be sorry to part with Jack; but when it comes to setting the school on fire, why, you know, one must draw a line somewhere, and much as I like the lad, and esteem you, sir, I think I should be bec- ter off if he did go to sea,” “ Thank you for being candid,” replied Mr, Bedington, vith a laugh. “No offense, I hope.” F “None at all, though if you say Pha want to get rid of the boy, I begin to he must what we call in the sity a bad lot.” After a little further conversation, which resulted in mothing being settled, Mr. Crawcour tock his departure, saying he hoped he should be able to give a better ac- eount ef his unruly pupil at the end of the half. Getting into his trap, he drove off. . He had not started from Pomona House until past four, and it was quite dark when he left for home. About a mile from the school he had to descend a steep hill, and being a cautious driver he went very slowly. 3 Having nearly reached the vottom, hishorse stumbled, fhe trap turned over on its side, and the principal was gracefully pitched out on the top of a quick-set hedge. His temper was not improved by the numerous pricks and scratches he received in getting down from his un- ecomforfable position. ¢¢ Bother the horse !”’ he exclaimed, as he rubbed first @n arm and thenaleg. ‘‘Deuce take the clumsy beast ! How those thorns do prick to be sure !” All at once, in the imperfect light, he saw standing be- “fore him two masked figures. Could they be highwaymen? He thought the knights of the road had gone out with the introduction of railways and electric telegraph. *¢ Money or your life!” cried a sepulchral yoice, and af the same moment what appeared to be a pistol ‘was presented at his head. Money was dear to him, but life was dearer, Sinking on his knees in the muddy road, Mr. Craw- gour, before whose awful nod his boys were wont to tremble, said in quivering tones: “Spare me, good gentlemen, spare me. Iam only a poor schoolmaster, whose profits in the education of youth are smal'—I may say they are entirely swallowed up in pampering with my pupils, and—” “Speak the truth!” said anyther voice, equally se- pulchral with the first. “Silver or gold I have but little,” continued Mr. Crawcour ; ‘ but that little I will freely give you, good, kind gentlemen, if you willletme de in peace and eontinue my way.” “The money 7” demanded the foremost highwayman. “Take it, kind sir,” answered Mr. Crawcour, emptying his pockets. That watch and chain !’”? ‘ « Was a gift from my grandmother,” pleaded the prin- * Bother your grandmother; hand it out, or—” The pistol gleamed again with its polished barrel in the uncertain light, and Mr, Crawcour delivered up’ his teh. «That ring,” continued the masked robber, “Ts my signet.” * Fork it ont!’ : The ring was handed to the highwayman and placed with the watch and the money. " “Now one word more,” said the highwayman, “You fay you are a schoolniaster, Have you a boy named Harkaway under your care ?” “T have, sir.” * Beware how you answer, Have you not been to his arents to oe of him, meanly telling tales behind his back? No falsehood. He is my first cousin,” , “Indeed, Mr. Highwayman, sir,” answered the princi- pel astonished, “I was not aware of that important ” “ 'Preat him with the utmost kindness,” continued the avbber, ‘‘ and in three weeks’ time your watch, ring and money shal} be returned to you ; but utter a cross word, frown upon him even, and dread the vengeance of Tur- pin the second. Dick, are you ready ?” : ++-Yes,” replied thé other masked villain, : “To horse, then, and jet this miserable worm crawl ome as bes he may.” ; a Suddenly the sound of horses’ hoofs were heard, and the lights of a carriage appeared rapidly approaching. The principal of Pomona House gained courage. In the darkness his terror had ed his assaiiants ge giants, but when he came to look at them again he ought they were very undersized scoundrels, “Help—help !” he cried. * Knock him on the head,” saidgDick. * Hold ior row, ‘ Silence!” said Turpin the sec- end, But the trap popped and two men got out. s¢ What ix it 2” asked one. «Thieves !—murder !—help! Help !—thieves !” roared the principal. He was engaged in a deadly struggle with the foremost robber, whom he had desperately clutched, His accomplice had made off through a gap in the hedge. ue Orawcour’s strength was double that of his antag- onist, and he presently dragged him down and laid him dn his back in the road. “Lights here!” he exclaimed. : ‘The travelers detached one of the lamps from the gig and carried it to the scene of action, — CHAPTER xi (JACK MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A SEA CAPTAIN, "Txe mask had fallen from the ruffian’s face, and the q apse z of Pomona House expected to see traculent fea- disclosed to his view. ; i Bis etaried back ina 2 “Whom haye we here?” he cried in blank amazement. | Jack’s face, srailing in spite of adversity, looked beam~ ingly up at him. **Ti’s only I, sir,” he exclaimed, “ Harkaway Bedington,” said the schoolmaster. ‘‘Hark- away, under the guise of a highwayman, has dared fo stop and rob his respected preceptor. Wonders will neyer cease,” “Do you know the thief?” asked one of the strangers in the gig. 4 They were commercial travelers on their way to Hert- ‘ord, “Don’t you call me a thief, or TP—’ bagan Jack, rising to his feet and shaking some of the dirt off his clothes, = “What willyou do, my young whipper-snapper?” in- terrupted the commercial traveler, “Why, I'd eat you if you wasn’t so big and unwhole- some-looking,” answered Jack; ‘‘as it is, consider your- self kicked.” “Yowre a nice fellow, I don’t think, and it’s my opin- ion you'll come to a bad end,” said the commercial gen- tleman. Jack let his head fall on one side, and put out his tongue derisively, trying to look as if he was. being hanged. “This, sir,” said Mr. Craweour, waving his hand im- pressively, ‘is my pupil.” ‘*He doesa’t do you much credit, then,” “Right, sir; your answer does eredit to your sagacity and perspicacity. If those words are beyond. your ca- pacity, their meaning will be found in Johnson’s Diction- ary, ‘The boy has been playing a: trick. upon me, but I require not your interference any further. You can go your ways.” “You mighi be civil, anyhow. Come, Jim, jump in and drive on. Any one would think it wasthe first of April, and all the fools had got let. out for a holiday.” So saying, the commercial got into his gig, followed by his companion, and drove on. “Come along,” exclaimed Mr. Crawcour, grasping Jack tightly by the collar of his jaeket, - “Hold hard a minute, sir,” replied Jack, “¢ Why should I forbear?” “Because you'll see those cheeky fellows go such a eropper directly. As he spoke, the commercial’s horse pitched over some concealed obstacle in the road, and the inside passengers, as Jack called tham, alighted on the hedge-top, very oo as Mr. Crawcour had done a very little while be- ore. «© What is the cause of that?” asked the principal. “<7 tell you presently, sir. Get into your trap and off. They'll be on to us for damages, if they know who we are. Make haste, sir.” Jack drew Mr, Craweour along, and taking his Imife out of his pocket, cut a rope he had stretened across the This 4 was that caused both horses to stumble. Mr. Craweour was cunning enough to see what Jack meant, and seizing the reins of his own trap, they put it in the middle of the road, jumped in and drove off, while the naughty exclamations of the commercial were min- gied. with the derisive jeers of Jack. “Jack,” said Mr. Crawcour, when he deemed it pru- dent to slacken speed, ‘‘ truly you show an ungovernable and unruly spirit.” “Vd have told thosé fellows to look out if they had not been so cocky, sir,” answered Jack, ‘‘Ttis not of them E speak,” * What then, sir?” “ This last outrage upon my person,” replied Mr. Craw- cour, ina saddened tone. ‘ How I could have been'so imposed upon I cannot tell. I fear me that you cannot remain at Pomona House, I have scolded you, I have caned you, I haye kept you at, Coventry, I have pirched you, I have reasoned with you, but without any tangible result, and you must leave my classical and commercial academy, unless you alter,” ‘ “<li try to reform, sir,” replied J: penitentiy. « «‘ Who was your companion in this evil scheme of hign- way robbery ?” bY ’ &J would rather not say, sir.” «Let it not be bruited about in the school to my disad. vantage, and I will over your fault,” “Not a word be said, sir.” « You promise me that?” se Yes,” « And your companion ?” “He won’t speak untess I tell him to,” Jack said, * By the way, restore to me my valuables,” Mr, Craw- cour exclaimed, thinking suddenly of his stolen prop- erty. . “ Certainly, sir. Theres your grandmother’s watch, and the signet ring and the coin,” “ The what 2?” “The money, sir,” answered Jack, “T wish you boys would cultivate elegant English,” said Mr. Craweour, ina ione of remonstrance, »‘ Your epithets are objectionable, your. nouns corrupt, an your adjectives in the worst possible taste, But verily the rising generation is perverse. I cane it, and it alters not. I birch it, andlo! there isno change for the bet- ter.” Presently they reached Pomona House, and Jack went around the back way to the school-room. Haryey, who had been his companion in the joke played upon the principal, had already arrived, The two boys, upon hearing that. Mr. Crawcour had driven over to Willow Copse Hall, determined to waylay him, ee He shan’t go and sneak about mefor nothing,” Jack - Selecting the bottom of the hill as the best place to overthrow the old horse he drove, they tied a rope across the road when they heard him coming. t Fs Harvey ran up the hill to make sure Crawcour’s gig they heard in the distan giving wu ; around a tree and made it tight, that it was Mr.} ce, and on: his | the signal to Jack, the latter passed the rope whet the Ue egoape dened already inew. ack received a let rom o ington, warning him that if his misconduct continued he would be takex away from the school and sent to sea, As a matter of course, Jack showed this letter to Har- yoy. ‘ “ Here’s a lark, Dick,” he said. ‘‘Old Orawcour has se worked on the governor that I’m to go to sea if I don’t mend,” ‘ JT thought you’d squared the chief,” replied Harvey, ‘fand he was not going to say anything about the high-. waymen ?” ““No more he is. He was afraid he’d get laughed at for being stopped by his own boys, and getting in sucha funk, so he said if I would not say emia he’d let it drop; butit was what he said to my father before that, about the wine and setting the place on fire.” “Well, if you go to sea, I'll go, too,and in the rame ship, if they I haye me.” ** How can you work it?” *“* Easy enough. My mother and father have half-a- dozen children younger than I, arid they can ill afford the expense of them, so thay will be glad enough to get ridof me”? ™ “Then T'll decide upon going,” said Jack, ‘Is there anything desperate one can do just by the way of a wind- up ?—something that will make old Crawcour go downon his knees and say his prayers when he sees the back of me? I should like to give him a settler as the last.” “T think you have done pretty nearly everytbing,” re. plied Harvey, with a laugh. “Tet’s take a week and think,” Jack said. They strolled through the fields and came to the river. An elderly gentleman was very contentedly fishing, but did not seem to have had much sport, ; “ Killed anything, sir?” asked Jack, who could not help talking and mixing himselé up. in everybody’s business, “Not much, Hall a dozen roach or so,” rephed the stranger. 4 “You ought,” continued Jack, ‘‘There was a whole infant’s school upset in a barge here and drowned a fore night ago, and none of them have been found, They say the eels have been extra fine ever since.” The gentleman pointed to his eye. “Got afly init?” askea Jack, “No. Do you see anything green there?” asked the anglerin reply, ‘But come, 1. see you are fond of fun, T shall not fish any more to-day, the sport is not good enough, I'll stroll with you and spin you a yarn or two, that is if you say you don’t object to the company of an old sailor,” 2 “ Not at all, sir. Are youasailor?” Jack said, “Yes, and haye been, man and boy, this forty years, and much as the sea has tossed me about, I haven't done with it yet, for I’m the captain of as fine a ship as ever floated.” After this declaration, the boys and the angler became good friends. They learnt that their new friend was Captain Cuttle, staying at Lillie Bridge with some friends, during a brief spell ashore, and they told him who they were. 5 ‘Ts odd that I should have met you, sir.” Jack ex- claimed; ‘‘ because my friends were thinking of send- ing me to sea, and I should like to.gowith just such a captain as yourself.” ‘Well said, my lad,” replied Captain Cuttle. “I’m beating up for afew midshipmen, and I haye agreedto take one of Dr. Begbie’s boys.. I haye no. objection: to you, if your father will apprentice you and. Jet you sign articles.” ; * And me, sir?” Harvey said, eagerly. “Oh, yes; there’s plenty of room for a little shrimp in a bi t,” replied the captain, with a smile, s “Where can we seg you, sir?” asked Jaek. . Captain Cuttle gave him his address in Lillie Bridge. When do you sail?” Jack continued. ‘In ten days from this date... If you speak to your parents upon the matter, I will take you with their cop- sent, but only on those terms. . I-would never be a part’ to a boy’s running away from his school or his home.” “They say tlie sea is a hard life,” remarked Harvey. “* Not harder than most others, in whieh you have work fora living... Suppose youvare a clerk, and have ts sit at your desk from nine’ till. six, — That’s hard, isn® it?” replied the captain. _.. : : Harvey admitted that he thought it was. Ureiees “Your life is hard at school now, though you "don say it, because ycwre used to.it, and think it necessary, to put up with it; asfor the sea, itis a glorions profes. sion, Where do you-find the-freedom that you enjoy a sea? Tell me that. But you do as Isay, andif all is right, you shall sail with me in the Fairy.” “Where to, sir?” asked Jack, “Im bound to?China, this yoyage; and now, if 1 : take not, thatis your school ;.80 we will say good-day.” ‘The boys shook hands with Captain Cuttle, and thf separated. : 5 28) iad “Ten days only, Dick!” observed Jack. It will“. sharp work.” : ; ic 1s it will ?” queried Harvey. : “To so disgust every one as to. get kicked out, You must write home at once, and J’ set to thinking of some- thing that will make old Craweour’s: hair curl and Mole stand on his head in the dust-bin.”. j Sata Harvey laughed, and did not doubt that Jack woule “\ a-short time accomplish his purpose. j Srers € Everybody remarked Jack was very thoughiful that evening. : tm . ; But he had just got into decimals, and it was ime “a bad just got into de images upon mathematical problems, —~ CHAPTER XIII. 4 SACKS WIND-UP, sete ‘THE next morning after school Jack did not appearance in the play-ground for some time. » He had the county paper before him, and was Pie aes v7 par Stat any ee was writing —
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letters, not in his own hand, but in one which he took some pains to disguise. The first letter was apparently written by a lady, in an elegant, running Italian hand, and contained the follow- “To Mr. Burroughs, Undertaker, Lillie Bridge: “ Srr—Will you oblige me by coming up to-morrow about three o’clock to Pomona House to measure my un- fortunate husband for a coffin, as I regret to say he has died suddenly ? Yours, “Wary AMELIA CRAWCOUR.” me second letter was in a man’s handwriting, and ran Us 5 “To the Editor of the Hertfordshire Mercury: ‘*Srr—If this comes in time, please insert the follow- ing advertisement, for which I inclose stamps, in your next edition : =A gentleman residing at Pomona House, Lillie Bridge, feels that he has hitherto been wanting in that divine attribute of charity which should distinguish all mankind, and wishes to make amends for his deficiency. Therefore this is to say that he will present every old woman who calls on Friday, at the above address, be- tween the hours of ten and twelve, withthe sum of haif- a-crown, The third letter was to this effect: “Mr. Lewis Crawcour, the principaiof Pomona House Academy, presents his compliments to the conductor of the musical troupe now performing at Chelmsford, and will be glad if they make it convenient to come over to the above address at half-past nine on Friday night, and serenade him on the lawn outside his house, without making their presence known until the music begins, to brate the occasion of his marriage. Should any one order them away, they are to take no notice, as an imbe- cile father-in-law, who objects to music, is residing in the house,” : Having finished these compositions, Jack went out and posted them, : “ve done the trick,” he whispered to Harvey at din- ner-time, “Have you? How ?” asked Harvey. ‘Wait and see,” replied Jack, with a quiet laugh. Mr. Burroughs, the undertaker at Lillie Bridge, re- ceived the letter ordering him to come and measure Mr, Crawcour for a coffin with a sigh of pleasure. Business had been dull lately in the town, and the death-rate was below the average, He never doubted for an instant that the letter was not genuine, and Jack had calculated the time to a nicety, for he knew that Mr, Crawcour always had his dinner at two and went to sleep on the sofafor half an hour afterward. : At three o’clock, Jack, who knew the undertaker by sight, met him outside the gate. “Bad job this, sir,” said Burroughs, “ Very,” replied Jack, looking melancholy. “Sudden, sir?” “Rather; been ailing a long time, though. Mrs. Crawcour has asked me to take you quietly into the house, so that the boys and servants may not make any fuss. Will you follow me?” “ With Pare I mean certainly, sir,” re- plie d the indiscreet undertaker. Jack led him into the house as helt § as possible, and reached the drawing-room without being observed. The door was half open, and Mr. Crawcour was dis- aad as was his i pa stretched in a deep sleep on 6 sofa, “There he is,” Jack exclaimed. ‘‘ We have left him on the sofa, where he expired of disease of the heart, until the woman comes to lay him out.” “Thank you, sir.” “IT daresay you will find your way out,” Jack con- tinued, with difficulty repressing a The undertaker said he tho he could, and Jack a hese getting into the watched the scene through the open window. Burroughs approached Mr, Crawcour, and laid hold of his leg, placing a piece of tape on his boot, then he seized his nose and rg ths he gave him a poke in the stomach to straighten “This woke the principal up. Jumping to his feet, he regarded the undertaker with anangry 1 ein “ How you, sir, intrude ogee upon my privacy, and attempt to measure me with that tape, and pull me about ia that disrespectful manner, while I was dozirg or taking my post-prandial nap?” he exclaimed. **T case to measure you,” replied the undertaker. wen I od I'm Where's the 2 7] suppore wrong. ere’s the co “*Corpse l? repeated Mr. Seawcotts “Ts the man mad? What do you mean?” he added, shaking his arm. . . “Leave off,” exclaimed the undertaker. ‘“ Read this letter. -I was sent for to measure Mr. Lewis Orawcour. oe peicpel of Pomona House, who had popped off sudden, The principal regarded the letter with a bitter smile. “My friend,” said he, ‘that is not my wife’s writing. eam Mr, Crawcour, and, as you will kindly o serve, lam not dead. You are the victim of a cruel oe re but I think I know the author of it.” **Yowll pay me for my time, sir?” said the under- or. : “Pay you, Confound your impudence, Out of my house, sir, You askme to pay you whenIam the vic- _ tim of a dismal joke. Begone !” _ The undertaker slowly left the room, but his departure ‘was expedited by a kickin the wear from Mr, Crawcour, - Whereupon he, being an independent man, whose feel- $ngs were much hurt, hit his assailant in the eye, and blackened it badly. : é ‘bhe saa danced about the room, saying: “Oh! my eye—my eye |” 7: ation of raw meat allayed the : the ess would not go away, and Mr. Crawcour to his own apartment with an eye not fit to HARKAWAY AFLOAT . He sent for Harkaway, however, and interrogated him as to his share in the transaction, and Jack fairly admit- ted that he wrote the letter, “ What was your motive?” asked the principal. “You said if I didn’t behave myself I should go to | sea,” said Jack. “Well 1”? “JT want to go; and the sooner I go the better 1 shall be pleased, sir.” ““Very well; do not exert your talents any further,” replied Mr. Crawcour, who was not without his sense of humor, ‘‘I will promise you that I will make such a re- port to your father that you shail go at once.” *T thank you, sir.” This conversation took place about ten o'clock on the Friday morning which Jack had mentioned in his adver- tisement, and a furious ringing at the bell outside the gate took place. “Dear me, what is that? Go to the servant and say I am not at home, Harkaway, I cannot see anybody. Don’t send them in now, I of you. Weare friends, are we not?” exclaimed the principal, ina gentle voice, Jack had conquered him. “ All right, sir; leave it to me,” answered Jack. He went to the front door and found about seventy old women before the house, and dozens more coming up the road, The advertisement about the half-crowns had been read in the county paper, and repeated in all the public houses round about. There was quite a clowd of dust as far as the eye could reach, Mary, the housemaid, who was at the door as Jack came up, was perfectly bewildered. *¢Oh, Mary,” Jack emclaimed ; ‘‘ Mr. Craweour has ad- vertised for a matron, and you are to show them in twenty at a time.” “Very well, sir,” replied Mary. She counted out twenty and ushered them in a troop into her master’s presence. Mr. Crawcour, with his black eye and tearful visage, may be imagined, and his dismay can be guessed at; bat aiiNan this imagination or the mind will do justice to his appearance or his feelings. “My good women,” he exclaimed, ‘‘ what’s this? Why ‘are youhere? Explain this black and maddening mys- ” One old woman, bolder than the rest, told him of the advertisement in the paper. Again a ghastly grin overspread his countenance, “Ah! he said. ‘Yes, lunderstand itnow. But 1 did not expect you so early. Retire; you must all take your turn.” “ Shall we wait outside, sir?” asked the spokeswoman, “Do so if you please.” The deputation retired as it had come, Mr. Crawcour, regardless of his eye, rushed into the e, bolted the front door and put the chain up; then he sought Mr. Mole and showed him the paper. “ Another diabolical joke, sir !’” exclaimed the senior master, “No doubt. Where will it end ?” “Goodness only knows, sir.” “T feel already in the first stage of insanity, What is tobe done? Ihave bolted the front door. Go to them, Mole; harangue the mob. Do something, or I shall die of old women on the brain.” Mr. Mole was moved by the pathetic tone of his em- loyer. \ = He went to the front of the house, and spoke to the foremost of the crowd, which increased momentarily. He told them that the advertisement was inserted with- out Mr. Crawcour’s knowledge, and that they were the victims of a hoax. < They wanted the half-crown they had come so far for, and when 2 virago advised them to break the windows, they took up stones and did so. Not until/all the windows were broken, and not a pane of glass remained, did they go away. Mr. Mole hi if did not escape scot free, They seized him and tore his coat in half. One woman tore out a handful of hair and brandished it on high. another seized half a whisker, while a third hit him on © NoBe. He m to beat a retreat just in time to save his life, and. was furious at the treatment he had received, “Harkaway again,” said Mr. Crawcour, as Mr. Mole dolefully recounted his troubles; and he looked ruefully at his broken glass. * Yes, sir,” replied the senior master, “He must go, Mr. Mole.” ‘ “T hope 80, sir,” answered Mr. Mole. The day wore on, and neither Mr. Mole nor Mr, Craw- cour went into school. They solaced themselves with one or two bottles of old port, which the principal kept in his cellar for particular occasions. At eight they had a cozy supper, and in the course of conversation-agreed that all would go well if Harkaway was only removed from the school. * Now,” said Mr. Crawcour, bringing out a box of choice cigars; “let us enjoy our wine and our tobacco, My nerves are so horribly shaken that I feel I cannot bear the slightest noise. That detestable undertaker not only shocked, but struck me, and those dreadful women, after their imaginary half-crowns, struck a chill to my yery heart.” : oF too, sir,” replied Mr. Mole, ‘‘I feel all mops and brooms, as the saying is, so I will gladly join you in a friendly glass and a social cigar, if I may employ the 8, ” They poured out their wine and they lighted their ci- gars. . Crawcour did not disturb them ; she was en- with her own domestic affairs. “This is delightful,” said Mr. Crawceour, Yes, sir. This is peace,” replied Mr. Mole. “ Thave been measured for a coffin, and mobbed by a pack of old women,” continued the principal. — out by the roots, while my esteemed friend, Rip ies has been ridden on the rail of a green-house, and delud with the false cry of an escaped parrot, peace,” “ Pax vobisewm is a blessing. I feel as if some one had said that to me,” replied Mr, Crawcour, “So dol, sir. Your health.” “Yours, Mr. Mole, and long lige to you.” “ Same to you, sir,” replied the senior master, They filled and emptied their glasses. All at once they started. There was a sound of casta- nets and banjos outside the window. Horrible to relate, after this prefatory warning, a dozen voices struck up a musical air and made the night echu again, Mole,” exclaimed the principal. “Mr, hear ?” “* T do, sir,” replied the senior master, “What is it?” ** Niggers, I should say, sir.” “Niggers? Oh, Lord t oh, Lord!” replied Mr, Craw- cour, “TI have had undertakers and I have had old women, I cannot stand niggers.” Pressing bis hand to his forehead, he rushed out of the room and made his way into the yard, where he tried to drown himself in the water-butt, Mrs, Mole and Mrs, Crawcour providentially saved him, and sent him to bed. His wife declared he had been drinking and smoking until he was fuddled, and that Jack Harkaway was un- justly blamed. But when Mr. Mole brought Jack in and questioned him, and Jack admitted that it was all his doing, Mrs, Craweour changed her mind. It was some days before the principal showed himself in school again. When he did he spoke to Jack and told him he wanted him to accompany him to his father’s, They drove over, and the result of the conversation was that Jack should go to sea, Mr. Bedington called upon Captain Cuttle, and was so well satisfied with that gentleman that he paid a premium on the spot for Jack to sail under him in the Fairy’s voy- age to the China seas, Harvey’s friends granted his wish. Mrs. Crawcour was sorry to part with Jack, who. was her favorite boy, and she, as well as his mother, shed tears over him. There was another, too, who felt sorry at his going away, and that was little Emily. Three days before it was the one for the boys to leave Pomona House, an event took place which was just what Jack could have wished for, siete had ordered it the thing could not have happened vr. Harvey came to him and said, ‘‘ Jack, old boy.” « What is it 1” replied Harkaway, gear He was lounging in the playground, with his hands in his pockets. His thoughts were of the sea, He wondered what a big ship was like, and whether he should be sick or not on the waves. ; “ There is a show in the town,” replied Harvey. * Nonsense !”” “ There is, though.” ‘* What sort of a show?” ‘i “Wild beasts and snakes—a ‘nagerie,’ don’t you eal 2 “* Menagerie,” said Maple, who was standing by. Jack gave him a box on the ears, *«There’s one for you,” he exclaimed, “What for?” asked Maple, crying. * Sneaking.” “T wasn’t sneaking.” ‘* Yes, you were ; you are always sneaking about; take your hook.” Maple slung away, rubbing his ear. “« Shall we go 2?” asked Harvey. * Of course. I'll tell you what we'll do, we'll have ’em up 8 the playground and let the beasts looce,” answered ac “ But they ieee eat us,” said Harvey, in dismay. ‘If they did eat afewit wouldnt matter. Mole wouldn’t be any loss, and as to Crawcour, I shouldn’t weep over his lonely tomb.” : Harvey laughed, “J thought you had done enough,” he remarked. “So Lhave. We are going away, but I don’t like te be idle.” ** How will you get the caravan up here?” “ Easy enough, Give the cove who has charge some money, and he’ll come,” replied Jack, ; After school they strolled down to Lillie Bridge, and found the show on the green, It was about half-past four and a few yokels were in- vesting their twopence to see the beasts, “ Walk up, gentlemen,” cried the showman, whose name was Puffies; ‘‘’ere’s the greatest vonders of Heu- rope, Hasia, Hafrica, and ’Meriky. Sea the lionses and the tigerses, snakeses and helephants; the great big monkey, and the hostrich, and the wolf that lays down with the lamb who lives on mint sauce.” * Jack approached, ‘ ~day, governor,” he said. “Same to you, sir,” replied Puffles, who was fat and wheezy. : “ How’s business 2” “None 80 lively, but I musn’t complain. If tha beasts did not eat so much, I could hafford myself more beer, and that’s the truth,” ** What do you pay to half a sovereign ?” asked Jack. a pi teg for?” ; 'o come up to our school at Pomona Ho: and give the bo; treat.” , ea? bs ‘How long do you want me to stop?” bout an hour.” : Trepeat this ia “Do you «J, sir, have been ducked in liquid manure, and I too |_ | have been mobbed by old women, and had my hair torn
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‘hordered here, Part the half quid and [ll step it, but I aed ——$——$— — = Si Puffies and his attendant quickly harnessed the horses, | and the huge, unwieldy caravan rolled along the road to Pomona Heuse. Jack opened the gate of the playground, and allowed it fo enter. The horses were unharnessed again, and Jack slyly drove them out into some fields, where it was not easy to find them. When he returned he found the boys all crowding around the show. Mr, Grawcour and Mr, Mole were talking in an ani- maated manner, *T tell you,” said the showman, doggedly, ‘that I’m don’t move hunder the sum hagreed upon.” “Who ordered you ?” inquired Mr, Crawcour. “ 4 young gentleman,” ‘¢ Where is he?” Pufties looked around for Jack. * Point him ont!” exclaimed Mr. Crawcour. Jack had opened the door of the carayan and crept Consequently Puffies could not see him. “ He cannot do it, sir,” exclaimed Mr. Mole. @pinion the fellow is a lying impostor.” “You say that again and Pll paint your heye,” cried Puffles, angrily. “Stay,” said Craweour; “where is Harkaway? He may explain this.” No one could find Jack. * Please, sir, may I speak?” asked Maple, “oe Yes.”’ ” ot! Harkaway is in the carayan.” “Indeed !” “TJ saw him sneak in,” answered Maple. Maple, having told his tale, rétired delighted to task that he had got Jack into trouble again, “T's my “You little disguster! at itagain, are you?” exclaimed Harvey, pulling his ear. “Oh, don’t, arvey, please don’t; I did’nt mean any- thing,” roared Maple, Harvey gave him a kick which sent him spinning, and then ae og up to the yan, which Mr. Craweour had ap- proached, Suddenly the door was thrown violently open, and Jack made a spring over the ladder which led up to it, Jumping on to the ground, He appeared to have had a bad scare. His eyes were distended and his hair rough, while he “trembled a good deal. The cause of his Bicpom was soon apparent, He had unbarred the cage of wild beasts, But not being quick enough in his movements, he had yery nearly fallen a victim to the lion, who had made a ‘dash at him, When it was too date, he began to feel alarmed at what he had done. With the usual boyish thoughtlessness, which charac- terized him, he had forgotten the savage nature of the wild beasts, . Puffies was also terribly frightened. / “Blarm me.” he cried, ‘if the beasts ain’t all loose, Run, gents, for your lives !’” The boys scattered helter-skelter in all directions, “Do the trees, to the trees at he bottom of the play- ground, and climb up !” shouted Jack. This hint was acted upon. Ina few seconds all the boys were perched on the feranches of the trees, with the exception of Jack. He remained in the center of the playground. Mr. Crawcour was rooted to the spot with terror. Mole tried to run, but caught his foot in a hole and fell flat on his face. Here he lay, not daring to move. Puffles brandished a long, heavy whip, and swore fear- fully at the animals. They were not, however, to be bullied back. The lion made a jump into the playground and tho| ‘ tiger followed him. Then the elephant slowly descended the steps, amd the boa-constrictor glided down as naturally as if he was in his native land, Next camo the grizzly bear, and after him the pelican of the wilderness, who uttered a disiuai cry, The showman rushed upon the tiger, and belabored him with blows. Knowing the power of the whip, which he had often felt before, the lordly beast turned to fly. A window of the house stood open, and with a bound he jumped inside and was lost to sight. Whe lion gave an awful roar. . Mr, Moleshivered, He thought his last hous had come. Perhaps there was an old grudge between the elephant and the lion. At allevents, they confronted one another savagely. ‘The lion lashed his flanks with his tufted tail. “They're agoing to fight,” said the showman, “Oh, Lord, theyll both be killed and my show ruined !” “Stop them not!” exclaimed Mr. Crawcour, laying his hand on the showman’s arm. “ Who’sto pay me for this?” “You came here at your own risk.” - “ButI didn’t let’em out, There’s the Bengal tiger bolted, and the boa a climbing up a tree, and the elephant and lion going in a buster, Oh, Lord—oh, Lord, I’m a ruined man |’ erted the distracted showman, “Til lay a pound to a shilling on the ” k, with his usual coolness, eg Fema tte) se, Mine, ‘sir?” ; Ed Yess do not joke at your wickedness. Life may yet fae lost. “ Gently, sir; look out!” said Jack. ‘Theyre at it, Here's a lark! ’ Who'll bet against the lion?” ‘Everyone was silent. ; The lion crouched and then sprang upon the elephant, who uttered a peculiar bellowing noise, ) With ditkcuty he shook off his assailant, who had hurt a 1 : ‘bam badly in the HARKAWAY AFLOAT. Now ensued a fearful combat. The elephant fought with his tusks and feet, and for some time the battle was equal. Pufties ran about, half mad, trying to get the other ani- mals into the caravan. At length the lion fixed himself well on the elephant’s head. But the sagacious creature with more agility than Jack gave him credit for, rolled quickl} over and fell on his assailant, The bones of the lion were heard to crack. Lordly as the beast was he was ba npr and the ele- phant calmly proceeded to trample to death with his heavy feet, ; bet,” remarked Jack, ‘“ Moral **T should have lost my —never back lions,” Pufiles now drove the elephant into the carayan, almost cry: over the loss of the lion. “There’s a hundred golden guineas gone!” he ex- claimed. ‘“ Ne’er a show in England had such a lion as that.” Jack went up to-him. “My father is rich; heshall pay you for your loss,” hé whi id. The showman shook his head, as if he didn’t believe While this was going on, the bear had been smelling about Mole. He poked him with his snout, and scratched him with his — claws, Dreadfully alarmed, Mr. Mole got up. The bear stood on his hind legs, Mole shook with fear, “Harkaway,” he cried; “‘come here! Call the show- man! Quick !” “ He’g on to you sir,” answered Jack, “because he knows you use bear’s grease, and he resents it as an in- sult to hisfamily.” Hitherto Jack had been yery pale, but he began to brighten up a little asthe danger of some one being killed seemed to lessen, The boys were immensely delighted, for they could see all in safety, as they say like so many birds on the Praingal Saves vied 2a ti t to ha’ ingularly, every one appeared for the momen ve forgotten the tiger which had escaped and hidden itself somewhere in the house, The bear tried to hug Mole, but the latter rushed has and climbed up a tree with the agility of a mon- ey. Searcely had he got half way up when his hand touched Something soft, It was the boa, ‘ Two bright eyes glared into his. Uttering a yell of horror, Mole let go his hold and fell heavilly to the ground. The jerk given tothe bough shook off the snake, and he fell on the top of Mole. Puffies had succeeded in driving the bear back to the van. Seizing a blanket he ran up to the boa, and covered him over with it, The snake, from long usage, coiled himself up in it, and Pufiles fearlessly carried him back to the box, “ Alls well that ends well,” said Jack, Suddenly they heard a fearful shriek, This proceeded from the house. “ The tiger, the tiger!” exclaimed Mr, Crawcour, God | 1t is my wife’s voice. Again the ick rang ont shrill amd terrible, Jack's mind was made up in an instant. If the tiger attacked Mrs. Crawcour and killed her, he would be her murderer, It was through his thoughtlessness that the beast had been let loose, *“T will save heror perish in the attempt” he mut- tered, Mole was in an agony of fear, and of mo use whatever, The principal was equally incapaciated for action by terror. All he could say was, ‘* Save my wife! for the love of heaven save her! Save her!” Jack rushed past him like the wind, He was totally unarmed, But his brave, undaunted spirit carried him on, Climbing up some trellis-work, he got in at an open window, and ran along a corridor from whence the shrieks proceeded. . What a sight met his gaze! The beaunitul Mrs. Crawcour was lying on her back on the carpet. Her eyes ‘had closed now, and she was perfectly still and motionless, She had fainted from excess of terror. The splendid Bengal tiger was standing over her, his right paw resting upon her shoulder, At any moment his cruel fangs might be imprinted upon the soft flesh, i ri n Bounding over him, Jack made for the dressing-tabls, where the principal’s case of razors was, Taking out one, he epened it. The tiger turned his head aud watched him curiously. With a desperate courage, born of despair, Jack threw himse!f upon the tiger, whose neck he seized with his left hand, so as to make the savage-looking head turn up- ward, He knew that everything depended upon his quickness. The tiger was completely taken by surprise. Before he had time to recover from his astonishment, the sharp, glittering blade of a razor was drawn across his throat. ‘The head was almost severed from his body. A stream of dark, steaming blood issued from the trunk, and completely bathed Mrs, Crawcour. One more slash and the head was off altogether. “Wurrah !”’ cried Jack. Running to the open window, he held up the gory head in triumph. A shout arose from the boys who had assembled in the playground again, all the danger being over. He was like Judith with the head of Holofernes. __ The showman had got all his animals back, including Oh, the pelican of the wilderness, and even that mom “amoosin’ little cuss,” the kangaroo, Mr. Mole and Mr, Crawcour came to their senseg again. ‘The principal strode into the house, and, seizing Jack’s hand, said: “* Where is she 2?” Jack led him to the bedroom. The position of the tiger’s body and the blood-stained razor sufficiently explained the danger she had escaped. ** My boy,” he exclaimed, ‘‘ I must forgive you ali after this act of bravery.” r Then he sat down and cried like a child. Jack the bell forthe servants, who washed the blood off . Crawcour and put her to bed. The tiger’s body was removed, and Jack gave the showman his father’s address, telling him to state the seath and he felt sure he would be paid for his two ania mal In fact Mr. Bedington did give him the money he asked, though rather unwillingly. . When Mrs. Crawcour’s nerves were strong enough, she sent for Jack. “How can I thank you for your brave and noble com duct, Harkaway ?” she asked. ** By giving me one kiss, ma’am,” answered Jack, Lg. you funny boy,” she repeated, blushing, “Yes, ma’am, I am going away the day after to-mor row, and it will cheer me to think of it.” “Stoop down,” she said. Rs bent over her, and she kissed liim twice affections ately. “ God bless you,” she exclaimed, and protect you from thers ta your brave spirit will carry you through anything. ' e Jack felt highly complimented at this, and thought that he should like to kill another tiger. That evening in the schoolroom nothing was talked about but the wild beast show. Mr. Mole declared that he was not in the least afraid s€ any time, “Why did you lie down then, sir?” asked Jack. ‘ “A sudden giddiness, Harkaway, attacked me in the head, and there was a weakness in the lees for which J can’t account, but it wasn’t fear,” said Mole. There was a roar of langhter at this, “Silence, boys,” thundered Mr. Mole, ‘No more talking ; get up your lessons for to-morrow,” The boys instantly busied themselves with their books, and the loud talking and laughing gave place to that pe, culiar buzzing noise which is only heard in aschoole room. Mr. Mole came to Jack and sat dow1. beside him. “ What are you goles Harkaway ?”* he asked, * Taking my last look at Cwsar, sir,” replied Jack, “Ah! we have read that together You ought te se well up in it, How do you like the. 10f leaving ?” “Very mnch, sir.” . * That sounds ungrateful,” said Mole. Do you ted § regret at leaving your masters and companions?” - *¢ A little, I shall miss you, sir.” “ Ah! that is gratifying. Have I then been so kind 3 you?” asked Mole, with a smile. “Tt isn’t that,” answered Jack. ‘I’m used to you.” Mr. Mole thought this a curious sort of reply ,but he did not push the subject any further. “You must promise to write to me,” he said, “ when ——— iin ‘reel “Yes, sir; but postage me some stamped aiieesks *T will consider it. Did I éyer rich relation in China ?”” 6 Never.” “Tt isa fact, though,” continued Mole, ‘ He has 9 tea garden, andI have always been given to understang that he means to leave it to me when he dies.” “What's the good of a tea geese to you, sir?” “A good deal. It means independence and a relief from drudgery; boys like you, Harkaway, do not makea schoolmaster’s life a bed of roses.” “Tam sure ushers don’t make our lives all violets,” answered Jack, “Tf,” pursued Mole, ‘my relation dies and leayes me the tea garden, I shall most certainly go out and have a look at my property.” “In that case we may meet, sir,” **T trust not for any length of time,” replied Mole, with a dismal le. “My acquaintance with yo Harkaway, has not been of a nature to induce me to wish to renew it in a foreign land.” “Don’t be too sure, sir; none of us can tell what will turn up,” “ At all events ‘you will write, will you not? and so knowing what bs of the world you are in, I will take cars to avoid if.” “You'll die of boy on the brain, sir,” langhed Jack, “Well,” replied Mr. Mole, good-naturedly, “I wish you success. May prosperity attend you, and, Harka~- way— 3 Mr. Mole hesitated. (‘6 What, sir?” **You will not be offended if I offer you a little to of regard—a simple housekeeper, I am not rich, but I bought this for you.” He banded him a handsome Bible, with an ivory crosa on the cover. : ‘ E **Seo, I haye written your name in it,” he continued, Jack read: 3 “To John Harkaway, from his sincere friend and tue tor, Isaac Mole.” nderneath was added ; ; * Serve thy Creator in the’days of thy youth.” = *“Tt's only a trifle, but you may do worse than read your Bible. Idon’t want to preach, You know what I mean, and in the hour of danger put your faith in Him — who rules the storm and rides upon the whirlwind, — marae gees alt iit,” Seplica Seek eaaasean 4 you yery 1 r,” repli at this kindness of Mr. Mole’s. me i ma Mole walked away, and left Jack to his own thoughts, He did not remain long undisturbed, Sg is expensive. You'd better give d envelopes,” said Jack, tell you that Thad a
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st —_ oo HARKAWAY AFLOAT. Ne Harvey came up to him. “What do you think I’ve heard 2?” he asked. “Not aaah can’t say,” replied Jack. ve A fellow told me that Hunston is going on board our ip. “ By Jove, that’s bad. Think it’s true?” replied Jack, gravely. “JT believe one, if not two, of Dr. Begbie’s boys have shipped with the old captain. If so, why not Hun- ston?” “J hope it ain’éso. Id rather sail with anybody but that beastly cad, Hunston,” ** Never mind, you can lick him.” “Tm not afraid of him,” answered Jack. anderhand ways T hate.” **Tt seems as though the brute was destined to be mix- ad up with your fate.” “ Doesn’t it?” said Jack, thoughtfully. “T say. Here’s Collinson coming this way,” exclaimed Harvey. «‘ Wonder what he wants ?” ‘The captain of the school approached the two friends. “Oh, here you are together,’ he exclaimed. “I wanted te ask you to come to my study to-night, Can you ?” “ with pleasure,” answered Jack, ** What’s on?” * Only a little bit of feed. Just a sort of parting spread, Three or four of the sixth will be there, and we can have a quiet hour or two and a song.” A sony Qn “Yes, Ive got the governor’s permission. It is to cele the event of your leaving, and toshow you that we upper boys think something of you.” “Thank you,” replied Jack, much gratified at this of the estimation in which his school-fellows held *€ So you'll come ?” “Like a shot.” $ And you, Harvey ?” «J shall be delighted,” said Harvey. “Come around after prayers,” answered Collinson, “when the boys go to bed.” The supper was nothing very grand, but it went off remarkably well. : - There were speeches, Jatk’s health was proposed with musical honors and kJ pee times three, ; Then Jack returned thanks, © He said it was the proudest moment of his life, He kiped he should always act in a way to deserve the es- of his friends. He thanked them all from the bot- of his heart and soul. It was two o’clock when the last song was sung, the hast of the beer consumed, Bnd the boys went to bed. At length the time came for Jack to depart. Mr. Mole and the other masters wished him success, and when Oaptain Cuttle drove up in a fly, and the boxes were put in, and Jack and Harvey took their places, all eid boys sent up a cheer which could be heard a mile Mr, Craweour stood at a window, and Jack fancied that he saw him wipe away a tear as the fly drove off. And so we will follow Jack ta the por ship Fairy, which is to take him to the other side of the world, “Ts his ‘e e OHAPTER XIV, GETTING ON BOARD, _ Comer on, Dick. Here’s the ship,” exclaimed Jack, “All right! I’m close behind,” answered Harvey. It waa eleven o’clock in the morning, and the tide weryed in about an hour, so that the ship Fairy would fidve to start on her outward voyage in a short time. The two friends had come down by rail from Fen- 5 ehurch street to Blackwall, where the ship was lying. ; Most of their kit had been sent’ on board the day be- fore by an outfitter in one of the tortuous streets in the neighborhood, _ _. But they had brought a lot of things down with them is from London, wilh which the thoughtful care of their parents had provided them, : ‘Jack's father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Bedington, and z Harvey’s mother accompanied them to Blackwall, but having been on board twice hefore, the ladies did not care to go again, in the bustle and confusion of sailing, for they knew they would only be in the way. Mr. Bedin, escorted the ladies to a private room in the famous Brunswick Hotel, promising to go and see the boys on board, and return to them when the ship went out of the dock, and stand with them on the pier to wave a handkerchief and wish them a last good-bye. Both Dick and his friend were groaning beneath a weight of parcels, and they with difficulty ascended the jadder at the ship’s side, _ The Fairy was a vessel of 1,000 tuns burden, and as ‘trimly built and neat a craft as any lover of the sea could wish % sail in, ‘ ' No ae took any notice of the boys as they went on 5 board. ; 1 Se oe Pia and was bustling about, appearing to do some- ‘ rie ws confusion, _ ‘The Soys knew their way pretty well, for they had been 9m bord three times before, and they proceeded Below. Going aft, Jack descended the companion, and Harvey “Where shall I put these things ?” _ ~ “€huck ’em down here. Stow ‘em anywhere for the ee replied Jack, pointing to a corner near his : _ There was a tall, surly-looking young fellow standing by, smoking a short pipe. ~ : __. He was in his shirt, and his sleeves were turned up, as ff he had been at work. - Looking at Jack, he said: * Are you one of the new hands?” 5. S6Yeg;77: ied Jack, returning the stare. ~ Oh, Pye heard about you, and as I’m an old sailor paid have made two voyages, you'll have to knock under ‘ome, Don’t youthink you're going to chuck things ‘> about here as you please. Ask my permission next time.” ** Next week,” said Jack. “(What do you mean ?” said the other. “What Isay. I’m aremarkably plain-spoken sort ofa chap, but very simple. I’m so easily imposed upon; I was such a fool when I was at school that they sent me to sea to sharpen me up a bit.” “You look like it.” “May I ask who you are when. you’re at home?” con- tinued Jack, with a stupid air, but giving Harvey a sly wink at the same time. *That’s no business of yours. I’m senior midship- man on board this ship, and my name’s Wren.” “Thank you. Do you live far from here?” “* What’s that to you 2?” “T was thinking what a pleasure your poor father and mother must haye lost in not coming to see you eff. Do tell me where youlive, I feel quite interested in you—I do, indeed.” ‘‘T live at St. Mary’s, replied Wren, “Where's that ?”” “ Axe,” said the senior midshipman, turning away with agrin, and adding, ‘‘ That’s Whitechapel for ask and find ouf, Your're not such a fool as you want to make your- self out; and, perhaps, you’re clever enough to under- stand that we know a thing or two more than you land- lubbers,” “Thave heard of St. Mary Axe. It is somewhere in the city, I believe,” answered Jack, ‘‘ Thank you very kindly for the information. It has taken a great weight off my mind. I feel better.” Wren stared at him as if he could not make him ont. Presently Jack said: a En, thie hook, and shoe trade 1d oO you mean ?” cried Wren, angrily. “Ah, I see; fried fish and taters lino, Dactiape # con- tinued Jack, with an innocent look, *Oome, you shut up, yor r,” exclaimed Wren. “Tf I have any more of your cheek I will give you some- thing which will knock you off your sea legs for a fort- night ormore, My father’s a merchant, and had ships of his own once.” “You don’t say so !” exclaimed Jack, in apparént as- tonishment, ‘‘I wouldn’t haye said anything if I’d known you’d been a merchant’s son. Did your father meas have ships once ?” es, *€ All his own?” ** Of course.” “« Oh, my! fancy being the son of a swell who had his own ships! Were the ships like these 2” ** Merchant ships,” answered Wren. .* Great big ships! Well, I never! I'll always ask your permission before I do anything in future, Dick,” “ Well,” said Harvey. -* Take your cap off. He’s had his own ships—at least his father had, and he lives in the parish of St, Mary Axe.’ “ No, we don’t. We live at Dalston.” **T thought you said—” * That was only chaff. I see I shall have to teach pe ky a thing or two, You don’t seem to be oyer-sharp, after all,” said Wren, with a patronizing smile. *I was pretty well when I came on board, thank you,” answered Jack. ‘‘ It was the ship that did it.” Harvey was laughing so hard thathe hadtoturn round gut pretea to arrange the parcels, to prevent Wren see- im, fe Don’t,” he whispered in a plaintive tone to Jack, ‘‘T shall be ill, I’m bursting now. ; “JT haven’t done with “ Burst then,” replied Jack. him yet.” “What haye you got there?” asked Wrén, pointing to the parcels. “ Literature,” replied Jack. “ What Qn “Something to improve the mfmd in one bundle, and the reat prayer-books,.” “Go on,” said Wren, dubiously ; ‘* you wouldn’t bring half-a-ton of prayer-books on board.” “Yes, we did. They’re all for the heathen when we get to China. I promised my mother I’d give them to the poor creatures,” *T thought it was something good to eat, and as yow’re sure to be sea-sick, I and Sinclair would have eaten it for you, and sayed you the trouble.” *“*Yowre very kind. I wish it wasn’t prayer-books now. But, 1: may venture to inquire, who’s Sinclair ?? answered Jack, ‘He's the other midshipman.” “Ts his father a merchant, too?” “ Something of that sort.” * And has he got ships ?” “Shut up about ships, you fool. I hate a fellow who’s an ass,” cried Wren, angrily. ‘I shall have to lick you into shape with a rope’s end,{as the showman said to the young bear.” A “What did the young bear say?” inquired Jack, pre- tending not to hear., “Tt wasn’t tho bar, it was the showman,” “What did he say ?” Wren looked rounG for a bit of rope to give him a practical exemplification of what he meant; but not find- ing any, he simply said ‘‘Shut up,” and puffed away at ‘is pipe. “ We'll drop the showman and the bear and the ships,” continued Jack, ‘‘ and we'll talk about Sinclair. Is he a nice sort of messmate ?” “Like you?” *'There’s much of @ muchness about us, We're rough pont ready, and have made more than one yoyage to ether, bate He must be nice if he’s at all like Ob said Jack, adding thoughtfully ; “ But I don’t I shall like him 80 well as I do you, because his father don’t own ships. Is there anyone else in our cabin 2?” ri “We had six midshipmen last yoyage, but only Sinclair and myself are left.” i «* How’s that 2”? 7 i “Between you and me and the foretop mainsail,” an- swered Wren, ‘‘ the captain is not all he looks, and he generally can’t get fellows to make moré than the single run out and home with him.” ** Whew !” whistled Jack. “T thought ‘Captain Cuttle such a niee man,” re- marked Harvey. “So did 1; and so did lots of fellows. You don’t find him out before you’ve sailed under him,” ** How does he get men?” asked Jack. f ‘Oh, he hangs about schools and picks up boys, ana spins them yarns and all that,” replied Wren, £ ‘Why do you stop?” said Harvey. “Oh, I'm all right. I’m well in with the owners, anc Cuttle knows he must not say much to me, or—”* \ “ What?” “ Well, I won’t blab, but I could say more abont Silae Cuttle than he’d like you or any one else to hear, I’m cock of this walk, and if there’s any dispute which jig re~ ferred to the captain, you may lay your life he'll back me up through thick and thin, Is that good enough for you?” “Tt’s gratifying,” replied Jack, “when you come te consider that you’ve shipped for a good five or six months’ voyage.” Wren grinned rather savagely. **T generally let all the youngstersknow,I’m master, be- cause it saves a deal of trouble. Sinclair and I are palls, but he daren’t say much to me, Weshall, I expect, haye five midshipmen as they call them, though you're only apprentices, perhaps, There’s myself, Sinclair, you two and another jand crab.” “What are you 2?” asked Jack, “Well, of course, I’m only anapprentice if you come to that. Ihad a premium paid oats me, but I expect to be third mate soon. There are real midshipmen in the toya) navy, and it sounds well to call usso; that’s how it is. ‘ “zm astonished at what you say about Captain Cuttle,” Jack ~hserved, dropping his jocular air and becoming serions. ~ “You'll be more astonished before you’ve sailed far,” replied Wren, with a grin. ‘You’ll have something put in your log, my hearty.” “* What’s that?” exclaimed a voice behind him, “Oh, it’s you, S’clair,” said Wren, abbreyiating his friend’s name, “‘Glad to see you on board, Thoughs you’d join at Gravesend.” “So Ishould have done,” lied Sinclair, a short, ugly, shock-headed boy, who didn’t know how to nounce his ‘th’s,” ‘only I spent all my money in Rat cliff *ighway, and found it would be no bottle, as they say, Pe go in for another spree down the river, * Ard up my boy, : “TY beg your pardon,” exclaimed Jack, dropped something.” “What's that, my sea griffin ?” answered Sinclair. * Only a letter or fwo,”? “What?” “One of those things belonging to the alphabet,” con- tinued Jack. ‘* The letter H, lmean, Twas w red in heaven and muttered somewhere else, while echo caught faintly the sound as it fell, Don’t you know the riddle? .But I suppose you don’t, You’d spell horse with an 0.” “Til give you something tosay O for, if you don’t mind. Look out for squalls, You’re a green hand and must pay your footing,” said Sinclair, angrily. t “Plenty of time” answered Jack. “I’m going om deck. Step out Dick.” The boys trotted away, and Sinclair, who looked as # he had not had an honr’s sleep all night, and had drank more than his shock head could stand, said to Wrens “ That's a nice pup, any way.” : “* So I begin to think,” answered Wren, “ though I’m not ad up to his pele 3 “ Have you talked to him ?” “Yes, He’s either a great fool er else he’s been kid ding me.” OS Perhaps a bit of both. Never mind, wait till we’ = the channel, and we'll cob him within an indm of his life. * You've the tropics,” answered Wren, ‘‘ He says he’s got prayer- books here. at aed boos I think it’s grub. Let’s overhaul his er. “Steer ahead,” replied Sinclair, And the two old tars approached the corner in which Jack and Harvey had deposited their little parcels, amd began to look at them curiously. CHAPTER XV. DROPPING DOWN TEE RIvER, On deck Jack found his father, reigned everywhere. “Oh, here you are, you would come and meet me.” <a bound to turn up like a bad J friends are very anxious about fare.” ber that Ihave heard all that before, promised to be as good a boy as Icam 2?” Mr. Bedington looked grave, f “Do you feel no sorrow at parting from me 2” he said, “T want to see. the world.” “Then you don’t feel anything, Youare ardened,” Mr, Bedington replied, with a painful intonation, — “*T did not meai ing the change in his people in the world. tle Emily, and Dick larvey, ‘ather’s voice, “That?s as certain as that we shall spend Christmas in — Mr, Bedington was looking round for him with a puzzled_air, as if he could not quite understand the bustle and confusion which John,” he exclaimed, “I expected penny,” exclaimed “T do not think this is the time for such remarks,” re- plied his father. ‘ You have bade your mother farewell, nd she is now’in great grief at losing you. Remember that you are going away for a year at least, and thatyouz your conduct and wel- “My dear father,” said Jack, ‘+ will you kindly remem- and that I have mee, that,” Jack answered, quick} - noti ; this father's voles. “1 only love fous They are my mother yourself. lite
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Oe “well, well. I only speak for your good, as you ought to know by thistime. I say that you are going away from us. I should like to see you show your sense of the Reparation.” “Tl ery, if it would please you,” Jack said. “There you are again, This perpetual levity gives me { uneasiness. You are like—like—what shall Tjsay 2?” “A trough full of dough with some yeast put in it, al- ways rising,” Jack suggested. Mr, Bedington eould not help smiling. i “J hope your jocular temperament will not involve in serious disturbance with your future comrades,” esaid. ‘In the captain I have the utmost confidence.” “Have you?’ said Jack, ‘That’s more than I haye, wince—” He paused, thinking it scarcely worth while to arouse his father’s suspicion, when he had only heard a hint from Wren, which might “or might not be well-founded, *¢ Since when ?” repeated his father. “T did not mean anything. One of the fellows below does not speak well of him; that is all,” he replied. “Perhaps he has given his captain displeasure, and Mr, Cuttle has rightly reproved or punished him for it. Boys are rarely if ever satisfied with those who are placed over them. I should not Lsien,if I were you, to such idle tales. Endeavor, my voy, to do your duty, and if you know you are right, you may defy the world.” “But pappeee, said Jack, “that you are not one of those beautiful boys you read of in story books, and can- not always do your duty ; what then?” “Then you must take the consequences.” “Tm ready,” answered Jack, in a good-humored voice, ‘and can’t say more than I haye said; and that }s, I willdo the best I can, and that I am very, very yorry to leave you and my mother, who ever since L fhought about you, have been as kind as it was, possible for anybody to be.” ‘ “We have tried to be so, and it is now by your own push not ours, that you are going to sea. So, whatever result your venture has, you must not blame us,” re- plied Mr, Bedington. “T shall never do that. I’m big enough now to go on way own hook,” replied Jack. ; Mr, Bedington looked at him affectionately. “Recollect one thing, Jack,” he said, ‘What's that, father 2?” “ You’re my son, and the heir to a fine property.” ““T am as likely to forget the latter as not, but the for- ymor I shall never, never let slip out of my mind,” re- plied Jack, warmly, “Mr, Bedington pressed his hand, and a voice ex- alaimed loudly : “Any more for the shore? Now, then, any more for the shore ?” “You're off, Jack,” said his father. “ good luck go with you!” “‘ Never fear for me, father; I’m like a cat; I always tumble on my legs,” answered Jack, “You won’t worry yourself if you think of the home you've left and the kind friends?” “Don’t fret; I’ll make new ones.” “ Any more for the shore?” cried the voice a second -bye, and Asad expression stole over Mr. Bedington’s counte- nance. He was sorry at parting with Jack, more sorry than Jack was, if the truth must be told. . Captain Cuttle came up at that moment with his cheery smile and his frank, open countenance, which certainly belied the character that the senior midshipman had given him, ~¢ Never trust faces” was a maxim Jack heard, and he looked doubtingly wpon his future captain. “Td rather have Craweour and old Mole to deal with,” he thought. “Now, sir, going ashore?” cried Captain Outtle. — “ Ah, captain, how do you do?” replied Mr. Beding- to) n. “Oh, it’s you, sir. Now, lad, bustle about. Glad to gee you,” answered Captain Cuttle, with a bland look and oily smile, which he could put on when the occasion re- quired it. 3 “You'll see to my boy 2?” “ He’s right enough with me,” answered Captain Cut- tle. “Lord love ’em? I treat all my youngsters as if they were my own children. Sorry I didn’t see you before, We've half-a-dozen of champagne in the cabin, and I should have been proud of your company, Must wet the anchor, as the saying ia.” : Captain Cuttle caught sight of Jack again. “Step aft, my lad,” he continued ; ‘‘you’re in the way here,” Jack thought he detected a dangerous gleam in those sly gray re which he had never seen before, * Good-bye, father,” he said. « Good-bye, Jack, and God bless you!” answered Mr, Bedington. Jack went aft, as his captain had ordered him, show- ing his appreciation of the golden rule of obedience to orders at an early stage of his career. In a short time all those who were for the shore had me, except one or two who had made up their minds 2. accompany their friends as far as Gravesend, where the ship was to lay for the i and where they could travel back without any culty, as the Fairy had to take on * pen er at me io ager place, and ete for §res! nds to supply stich of her crew as migh' Sah at thelast Saanenye Tt is not an unusual thing for a captain, when the roll 4a called over, to find several seamen absent. Hither they have been too drunk to sail, or they have ed their miinds after signing articles, and the deficiency has to be made up by the crimps at Gravesend, | gs asbip cannot go to sea shert-banded. "The gates of the dock were opened, and the Fairy —— gadled out Jack and Harvey posted themselves in an advantmge- gus pomeny 40 eatch a last glimpse of their friends as they went ugh tae cut leading from the dock to the * HARKAWAY AFLOAT. ! Ht I wish I were like you, Jack,” said Harvey, witha sigh. “Why 2?” asked Jack. ** My father can’t come to see me off, and I think he’s rather glad I’m going. We’ve such # lotathome. He’s only a clerk in the city, you know, and it comes hard upon him to have to keep half-a-doz®n of us. How he paid the premium for me here I don’t know.” “Keep up your courage, old boy, replied Jack.‘ ‘ We'll make our fortunes in the East, and then we'll come back aud astonish them,” ** Look !” cried Harvey. ** Where ?” **On the pier, Ican see your father and mother, and my mother. ‘There they are, standing on the edge al- most, to see us off into the river,” ‘ Let’s give ’em a cheer,” said Jack Harkaway. “Right yon are,” replied Harvey. The lads took off their caps and gave a ringing cheer which Mr. Bedington answered from the shore, “Hurrah | hurrah! hurrah !” The beautiful vessel glided slowly into the river with sails set, Soon the stream caught her, and, aided by wind and tide, she dropped down the river. Mrs. Harvey turned away and hid her face, as her tears fell fast, and Mrs, Bedington, who had made her ac- quaintance, tried to comfort her: Harvey saw this, and he, too, began to cry. “Dick,” said Jack, ‘this won’t lo—biubbering.” “T can’t help it; mother’s looking so cut up,” replied Harvey. Yowre a man now and @ sailor, Look at me,” said Jack, Harvey did look at him. “Why,” said he, “your eyes are as wet as mine ; your’re crying, too,” “So Tam, old fellow. I was only humbugging you. After all, we’re only boys, and we can’t help feeling it,” answered Jack, in a hoarse yoice, But, in spite of their emotion, they kept the old pier in sight and waved their hats, though the figures baie ay upon it were indistinct, and the only things they coul make out clearly were the Hind begrinmied batik of the Thames’ low-lying shore, “Come !” exclaimed a yoice at Jack’s elbow, ‘ we’ve pee enough of that, No suffling; you’ll find something do.” It was Captain Cuttle who spoke. The men were getting into their places and attending to duty ina stupid sort of way, looking as if they had not revived from the night they had made of it before sail- It won’t do to cry. ing. The officers, however, were sober, and they saw that the necessary work was done somehow or other. a Touch your cap when you are spoken to,” continued ® captain, “T didn’t know we were on board of a man-of-war, sir,” replied Jack with his usual impudence. “Never mind whether we are or not. J’ll have disci- pline maintained on board my ship; touch your cap,” said the ype “Jack did so, and the captain went amidships. s “ That's a taste of what we've got to expect,” observed ack. “Yes. said Harvey; “he’s beginning early,” “Rather, I think ailthat Wren told us isn’t far from the truth.” They turned around with a sigh, and unexpectedly met an old foe, “ Hunston !” exclaimed Jack, astonished. “Yes, my boy, it’s me, as you truly remark, alive and kicking,” replied Hunston, senior, “T heard thatone of Dr. Begbie’s boys was coming, but I didn’t think it was you!” cried Jack, “ Or you would not have shipped, eh?” “ Perhaps not,” > “You see we're destined to meet, and we’d best be friends; shake hands.” “T shan’t. I don’t want to be friends with you be- cause I know what your friendship means, and how treacherous you are,” replied Jack. “All right, my hearty, please yourself. break my heart,” said Hunston. And he walked away with his hands in his pockets, Fancy that beast, Hunston, being on board,” said Harvey, as he looked after him, blankly. “T wish Pd known it, that I do,” added Jack. It seems to me we are to have more annoyances ‘on board ship than we ever bargained for.” “Tt can’t be helped, unless we cut and run at Grayes- end.” “7 shan’t do that; I'll stand to my guns.” “ What you do, ri do,” replied Harvey, looking at his friend with confidence, “though I can’t help saying I almost wish we were back again at Crawcour’s.” “Don’t turn tail at the start, Dick,” said Jack, with a reproachful glance, tail, but I don’t like Hunston being It won’t “Pm not tw on board, and I don’t like what Ihave seen of the cap- tain, or what Wren said of him,” “! They can’t eat us or skin us. We shall be right enough. Don’t funk,” replied Jack. “Still it is funny Hunston should be here, I’ve licked him, and can do so again, and he won’t play any tricks on us, though he may be a better sailor, as he has been to sea before, If I’m afraid of any one, it’s—” “‘ Wren ?” said Harvey. ‘No, the captain.” The two boys hung over the side, and looked in a mel- ancholy manner at the river, which was runniug down in a muddy stream to the sea. CHAPTER XVI. TAKING IN A PASSENGER, Brine a sailing-ship, and the wind not being very strong, the Fairy did not make very quick progress, re- lying almost entirely on the tide. i a was heavily laden, and bound for Canton, it ina, There was accommodation for a few passengers, ee she was noi a passenger ship, but merely a raaer, Few hands, like Jack and Harvey, were not molested by anyone, and did very much as they liked for the first iy. When the pier faded away, and the friends they had left behind were but dim specks, and then entirely shut out as they rounded a reach in the river, the boys turned to go below. “We'll put things a bit straight,” said Jack, ‘‘ and in- dulge ourselves with a glass. of currant wine and a slice of cake.” Not being in the habit of looking down on the deck, he did not see a coil of rope, over which he ane pitching him into a tub of water, and getting up slightly wet, while the sailors laughed loudly. *“What cheer, my hearty ?” exclaimed an old salt, — “T’ve had enough cheering,” answered Jack, “Tye been cheering till I’m hoarse. _At this the sailors laughed again, and to avoid their ridicule Jack was glad to descend the ladder, oa he was in such a hurry to get below that his foot slipped. He lost his hold, and rolled along the deck till he wae brought up by a kick from Wren. ; “Tsay! he cried. That’s a nice way of coming be- low. You are not obliged to do it all of alump.” “*Y couldn’t help it,” replied Jack, rubbing himself with a dismal expression. crt To his surprise, Wren and Sinclair were eating various delicacies, which, at the moment, he did not expect be-« longed to himself, : “You mightask a fellow to join in,” he said. “So we will, Help yourself,” answered Wren. Jack did so, and Harvey joined in when he came up, Cakes, oranges and currant wine vanished like magic. Presently Wren and Sinclair were called for, and stuff- ing their mouths and pockets full of anything they could Jay their hands upon, they went Bs “‘ That was generous of them,” said Harvey. “Very,” answered Jack. ‘ It’s more than I expected. Wren does not seem such a bad sort, after all, Now let’s put our things away.” “They'll be safe enough. The fellows won’t bag our grub, as they’ve got some of their own,” “Ta rather have them in my chest, though,” replied ack. He turned round to open the packages, and to his dis- gust found that they. were all empty. “Hallo !”’ he exclaimed, : “ What's up now ?” said Harvey. “ Bless their eyes,” replied Jack; “‘they’ye been and gone and done it,” «Done what?” ; “Why, we’ve been drinking our own wine and eating ~ our own stuff. That’s a good joke. Wren said we Lae something to learn, and it looks like it, rather, Firat of — alll go and tumble over a rope and douse myselfina tub of dirty water, then I roll down the ladder, ind now I find they’ve stolen a march on us and eaten our prog. We certainly have got something to learn, and mustkeep our weather eye open, Dick.” ‘ ¥ 3 ~ “ Tt looks like it,” answered Harvey. erying over spilt milk ; let’s go and look about us abit” — ie opeg | 8 mortification as well as he could, he led the way on deck again, wee on board ship was very different to being on shore. They were continually in the way, and were pushed © about from place to place, and once very nearly fell inte. the hold, as the hatch was not down yet, * At last they got into the steward’s cabin, where the first mate, Thompson, was taking a sip of brandy with Smith, the steward, “ Well, youngsters,” said the mate, “how do you like the ship ?” . ’ x “‘ The ship’s right enough,” answered Jack. ‘It’s the people on board I don’t quite understand.” “You'll drop into your place in a day or two, and find everything go like a piece et machinery,” answered Thompson. - « n shall we get to sea ?” ae 7 Ss Daeere) in me ag a to-morrow.’ To-night we y_ off to Gravesen e in a passenger.” : “Whoishe?” ’ ra _ “TI don’t know his name, but he’s going outto Canton inahurry. An unclo has died and left a tea garden © in China, and he’s going to look after his property,” an- ee RS ge 5 4 : “Theard he’s been a schoolmaster, or something of that sort.” F 3 3 al a “T thought we'd done with schoolmasters,” said Jack, “We've had enough of that sort of cattle.” 2 ** He can polish you up in your ABO when you’ye nothing else to do,”’ answered Thompson, with a laugh. Jack did not quite with this prospect, but ie soled himself with the thought that as the schoolmaster was & passenger, he should not come much in contact with Gravesend it was fully expected « But it’s no use When they reached that the ship would drop anchor, : But the captain, finding that his erew answered to their names, and that he had only to take a passenger on board | at Gravesend, contented himself wif& taking in sail and — making a signal for the boat to come alongside, Se As the passenger was waiting with his luggage in: boat, the rowers soon put off and came slonaalde) the. Fairy. See se “8s a a ~~ tea garden left hi sudden death of a salatives follow The boat dropped behind. All sail was set, and the Fairy continued her way ( aie ltanly tie Be hit sight of Jack's face, in ly the passenger cau, Jack’s, “Stop the ship! stop the ship! he exclaimed, get out} Stop the ship |” : os
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16 Attracted by his frantic gestures the captain ap- ‘hed. ed, “What's the matter, air?” he inquired. “Stop the ship, Isay! Ill get out!” continued the passenger, with increased vociferation, The captain regarded him curiously. Was he mad? z 4 CHAPTER XVII, 5 THE STOWAWAYT. “Srop the ship!” repeated Captain Cuttle. ttoea the man mean ?” “Tl get out, Tsay, Let me out,” persisted the pas- er, “Do you think you’re in an ormibus?” You won’t have any chance of getting out till t\e pilot leaves, and then you'll have to pay a good price’ tee Beknig landed at Deal, and forfeit your passage. What’s the matter with the ship? ‘The owners sent me a telegram saying you’d taken your passage at the last moment, and I was to pick yon UP at Gravesend, Haye you forgotten anything im- nt 7 th It isn’t that,” groaned the passenger, It’s Jack Hark- away. If I'd known that he was on board this ship I wouldn't have sailed in her.” eo te too late to give her a wide berth now,” said the in, ° bas es what harm can one of my midshipmen do to u ‘You don’t know him as well as I do, Something dreadful will befall the ship. I know it will. We shall never get to our destination.” «¢ What have you had to do with him ?” “T washis tutor, My mname’s Mole. I was Mr. Craw- cour’s senior master,and if anybody knows anything bout Harkaway, ’m the man, Little di I suspect that I was going to fallinto a trap when I tcok my passage in the Fairy, 1,000 tons register, A 1, at Lloyd’s, seven ears. Oh, dearme! This wasa prospect I did not gain for when I hastily determined to leave my native land, on the occasion of my eccentric uncle’s sudden death, and his demise to me by will of an exten- sive tea garden in China, near Canton.” Captain Cuttle looked at Mr, Mole, and then at Jack, The latter tapped his forehead with his finger signifi- fantiy “A Oh, it is like that, isit 2?” said the captain, in a low voice. ‘ ‘* Been so on and off for some time, sir,” replied Jack, raising his hand to his cap respectiully. * Oranky, eh ?” ‘Touched in the upper story, sir. Got a tile off, as weray. I don’t believe he’s got any tea garden at all. It’s a delusion. He said he was the Prince of Wales Gint and wanted us to call him Albert Edward the ‘st, ‘ 4 ‘<All right, Leave him to me.” ; Jack saluted Captain Cuttlé again, und went forward, where Harvey was waiting for him. « What “Is that Mr, Mole?” asked Harvey. “ Yes.” pos “Our Mole ?”? “Yes, Orawcour’s Mole. He’s the schoolmaster who’s had a tea garden left him by his uncle,” answered Jack. eid it funny that he should come to sail in this 1) ry Rather,” ejaculated Dick. It certainly was curious that Mr. Mole should have se- ‘fected this particular ship to sail in. - An eccentric uncle of his, from whom he had long had expectations, had settled years ago in China, and hearing of his death from his solicitor, Mr. Mole determined to go at once to Canton. He was left sole heir of his wealth, and being tired of drudgery in a school, he resolved that he would go to _ China and look after his newly-acquired property. _ Seeing by an advertisement in a papsr that the Vairy was the first ship to sail for China, he took leave of his friends and booked his passage. ‘When he found that Jack was on board he became ‘alarmed lest he should play him some tricks and reader his passage uncomfortable, Captain Cuttle, however, allayed his fears, “Tm master here, sit,” he exclaimed, “and I make every one do as I please. My midshipmen are supposed to be young gentlemen, and if they don’t behave like gentlemen I'll skin them alive.” It was a fact, in spite of what Wren had said, that all the boys were midshipmen, amd not apprentices, ' They had paid a premium which was to be repaid them tm the shape of wages, and they could leave the ship ‘when the voyage was done, whereas had they been ap- entices the captain cotild have made them serve until ‘their time was up. In their cabin, in which they messed together, were bunks on each side, and in these they slept. * The ship soon got into the channel and the pilot left her. -Then she went gayly on her voyage, favored by winds that promised to make her passage a quick one Jackand Harvey were down with sea-sickne.s as soon as they got past the Nore. : sir?’ demanded the captain, sternly. anawered the boy. HARKAWAY AFLOAT. «Maple !”" repeated the captain, adding, ‘‘ who put you up to this ?” Maple hesitated. *€ Out with it,” *“ Hunston did,sir, I always liked him, and thought the sea would suit me. Iknew my parents would not let me come, so Hunston brought me down with him and smuggled me on board, He told me just now it was time to speak, but I feel so il] that—” Here Maple feil sick, and rushed to the side of the ship. “Pass the word for Mr. Hunston,” exclaimed Captain Cuttle. Hunston came up, locking anxious. “So you have been accessory to getting that useless worm on board, have you ?” continued Captain Cuttle. “Tt was his wish, and—” “Take that,” raplied the captain. Dealing him a blow in his face, which sent him rolling over the deck. Huanston got up half stunned. ‘I'll have it out of you,” cried the captain, furiously. “You don’t play your games with me for nothing. Out of my sight, and some of you take that boy below. Captain Cuttle was now showing himself in his true colors, Hunston did not reproach Maple. He was glad to haye him on board, because he knew where Maple was he should have a snack and a toddy al- ways at hand. 2s But he vowed vengeance against the captain, and bided his time for an opportunity. In a few days the fresh hands were well enough to come on deck and do their duty, which Jack seon learned, Maple and Harvey were slower. Jack liked the life of a sailor, but Maple found out that he had made a mistake, for if there was any dirty work to be done, such as swabbing the deck, it was by common consent given to him; even his friend Hunston did not stand by him, “You don’t seem so lively,” remarked Hunston, with a sneer, to Jack, one morning at breakfast. as Jack was munching a ship’s biscuit and drinking his tea, Jack made him no answer. “Qeptain Cuttle isn’t Craweour. Old Cuttle is one too many for you,” continued Hunston. “ Wait a bit,” replied Jack, “I’ve hardly had time to look around me.” The only two passengers were Mr. Mole, and a natural- ist named Blader, who was sent out by some scientific society to make explorations in the Ind Archipelago. Mr. Blader had with him a favorite monkey in a cage, which stood in the saloon, Jack had his eye on Jocko for some time, and one day slipp! into the saloon, mnfastened the monkey, and put on his head a paper cap, on Which he had written in large letters, “ Captain Cuttle.” Then he turned the monkey up in the captain’s cabin. Jack had scarcely had time to get or deck before he heard asmash, at which he grinned, for he knew the mischievous creature would jump from place to place, and smash eyerything breakable he came across, ‘The captain did not go below for half an hour, Lge a great drinker, which in some respects accounted for his ill-temper and savage disposition. He imbibed little glasses of spirits at short intervals. Smacking his lips at the prospect of a dram, he opened his cabin door. The place was in a state of horrible confusion, A case of bottles was knocked down, brandy, rum and gin, saturated the carpet, glasses wene broken, his swinging looking-glass smashed, and many things that he prized lying in a heap irretrievably damaged. Looking up forthe author of the mischief he espied the monkey. “Who has done this?” he gasped. Jocko nodded his head, and the captain read on his absurd-looking paper cap, “Captain Cuttle.” Seizing a chair, he darted at the monkey, intending to brain him. The creature was too quick for him, Jumping on his shoulder he gave hima claw in the face and darted past him, made for the deck, followed by the irascible captain. The monkey Neetcad and frisked about the deck, de- lighted at his newly found freedom. When the sailors saw him, and reap on the cap ‘‘Cap- tain Cuttle,” they grinned and watched his antics with lee, which increased when they beheld the skipper fol- fowiha him, In vain the captain chased the monkey from ship’s end to ship’a end. He could not catch him. «7711 shoot the brute,” he cried. Going below fcr a pistol, the sailors awaited the sequel with impatience, though they laughed” long and loud when the skipper’s, back was turned. : Tt was a capital joke to them, for none of them really liked the commander of the Fairy. Mr. Blader was walking arm in arm with Mr, Mole as he inquired the cause of the commotion, *¢ Bless me! it’s my monkey,” he exclaimed. When he saw the inscription on the cap he could not refrain from smiling. Jocko gibed, and chattered, and danced about the shrouds in a frolicseme manner, _ ~ Captain Cutile now appeared again, armed with a sin- gle-barreled pistol. The monkey recognized him as his enemy, and dex- terously leaping toward him, seized his cap, and ran up the shrouds with it. “The fiiend take him!” exclaimed the captain, He leveled his pistol, A “ What are you about todo? That is my monkey, Cap- tain Outtle,” cried Mr. Blader, who really liked his pet. **Stand on the ontside, sir. The beast has made a wreck of my cabin, and, by Heayen, I'll shoot him,” re- plied the captam. “T protest that you will do nothing of the sort,” an- swered Mr. Blader. He ran to the shrouds and called the monkey, * Jocko—Jocko !” “ey The creature at once came to him, and nestled im hig arms affectionately. “Y will make good any damage he may have done,” continued the naturalist. ‘‘ Reflect, sir, that the monkey could not haye got loose of his own accord, and orna~ mented ‘this cap with the yosurd device it bears,” “Let him go, or Vil shoot you,” cried ihe captain, angrily, * Ishallnot do so,” replied Mr. Blader, firmly, who waa a quiet, middle-aged man. ‘‘I shall protect my animal, and if you fire I take this ship’s company to bear witness (hat my blood will be.on your head, and you'll be guilty - of murder in the eye of the law.” # oy with rage, Captain Cuttle pulled the trigger and red, ———— CHAPTER XVIII, BASHED TO THE MASTHEAD RIGGING. An old sailor, whose name was Slocum, happoned to be Standing near the captain. Seeing his murderous intention plainly displayed on his face, he kept his eye upon r we tec his finger pressed the trigger Slocum dashed is arm up. The ball flew harmlessly through the rigging. Finding his attempt to shoot either the monkey or its eed frustrated, Captain Cuttle diverted his wrath upon Slocum, * What {he blazes do you mean by spoiling my shot?’ he ericd, sii] niore furious than ever. “Duty, cap’n,” replied the sailor, touching his hat re. spectfully. Slocum pointed to the sky, “'There’s one up aloft, and he’s a ski wo all owe & duty to, We’ve no right to take the life we ean’t give back,” he said. “Get out you canting cur,” exclaimed Captain Cuttle. **7'll,have no mutinons dogs on board my ship.” With that he gave him a blow on the forehead which caused him to fall bleeding to the deck, The blow was a severe one, asit had been dealt with the butt-end of the heavy pistol. “Shame |” rose to the lips of uhe men, But they were afraid to speak openly. Sonie of them had sailed under Captain Cnttle hefbre, a his character was well known in the merchant ser. ice, So tyranical was his conduct that one ship which he had commanded came to be called the *‘ Hell Afloat.” Mr, Blader had hurried below with his monkey and re placed him in his cage. He took off the paper cap. It was a sort of Ordinary fool’s cap, in which something had been wrapped. t In his hurry Jack had omitted to notice one thing, This was of the utmost importance. The paper had contained some article which his mother _ had bought for him at a shop, and on it was written in ¢ small, running hand ; “Master John Warkaway Bedington.” Taking this in his hand, Mr. Bladerjran up on deck, He was justin time to see Slocum st: forward, bleeding from the forehead, and supported by two of hiv shipmates, Took here, sir?’ he exclaimed, handing the captain the paper. Captain Cuttle took it and saw only his own name. Thinking Mr. Blader wanted to add insult to injury he crumpled it up in his hand. “Tt’s a fool’s cap, and would fit you,” he said. “Stay; read the address on it, and you may find out the culprit,” Mr, Blader hastened to exclaim, The captain did so, His face darkened, and he looked more repulsive than before. “One of my youngsters,” he muttered 3 “I had his character with him.” ARS vache you any one on board of the nameof Harkaway ngton?” continued Mr. Blader; ‘if so, the presump- téon isthat he must be the culprit, though it does not fol~ low absolutely that he is, Someone else may have used the paper, thongh it has his name attached to it.” “Tt’s Harkaway safe enough. Don’t stand jabbering there; we don’t want any sea-lawyers here,” said the captain. “¢ eres Cuttle, as a passenger, I demand to be treat~ ed wit proper respect and—” “You've got the run of the ship—take it.” “You yan my life, but being of a forgiving dis- position, I am inclined to look oyer thut; yet if this course of conduct is persisted in, I shall be compelled to lay the eee, before the proper authorities,” replied Mr. er. Captain Cuttle pushed him impatiently on one side, and went to where Jack was standing with Harvey. Jack saw his fist clenched, and, remembering what he had done to Hunston, which had been a good deal talked about in the midshipmen’s mess, retreated so as to avoid a sudden blow. “What did you dress that infernal monkey up for, and turn him loose in my cabin, eh?” vociferated Cap-+ tain Cuttle. J is Son. BH ae know it was 1?” asked Jack, ook at the cap you gaye him, It’s got your name inside. You did it. Nolies, ee “To the masthead! Away with yon, and stay there till you have my permission to come down, which won’t be yet awhile,” Jack made his way to the masthead, and put his foot. in the shrouds, “Captain Onttle,” he said. “What now?” said the captain, turning round sharply. ; *Yowll send my dinner up,” continued Jack, The captain made a run at Jack, and would have sent himup the rigging by the help of his foot, quicker than he might have liked, had not Jack taken the pre- caution to go up the shroud and remove himself out c# — harm's way, a eee
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eee HARKAWAY AFLOAT « Monkey meat is all you'll have,” he said, booking up at Jack, Jack took out his watch, “ How long am I to stay here?” he said. “It’s a fine airy situation, but it’s possible to have too much of a d thing.” a You'll stop there until this time to-morrow, and that syill teach you to play tricks upon me again. So none of your palaver, my lad.” “By what authority do you act?” asked Jack, * Say another word, my boy, and I'll put you in irons, by the living Jingo,” cried the captain, ber de himself with rage. Jack slowly ascended the rigging and reached the jap. Sook looked down, and having a bit of wood in his socket, threw it at Hunston and hit him on the nose. Hunston looked round wonderingly, but could not discover where the missile came from, From the top, Jack ascended tothe crosé-trees, and sat there for a time very contentedly, but the gs of hun- ger began to assail him, and his watch told him that the midshipmen’s mess was being served. “Tl have acut at the salt junk, anyhow,” he mut- tered. With ‘that he ‘an to see oe to the astonish- ment of his comrades, entered the ca’ as they were just commencing dinner. “Has he let you off ?” exclaimed Wren. -- “Nothe. Dyeleft myself off,” replied Jack, “The air up there has made me so that Teoul@ eat a hoa! of whales, “Out in then,” replied Wren. “It’s your own look- ‘inner, “out, and I’m not one to crab you.” Jack soon fell to and made an excollent a: & He chatted gayly and recounted what he had done to the monkey, making them all laugh. ve You'd better go up again before the captain sees you,” mreerated Wren, who was not a bad-hearted fellow at * He is not a man to be trifled with, as you have found ont, I dare say; but he has already his into you for what you have done, and you’d better keep this swivel eyes off you if you can.” “One more chunk,” said Jack, eyeing the beef affec- ly. While he was finishing his dinner Hunston Maple went on deck. = “ Here is an ity not to be lost,” said Maple, «Eel me go and tall the éaptatn whe et me go an ca} re Harka’ is what he’s doing, and I shall get into his fever, and sak will get into a row.” “Go ahead then, Wi tition, as he said, shook hands wi! do you want, youngster ?” asked Captain Out- “One of my former pupils,” interposed Mr. Molo, |: “A very good boy. It is a pleasure to sail with so man friends, more especially as Harkaway has let me alone, ‘Please captain” said Maple, in his sneaking way ; *‘T have come to inform you of a circumstance of which i oe eee — be orant.” ery g exc! ied Mr, Mole, rubbin ir ibe good, indeed.” . me: ‘* Mutiny in the ship, eh?” asked the captain, “ Not so bad as + but it’s disobedience of orders,” eh ee you once for that I don’t ‘bearers; but I'll listen to you,” said the tage wig we. ea arkaway come di fi -slinner, and he’s at tt now.” wart i Erm Osea i peter be the Lacing grinding his teeth. ‘ope you'll remember it was I who told sir,” said Maple, thinking he had mado a favorable aabyaresi “Take that,” cried the captain, jum fi chair, and dealing him a box on a poe Sg hate ta she thanks you'll get from me for telling tales,” werne* ran away, and the captain followed him on 2 Plager ran aftr hn, sving 10 1 8, Captain Cutéle. Perhaps the lad Harkaway has been rt lates y sufficiently punished for a “Harmless! That’s your opmion, Lea: ‘gad mind yourown business. try a aa Coe fell back. ei ine Soh tall, stalwart seaman to his side, the’ captain ‘ake Mr, Harkaway, the midshipman und ~ ment, who disobeyed orders by scat down fejerthe masthead, and who is now in the midshipmen’s berth. see am him to the topmast-rigging. Be off and look The sailor, whose neme was Day. Tn vonve got — pid up the hatebway. eee come i ir,” sé Where?” asked Jack. = = ipa oman vimana ght,” answered eo trouble of sitting on fata nacho Tees Dayage took a coil of * went aa the rigging, of rope, and, preceded by Jack, When they came to the Keres h ii wy, pe that was fg ae ible to ex! Pag ee er ee wn ee ‘I'm all right ; don’t flurry your fat,” replied Jack “But Captain Outtle may take his d ts with him for this.” Bein se plas “You'd have the ship's company with you, sir,” said Th sailor d deck, an J ~ elon in his gl ry. e. d Jack was left iokmife| tew In the heayens thesun shone brightly, and the wind whistled melodiously through the cordage. For a time Jack did not mind it, but aftér an hour had clapsed his position began to get painful. __ “ I suppose it’s my fruit,” he said to himself. ‘But it isn’t pleasant. I’ve been deceived in old Cuttle. He’s a humbug. Crawcour was a lamb compared to him. I wish I hadn’t letthe monkey loose. I wish I hadn’t gone tosea, What a fool I was!” The day declined, and Jack’s position became every hour more and more irksome. There did not seem any prospect of release. “ Perhaps Dick will come up to me,” he muttered, as he thought of Harvey, CHAPTER XIX, THE GAPTAIN’S SECRET, WEARILY passed the evening, The pain which Jack had hitherto suffered increased to positive agony as the ropes with which he was lashed to the chafed his limbs. Had not Davage mercifully made the strain come round his body and under the arm his condition would have been worse. To bodily pain were added hunger and thirst, the lat- ter especially, for the salt beef he had eaten at dinner- time made him long for a good draught of sweet water. ‘To his parched throat even the salt sea appeared en- ticing, and he longed to be able to shave himself free from the galling cords and plunge into the waves which lea: and danced at his feet. re was a gleam of comfort when he remembered that it was Harvey’s watch, About twelve, as near as he could guess, for he could not look at his watch, he heard some one coming up the It -was Harvey. “Thank you for coming to see me,” said Jack, ina faint voice, “Pye come to do more, if you like torisk it,” answered - is that 2” “Out you down. All the fellows in the ship says it’s too bad to keep you tied up here the best of the day and afl night too, Are you not stiff ?” “ Rather,” replied Jack; ‘‘but I think T shall be able to get down. “the cirewlation in my limbs is all right. Davage didn’t lash my wrists and ankles,” “Quttle turned in tight, I think, and won’t come on deck till the morning. Thompson, the first mate, is on deck, and he told meif I liked to go up and speak to you, he shouldn’t see me.” “Thompson’s a brick,” said Jack. ‘Under the cir- cumstances I’4 come down, Dick, and chance it. I’m that dry I could dip my back into a puddle of road water, and my head aches fit to split.” “TJ should think it did; you had a tidy sun on you for some time.” As he spoke, Harvey cut away the lashiugs and threw them into the sea, It was lucky that he supported Jack with one arm, for he had overrated his strength, and it was some few minutes before he could recover himself sufficiently to trust himself off the trees. At length he reached the deck, and crawled along in the shadow of the main hatch, and so reached the mid- shipmen’s mess, 4 is first care was to quench his thirst. Then he Jooked around him, Wren, Sinclair, Hunston, and Maple were fast asleep, and only a faint light came in through the portholes. Wren was tossing about in an uneasy, restless manner, as if indulging in the luxury of a pie himare, “ What is he saying?” Jack mu as he heard him talk in his sleep. “He wouldn’t me,” said Wren, speaking thickly and at intervals. “I’d call him Captain Scuttle, asI did once before.” “Captain Scuttle!” reposts, Jack, listening intently, “There is something in this.” “ For a brief space Wren was silent. “ Didn’t I see him with my own eyes bore holes in the bottom of the Polar @tarf? She was lost off Newfound- land. Foundered in # fog. Ha! ha! Crew saved in the boats, and reached St. ony hare pall the ve Ma- rine Insurance Company _wouldn’ ve e damage if they’d known what I know. Cuttle or Scuttle, he musn’t talk to me.” Jack drank inevery word of this revelation, after which Wren was silent, 4 The sleeping boy had probably been contrasting his position with Juck’s during his waking hours, and the result was a dwelling of the mind, upon what often oc- cupied it, while asleep. * That's the captain’s secret, is it?” Jack said to him~- self. ‘A pretty villain Captain Cuttleis! I see now why Wren isn’t afraid of him. Wait a bit!” i Jack turned in, ‘all standing,” as le phrased it—that is, with all his clothes on, and slept very well till moru- ing. itis messmates were astouished to see him. = “TJ didn’t think they'd let you run about loose again, said Wren, “You don’t know anything,” replied Jack. “ How did you like if?” asked Sinclair. a “Oh, stunning ; lovely sky and beautiful prospect. Jack had searcely finished his breakfast when he was sent for to the caj 3 cabin, as he had expected. Captain Cuitie had been on deck, and discoyered that the prisoner was not in his proper position, He made inquiries without any result, aud sent for the offender, He was alone when Jack entered and glared at him a ith ht bet and me, to “Ts there going to be a fight between yo! t going zg! i thes see who is to conquer, my lad?” exclai _ Yes, Captain Senttle,” replied Jack. * Captain what ?” roared the skipper, “T beg your pardon,” said Jack ; “being aloft se long has made me rather stupid. I mean Cuttle. Tt was gare ing at the Polar Star that confused me.” The captain looked keenly at him, as if he would read his soulin its innermost depths. For a moment he could not make out whether he was speaking by design or from accident, and Jack’s per« fectly cool and off-hand manner rendered his task all'the the more difficult. ‘* Aren’t you afraid of me?” he asked, presently. “No. I knew you wouldn’t do anything more to me.” “ - not?” ** A little bird told me 80,” answered Jack. “Wren. You mean Wren,” exclaimed the captain, losing his presence of mind, You’ve been g to Wren.” “He was only spinning a yarn, sir,” replied Jac’ “about being wrecked off Newfoundland. The ants foundered in a convenient spot, went down in a fog, which fogged everybody, even the Mercantile Marine Ine surance.” Captain Cuttle went up to Jack and put his hand on his shoulder, grasping it till he hurt the flesh. He was yery white now, and spoke with an intensity af faging that showed he ea in gr th, 1ad,” he eep your tongue between your tee OX- claimed, ‘if you want to save your life.” 2 “My life p repeated Jack, who was rather alarmed a the skipper’s tone and manner. “ Aye, your life. Never dare to talk to me again aa {on have to-day. There was one about your own age— ut no matier. Wren had best look to it. The one I was abou Bp ell over’ Dv bout to speak of fell ‘board during the night.” Jack’s flesh crept with horror. “Go, I have said enough for a sensible lad like you, Don’t proyoke me too far,” exclaimed the captain. Jack moved toward the door. ; ‘e Boris) sir, I needn’t go star-gazing any more,” 6 Bald, The captain flung a boot at him, and he retired pre cipitately. ~ Jack had gained his point, but at what a cost ? He had incurred the hostility and suspicion of the cap: who was a violent and vindictive man. . He did not stick at trifles, or he would not have fired at Mr. Blader as he did, when Slocum so providentially spoilt his aim at the cost of a broken head. The horrible mysterious hint which the captain had thrown out ran in Jack’s mind, It was easy enough fora strong and determined man to throw a boy overboard on a dark night. So he resolved not to irritate the captain beyond the latter’s power of endurance, How he kept his resolution we shall see presently, _ He had conquered in the first fight, and was so fer master of the situation, =} CHAPTER XX. WREN DISAPPEARS, Arrer the interview Jack had with the captain he bee gan to grow afraid of him. * " Captain Cuttle was not the amiable person he appeared to be, and his true character was showing iteelf day by day. Though Jack appeared to have got the best of it, the hha was not a man to f His * Soak bene about the midshipman who fell overboard because he had dared to talk about what he knew, alarmed Jack, -He took Harvey into his confidence, “Tt won't do, Dick, to play with our captain,” he said, “Why ?” asked Harvey. ss Becwuie he wouldn't mind murdering a fellow.” Harvey laughed, “Draw it mild, Jack,” he said. ‘‘ We are Niving in a civilized a and with all the men on board he would scarcely like to risk getting his neck into noose.” “ Suppose I fell overboard.” “That would be your fault.” “Ah, but suppose I was pushed over on a dark when no one was looking, and only the wind heard my cries for help. * What do you mean ?” asked Harvey, curiously. “T scarcely know myself, But Pl tell you what f have learnt, When Wren was ape a other ae talked wildly about our captain scu Polar ". to get the insurance money. Scut means borin, holes in her bottom, so that she may sink. Wren . in the Polar Star, and I hinted to Captain Cuttle some- thing about it.” : . ; “You did!” “Yes, and that is why T was let off. But at the same time the captain told me that one of the midshIpmen ‘fell overboard,’ because he couldn’t keep his tongue between his tecth, I believe it will be Wren’s turn next, because Captain Cuttle thinks he has been chatting to me, I shall be yery careful what I say this voyage, and when we get to Canton I shall cut and run, and hide till the Fairy has started homeward, and then ship in some other vessel. I’m not going to risk the return voyage with such a skipper, if, please God, I last out this jour. ney.” “ Here is Wren,” said Haryey. ‘‘ He don’t Jook as at much.” he had funked » said Wren, sant ‘ “ Well, my young true blue, ii Jack. “ You roe out of your little scrape better than I expected. Cuttle doesn’t generally let fellows off } I couldn’t have done it better myself.” Z «You've got a hold oyer him,” said Jack, “ “Sot wks but mebbe you nor apyone else knows what that is, nor are you likely to.” Sn “ Come here,” said Jack. ; Wren approached, and Jack whispered in his ear: i « Tt’s something about the Polar Star, isn’t it, ang Scuttle ? How did you vor Gaptain told me, We'e Ure bromers,”* replied Jack, Cay know that 2” asked Wren, much sa \ ta es
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~ HARKAWAY APLOAT. te ee ~ sas th idshi ho fell r- By 8 way, who was the midshipman who ove! Wren turned deadly pale. « Did he tel) you that, too?” he said. “Tf he hadn’t how should 1 know it all?” answered ack. ‘You didn’t, did you?” “Tt would haye been as much as my life is worth to have done so,” replied Wren. ‘*If Cuttle let on about what only he and I. knew, since Damer’s death, he must be going off his nut.” ** He was tight,” Jack said; “‘and I caught him in the fumor. How did Damer die?” “Damer was the only friend I had on earth, and he was drowned one night in a gale of wind. What's the ase of your asking mea lot of questions, when you know all about it?” * Foul play?” “Of course. But I won’t be pumped; take my advice and keep your mouth shut, or else you'll follow Damer,” eaid Wren, “Perhaps you'll go first,” replied Jack. “Not I,” said Wren. “I don’t go and cloak about. 2m too wide awake for that; so sheer off, my hearty, and keep the chain up, or else—” He broke off abruptly and pointed to the sea with a significant air, * Food for fishes, eh?” said Jack, coolly. **And no mistake,” replied Wren, as he slouched off with,:is hands in his ets, ae B lively prospect,” Jack remarked to Harvey. “For goodness sake, don’t be rash; take his advice and shut up,” Harvey replied. “ There is dange”, I can see it now. Captain Cuttle—” “ Scuttle, you mean ?” No, I don’t, I wouldn’t whisper such a word, lest he might hear it, and wipe me out—as he did Damer,.” Harvey sank his yoice to a low tone as he uttered the ‘Est words, and looked around him cautiously. _ ‘There was no one near, ~~ “T have concluded one thing,” Jack said, “‘and_ that is Yd better subside for the present, though I ghould like to wake old Mole up.” You'll have plenty of opportunities,” ga Harvey. A A was prudent enough not to offend Captain Cuttle any way. : ° He remarked that he treited. Wren with markad cool- and although Wren could not guess the reason, Jack knew it well enough. The captain thought Wren had betrayed his secret, and ari him SOON P is 5 : ie ship made a good voyage es far as cape, When they encountered rongh weather. me Jack was in his bunk one night when the weather was more than usually boisterous and the noise made by the “gale that was raging woke him up. It was Wren’s watch, He could hear the steady pacing of his footsteps on deck, every now and then, as he passed overhead. Suddenly he heard other footsteps, and he fancied there Yas the sound of a scuffle, and then a despairing shriek fame up from the sea, Jack sprung up and looked out of a porthole, Was he dreamingyor did he for a moment see a wan, w. hopeless face rise to the surface, and tren fall rapi astern. ~ “YT could swear that was Wren’s face,” said Jack to _himeelf. ; - He would haye gone on deck and cried, “ Man over- board !” but he was afraid todo so. He be mis- taken. If he raised afalse alarm he would be bullied on all hands, and he knew enough of seafaring to be sure _ that no boatcould liye in such a storm, If, indeed, Wren was overboard, he was lost without the possibility of hope. A Trembling in eyery limb, Jack turned over and tried to go to sleep, without avail, 5 e could not get the horrid sight out of his eyes. The apparition, if apparition if was, haunted him. Toward morning he fell into an uneasy slumber, but did not say anything to his messmates, being too much afraid of the captain to do so. At breakfast Wren was missing from the mas, and on angiiey being made, nothing could be heard of him, ‘he man at the wheel had seen him at midnight, but not afterward, _. As the sea was running ‘hea’ at the time, and the » decks were repeatedly washed huge waves, tt was supposed he had been swept overboard. Jack had his suspicions to the contrary. So had Harvey. And looking mournfully at one another they asked whose turn it would be next. Jack had not the remotest doubt that Wren had been thrown overboard by the captain in the storm. é He was almost circumspect in his conduct afterward for fear of arousing the resentment of Captain Cuttle, which had been slumbering for some time, Z 33 “Poor Wren,” said Jack to Harvey, “if I had not spoken, he would haye been alive still,” “You didn’t mean anything,” replied Harvey. “God knows I didn’t,” said Jack; ‘Thad no cular eause to like the fellow, but I did not think he would come to an end like this.” The captain did not seem much concerned at what had : pepcened. : ‘He spoke.a few words to his midshipmen, and con- iuded by saying, as he look steadily at Jack, ‘‘ You must _ al of you be careful. The best sailors are Hable to acci- _ dents, and what has unfortunately occurred to poor Wren might be the fate of any of you.” The ship, however, went on her way, and, as Jack was yery civil and well-behaved, and took care shen on deck at night to look about pit 4 prevent a surprise, he was alive and well, when the ship, leaving the Indian Ocean, sed through the Straits of Malacoa, on her way to the eas, ‘The old seaman, Slocum, who had been knocked down ae for stating his ideas of duty, had taken a reat fancy to Jack, and taught him many things he Bre othierwice, have learned \ ‘he first mate also gave hie» lessons in nayigation, | it, and Mr. Mole induced him to read with him in his leis- ure hours, % So it will be seen that Jack, through fear of his life, which he thought the captain would not hesitate to take if he offended him, was making very fair progress and bebaying very well. After Wren’s Joss, Sinclair, Jack and Harvey became friends, and Hunston and Maple weré left to themselves. Every one was glad at reaching the Eastern Archipel- ago, for it was an indication that their voyage was draw- ing to a close. Hunston, who was profoundly ignorant on almost all points, was holding an argument with Sinclair one morn- ing at mess about the position of Sitigapore, at which place the ship was to touch, ; T tell you,” said Hunston, “that Singapore is one of our settlements in the West Indies,” Sinclair laughed. “Pl refer to Harkaway,” said. Sinclair, who came down in his shirt-sleeves to have his breakfast, for the heat was fearful, “You've made two mistakes in one sentence,” replied Jack; ‘for Singapore is a free state, and cannot be called. one of our settlements exactly ; and we are in the East, not the West Indies.” “Jt doesn’t matter,” exclaimed Hunston, annoyed ; “T thank goodness I don’t know much about these things.” 4 “Then you thank goodness for your ignorance,” said Jack, laughing. * Suppose I do; what then?” “Oh, nothing much ; only you’ve a great deal to be thankful for,” Jack retorted, with a gravity that made the others laugh still louder. Hunston heldhis tongue, for he was no match for Jack when the latter began to chaff him. At Singapore somé cargo was celivered, and Mr. Bla- der, the naturalist, went-on shore to'see if he could pur- chase anything for his collection. He came back just before the vessel started again, with a large box, which he had placed in his cabin. There were holes in the top, asif it were-intended to give air to some living Pig 3 Jack saw it come on d, and his curiosity was strongly excited. “Dick, what's in that box ‘of old Blader, do you think 2” he asked, as the anchor was bein, weighed. “Can't guess. A hippopotamus perhaps,’ replied Harvey. * Hippopotamus my eye!” exclaimed Jack, ‘* Will you help me to find out?” “ Like a bird.” “ When Q2. “ After’ the ‘uproar is over,’?my pippin,” said Har- vey, meaning when they were fairly under weizh, CHAPTER XXL WHAT WAS IN THE BOX, As soon as they could get away from their duties, Jack and Harvey stole down-stairs into the passengers’ cabin, It waa deserted. By applying lis eye to one of the holes in the box, Jack got a view of what was inaide, He sprang up with acry. «¢ What is it?” asked Harvey. “My eye!” exclaimed Jack; “I never saw such a thing in my life. It’s a snake as thick round as a man’s thigh.” : perhaps it’s stuffed.” “You're stuffed,” said Jack derisively. “What are the holes for if itisn’t alive?” “What does old Blader want with a thing like that on board? I wonder the captain allows it.” _ “The skipper, I expect, doesn’t know anything about it. Su we let it ont. Won’t there be a dust up!” | “Oh, Jack!” said Harvey, lost in admiration of this brilliant idea. The'snake was a python of the largest size. Fully fifteen feet long, and wide in proportion. It had been presented to the naturalist by a gentleman who had lately returned from a long journey to Cambodia, and it Bae been caught while gorged by the natives of Ban- ok, Mr. Blader intended to drown it, by suspending the box in the sea by ropes, and then to put it in alcohol to preserve it; but as the ship sailed early, he had not had time yet to put his plan in execution. The lid was fastened securely with a padlock, though “if yow’ve 2 Horace handy, ‘owhai'll the eaptain say?” **T'll chance that.” Suddenly the staple came out with a run, and Jack, who was pulling hard at it rolled over on his back, Harvey made for the door, like a startled hare. The snake, astonished at his unexpected freedoms, raised his ugly head and glared savagely at Jack, whe picked himself up and retreated toa safe distance. “Morning, governor,” he said, nodding his head, “How do you find yourself 2” The python’s only reply to this was to uncoil himself and glide out of the box on to the floor. Jack was astonished at his prodigious size; ke did not think he was half so big or formidable, and was rather sorry he’d let him out. “He's a nice sort of a customer to meet on adark night,” he muttered, Retreating to the deck, whither Harvey had retired be- fore him, he Jooked round for his friend and found him perched upon the monkey-rail, leaning his back agains the mizzen-rigging. Mr, Mole was on deck, attired ina Chinese bagu or loose blouse, @ pair of canvass shoes, and a large sun hat, which he bought at Singapore, as being scasonable. Well, Jack,” exclaimed Mr. Mole, ‘‘now you can sing ‘Pm afloat ’ onee more.” “T know that; I could sing the tune the old cow die@ of if I wanted.to,” replied Jack, “I’m not in sin, humor,» But I shouldn’t mind reading one of the Odes, : y Sir. Jack knew he hadn’t, and would have to go down inte the eabin for-one. “Certainly, my boy. Iam always ready to instruct the mind of youth. Ingenious youth, as we used to say at my esteemed friend, Mr. Craweour’s.” “Rather a change, sir, going to China, and larruping niggers,” said Jack. ‘IT shall behave humanely to my laborers. Larruping, as you term it, isnot a part of my p’ me,?? “Chain them up, sir,” Jack replied, thinking of the treatment he once received at Mr, Oraweour’s, Mr. Mole smiled and said he would go for the Horace, Harvey came down and exclaimed: ““T see Mole’s gone.” “<Hold your row. He'll come up quicker than he went if the smoke doesn’t a, him,” rejoined Jack, The two boys, breathless with impatience, awaited the result of Mr. Mole’s journey. Presently there was a noise as if some one scampering up the companion-way, and Mr. Mole reached the top, uttering dismal cries. x * Oh! Lord help me! Oh, Lord! He made asnap at my canvas shoe! It’s awful!” exclaimed the school- master, Captain Cuttle and Mr. Blader were walking together, and they ceme to Mr. Mole to inquire the cause of hie ht, : ve bats the an asked the captain in his blunt way; “anyone would think that you’d seen old Nick,” ¥ Worse, sir; worse, a thonsand times,” answered Mr le. “< What’s worse? the ghost of your grandfather ?” Mr. Mole’s knees shovk and knocked together, while he was obli to lean upon the naturalist for support, “ There’s a serpent in the cabin,” he mu “os big a5 a horse, and as wide round as a young donkey, Ob, Lord! It made a dive at my canvas shoe as if it was going to begin to eat me, legs first.” ‘A serpent on board my ship ? I never heard of suck a thing, That’s a sort of merchandise I didn’t bargain for,” said tain Cuttle. “You must be dreaming, It’s the brandy and water you’vehad, Delirium tremens often makes men feel snakes in their boot, and you said he was at your canyas shoe,” wae “Why, it must-be my python,” remarked Mr. Blader, alarmed, “Your python!” said the captain, ‘tare you going to see snakes. too 2”? “Ts a fact, Ihad an enormous snake given me yes terday,” answered the naturalist, “‘and breught him om board, intending to preserve him as a unique specimen.” “J wish you’d have told. me,” Captain Cuttle said, with a look of annoyance, ‘4 These reptiles are not easy to kill.” “ “How he got loose puzzles me, but I suppose his huge strength enabled him to force thestaple. It is really very thoughtless of me, and lam very sorry Mr. Mole should have been so much alarmed, ; Dick Harvey and Jack overheard this conyérsation with much glee. q “Tt was touch and go with Mole,” whispered Harvey. “ es. and ” re d * _. tt it was easy to undo it by taking out one of the staples. ae 7 i they raat te wi their pate oat for _ Tn go aid tel! Mole,” eaid. Jack, “ that them to Kill him,” | go an ole,” sai a some one is Gouiiite to dedthim An ARS cabins SWonitit be adark?? The captain reflected for a moment, and came to the e Suppose the beast eats him?” suggested Harvey, ‘ He's a fool if he does, for Mole’s so tough he’s sure to disagree with him.” * Ttll be all up with Mole’s tea garden.” * Mind he doesn’t eollar you, Dick,” said Jack. ‘‘ The staple will be out directly.” “Tsay, don’t funk a fellow into fits,” said Harvey, getting further off. ‘‘Tve read of these big snakes— pythons, they call them—and thev’re not poisonous. Their dodge is to fx their fangs in your leg, and then twist their coils around you, which they do as quickly as the lash of a whip twines round a post. Your bones bones crack, and it’s all U P with you in half-a-jiffy.” « There isn’t much of you, Dick,” said Jack, pausing a moment in wrenching out the staple with his pocket- knife ; suppose you let him have you, It'll be a nice whet to his appetite, like half-a-dozen of oysters before inner.” ; “Thank you, answered Harvey; “ you’re very kind. Show me the way first.” 3 “ Next week,” said Jack, grinning. - *< Won't you ?” . * Not much,” replied Jack ; ‘‘I’m not tired of my life yet. His snakeship- doesn’t gobble me up if I OW eee ee nea a NE er nt eet el ed Sonne. that something ought to be done to get rid of e snake, “Tt won't do to let the critter have therun of the ship,” he said. ‘Here, you Harkaway, go to the carpenter and get a hatchet.” ; “Right, sir,” said Jack, running off for that pur« pose. : «J believe,” remarked Mr, Baker, ‘that you may fire at a snake and put a ball in his body without doing him much harm. What is necessary is to break his back, or cut him in half.” “ Bxactly, and that’s what yon’d better do,” said Cap- tain Cuttle. : ' “TY! cried the naturalist, aghast. ; ee ‘Yes ; the boy will be here with a hatchet for you di. rectly, It’s your snake. You're responsible for hie coming on board, and you’ve got to kill him.” si “Suppose I decline the honor,” observed Mr, Blader, who did not seem to like the task assigned to him ct all, it to Mr, Mole: “Goin and win, sir. St, ore ily teas ge ay olen ret sill inte nothing to do with reptiles,” answered Mr, Mo , declining {o take ake, ; Jack now arrived with the ax, and said, ashe handed _ ‘St. George and the Dragon for
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= = % ®* ther tham to encounter the dreadful eyes of that awti1 monster again I would be—a—keelhawed.”” Tt won’t harm you, sir, He’sas tame as a kitten,” continued Jack, ** Took here, my lad,” exclaimed the captain, with a malicious look. ‘You're very fast in giving other people advise, If the thing isto be done as easily as you say, why don’t you do it?” “Y shouldn’t mind,” replied Jack, speaking almost be- fore he thought of the effect of his words. “That's right. Take the ax and go down into the - gabin, kill that snake, and then we shall know what you're made of,” Jack hesitated and hung back. ‘The terrible risk he would run in an encounter of this kind rushed across his mind, and he was more than half inclined to back out of it, The mocking laugh of the captain rang in his ear. “Ha! ha! You're all smoke and no fire,” he cried, in derision. “‘Go about your business, my Jad, and another time do not try and get that courage which you do not Bess, 4*T didn’t say I wouldn’t do it,” replied Jack, growing pele. ‘Give me the ax, sir, Ill have a shy at ium if he were as big as a mainmast, If he should swallow me, I suppose you'll come down and rip him up to let me out.” The captain laughed and handed Jack the ax,,which he took with a hand that trembled a little, Remoying his jacket, he stood in his shirt-sleeves, which he tucked up, and shaking hands with Harvey, said, in a low tone: “Good-bye, Dick. It’s odds on the worm chawing me up. I wonder how it will feel. inside.” Harvey could not help wonderi at the spirits his faiend possessed at such a moment; but though Jack in- dulged in chaff, he was in reality in a dreadful fright, However, the captain, who was his enemy, had dared him to the encounter, and he resolved to do the best he could, : The “‘ worm,” as he playfully called the python, was no contemptible antagonist for a boy of his age, and the odds were against him, as he had truly said. Mr. Blader and Mr. Mole both remonstrated with the captain about letting Jack embark in such an enter- Be, arn Isn’t it cowardly to let a boy do such a thing with the almost certainty of being killed,” said M1, Blader, ‘when there are men about?” “You're welcome to go and do it yourself as I said be- fore,” said the captain. ‘One thing I know, and that is, Tgshan’t.” This retert compelled Mr. Blader to be silent. “Tf it wasn’t for my tea garden and my prospects, and & eortain rheumatic affliction in my legs, which has just geome on,” said Mr. Mole, “I would go and. dispatch | him the serpent myself.” Captain Cuttle turned contemptuously from them, “Ready, sir,” said Jack, preparing to descend the lad- ‘Wish you luek, lad,” replied the captain, who could mot withhold his admiration of Jack’s courage. ‘The men, learning what was going to take place, all crowded aft. and some of them yentured so o) as to go down the companion, and look in at the cabin door. It was a moment of unparalleled anxiety and expecta- tion, ‘ CHAPTER XXII, THE BTORM, WHEN Jack got into the cabin the python was gliding ‘bout the carpet, and seenied to have the appearance of oy surprised at finding himself where he: was, Directly he saw Jack he recognized an enemy, and coiled himself up, raising his head high out of the midst of a le~ge coil, His red jaws were wide open and his eyes shone like live coals, For an instant Jack felt his blood freeze in his veins and it is not to be wondered at, considering that he had undertaken a task at which *men presumably brave, held back and were afraid. ‘ As a fact, the bravest men are always ready to own to asensation of fear, It is their will that carries them ‘h, he anake realized, as it were, instinctively, that one of the two must die on the spot. i Jack approached him, and the python darted at his foot, hoping to fasten hisfangs in his boot. Now Jack could understand what Mr, Mole had meant by saying it made a dive at his canvas shoe, ‘€ Good morning !” said Jack, under his breath, as he started back with the ty of a chamois-hunter ; “you didn’t do it that time, my beauty; and you are a beauty, after a fashion, I hope yowll havea pain in your stomach if you swallow me, for then I shail know what's going on outside,” : Again the snake darted at him, and again he stepped back. Noticing that it was necessary for the creature to re- eoil after cach spring, Jack ran in, justas he had sprung, and dealt him a blow with the ax. Instead of falling across the snake and breaking its tack, it only cut into the sea, wmaking a deep incision, from which the blood welled tp. ~The springing and dodging continued with more ra- idity than before, and Jack jumped up and down with The rapidity of a harlequin, and the perspiration rolled this, By Jove’ that was ashaye, Look out, old fellow. within an inch of his foot, It was now or neyer, - _ Phe p} - but Jack perceived his advantage, HARKAWAY AFLOAT. As he coiled up this part fell over, and in his dying agony fastened his teeth in his own coils, *“*That’s the finisher,” Jack cried in triumph, as he dealt him another blow near the head, which rolled on the@loor. Drawing his knife, he stuck it into the brain, and armed with the ghostly trophy ran out of the cabin. The men made way for him, and a hearty cheer broke out, such a cheer as only Englishmen, in their admira- tion of manly courage, can give, Captain Cuttle patted him on the back, and said: *“You’re a fine fellow, my. boy, and an honor to the ship’s company.” Jack tried to speak, but he-could not, The reaction came, and sitting down on a bale of goods, he burst into tears, letting the head fall at his feet, No one but himself knew what he had suffered in the i minutes that were occupied in his fight with the py- on. He seemed to haye lived a lifetime, Some men were sent to swab up the blood and throw the loathsome reptile’s body overboard, The captain took Jack into his own cabin and gave him some cordial out of a case bottle. “ Thank you, sir,” said Jack, as he drank the dram. “You're a lad after my own heart,” said Captain Cut- tle, filling the glass a second time, and adding: ‘ Drink itup. It won’t hurt you. It will steady your nerves after what, you’ve gone through. Youand I must be friends, so don’t make any more allusions to what that foolish and unfortunate fellow, Wren, told you. I have patched you narrowly lately, and I see you. can keep your tongue quiet. I’m not the man to stand falsehoods to be spread about me, and if you are discreet, we shall pull together. If not—well, I need not say any more toa boy of your intelligence.” He gave Jack his hand, and the Jad shuddered as he took it, for he felt sure Captain Cuttle knew more about Wren’s death than he chose to say. However, he made’a virtue of necessity, and, diaguis- ing his real feelings, left the cabin high in the captain’s ‘avor. This adventure made Jack quite a hero, He had all along been a favorite with the erew; now they looked up to him with admiring eyes as well.as looks of affec- ion. This is always the reward paid by men to true cour- 65 Among those who congratulated him was Harvey. “JT wouldn’t have done it,” said Harvey, ‘if the owner had given the ship and its cargo. How did you feel while you were about it ?” “ Oh, jolly enough,” replied Jack, ‘‘when I saw what the beggar’s tactics were, I knew I was bound to have Everybody admired your pluck,” “ Perhaps we shall haye worse than that to go through before we get home,” replied Jack, who did not like being praised. He spoke at random, but there was more truth in the casual remark, as they were soon to find out, than either he or Harvey imagined. For many a night afterward Jack woke up in his fend with a start, fancying he saw a snake coiling round im. The Fairy went “on her course up the China Sea, and at last encountered very rough weather, A storm arose and came upon her suddenly, She rolled about for some hours, and one’ of her masts went overboard—a terrific sea swept her deck, carrying over the side two seamen, and disabling her rudder and washing away the binnacle. It was night, With all Captain Cuttle’s faults, and they were nota few, as we have seen, he was a good sailor. The storms in these latitudes are, however, so sudden and so fierce, that even a thorough seaman cannot at all times prevent disasters, About midnight a leak was reported, The Fairy was drifting about the waves, tossed hither and thither—rudderless and helpless ! Captain Cuttle was out of his sinientn 9 By a reference to the chart he imagined that at the time the storm came on they were in about 4 deg, N. latitude, by a 109 deg. W. longitude. é This would place them between two groups of fislands in the Indian Archipelago, Those were the Amabas and the Natuna isles, The latter islands were about 120 geographical miles from Sarwak, in Borneo, and about 200 miles from Sing- apore, ; Reports stated that the natives of these islands were wild and savage. . : The sailors spun yarns about head-hunters or canni- bals, and the boys listened with wrapt attention. It was probable that the ship would be wrecked, or in. deed, that she might founder and go down in mid-ocean, When the captain realized the desperate condition of his vessel, he strained every nerve to save her. Relays of hands were kept all night at the pumps, and in the morning the dismasted ship rode waterlogged, the sport of the wind, which blew steadily toward the Nata- however, made them take their turn at nas, Captain Cuttle, 1 saw that they did their fair share of the pumps, and work, The approach of morning was a relief, for the storm had subsided somewhat. age the tempest had done damage which was irrepar- able, : A complete wreck—the once buoyant and beautiful ship Fairy was at the mercy of the wind and waves. “Vere’s a pretty kettle of fish,” said Jack to Harvey, as he went below to snatch a morsel of food, after being at work all night, ‘ 3 What will become of us?” asked Harvey, dole- ‘ally. » “Tf we escape being food for fishes, we shall make rime joints for the cannibals, There will be hot boiled rvey and cold roast Hunston, while jugged Maple will grace the festive board of the chief of the savages,” auswered Jack, © ° ; -answered the captain. 19 “Ywish,” said Hunston, “that if you must joke at such a time as this, you wouldn’t do it at my expense.” “Why not, old cock?” asked Jack, dipping a weevilly ™ biscuit in his tea, “Oh, if that’s all, you’d better do the other thing.” “ What's that?” i “Tump it,” answered Jack, carelessly adding to Ma= ple, “* Have a weevil ?” = Maple shook his head and Jack threw the little insect— which often eneugh will creep into ship biscnits—in his eye. ; “Oh !’ said Maple, ‘you must be a beast to throw a : weeyil into a man’s eye.” CE Ae “Call yourself a man! That's what you never were and never will be,” said Jack. Wait till we land among the savages, You shall be my chief slave.” 4 oe !” said Maple. ‘Perhaps you'll be one yours 3 self. > "a «No, Ishan’t. I shall make love to the king’s daugh- ¥ ter,” “Suppose she likes me best,” said Maple, extractin, the weevil from his eye, and blinking oyer it like an ol owl in an ivy bush. . “what!” said Jack, derisively, “a worm like you, That’s coming it too strong. I tell you I shall marry the king’s daughter, and you shall be my chief slave, while ; Tl have Hunston artistically tattooed in various parts of 4 his ugly body every morning before breakfast, for my amusement,” A dark form appeared in the doorway. It was Captain Cuttle. “No joking, if you please, my lads,” he said; “its 2 past a joke now. Our only chance, as we can’t stop the Fs leak, is to drift to shore, Who'll go aloft and keep # , sharp look-out for the land ?”” 7 t “J will, sir,” replied Jack. ry = The captain gave him a teleseope, and he went aloft ire alacrity, and taking his bearings, kept a sharp looke out, y These words, the first gloomy ones the captain had given utterance to, struck a chill to all, 5 In a few hours their position had become desperate, CHAPTER XIII. LAND AHEAD, : Ar the masthead Jack amused himself with whimtlimg the tune of the “King of the Cannibal Islands,” ; He rather liked the idea of being wrecked. There was 2 a novelty in it, and it would be something to talk about . when he reached home again, if ever he did, Still he was anxious as any of the ship’s company te sight land, and strained his eyes, with the aid of the glass, to distinguish the slightest speck. Hours passed and he saw nothing, : } Another night like that of the last would settle the fate of the Fatry. Already the crew were worn out with the fatigue of pumping and want of sleep, To setthem an example, Captain Outtle had himeelf ta- ken a turn with the men and contributed his share to their united exertions, " It was weary work for Jack tolook out hour after hour upon that drbary expanse of water. On all sides of him was the pathless sea, stretching as _ far as the eye could reach, like a yast prairie, undulating and objectless. Se, Presently he saw a dim speck, which turned ont to be a bird, which he regarded to be a good sign, and a herald of the approach of land. ; When Noah sent the dove out of the Ark and it re- turned, haying no place to rest its foot, he knew that ne land was near. v Jack pulled a biscuit out of his pocket and munched it, wondering what little Emily would say if she saw himin his present position. > at once he beheld something through the glass that = —__ looked like a dark cloud. iy In time it grew more distinct, and he clearly defined a ridge of rocks, Joyfully he sang out ‘‘ Land ahead !” and the cry was taken up by all, who sawin the announcement a gleam of hope. y - - Captain Cuttle and the first mate, Thompsom, im- mediately reconnoitered through their glasses, and their practiced eyes soon confirmed Jack’s declaration, ‘ They conferred together. ene “‘T feel that there if no chance of saving the ship,” said Captain Cuttle. 6 “‘T can see none, sir,” replied the mate, ‘She is hopelessly waterlogged, and we can’t exvect to keep her afloat any length of time, pump as hard as we may. What shore, sir, do you thiuk we are nearing ?” S “Some of the islands west of Sarawak, I don’t be- — lieve they arenamed onthemap, There is a eon ns called the Natunas ; I think we are nearing one of them,” “It’s a bad job; but after all, our lives are” the’ first care. We have doue our duty to the owner, Some would have abandoned the ship this morning and taken — to the boats.” sit tes iy “We may save some of the cargo, if we run upon a ” reef,” se “J donbt it, sir. If we strike we shall go to pieces, and it will be the devil take the hindmost,” replied ‘Thompson. . ‘*How’s the glass 2”? “Rising, six,” * More wind, eh?” «“T can feel it coming,” answered the mate, = Captain Quttle’s face, already clouded with anxiety, assumed a deeper hue still of dark care. es ** Well,” he said, “keep the hands at it. We the hands of Heaven. If the worse comes to the w we must take to the boats, that’s all aboutit. To si on board, and to be driven on a lee-bound shore if- : wind rises again, will be worse than madness.” Eri “Sheer suicide, sir,” said Thompson, The effect of the ‘storm upon Mr: Mele ¥
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20 = marked. He made friends with the steward, and pro- cured more than one bottle of brandy, which he drank | to keep his spirits up. With an unsteady step he entered the midshipmen’s mess, ** My dear boys,” he said, “ this isa time of peril, and I trust that you are all prepared to do your duty—for what says the song upon this point, my dear boys? It says—bother me if I know what it does sa, That's funny, isn’t it?” And Mr, Mole sat down on a locker and began to laugh, “ey say, Jack,” whispered Harvey, “ Mole’s a little bit on.” “Oh |” replied Task, OB gone—half-seas over.” ** We can’t offer you a glass of grog, sir, for we’ve had none served out to our mess to-day,” continued Harvey, aloud. “ Grog, my dear boys—what is grog ?” asked Mr. Mole, with a vacant stare. “Generally rum and water on board ship,” replied Jack “I like ittwo parts rum and one water—none of your three water grog for me.” ¢ “T was about to observe Harkaway, when you inter- rupted me with your usual impulsiveness, that grog is a yanity in which I never indulge; a glass of sherry und a biscuit satisfy my moderate desires. What says the song about biscuits ?” “T really don’t know, sir,” said Jack, *““No more do I; fac’ is my mem’ry not so could wish. Time was when I had a flu claim the savage breast with melody.” “ve gota concertinia,” said Harvey, ‘Keep it,” answered Mr, Mole waving his hand with dignity. “ At such a time as this conce: 8 are sinful, We are on the eve of a shipwreck—sayages loom in the » distance—all hands are pumping. I myself would have taken a turn at the pumps if—if—the rheumatism in my lower limbs had not suduenly attacked me,” _ What say the song to rheumatism, sir?” said Jack. ** My dear boy, I am unaware that my song has been written upon so dismal a subject. If, howeyer, I am Mistaken, I shall be glad to sit corrected,” daid Mr, Mole. ‘Consider, however, the perils we haye gone through, how sublimely the waves rolled, and—” “ How beautifully they smashed the rudder and swept away the binnacle,” put in Jack. ; Mr. Mole smiled, and took from his pocket a big bot- tle, which he raised to his lips. It was labeled Brandy.” : , ‘Fair dues, sir,” replied Jack, ‘What do you mean by thatphrase? It is foreign to my comprehension,” replied Mr. Mole, “Give ws a drink; that’s all, sir. I’ye been on the look-out, and want a drop of something.” “Take it; take it all. It’s nothing but vanity,” an- swered Mr, Mole, handing him the bottle. ‘Had it not been at the earnest solicitation of the steward, who is a good and likewise a humane man, I should not haye pro- | vided myself with this cordial. ‘Take it away, Harkaway, - “ but—and thisI must impress upon you—drink not too deep ; remember that your humble’ servant, Isaac Mole, nee spirits to keep up as well as you, and this is a trying e __ So it is, sir,” said Jack, taking a pull and handing th 4 bottle to Harvey with, “Take ee gn ns: se “Don’t mind if I do,” replied Harvey, adding as he looked at Mr. Mole, “ Here’s luck, sir.” _ “Luek; my dear boy! Whatis luck? What says the - song to luck?” answered Mr, Mole. ‘Here, hand back that bottle; Tsee the form of Hunston in the doorway, : and truly he is an imbiber; a bibber as the Scripture ~ hath it, a bibber of wine, and truth to tell, anything he ~ ¢an layhis hands on. I demand back my bottle. Thank roe é ruy the eats pakarger long gurgle followed this remark. . Mol stretched himself at full length on the nie ee bottle Waa os froin his hand empty, and the ‘worthy possessor of atea garden in China, | the death of his uncle, aaared: PSE WEEP Y. Paes n Only, Dae er nn ed He cabin door, : Been at it again. Sorry for % garden he . of,” he exclaimed, pointing to Mole. US utah “Tf you want ow, yon can ask him,” said Jack, ~ “Allright, I only came to tell you that the position of the shipis considered so desperate that orders have been given to man the boats.” “Go on,” said Jack, ‘* you’ra chaffing.” ‘Perhaps I am, and perhaps I am not,” answered Hunston. “Well, it isn’t a thing to chaff about,” Sy “Did I say it was ?” = Se Maple was just behind Hunston, and he said in a _ whisper: . i ee do you want to tell them anything about it ‘or 3 « They'll be drowned if—” “Would thatbe any loss? didn’t he check you just _ now as he always does?” interrupted Maple, who was of the same vindictive and sneaking disposition as when he - Mites oes Sea geoustd, 4 c ont @are twopence for either of them,” replied _ Hunston, “you Imow that as wellasI do.” ” 2 lisrose beaen to think that th AC) gan. to think that there might be somethi pepe unsion had said. sd Sar ere, old man, if I'm wanted o: ” i “Pil come, but I haven't had. a wiuk of sloop alt sient T’ve been turn on and turn off hard at the pumps for twolve hours, and I’m very tired. I want to have a pitch somewhere for an hour or two.” j eel g ae a then,” said Hunston, ’ i 0. Were you in earnest Sgusin y nest or not about the boats be- i Funston hesitated, ‘Say no,” whispered Maple, ey7ll be left on board. us to go_and you. What Ener over I should say he was a good bit ‘ect as I and could “and if they stop here, You know Captain Cuttle told get all hands up from below. Do as I tell you, has he?” | do you care for Harkaway? He has no HARKAWAY AFLOAT. “Not he,” replied Hunston, adding in a louder tone, “Tt was only my humbug. The ship’s right enough.” “Ts it?” said Jack; then don’t you joke like that again, or I’ll lick you with a rope’s end, Mr. Hunston; I don’t like such chaff. We may all be in heaven in a few hours’ time, for what you know.” “You won’t be there,” said Maple, peeping 8ver Hunston’s shoulders. “You mean I shan’t meet you there,” cried Jack, shying a biscuit at Maple, which hit him on the ear, and made it tingle till he howled again. Hunston and Maple went away, and shut the door of the cabin, The key was on the outside, and it caught Maple’s at- tention. “ Lock them in,” he exclaimed, “What?” said Hunston, ‘Keep them in the cabin, and then we shall be sure of not being worried any more by them, because they’!l go down with the ship. You heard the captain say he could not live much longer in this sea, The wind is as bad as it was last night, and threatens to get worse. Hunston caught at the idea, and turned the key in the lock as noiselessly as possible, What Maple had stated was the truth, Captain Cuttle and Mr, 'Thompson, the first mate, had determined to abandon the ship, She was fully covered by insurance, and rather than risk being wrecked on the unknown—to them—shores of the Natuna Islands, and cast among the unhospit- able and savage natives, they decided to take to the boats, The boats were launched with great difficulty, as the sea ran very high, and with wind and tide there was danger of their being stove in. Hunston and Maple made haste to get to the com- panion, They had not ascended more than five steps before the vessel shipped a heavy sea, which ran in a volume down the hatch, and striking the boys, hurled them backward. Stunned and bleeding, they lay on the deck deprived of semse or motion —+— CHAPTER XXIV. WRECKED, Tax first boat, containing the captain and several of ae B atid had been successfully launched, and cleared e x But the second was not so fortunate. 4 In it were the first and second mates and the re - der of thé crew, A wave dashed it against the side of the ship. It heeled over, filled, and turned bottom up, Dreadful cries ascended to Heaven. Wretched men struggled for a brief space in the water, and then all was still, Hearing the cries, Jack looked out of the porthole and saw his shipmates drowning: “Dick,” he cried, in alarm, ‘they haye taken to the boats,” “ The ship's launchis stove in. Hunston wasn’t chaff- ing after all.” He rushed to the door of the cabin only to find it fastened, and made frantic efforts to open it, “We're fastened in,” he eried. “ Hunston must haye done this.” Pale with rage and fear, he ineweased his endeavors to force a way out, which he at last succeeded in doing, by the help of his thick boots. He literally kicked his way out. ’ Hunston and Maple were just recovering their senses, Shaking the former, Jack said, ‘‘ What is the meaning of this 2” With a vacant stare, Hunston looked sullenly at him, but made no answer. Rushing on deck, Jack saw the boat in which the cap- tain was gradually growing smaller as distance separ- ated it from the doomed ship, He shouted himself hoarse and made signals, but with- out avail, His shipmates could not haye come bacx to his rescue if they had been desirous of doing so. At such a time all the selfishness in men’s nature comes to the surface, The ship was deserted. With a tremor of the heart, Jack realized the fact, and he gazed dismally at the pieces of the broken boat, which were tossing about in wanton sport by the wild waves. Hunston and Maple were caught in their own trap. Sent below to bring up any who might be unaware of Captain Cuttle’s intention to abandon the ship, they had gudeavored to seal the fate of Jack, Harvey and®Mr. Mole, The waye which knocked them insensible at the foot of the companion ladder was proper retribution, and now they were destined to share those dangers to which they would have condemned their messmates. Harvey, who had followed Jack, stood by his side, sharing his fears and blank looks. Cast away, at it were, in the middle of an almost un- known sea, in a, waterlogged vessel, which even then was a wreck, their prospect was indeed miserable. “Go down below, Dick, and shy a bucket of water over Mole,” said Jack, “and bring him into the captain’s cabin. We must hold council, and see what is to be done.” Harvey obeyed orders with alacrity, and succeeded, after thoroughly dousing Mr, Moe, in rousing that gen- tleman to a sense of his position. x He was about to apply his lips again to the brandy bottle, but Harvey threw it on the floor and broke it, _“ This is not a time for drinking, sir,” he exclaimed ; “we are left to ourselves, and the ship is sinking.” “Bless me! where is the captain?” ezclaimed Mr. Mole, ‘TI will go and remonstrate with him ” He staggered into the captain’s cabin, where he saw Jack sitting at a table. Hunston and/Maple were standing sheepishly before him. —. “ What is this I hl Harkaway ?” asked Mr. Mole, ° a ee ** We five are the only souls on board this ship,” an- swered Jack; ‘‘and as some one must take the lead, 1 have made myself captain. If any one refuses to obey my orders, I will shoot him with one of Captain Cuttle’s pistols,” He placed one before himas he spoke. “Very improper conduct of the captain to leave ma here,” remarked Mr, Mole. ‘Iam a passenger, and the proprietor of a tea gardenin China. My lite is toe precious to be intrusted to ay arcel of boys.” “Mr. Mole,” replied Jack, sternly, ‘understand that in the face of our common danger—” ‘Uncommon danger,” hazarded Mr, Mole, * Our positions are reversed,” continued Jack, not heeding his interruption, ‘‘and, please God, I will take successful command of this ship and run her ashore somewhere. The cargo is chiefly cotton goods, and { hope she will float. If you must behave like an old wo. man instead of a man, go to bed.” “ Harkaway,” cried Mr, Mole, with drunken gravity, “this language to me is unseemly, It was I who taught your young ideas how to shoot, Talking of shooting re- minds me that pistols are dangerous. Remoye that pis. tol—you will not? Very well; a time will come, You ealled me an old woman—I shall not forget you, Mr. Crawcour shall hear of this,” “‘Hethinks he’s back again at Pomona House,” said Harvey. 4 “Danger,” continued the inebriated schoolmaster, ‘What do boys know about danger? The ship’s all ri’; I’m all ri’; but the winds blow, It pleases them and doesn’t hurt us, 1 shall go and turnin. Call me when the bell strikes for dinner,” And he rolled away to his bunk with an unsteady gait. “ There’s not much help to be expected from him,” said Jack, ‘We are in the hands of Providence, and aa we have sighted land we may hope. As for you, Hunston, and you, Maple, you tried to murder Harvey and my- self.” * We—,” began Hunston. * Bo silent!” cried Jack, authoritatively. I am captain here, By leaving us in the ship when all the others were going, you were guilty of intent to murder, and when the time comes you shall see that I can repay my debts with interest,” i f “T am very sorry,” said Maple. “It was Hunston who did it.” “You crammer,” replied Hunston, ‘‘ you suggested it tome, Ishould have been off in the first boat with Sin- clair, if it had not been for you; and to show you, Hark- away, that I wish to make amends, tell me what to do and I'll do it.” “You can do nothing,” answered Jack; at the pumps your strength would not be of much use, My opinion is that the ship has taken in as much water as she will, The pion abandoned her too soon, but it’s all of a pieca with his antecedents. All I want you and Maple to do is to clear out; get out of my sight, for I hate to look at you; only mind one thing, don’t play any more tricks, for if you do, by Heaven, I'll shoot you,” The boys slunk out of the cabin, and Jack was alone with Harvey. “ We're in for it,” said thé latter, ‘So long as we can drift ashore I don’t care,” re- marked Jack, rapa see “While there’s life there’s hope.” “*So there is,” ; “Tm peckish. We must keep up our strength, Go to the steward’s cabin, and see what you can d., They killed some fowls yesterday.” Harvey went away and presently returned with a couple of cold roast fowls and the remains of a ham, of which they partook heartily, washing down the repast with some bottled ale, “That's the stuff, Dick,” said Jack, ‘I don’t believe in spirits when you’vye got'to keep your wits about you What’s the time?” “Harvey looked at the clock, It had stopped. **T should guess it is about three,”’ he said, “ Then at the rate we are being driven by the tide we shall strike about midnight—an awkward time, but there’s no help for it,” ‘About those islands—are there not always ooral reefs ?”? ** Nearly always.” “Then we shall be some distance from the shore, Why not set Hunston and Maple to work, making a raft,” sug gested Harvey. “Not half a bad idea, If we can save some of the stores, and knock up a camp, we shall be all right,though we ave rather out of the course of ships and many look forward for a long captivity if we fall into the hands of the natives,” answered Jack, “ Are they. cannibals 2?” “« Some of them are, and the Malays are terrible pirates. Still we needn’t funk. It’s better to be here than in the boat that went down—poo> fellows they are all gone to their account,” ‘Mole will be ashamed of himself when he comes to,” remarked Harvey, “So he ought, the beast,” Jack answered indi Jack was one of those who are entirely fitte take the lead in eve’ and everything. It has been well said that some are born to command, others to obey. The only man left on board, who ought to haye bees of use by his mattired judgment and ripe experience, was incapacitated, by indulgence in drink—of all vices the most injurious aud debasing. The position of the boys was extremely critical, Every wave that struck the ship threatened to knock her to pieces, and without boats, what help could there be for those on board if she foundered in deep water ? Going on deck, Jack set Hunston aud Maple to work, directing their eforts, and helping them oceassionly. Before night fell a dares serviceable raft was con. structed, and they waited with impatience for what would happen next, 2 4 . ‘They made out the land distinctly now. A strong current seemed to have set into the shore in which the ship was caught, for she moyed with i ea quickness, and in a straight Ime, instead of rolling antly. out to
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HARKAWAY AFLOAT. uw ea - O>c$j]f]FTFWVOOW—7V.c nh first this way and then that, with every turn of the wind, The land was low-lying, and a heavy surf broke on the beach, and from the white clouds of spray that dashed into the air, about the distance of a mile anda half from the beach, they fancied there must be a ledge of rocks straight ahead of them. * Sleep is out of the question,” said Jack; “ we must keep on the look-out—ready to launch the raft, if she goes to pieces when she strikes,” The moments passed anxiously. Drenched with spray, and worn out for want of sleep, he boys Jooked ill and haggard. In that hot region the air was warm, though not sul- try, and they did not experience any of the evils which attend upon severe cold, The current in which the ship was involved set in shoreward, and in the clear, beautiful moonlight, the boys could see her gradually nearing the line of surf, So imminent grew the danger that Jack exclaimed : * One of you go below and wake uo Mr, Mole; bring him on deck, drunk or sober.” Harvey set out to execute this mission, Mr, Mole had turned in ‘‘all standing,” and when roughly shaken jumped out of his bunk in a fright. “You'll haye no dinner to-day, sir,” replied Harvey, “except what you can cadge anywhere.” “¢Oadge,” repeated Mr. Mole, “ that is not a word in my dictionary. Your tendency to slang, Harvey, will bring you toa bad end, If there’s no dinner, why rouse me from my sweet and refreshing slumber?” “ * Because the ship is deserted, and we shall strike al- _ most directly on the rocks.” . So emphatically and earnestly did Harvey speak that Mr. Mole began slowly to comprehend the position in which they were placed. | “Tf they have all gone, why did they leave me?” he in- “You'd best ask them, I don’t know,” replied Har- vey. “{ Who is managing the ship?” “Jack is, as well aa he can, though she Js not capable of much management, We've got a raft made, and that’s all we can do.” ** Where are the boats 2?” * One is stove in, and the other is gone off with the captain and part of the crew. “The danger is pressing. Iwill come on déck and support you with my presence in this trying emergency,” said Mr, Mole. Harvey did not care much for his presence, but was glad that he was sober enough to save him the trouble of carrying him up. When they reached the deck the scene was a grand one, ‘The moon was rising high in the heayens, and the wind had somewhat subsided, though the ocean was in a state of perturbation. Every wave broke nga Bh the rocks ahead, and acloud of spray dashed high into the air, Suddenly Jack cried out: “Mind yourselves, it’s coming,” ne in a few seconds, the ship trembled from stem to stern, She had struck, bs Fortunately the wave which carried her on to the coral reef had placed herin a high position; and, though the waves broke over her in constant succession, she did not go to pieces, The boys sheltered themselvesas wellas they could, and Mr. Mole, after he had been twice taken off his legs, followed their example. “Shall we launch the raft ?” asked Harvey. “Not till this sea is over,” answered Hunston, ‘Iam an old sailor, “hed know, and if you take my advice you will remain where you are, Stick to the ship as long as she will hold together.” It was impossible to go below now, as each wave dashed into the hold and filled the ship Ail the boys could do was to hang on with mightand main and-wait for a ces- yes in ite in mig ents, yy morn’ ey ope for # calmer sea, “ This is ful,” said Mr. Mole, as a small quarter- cask rolled up against his legs and he rubbed his shins, j pt tight, sir, or else you'll be food for fishes,” cried jack, * . “Tt’s all very well, my young friend, to say ‘ Ae replied Mr. Mole, “when you haye had yous ins “part and your arms are eyery now and then from a ee sag,” “ is ny ;” answered Jack; “‘my sh ¥ barked long ago, and I don’t know whether zi: faves may arms or not.” Truly a draught of brandy would revive me. Oh!” The latter exclamation was caused by a huge wave, which struck him in the face and filled his mouth with water. ¥ “ Won’t that doas well?” asked Jack, when the water had rolled off. a “Tt is DAUBCOUS:, Very, much so, Brine is not exhila- rating ; far from it. “Took out, sir; there’s another coming!” replied ag oan his Eraieoan wave, rs . Mole was not so nate; he recei 5 - pide on, and spluttered dreadfany, °°"Y04 Ht broad Rese — TF. this goes on I shall never system,” he said. Pickled pork - If a me, Harkavray, go below get the salt out of my be nothing to me. and get me a drink ing.’ _ “Morning is far then,” groaned Mr. * ae ‘isfy their hunger wi' “ST want some breakfast,” replied Hunston, CHAPTER XXV. THE RAFT. IMPATIENTLY the boys waited for morning to dawn, and when it did the scene which met their eyes pre- sented a singular contrast to the horrors of the day be- fore, The sea was comparatively calm. No rain fell, A warm glowing sun shone out in all the fierceness of tropical splendor. It was found that the vessel, though wateniogged, was placed by the violence of the storm in a hollow base in the reef. Her store-rooms were free from water, and though their contents were somewhat damaged by the sea, there was reasonable expectation that a large quantity of pro- visions and stores would be available for their usé. When the storm abated and the dawn broke, Jack looked around him, Mr. Mole had fallen asleep on the deck; so had Hun- ston and Maple; only Jack and Harvey remained awake. “ Nice fellows to help a lame dog over a stile, aren’t they,” said Jack, sarcastically. “ What are we to do naw?” asked Harvey. “Vl tell you, for I’ve been thinking all night. The storm is over, the ship is high, if not dry, and she'll live where she is till the next storm comes,” ** When will that be?” “Who can say? In these beastly latitudes storms come on, of their own free will, at any time. The island we see before us looks as if it was deserted, All the better ; there will be no niggers to eat us up,” “ Don’t,” said Harvey, with a shudder. “I didn’t mean to funk you,” continued Jack, “ but you can’t trust the inhabitants you find on those out- lying islands in the China Sea. We must launch the raft and take alot of things on shore, and build a castle in which we can put our stores, because everything must be saved from the ship that is possible to carry away, and we haye no time to lose, Another storm will finish the old Fairy.” “‘ wonder where Captain Cuttle is,” remarked Harvey. “ Perhaps he’s made some land.” . “He'd have been glad if he had remained on board if he could see us now.” “Tm very glad he didn’t,” said Jack, “He is a selfish, dangerous, bad man. The way in which he left the ship showed that he cared for nobody but himself. We’ve got the island we see before us to ourselves.” “Tf there are no niggars.” “Tf the niggars, as you call them, don’t show them- selves for a few days, I'll make a castle that will enable us todefy any number of them, and we'll call it Jack’s castle,” answered Jack. ws bad Ihave a nap somewhere? I’m dead beat,” ex- claimed Harvey, with another yawn, as he rubbed his eyes with his knuckles. ‘* Not yet; dive into the cabin and bring up what you can find, Something to eat and drink will make us both right—or, stop a bit. Ill come with you.” They went below ther and found something to sat- , and lighting a fire, they made some tea, which was very refreshing, “ Now to work,” said Jack. 4 Right you are,” replied Harvey; ‘I feel another man,” : “Youll stick to me, Dick,” cried Jack, who looked at a pistol he had in his pocket. ‘¢ Never fear,” replied Harvey again, *‘l’m captain now, and you are my lieutenant, I’m not going to stand any nonsense from anybody.” ** Give your orders,” said Harvey, laughing. “Go and kick Mole, Hunston and Maple in the ribs till you awake them.” “Ri ht.?? **T find the brains and they'll hayeto find arms, In other words they'll haye to do their work.” “Vllay into Mole first,” said Harvey, “and then I'll let Hunston and his dirty snake, Maple, have it.” He went away grinning, as if he liked the idea of the task be had taken in hand. A vigorous kick in the side roused Mr. Mole, who sprang to his feet and looked wildly around him. ‘Where are wo?” he cried; and what is the meaning of this outrage? Harvey, youkicked me; are youaware that you actually had the hardihood to kick, in borhood of the fifth rib, your late ter, and the Hee det of innumerable Hyson shrubs in a China tea garden near Canton?” ‘*Qaptain’s orders, sit,” replied Harvey. ‘ es Thecaptain I thought all but ourselves had left the ship.” Jack mado his appearance, and said : “T have made myself the captain, Mr. Mole, and I ee act with the utmost severity to those who refuse to o me,” . ‘unston and Maple had been roused by Harvey, and stood sleepily surveying the scene, which was a lovely one, While they had been slumbe: some magician seemed, to have shaken his wand, and the whole situation had been changed. ¢ Wind had given place to a gentle breeze ; huge waves were now riplets. Black clouds gaye way to a bright sunlit sky, and inside the coral reef the water was calm as a mill-pond. ; Mr. Mole was carried away by the situation. ‘ “* My dear boys,” he exclaimed, “ we have been saved by a miracle from a watery grave, yet we do not know what dangers may confront us. You are singularly fortunate in having me to direct your efforts; with mature judg- ment and ripe experience, you will find me a tower of an Be “Tt seoms to me, Mr. Mole, that you do not know what ou are saying ; and as this is a time for acting, and not ing, you may oblige me by helping to launch the raft,” replied Jack, *‘Now then, Hunston, wake up. Lend a hand, Maple.” | ; 3 < ‘ ‘Happy thought!” exclaimed Mr. Mole. ‘‘ The inner man begins to rumble, and thereby gives warni_z that there is a hollow space which wants filling up.” “Tt will have to want,” answered Jack, ** until tne raft has been to the island and back. I’llstand no nonsense, My orders must be obeyed,” So determined was Jack’s manner that the raft wae launched, and several things which it was considered would be of the first importance was placed upon it. . ‘“Now, then,” cried Jack, “steady all, away we go.” heard a whinin, As they were about to push off they aw 4 noise, . “What's the captain’s dog Nero,” said Harvey, “ He's in the cabin. It’s a wonder he wasn’t drowned,” “Go and cut him loose. A good watch-dog will be just the‘thing we want,” replied Jack. ‘ero Was & fine specimen of the black, curly-haired re- triever, and when Harvey cut the rope which fastened him, he rushed on deck, and springing on the raft, caressed the boys, who had always n kind to him, with évery demonstration of affection, After this the raft was not i in reaching the shore, it being provered by a light wind and the sail which Jack oisted, A small inlet or creek was espied, and up this the raft was meres with a long pole, until a landing-place was reache ie eee sprang ashore, and sticking the pole in the earth, “T take possession of this island in the name of our gracious sovereign, Hurrah for the Queen !” “Hurrah! hurrah!” crjed everybody, except Mr. Mole, who had. been overhauling the hugs @, as he called what had been placed on the raft, ani scovered Sg of spirits, a bottle of which he was raising to his ips. Jack saw this, and, snatching the bottle from him, ex- claimed : ‘* Atit again are you? Say ‘Hurrah for the Queen ’ ? “God save the Queen!” cried Mr. Mole, adding “ Don’t be so violent, Harkaway. I’m sure I’m as loyal as anybody, but after whit we haye gone through wo must keep our spirits up.” “When you’ve earned your rations you shall haye them, not before,” replied Jack, ‘I shall call this Hark- away Island, Dick, light a fire, and give them some- thing to eat and drink, while I goinland and explore a place for us to pitch our tent,” : Leaving his lieutenant to follow his instructions, Jack ies up 4 sandhill and commenced his exploring ex- pedition, ips OHAPTER XXYVI_ BUILDING JAOK’S CASTLE, Ir Jack had not been so anxious his walk would have been a delightful one, é , ‘ The island on which his lot had been cast was well {, wooded, and the vegetation rank and luxuriant. ‘ As he struck inland he came upon a grove of tall trees, mixed with cocoa and betelnut palms, It is scarcely possible to convey an idea of the rich grouping of the palms and shrubbery and festooning vines as the sun shot into the abundant foliage, long hor-~ izontal pencils of golden light, . ° Coffee trees grew wild, and were covered with berries nearly ripe. : The sharp hiss of a snake, as it pan away in the long grass, warned him to be careful, ; Before him, in the distance, loomed » mighty moun- tain, rising majestically from the earth, Its ag hundreds of feet above the level of the sea, was hi den in the early morning by horizontal — clouds, which parted as he was gazing upon them, and let down a band of bright sunlight over its dark clefts. The unbroken sweep of its sides, from its summit to the sea was most majestic; but from narrow grooves that he pereeiyed, Jack thought it was a volcano, and — had been recently in a state of eruption. - He had not gone more than a quarter of a mile from at along a level country, when he came toa slight ~ Behind this was a clump of trees of a moderate hight, and of a circular shape. : It immediately occurred to him that if those in the center were cut down, and more trees planted, or stakes, which would grow in that fertile climate—stuck in be- tween the spaces, an excellent wall for a castle would be | made. : The hill hid the trees from the shore, so that smoke - from a fire would be dissipated before it reached the summit of the eminence, On the other side, or inland, a perfect forest of trees encircled a §) of about thirty aeres of rich land, covered with long grass and brushwood, Re Thisland Jack saw would do to grow corn or potatoes, or, nga, anything which he could rescue from the — wreck, ees So he determined to select this as his dwelling pia. Whether the island was inhabited or not, or what ani-~ mals infested it, he could not teil. d His first care was to make a house, into which he co’ take everything that he could rescue from the wreck. | Storms were so violent and so sudden in those regions _ that they might go to sleep at night and find the next ciate 3 that not a single vestige of the ill-fated Faéry — ea, Returning to the creek, where he had left his compan- — ions, he pea them to look at the spot he had selected for — a yeling -place, ‘ eS They all approved of it, and he set Hunston and Maple _ to work with an ax to clear the interior, leaving a cirele of trees all round. ARSE 6 : 2 ates et a ee a
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26 _ HARKAWAY AFLOAT. While this was being done Jack and Harvey made seve- ral trips to the ship on the raft, and brought back a. va- riety of articles which they piled in a heap on the sand, They made their dinner on salt beef and biscuit, wash- ing it duwn with some excellent water which welled up from a spring near the castle, as they already called their future habitation. ; For more than a fortnight they worked incessantly. Planks brought from the ship divided the interior of the castle into rooms. Hach one had a bedroom, and bedding brought from the ship supplied them with some- thing to lie upon and the covering they had been accus- tomed to. The rooms were comfortably furnished with the ship’s furniture, and in one largé room, which they termed the warehouse, all sorts of things were stored—guns, pow- der, shot, provisions—in short, all they could save from --the wreck. By tearing up the deck they made their partitions, and the doors of the cabins were easily fixed, Planks, placed slantingly against a central beam, made a capital roof, an@ they were able to defy the weather, while sails nailed all round the inside of the castle kept out the wind from the clinks between the trees which made the outer wall, _ The bedrooms ran rotund the castle, and the sitting- room was in the center, sg! divided from the other ze, or the warehouse, by long planks placed in the earth, They had several casks of oiland lamps in which to - burn it, as well as candles, biscuits, potted meats, salt ____ beef and other things saved from the ship—provisions to _ _. last them for at least six months. They knew not what animals and birds the island could - supply them with, as they had been too busy in building their castle to look about them. Tt was finished, and very proud Jack was of it. Hidden from the sea, and protected from the wind in front by the hill we have mentioned, it was equally pro- tected in the rear by the forest of trees. The dog, Nero, was chained up close to the entrance, 80 that no one could approach without being noticed. en the ship had been ransacked of nearly every- thing that was worth haying, another storm arose and shuttered the wreck to pieces. Jack, however, did not care for this. It was no longer a misfortune, His companions had worked$with a will nized his leadership, being welf satisfied with of his clever devices. ’ They had an excellent house to live in, with ample “ stores to last them for some months, and though on a " desert island in a remote part of the uncivilized world, they had many of the comforts and luxuries of civiliza- tion to console them in their enforced exile, When the castle was finished, and they could cease __. their labors, when the floor. was planked over and the wind kept out by sails, which hung like tapestry on the walls, Jack determined to give a banquet, which he did in good style. | After dinner wine was put on the table, and he rose to 2 make a speech; “Gentlemen,” said he, “I have to thank youfor your laudable exertions on behalf of our little common- wealth. Weéhaye now a houseto live in, which is by 20 < means contemptible. Our stores of provisions will last ‘us six months, or thereabouts,’ Now, our next care will be to explore the island, and to dig up and plant the land which lies about our castle. We havea sack of corn, some barley and potatoes, as ¢* How long we shall he destined to live upon this island, or what our adventures may be, none of us can venture to say, but this I will assert, we have a great deal to be thankful for; snd I trust that we shall live in har- mony and be good friends. I know one thing, and that is, I mean to keep order in our little settlement, and, without being a tyrant, I will beobeyed. . Mr. Mole knows that nothing can be done without discipline,” “Hear, hear !’? from Mr. Mole. Jack sat down, and Harvey got UP, saying. “T beg to propose the health of Jack Harkaway, our monarch. Jack the first, the king of Harkaway Islands!” The toast was drunk with apparent enthusi: for however much Hunston and Maple may have disliked him ir heir hearts, they did not, think fit to give their opinion free vent at that time. . it he agreed that the next day they would explore the - Each of them was supplied with a gunand powderand _ Shot, so as to be ready for any emergency. and recog- the result y ——e—— : CHAPTER XXVII. MR, MOLE COMES TO GRIEF, | * Mn. Motz did not in any way attempt to thwart Jack, for he was afraid of him, Jack kept the key of the ~ warehouse, and distributed the stores impartially; but when Mr. Mole and Hunston and viapie got together, they gave expression to’ their discontent, “Tis true,” said Mr, Mole, “that we have a good house and everything goes on well, but we have worked - hard to get together. Why should Harkaway el ae the command? My age and my position entitles me be “Tf Harkaway’s van- the commander,” “Of course,” replied Hunston. ity didn’t blind him, he would see that ina minute.” “T vote,” said Maple, “ that we take his gun some ght, and make him our servant,” % you know,” replied Hunston, ‘that he and néyer sleep atthe same time ?—either he is on | near. They had been digging up the ground and planting} potatoes for some hours, under a hot sun, which did not improve their temper. “As Jack kept tlie key of the ware- liouse, they could get nothing to eat or drink without his permission, and were entirely in his power. Jack and Harvey had gone out with their guns to ex- plore the neighborhood andbring home some fresh meat if any could be found. Some thick clouds that had been gathering began to pour down a perfect flood of rain. The drops were so large, and fell with such momen- oe that it seemed like standing under a heavy shower- ath. Lightning gleamed as it only does in tropical lands, and the thunder roared as if a park of artillery was at work, The little party took refuge in the castle, and wee- presently joined by Jack and Harvey, who had shot sear eral parrots and a small antelope; these were prepared for dinner, and with cocoanuts and mangoes, made an excellent repast. “The island,” said Jack, “appears to be much bigger than I had any idea of. It is long and rather‘narrow. I think if we ascended the mountain, we could see about a couple of miles inland, We should get a good view with a glass,’” é “Let's go this afternoon,” exclaimed Hunston, ‘I’m tired of planting ’taters.” : “Very well. Maple shall stop at home and guard the} castle and look out for tigers, for Harvéy declares he saw one in a bit/of jungle,” replied Jack. “That's pleasant,” answered Hunston. Did you see any niggers?” “Not the slightest, and I should fancy that the island is uninhabited.” * “T propose,” remarked Mr. Mole, ‘‘that we build a little hut on the top of the hill, near our house, erect a flagstaff, and spend a portion of each day on the look- out with a telescope; because T haye no wish to pass the remainder of my valuable existence on this island, and if ‘it should attract the attention of a passing ship, we should all be taken off.” “TJ have no objection to.that,” replied Jack. The idea was considered so good that they postponed their exploring expedition, and that very day set to work and erected Mr. Mole’s observatory. An excellent view of the ocean was secured from the hill, and the UnionJack waved gayly in the breeze frou the summit of. the flagstaff. “Thope it won’t attract the attention of the Malay pirates, if they get into these regions,” remarked Hun- ston, Mr. Mole was charmed with his device, and passed hours in the box looking through a telescope, which he had placed on @ stand. Everything. soon got. into working order. Mr, Mole was the signalman, and his duty consisted tn keeping a Jook-out, Harvey and Jack looked after the castle, and went out shooting. Maple was the servant and did all the drudgery; while Hunston had the management of the farm and sowed the crops. As we have.said, there was a good deal of lurking dis- content at Jack’s high-handed manner, but as yet it had not shown itself in any marked degree. Choosing a very fine day, an exploring © formed to ascend the mountain, which had all the ap- pearance of an 6xtinct volcano, * - Jack, Harvey, Hunston, and Mr, Mole formed the party, Maple remaining behind to wash the plates and dishes saved from the wreck, and cook the dinner, Several hours were occupied in ascending the sides of the mountain, but a splendid view was attained when the summit was reached. The land extended as far as the eye could reach, and seemed rather to be part of some large continent than the little island they imagined it to be, Avhollow cone, resembling the mouth of a huge well, enabled Mr. Mole to speak with certainty about the origin of the mountain. "i : Standing on the edge of the extinct crater, and ing with a bamboo to the black and yawning exclaimed : “My dearboys, we should never neglect an cpportu- nity to impart useful knowledge. This is a volcanic tThountain. It may have been silent for centuries, and it may break out again in five minutes.” The boys started back a little at this declaration. : “Yes,” continued Mr, Mole, waving his eee SEA “who can tell’? Amid the crash of empires and the fall of worlds, what is the silence of, one volcanic mountain ? In these dark and murky depths was once a fountain of smoke and flame. The shaft may descend miles into the bosom of the earth. Woo to the unlucky wretch who tumbled down it!” - : Suddenly there was a slight noise, as if the lava crust on which the er was standing was giving way. Mr. Mole vanished, | Two hands were ‘seen fora moment clutching at the treacherous surface, there was a dismal yell, and the late senior master of Pomona House Academy for young gen- tlemen had, with as little fuss as possible under the cir- cumstances, glided down the crater, “ Good-bye,” cried Harvey, “Why, he’s: gone,” exclaimed Hunston. “ He might have said he was going.” “THs nothing to laugh at.” remarked Jack. ‘I don’t suppose we will see him again till the next erruption,” “* How about the tea garden?” «¢Hunston,” said Jack, in a manner of mild remon- strance, ‘you are an nnfeeling beast, Here we are, n. ‘a, desert island, like orphan children, and yet you laugh,’’ « Who:could help laughing ?. It’s so comical,” replied Hunston, pEuest “Tf you’re not serious I'll chuck you after him,” said Jack, makitig a threatening gesture, E ‘Hunston retreated to a safe distance, . « Gan% we do something for him?” asked Harvey. 4 Praid-not,” replied Jack. ‘ It’s, dangerous. to go : ae kate hee ee | ( Ms, Mole i LOVer aco mirae ole ad disappeared forevor fom|, edition was Oint- , he | at the scene, as the depth of the hole down which he hed fallen might be very deep. His only chance was to alight on some na mn the sides. It was useless to try to help him, and the sorrowfully wended their way homeward, never e ing to see him again. $ as The loss of one of their number saddened them, CHAPTER XXVIIL. THE BURNING MOUNTAIN, fur accident which had happened to Mx. Mole was @& so sudden a nature that the boys could not actually bee lieve fora time that one of their party had been snatched from them by a mysterious and awful death. Tt seemed but a moment ago that he was talking to them, and explaining the nature of the extinct yolcane that had engulfed him, He had probably sunk deep down int the bowels af the earth, losing his life in the thick vapors which hovered about the shaft, if he was not dashed to pieces in his descent. Even Hunston grew grave when tho gerious side of the matter overcame the laughable one. _ “J didn’t mean anything,” he said; ‘* I’m as sorry for Mole as you are, though he wasn’t much good, and he’d neyer given mé any cause to like him,” «“ Never say anything bad of the dead. ‘Let him rest, We don’t know whose turn it may be next,” said Jack, “ You're right there,” remarked Hunston. ‘In these countries you may put your foot on what seems to be a stick, and get bitten. »y.a snake, or a tiger may hayea ge in at you for looking at him too closely, or the niggers may take a liking to yourhead, Hullo f hola up.” They had reached the level ground again, and this exe clamation was occasioned by a sudden movement of the earth, causing the boys to stumble. ‘The next minute there began .a low heavy rumbling, deep down in the earth. Tt was not a roar, but such a rattling or ick succes-qu sion of reports as is made when a number of heavily. laden coaches are driven rapidly down a steep streets paved with round cobble stones. “ The following minute it seemed as if some invisible giant had seized the boys and thrown them forward, and then pulled them back with the greatest violence. “Lie down! lie do wn!” shouted Jack. ‘It’s anearth- quake, and a stinger, too.” “You needn’t say ‘lie down’ when a fellow can’t keep his legs,” replied Hunston, who was One of those boys who will have their say, even when death and danger are staring them in the face, . ¥For.a brief.space the boys lay. perfectly still, rather expecting that the earth might open and swallow then - up. : ics first shock, however, was not followed by an+ other, Jack computed that the time which elapsed betwoos hearing the rumbling noise and the feeling of the shock was about five seconds. It was the time of year when the monsoon prevailed, and the wind blows refreshingly day and night. — : But after this earthquake there was not the slightest _ perceptible motion of the air, The tree-toads stopped their steady piping, and the in- sects all. ceased their shrill music, “T say,” cried Hunston, looking up. “What ?” asked Jack, shivering. «= “ Old Mole’s been waking them up down below, hasnt — he? Perhaps they’ve been waiting for him Gown there, and Mes it the cheese to. give him a chyaike on his ar- . rival, . : 7 Ps can you joke at such a time as this?” asked ack, . * Hoesn’t it look lika it 2” replied Hunston in an argu- mentative tone. ‘Haze is, old Mole gone and fi F own the crater of a voleano, Nobody asked him to, _ e did it allof his own free will, and directly afterward — there’s the shindy—it’s cause and effect.” x No one asked him. Jack and Harvey were too much — upset at this perturbation of nature to care for chafing. — Everything was so absolutely quiet that it seemed as if — all nature was waiting in dread anticipation of some catastrophe, 7 Such an unnatural stillness was certainly more pain- — ful tnan the howling of the most violent tempest, or the roar of the heaviest tempest, : . The utter helplesness which:one feels at such a time, when even the solid earth groans and trembles beneath one’s feet, makes the solitude most keenly painful, jam It was half-an-hour—and that half-hour seemed an age—before the wind began to blow, or before the ani- mals and insects resumed their aumming, Jack had often wished to see an earthquake, but after. he had witnessed one there was something in the very sound of the word which made hira shudder, ¥ The boys, finding that. the earthquake was over, wenk - back to their castle, and ate the dinner which Maple had - provided for them, ty mf yet they did not care for Mr, Mole, they could _ not help feeling his loss; and Jack brought some wine out of the warehouse after dinner to cheer them up & fire, as Maple says, can't let us alone.”
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S00 00 00080 20-———-C TTC Ho n.."—nnnn...n”cw~wow”onnno~——oaoanoa—=——— a ea ‘Ybree distinct cklumns of flame had burst forth, all of @sem within the verge of he crater, and their tops wnited in a terrible, confused manner. At intervals showers of stones about the size of wal- uta were thrown into the air, and these were followed | by clouds of ashes. Jack and Harvey gazed at the terrible sight with awe. Red lines, like serpents, were to be seen on the side of the mountain, showing the course taken by the burning lava. “+ Took out for Mr. Mole,” said Hunston, who had fol- Icwed them into the open air, ‘‘ He’ll come out like a fossil presently.” Jack did not feel pleased at this constant levity of Hunston’s, and hitting out at’ him he sent him into Ma- ple’s arms, saying: . If you haven’t any decency left in you, I must teach yyou that Ihave. Get out.” “Hunston retired with Maple, and his hatred of Jack dmcreased at the blow he had received. “Tell you what, Map, eld boy,” he said between his teoth, “I shan’t stand this much longer. I’d rather eut the camp and go and do my best with a gun on some other part of the island, It’s been King Harkaway long enough. I’ll make it King Hunston, or dio for it.” “You know I'll stick to you like bricks,” answered Maple. ; “Well wait till wa see what this jolly old mountain means to do, and then leave everything to me,” said Hunston. “ This state of things isn’t good enough for me by along way. I can’t get a glass of grog unless his majesty Jack the First isin a good temper and chances to produce a bottle from the warehouse.” he mountain continued to burn and throw up stones and lava and ashes until the middle of the next day. Then the eruption subsided as rapidly as it had begun. It was dreadful to think that Mr. Mole’s grave had don the crater of a volcano, and that his was a windin; sheet of molten lava, CHAPTER XXIX. 4 HUNSTON PROCLAIMS HIMSELF KING OF THE ISLAND, Au. danger of the lava or the ashes covering the castle ‘was at an end for the present. Some weeks passed and everything went on at the little settlement as well as the boys could wish, Such was the fertility of[the island that the lend they had dug up pnd ae began to show a favorable return excellent crops, Jack did not expect to live there all his life, but he imew that his stores would not last forever, and if they did not make the most of their opportunities they would have to undergo great privation, if they did not die of starvation. A good look-out was kept at the signal station which the unfortunate Mr. Mole had caused to be erected, ; It seemed that the island on which their lot was : was not in the track of ships—for not a sail was to be seen, One day, however, Harvey, who was sweeping the sea v with his hiss. reported a sail, and every effort was made to arrest the attention of those on board. A huge fire was lighted, and guns wero fired without avail. ‘The ship passed on its way and was soon lost to sight. “Now go, Dick,” said Jack with a sigh, as the vessel’s eutline sank below the edge of the horizon, “ Better luck next time,” said Harvey. = “Thopeso. Turn it up for to-day, and come and talk tome. We'll send Maple up here, and give Hunston’ something to do.” Jack had put his gun down by the side of theshed. A aark figure passed quickly by him, and seized i ‘Will you give Hunston something to do?” he exclaimed. “Perhaps it will be the other way.” Jack looked up and saw Hunston, At the same time Maple had seized Harvey’s gun, and tho two friends were i - helpless. - What do you mean?” asked Jack, clenching his f Mate. é “ Just-this. ‘We've had enough of your reign,” ans- to'ba ting ani you w wered Hunston. ‘I’m going a ’ don’t obey me, why, I’ll put a bullet through your head, The tables are turned now. - Harvey will soou stop here "and keep lookout, while you go and hoe the potatoes, When Maple and I haye our dinner you may come and eat up the scraps.” ‘ aie ‘ow do you feel now, Jack,” asked Maple with an ious grin. - Jack gave him a kick on the shin which made him howl. «That just served you right—who told you to speak ?” remarked Hunston, “I’m king, I tell you, and I can say all I want to. Give me the key of the warehouse, ae, ee devise Jack saw Hunston place the against his shoulder, and knew him well enough to be gure that he would fire “ff he was thwarted, so he the key toward him. ~ “That's right,” said Hunston, triumphantly; “that’s how things ought to be. and hoe those taters, and, ; keep the parrots out of the corn; and you, Harvey look out, or I'll leé you both know the reason why.” _ + He walked off to the castle with Maple, and the two friends were together. . “What an ass you were to leave your gun where ___ -Hunston could see-it and collar 4t!” exclaimed Harve s: _. * . * J didn’t know he meant is a awe Sack Woking very crestfallén. ‘ E __ * What shall you do?” ; ~~ Go and do what yon told me,” said Jack, ‘* He’s got the run of the'sprits now, and he'll be drunk in an hour _or two, and then—” a ‘What will you do?” asked Harvey. Sie ““Wait and see, Hell never more be officer of mine. © Pil start him, He shall see how living on cocoanuts and | ‘Mangoes in the woods agrees with him, Perhaps he'll -tdhek dinner for a wild beast. I don’t care. IT ‘d tumble down the hole in the mountain instead 5 Tie g- | wink dAARKAWAY AFLOAT. of old Mole, Hunston always wasa bad lot, but Mole had something good about him, if he was an occasional ass At sunset Maple came out to Jack, who had been hard at work, and said, insolently : “ You may come and have your dinner now.” ‘* May 1?” asked Jack, flinging a dead snake at him, which he had killed with his spade, “ Will it bite?” asked Maple, stavting beck, and drop- ping his gun. Jack sprang forward aud seized the weapon. “Tf yon won't, this will,” cried Jack. “ Down on your kriees and beg my pardon.” Maple hesitated, and Jack fired one barrel over his head, which had the effect of causing Maple to. sink down with his hands clasped. “That's it; I knew you’d doit, Where’s Hunsten ?” continued Jack. 4 *€ Tn the castle,” replied Maple, “ What’s he doing ?” “ Drinking.” “Is he tight 2? “Not quite; but gett on that way,” answered Ma- ple. ‘‘He says he’s the king now, and he’s going to hang Harvey to-morrow.” “Ts he?” said Jack, between his teeth, ‘Ill let him know. Get up that tree and stop there till Ieome back and tell you to come down. If you dare tomove I'llshoot you like a parrot.” Maple was up the tree in a flash of lightning, and Jack went tothe castle. Z “Ts that you, Maple?” asked Hunston as the door 0) ypened, “Yes,” said Jack, altering his voice. “Come and give mea hand up, I think there’s been another earthquake or something. I’ve tumbled off my chair, and the beastly place goes rouné with me like ing. Jack darted forward and had Hunston by the throat ee could seize his gun and attempt to defend self, “Hallo! what's this? Let me go, Harkaway !” cried Hunston, becoming sober. “Not yet, my boy; you must come with me, Tl show you ow to deal with rebels.” Jack dragged him into the open air, and half carried aoe half pushed him to the place where he had left ple. , ““Now, Maple, come down; I want you,” he said. “What is it, Jack?” replied Maple, in a civil voice, as he made his appearance. “Take a spade and dig a hole five feet deep and about two wide. ‘Look sharp, unless you want a tanning.” Hunston Jet his eyes close, and pretended to be asleep, while the work was going on. Tn about an hour the hole was dug, and Maple perspiring from every pore, left off. Jack dragged his enemy to the hole, and put him in feet foremost, and let him sink till his head was on a level with the soil. “ Shovel in 1’ he exclaimed. “T say, Jack,” cried Hunston, coming to himself, and wing alarmed. ‘Don’t bea savage—remember that ere are wild beasts and snakes, and bi of & carrion kind here. What do you mean to do?” “Tt’s a nice bed fora king, Shovel away, Maple,” an- swered Jack, The earth was quickly thrown in and pressed down by Jack’s feet, until Hunston was buried in the soil, unable to move hand or foot, and only his head appeared above the surface, * Give me that spade,” said Jack. Maple did so, H : * You will stop here all night,” continued Jack, “that is to say, if you care for your friend, and can keep off the snakes and wild things that he seems so much id of. I will see what is to be done with him to-morrow “morning.” In vain Hunston appealed to Jack to let him go; he turned a deaf earto his entreaties, and went to seek Harvey, to whom he related what he had-done. “Serves the beggar right,” said Harvey. “ He said he meant to hang you to-morrow,” continued Jack with a grin. ‘Did he?” exclaimed Harvey. “ Perhaps he'll think better of it.” : th They went to the castle and amused themselves by playing at the chess, having saved a board and men from e wreck, Maple sat down near Hunston, and was quite unable to render him any assistance. He had neither spade nor pickax, and could not rsmove the earth, “ You've betrayed me,” said Hunston, who was quite clear and sober now under the influence of the danger that. threatened him. ‘‘ Why don’t you get me ont of this?” “<I can’t,” replied Maple, sullenly. . ‘‘ It’s bad enough to have to sit here all night ‘and watch you.” “Don’t leave me—for Heaxven’s. sake don’t leave me alone !” cried Hunston, in a yoice of deadly terror. ‘““Harkaway only means to punish me—he don’t want to killmé, Look at that thicket. I can see the eyes of a tiger gleaming. -- 2” repeated Maple. ¢ ch va Look look 1” repeated the terror-stricken youth. “Oh! If there are tigers about, I shall stop it,” Maple said, coolly. ‘I don’t care about being eaten up by the wild beasts. Good night.” - Hunston’s yoice failed him and he could say no more. His tongue clove tothe roof of his mouth, and he though his last hour had come. : his former friend Maple walked quickly away, showin; dinwe inceapenlies there was | “4 st tas rag ae ate was one at jose who always go} from the losing to the Dat ee eres 2 ‘King Hunston was ina ble plight, . ie to be placed upon hie part — — CHAPTER XXX. THE SAVAGES. Marre went to the castle, and, mocking at the Geog, was admitted, fis “ mn + ee _— = a asked Harvey. ‘ell Harkawa; lease,” replied Maple, “I saw tigers about, and want ‘dene in, z es s “‘Have you left Hunston to his fate 2” asked Jack, come ing forward, “Ves, I conldn’t do him any good.” . * You dirty little cur. Shall I pole-ax him 2” “He deserves it, but I don’t think I would, because we want a servant,” replied Harvey. “All right,” said Jack. “Go inside. Dick, come wit me. Ionly want to frighten Hunston, and should be sorry if any harm came to him.” Maple went inside, and Jack followed by Harvey, walked by the soft moonlight to the place where Hunston was buried up to his neck in the ground. When Hunston saw them he exclaimed, “Yhank God you haye come, You were always & generous fellow, Harkaway. Knock me on the head, but yt i me here to die in the night,” a ‘ou. up,” replied Jack, who had brought a f shade Wt im py" Fep) ack, 8 In a few minutes the earth was sufficiently loosened to admit of the captive being dragged out, and he wag ae upon his legs, which for a time trembled so that @ could scarcely stand upright. “Now, what are you going to do?” asked Jack. “TI hate you, and _I’ll never make terms with you,” re- plied Hunston. . ‘I’ve roughed it in various parts of the world, and I dare say I can do soagain. Tll work my way down the island, and if I can’t turn anything up, I'll come back to you and be your servant,” “You'd best make friends, and say you won't kick “TJ shan’t,” Hunston said, sullenly, ‘‘I want to away from you and start on my own hook. You can give “Thank you. J’ll trust you as far as I can see you and no further,” Jack said. ‘You can stop if you like, or Hunston put his hands in the pocket of his pea-jacket and, holding down his head, walked away, soon oan 1 little farm. eis “* He'll come back. It’s only temper, said Jack, ae ‘ob no arms. Perhaps he might make a bow and arrow, fut he'll be glad enough to come back in time,” i go on smoother now, Dick, We never had a row when we were alone,” * Of course he is; make him work, i “It will serve him rignt, He backed up Hunston in when the fortune of war went against him, he wasthe — first to leave him,” spirit at Crawcour’s?” replied Jack, . 7 Talking in this. way they returned to the castle, and watched, and, when Jack woke up, Haryey took his Their little band was diminishing gradually, First Mr. A couple of days passed, and they saw nothing of him. Jack grew uneasy, ; to wander about wild in the woods,” he said to Harvey, ** He's lurking. about. somewhere, and means to drop it,” replied the over the traces again,” replied Jack, good-naturedly, ie eeiael and a few charges of powder’ and shot if you youcan go, Take your choice,” to sight among the trees that fringed the outskirts of the ** What else can he do?” answered herer, “* He's “Tf he doesn’t, its not our fault. Perhaps things will “And Maple is just fit for our servant,” said Harvey.‘ his revolt, and pretended to be such.a friend of his, and Pe “He always was a sneak, Didn’t he show the same ‘ finished their game of chess, Jack slept while Harvey Mole had been cut off; and now Hunston had left them. “T don’t think y ought to leave that fellow Hunston : A down “upon us when we least expect latter. : : “J don’t think so.” “ What will youdo? Tet/him take his chance 2?” . “No,” re Jack; “I shan’t do that, Will you ‘ 3 here with Maple? I'll take my gun and go out and : a for him, Idon’t like thé idea of leaving even Hunston | to take his chance in the woods.” bras : “You're more generous than I should be.” erates ** Now Dick, said Jack, ‘‘ you know you’ve got es gem “Re won't do for you to try'to make yo! out a A : -s Jack would have his own way, and shouldering hiv gun, ho sallied forth to look for Hunston, forgetting in his generosity how badly he had treated hi: i He walked for some hours, and traversed several miles ef ground, 3 per sun was setting when he halted, weary and irsty. + 300 ie Throwing some stones up ata tree, he knocked down some ripe cocoanuts.and quenched his thirst, Sudden~ # lyhe heard a noise. : i ? Looking before him, he saw, to his consternation, g. — Be aT eee by a* small fringe « 8 Was O01 en from ar of brushwood. : : Pe = They were dancing round and round in a: inthe middle of which was a human being tied to as 3S Crawling on his lands and knees to the edge of the brush, Jack took a closer view. Sensis ~ The savages were about twelve in number, and the man in their = Abe fhe as os “ <a “Tt seems to me,” m present iments did not deceive me, and Y have aie just in- time.” - ate His first idea was to fire, but that would have been folly, considering the number of the natives, 2 Yet Hunston must be rescued. : How to render him material aid was the question, d Jack ruminated. : Lying on his stomach, Tt was clear that the natives were self, “‘and I'll let them know i all their own ‘mue
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a 24 — ” Twelve to one, however, was great odds. Foronce i his life Jack was at a loss, , CHAPTER XXXI, . SACK TO THE RESCUE, Tr savages whom Jack now saw for the first time ‘were very singular looking beings. In hight and general appearance they closely re- gsembled the Malays. The color of the skin and hair was dark, the latter short and crisp, confined on their heads by a red hand- kerchief, obtained from the natives on the extreme east- ern coast. Their clothing was simply a strip of the inner bark of a tree, beaten with stones until it had become white and epaque, and looking much like rough white paper. This garmeat was three or four inches wide, and about three feet long. It passed round the waist, and covered the loins in such a way that the ends hung down in front as far as the knee. Onthe arm, above the elbow, some worea large ring, made apparently from the stalk of 4 sea plant. Each of the warriors was armed with a cleaver, which he raised high in the right hand. Some had shields, three or four feet long, but only four or five inches wide, and others again held jong spears, Their dance was merely a series of short leaps back- ward and forward, with an occasional whirl round, as if trying to defend themselves from an imaginary attack in the rear, a sang a wild song, as fast and as loud as they could, At length the dancing warriors became more excited, and flourished their cleavers, and leaped to and fro with = their might, until it looked as if their eyes were en re, They worked themselves up into a state of temporary madness, and it was easy to believe that while in this condition they would no more hesitate to cleave off a human head than they would to cut down a bamboo. These creatures belonged to the tribe of the far-famed head hunters, a race of which every traveler in the Eastern Archipelago has heard and trembled at their parbarous customs, It is a custom with them, which has become a law, that every young man must, at least, cut off one human head before he can marry. Heads, therefore, are in great demand. Hunston was evidently 2 windfall for them, and they ‘Were rejoicing accordingly. New heads must be obtained to celebrate such events as @ birth or a funeral, as well as a marriage. : One man, taller than the rest, had a necklace made of human tecth. Small holes had been drilled in several score of teeth, which were strung on long enough to pass three times round the neck of the kero who wore it. Jack rightly supposed him to be the chief of the fero- elous band. On the piece of paper-like bark which hangs down in front, and which we have just described, the wearer makes a mark when he cuts off a head. ‘The mark was in the shape of a circle; and some had as many as ten or twelve of these circles, while others had only one or two. hen the dance was over they all sat down and in- dulged f: in an intoxicating liquor, made from the juice of the flowering part of a palm. ° Then they began to dance again, and the chief tossed into their midst a human head, apparently not long severed from its trunk, for it was all smeared with clot- ted blood. This they proceceed to kick wildly about, as if it had been a football Asickening sensation, akin to fear, crept over Jack, oe a lay hid, watehing the awful carnival of those “Very jolly sort of neighbors to have,” muttered } Jack, “I wonder what they are going to do with old Hunston? He don’t look happy.” “Nor did he, Ashe was bound to the stake, Hunston’s face had as- sumed an expression of utter hopeless terror, and at times he closed his eyes as if he could not bear the hideous sight before him, and wished to shut it out, It was clear that when Hunston gave way to his tom- per and left his party, he had wandered about the island until he fell in with the natives, and was captured. Perhaps he intended to return and try and surprise Jack and Harvey again, and make them his slaves. He was bad enough for anything. However Jack was far too generous to allow his com- panion to perish. . He could not find it in his heart to leave him in the hands of the barbarians whom he saw dancing around and celebrating a feast of blood. en ha was at Mr. Oraweour’s academy he had pro- ‘duced a singular effect upon everybody by his talent in ventriloquism. ) It oceurred to him now that if Mr. Crawcour and his masters could be startled by the exercise of this singular eas Savages were much more likely to be impressed it, No sooner had he imbibed the idea, than he determ- 4ned to put it into execution. Tt was true that he was armed with a double-barreled breech-loading rifle, but he did not like to take life unne- cessarily and. without due provocation. Besides the killing of one or two natives would only make the others more savage. _ Blood for blood is a principle of the savage. jase Suddonly throwing his voice into the air, he exclaimed: : m, old man, how do you find yourself ?” The effect of this speech was magical. The savages stopped their war dance, and looked up -pamious’y and ee: =! Just now you said fifty-five. Why do you ite
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gay one thing one minute and then alter your number?” asked Tuan Biza. “Tt wasn’t me; its Jack,” answered Hun- ston, driven wild with pain and annoyance. The chief shook his nead. It was his opinion that Hunston was going mad, : Buru, the savage-minded native of whom we have spoken, approached with his cleaver aud threatened his captive. . Speaking in his own, language, he said he and his companions were not satisfied with the conduct of the chief. The captive had said that he and his com- panions wanted heads. The Tuan Biza replied that the spirit had forbidden him to touch Hunston, Buru made a derisive gesture, and danced round contemptuously, cutting what we should calla caper. , ii He snapped his fingers in the air, and again threatened Hunston with the cleaver. “Ugh!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ what. can the spirit do? Keyali, our young: man, must have his head.” Keyali. stepped forward, much elated at the turn affairs was taking. ‘‘Beware!”, thundered Jack. ‘‘ Fire and smoke will come down fr6m heaven and con- sume. Release the captive at sunset. Dare 4 touch. a hair of his head and you shall | 18.7% j ; dst Buru had been drinking rather. too freely of the intoxicating liquor we have. alluded to. He snapped his fingers again and led Key- ali toward Hunston. The other savages hung back, ., _ Jack saw thatit was necessary to act. Briaging his double-barreled gun to a level with his shoulder, he prepared to fire. It was not his object to kill either Buru or . Keyali, but he wanted to make an example a, strike terror into them. » So he aimed.at Buru’s leg, because he was * theforemost in opposition and the most fero- cious-looking. : H “Strike!” said Buru to Keyali.” a At that moment Jack pulled the. trigger, Buru fell to the ground, weltering in his blood. : _ Keyali ran away into the bush, and did not stop till he had gone some miles... Then he sat down on the ground and be- gan to examine himself to see if he was hit. The warriors were thunderstruck for a brief time, after which they chattered like a lot of monkeys. 6 orb Some examined Buru and bound up his wound, while others, headed by the Tuan Biza, ran into the thicket from whence the smoke came. _ But Jack was too quick for them. Directly after firing he ran away and hid igain at some distance. * They could find nothing, and their dismay vas immense, It was their firm belief that the fire came out of heaven, as the spirit said it should, From that instant Hunston’s life was sacred ix their eyes. ; - Byen Buru would not bear thought of harm- iny him. \ An ‘The wound inflicted upon the latter was ir sitiated in the thigh, and though painful, not dagerous or necessarily fatal. , Jeeling that he had saved Hunston’s life, it Jad hurried home to the castle, where he h, knoy Harvey must be waiting for him with 5 theutmost impatience. a “- Te had established a certain power over the aaties; but he feared that since Hunston had toldthem there were other white people on the sland, they would never rest until they had found them out. ‘ Whether the savages lived at the extreme end ¢ the island, or had come to this particu- jar ae to celebrate some custom, he could nottll, _ It tas enough for him just then to come up in th nick of time, and prevented Hunston from aving his head eut off by Keyali. mention of head-cutting was conclu- HARKAWAY AFLOAT. sive in Jack’s mind that the natives he had seen. were the dreaded and far-famed head- hunters, Tired and hungry he reached the castle. Harvey was on the look-out, rifle in hand. “‘Hullo, Jack,” he said; ‘‘I thought you were never cae back. Seen anything?” “Yes,” replied Jack. « “What?” “ Niggers.” «No! have you really?” said Harvey, much excited. ‘‘Have they got Hunston?” “‘There’s no mistake about that; they’ve ot him hard and fast. It seryes him right or playing tricks with us and being treach- erous. . If he hadn’t given way to his temper he’d have been all right.” “ Will they eat him?” “T don’t think they. are cannibals; they didn’t look like it,” answered Jack, ‘‘ though they are ugly. enough for anything. In my Opinion they are a tribe or off-shoot of the Dyak head-hunters of Borneo, and nothing like nice neighbors.” “‘Did you try to save him?” asked Harvey. ‘‘I.did save him, As it happened, I just came up at the time they were about. to per- form npon him, about. a dozen of them. ‘Such ugly-looking beasts!” ‘‘ Why didn’t, you bring him with you?” «You'll see him before long,” said Jack, laughing, ‘‘and [ll bet. you a sovereign, which, by-the-by, I could not pay if I lost, as. we haven't got any money among us, that you won't know him.” «Why not?” replied Harvey. «His own mother wouldn’t Ha, ha, ha!” “What are you laughing at?” “Never mind,” said Jack, “ I’ve paid Mas- ter Hunston out for all he has done for me. You will know all about, it soon enough. Givemesome grub. I’m dead beat.” ‘I don’t know what you'll have to eat,” replied Harvey; “‘the ants have got into.the biscuits, and there is nothing but the kegs of salt beef I have not opened.” “Tl tell. you how to dodge the ants,” an- swered Jack. “How?” «Put asaucer full of water under each leg of a table, and they can’t get up. Look out! There’s a parrot. Odds I pot him.” Ashe spoke Jack fired at a gaudy-plumaged bird, and brought it down. ‘ « Put him in some hot water,” he contin- ued, ‘‘ the feathers will come off, then clean him and cut him open. He'll do-fine on the gridiron; or, look here, where’s Maple ? Make him do it,” “All right. Maple’s civil enough. He's know him. been on his knees, as one may say, ever since’ Hunston, cut it,” replied Harvey. “ Here, You Maple,” cried Jack, ‘‘ you're to be head cook and bottle-washer; take this parrot, and get him ready for my dinner! If you're not slippery over it, I pity you.” Maple set to work with alacrity, and in a quarter of an hour Jack had a very good broil, for it must be recollected that they had saved from the reck all the cooking utensils and things for use that they wanted. What Harvey had. said about the ants was quite true. $ They were pests. The little insects was not. protected. Ifa bird was shot and laid down for an hour there would not be much of it left, and they ran up everything in swarms. While Jack was having his dinner, Maple approached him and said: “Tt is true that Hunston. has been caught by the savages?” “ Yes; and so will you if you don’t watch it,” answered Jack with his mouth half full of broiled parrot. | “You won’t give me to them, will you?” a That depends upon how you behave your- self.” ‘ “Tll never do anything to offend you again,” said Maple, with tears in his eyes, got into everything that Yo~ : = (SpE ES PTT, TNE SET SOILS ONE ISIS CET EL DE Se ‘and I am glad they’ve got Humston, because heset me on against you all along, If they cut him, it will only serve him right.” “Get out,” exclaimed Jack in a tone of great diguise. ‘‘I have you. more now than did before. You are a worse sneak than I thought you were.” “Why, Jack?” asked Maple. “Don’t call me Jack,” replied he. ‘You and Hunston have been friends ever since you nave known one another. You're as bad as he, and it’s cowardly sf you to let him down. Get up.” FoR ‘Oh! if you have taken a spite against me, I can’t helpit,” returned Maple, surly. Jack threw a biscuit at him, and he made - his escape into the open air, looking more like a cowardly sneak than he aiid did, and that is saying a great deal. ; When Jack had satisfied his hunger, he called Harvey. 3 ‘‘ You must keep a good look-out to-night,” he exclaimed. ‘“Why more to-night than any . other?” asked Harvey. “Tl tell you why, Dick, answered Jack. “Those head-hunting niggers have an idea that there are white people on the island, and they will search for them. That’s for sartin, as the African observed, when he was told the’d be hanged for eating his grandmother.” ‘Harvey laughed, ; “Tt wouldn't be pleasant to wake up in the morning, and find our heads gone,” Jack went on. “Tf our heads were off, we shouldn’t wake any more,” Harvey said. *« Yes, we should, we should wake in another land,” answered Jack, smiling. ‘Don’t interrupt me. , I’m tired, and you must watch till twelve ; then call me. et Maple pee. We can’t depend on the little varmint, If Huntson comes in, wake me as once, only don’t take him for Tippoo Sahib ix his warpaint.” rs All “‘T wish you’d tell me what has happened to Huntson,” exclaimed Harvey. “T won't spoil the fun. . AMI say is this. Huntson will be let goat sunset. P’'ve worked the oracle so far’ ae I shan’t say ay more at present,’* replied Jack. ; “‘T dare say it will keep,” rejoined Harvey, in a tone of annoyance. ‘‘But about the na- tives? My only wonder is the beggars hayen’t found us out before. We've got quite a little farm about here.” “Yes; but we're in a sheltered nook, and they wouldn’t spot us now if they didn’t fol- low Hunston.” . “You think they'll do that?” “T don’t think, I know it. Niggers all over the world are the dodgiest beasts out. So keep your swivel eye open,” _ ‘Never fear,” replied Harvey, ‘‘I’m wide, awake, ‘They won’t casch this weasel with both eyes shut” oS Jack was satisfied with his ‘answer, and, — paces the.sun had not yet set, lay down to rest. The. fatigue in the hot noontide he had 3 gone through was enough to make anordi-~ nary mortal sleepy. And sleep he did, like a top that hums, for » ~ he snored loud enough to scare the mosqui- ne arate as Harry observed with a laugh to aple, i CHAPTER XXXHL i 22) am TREACHERY IN THE CAMP, ~ : Marie was thoroughly cowed in the ab- + sence of Hunston, and obeyed every com-. mand which was given him by Harvey with- out a word, “ His evil, malevolent nature could only plot — —he had not the courage to carry out his wicked designs. : Coming up to Harvey about sanset, while the latter, gun in hand, was keeping guard during Jack’s sleep, as he sat down onthe _ trunk of a fallen tree outside the castle, he Ye im said:
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abe . —— + “Do you want me any more?” ** Ves,” replied Harvey. «< What for?” “That's nothing togyou.” But I should like to know. I’ve been weeding the corn all day, and I’m as tired as— as—help me to a simile.” “7 shan’t,” answered Harvey. ‘If you can’t find similies, go ‘without them, or, if you must have similies, say ‘as sleepy as an ass,’ which is what you are. “You're always on me,” said Maple, with asubdued growl. ‘‘I suppose you think you ean do as you like with me, because you've got me on a desert island and Hunston’s gloped.” “Tt isn’t deserted. Jack’s seen savages.” ‘*Hashe? How many, and what are they Mike?” asked Maple, in surprise. “You'll know in time. Hunston will be here soon,” “Will he? That’s good news. He won’t have me slave-driven. But what am I to do now?” Maple said, his face brightening at the news of Hunston’s return. “Skin a deer.” “Where is it?” Maple inquired, looking wound. “You'll see directly. I’m on the watch. ‘The deer have been at the corn. They come about this time, and I mean to have a shot at one of the gentlemen,” replied Harvey. It was a lovely evening, There was a constant changing of beautiful evlors in the clouds that rested on the high mountain-peaks in the south, while the day _ was fading into twilight, and the twilight in its turn subsiding into a fine starlight night. A little way off they could hear the sand- pipers come and trip to and fro on the beach when the tide was full. Many long-winged night-hawks swooped back and forth, feasting on multitudes of in- sects that came out as evening approached. The deer of which Harvey spoke were most destructive. They were accustomed to comé into the prairie lands in great droves, and frequently an area of a quarter of gn acre was so com- letely rooted up by them that it looked as if t had been plowed. _ This was annoying, as the corn the boys had planted was making et progress under the fertilizing influence of the climate. Presently there was the sound of hoofs clattering on the hard ground. Harvey fired, and brought down a fine deer. He had learned how to shoot, and having a quick eye, was as good a shot as Jack. *« Well shot,” cried Maple. ‘‘ You potted him splendidly. It was stunning.” “Tt’ll be more stunning when you've skinned him and cut him up. Take a sharp knife, and I'll make a cat gallows to hang the flesh on,” replied Harvey. Accordingly he cut down a couple of sap- ar and placed them in the ground. iy ver these he tied a horizontal bar. _. Then he made a hole in the ground at the foot of each upright pole, and puddled the bottom with clay to make them hold water. By this means he prevented the white ants climbing up the poles. They would have eaten all the meat before morning if he had not adopted the plan of eurrounding the sticks with water. When the strips of fresh meat were hang- ing on the cross-bar, he lighted a fire under- neath, and smoked them, placing a couple “of steaks on the flames for his and Maple’s eoprer i ' ** Not bad tackle this,” observed Maple, as he cut into his steak. ‘‘ Venison’s fine when OX eee had nothing but salt junk and biscuit for a week.” While the boys were eating their supper ‘there was asound of footsteps. _ Harvey sprang to his feet and shouldered Ais rifle. - ey “ Fire! fire! It’s a nigger,” said Maple. - Whe intruder held up bis hand, and said: ‘ ‘ HARKAWAY AFLOAT. “ Don’t you know me ?” - 7 D TT, TT RR cc SS SSS dS Re Harvey did not like the persistent way im “Pll be hanged if I do,” replied Maple ; | which he spoke of his cherished vengeance- “end if it is—no, it can’t be—yes, it is Hunston.” Hunston it was. But how altered ! tk face was haggard, and his eyes blood- shot. Naked to the waist, as when the Indians let him go, in obedience to what they con- sidered the command of a spirit, appeared in all the grotesque horror of his recent tattooing. His back presented a perfect nest of snakes, and a huge python coiled on his shoulders. Parrots and other birds were represented on his chest and arms, while his stomach gave one a very good idea of a tiger crouching for his spring, and underneath all was a belt of fishes. i On each cheek was a parrot and on his nose a small crocodile. He was smarting with the pain of the tat- ‘tooing, and his skin presented an angry and inflamed appearance. A more diabolical-looking object could not have startled his companions, Maple began to laugh. He could not haye helped. , “Why, Hunston, old man,” exclaimed Harvey, joining in the merriment, his condi tion excited, ‘‘what have they been doing to you? Isit paint ?” “JT wish to goodness it was,” answered Hunston, in a hollow voice, ‘‘then it would wash off, but now I’m marked for life.” “‘J must say you look pretty. You're quite a work of art. I never saw such a picture. You ought to be stuffed and sent to the Brit- ish museum,” “Tl stuff you if you chaff me,” answered Hunston. ‘Give me some of your grub. I’m very nearly starved.” ; “How did you ‘get away?” asked’ Maple, putting a slice of deer meat on the fire. “Tt was Jack’s ventriloquism that did it,” replied Hunston, with a groan. «He funked the critters awfully, and there was one buffer, the Tuan Biza, or chief, who quite thought it was a spirit, but I wish he’d left me to die, I do. What good am I, pricked about like this? I'll have my re- venge, though, see if I don’t!” aple had béen trying to smother his laughter, but he could not do so any longer. «fa, ha, ha! ho, ho, ho!” he broke out, ducking his head, and laughing till his sides shook. “What are you grinning at, ugly?” cried Hunston, seizing him by the ear. ‘‘I’ll give you something to howl at.” ‘©Oh, don’t Hunston!” exclaimed Maple. “*T couldn’t help it. You looked so comical.” Hunston dragged him to the fire, and bend- ing him down hy his superior strength, put his head in the flames. In a minute almost all his hair was singed off, and he would have been seriously burnt if Harvey had not pulled him away. “Now * ey look comical, and I’ll make you more so if you don’t watch it,” replied Hun- ston, eveneys Maple did look funny without his hair, and retired to a distance, rubbing his scorehed bead and crying. j When Hunston had satisfied his hunger he was a little better tempered, and Harvey gave him a little bottle of wine which had been saved from the wreck. _ “Stop that bellowing,” he exclaimed, to Maple, who was still roaring. “ You can go to roost as soon as you like,” said Harvey. “How can I sleep with a singed head? It stings so,” answered Maple. # Go and get some grease, and rub it well in, and put on a sailor's cap,” suggested Har- vey. your thatch will grow again,” remarked Hunston, ‘‘ while my beauty will never come back. My figure-head is ornamented for life, but I’ll be one with Master Jack Harkaway.” ae, ‘Don’t rile Jack too much,” he said, ‘‘or he may Wipe you out altogether.” “Two can play at that pam returned Hunston, ‘‘and you'd better keep out of it. I’ve no row with you at present.” «« Your bad or good opinion doesn’t mattet much to me,” answered Harvey, carelessly. “‘Doesn’t it? We shall see. I’m desper- ate now, and if you quarrel with me you'll * find it no bottle, as the sailors say; so shut up before there’s any harm done!” Hunston ex- claimed, threateningly, ““Why can’t you live on friendly terme with us?” asked Harvey. ‘‘I am sure we ought to be more friendly than ever in our lonely position, with all sorts of dangers star- ing us in the face.” “You'll have enough of them soon,” said Hunston, significantly, ‘‘and you should have more sense than to suppose that I can ever be jolly with you after this,” He pointed to his face. ’ “Jack did not do it.” ‘He told the savages to do it, which comes. to the same thing.” “At the same time he saved yeur life, which you did not neserve.” “What's the use of my life tome?” asked Hunston. ‘‘I can never return to a civilized: country with a face like this. I tell you he has just made me desperate, that’s all.” «Did you not try to drown Jack and I, and. poor Mr. Mole when the Fairy was aban- doned?” Hunston was silent. “Tf you want to argue you shall have enough of it,” continued Harvey. ‘‘I sup- pose Jack thought you were only good enough to live among savages. It’s what your bad disposition has reg rnes to.” “You'd look foolish if I brought the savages down on you,” remarked Hunston. | «What good would that do you?” asked Harvey. ‘‘ We are your friends, are we not? At least we are as friendly as you will let us. be. The fact is, you were always 8 bad fel- low, and I don’t blame Jack for what he has done. But there may be hope for you yet.” “« What hope ?’”’ cried Hunston. “ All the tattooing I have seen on board ship has been done with India ink, which won't come out.” “Well 2?” : «Suppose the dye of the berry the savage used is not lasting.” Hunston’s face grew positively indignan at this suggestion. “God grant what you suggest may be true. It sounds too good, however. A week or two will show. It’s kindof you, Harvey to try and comfort me. I thought you al hated me,” «« Jack doesn’t hate you in hisheart. Hes not the sort of fellow to hate anyone, ony remember your last attempt to take the con- mand here and make us your slaves. Yu can’t be trusted—you are so treacherous aid: evily disposed.” “« Jack had best look out.” “J wonder you don’t feel grateful to hm for saving you,” Harvey said. ‘‘I’m not x- actly a pious sort of a fellow, as you know, sea ba I try to steer clear of anything wrag, an ye? “Ah, yes, I daresay!’ sneered Hunson. “You're one of those saints who carry a Eble in their pockets.” “‘T have got a Bible, 1am thankful tosay, in my peta It was my mother’s last sitt, and I find a good deal of comfort in it 20w and then, though I am sorry that I don’tread it so much as I ought.” “You've got one ?” ‘Yes, and I’m not ashamed of it,” rolied Harvey, resolutely. ‘‘ But what I was;soing — to say is this—” As “( shall slip my eable and sleep n the woods if you are going to preach.” i “Only a word or two. Don’t youthink.
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HARKAWAY AFLOAT . at " pote eer t a ; ‘ou are better here with us than if you had ioen killed, and sent as you are to be judged? One ought to pay a little attention to these things.’ Oh,.don’t bother me!” answered Hunston, mneasily. ‘‘I want to be quiet and think.” Harvey said no more. bas ie ag As he watched Hunston doze, after his din- wer, he fancied his face assumed a villainous epression. ag 5 thoughts were evidently lurking in his mind. ; Of course the tattooing disfigured him, and made him look repulsive and even ferocious, though there was a comical side to that also. «“Tmust warn Jack,” muttered Harvey. “There is something in the beggar’s look which I don’t like. If he does not mean mis- thief, I can’t read faces.” Full of thought, he paced up and down, keeping a good lookout, and breathing with ‘more ease, now 2 cool current of air, such as the evening brings, took the place of the gar- ish light of day and its sultry atmosphere. CHAPTER XXXIV. JUST IN TIME, _ Hunston, who was thoroughly exhausted, fell asleep. The wind, in heavy gusts, sighed through the dense foliage over his head, while in the 2 distance rose the deep, pulsating roar of the ocean surf, ' Inland was a deep ravine, and from its furthermost recesses rolled out the reverberat- ing, moaning cries of monkeys, who, all the night long, kept a piteous calling, each an- swering his fellows in the same mournful tones. Hunston’s dreams were not pleasant. A storm was coming on, to avoid which Harvey entered the castle, still on the look aut. At midnight a troubled dream disturbed the rest of Hunston. An indefinite terror thrilled along his veins as he fancied for a moment that he was whirl- ‘img round and round in a deep, yawning maelstrom. Then a change occurred, but scarcely one (or the better. ; _ He fancied he was fixed in the midst of - @ Watersgout, and in his struggles to es- . espe, awdke to find that a great stream of | water was pouring down upon him from the leaves of a palm under which he was sleep- ig. ai orgies shower had come on. _ Getting up he went to the house the boys yd built, and was about toenter when he was _ stopped by Harvey. Ch “You can’t come inside,” said the latter. “Why not? Do you want me to catch vheumatism out in the wet?” answered Huns- er 4 ~ “Yl ask Harkaway. It’s time to call him, but the fact is, after the threats you used, I am afraid of you.” “T shan’t hurt you,” said Hunston, with a laugh. ‘‘It ‘would be easy enough, if,I felt inclined; What's to prevent me from cutting your throat like a rabbit?” ‘Harvey shuddered. Hunston spoke in such acold-blooded way that he feared him more than eyer; but, _ touching his gun, he exclaimed— “Only this, my boy. This will stop you,” Let me in to-night, and I'll cut the’ shop ¢o-morrow,”” Hunston said, pleadingly, «J _ ahall be better off with the savages.” Harvey woke Jack, saying— “Tt’s your turn to watch now. Iam pretty well done up.” Has Hunston come back?” asked Jack, ringing up, ; ‘Oh, yes; let the poor beastin.” Be on the look-out. He’s in a nice state mind, I can tell you.” ell, it isn’t to be wondered at. ¥ e look like?” asked Jack with a grin, . G Poh-4 What} ‘Beautiful. He's a sort between a zebra and a chimpanzee with the measles.” Hunston stepped forward. He had heard this remark and exclaimed— “What are you? I should call you a cross between a laughing jackass and a babboon with a dash of Tom ool in you.” “Look here! stash that sort of thing,” cried Jack. ‘‘I’m cook here. You must not cheek, Harvey.” 5 “Why can’t he let me alone?” **Tt’s his playful nature. He is not savage like you.” “Enough to make me savage. face,” growled Hunston. ‘*T willin the morning, when there’s more light; at present our lamp is rather dim. But you ought to feel flattered at the delicate at- tention the natives have paid you.” “‘T shan’t answer you. I’m going to pitch in the corner. My unfortunate nut aches fit to split,” Hunston observed. “«* Behold him, ladies and gentlemen, but at the same beware,’” Jack went on, ‘‘ ‘for he takes the most lovely maidens into the topmost branches of the highest trees, regard- less of their piteous cries and the agonized entreaties of their frenzied relatives.’ “Shut up, you fool!” cried Hunston, who could not keep his temper. ‘“‘P'm only doing the showman,” Jack an- swered, “You might let a fellow get afew winks of sleep after all he has gone through.” “Allright. Dick be quiet. The pictoral ape sleeps.” Hunston pretended to snore, but.he did not sleep. He was watehing his cenanersly, which came sooner than he expec Harvey threw himself down, and also made him believe that he was worr out and wanted rest, ‘ But he distrusted Hunston, and determined to watch him. Only the humming of the night-birds and insects, with the occasional hiss of a snake and the wild and horrid noise made by some wild beasts in the jungle, broke the silence of the night. The rain had cleared up as suddenly as it had come on. Jack took a een outside, standing half in and half out of the doorway. The rain that had fallen rose again in thick heavy vapor from the hot ground. Knowing that this very often gave rise to fevers, Jack did not venture out, Hunston had not taken his snake-like eyes off him. Seeing his back turned, he rose on his hands and knees. Opening his clasp-knife, he placed it be- tween his teeth, and crawled stealthily toward his victim, Tn an instant Harvey was after him. Just as he started up in the dim mist of that tropical night to plunge his knife into the back of Harkaway, who was totally unsuspi- cious of his intention, Harvey was upon him. Look at my Throwing his arms round his neck, he put on a hug that nearly strangled him. He fell on his back on the floor of the hut, and Harvey placed his knew on his chest. «Would you?” he said. “«“What’s the shine, Dick? asked Jack, turning round. “*Can’t you see?” “T can’t make out exactly.” “Tt would have been all u you in a brace of shakes if what his got a knife to'stab you with.” *““Had he, by jingo?” replied Jack, who een to realize the narrow escape he the Baltic with hadn’t guessed Hunston them. mewas and watched him. He'd: glanced sullenly and defiantly at |[Zo be continued in Boys’ Lisrary No. 7% : de CHAPTER XXXY, ri AN UGLY FIX. ; PRESENTLY Jack spoke. “Tl tell you what it is, old man,” he ex- claimed, ‘‘if. you ‘play tricks with me, it’s either yore life or mine, and as king of this island I shall have to try you by court-mar- tial and let the daylight into you with an ounce of iead.” ‘‘I didn’t mean anything,” answered. Hun- ston, cowering before him. “« What had you a knife for?” ~ ““You see I was dreaming, and walked in my sleep.” It won't wash,” said Jack. ° “What I’ve gone through upset my mind. I thought I was going to attack one of the natives and make my escape.” “Tt isn’t good enough,” continued Jack. ‘Don’t you believe me?; “Not by a long way. Vint a bad lot, Mr. ‘ Hunston, and you'll have to make tracks.” “« What?” “Walk your chalks.” “Why? “* Because, when you get back to sae pee if youeverdo, you need not be hard up, answered Jack, **Go on,” said Hunston., and it doesn’t hurt me.” ‘“Oryou might be advertised as the mar- be man-monkey, ornamental if not useful.” E “ You won’t sendme away! How can I live unarmed, in the open ?”’ pleaded Hunston. ‘‘ You stepped it of your own accord a + little while ago, and now you'll hook it to ‘It pleases you. ‘please me.” “That was temper. I meant to come back, only the natives copped me,” replied Hunston. ‘Come, Jack, make it up. I swear I didn’t mean any harm. You were always more generous to me than I deserved.. Don’t kick me out like a dog. There are wild beasts on the island, and I saw snakes: These are not nice companions, let alone the head-hunting natives.” a) “T’s your own fault.” “Don’t be hard on me, I know what that means,” said Hunston, gloomily. _‘‘ You'll me be quiet till the morning, and then you'll shuntme. If I go by myself on this island I must croak, you know that.” — “No, Idon’t, Forage for yourself.” **You don’t seem to see exactly what you are doing,” Hunston said. ‘‘ But [ll tell you if Harvey will let. me go.” \ ‘‘Let him get up, Dick,” said Jack. Hunston rose and shook himself, like «a | Newfoundland dog on getting out of the water. s “Go ahead,” continued Jack. ‘I’m go_ far up to you, that you don’t perform on me. I’m wide awake enough.” “Tf you send me away, you drive me into the hands of the natives. They won’t kill me now, because they consider me under the protection of a spirit, and they will be glad - enough to have me, whenI tell them whe ~ the spirit is, and what a nice, little, well- stored crib he’s got here.” ine “You're villian enough for anything,” ex- claimed Jack. “Tf I’m driven to it.” ‘ “Were you driven to trying to annoy m at school, or to drown me on board ship, or . to make yourself master here, or to go in for 4 stabbing me to night?” said Jack, looking __ pointedly at him. / a “Let the past drop. I’m talking about ‘a what you're driving me to now,” answered Hunston. ~ ee “You double-distilled ass,” exclaimed Jack, impatiently. ‘Do you think I can see - through you?” i ¥ ox somes vn a5 entitled, ‘‘ Harkaway Among the Savages.”)
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x - THE SOLDIER’S STORY. A Tale of the Franco-German War. My name is Ducrot, and by birth I ama Frenchman, though my mother was English and taught me the language from my childhood. My father was ® landed proprietor near the frontier of Germany, and we lived in an old-fashioned house at a little distance from town. He had three sons and two daughters. . I was drawn for a soldier, and, though my father would willingly have os tee a substitute, I liked the profession | and determined to rise as high in it as possible. In our army a man who has received a good and sound } education is much more likely to rise than those taken from the peasantry. _ [joined’my regiment and at once set to work to master "the fullest details of my new occupation. : My friends were very liberal, so that I was able to do the generous in a small way, but I was careful to do nothing to call down the displeasure of my officers; [ amused myself in , “rational Way,-continued my studies, and was assiduous in ‘ny duty. _. At the end of a year I was a corporal. “~~ Like most garrison towns discipline was very regular, and “gwe were expected never to be out after eight, except when “. we had permission de diz heures, ten, or the occasional good conduct permission of twelve. ; “ ~ On‘ one of these occasions Iwas returning at halfpast > -'sédleven on the almost deserted streets; I was alone, _. having missed my companion; I had a short cane in my hand, and of course my sword by my side. *. .. Before me, presently, I saw a light come forth from the portico of a house, a light carried by an elderly woman, who ‘was followed by a young seis _ + “We are very late, said the young girl, in a soft and pleas- “ant voice; father will be very anxious—” _. “Well, we could not leave sooner, Mademoiselle Marie,” Saat the guardian; “ but I think we had better make aste. . Les é » I took little further notice, as I walked behind the two, ~ntil suddenly a couple of men darted from a place of con- -cealment and attacked the pair. ~ Both woman and maid shrieked, “Hush, little one!” cried a gruff voice; give up your watch and chain and purse, and no harm shall be done you.” - % Hold, villains;” I eried, dashing forward. p With a curse the men turned; they were armed with heavy bindgeons, but I drew my sword, at sight of which they flew, loading me with imprecations, the more when they heard me say: “I know you, Andre, and will report you.” “How can we thank you, monsieur?” said the young lady, in an excited yoice. : “Tam aseldier,’ was my quiet reply, “and require no - thanks for doing my duty.” “ Ah, sir,” said the elder woman, who was shaking with fear, “will yousee us home? The coguins might follow us as soon as they see the back of our brave defender.” I laughed, but at once acquiesced. After going down one or two streets we reached a house of very respectable appearance. The} woman knocked and it was at once opened by an anxious looking man-servant. : “ Your father is very anxious,” he said; “it is very late.” a “Yes, Francois, we have been assaulted; but for this bon -- monsiear we should have been robbed if not murdered,” -__ eried the guardian, loudly. “Come in,” exclaimed a manly voice, “and bring in the gentleman that I may thank him.” - Sy! - tleman awaited us. ~~ T followed, blushing a little; into the salon where the gen-|" THE SOLDIER'S STORY. i —— It was handsomely furnished, and he was a portly, fine gentleman of the middle class, an avowe, I believe. Marie, in rather animated tones; told her version of my assistance. . « Allow me the pleasure of a potgnee de main,” he said, shaking me warmly by the hand; “sit down, sir. Francois, bring a bottle of my very best wine.” “ But sir,” I began, “ really I have done so little.” “ My daugliter is all in all to me,” was the grave reply ; “she is my only child, and any injury done her would have killed her old father.” { yielded, the wine was drunk, we again shook hands, and then the gentleman, putting down my name, expressed ~ a wish to see me again. $ I was not at all disinclined, as the young lady, who was very beautiful herself, looked at me in a way to encourage my visit. So I retired in something of a day-dream. Imagine my surprise when I gained the barracks to find that it wanted only a quarter to one o’clock. The sergeant on duty of course put me under arrest. I slept pretty soundly in the guard-house, and, after breakfast, awaited patiently for 2 summons before the adju- tant. ; Presently, however, one of the men came to say that I was wanted at the colonel’s quarters. r ‘ I entered the colonel’s room pale and anxious. uy My surprise was great only to see that, afficer and the ad- judant, but the gentleman of the night before. “This is. the young man,” said Monsieur Ferrand, as I found hisname was. “Iamsorry you have got into trou- . ble about my little one, but I have explained.” “You are free from arrest,” the colonel said. “Ihave spoken to the adjutant, and I have explained to Monsieur errand that a money reward is out of the question.” I drew back, quite red at the idea. a “T have told him what an excellent soldier you are, and to what’ a good family you belong,” continued the hearty officer. “ And [have come to ask that you may spend the day with me,” said the other. alee. “So go and change your costume,” said the colonel, “and don’t make it past twelve to-night.” A few minutes later I was rolling in a carriage along the streets of the town. a en te Suffice to say that I was received with kindness by the whole family, his widowed sister, his daughter, and by the enthusiastic servants, We had a very recherche breakfast, and then M. Ferrand requested me to accompany him to the court; he was juge — de paix. y found at once that my new friend was a man of influence as well as of wealth, Fe np I was soon sent away to the great camp at Chalons, and was absent two years, during which time I occasionally — heard from M. Ferrand. Neo: I shall not easily forget the day that I returned to my old garrison town. , I was now a lieutenant, and it was with a wildly beating heart that I entered the house of my old friends, They were at breakfast, and received me with a warmth which was indeed gratifying to my feelings, especially as Marie gave me a very sweet smile, and then looked down- _ cast on the ground. aah: Before I had been back in the garrison a month I re. — ceived a letter from my father, in which he informed me that M. Ferrand had been making overtures to him with regard to a matrimonial alliance. ; ei His daughter would come to be an heiress in her own — right. . pteted y answer was anxious and eager. 9) ant I repudiated all sordid views, declaring my love for Marie, and my readiness to wed her. : ; So all was arranged, and we were formally affianced e the presence of both families. = —
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THH SOLDIER'S STORY. Pi) . re Tce aan” oenmeeneeeeereeemenenentmmeneestileeemennsemnnenemeneeenennen eee Then came the declaration of war against Germany, and| “So I preceive,” he replied, with a malignant grin on his vhen all thoughts of marriage and giving in marriage were | coarse, ignoble face. postponed. He then retired and left us. _ ; I was made captain, and ordered with my regiment to the| “This is an unfortunate meeting,” said I to the eer front. man; “that man hates me with malignant hatred. He report me as aspy or something of that sort.” And I told him my whole history, not even concealing the ~ love eposide. To interest him the more I showed him the medallion of my beloved. After gazing at it for some time he Seasons one himself, and confessed that he too was engaged. “Now,” said Lieutenant Rheinhart, “after what has passed there is no question of prisoner. You are my friend enjoying my hospitality, and you can leave when you think roper. L thanked him much, and soon availed myself of his per- mission. There was little time for leave-taking, but I spent my last avening with my betrothed. She gave me her portrait set with brilliants, which I wore om my neck With a chain of her own rich and radiant air. I vowed to be true to her, and as for her dear self, I was sure that she would be faithful to my memory. Of the general war itself I have little to say. I must refer chiefly te my own adventures. ___I was in one of the first engagements, and saw at once all the poetry of the thing fade at the first shock. After fighting in some fierce and sanguinary encounters, I was one of those who had to retreat before the successful See Pe dhe © Prussians, and to await reinforcements. All his men were sleeping but one—the sentry; and this 2 hy For this Aad tity we went back to where a large wood of one he engaged in conversation while I quietly slipped __. lofty trees, and undergrowth enabled us to conceal ourselves, | away. e 4 and, with the aid of the peasantry, to annoy the advancing Maxi day I joined my regiment, which was about to make | foe. a forced march to the Montios, where M. Ferrand lived. — Having several fortified towns before them which must be captured if they would advance with any chance of success, the Prussians established a camp on the border of the wood. We determined at once to harass and distress them as much as possible. One night we came so near a vedette party that we could hear them speak. ie There was some dozen cavalry encamped round a fire, ___while we might have been twenty infantry men. It was sure to be attacked by the Prussians, and muca required reinforcements. It was with a quick step and much alacrity that we started for the place where many of us had spent such pleasant and happy hours. We reached it next day utterly exhausted and fatigueds, but in time, The Prussians were about five miles off and the non-com- batant inhabitants were leaving en masse. I found the traveling-carriage ready to convey the Ferrands. to their country-house in the hills, among the vineyards, a place quite out of the line of the Prussian march, They were all delighted to see me, but the interview was. not long. is g ; I ae only time to exchange a few words with my be- oved, “When will this dreadful war be over?’ she asked me, in a tremulous whisper. . “T cannot say, ma cherie,” was my sad reply ; “ at present we have no clew how long it willlast nor how it will end— badly for France, I fear.” i Next day the Prussians came in sight and invested the town. Sistine They sooon had their guns in position, and a furious cane nonade commenced, to which we replied with a cannon of a very different caliber. Atl that day the cannonade continued, and though it was very injurious to the old walls which were of the time of Vauban, we did not loose many in killed and wounded. None but the gunners exposed themselves, the rest wait. ing for the final GLa Tau, \) awe It would have been easy enough to have killed the whole party, but that was not warfare. It would have been something to take them prisoners, We crept up very close until we could make out they were Bavarians. ' Suddenly one of them sprang up, gave the alarm, and every man was ready, Iwas in the. advance of my party.. In my eagerness I __-waved my sword and charged into the midst of them, Sum My men, alarmed by the sound of a heavy patrol, had re- treated. : ____ I was a prisoner. The young officer in command langhed heartily at my discomtited appearance and then treated me very civilly, not allowing his men to search or rob me in any way. * You thotight to surprise us, and we have surprised you,” he said,in excellent French. “Well, it is the fortune of ' ‘war, and you must submit.” . “There is no help for it,” was my doleful answer. j As soon as the patrol was gone we got into a conversa- __ tion, and, though enemies, fighting for a different cause, we & were soon good friends. 2 He had been a great deal in France, knew Paris well, and ¥ _ appreciated us very fairly. ight came, and still the cannonade continued, giving us ” Presently he offered me a cloak and advised me to sleep.|20 rest; we all knew what the morrow would bring forth. Just as he was giving me this advice, an officer off At dawn it came. The breach was very much larger than the day before. The walls had crumbled into a pile of stones, earth and bricks, A few minutes after dawn came another furious cannon ade, worse than any that had preceded it, and then it ceased, and the Prussians came on in serried columns. : They were a very compact and fine body of men, and, armed as they were with their new rifles, they fired much | -_ quicker than we did. 2% | But we poured in our volleys coolly and steadily. Our orders were to defend the breach to the last gasp, and © then to retreat, if necessary, on the barricades and houses, The Prussians, still firing, advanced to the foot of the breach, we responding as rapidly as we could, The carnage was fearful. = - The breach was already filled with dead, dyin ‘wounded, when the Prussian s unmasked another. b ‘ infantry, a rough-looking fellow, stepped forward after being challenged by the sentries. _ He was posted with some other look-outs at no great dis- tance from the vedette, and came to warn the officer that a e party of French was prowling about, and to be _ prepared shortly for an attack. “TJ am fully aware of the fact,” said the officer; “ you see _ Ihave made one prisoner.” ' We stood in the light of the camp-fire, face to face, and I ee him at once, and I believe he recognized me.” “Tt was Andre, who, I have omitted to mention, had de- erted the night after the outrage rather than face my accu- ation,” : , __ As he was an Alsatian it was easy for him to get into*the : service, where it appeared he had been promoted w to his serving as a guide and interpreter in case | a
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60 ; THE SOLDIER'S STORY. which gave us one volley, and then the men charged at the point of the bayonet. ; We met them unflinchingly, and a fierce and sanguinary hand-to-hand conflict ensued. Then, I am sorry to say, we were driven back by the superior weight and force of our foes e made a dash for the barricade and the houses, and again the battle was renewed. Prodigies were done, but, before mid-day, 1t became evi- dent that the Prussians were too many for us. The general in command sent a flag of truce to us, say- ing that we had. done enough for honor, that any further oon would only end in the garrison being put to the sword. As three-fourths of our men were down, we well knew how néar the end. was. Our old commandant stipulated for the officers to re- tain their side-arms, and to be on parole, while the men were disarmed and placed in various churches and other public buildings. Then all surrendered, and the Germans entered and took possession of the town. As soon as the formal ‘surrender was made I walked to the house of my friends the Ferrands, One old man-servant was left in charge, and, therefore, it was inhabited. The German rule was, if the inhabitants of a town re- mained in it, they respected the usages of war; if it were wholly abandoned, that it was given up to plunder. “As soon as the breach was cleared some, cavalry entered the town, and with these I noticed Lieutenant Rheinhart. » As soon as he was off duty I contrived to see him, and offered to billet him and some friends in the house of which Thad taken possession. He gladly accepted my offer, which not only made him at his ease, but protected us against any molestation on the part of the soldiers, “ Ag soon as the fortifications are roughly repaired,” he remarked, “I shallhave to march, We shallonly leave a arrison until such time as the prisoners can be interned.” 3 I sighed deeply. To go to Germany, to remain a prisoner during the rest of ' the war, with small hope of being exchanged, as we took so few prisoners, was indeed a melancholy Sl “There, be cheerful,” hesaid. ‘Iwill try and be taken prisoner, and then we can exchange.” 5 Next day, after many protestations of friendship, we parted. _ I kept very much indoors, as I did not wish to expose my- is self to the jeers of the lower order of German soldiers ; but I invited both French and German officers to my table, which was still tolerably well served. a No matter where there is money to be made, the French peasant and small. shopkeeper will penetrate. As soon as it was found out that the Prussians paid rea- sonably for what they required provisions came in—bread, meat and wine in abundance. One day, standing at a window that overlooked the street, I saw the heavy patrol that went round every hour to keep order between the Germans and French, and at once reeog- nized Captain Andre as in command. I drew back, thankful that he had not seen me, as there __-was a presentiment on my soul that that man was my evil genius, About an hour later I knew from the sounding of bugles “ and beating of drums that something of importance was about to take place. e : Lhastened to the door to make inquiry. Of course this meant freedom, as, before a superior foree” they could not take charge of prisoners: It was indeed a ray of light in the midst of darkness I was standing at my door still, waiting for the evacua- tion to take place, when a tramp was heard, and I saw an officer, with ‘four men, hurrying along, as if on some impor- tant duty, } . “ Ah!” said the ‘officer—it was Andre—“ we meet at last My men, this is a rascally and audacious spy; he has es eaped us twice. We have no time to parley now.” hen, in obedience to orders, the four men fired, and I fet like a clod on the ground. Believing me dead, they did not bayonet me, i “Twill search him for papers,” I faintly heard the ruffia: say. And, stooping, he rifled me of my pocketbook, and then, _ felt it, of my medallion. ss Then, with a malicious laugh, he went away, leaving me as he thought, a corpse. ge When I recovered my sense, I was in bed, with two sux 4 geons attending me. ue “No vital part injured,” said one, “but a good manr — ists and a great loss of blood. He will want considerable rest, ine Then my convalescence was rapid, and before a week, re- invigorated by tonics and good food, I was able to mount « 2 horse and go in pursuit of my regiment, which had been sent _ to reinforce the corps de’armee of General Mercier, whick. - was to defend the Dijon. I soon found my comrades, whe looked upon me as one raised from the dead. : But ieay cheerfulness was gone. Our army corps was encamped in and around Dijon, a With us were the raw and undisciplined levies of Genera, Garibaldi, who, however, did their work in the fighting of Fp the day. eet I was placed in a village, situated on the crest of a vines f clad hill, and within easy distance of the main corps. rs Reinforcements came in every day, but we also knew that the Prussians were making a rapid march to attack us ere | we were perfectly organized. ae It was this promptitude and dash which so well served — the enemy on many occasions. perigee We knocked up rough intrenchments, and then placea ourselves in readiness for the batile. i IT was almost on the left wing, and when the conflict com. menced I had onough to do to attend to my own affairs. Except the general in command and the staff, the ordinw ry officers and men know very little of the details of a fight 8 until it is over. es We fought desperately, and knew that the same was the case all along the line; but when night fell we all paused a from sheer ios ; en Next day early, going with a report to my commandant. _ he observed that he had orders to ned in a ise of eats 1 the prince to demand six hours’ truce to bury the dead. © _My knowledge of German was the reason of my selec tion. ‘Ping Sena . Taking a number of troopers and mounting a norse; I at once set forth, the flag of truce hoisted on high. ails It was speedily seen, and a small squad of cavalry ca to meet me. © (is At their head I noticed Lieutenant Rheinhart. — ap We exchanged looks but no words other than business, — As soon as t had concluded the young officer bade me f low him, and he rode direct to where the Prussian staff wa congregated near a grove of trees, Taos Cae ta tilities until twelve o’clock that day. eet T was about to: leave when, standing somewhat saw Andre, iA OaRLGART LAER IRR Shar: Sash _| ©Your royal highness,” T at has happened?” cuate the place, my friend, A hin half an hour’s march,” he t
Page 31
THH SOLDIER'S STORY. on, which I did in the most concise way I could, telling my story. f a Place Captain Andre’ under arrest,” he continued. “Should there be another truce to-morrow, I will hear further.” Ana I mission. The mournful duty over, the struggle commenced again, ‘and lasted until far ito, the night, when we suddenly re- ceived orders to retreat in good order, and fall back upon our next line of defenses. But we did not retreat in good order. A rout followed, and the whole of the Dijon army was #cattered, only to reassemble at a great distance, very much weakened, broken and disheartened. I myself was wounded, and what with my old illness and my new accident, so incapacitated for action that I was glad to crawl into the nearest wood and hide myself in a dense thicket, where I passed the night, with no other refresh- ment save water and a piece of bread accidentally saved from my supper. After partaking of this I slept uuder the canopy of heaven and ree very stiff and feverish. ~ At no great distance I could hear, the heavy tramp of men, the lumbering of guns, and all the sounds of an army -on the march, I knew it was the force of the victorious Germans advanc- ing in pursuit, and, as I was well aware how dangerous and unscrupulous were stragglers, I hastily retreated even to a more safe position than that I occupied. Retreating into a dense wood, so many which are to be ‘found in that part of France, [suddenly came upon a village -of charcoal-burners, who were pursuing their peaceful voca- tion among all this clang and tumult. They gave me a hearty welcome, made me a couch of ‘some spare clothing, and then one of the old men, an ex-sol- dier, dressed my wound. Now, as I was really weak, it struck me that a week or ‘ten days’ repose would do me a great deal of good, while I «ommunicated in some way with Tegay aunties as to the po- ‘sition of my regiment. And I thought that I might with advantage take my rest at the house of my future father-in-law, which was not more than twenty miles distant, being near a small town called Little Argues. ‘ ~My guide was a bright, smart, and intelligent fellow, who aid we should reach Little Argues about midnight the fol- lowing night. The boy seemed to possess the marvelous faculty of galloped away to communicate the result of my Bi seeing in the dark, could not account for. We advanced for about an Up hill, down hill, beneath the shadow of the trees, in ‘the open plain it was all the same to him. It was at last necessary to make a halt, which we did in a thicket. I was stiff and fatigued, and more inclined for rest than food, but I forced myself to gulp down some bread, meat, and wine, and then fell into a long and heavy sleep, which Jasted very many hours, When I awoke this time I was much refreshed and tolera- i bly hungry, and when I started in the dusk of evening was much stronger and better thay I had been for some days. We crossed a long, narrow pass in the hills, which had served the French on more than one occasion, but which was __ as well-known to the Germans as to us. Ihad a feverish anxiety to reach Little Argues, which I But as I was about to turn away, a voice fell on my ear which chilled me to the marrow of my bones. It was that of Captain Andre, “ Wait there,” I said pointing toa thicket at no great distance; “I must see what these men are up to.” The guide moved away, and then I slowly approached the thicket. Tt was easy to reach it without been seen or discovered. I got to the back of the thicket until I could see and heat everything. Round a comfortable fire, with flagons and jugs, and the” remains of substantial joints, were seven men, all German soldiers of the lower class, those who leave the army to plunder, and who come up as escaped prisoners or stragglers when it suits them, Six were talking in their own language, but Andre sat apart, examining my poeket-book and the miniature. “So, sir,” he said, aloud, in French, addressing himself with savage fierceness to my supposed absent self, “ you com- pel me first to desert the French army, and when by indus- try and talent I have gained the confidence of the German army, you have me cashiered—or as good as, No officer would speak to me, curse you!” And he again examined the contents of the pocket-book with high glee, de megion Wel ee) aes ant “What a reception I shall get from the sweet girl! Ha, — ha! his comrade-in-arms! Ishall be received sadly, but with open arms. Ma foi! I think I shall be able to replen- ish my purse. Bah! with these good fellows behind me, 4 ~ can dictate terms if they are rusty.” At this moment a flask was handed to him, from which he drank freely. * And now, couchons nous ; we must rise early,” he eried, “we have a good march to make.” Saying which, he laid himself on the ground. I waited to hear no more, but, blessing Heaven’s mercy, which sent me that way, hastened to regain my guide, who was impatiently awaiting me, I now urged my faithful guide and worthy mule to their utmost. Still, the road was so rough and winding, that after all-we — did not reach the vineyard farm until twelve. It was one of those old-fashioned residences, with gar dens, orchards and vines, which people of rustic tastes 80 much delight in. All was so still that it seemed a pity to disturb those withix; but it must be, and I pulled the great bell withowt _ stint, waking up the echoes of the old honse. For some minutes there was silence, and then I heard a . noise, 2 window open, and a voice mutter— “Who is that comes at this hour of the night to disturb — our peaceful and honest slumbers? Go away, lest I fire a f blunderbuss.” “Two can do that, honest Francois,” I replied; “but ade ~ mit Captain Ducrot; he has important business with M. Fernand,” “4 i The window was closed, and in a few minutes more the heron and I was admitted to the house. . “w f dressing-gown. : «I have much to tell,” I said, eagerly taking his sroffered : er day- hand; “you are in some danger, but not until break.” He hurried me into a room. I then told all to the worthy judge, who listened with grave attention.. 1 «“'The scoundrel !”” he cried; * the ve to assault and rob my daughter. best to be done ?” ftcng ne: “Oould you not send into Little Argues and have up t y scoundrel who ti t is the matter ? asked M. Ferrand, appearing in his” hat do you think is —
Page 32
Pe © - 32, THE SOLDIER'S STORY. SERS TPL ASE E OI ILL SET LY TPT! Having written a letter of minute directions the judge started him off, and then again turned to myself, We neither wanted to go to bed. “We simply passed the night in making our plans. As soon as everybody was up and about, the messenger had indicated the hiding-places of the soldiers, the house- hold atfairs went on as usual. I need not. tell you of the meeting between Marie and my- self. She was deeply rejoiced and thankful. / Then, the morning meal being over, the females retired and the judge seated himself in his saloon of reception, while I was ready to secrete myself on Andre’s arrival. All went on without any sign of fear, and when the vil- lain Andre came up with his gang he found no obstruction to his entrance. Leaving his men outside on a bench, he coolly entered and asked to see D. Ferrand. " He wore the costume of a French captain, which he had found on the field of battle. _ Being ushered in, he bowed with great politeness and took the seat indicated. ‘*Sir,”” he began, in answer to a question from the judge, “Tam Captain Langlors, and I have been for some time the comrade, the bosom friend, of Captain Eugene Ducrot.” ‘You bring me news of him,” said the judge, raising his head, ‘of my future gendre.” “He will never be your gendre,” was the slightly sarcas- tic reply. ‘‘I bear you his last wishes, his papers, and a ortrait, which I believed to be that of your daughter,” and he set them on the table before the judge, who looked at him in silence. .‘‘ Look at them,” said Andre; ‘‘ Captain Eugene Ducrot is dead.” ‘Liar and assassin!” I said, approaching on the scene, and presenting a brace of reyolvers at him; ‘‘T am here to confound and confront you. Surrender!” ““A moi!” he, shouted, in a loud. yoice of horror and alarm; and he rushed out to his men. ; He found his men prisoners, and himself confronted by 2 dozed French soldiers. In a minute he was disarmed and captured, “T think, mon capitaine,” said the sergeant in command ' to me, ‘‘ he should be hanged on the spot.” “Now,” I said, appearing in front with the judge, ‘ off with them to the commandant; I will be after you in an hour.” I did go, and on my evidence these men were tried by drumliead court-martial, and hanged without mercy. It was an awful sight, but they merited their punish- ment. I was told to remain on furlough at my present homie for a month, to recover. Then I joined with the rank of lieutenant colonel, promo. tion being quick indeed in those days. I went to Tours and fought to the end of the campaign. Then I married and retired on half-pay until such time ag my services may be required. I am a landed proprietor now, and revel in my vineyards and other possessions. I have a'son and a daughter, who are the delight ofboth | families. Such is my story of the war, and how I gained a wife. _ [THE END.] i Vous Wseful and Instructive RBSSizesS: POPULAR SONGS AND BALLADS OF THE EMERALD ISLE.—The rs randest collection, of poems ; and: songs ever offered: to: the: public. The most Popular effusions of Moore, I; Davis, Griffin, Loyer, Man- ; Bea Walsh, Callanan, Banim, Rigehain: ¥. Davis, Goldsmith, Lever, _ + Duffy,” ‘Casey, Meagher, | Sullivan; O'Reilly, Locke; Meany, McCar- thy, Mulchinock, Savage, Doheny, with sketches of their lives. book is he staat bound, and should be.in the parlor of every family. ©) For sale! by all newsdealers. Price 25 eents. Sent, post paid, on antgeetnt of price. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North oore street, New York, .P. O. Box 2730. | : IRELAND'S STRUGGLES. FOR LAND AND LIBERTY.—A new book just ; issued. Contains. biographical) sketches of Robert Emmet, Charles ‘+ Stewart, Parnell, Grattan, O’Brien, O'Mahony, Wolfe Tone, and every. y “prominent Irish patriot, ’ “Also interesting and instructive fneidents in , £ ies Kerin’s Tela, coe tory of Prive of book by mail, 10 cents, Postage paid by us. Everybody should have one. Address Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. P. 0. Box 2730, NOW LAUGH!“ THE LIFE OF “ED. "Every subscriber to our Paper is charmed with the humorous sketches published weekly © fourth page of Tum Boys or New Yorx. Now is your chance to obtain _ * - @ portrait of “Ed.” Don't write and ask where you can fet it, but send 10 cents, and book and portrait will-be yours.. ‘“‘ The Life of - ‘fid,’” with portrait, price 10 cents. For sale by all _newsdealers, or sent, post id, on receipt of price. Address Frank Tousey, publish- er, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. P.O. 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