Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 1) (1879 10 29)
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READ THE BOYS OF NEW YORK. FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS, . § Entered according to Ast ef Congress, in the year 1879,by FRANK’ TOUSEY, the office of the Librerian ef Congress, at Washington, D. 6. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Matter. ——————————— — oe FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 18 Rose S N.Y. Vol. 1 {comruere.} asaprags i tre Sctaeitipel rae {scunns. $ No. 180, - , ifs Hil Harkaway and the Bushrangers. Moles grasped his rum bottle to defend himsel/. CHAPTER L Jack and his companions were well-mounted | venerable Isaac, not being perly balanced, on spirited horses of a breed not far removed | irene off on the Toft aide of the heres, and on — Tr was about five o’clock on a glorious morn- | from the pure English hunter, and suchas would the second he tumbled off on the right still mg when young Jack and his companions turned | have been worth a good price in the old country. fore ig and would have probably gut; and then the stockman and his assistant| The mounting of Mr. Mole, on the redoubted | little injured, but that he was proceeded to tend their cattle and turn them | steed “ Milk-and-Water,” was, after all, a matter | caught in the arms of the Prince of Limbi. outinto the rich and boundless pastures. of no small peer At length he was properly fixed, and in re Mr. Mole, who still felt some effects from his| It took the united efforte of Ji and Joe, | pose. = He certainly looked a very passable, if equestrian. wi * 9 nota ‘ast nieht’s experiment in beverages, confined | assisted by Sunday and Monday. sugges- ctimself to tea, pure and simple, without making |tions from Jack and Harry. to secure the tutor iytate “‘ robur. f jsafe; son his equestrian perch, — big jack boots, drawn up to the thighs, By six o'clock they were ready for starting. .ttempt was so far a failure, the | fastened the p with s Ds, Were SO natary an - - oo sid a7 ee 5 gh irr (i a
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2 HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. ¥ ~ said the stockman, gazing admiringly at that fly- ing steed. ei to this I should always have laid odds on Wildfire, but Milky beats her.” itrange as it may seem, despite his perilous posion an exhilarated, triumphant, and am- itious feeling entered into Mole’s heart. He saw that he had distanced his compazons, and he perceived that the kangaroo was nearing the water, where he would probably be at bay, and he saw not why he—even he, the unapprec: ated Isaac, should not be first mat the death that no one out of the secret would | ly saw the animal turn, and hopping over a high ve known but what they concealed real legs bush, set off over the open ground at a pace or, to describe it in the facetious terms used by | greater than he had before attained. ‘ re Jack, no one would have supposed that| It was indeed an exciting, an exhilarating Mole’s entire” was destitute of two leading! race. members of the firm. . Tally ho—tally ho!” again cried Joe Free- The proof of the pudding, however, is in the | man. eating, and it remained to be seen how Mr. Mole icy ho—tally ho!” faintly cried poor old would on. ole. Whee the chase came to be in fuli swing, cer-| As they proceeded they aroused other game. tain restless symptoms on the part of Milk-and-| The bandicoot and wombat, seeing and hear- Water more than once made Isaac apprehensive | ing the threatening cavalcade, scuttled back to that he was not so quiet a steed as his name and | their retreat. tation would imply. Sometimes herds of kangaroos of the smaller ittle did he suspect that the animal in ques-| kinds would be aroused and join the pursued one. tion was really one of the most spirited in Joe| But the dogs, undistracted by these fresh ob- Freeman’s whole stud, named in +, Ms the | jects of pursuit, ever kept their attention to the rule of contrary.” and that Jack and had | splendid quarry they were resolved on bringing ace at this heartiess rp are be own. 5 facta : Se imalong now appeared holding with some} And how e gallant sportsman, 4 difficulty four large dogs, a cross between fox | Mole? : and grey hounds Every moment his fasteniags seemed to become The had to get over some miles before | looser, the saddle harder, his imprisoned wooden they ro the e, notwithstanding that Joe | legs more helpless. declared this region to be “chock full” of | _ Bvery moment Milk-and-Water behaved more kangaroos, but at length a fine specimen of that | like Mazeppa’s famous Tartar steed. tribe was discovered and gave hopes of some| ‘Not much milk-and-water about him, after lively sport. all,” thought Mr. Mole; “I begin to think he has ‘4 boomah—a boomah!” was now the cry, | been christened by the rules of the contrary, on first started by Jimalong, whose savage power | the same principle as a six-foot prize fighter is of eyesight enabled him to be the first to espy | called The Infant. Oh, dear, this is decidedly the game, and the dogs gave tongue at the same | unpleasant. Oh—oh!” - a glorious achievement, and one to talk of and enlarge upon forever afterwaras. He a knife and a pistol, and it was indeed hard that the suffering he had undergone during their terrible ride should not be compensated by some triumph. ; A fresh jerk of great violence, as his horse made a bound down hill, nearly unseated Mr. Mole in the midst of these rapid but inspiri reflections; and one of the jack boots. knock out of the stirrup by the same movement, slid off, leaving, one of the timber toes exposed, and greatly increasing the rider’s peril. The glistening silver winding of the Wurree- Wurree river now hove in sight, and the kan- garoo, closely pursued by the remaining dogs, was making towards it. Arrived at. the bank, he made a mighty plunge, alighting about in the center. The dogs were after him in a moment, and one moment, as they also sighted it. t decidedly was, especially when the steed swimming up to him, tried to fly at his throat, a Seitine spond —eood exclaimed Jimalong: | took to leaping over numerous fallen trunks or | but the old man, now firmly planted upright on “‘ big kangaroo, ole man boomah!” thick bushes, or edging so close against the trees | his place of vantage, his fore feet and the upper It was indeed a boomah. a magnificent - | that his rider had dfficulty in dodging in time to| part of his body rising above the water, received theattuck with the bolaness of desperation. Gripping the dog with his claws, he struggled net only to prevent being fastened upon, but to get the head of his assailant under water. This, after a few minutes’ struggle, and some injuries inflicted by the dog, the boomah accom- plished, and the gallant beast’s head was kept men of the kangaroo tribe, measuring at least | prevent being torn or dragged by the branches, six feet in hight, and mighty of haunch and ex-| and each of such perilous escapes Pine ees Y tent of hind loosened the fastenings that held him in his He was aeeting feeding upon a patch of long | place. grass when he first became aware of his enemies’| In the wild hurry of the chase, the horsemen ie got often widely separated. instantly raised his head, looked around} Milk-and-Water, entirely of his own accord, at them, paused a moment, and then bounded | for his rider was to hima helpless burden, seemed off in gigantic leaps of twenty or thirty feet | determined to be ahead of the chase. each. He shot on ahead of all his equine companions, **Leose the dogs, Jimalong,” cried Joe Free- | and any arog have betted safely upon man, “Now, ther, my boys, sit fast, and pre-| his ra at the winning post. | pare for a run; we're going to have some h, I say, isn’t Mole going ahead?” exclaimed 5 7 Jack, spying him from a distance. 3 It was all very well to say “sit fast,” but} “Or rather his horse is,” replied Girdwood; ; Mr. Mole, for one, could not well obey the! “‘I don’t believe the old boy’s urging him on; a order. more the other way.” 4 "4 his pe who had only two dogs to contend with. Mole had little time for calm observation. Hurried along breathlessly after the dogs, jolted right and left, and hanging on only by a miracle, he arrived at the bank of the river, Jack and the others being still a considerable distance behind him. All resolutions as to what he should do next were pus to a stop by the independent action of Milk-and-Water. That spirited steed evidently had no great liking for the latter element, for no sooner had he reached the bank, than, resolving neither te enter the water nor to put up any with his useless rider, he ea halt so and kicked up hindward so vigorously, that Mr. Mole In the first place, his steed, Milk-and-Water, “ Bravo, Mole—you'll be the first in the finish,” at the very first for the chase, started off | shouted Jack, waving his hat, for he knew it su - was too far for his congratulations to be heard ‘ by their object. 3 jen movement, a i ble shock, and caus-| “Mole waved his cabbage-tree head gear in re- pba to clutch the reins tightly. sponse, but in so doing struck it against a tree the horse ae Ga its pace, too, he found} with such violence, that not only was the hat hat, despite what he considered the security of | hopelessly smashed, but his hand also received a not prepared for it, and in fact for the momen’ he believed that he had had all the life knocked could do nothing at all to control the steed, | together, and We oy hope of keeping on lay in out of him. and his helpless wooden rattled, as he went, | his arms and ea thin rapier inthe| Thus again he urged on his wild career, the rd. boots dangling loose in the stirrups in a manner ve way yet, or| Indicrous to others, but not pleasant to the suf- was frighten-| ferer. i ; And a sufferer Mr. Mole certainly was. was a ghastly imitation of enjoyment and high ce hour and a half had this exciting chase ts. continued “Tally ho—tally ho!” and away went the} The kan was showing unmistakable , taking a downhill course, as these of ion, the dogs were gaining on y do, for then their wondrous | him, and at length there was a wild shout of wers of speed are still further increased, and| triumph from the huntsmen when they perceiv- i ed the foremost hound reach the quarry, which with Robin Hood | stood backed st a tree as if at bay. behind him, could ever have ; “ That's cooked him, I believe, my boys,” cried i oe. i the former quadruped. to which, in size and col-|_ But it ‘was not so yet; the waited or, he bore no slight resemblance, though the | for his enemy to roach, and 1 simultan- mode of progress was so different. eously with the rush upon him, met the dog by ‘The dogs made after the game at full stretch, upraising one of his hind feet, - and the whole party were soon in the excitement! With the ie SP claw, the boomah, now of a rapid chase. towerin up to his six feet of hight, ripped up For a mile or two they seemed to be gaining| the flank of the poor dog, which, with a dismal Pi Nena whése pace seemed relaxing as | howl, rolled backwards on the sward and ex- : ress c ion geos Harry thought the ould sar aa dey 7 run wi be a the surface, and found himself within a few feet of where the kangaroe stood at bay, facing the remaining di Seeing fhe fate of their companions, these ani- mals were rather chary of attacking their gi- gantic quarry, and indeed the boomah, new towering up as tall as a giraffe, at least in Mr Mole’s e did look very formidable. But the courage of Isaac at this sensational Gis opportunity of Billing tre: Kemgaroo, nd opportunity of killi e gwaroo, auc covering himself with gory, Waving his knife with one hand, with the other, assisted by his wooden legs, he swam frog fashion up to the creature, and when near enough, aimed a stroke at it with the long, sharp knife. But the kangaroo, taking him for another species of dog, or, at least, determined. that, if pane he should die in thesame manner as the assailant, began attacking him with his powerful fore feet. Inan instant the bosom of Mr. Mole’s shirt was —— up by the sharp claws of the kangaroo, and but for the undershirt, a deep wound would have been inflicted. Then the infuriated animal fastened its claw+ on Moie’s neck, and strove to get his head under water. Mr. Mole was at his last uJ le, who got more aad more un- the devoutly hoped and even kill the kanaroo himself. It would under until he was suffocated by the object of — was jerked into the river as easily as a stone 0) ® iis fastenings, he began to “ Jogzle” and bump | knock that made him roar. r ’ about in the saddle in a manner was decid-| He bent forward, clutching the mane and| of asling. © : $ _ adly unpleasant, and such as he had by no means | reins with all his might, for he felt the straps| He fell with a cry of alarm and surprise. The “ i for. that had fastened his boots to the girths snap al- shock was all the more considerable as he was In a few moments, however, he arose fully to " He never dreamt “the old man bad so mucs - ~ ~~? a ¥;
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HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. 3 ; cs : eee a second cousin of mine, and not toy The whites immediately spurred on their te myself.” who, with his comrades, had now reached the bank. ; With excellent Sater be “¢ it —— - or us Pi eqperiment, consi ow closely Mole was ’ struggling with the animal—Jack leveled at the 's head, and so well did the shot take effect, that in a moment the animal relaxed its hold on Mole, and rolled over dead in the water. The intrepid Isaac, breathless and exhausted, was soon lifted out of the water by Joe and Jim- y and dragged up the bank. er eee ou’ve had a narrow escape, my friend, I - ean tell you,” said the stockman. ‘Whatever “made you get soclose to the boomah like that? ou have got the courage of a giartt, sir. I shouldn’t like to do it, for the critter’s a at close quarters.” “For Heaven’s sake a glass of rum,” gasped ; “I’m dying.” “Lucky I’ve not come unprovided,” said Joe stockman, taking a flask from his pocket an holding it to the lips of Mr. Mole, which closed OF it, and for several seconds held it tight by the force of suction. “Now land the game, boys, and let’s cut it up,” said the stockman. Weve had fine sport, barring the loss of the dogs, who were worth more to me than a dozen boomahs.” Under the influence of his favorite remedy, combined with the geniality of the Australian sun, Mr. Mole was not very long in recovering from the effect of his ducking, his fright, and his exhaustion. At all events, he was able to take part in the * *By that line of argumenting, friend,” ob- served the stockrider, ‘“‘you might describe how you ,.won pialy ener victories, and then say af- terwards—. this is quite true, only it didn’t happen exactly to me, but the Duke of Welling- ton. A laugh was raised by this application of Mr. Mole’s sophistry, and he felt he was rather get- ting the worst of the joke. “No matter,” said he, ‘‘a day will come, as | they say on the stage, or rather, a day has come —a day of triumph for Mole—Mole, the great — hunter. Behold, here is the ocular root.” And he swung around him the huge tail of the slaughtered animal. ‘* Ask me not to part with it,” he exclaimed, rising excitedly in an upright . “IT wish I had full use of my legs, I’ posture. d get up and try a pas de joie, I feel so delighted. Isn’t it a nificent one? six feet long at least! I'll keep it just as it is, so that nobody may doubt my state- ment as to the size of the quadruped it originally oom ed to. Til cn ets ath me Fides life,” - , again swinging the formi le appen age in such a manner that Jack and Hate rowly esca‘ getting a blow from it. From this condition of exhilaration Mr. Mole to the opposite extreme of quiescence— in other words, a began to feel drowsy, and at last went off into a sound doze, with his back “ nar- sd resting inst a tree, the rum bottle in one : species of picnic which followed. hand and the kangaroo’s tail in the other. ; It was a lovely and enjoyable scene, with the/ The others continued their conversation, when ae forest trees towering above them. they were suddenly grey. by a fearful sound proceeding from the thick forest behind them; it resembled the war whoop of the Ameri- can Indian tribe. Simultaneously, a long came whizzing into the midst of the sea circle, grazing the shoulder of Joe, but fortunately sliding on to the without injuring anyone. _ ‘* Natives!” exclaimed the start- ing to his feet: ‘“‘look out, chums, they’re upon us! Sure enough acrowd of dark tall, muscular, and nearly naked, with frizzy heads and negro features, burst from the dense forest upon the party. Armed with spears, boomerangs, clubs or waddies, these savages were evidently some of a pe the most formidable and ferocious of their .— glisman. I pmaldin Pte oe he eat ael he wile their feet in a mom rs of the ew were on their ina a .. Didn’t I ride in front of all of you, and} of course, excepting Mr. Mole—and ronteg in at the death first—didn’t I grapple with) their pistols and knives, prepared for a fray. monster in a death struggle after he had kill- | anda rate battle succeeded. : ed two dogs, and finish him off with a blow of} The natives were recognized by the stockman 4 knife? as belonging to the Wurree- i Ml Am not I the hero of the fight?” he added, _ Wurree tribe, noted for being a scou to the whi @ pause. their cattle stealing 1 roxieneiiies. oo ae oe “TI rather fancy it was my shot that settled i ly ,” said young Jack, quietly; ‘‘ look, hatred to e mark where the bullet went through : ill more <4 a oe to bs ey killed, and head. some of the horses (which they used not for * Yes, but observe how his throat is gashed * said the tutor. “I did that, at close and alone, my boy.” attacked him,” ing, but for cooki and eatin made this sudden attack on the ‘unprepared quarters, ar y “More like where the dogs said Joe; “you couldn’t do much with your party of picnickers. Without firearms, it might be thought that knife when we found you—much as you could do ty 4 your head above water—ha—ha!” = locks of parrots chattered overhead, or flew 5 _ whistling to and fro, their magnificent pl “Je ii i in the sunlight, and there was one the organ magpie, that enlivened their pic- nic with a song as tuneful as that of the night- EAS e This is delightful,” said Mr. Mole, who still kept the rum-bottle all to himself.. He had mix- : edit with water just to his own liking, though he drank out of the bottle. “ Delighttul—perfect i Here’s success to kangarooing. ible, the blacks stood no chance but they so far outnumbered the starkedeere well, for all you say, it was I that settled the kangaroo,” said Mole, decisively, ‘‘and con- and were so dexterous with the spear, wad: and boomerang, that the odds were Pracmy L sidering the size of the animal, and the run he ve us, that isn’t so bad for the first day’s sport their oats side, Man ots were fired, and seven of the sav- ages fell dead or wounded, but Ji or a new chum.” his friends soon found that pH apps ny en s “A new chum!” exclaimed the stockman. “T thought you were an old hand, mate, Didn’t you tell us you were over in the colony before?” the game was against them. “4 At first the natives driven off, but no sooner were they out of sight, the *T! When?” asked Mole, in surprise. than, sheltered by the trees. they De caderge ti grid rock, au went & te dlagings| crange; tat mich & shower of ~ and b boone: oy Fae i and wen é i erangs, that it was only by a mi fe "and got a nugget, and got robbed of rapes crea escaped killing. gig Menon. - ta “went and ca; two convicts with yourown| Pistols seemed useless i these agile sav- hands; don’t you remember?” ages, who seemed able to dodge bullets as easily ae La" le!” exclaimed Isaac. ‘I never | as spears. ould have made any such statement,” Jimalong, the “tame black” evi- “You certainly said so, though,” said young _. Jack. “ Didn’t he, Harry?” _ “Of course he did,” acquiesced Harry Gird- wood. “You're having a joke on me, I see,” said Mr. Mole, sdjusting ‘his spectacles. “Tf I said all that, I must have been suffering from delirium or- ” dently thinking “‘discretion the better part of valor,” made off at the ing of the fray, though the two dogs, whoseemed to delight einai alae to take part in it. le ; ammunition being exhausted, Joe Gale saw that further fight was useless, so he shouted to his companions to make for the horses before the natives could capture those an- v alas hurt Sotne see tee wold and to lighten & ex our frie fectinne,” antl the betas. Ttaney now thas the wales, the remains of the é were left _ tea was a little too strong. But after all, the ad- and the natives d upon them with » ventures I you were all true, only they hap- a bow! of wriumiae a me OES D8 | stand his particular infirmity, and alsoto implore rid- own appeared to be easily | mean The chief } and gazing reflectively at the two new which Me Mole had left ee: is sadam midaoah thought sa scnt-c teaentees, bey wilder oo gun, a club, or a spear he could 3 Poor . t. ? horses, the natives giving c! , yelling, scream- ing, leaping, and hurling their missiles after them until they were out of sight. Tn this wild stampede—for which our friends je can scarcely be blamed, for to stay longer would iA have been certain death—the redoubted steed : reaped hee was, like his master, left be The natives thought they had got a prize in this fine animal, but no sooner did they untie the rope that fastened him, than he gavea mighty ~ plunge, sent two of his would-be possessors sprawling, and set off homeward through the —— at a pace that rendered his capture hope- a less. r The only remnant of the hunting now " left behind on the scene of action was the un- by fortunate tutor, Isaac Mole. It is needless to say that Mr. Mole had been long ere this thoroughly aroused from his peace- ful slumbers by the tumult going on around For him to join in the fray was impossible; he + could not then rise to his feet; all he could do “ was to baw] out loudly for assistance. Never in all his wanderings did he feel more terror than when, as he lay thus helpless under ’ the tree, he saw the whole lot of them intoxi- % cated with their triumph over the white fel- = lows, and their gallant capture of the boomah and a half empty brandy bottle, come dancing around him. They yelled, the screeched, they made hideous grimaces, ad joined in a savage chant, of which “* Yah-lah-roo!” was apparently the chorus, and seemed determined to do their utmost to Me ae’ frighten old Mole to death. his was not, however, the worst he antici- a pated. for he had heard terrible stories of the wee. cannibalism of the natives, and beheld with a : shudder the formidable grinders of the chief and e his followers. * @ Not that we imagine that the spectacle of old * Mole, with his wooden 1egs, nis spectacles, and 3 his seared and ghostly countenance, was par- ; ticularly appetizing even to the cannibal mind, : but he feared the worst, and his kanga- 2 roo tail in one hand, and his rum bottle with the i other, to defend himself with, it need were. . et The wooden legs seemed to astonish the natives a great deal; they had never seen any- thing like them before, and they probably re- garded the tutor as some sort of white mon- strosity. ; He endeavored by signs to make them under- their pity, and to make himself better under- . stood, he addressed them ina kind of broken or igger English. Bat this failed to make them “‘ comprenny,” and they jabbered away in their own tongue at a considerable rate as they crowded around him, pinched, poked and prodded his wooden legs, and tried to account for the phenomenon in their way. “Oh, Yor,” exclaimed Isaac ‘to himself; ‘““here’s a fix! I wish I had a wooden body as well as legs, for then Ishouldn’t be be able to feel the tortures Iknow they mean me to go through and if they undertook to eat me, I should agree with them. “*My good friends, n men and brudders, please leab me alone. Ino to chaw—chaw at all, and you can bave my two timber Pee es ow . % ‘~ os “th (ony Bega onl life.” o or-ror-wan-res keri!” was the chief's only reply to this appeal, and the words seemed to ‘lift him up and carry him to our tents, ve for that is what two natives, one taking Mr: shoulders, the other lifting up the immediately specie 6 tem One hungry-looking savage, with formi' made a sharp at one of poor Mole’s seey * but did not seem to relish the le; he was as helpless as and he could only ap-
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HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. icious contents, for he had not drunk half of it,fell a ge ed ~ the hands of a oe up of tents, or “‘guny: appertain ing to fhe Wares Warnes tribe was situated in & very wild gully, or valley. ft was a wild and picturesque spot, but Mr. Mole was in no position to appreciate its beau- ties, which came upon his vision more in an up- side-down view than otherwise. For his bearers carried him ially down hill—with his head hanging much lower than his feet would have been if he had had any. A crowd of natives of all kinds, men, women, and children, surrounded the captive as soon as he arrived at the tents, and danced around him 4 grinning , and altogether conducting eis. in Mole’s own words, as if they were | him. not natives of Australia, but of Van Demon’s Land. The joke was perpetrated by Mr. Mole in de- scribing the scene SR entanie for he was in no is, es at the time. His belief then was that they intended to have him for supper, and that their “‘ Yah-lah- roo!” was a chorus of delight at the prospect of = Shona man, and that his arrival was ha as ifhe were provisions brought into their camp. And the with which the natives began alacrity evidently f i noc: dete 'y for cooking purposes, “ This is queer treatment for a man who has graduated at an English university,” moaned the tutor, as he lay thus. “ Strange beings; they en deaeleggr 9 my kan tail. Ishould have thought they would have wanted it for soup. But only part with it with my life, un- Jess I can’t help ——— Bless me, what’s that smell of cooki By moving a he was able to see through a hole in the tent, and then perceived in the the natives at their feast. They had kindled alarge , and were squat- Poe tionaees haieah, cot into h steaks, 5 uge was being griddled, or rather t,over the em- These children of nature were too impatient to wait until the meat was done through. No sooner was it a little bro than they took it up, and wed some of it off as it was, and then put it in to cook a little more. This seemed to Mr. way of pe It was with a pang of deep that Mr. Mole saw his favorite rum bottle being around from the chief to the warriors whom he most favored. As the natives were thus ing themselves, their jabbering tones were gradually stilled. This comparative stillness, with the A LADY FALLS IN LOVE WITH POSES. HE was at length awakened by strange voices close to him, found by the position of the sun that it was late in the day. He still lay on a possum skin in the tent, and a group of natives were peering in at him grin- ning at the entrance, shine it was that he first ¢ i poet he oss, and next, to his inexpressible grief, real- gy ag aor = was ’s tail! * My tail, ay ich tail, my tro the chase, snd “only memento of this g hy of lorious ” he exclaimed, sitting up: ‘“‘ who has taken ole a new and original ||} ; | him in rather embarrassing ‘On, it’s made into soup, is it?’ said Mole. “Well, it’s a mean thing to come and take it from me when I was asleep; I ought to have had a voice in the matter. I should like to have some of it, atany rate. I'm getting rather hungry again, bring me some kangaroo tail soup,” he ed, with a gesture eloquently expressive of swallowing. ** Kan-ga-roo tail soup,” echoed the chief, now evidently understanding him; ‘“* Yowi—Yowi.” And he gave order to his subordinates that the —, a be hes : ntly a icularly ugly native, bearing a mighty cauldron, probably stolen froma some | settler’s hut, entered and approached Mole, the chief and several other warriors accompanying ** What’s this?’ cried Mole, looking in vain for the hot soup he e For he saw nothing but a sediment of dark brown gelatinous substance, sticking te the bot- tom and edges, inside the pot, in which the marks of fingers were plainly visible. It might have been pacnealy poms to sera up a few mouthfuls of the horrid mess, but who was going to do it? terfake it away,” he cried, with a gesture of “The y savages, they’ve eaten it all, and licked and clawed the meray ag so dry, that there’s not much more than the smell left, and now they offer it toa white man, Ugh! perish the thought.” “‘ Mor-ro-bung-keen!” observed the chief, grin- ning, and then he disappeared for a moment, and brought in a little wid black, whose appear- | ance and actions reminded Mole forcibly of his | friend Nero. “Pm ee he remarked, “ tame black fellow; spick white man’s lingo.” “Do you?” exclaimed Mole. ‘I’m glad of it; tions. Do your tribe, yon black fellows—Wur- ree warriors—ahem—ever eat white man.” “Ole chief,” he said, ‘‘eat ’em up; other ole chief alive, he eat kangaroo.” ** Well, that is an improvement, I must say,” observed Mole; ‘‘ to give up cannibalism is a de- cided step in the path of civilization. Won't your ple let me go?” ‘““We gib up white mans,” answered Billygo- - + if other white mans gib us sheep and bul- ocks. ‘Oh! I see, Iam to be kept as a sort of hostage lea I am ransomed; just like those villanous brigands do in Greece. Who would have ha these black rascals had so much cunning? you always treat white men well?’ he asked, doubtfully, “We kill some and eat ’em,” answered the native, with a grin, “if we den’t get bullocks and sheep.” “The devil you do! I’m in danger of my life, after all. What can be done? I must say some- thing to frighten them. = k here, you black fellow, it won't do for anything to happen to me here. Do you know MOLE AND PRo- | Who I am?” The savage shook his head. “I'm Lord Mole, chief medicine-man to the at white Queen of England; legs cut off in ttle by Russian boomerangs. If queen finds you kill medicine-man, she'll send hu: | thousands white men, with thundersticks, and kill all black men; there!” | **Yowi!” exclaimed the native, evidently im- | pressed by this threat, which he’ immediately communicated to the chief, who had some time | before entered the tent with a colored lady of the | tribe. The chief, fully beli the exalted rank to which his prisoner laid claim, was resolved to in- | crease the ransom he had intended claiming, at the same time to take care of their captive and use him well. It did not fellow, however, that the means taken to do this were such as must please the ob- ject of their kindness. Mr. Mole soon found that their well-meant efforts were destined to place positions. In the first place, the native lady, who was | the chief's Fess sete os eareek to pay him particular, unwelcome a |" She coula English about as well as Billy- long, and oa a and also this means was enabled to sentiments known to the could | perhaps you'll be able to answer me a few ques- | sio1 but | gum tree, ‘* A widow, by Jove!” exclaimed Mole. ‘“‘This is worse than Good gracious, the idea of my being at her mercy,” and he gazed with awe upon her. Truth to tell, the female aborigine is seldom very attractive in appearance, and if Kobba- wobba (that was her rame) ever were so, it must have been a very—very long time ago. She was tall, gaunt, and hard-featured, with a ring ely a her nose, and a mouth ious enough to show that she had lost half her teeth at least, and what remained were as black as ebony, while, as her attire consisted principally | in a’possum skin cloak, which had seen consider-— able service, she was not assisted much by the ad= vantages of the toilet. ‘‘Me like white mans better than black she repeated emphatically; ‘‘ black mans lubras with a waddy, white treat lubras not beat them.” “Don’t they, though?” returned Mole. rather doubt it; there’s plenty of wife- in some parts of England, by all accounts” ‘* So,” proceed Kobba-wobba, with still greater emphasis, ‘‘me wish a good deal to be lubra of Ee medicine man of great Queen of White- nm ‘* That’s rather cool for this hot elimate,” said Mole to himself. ‘Madame, I grieve to say that circumstances render it impossible that—bless me, what am I talking about—the fact is, Kobba- wobba, I couldn’t marry you, I have one, two, three lubras already.” ** White lubras?” she asked, anxiously. “ Black, nigger black, though they’re not natives here; but if they thought I even dream- ed of looking out for you, they’d murder me and you as well if they got the chance.” Kobba-wobba still asserted her preference for a white husband. _Mr. Mole determined to humor this impres- “7 n. ae a ee that will suit you e . He is very young, warrior, wonderfully handsome. yvith me A ng of golden color, great chief of the white queen’s army— much money, red coat covered with gold.” “That good,” said Kobba-wobba, with much satisfaction, ‘‘ that very goods what him name?’ “ General Walker,” replied Mole; “* he’s a par. ticular friend of mine.” F + ag tarad, me remember dat; where he stop now “ Well, he’s some distance off; but if you'll do all i can to get me well treated by chief while ’'m here, and persuade him to let me ~ Y'll find him out as soon as ever I get free & 2 tthe effec ot" this agreeable fiction the effect of ft le upen simple sav: was very conciliating, and Mole was glad to find he had made a friend of wobba, as.well as of her brother, the chief, by the way, rejoiced in the high-sounding of Kullacb on hey Si r. Mole’s appetite returning after a time, wished very much that the natives would him something palatable. This desire he expressed te Billygolong, responded: y *“Tss, gone to get some; see black chief come, bringing something a good deal nicer for white man. And Mole saw the chief again entering the tent, carrying a tin dish containing comms of strange eee vd and color, smoking hot, slightly resembling small sa i “Thanks; but what is it?” asked Mole, raising himself into a sitting posture, and with a look of distrust. “* Heaven, why, it looks like “* Nice fat young snakes, roasted,” e i Kobba-wobba, “chief got ’em from beau’ful, nice as a kangaroo. Sure enough, Mr. Mole realized to his horror, that the coutents of the tin dish were sbout halt adozen large sections of ti venile —— browned over the fire, giving ian savor ae but most repulsive in idea. . Mole actually fancied he saw them writh- ing about as if they were alive. “So nice!” exclaimed Kobba-wobba, } py ee Mole, and t#rning them over wi' a Enife. big taken considerable trouble to catch and kill a snake for the purpose of giving their guest a treat. He could not understand the objection to the asco food which “ goes down marrow” ‘ in the opinion of the native epicures, and eould-
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HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. only suppose that Mr. Mole was merely pine on ceremony, and wanted alittle coaxing, whic aun to the feminine blandishments of Kobba- we : “Come, must eat it, white man,” said she, per- i suasively, selecting the largest piece! ‘‘ eat all up nicer than ‘possum, or quail, or sheep- fellow eat many—many.” ; black “Tet ’em,” almost shrieked Mole, ‘‘ but I can’t; | Til die of hunger first; take the horrid thing : away.” Not only cei, but force, was now em- | direction of the chief, Billy- the head of the unfortunate while os Syakrss proceeded to feed him. _ On seeing the loathsome object so near him, . Mole struggled, tried to push back the hand held it, but the chief, seizing his arm, pre- Mole closed his eyes in horror, and opened his ith to give vent to ejaculations of di _ _ This was the very worst thing he coul itigaye the chieftain an opportunity. do, for __ Tate, he gave a complete shriek of horror. _ 4 “Phew!” he spluttered out, ‘‘I won’t eat it, Murder! Help! I shall be choked, poisoned!” And with a violent effort he succeeded in rid- himself of the nauseous mouthful, just in time to prevent it slipping down his throat. “Oh, I'm so sick!’ r snake kill white man. If I eat it, I shall die at » : once. : — Kobba-wobba’s compassion was now so far aroused, that she desisted in her efforts, and gave _ the dish of delicacies back to the chief, who re- ; a ceived it with evident reluctance. Billygolong, who seemed to be a recognized _ “snapper-up of unconsidered trifles,” pounced upon the rejected snake as it lay upon the , threw back his head and swollowed each piece ata gulp, much as a white man would an oyster. The chief now went out to find some other Pn food that might better recommend itself to the * taste of the white fellow. What could be more delicious and acceptable than a fine iguana, or eatable lizard? = sarge in that neighborhood, and | could killed and cooked in a very short time. There was one crawling up one of the gum trees; down he must come. Kul-la-ba-long-tee-boo took aim, and threw his gently; it went about twenty feet ST tterteg Sinks to tine tvs und tenb lag aon ahs ose e tree, ging down Fe Byard wtih A sable warrior ran to pick it up, and handed to chief, who ended bate dey agonies with knife, prepared it for ig, stuck a skew- through it, and then gave directions for it to 8 grilled over the fire. n ‘It was not long before this new delicacy was t in whole to the hungry tutor; but, hun- ‘ashe was, he was not quite far gone enough * tackle” the unpleasant object before him. had heard of the delicacy before, and saw son but prejudice beat! - pens not be p good eating: but when he saw this speci- nen 7, the ugly Seidl, looking for all the world a young crocodile, his antipathy was so rreat that he could no more touch it than he coul worm. bal ant away with it!” he cried. “ la Sha “these savages be bringing me next, I wonder ‘Broiled nigger, I expect!” and then, looking the necessity of conciliat.ng y aes refusal was too much, ~ Tt was ‘the Jast straw that broke the camel’s ” of his patience. ’ the last half hour he had been trying to _ please a man who seemed determined not to be _ . What would he eat? ” Pidn’t he deserve to be left to starve? - Kulla-he-long-tee-boo, however, resolved to "give Mole one last chance for his life. ~~ Yes, Mole should have one more chance—one more dainty dish should be provided for the ’ white man, and if he could not eat that, he starve . It was now ing towards night, and the denizens of the were beginning to think of “PFiocks of parrots, and other birds were te- “a ro PPo! soon as he felt the hot meat touch his pa-| e cried, ‘‘can’t eat snake, | , turning homewards, flying over the trees close to the tents. The chief, scarcely moving from the entrance of his tent, stood watching a large oT of these parrots, until they were close over his head, and a hurled his boomerang into the midst of them. The whole flock flew off, screaming in a deaf- ening manner, but one parrot came fluttering to the ground, struck by the sharp missile. A native boy picked up the fallen game, and brought it to the chief, who, by way of recom- | pense, handed the cooked lizard to the lad, who | proceeded with one of his companions, delight- ; a4 to devour it. he bird was then plucked, drawn, and cook- ed, and Mr. Mole was at last gratified by a | smoking dish of roasted parrot. | Hecontrived to enjoy it very much, and the natives took such a great interest in the affair, that a number of them crowded aroand him all the time, jabbering and iculating ina man- ner almost enough to frighten away a white man’s appetite altogether. But Mr. Mole was becoming hardened under | such influences, By this time it was night, and the moon shone omnes, = it — mag esieees 4 | ut the large fire of logs gave such a spreading and ruddy glow that all the gunyahs Paves more | or less illumined by its beams. By this light Mole was enabled to perceive that a considerable amount of bustleand prepar- ation was going on in the camp, and the sable | warriors seemed particularly attentive to their | Weapons and their own personal adornment. “What is going to happen now, Billygolong?” asked the prisoner of that agile attendant. “Grand corroboree,” replied he; ‘‘ black fel- lows dance and fight, and do big jumps.” ** Ah! I’ve often thought I should like to see a corroboree,” cried Mole; ‘‘I understand they | paint themselves before they dance.” “ Iss—iss, paint very much,” replied the say- age. Kul-la-ba-long-tee-boo just then entered the tent, ¢ ing a species of palette, formed of the bottom of an old tin can, on which were a variety of mysterious pigments, and a sort of reed that served as a paint brush. Se pg sum cloak, and ap; wi ely-propor- ly vered, tioned and slightly-tattooed form unco' | save by a broad girdle of kangaroo skin. : In this condition he commenced besmearing himself with some of the paint first. He enlivened the proceeding with an ec- centric dance, perhaps in order to make the paint dry quicker; and when the first coat was set, he touched it up with some dabs of a live- lier color. At this warn 2 ag ia opener Raed called in to t the, finishing touches with a delicate brush, formed from the paw of a kan; rat. Mr. Mole waiched these operations with con- siderable interest, reflecting what an amount of trouble people, both savage and civilized, are apt to take in order te make themselves look hideous and unnatural. But all his cogitations were upset, when he perceived the object of his regard coming to- wards him, accompanied by Kobba-wobba, with the brush and palette in her hands, ¥ **Now white’s man’s turn,” she said, “ paint all over, and look much pretty.” “Heaven! you don’t intend to adorn mein that style, I hope!” exclaimed Mole. ‘*Iss—iss,” said Billygolong; “ chief say white man must put on paint for grand corroboree,” ** But I can’t take part in the corroboree,” pro- tested the tutor. ‘ I’m not a native; I'm an out- sider, and, besides, how can I dance without any The chief murmured: he was beginning to be | legs? All his objections, however, did not move his “Fie ordered Billy gol He orde illygolong to hold him, while he himself stood ready to assist with his mighty strength in bringing the prisoner to reason. But Kobba-wo ba, as soon as Mole was seated, strip to the waist, and securely held in the clutches of Billygolong, behaved in a manner that surprised her native friends. She thrust her painting materials into the hands of the chief, and fell on her knees at the feet of Mr. Mole—or rather where the feet of Mr. Mole should have been, for jt was the absence of those extremities that excited admiration of Kobba-wobba. She lifted both wooden | with such haste that poor Mole was nearl ain backwards, and in great alarm shrieked out: “What are you doing, woman? Don’t kill me.” - “No kill, much lub, How wood feet! PRES os You much berry big chief; much dance wid strong leg—not get tired.” “T am tired of this kind of Tt proned Mole in bitterness of spirit, for while Kobba-wooba was admiring his legs, the chief had commenced een coat of paint on the white man’s c © banns! [ve been married a great deal to much in my lifetime, and I call you all to witness Pl never marry that woman.” ‘*T paint you much beau’ful—den you lub me.” ‘‘ Never!—and I won’t be painted cried Mr. Mole. However, it was decided that Mr. Mole must be painted at all risks. 2 Ar ijecsions were useless, only serving to irri- tate his captors, and render them more violent. The chief went all over Mole’s chest, arms and back with his large brush, which he dipped in the glutinous kind of black paint. He was obliged to submit to being daubed over with this material till his whole complexion seemed changed. Actors have assured us that nothi is more unpleasant than painting and gluing their faces preparatory for tomime or burlesque make- up; what must . Mole, then, have felt when not only his face, but his body and arms, were thus encrusted with an offensive pigment? He narrowly escaped getting some in his fra and when the operation was completed and he was held up to dry, he experienced a sensation of mental and bodily anguish, which outdid all his previous experiences. The coat of pees did not take long to get dry, and then it felt as stiff and uncomfortable as suit of armor, and Mole, the warrior, could hard- ly move. But his tortures had not ended yet; as soon 2s it was ascertained that the coating had set, that female artist, Kobba-wobba, stepped forwarit and commenced adorning Mr. Mole’s unfortunate carcass and countenance witha choice pattern of her own invention, in no less than four bright colors. Isaac submitted to this operation with all the fortitude at his command, though his modesty was shocked. Kohba-wobba, on the contrary, seemed delight- ed with the task, and gave her client such a variety of elaborate embellishments, that he de- clared, when it was done, he felt and looked ex- sare like a newly-hung wall paper. All the time the sable lady was going into ex- clamations of delight at the beauty of her own work, and when completed, she was in such an ecstasy of delight and pride,that she finally threw down her implements and danced for joy, ex- claiming: “* Cobbon—cobbon! Good— _ “I wish you felt like I do, old girl,” said Mole, “‘and you'd be more likely to say bad, very bad, Well, if this isn’t a world of suffering. Ah, what is coming now?’ __ The chief entered, with an enormous head-dress in the form of a wig, evidently manufactured from the frizzly heads of some slain enemies, crested with a plume of 7 feathers. - This they fixed on Mr. Mole’s head, by tying it ynder his chin. ‘ An opossum cloak was now thrown over him, and he was lifted on an old wooden chair, proba- bly stolen from some settler’s hut. n this guise the tutor. now to all ap nee a superannuated native, was carried out of’ doors and set down under the gum trees with the oth- er spectators who had assembled to witness the corroboree, Billygolong still by his side to him. The tribe with a series of shrill yells, ac- panied by violent gesticulations, beating of ‘ drums. the clatter of sticks together, and the whizzing in the air of pieces of wood fastened to string. = This was the overture, anda very hideous and discordant one if was. After the first ef performers rush- ed in with a wild war-w commenced around the fire. Never had the venerable Isaac Mole, in the whole course of his experience, seen such i or such dancers. - a
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HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. m tener than all, like lunatics, or the witches in Macbeth. oe Then the savages, after a short interval, began red again, increased in numbers by another party, t whom they soon engaged in a spirited sham-fight. 2] With a yell of defiance and a loud clatter of weapons, two parties rusned together in close actio: n. From the fierceness of their manner and speech, Mr. Mole posed that they really had quar- reled, and intended to have it out to the death. At length one party of combatants had to give way; they were ia | Mae rahe Ayan _— t “gd ts pursu em with yells o umph. ig disappeared in the darkness of the forest, but sounds of shrieks and blows and clashing of weapons, convinced Mr. Mole that a fearful massacre was going on out of sight. “Good ious!” vy Dect “is that the way you black fellows have afriendly dance, by pitching into each other in this murderous style?” * Yow, iss, iss,” answered Billygolong, wide grin, “‘always so at corroboree; bu kill- only make believe.” “It’s too much like reality, though, for my . taste,” mused Mole, ‘‘ and I shouldn’t much care about being in the thick of the battle. Halloo, here they are in, and they don’t seem much damaged either. I wish I could run away.” ce come nex’,” observed Bill golong, w 0 Was as good as a programme. ie who me. body of Sh dea now rea a, ving a) n made up their quarrel with- out bloodshed, and commenced lee fresh gam- The men threw aside their weapons, drew up 22 wre into nl —_ compass, and com- menced i i tation was wentectuily life-like, and the immense leaps given by each didn’t fall far short of those performed by the genuine animals. Mr. Mole was reminded of his recent hunting achievements. eae pcre These personators of the garoo, render the thing more natural, had tufts of grass in their mouths, on which they pretended to be quietly feeding when they were disturbed by the other armed, and hopped away in a manner wonderfully true to nature. — with a t don’t . Hitherto, not more than half of the force of the tribe had engaged in the revels, the remain- der being seated the spectators under the trees, wrapped in opossum cloaks. Suddenly, at a th ing signal on the drum, these up, threw their cloaks, and with a wild “ W tiroo ebro!” began a demoni- i upon i and limbs, which, by the darkness of the onc ground, ve them just the aspect of a lot of an- ated J acetone : “Deadman’s dance,” an idea,” exclaimed “ Puts me in mind of Holbein’s ‘ Dance of ,’ in which, I remember——” at this moment he felt himself seized be- and ere he could —— he and his chair lifted aloft on the uiders of four stal- * Here, fay cried Mole. do please be careful.” af ane “you'll break my . i The carried him towards the fire. Not hoy jtrated to offer him + don : . objected strongly a series of passionate protestations, | “My er nae friends,whatare you about, A pray! Understand I object to being it; let me down; I’m a free-born Englishman; let me were drowned in the yells and barbarous triumph that gion: Dom rhea vain, as he was the ia that the best huge camp-fire till he felt quite giddy, and ex- Tags every moment, that they intended to tilt im into it, and burn him like an Australian Guy Fawkes. Tt was, at least, evident that this part of the performance was meant for his especial behoof, for the wild songs and yells were directed to- wards himself. For a considerable time his bearers stood holding him as high up as they could, whilst the others danced around. No one, ever acquainted with our old friend, Isaac, could possibly have recognized him as he looked on that memorable occasion. Black all over the face and body, with crescents, stars, and stripes in white and red echre, and an enormous woolly wig crested with feathers, and an o} m cidak concealing his lower extremities, he sat, the center of attrac- tion to a group of yelling and dancing savages, in the lare of the forest fire. Isaac Mole, indeed? Why, he looked far more like the great Panjandrum himself, with all his worshipers around him. ‘““T do believe they take me for some white di- vinity,” hethought, “ andare chanting hymns of praise to their idol. Misguided beings!” His bearers now set into motion again, and re- commenced a rapid walk around the fire. It grew into a run, and then toa ee Every moment Mr. Mole expe to be pitch- ed out of his seat, while the deafening discord in his ears, the wild scene before him, fright, and the rapidity of the jolting motion, almost drove him distracted. At length he felt he could endure it no longer. The chair jolte till it was impossible to retain his hold, and with a cry of horror, out he fell on to the ground close to the fire. In a moment he felt his woolly wig in a blaze. Poor Mole gave himself up for lost. But a black fellow oy inguished the flame of the burning head-dress, and then he was once more seated uniler the gum tree. That was Mr. Mole’s last ordeal that night, for the savages were tired out with their exertions, and throwing themselves around the fire, soon fell asleep. Mr. Mole quickly followed their example. How long he had slept he knew not, but he was awakened by a hand being pl firmly over his mouth. “ Hush! not a word,if you value your life,” whi the owner of the hand. “It’s : who come back with Jack and the stockman to save you.” Then a moment afterwards came the words: **Rise up and walk between us as quietly as a eat on velvet.” Mole obeyed, and, luckily, was too bewildered to k or make any outcry. e rubbed his eyes and looked. Yes, there sure enough were the two boys, and two paces off the stockman, witha brace of load- - |ed revolvers in his hands. y as possible they walked till they were a hundred yards from the camp. There they found half a dozen other well- armed friends q to rescue the white prisoner, had even prepared a horse for Mr. Mole, r of boots for his unlucky wooden legs to be inserted in. Mount and away was the word. But unluckil fore Mr. Mole could be pro- perly fixed in the saddle, one of the horses gave a loud neigh. The natives heard it, and with loud yells started in pursuit. ‘* Make haste, sir. Up with you.” The savages were in sight now, for the moon had arisen, and as soon as they saw the white party, they commenced to throw boomerangs and spears. But a few shots checked their advance, and Mole having been “fixed,” fete ¢ went the whites, soon leaving the savages behin After a ride of three hours they reached a sta- tion, where, after a hearty —_ at Mole’s paint, he ied with garments. The relation of their adventures caused some excitement there, and the description of Mole —_ war paint was a theme of a day. CHAPTER III. ROOK’S TROUBLES—MORGAN AGAIN—A DESPER- ATE PLAN—TINKER VANISHES, LEAVING ROOK IN TROUBLE—HOW HILDA WAS CARRIED OFF. his party in their new camp. ‘ men who had been collected by Jack’s | this. for many | You mean, confound yout | | : ; thing,” he said; know well. He'll help me to keep All went well, and everybody looked happy, and hopefully regarded the future. Everybody but one man. Rook! He had wéi matters upon his conscience. Harkaway given him a splendid chance of ing life again and redeeming the past. ow had he profited by itt In a way that made him ee ee the muzzle of his rifle into his mouth and blow his brains out. He had acted as a fool as well as a traitor. “When I think that I wasidiotenoughtolisten —_ to Morgan,” he muttered, as he walk : the river’s bunk, ‘‘ when I refiect on the Ww r See which J fell, I could put an end tomy- se. > **Yah—yah!” i A low nigger chuckle came from the shrubs” skirting the river, and out popped Tinker. ** Morning, Massa Rook,” said Tinker, nodding ~ gaily. “Rather late for morning, Tinker,” returned Rook, giving him a sharp, scrutinising glance. ere said Tinker, looking down thought- ‘ully. And then, suddenly looking up, he faced Rook, and said: ** You know bery well, I know bery well.” “What!” said k to himself, “is it pos- sible that this nigger is one of Morgan’s spies in the camp all this while?—oh, impossible.” “Massa Morgan coming th hregeef he come to eT ae a inow Morgan : thing abou * on’t w Morgan, nor an i it him,” returned Rook, coldly, “and I don’t want to know him.” ““Oh, yes, sar, you do; you know all about him, you know well; him robber, ger.” And he nodded with such significance that Rook to feel uncomfortable. He reflected awhile. A hundred thoughts chased each other through his mind at once. “Tl go to Mr. gorse mie and tell him every- ‘he'll forgive me agalu, I straight— he’ji——” “Oh, golly lly!” cried Tinker, suddentiy, del aiatoenser Two men had crept from behind the trees before Rook could perceive them, and stood be- tethers dden that he eir a ce was so su t was ecusiderably startled. Yet not more so than when he recognized their “~ Rook hung his head, but made no answer “Do you hear?” “Yes, I hear,” returned the ex-convict, cold- ly, “ but I have no news to give you.” “Indeed,” said Morgan; ‘‘w a slow place this must be for one of your sort.” Rook beat the ground ss with foot for several minutes, while he summoned up more,” he said, violently. ‘* These poole ha’ shown me all sorts of kindness, and I will betray them.” Mo: frowned. ‘*Hold you mutinuous tongue, Rook in a voice which Aon ge the ex-convict see eerie ys sen st a revolver “I don’t know what you mean,” he said, ly: “Tl owe you no allegi s The bush: ve a hoarse laug: “No allegiance!” he cried; mi i tient i old Fg. 7 Ww ‘ient in my Chimes any a man before now that.” And Morgan knew it.
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be 2 oe - HARKAWAY AND THE _BUSHRANGERS. He knew well that he held the power over him which a strong mind always exercises over a we Sook you here, Master Rook,” said he, after , awhile, “you are a mane soviige: and you're young in my service, so I overlook what you have said. ~ But I have this to tell you, and you will please look upon my words as orders, not to be lightly played with.” A retort rose to the ex-convict’s lips, but he it. eo Ee nares dgpended upon your assistance "ak alone here; I have others in the settlement upon whom I rely for information.” “ Spies?” os ” ** Others!” said Rook, with a start; ‘who can it be?” ies, as Vell, it “The beautiful Hilda. Well, within a few minutes, she will be in my power. Don’t look You will ha 7e to render some assist- “You.” “Not I; I swear——” “Silence! make no Serta but listen. She hhas now set out with her daughter, and is walk- ing by the river-side. All you have to do in the amatter, is to go to the girl—Emily, I believe she is called—and say that her father has sent for ther; make some excuse, and that I leave to our fertile invention, for getting her away the others—from her mother. I will see - = to the rest with my men, who are waiting even ~—__— now with the boat.” a Rook shook from head to foot on hearing A z But he was silent. BP ** Now go,” said Morgan, sternly; ‘‘ that way— ‘“ : quick, and remember what youhave to do.” . ie : Rook stared upon the ground, but said never a coe word. ad He paused irresolutely for a while, and then, without raising his eyes, he walked off sharply | read ; ~<n the direction indicated by Morgan. “What shall I do first?’ he said to himself; i “go to Mr. Harkaway or to Mr. Harvey, or shail <3 I first warn them? While [ am gone to Mr. : Harkaway, the mischief may be done; no, [ had tar better seek them and——” _As he thus soliloquised, he came suddenly in rs, og of two ladies, strolling along the water- ie. A thrill of terror shot through him as he re- pee the people of whom Captain Morgan Bred Harvey and her daughter, little Emily. Z He did not wait an instant, but flew to them, _ «and bade them get back to the camp with all “hsste. _ His manner a ed wild, and his voice in- coherent; and at first they could scarce make out what he meant. “Be off,” he exclaimed, in an excited under- - tone. “Run—fly for your lives. A moment Settee peer we oie” s id Mrs. Harvey to ; poor man is said Mrs. ey herself. _— _ Rook saw her half timid look and shrink- _ ‘ing manner, what was passing in her mind. Tam as sane as you are,” he cried; ‘fly for " in GS) , the bushranger, and ‘men are hovering about.” organ?” ejaculated Hilda, in terror. “Yes. ¢ aad “fly back to the house as fast as your Ss. 3 'y ran off like the wind. Bu not shrieked. ‘ e, my lovely one,” said Morgan, -* _ ** Help—help!” y anes now beers ling Hilda So he lifted the strugg cand hurried her away in spite of all herself. in his arms, her wild ef- Stillmo one appeared to respond. _ Hilda's proaitecs for help were now piteous. So the ex-convict, Rook, casting off all con- = LN Come, then, Emily—quick, dear,” said Mrs. | him siderations for himself, rushed to intercept the bushrangers. Mor, was ee aps progress with his struggling victim, while his men were following close behind, to oppose anybody. Rook dashed after them. ‘* Stop, villain!” Then he seized Morgan by the collar and swung him around, and Hilda was free. But, before she had got three steps, Morgan clutched her again. At the same moment he whipped out a pistol and presented it at Rook. ‘‘'Traitor!” he cried, ‘‘ take your death.” Click! a flash in so i aga oak angrily cried the bushranger chief. “*Help—help!” exclaimed Rook, wildly; for he now saw the hopelessness of attempting to cope with such odds. Still he thought to detain them until assist- ance should come .to him. ‘*Help—help! Harkaway to the rescue!” He rushed again at Mo. but the latter met him with a blow from the butt end of his pistol, oo ted that it stretched Rook upon the ground. At this instant, shots were heard in rapid suc- cession, at no great distance from the spot. Rook heard them ere his senses forsook him— before he received that terrible blow—and he d ired. : He guessed that an attack, real or feigned, had been made upon the other end of the settlement, in order to distract the attention from the scene of this present outrage. And with this dreadful, ae thought upon his mind, all became a blan! He fainted from the pain of his wound. CHAPTER IV. MOLE MEETS HIGHWAYMEN AND IS ROBBED—THE BAGS OF GOLD—WHAT FOLLOWED—THE USES OF GUNPOWDER TEA—TIT FOR TAT. PERHAPS an explanation of the shots which the unfortunate convict heard, would interest the er. Are this, we must turn to our old friend, Isaac ole. Mr. Mole, whose old weakness had ar grace got the better of him of late, had taken the pledge, previous to going on a r toa neighboring settlement. e object of his journey was to make a of specie for private He had been greatly struck by the tales he had heard of the marvelous finds of e diggers; and armed with a well-lined purse, he went off, mounted upon a stout cob, for he was becoming quite a skilful horseman, He succeeded wonderfully— rom his hopes. Returning, he was so filled with satisfaction at his trading, that he was induced, in spite of his pledge-taking not being two a old, to accept aglass of grog from one of i ee 5 he had traded. Facilis descensus Averni. One drop led to another. The remat may be seen easily enough by the intelligent reader. Poor Mole got-—— Hush! ling is pockets, as oblivious of an wrong as you could wish, and singing blithely to himself, when suddenly from behind a clump of trees, two men started out and confronted “* Halloo!” * Halloo!” The exclamation was mutnal. “Whither so fast, Mr. Mole?’ said one ef the new-gomers. ““Mr. Mole!” quoth the worthy Isaac, “ then you know me.” 3 Of course.” Mr. Mole, ‘Dear me!” said . Mole, in a tipsy voice; “wonderful!” ‘Who doesn’t know. the great Mr. Mole?’ ejaculated one of the “Will et down take to pa us, Mr. Mole?” said the other man, Mr. Mole could never resist such an invitation. Down on to his wooden legs with- diggers with | } He jogged along upon his cob, his gold jing-| bags in amiable x his powde la were: eae +, to the se “No, not a shot.” vee Hie isokad af his aiumumiiion belied : “Are you sure, sir?” PAS “And yours,” said the others, feigning to When Mr. Mole had drained his cup, accord- ing to custom, for he always drank a cup, one of the men, without another word of warning, pped out a pistol, and made this unceremon- you please, Mr. Mole.” he simply took out his bag, and dropped it into arg placing his pistol close to Mole’s head. “ Here it is,” said Mole, with a with a whole skin, and minus his bags of gold, And he was right. Very,” said the other. The two men burst out ag part of your body. other. home.” lous request: **Just let us have a look at your nuggets, if Mr. Mole said ee The perspiration trickled down Mole’s back, but the other’s hand. “That’s not all you have got,” said the man, t more?’ “One more. Hand it over.” sighs looking rather timid at the pistol the man still held. After all, he thought he had better get home than with his riches, and riddled with bullets. So reasoned Mole. ‘*A nice little haul,” said the man who had taken the two bags. ““ What!” exclaimed Mole, wildly; “what, do you mean to take all from me?” 2 at this. “You get home now, Mr. Mole,” said one, “‘as fast as you can, or you may find a bullet in some “Yes, get home, and thank your lucky stars that we don’t want the cob as well,” said the “Give me my ” cried poor Mole. “ Bah!” said Boon the poabbaese, “get along ** You're not going to rob me thus?” ‘*No—no; we have done it; we are not going to do it.” “Goodness me!” exclaimed Mr. Mole; ‘ what will my wife say?’ “Probably say you are an old coward,” said one of these amiable robbers. “*Or perhaps she'll only unscrew one of your. ms and whack you with it,” suggested “Oh!” cried Mole. “Good night.” And they started off. < !” eried Mole; * don’t go.” They p' up short. “Have you got any more?” ““No—no; but do come back.” “* What on earth are you bo “Just have a little pi “think what I shall have back.” They laughed at this. “Why, you discontented old fool,” said one of these amiable 2 peemaneons “just compare your- self with that old man we stripped of his purse, or money-bag, for it was a money-bag—— ; *“ And well filled,” suggested his companion. “* Capitally—what would he say to findwe had — et you off so easily, eh? That’s what I want to know.” : ; ‘“*Can’t say, I’m sure,” replied Mole, “only I — know that you'll make it precious warm work for my wife with me.” . “Ha—ha!” “Don’t laugh,” said Mole, imploringly, “don't — laugh. Do you really mean totake my money- ¢ ’ , about?” »” implored Mole; suffer when I get “ Of course we do.” : “Well, then, in common gratitude, help me | out of this trouble.” : Mole. eam **Oh, if that’s all, willingly,” was the reply. 3 Sony inkd ent tee tail of his coat, and the rob- blazed away. “are ve t sect a tallies through it. **Now another, if you SOE ath socsiek, saad a Mer Gine pone it jpyn wit! Kindiiy Oktigs da ie “T haven't got any more,” said one of thes robbers, i i
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en “Sure? * And you?” “Wee oot”. Me Mole. ‘Then, “Ve .? sai % = my very good eal I have.” ‘And Mole Yes,” suld the man, laughing at produced a pair of pistols. He quietly presented one at each of “Now,” said he, his eee ad vanishing at once, * just ive up bags.” ; “ Never! the two robbers, looking at each other, acon at Mole’s artful trick. “Then I put a bullet—not in your coat, said Mole. kill us?” cried the men, but in be woul te as th y would run. our a Mr. nape rw awe-inspir- accents, “* A on any foo! with me, fost have A home woe plunder, and I know what you have got, so down with ” The two knaves looked at each other for coun- They had not a word and scarcely a look for ves. Sy go Of, oried" Mote, holding these ix's line may go ole, ina with the robbers’ heads. “rg grumblingly ferked out a canvas bag of “Go on, my dear boys,” said Mole. ft got no more.” “And our” “ Not ; a ee the other, whatever a my poner ga “Then with you,” said Mole, “or Pll blow ofr ran. And when were fairiy out of sight, Mole up the and fastened them about “Ha—ha! that’sa stroke of. himself. their treasure like t that orig ” said he to * But pa Mg» 2 have parted with if had know loaded by Mrs. with ooo hag hich he should appear even yarn whi should a more heroic Sake had yet shown himself. **Oh—oh!” laughed Mole, looking at his coat- shall turn this to some account. Ha! great.” CHAPTER V. THE PURSUIT OF HILDA—TINKER’S PROGRAMME —HOW HE THREW A LIGHT ON THE JOB. Tue alarm , of Hilda’s abduction soonspread the settlement. ; Harvey, as may suppose, was in an awful Ap Ae aban v begin the line so as to form acircle. way the advance was made with great , when, as Harkaway wasabout to start, came bounding up to him. Massa Harkaway— Harkaway!” he eee o. . ‘wre & sh el —) tg ogee HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. « sar; that ’fernal, cantankerous, bad Rook. Nasty fellar, Rook, sar.” Harkaway grew uncomfortable at this. eee ne what do you know against Rook, Tin- rr?’ “*Rook am Cap’n Morgan’s man, sar,” replied boy, with a significant leer. ‘“* Cap’n Morgan gib him ounces ob de yallar gold for to do all sort bad work; immense, bery awful bad fellow, sar.” Tinker’s extravagant adjectives worried old Jack in his present state of mind. “ Just say what you mean, Tinker, and don’t beat about the bush, or P'll flay you alive.” **T see Rook waitin’, sar, waitin’ for dat ven. Morgan, an’ dey do a big talk all about Mrs. Harvey.” bounded forward at this, and Harkaway ry 3 Tinker by the throat. . tricks with you’d never *Don’t you attempt to play an me, don’t tell any Senta Sati ioe been born.” ** T’se tellin’ ob de troof, ebery word, sar, sel: me golly, dere, sar. I know, sar, I watch Roo! case I see Cap’en Morgan an’ de oders come up, an’ so I run away and pretend to be awful fear- ed an’ den I come back and I see——” ** What?” “ Lor’, Massa Harkaway, how you do jump down poor Tinker’s froat—an’ den I see Cap’en M i ;, ” Py Ar er adalat as “ Yes, sar.” “Ail bout taking Mrs, Hare ” ys *bout i ey away. ** The villain,” groaned Harkaway, “after all I _ done for him, the scoundrel.” “ es, sar. »” “What did they say?” “He want Rook to help him, and Rook won't, an’ den < all sorts naughty words to- geder, cr ey fight.” - fs “Fig ty! “Yes. sar.” “Tinker,” said Harkaway, looking him very straignt in the face, “ you’re telling me lies.” “ No, sar,” the boy, earnestly; ‘dey fight awful, until Cap’en Morgan smack him re wid der pistol, and Rook lay down and go to ; “Ge tosleep,” returned old Jack. _“ Oh, I see, he fainted.” “Yes, sar; dat’s it.” Harkaway felt this a relief to his mind. It was painful beyond measure to could have behaved like a traitor. “*Well—well, Tinker,” he said, “ having got over that, the next thing is to see about getting Mrs. Harvey back as fast as we can.” “Yes, sar,” exclaimed Tinker, with a sudden vivacity. Then he la) into sullen silence for awhile, from which he presently awoke, and with a grin he said to Harkaway, in tones indicative of won- derful self-confidence “Tinker do dat.” “Do what?” “Get back Missis Harvey awful double quick.” ‘“You!” exclaimed Harkaway, with a smile. doesn’t recollect dat Tin- ker was wid Cap’en ” he said, slily. “Hah!” ejaculated Harkaway, catckiag at | H once at this notion, ‘I do if you area have a better and a greater reward than anything you can dream of.” ie ” ‘Tinker looked earnestly at_his master at this. ** Don’t want nuffin, Massa Harkaway, for dat; Missie Harvey awful partikler fond of Tinker; Tinker awful partikler fond of Missie Harvey. Massa Harvey quite jealous of Tinker—yah— ” Old Jack could not repress a smile. “No matter for that. I'll undertake to sa that Mr. Harvey will get over his jealousy, if you are the means of restoring his wife to him.” ** Yes, sar.” “‘ Now, tell me quickly. on, andI am growing impatient to be doing “Tin see, and have a talkee-talkee, and watch and whistle you and all de gallo) tankerous immense big blaze away at Cap’en = ery good, Tinker,” said Harkaway ; ‘‘I think Tean trust you now. — * Yes, sar, ‘linker am sied’a artful cuss—yab— yah!” CHAPTER VI. HILDA AND THE BUSHRANGERS—FAMILIAR FACES —AN ALARM—TINKER, THE SPY—-MORE NEWS. Hinpa struggled vainly in the arms of her captor. e strength of the notorious bushranger was something prodigious, In spite of all her wildest efforts, she was borne evAtter a certain strength began ‘ a in time her to fail er. Her fright was piteous to behold. A deathly faintness stole over her, and her senses were fast deserting her. ; The sickly pallor of her cheek evidently alarm the daring Morgan. ““Come—come, sweet one,” said he; “ let this revive you.” And he pressed his lips to her cheek. ‘Hilda was aroused_at this indignity, and she fought her captor furiously. Seizing him by tho hair, she tore so vici at him, that in sheer self-defense he let her fall. As soon as she was upon her feet, she fled. But her success was short-lived, for in the space of a minute or two, the bushranger was upon her agafn. “If yeu get so rumbustical, my love,” said he, ing her to him in spite of herself, “ we muet- d some means of hol you down; don’ scratch, or I shall have to clip your claws.” * * * * * 7 They reached their destination after a weary journey, for Hilda would not walk. Such a burthen to is all very well for awhile, but even the m muscular man must mee hea under the lead that he had to Upon their arrival at the bushranger’s cany they were met by two men, amongst whose appearance struck additional terror to her soul. One was H who had ever been asso- ciated with the troubles of herself and her friends. Toro, the Italian brigand and bully, was the think Rook | other. “Halloo!” cried Hunston; ‘why, you have bageed 9 prize, Captain Morgan.” has ‘t you see who the prize is?” exclaimed ‘oro. “A lady.” “ Ay; but who?” Hunston stared i “Ts it possible? Can: I believe the evidence of i he eyes? Mrs. Harvey!” . ilda aroused at this, and drawing herself up — before Hunston, she exclaimed, in a voice of pas- *. sionate ene! ; STE yom have a spark of manhood left, Mr. aan ae you will protect me from these ruf- ns. “Gently—gently, fair one,” said Captain Mor- **no names.” “No one means any harm, Mrs. Harvey,” said _ unston, “and as you are Captain Morgan’s rid ”. “Tf he likes to place you under my care, I am sure we shall get on well together.” There was nothing much in the words, but the look that accompanied them made her shiver. He drew near with an ominous gesture, when Mpngan stepped before him. “Why, really, Captain Morgan, I am an old acquaintance.” e “Enough,” said Morgan, ly; “there is nothing like an understanding. member that Tallow no familiarities with my guests. This Jady must be treated with as much respect 25 myself. Let the least complaint come from her about or about any one of you, woe betide him fo will have to render me strict account. Do hear?” «Silence! h od a oackernaiiale be !” shout . Hunston was about to make some hasty re- joinder, when the e of the bushranger ca caused him to be rye i organ was an unpleasant enem make, and Hamann fol) en Seenestve dreed GNee. Disagreea f mind in the presence of we, Rig % : “Then let this be the signal between us; but Warn these férobodings really justified!
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HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. Time will show. Spe oesicterny “T shall make a point of ing accounts with eur bully friend Rergen goa impudence!” * * * * * * “*Place the guard for the night,” said Morgan. One of his most reliable men proceeded to this task, when suddenly a black object tumbled into the open out from a cluster of thickly-grown shrubs and bushes. ae f **Shoot him down!” “The blacks areupon us,” cried Captain Mor- “Up with every mother's son of you. to your 8 ‘3 tant ! said a familiar voice, “don’t be wampously immense big frightened, Cap- aint de debil, only poor nigger mig cog here?” “Got away from Massa Harkaway, sar,” re- i d Tinker, “and se come to gib you warn- “Of what?” here “Dey no find out yet, but yd gota big lot of men from eberywhere; all got horses and make- fires. We get off, sar, sharp, sar, or de debils b dis fair infant. ized Tinker at once, and at first she i new hope. But now, on hearing, as she thought, that he pe gta league with the b , despair seiz- er. * Deceitful wretch!” she cried, x ore em at the black boy. “ After all the kindness we have ™ — shown you.” seis —yah!” grinned Tinker; ‘‘ you no lub Hilda was violent, and in her indignation she quite forgot the terrors of her present situation. “Tf Lever get back you 's have a sound 7 whipping for this, you little fiend!” she exclaim- “Yah—yah!” And ‘‘ yah—yah” being all she could get outof him, she said no more, but bit her lips in sheer mortification. redoubled their ot a precaution wi Sentries were posted _ He was everywhere at once, and displayed the 2 t energy and activity without making icular fuss about it. ra : y you there, Tinker,” he said, turning ; before quitting the sight of his prisoner. “Yes, Captain Morgan. Tinker keep dam partik’lar watch over lubly gal, sar; yah—yah!” “That's right.” And the captain of the bushrangers, perfectly at ease in his mind upon that score, turned around Ne een was: inicly vey Ofek ow when Morgan w: : Tinker’s demeanor changed with strange sud- denness. He dropped his aggravating laugn, and turned serious at once. He shot a glance of meaning at Mrs. Harvey, and then he marched off to the clump of trees which sheltered the open spot at no great dis- tance. “the watch, and then back he ran. ye B fet nek wan ening a tall, dark figure sudden aga upon the scene, and a My fair ay said Toro, for it at now lovelier al F gz 2 lip haughtily, but was silent. ey, beauteous signora, one don’t refuse me. I have loved you from the first.” He would have seized her in his arms, but Hil- % imponisy thus rudely approached with on ae dragged herself away, and called loudly an instant Tinker came bounding up to the a 2 i) Nee a ee ee SS ee ea eee “Be off, you imp of Satan!” thundered Toro; “be off, or I'll sla you.” * No—no,” said er, grinning, “‘ you no kill Tinker, but Tinker kill you gollopshus immense big quick if you ain’t gone.” ‘i ‘oro, with a fierce oath, strode after the black ( e Tinker showed extreme artfulness, for he appeared to dodge him, and yet he allowed him- self to be caught. ‘* Now you shall have it!” muttered Toro, be- tween his teeth Holding the black boy with one hand, he made aslap at him with the other. Down bobbed Tinker. ‘*Yah—yah!” oe “Curse your —yah!” cried the Italian, furiously seizing him again. “Take that!” Tinker was out of his arms in a jiffy. A precious awkward thing to hold was Tinker, for beyond one very small garment, he had no clothes whatever. His skin was smooth and shining, and alto- gether he was as difficult to hold as an eel. Toro was about to fly after the boy again, when suddenly he felt a sharp, stinging sensation on his right leg, just above the knee, and looking down, foun t it was bleeding. ** Why, what on earth——” ee soaps in utter amazement. ‘* Want any more like dat, bully man?’ asked Tinker. ** Why, you have stabbed me!” “ es, bull lily bit; gib you immense cantankerous more next time. Don’t be greedy, yah—yah!” And then he took from his foin cloth a stum ry knife, with which he had contrived to wound the Italian. But the latter had not felt the wound in the excitement of catching the eel-like black boy. “* Pll kill you for this,” said Toro, fiercely. “Oh, no,” returned Tinker, with irritating Secuse bent poloeaal’ sepseeneh te aa organ beat you, and you aw: i ro) Massa Morgan; ah—yah 2 we Toro ban his leg around with his neck- cloth, and then made after the boy. But he might as well have tried to catcha rainbow or an electric shock. Tinker was, as vulgar folks say, all over the sep at once. @ was a master in the art of vating, too, and he had an endless lot of tricks caleula- ted to goad a man like Toro to desperation. He would wait until the Italian close up to him, and then, after some insul he would pelt him with a handful mud or ston bound away like a rocket. In the course of Tinker ran around toward the spot where stood, and here he pulled up short, holding his hands behind him while*he waited for Toro to ap- proach. The Italian came on. But he did not observe that Tinker had hand- ed Mrs. Harvey a piece of paper. She opened it eagerly, and found, hurriedly written on it, these woi . ‘*Keep up your courage; we are near, and shall soon set you free. The bearer of this isa friend in whom you may implicitly Spe "uO “ ACK ” The words danced before her eyes. For a moment she quite forgot her presence of ss and she spoke her thoughts aloud. “How I wronged that brave boy! Poor Tinker! They are here, -perkere-_pexbape even now about to rush in and drive these wretches and away.” Toro advanced, and Tinker dodged away as Hilda’s hand, and in an Withee enn oad he ithout one w or si of bs made a stride forward eid ndhchod tae paper from her hand. ““What is this? Hah! treason!” he cried. “By the fiends, the boy shall die!” The words were barely uttered, when Tinker sprang upon him with the agility of a monkey, and snatched the paper away. His stumpy knife played. its part again, for Toro received a hideous gash in the cheek that ea: nda f led and Toro gave a yell of ming! my rage. “yout Satan’s egg!” he yelled, holding his cheek, while the blood poured through his finger’s, **vou shall die by slow torture for this!” y . But Toro caught sight of the open in : poh paper ap) y man,” grinned the boy, ‘only a gers to his nose, and wound up by pelting the wounded Toro with pebbles. _ Just at this moment Captain Morgan came up wi Halle ons cede wh hat is all this out- E oo!” he cried; ‘‘ why, w: is ow cry? I thought the Philistines were down upon us. “‘ Seize that boy!” cried the Italian, fiercely. They laid hands upon Tinker, who stood very placidly in custody. : “IT found him conniving with the prisoner; he gave her a letter.” “Oh!” exclaimed the virtuous Tinker, ‘‘ what a naughty, great big lie!” =. ‘Aletvor’” exclaimed Captain Morgan. “ Yes, ” “Where is it?” They non steal the black bo’ ey searc’ e ry: He had not many corners to conceal anytime Se see; and they found nothing at upon “There are no signs of a letter,” said Morgan. sternly. : , ‘* Then he has swallowed it,” persisted Toro. sign of danger, he scrambled it in- to his mouth, and bolted Se iaeusily as if it had been a Cockle’s antibilious. The ingenious black boy, however, threw w his hands, showed the whites of his eyes, an peared otherwise greatly scandalizec. *Oh, my, what a great whacker, Cap’en Mor- gan, sar,” he said, in virtuous indignation. ‘‘Dis naughty, ugly feller wanted to kiss your gal— de imperant * Goss Ises: ‘Cap’en pan, oe left Tinker on guard, so you don’t,’ and ses he: “Yes, I do,’ and he went forme; but I gib him one in de leg and anoder in de cheek, and he no like my nicey-niceys, and he couldn’t catch me, and den, in a beast of a tire big, immense temper, he ses: ‘I'll tole Cap’en Morgan dat you brought a letter, an’den Cap’en Morgan’ gib you suffin for yerself.’” , po ae m 'y ‘oro, hen to Mrs. Harvey. ~ ; . Spree Bees, he raised his hat po- ** T hope, madame, that you have been put i. by my people,” he said. “ But for that boy I should have been subject insults from that ruffian. ed to the grossest — your worthy comrade.” i: “‘ The boy spoke the truth when he told you that he defended me.” Morgan nodded his head in a determined man- ner. ** Good; we can’t allow this sort of thing to — An example must be made. ize ‘oro! Several of the bushrangers obeyed this order, “Tie him up.” “ Not before me,” cried Mrs. Harvey, eagerly, “not before me!” “Your wishes are law to me,” bushranger chieftain; “remove him.” The Italian was hustled away from the spot. “* Now, Tinker.” “Yes, sar.” aS Get some nice, pliable switches, willows, if you can. a ““Yes, sar,” said Tinker, in eager anticipa- ion. 5 “ And flog away until you are tired out.” “Tinker no get tired eber; him work hard, yah —yah; whack—whack! on de big Toro’s And grinning all over his face, the black boy turned off to the flogging. CHAPTER VIL. IN WHICH A DISGRACEFUL CONSPIRACY IS HATCH ED AGAINST ISAAC MOLE, THE excitement prevailed in Harka- monde lates had christened their new set- tlement. Anxious moments these were indeed for all who were left behind. Amongst these were of course the ladies, with the unfortunate exception of the one whose loss caused the it trouble. The two boys, young Jack and his comrade Girdwood, were left on guard. \ Mr. Mole, too. The unfortunate ex-convict Rook was found ‘Big bully man; yah—yah!” was Tinker’s | to be in a a apie condition, and he only reply. and o tkrew in another sight, placing his fin- aca ta ie greatest care by the la ‘ch
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Lg es ¢ ee, oe ee - HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. aa > > * * * * against the worthy Isaac’s peace of mind must; ‘Perhaps I might buy it,” said he, inan off- ) be related in another chapter. hand way, “if we could come to terms; I should “Do you know, my dear Jack,” said Mr. Mol ron uke to sutis very much.” “Tecan scarcely restrain my impatience when “Well,” said day, “as you are my own — CHAPTER VIIL brudder, in a manner of speaking, I don’t know “Of what, sir?” if I ht to refuse. But Monday don’t let no — ‘Of your dear, brave father and poor Dick be- ing in peril there, while we are on guard here. I long for——” “ Glry. Jack, to share the dange: I 3 rs. was never born bor & quiet. 1ife; my love was nger always.” “You appear doubtful.” “Not I, sir.” “Well, I must tell you that I have grown rusty since my last li skirmish on my way from the gold fields yonder. Gold; whata c ring. hat music; what fascination in the sound, but still the word danger I love better.” “ Yes,” said Jack, smiling inwardly at the old tleman’s enthusiasm. “This is a wonderful country. I shouldn’t dive 5 if there was gold upon the very earth we rel “Harry,” said Paquita. “ Yes.” “We want you and Jack.” The two boys followed Paquita into the house. They found little Emily awaiting them. wig rind child was in the greatest distress, and, indeed, had never got over the shock —_— the outrage on her mother had occasioned r. She was. constantly in tears, and knew not a moment's rest in mind or in body. Young Jack, her nt champion, was the only person who cheer her at all. ‘aquita knew this well. . “ Here, Jack,” said little Emily, forci campy e eageaag omy Eine she was ‘veling, “here are i ome, all of us, and have a good Lo * Let read out to us,” said young Jack; an ap- Now ~* he’s the best reader.” This was settled, and Girdwood selected some inter pieces he came upon one which excited general some ‘Salting a mine.” “Whatever can that mean, Harry?” said little Emily. “Wait a bit; this would interest old Mole finely.” He read it down, and found that it was a law case exciting great which spection. “This is glorious!” laimed young Jack, laughing seem How 1 should like to salt a mine for old Mole.” aia easily done—we want the materials,” “The dias , “Yes.” “But I mean agold mine.” “T see—but how?” ra , we could a little real if neces- cary, but dont, se, Sat it ih enough,” he pointing to an -fashioned brass candlestick. That?" “Now—now, it’s all well, but old Mole is not to be gulled without a trouble.” “Perhaps not, but you have heard of candle- = ag “ es.” x a, ie, Shenae aS tele 058 Selow sels. —. ve make lovely gold, and you shall Poor Mole! Fun and danger loomed in the distance once HOW IT WAS PREPARED FOR MR. MOLE—WHAT WICKEDNESS!—THE GREED OF GOLD—THE TRANSFER—MOLE A MINE OWNER—WHAT NUG- GETS!|—WHAT GOLD!—WHAT WEALTH! “Frast take our candlestick,” said young Jack, ** and melt it carefully down into little bits, then out the mine; then remove a few inches of earth from the surface and mix the nuggets aeeeeely, mind, so as not to excite any sus- picions.’ “Then,” added Harry. Girdwood, solemnly. “‘we let Mr. Mole have an accidental view, and see what can be done.” They shook hands over this iniquitous com- pact, the young miscreants, and completed their * *« * * * * Some few days after this, strange rumors to be buzzed about the settlement. “ The two darkeys, Sunday and Monday, it was whispered, had alighted upon gold. You ean imagine the effect of these reports. The two dusky diggers roped-in their ground, =e os none of the curious to approach too closely. Mr. Mole heard these rumors in due course, as Harry and young Jack took care he should, and down he hobbled to see for himself. Now began the extreme artfulness. The conspirators had well matured their plans. They hung back, pretending to take no _ ticular notice of the matter, and awaited 5 Mole. He came. They knew that he was sure to tackle them, and he did. “Do you really think, dear boys, that these two niggers have hit upon a mine?” he said. “Of course they have,” said — Jack; “not much doubt about that, eh, Barry ** But of course, Mr. Mole, it belongs to them,” “ And what—what can be the value of their fina?” asked Mr. Mole, eagerly. “Can't say.” “But you have seen a deal more of it than I have,” said Mr. Mole, eagerly; ‘“ what should you say?” “A few thousands at the outside,” suggested Girdwood, *‘ only a few.” “Yes,” said young Jack, “these mines are so ive, eos never know what’s what.” y- “Sometimes a good thing turns out a regular duffer.” ae. 8 what?” o to such an expression,” said Mr. upon his di objectionable “‘The mine?” es “tes fine thing % a .” said young Jack, “but I day or Monday to get, too ~ ce “Not want to,” replied Jack; “but they would, perhaps, and I like dad to buy as cheaply as ie.” Mole walked apart. The conspirators had, upon this. So he sought Sunday on the quiet, and sounded “T can’t say asI want to sell it, Brudder ” said Sunday, “an’ if I did, I don’t s’pose aes oem one to give my price.” course, * oueneey a mone “said Sunda * * What mommy ‘en “More ~ \ sore ey At aiid pen eter, be act, oat one look at it; wait sntil there ain’t no one about, * * * * * + They were alone. Mr. Mole stood within the the roped-in: to which the Ray. bens day and day, asserted their claim. “So this is the spot,” said Mole. ‘‘ Who ever imagine that we were walking over peacione metal here? How ever did you out?” “I was digging some sand out when I first hold of a bit of yellow metal,” replied 17 dg et re 4 “A lump?” echoed Mr. Mole, in awe-stricken note: ‘ Large?” “ ery. “Goodness me! I should so much like to ses some of it,” said Mr. Mole. * “Easy enough,” returned Sunday, promptly. So sayin te placed a shovel aa Ge aaa man’s han “ Have a dig.” Mr. Mole said never a word, but drove the spade into the soft, yielding earth. One shovelful was turned over, and as he let the sand and earth drop from it, half-a-dozen heavy nuggets fell to the ground. Mole’s eyes dilated as he plumped on and oe . —go ee m ea 8 deavoring to subdue his excitement; whenal ti feast, ye gods!” 4 i “You ain’t found much, brudder Mole?” said Sunday, who was complacently smoking his ipe. se TT to—no—nol” returned Mole, ‘not much.” “Not so much asI turned up every go, brud- gs ene bdued but ecstatic ole gave a subdued bu groan. ; “How much do you want for me to take itoff j your hands?” * i “ . im Fifty ““Where’s Monday?” ‘Here I am, Mr. Mole,” said the Prince of Limbi, stepping up, for he had been many oe is je wm ‘Sunday wants to buy out your right i piece of land for fifty rc oe me. “Does he?’ said Monday; ‘‘well, considerin that it’s mine as well as his, he might ask me be- — fore he does nothing.” “] pope th ‘re not to quarrel $ ey're ni over thought Mole, ide se my 4%. there never more foolish invention than rship. **T know you would like for brudder tare Bh ergs fa darke ae inas apo! ¢ tone to his partner e **Oh, of course. Mole is our friend. “Tf that’s agreed,” said Mr. Mole, m lieved and eager to clinch the bargain, * the money.” “Good, friend Mole. You will make your for- — . You find lots of gold, if you dig long enough for it.” : “Let's have it all in fair and businesslike order. Give mea receipt, andstateon it whatit — is all for,” said Mole. aia s Bery good, brudder e, py = leering at his black partner; “ draw up ‘ paper dockyment, and we'll write our names to a “ Agreed.” “That's capital,” said Mr. Mole, “I'm ed to find you such ; and now, . ee a ee “raph a > from pocket, ‘ this. a St y took the peber, ot oman aan tx tents. s&s Then he handed it to Monday. “"g “Why, Mr. Mole,” said the latter, “you have got it ly written out.” Mr. Mole at r “Yes, I have,” he alittle: “I some faint idea that you inclined to treat with me. “Oh.” “Yes.” Pa J 3 CORSE aes
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HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. MY St yz “Well,” he said, nervously, ‘‘we had better “ary would only take a numblecove’s advice,you’d ‘Perhaps you'd like to try the ground a bit more before you settle it,” —s hee * They’re hanging fire,” said Mr. Mole to - *“*No—no,” he added aloud, in as off-hand a could assume, ‘“ we are all friends together, and there’s mo deception.” *Oh, no,” exclaimed Sunday, showing the white of his eyes in his virtuous reproof even of _ the remark; ‘' could I deceive my own brudder?” ' “Oh, bother the brother,” said Mr. Mole, im- y, for he never relished the claim of kin- which et was constantly asserting. ro grinned. away, all of us, den,” he said. he opened the final negotiation by scrawl- own signature across the document. onday hipee That's it,” said Mr. Mole, folding up et pal per, and pocke it; ‘now, it’s mine. Iwill to work, and find gold—gold—gold!” Sunda: onday grinned as they walked yy and _ away. There was a ring in their laugh that the wcrthy hardly liked. ‘ te isgi ; n zx; “‘Surely,they can’t have maved me any ge I 4 ? take about it.” 2 He looked about him anxiously as he spoke. Already his newly-acquired wealth was bring- ing its penalties. | Such is the price of riches. “* T sha’n’t be able to leave itnight orday,” he said to himself. ‘‘As soon as it gets known how rich the prize is,it will excite the cupidity of _ everyone in the settlement.” So he prepared to camp there for the night; but before night came he dug, and sifted, and sifted and dug until he had got several ounces of the precious metal, and gathering them all together, i held his resen? in his open ectasy over bars ro 3 for life,” he kept muttering to himself, “ for life—for life! Mole—Mole, you're a lucky 5 he into a feverish but ble was ae komitaes wee +a I r he in the shape of his old tormentors. before wecan let the reader enjoy furth- . Mole’s perplexities, we must return to AN ALARM—THE BUSHRANGER’S RESOLVE—THE MARCH TO BATTLE— BRAVE LITTLE TINKER LEFT ON GUARD—‘ AIN'T I WICKED, JEST?”—A FIGHT. oad any mapa les Italian ruffian was in- id by a suc'ad fallen. naturally into his a — a a i the There's a } let upon hae acu es, sar, palms, | find, sar. Awful spl et that lovely Sag “ What?” eed the bushranger chief, turning upon the spy as if he would annihilate him, ‘‘ do you dare to offer your counsel?” “ Tonly——” ** Silence!” “ ”» ** Silence!” SY 68, sir.” “ Go.* “Yes, sir.” And precious glad of the permission, the scrambled out of the fierce chief’s oan ce. “iad Morgan walked up and down in thought for aps Son time. “They must not get as far as this, atany rate,” he muttered to himself; “‘no—no; I ‘wane meet them half-way and fight them. They shall have a taste of bush- ighting, and see how they like it. “ Yes—yes, kaway, in Captain Movead ou will find no Greek or Italian coward to t = but an ae rence bold a ourself.” en, turning s arow organ called the black boy. as 4 68 tm “Yes, pen Mo ,” answ Tinker, bounding forward. a he : ‘““There’s going to be a fight, Tinker,” said Mo : 5 Parks !” cried the black boy, capering about; ;| “‘gollopshus larks. Tinker go and put on his war paint.” “*No—no; you'll have to stay on guard here.” ‘* Where?” demanded the acd apparently crest- fallen and diseppointed. ‘Here, to mind Mrs. Harvey. You shall have some of the fighting a little later on.” “Berry good, sar,” returned Tinker, “I mind de gal, sar; nobody take away your gal from Tinker, sar.” “Treat her with every respect.” ** Yes, sar.” ‘* And I'll reward you handsomely, for you are a fine boy.” Bs Tinkera at yo Fae! one returned r, proudly; ‘‘splendi critter: look at him sos self, sir.” “Well, I don’t know so much about your looks,” returned the bushranger chief, ‘* but you are faithful to those you like and those you serve.” Tinker’s eyes twinkled strangely as he re- plied: . ; Tinker faithful, sar. So you heat A calthiod calidon van, to those he lubs.” ; Pine eB pg that’s enough for you. to after the lady.” f sar. “ And look to me for your reward,” said Mor- ‘ “Yes, sar. Tinker do him duty, sar.” And with a final word of Theccilen the leader of the lawless bushrangers started off to collect his men, and march on to meet the ad- vancing army from Harkaway settlement. * * * * * * “ Oh ” said Tinker, ‘I'll mind de 3 Missie Harvey bery safe wid dis emer ya ‘oor en Morgan—yah—yah— ain’t I ‘iunderin’ cautaakivahs wicked jest—yah anid ah!” nd Tinker looking intensely satisfied at his own wi ess. What shape his wickedness took will soon be lained to the reader. deed, bad progressed Bin Frm mane we fo some le when a foud warning eal behind them attracted a ion. - ‘*Halloo!” exclaimed the bushranger, ‘look around,” “There’s someone coming,” said one of the men. along at a tremendous pace, Aman ! he shouted out as he ran. Bigamini,” said now “ ‘* Why, it’s that idiot, organ. He was i bounded up to the gers, out of breath, and apparently ina state of party of bushran- tense excitement and alarm. ctnit ‘But where’s the boy, Tinker?” cried Morgan, eee clutching hold of Bigamini. . “Bolted likewise,” said the spy; “absquatu- = lated, vamosed, slo yed.” . Mo: fairl red at this news. “Til not jeve it!” he exclaimed; ‘‘ you're deceiving me. Beware how you trifle with me.” He seized Bigamini fiercely by the throat. ke “T say now, capt'in, drop it,” remonstrated the luckless spy. “*You can’t get her back by a i b’air in my wisen.” ' hrew him heavily away, and he fell. ‘“‘ Why didn’t you intercept them!” he said. ““°Cos why?’ answered Bigamini. “I was a- listening behind the trees, and I heered the black ' kid about which way they was going as ‘ x soon as you were fairly out of the way. Then ; says [ to myself, if Istops ’em now, they'll diddle | me afterwards; the best course is to consult the capt’in before he gets too far off——” * And while you are here?’ “They've bolted.” “ Fool!” ’cos I know exact the wa’ as they took, ’cos wh ? oT T herd ’em map out all their journey as ev iA e * And you think you could overtake them?” “ Yes.” “ ive pag borkers,” replied Bigamini ‘ ‘ot m i i, pro an the isto then,” said the b wits ’ s with you, us ger; ty “overtake them, or never show up here again.” iB “Yes, capt’in.” Py ** Shoot the boy.” eS “ T will, with pleasure, capt’in.” : zt ‘“‘ And bring back the lady. Respect her, or A. you will have to answer to me.” a “ Never fear, eapt’in.” a ‘* Mind, bring her back, or don’t show your * face to me again.” pe ee ee a shot ¥ through his impish head,” said Bigamini, earnest- : : 4 ‘And off he ran. ae “The capt’in ain’t to say chi’ce in his lingo,” said the spy. times as he g my monkey up. Talking of monkeys, whether that young mon- oe ae % Pop hicpeaeet rose oe soliloquy should so run V m % And why? t Read on, and you will see. * + * * * * Yes. It was true. Tinker had run away with the prisoner he had been left to y Now Tinker ‘knew every inch of the ground, so to speak. stones, and other signs, which to a unnoticed, served Trees, stranger would have which they had to trav- him as landmarks in Part of the country erse was flat and unmarked by any special feat- et pe byes: agen eye we should more say run, 'y the trot for most pat of the urnay, the ground more and assumed an ap- eof hill and vale, that promised well for could rest here for awhile in safety. a rest they did, for they were both fatigued “T ean scarcely one foot before the other “A — bit sorry for dat, Missie Har- ( vey,” said the black boy, ‘‘’cos Tinker ain't big __ to carry you home. j : smiled. J ‘Tinker, I should be too big a baby for ar Bi came ON nigh corny, had of it,” he I fear.” { F of ‘are an’ ’ounds, nak ou not a baby at all, Missie y,” said left to speak of.” Tinker, ly; “you bery bery matter now?” m the — . bery brave lady. ? 3 a ore anot a yet not brave.” “ What's that?” . E 7. “ Which?” ’ oe iiss * >
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- said b and no error about it.” HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. Tinker made a step or two forward to inspéct the strange object closer. “Don’t leave me, Tinker,” exclaimed Mrs. Harve “* Never. “You'll see. Nero—Nero—Nero!” ‘ Nero—for it was our old fri and slid down from his perch. “Good Nero,” said Hilda; ‘‘ 1am soglad itis a friend; shako han Nero put ou his paw. Apparently, he was not less pleased than they sa pale mea gg a He wagged his in his well-known old- fashioned way, and grinned at them both, divid- = attentions and his favors fairly between bl How are all at home?” said Mrs. Harvey, smilingly. : Nero caught a flea lg way of this. why can’t you talk? You so yy, or perhaps not. r has, of course, divined who this Who could it be but the villanous spy? When he boasted that—to quote hisown pecu- liar idiom—he ran like a blooming deer, his brag “Now, don’t you aggarawate a poor devil,” Bigamini, ‘or blessed if you mayn’t die, . and let us proceed on our way,” said Hide Sori “If you attempt to hee. Sa me further you will suffer; | have a husband,” “I know Dick Harvey very well,” returned tly; ‘we're old in fact.” Then know that Richard y is not 4 man to be trifled with; you are safe only at a “Oh, Pil a long way off him, with you; 20 on you come? amg way ane they both rolled upon the ground to- gether. : Jn fact, they were in ire so thorough- ly mixed up, that the difficulty was to distin guish which was which. Tinker’s oily skin offered no hold to his adver- sary. After a momentary scramble, up Tinker got, and snatched up the pistol that was yet undis- B al h rr id ducking i inisaw how matters were, an i to ny beet case ti mong should be about to e lea upon him. Hilda now fled to "Tinker's assistance. But her aid was not needed, for help came from a most unexpected quarter. Something whizzed through the air, and came down with a mighty thwack upon poor Biga- =— oe wn he dropped. > ~ ia !” he yelled, “‘ I’m done for. Murder His unexpected assailant was the monkey Nero. Tinker back. Bi i Nero to have it out together. ero’s gentle nature vanished altogether, and dropping the branch of the tree which he had torn off for a cudgel, he fell on the spy. They closed. “‘ Now, no sooner did Bigamini see that big, ead Reaptagaetye camden wh tbe pte on pf ing into his own, than fear filled his craven soul, for he had quite forgotten the existence of the t monkey. ‘*Oh, the devil! I'm in the clutch of the Evil One at last,” he Still he fought. Yet not with the and fierce determina- = he would epics age shown. P ero tore at wi e test , and buried his claws in retire Be yh flesh. So desperate was the battle,that Bigamini was speedily blinded with his own blood. _ And‘all the time Hilda and Tinker stood look- on. ilda horrified, fear-stricken at the spectacle. Yen the back boy enjoyed it mightily. es, en. it mig c ‘*Nero—Nero!” cried ins Harvey. But Nero’s blood was w He paid no heed. : “‘ Drag him away, Tinker,” she implored; “ he will kill that wretched man.” “ Yah—yah!” “Do you hear?” “Yes, Missie Harvey, deblish fine dat, de ugly feller no kill me den. Yah—yah! gib it him, Nero. Goit, Nero: him dam bad man!” Nero wanted no encouraging to this end. Bigamini’s struggles grew fainter and faint- er. monkey was as fresh and as vigorous as ever. u throat, and there held him to the bitter end. Bigamini f it no longer now. a head ene a is arms hung helplessly at his side. His eyes were starting toms their sockets. His tongue protruded. A ghastly, sickly spectacle, Bigamini, the murderer, convict and spy, was dead! : ‘ “Come away, Tinker,” exclaimed Hi in accents of mingled awe and horror; “he killed him.” ’ ~ * Yah—yah!” grinned Tinker. ‘‘ Immense, big, splendid fellow, Nero. Me lub Nero; him better man dan that wicked spy.” They turned awey. happily they reached the settlement with- out any further molestation. And now you understand why we remarked upon the singular chance of Bi ini using the lloquy, after starting upon this parsuls, destined iloquy, r ing wu it, epee re ig upon pursui' CHAPTER X. ANXIETIES—HOPFS AND FEARS—A VISIT TO MR. MOLE’S MINE—WARNINGS OF DANGER—FORE- WARNED, FOREARMED. WHEN Hilda and Tinker reached the settle- ment, they found that there were no tidings whatever of Harvey or of Harkaway—nor, in- pep De ton the party who had gone in pur- : o Y This was asad result, indeed, after her happy | very “There is no fear, mama,” said little Emily, who, it need not be said, was overjoyed to see her mother again, “‘ for —— so streng and so brave. Uncle Harkaway is with papa and Mr. Jefferson and numbers of our men, all armed, and brave as can be.” : “I can’t say that I fear,” answered Hilda, “for, together, I don’t believe that there are many that could pone your father and brave Jack Harkaway. kaway !” she added; ‘‘ why, there is music im the very name.” And so there was. Traitors trembled at the sound, and true grew enthusiastic in the praises of old Jack. ve is safe enough,” said young Jack, peatedly. This was not only to reassure his mother their friends generally, but also to make easy in his mind, which he was very far being at present. . In he had very serious doubts about it. gf was upon every face in the settle men At length they came to the resolve to send out pistol in hand, and left | a man in search of the absent friends. One of their men volunteered for this service, and he was duly armed and furnished with pro- visions of the most portable character. —_ done, they grew more easy in their minds. ‘‘ Another day,” said Mrs. Harkaway, with a sigh of relief, “‘and we shall certainly have them with us again.” * * * * * * Another day passed. Yet no tidings. Two days more, and three men were started off in another direction. A full code of signals was arranged with them, and every possible precaution was taken. And this tended considerably to restore con- fidence in all Shetr minds. 2 ve “Well,” said Harry Girdw: “T don’t see the fun in making ourselves pe everybody else wretched.” “ Nor iL” “Nor dis chile!” said Tinker, with a precious long face; ‘‘ Ise cantank’rous, dam miserable!” “Let’s go to the gold mine, and see how old ae on. Off they started, accompanied by Tinker. Now Tinker’s face lit up immediately, for when it was a question of visiting the old gentleman, the young darkey gave a pretty shrewd guess that it meant fun. Fun or mischief—and they were much the same to Tinker. Now they found Mr. Mole all alone, hard at it, — digging away for bare life at his mine. oe. e new mine owner had certain difficult labor against, but he fought them manfuil The pick he could ply with tolerable skill, a certain amount ef force. But what baffled him, at first, was the To drive it well into the earth, he had, of to press it hard with his timber-toc, and thy wanted adeal of dodging. He would lunge furiously at the edge of his | shovel, and miss it five or six times in succession, Y the infinite amusement of our fun-loving said youn id yes turn your ground to good ac Mr. Mole fidgeted nervously at this. “* What do you mean by that?” “Only in case of ts, sir,” saidyyoung Jack. ‘* What then?” ‘You could cultivate it wonderfully well.” _Mr. Mole did not quite understand the allu sion. ‘You possess great natural advantages for : ening, sir; you understand?” “ “No; t's it, my dear boy—I don’t under “Why, look how you could dibble in your cab- bage-plants or potatoes, for instance,” said Hark weer junior, as he walked off. ! * . . * * * . Mr. Mole had profited by this allusion to his _ this man to make “
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\ HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. like lasts upon which the boots and shoes are made. These were so constructed as to screw firmly on to his wooden extremities. And thus he vanquished the difficulty of dig- ging with the spade. “Well, sir,” said Harry Girdwood, as they eame up, * how do you a Sill ~ Fairly, my boy, fairly,” oo Mr. Mole, putting ona cheerful air, which was realy. not warranted by the amount of success he met with. * Many nuggets?” Mr. Mole looked wonders. If looks could be interpreted, Mr. Mole cer- tainly meant to insinuate a mountain of gold. *T’m glad it has turned out so well,” said Har- ry Girdwood. “Especially as we recommended it, Harry,” said young Jack. “You find lots o’ brass, ole Massa Mole?” said pier snd Jack felt just a bit at and young Jack felt just a bit uneasy this familiar term for gold. But Mr. Mole took it very good-naturedly. “Lots,” he replied, with a smile; ‘‘in fact—he- cuse my little joke, I shall have as much brass as you t put together—he-he!” ‘* Ha-ha-ha!” laughed Girdwood, nudg- ing Jack. “Bnd then they laughed altogether. : Isaac Mole thought, in his innocence, that they weré laughing with him, not at him. “T must tell you, sir,” said young Jack, with his most manner, “ that we had an ob- ject in g here.” * Indeed!” “ sir.” “What is it?” ““The news of your wonderful mine has got all over the country, Mr. Mole,” said young Jack. “ Gossipping fools, to talk of it; itmight do no end of mischief.” “Tt has, sir,” said Jack, seriously. “ Never!” Oh, indeed it has; in point of fact, sir, we Tove only now come to see if you fear molesta- tio::?” ** Molestation—where—what—from whom?” “Morgan.” ..t the mention of the notorious bushranger’s same, Mr. Mole jumped up like a parched pea in a fre shovel. the whistle of the savages. But I didn’t make | losing something of its mirthful attribute, ‘‘ any fuss at all.” haps it would be better if they came in the cave * No use.” It is difficult to distinguish a dark man on a dark ae _ “None,” said Harry, pretending to be deeply | night, and a nigger andnight are much the same 7a interested. color, and 1 hope they won’t come in yery great “No; sol got up, and got into the loft, with | force, ahem!” my rifle. On they came, yelling discordantly. I| ‘‘Confound those beasts. I wish they would distin ed the chief by his eagle-plume, and, | mind their own business instead of w ; 1 potied him!” about my diggings. And niggers are such ¥: “* You talk of an Indian chief, sir, as if he were | low-minded persons; they’re not satisfied wi a bloater.” getting the upper hand, they have such object- ts “Or shrimps.” ionable ways of gouging and scalping ; that’s . “Well, then, my dear boys, I reloaded, and | what I have to complain of always.” blazed away again into the thick of them.” He looked up at the setting sun; and then he “Yes, sir.” looked at the settlement some distance away. “Then, when I had laid seven of them low, ve! ;: out I and made an awful row. ‘Come on y did he retuse the boys’ assistance? the rest of you!’ I cried, as if there were hun- **T am such a rash, ee fool,” he said te dreds behind me. I dashed at ‘em, and, by the | himself. ‘Pluck is all very well in its way, but living jingo, I scalped seven-and-twenty before | really a man with a wife and family like me, you could wink an eye.” ahem! ought to pay some respect to his skin. “Tor? But rash ye was always my weakness; I am ‘Oh, golly—golly!” cried Tinker, evidently | like some old war-horse, I can’t smell fighting htened. without snorting to be in it.” “Seven-and-twenty, as I am a sinner!” said} ‘Lord ha’ mercy! what's that?” Mr. Mole. F A long, shrill note, a profound too-oo-woo. A “* Dear—dear!” sort of burlesque of the owl, and egg recaers ( “The other fifty fled as if the old tleman | rendered by a human throat. Mr. Mole had been after them, and—would you believe it, | heard such a cry long years before. dear boys——” Too well did he remember when, where, and “No, we shouldn’t,” said Harry, sotto voce. under what dreadful circu ‘They actually left me alone, single-handed,| It was in the Island of Limbi. % master of the field!” The war cry of the sav “That's as true as any of Mr. Mole’s warlike| Horrible rumasteacins, eid, alt things consider- exploits,” said young Jack, tipping the wink to | ed. if t blic,” suggested Harry “There toe peak Oh, Lord—oh, Lord!” never very public,” su 2 “There it is !”" ex- “No, “publicity is not my desire,” said . | claimed Mole, starting Cy aghast. Mole, with a lofty wave of the hand, “‘it never Pa had been hoping that he was deceived at was.” ‘On their own merits modest men are dumb,” | Now there could be no mistake about it. quoted Jack. In his little tent he kept a bugle with which he ‘‘ Precisely.” _' was wont to signal to Monday from the settle- “Had it only become ant aos ment when he was in need of an: - Harry Girdwood, seriously, ‘‘Mr. Mole would} So he blew a sharp note upon at once, and - have been put up asa for the - | waited the answer in some anxiety. a denc Ry ot wig ‘ ie The answer came. exanate ot only put u id young Jack, piling i Monday was there, then, ready at hand in case on stiffly now, “bat returned for a dead cer- | of need. tainty.” “ Pheugh!” “Oh,” said Mr, Mole, ‘‘I am not vain orambi-| What a relief! ' ~ tious; if I were, there is no doubt but that I} Mr. Mole could not deceive himself now; he could have been elected.” __ | Was really alarmed. ‘Your modesty, Mr. Mole, is too much,” said} He got out his telescope, and eagerly scanned a Sees diel tiers: “eat | Yowoc law at a uld be perceived. ‘ rt su r, ‘y, “our 5 ry enemy co’ reeiv assistance, sa ceant tis 1 come down on| ‘“‘ Was itmy fancy?” he sad tohimself. ‘“Sure- yon, would be of no good ly not, no. ang it, that would look as if I was “Perhaps it might,” returned the old gentle itened, and I rather flatter myself that Isaac man, with a simper of Lacan Mole is just about the last man in this part of the “Well, then, it only rem: for us to go; we'll | world to get frightened.” = our pistols first, for we brought them pur- He ae under his blanket for something. posely. ot there. “That's very kind of you, Harry,” said the} Where could he have put it? old gentleman, ‘“‘but I have no powder and| He routed out several nooks and corners in his shot.’ : tent, and finally produced from beneath a pile of ‘* They are ae 4 loaded, sir.” straw a small stone bottle labeled ** whiskey,” He winked at Jack. “Tm obli to be a little bit sly,” he said to > “But one charge might not be enough,” said | himself. ‘‘Chloe is so dreadfully curious; the Mr. Mole. way she routs out every vie and corner of this _‘* We have no more ammunition to leave you, | place is most distressing to a man of my out- sir.” : spoken, frank, and truthful nature.” They had particular reasons fer not leaving| He poured out a little intoa cup, and drained powder and shot in Mole’s clutches. _ | it off. You will understand this presently. ‘* Hah!” he said, smacking his lips in a sort of “But you are well loaded,” said young Jack, | subdued ecstasy, *‘ that’s something like.” ‘and, with four pistols, you will be able to scat-| It is astounding how his spirits rose as the ter a whole tribe of savages.” whiskey went down. | “ Rather.” He grew valiant immediately. 7 “You look awful cantankerous fierce, sar: “Tf they don’t muster too strong,” he said to te look, sar, as though you eat up dozen niggers,” | himself, ‘twenty, perhaps—out joking apart, I nt ¥ ’ “i ‘ a a % % 3 ¥ 4 on oe roy OT ha ale in ede AL ee * No?” ; ‘No, sir; for, from information I have re- sont x It sounds just like Scotland Yard,” said Mr. =o it does; unfortunately, Scotland Yard here to help you.” Young Jack’s serious air aud subdued manner duly impressed Mr, Mole. ““My dear boy,” he said, ‘‘you surely don’t ey oe viake yourself uneasy, sir; but the gers have—so I have heard—employed a gang of the aborigines to drop down upon you.” “ ” bea? | fact sir; and so we came on tosee if we could render any assistance. We didn’t run very hard, for we knew that you were a match for a many niggers, no matter what country a Ns you haven’t ae & : 3 . “ i 22 e tO Fea ss 3 g [ 3 er g cam m. é said Tinker, pretending to tremble. don’t think I could tackle more than twenty.” Me 7 this pulled up his shirt-collar, and ‘*T don’t think they will venture toonearme,”| He got the whiskey again. _ ss shot out his cuffs, with a pardonable gesture of | said Mole. “‘ Beastly weak this is,” he said, taking out the pride. “ Look out for the night, sir,” said Harry Gird-| cork; “been well watered before I got it. “ Rather!” wood. Awful thieves the dealers are. Why can’t they i “And we were doubtful,” said Harry anaed a ge close your eyes.” content themselves with an honest profit? ‘whether you would accept our ass +, ways sleep with the left one »” | Hah!” ee : chuckled Mole. one. Open» | "He took a suck. a “I'm very grateful for your offer.” said Mr. | So off went the boys. “Two-thirds water.” : Mole, with dignity; “‘ but rather flatter my- —_>_-. The old gentleman got rather drowsy soo self that I am more than a match for a good mob CHAPTER XI. eet eee ner ncndied peels Dancy, be setae ae . ake” : : ae himself down on his blankets to go to sleep. +. “Of course, sir.” [<eze J Reatirretgee BETWEEN MR. MOLE AND) “Tet ’em come, ye-haw,” he yawned, et en ae y “Tt is not known to any of you how I tackled eating ES—THE MYSTERIES OF THEIR | oome—blow the lot to smithereens—ya-haw— 4 a whole tribe of North American Indians once.” : knock ’em into the middle of next week—damme, ; . “T remember something of i sir.” said our Mr. MOLE chuckled quietly as they disap- | I'd a into the middle = next year.” "J. 2 4 ‘orget the details. 4 : . And with similar bold resolves, he gradually — a, oa a would,” said Mr,|_ “I don’t think that the niggers would relish 4 | sank back and slept. < ae it was just before you were born, Jack.” bout with Isaac Mole,” he said, stoutly. * * * * * * “Tt was, sir. “The rough old commodore. “Too-y-whoo!” ei “Tl tell you, then,” said the inventive Mole. The tough old commodore,” ‘*'Too-y-whoo-00!” 7 “Twas asleep in our log: alone— “Eh, what!” exclaimed Mr. Mole. fly; “come in. my dear, Con's, Lnocs.” _ of our party was away—when -was aroused by! “Perhaps,” he said to himself, his expression
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**'Too-y-whoo!” ‘ “ What's that?” a ** Wa-hoo!” . See rene OF Bolt mpeigns, eet tected: about ng § dreaming,” he said, Greanthag that I was ‘. 3g “ ry t was back in England; I wish I was.” “* Too-y-whoo Ee Heaven! what a dreadful row.” The awful sonnds were close at hand this time. “The savages.” Yes, there could be no mistake about it now. Mr, Mole scrambled for his pistols. Where were they? He dived under the blanket, under the straw, ial over the tent. in vain, He could not feel them. The sounds of th . “Good Heaven!” gasped the old tleman, “what a fool I was to drink this whiderr. Beastly strong stuff! Why, it must be over proof. ~ There was a wild, discordant yell outside, and lo! atthe entrance of the tent appeared three » Mole shrank back. Three horrible looking blacks, all besmeared with ghastly pigments. Two Cowie Taig clubs. The third with a bow and arrow, ready to let oS yhaa) ery old gentleman. a. 1 a oe, eo ee ee ae eel, Te aes ne The three “Oh, me! cried Mole; “ what- pei ei aera become of me?” fot : caram e “Carajo ba!” yelled the nigger with th bow and arrow. “ Dear me!” ejaculated Mole, “ it’s a Spanish Savage. One of the others carrying the war clubs advanced into the tent, flourishing his formidable weapon. “Ker-chi ko kum kemeri thar cum totnam- eo uw e ing: “Oh, 'm adeat toon Never were such sounds heard by mortal ears. His time was come, he 3 The other sav: came in a bound. !” he shouted, dancing wildly rr se 7 “ Wik wak around. f “Exactly so, my dear sir,” said Mr. Mole, hop- ing to conciliate him; “ exactly so, but do take a ” a. ae ‘ 4 ? ¥ seat and rest yourself. & ey pi ay ticksey wick sheepsedantaters,” Samsireod sav gaid Mole, in much the same manner have assumed to conciliate a dangerous The third savage lowered his bow and bounded _ He flew wildly around Mr. Mole, singing an Pe Then he ying, in a menacing ; manner: “4 eden £ Fi boc ab hoo, cantankrousbig duffah. Wab Lee hie. “Oh, Lor’!—oh, Lor’!” moaned Mole, in deep Seen, de ketp ol there, good fellows.” But the manner of the other savages tended a restore his confidence. 3) ‘7 accompanied this alarm- to Mole meant the end of life!” _“ Buckra warrior Mole,” said the savage, be- RE 9 say all money: age. : _ * Never should have thought it, my mgt ward. it —take all!” he groaned, “leave me my 3 HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. The savage took out a knife about six inches long, and executed an Australian saraband. “it’s all up,” said Mole.‘ Good-by, Chloe— good-by tothe twins. Good-by to my dear Jack —to my dear Harvey. I shall never see them a in The savage who had before held the bow and arrow, heap reas pt poor old gentleman, had b =e time found the stone bottle and taken a suc at it. The air. Male looking up; ‘what ist, my worthy PPE rep ic 40 ly spare my life, ‘¢ Ole Massa Moleam a gallopshus ole sole.” ** Goodness me!” am sitet Mole, “TJ declare it a like Tink =i © Sav! “Yah yabPre That settled it. Mole ized him at once. é Filled —. > — bg mapemery ns om gen- eman got over i in some it degree, for he made sure that Nnker had turned traitor. He scrambled up, and before the others could Smog what he was at, he made a rush anda low at Tinker. Had it taken effect, Tinker would have felt it; but that youthful nigger was knocked off his perch already by the strong drink, and at that very moment measured his length upon She szre=s ole dashed past the sav: to the door of the tent, and then blew a loud blast upon his le. en off he hobbled as fast as he could go. The call was answered from the settlement. “‘Saved—saved!” cried Mole. He was not long in reaching his friends, you may be sure. * * oo * or * ag the savages made no attempt to follow On the contrary, t other two followed Tinker’s cry a by rolling on the ground, not in liquor, but in the wildest They absolutely yelled with laughter. And when they had had their laugh out, they went to the tub of water outside tent and washed their faces and hands with all possible * * * * * * Mole came back followed by eight armed men. The foremost were Sunday and Monday. “* Where are the thieves, sar?” demanded Mon- day. "Let's get at ’em,” said Sunday, pushing for- » @s soon as was gone, the * Here the are, in the tent.” The men pushed Mr. Mole on. The tent was entered and there they saw—— Young Jack and Girdwood on the floor washing er’s face bene] with a wet towel. se “ Jack!” oo sir,” answered our young hero, looking “ And Harry!” ejaculated Mr. Mole. “ Why, surely——” ‘We've frightened the savages away, sir,” said young Jack, “You have!” exclaimed Mole; “there, I told you so,” he added, to the men with i. et, would you be! it, for a moment half thought that you had had the impudence to i, Hikey pike wahditch and biled owl!” said J ee With a wak-wallah!” added Harry Gird- wood. Mole = ae What a ko liveranbaken wallah!” said young This was too much for the audience. spur parame ewer yall of laughter. Mr. Mole looked very sheepish. Then very savage. Then he om goby best to dissemble. He knew unless he could get out of the mess adroitly, he would never hear the last of panponiny, ee won't do; you were in an aw- ight should like to see fhe man that could ever of frightening Isaac Mole.” “ oa why did you bring all these people with ‘ou > 5 ‘Just to show them what fools you had made of yourselves.” . ut stand out as he would, he could not gt “T¥ said Mr. Mole, lottily, “y over it, and it was many along day before—né ~ heard the lastof the savages’ attack upon his diggings. . CHAPTER XII, OLD JACK FALLS INTO TROUBLE—BURIED ALIVE— DESPAIR. WE must now return to Harkaway, Jeffersor and Dick Harvey. In the first place we must deal with Jack Hark- away. ; Ol Jack was the foremost of the expedition, a fact which will not by any means surprise our readers. His ambition was to rescue his old friend’s wife from the clutches of the villanous b x Geash tha fet Se hemeiaoen ait Ou wate e flush o} i and 0} mantle his honest check **] shall do it, too,” said old Jack to himsef. Little did he know what had already takey place. Little did he think that already Hilda was be ing cared for by that honest, but eccentric little nigger, Tinker. arkaway had got a pretty correct notion of the route his friends in advance were likely to travel, and he set’ out upon their track ata spanking rate. But unfortunately he veered slightly in his course, with a very sad result. Instead of comi pp wi ee own party, he crossed the line of the bushranger’s scouts. The signal was from mouth to mouth, and before old Jack could realize what had oc- curred, he was toppled over by an unseen enemy and made prisoner. ‘Got one of you,” said a ruffian, bees over “More than you could know, You can talk te Caj Mo bout shat.” Presently. “Ts he away?” “ Not far.” good. I wish to speak to him as soom as may be. Old Jack’s idea was that by a liberal outlay he ht be enabled to induce the ruffians to part with their prisoner, Hilda. For himself he thought little indeed at pres ent. While this thought was engrossing his whole attention, a voice suddenly exclaimed in his ears: * So—so, old friend, we meet again once more! peering gives starts ha Soe’ Wee ” - league with my enemies, as ever were!” said Harkawa: cant eh ? responded aston: hope ever shall be. . “Tt is almost time that you repented of your : evil ways,” said way. aging © begin my repentnmer ery “When I have squared accounts with you,” replied Hunston. ‘Ungrateful wretch!” ¢: old Jack. “Do you forget that I saved your [esa no 4 again after a succession of man living would have lo H Sr part ae pot Soran oe don’t orgs to nag oi ! you were al- ways a cad with your cant, Harka- way. The latter was silent. A flush of ‘ 2 :* by > * ' - ed > hers r é honest indignation mantled his » "4 4 ia ; AG + ¢
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ui : ‘ eee HARKAWAY AXD THE BUSHRANGERS. 8 660 “Your good Hunston,” he said, “would be m your condemna- tion is the com t.” This made Hunston 7 He could not subdue Harkaway’s * You can brag, Jack Harkaway ” said Hun- Ston, grinning with fiend-like pleasure as a hor- riblethought crossed him; “‘ out I’ve got one in - Store for you that shall make you shake from top to toe like an leaf.” ‘kaway did not even deign to reply. ** Dig the grave,” said Hunston, turning to the y heard it, as it was meant he should. But he could not believe it possible that—— This tH to 4 was part of Hunston’s programme ‘make him show the white feather. But there wasn't such an article in the Harka- ‘way wardrobe, as old Jack’s friends had often _ ¥emarked. + a 4 _ gaffer more than The men proceeded leisurely to dig the grave. From time to time, Hunston would watch his old foe to see if there were any symptoms of fear about him. But not a quiver of an eyelid betrayed that realized - ald Jack what was passing. Nor did he. 4 He knew thathe was in peril. Instinctively he felt the gravity of his position. Ae pee did he anticipate the fiend-like cruel- ty meditated by thevheartless villain whom he bad forgiven forty times and more, and whose ~niserabls life he hadsaved over and over i “There,” said Hunston, “ that will do. Idon’t vant it too deep.” ** Why, it will hardly cover him in,” returned one of the grave diggera. That's whatI want.” * How so?’ “T only wish to nearly cover him. Leave his head a little out, so that he may not die too quick- iy, else he'll not taste all the horrors of death to eir on reef I Harkaway felt a little uneasy. Well he might. The words of the ruffian implied a dreadful 5 leath., Yet he could not be mistaken. He was to be buried alive. Buried alive! ae. ge reader fully realize the horrible It is not to with such a hideous flestion, easy to grapple Yet this was Hunston’s determination. Harkaway, his hated enemy, the one man up- on earth for whom he had nurtured the bitterest enmity for a whole jon, was now in his peer, 908. Be eee taste the bitterness of a th in its most dreadful form. Slow torture. cfs ee gil * Ready,” sai grave The bushran, seized the prisoner by the rs feet, and dragged him into the oapber ang) never uttered a word; he was bound and foot. He could not escape from the bushrangers, who surrounded him on all sides. Yet he disdained to show the white feather to #lioulders and mRewly-dug grave. “T wouldn't be beholden to you even for Hunston turned livid with and advanc-| “If you hear my revolver ed to strike him, but Jack’s look made the | Jefferson, ‘‘come up as fast as you can, for I may Villain lower his arm. want help.” ; tin two grovedigners cbayéd orders ettidties. Cc ae 0 e, ord fey shovel of earth were thrown over He started off at a run, and soon disappeared j ack, then them hold. ‘ears In backw “Now, See ar lite Jack Horton , of Huns- ientig Sees aie that of Dick Har- xs Fey, OF; indeed,of an: hunter, and soon answer. ~ sounds “Ask for mercy, Jack Harkaway,” he said,| More cries, louder and more Pa? eer ps I may relent.” Lever. ie . _and the voice was now unmistakable. "jg Hitpston held the best end ofthe ¢ this time, aye , ’ for a million!” is true, yet, never at his worst strait, did be now, ‘= ? Hunston felt rage, humiliation,disappointmen all—all together, ; “ ° Jack Har way. “Fill in his grave quick this time,” said Huns- ton. “* Ay—ay, let’s get it over.” Fine sonics walt work—such spades as they had—and the unfortunate captive’s body was rapidly covered. * Not over his head.” The rness of this showed the villain’s in- By that, was the death to which he doomed Harkaway. Where were his comrades now? Where was Sagat 4g Where was the bold and stalwart Jefferson? Miles and miles away from this, probably. But would a and 7 = of the cae rangers approve of Hunston’s thus gratifying hi own present spite, and sacrificing the rans I of gang Surel The thought had barely crossed him, when he gave a terrific cry—a yell so loud and so sudden that the ruffians commanded by Hunston fell back affrighted. ‘Help! To the rescue of Harkaway!” It echoed all around the place. But no answer came. No signs of =m _They piled on the earth, and poor old Jack gave himself up for dead, but his courage was still with him. * At last, Jack Harkaway,” said Hunston, ‘at last, after waiting all these years, after going all over the world for it, I have achieved the one ab- sorbing idea of my life. You are done for. Die —die, good Harkaway,” he added, grinning with the intensity of his nage to “die like a rat in a trap, but with never a bit of cheese tonibble at —wWith never a chance of wing yourself free, Die, knowing that it is I, Hunston, your old school-fellow, that doomed you to death.” Poor old Jack. Never a word did he speak. He gave his villanous enemy a proud, defiant look, oral while despair se fon CHAPTER XIII. IN THE NICK OF TIME—JEFFERSON TOTHE RESCUE —A FATAL FLIGHT—TWO TO TWELVE—ROUT OF THE BUSHRANGERS, AND DEATH OF JEFFERSON. “ HARK!” “ What is it?’ ») ha hear that?” “What *T could almost swear I heard a cry.” **Fancy.” “ Perhaps,” answered Jefferson; “yet I thought He listened intently . and a second came, fainter even than the first. poe) Yet it was sufficiently distinct to indicate the could subdue the yalorous soul of brave startled by hearing a diabolical sound of trium- Pins lager. ed by a noisy demonstration; in was followed by a no which some half dozen voices joined. ee !” exclaimed Jefferson, in alarm; “then Harkaway is in the hands of the Philis. tines, as I fi What shall Ido? Signal Har- vey and the men,or—no—no, I will keep my two shots, for I may want them, and they might alarm the enemy to no ” eri efferson, PP pag link os Bip 5: ge Nips ge ye e. “Curs!” cried one of the wounded, who was writhing upon the ground. “Eight men run away from one. He is. alone.” The flying bushrangers did not want this infor~ . mation, however. The first fright over, ny saw that their alarm Back ti direction from whence it came. was unnecessary. ey came. “T could swear that I heard it,” said Jeff * Look out, Jack, my boy,” said Jefferson. with an air of conviction; ‘‘ moreover, Harvey, “ All right, old friend.” feel sure that it is a familiar cry.” “Take this, Jack.” . a He thrust his pistol into Harkaway’s hand, “Jack's.” The bushrangers came on with a Harvey stared. A shot, at close quarters, was fired from the “Why, Jefferson,” he saia, “if you did really | enemy, and an involuntary cry escaped Jeffer- heer. an it was so.faint that you couid “cr e. ; “g KR b rtainly not say what it was, even if it was a cat eaven e exclaimed; amfhit hard, Jefferson made joi look ed to his some impatient rejoinder, and ‘Iam so certain he said, *‘that I am ing off to to be in » ore fn time tee eae “To save him.” Harvey looked upon his comngaion as <g forward, and park of the rascals, then he fell le. Toe broken heads were the result of his first . Up came Jolt rt came Jefferson as hammer fist, he grassed the traitor like a frie sno. ; “‘Miscreants!” cried old Jack; ‘‘ they shall pay bitterly for that,” ' Snatching up the nearest weapon to hand—one of the spades which had been employed in dig- ging his grave—he dashed rapidly to meet the ‘0e. Jefferson pulled himself together. “* Now for it.” Nearing them, old Jack made a sudden rush * firing his revolver right into the’ upon them with: unston shooting out his
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gearcel Nor was Harkaway idle, as you may sup- pose. He did not dispense his favors as evenly as Jefferson. 5 4 “ Take that!” cried Jefferson. i, He took it. 7. It was not at all nice, nor would the man have ~ taken it had he been able to do as he liked. my ) But it was not a matter of choice. Down he went, like a stone ina pond. Now while the it was going on thus well for our gece Jefferson ana kaway—for oe ot aereny. scared a scratch after Jef- which more anon—the bold ‘ a day. > Hunston, who was sprawling upon the ground, : Sal deslh hich @ tqpechorour stroke across the pented of it. af knee. % But the dealer of this fatal stroke soon re- Jefferson fell half him. upon down, it-soon became very hot work for the 4 Poor old Jack was sorely pressed by the enemy. , Yet he contrived to keep them at ba fairly, for he had a strong and Suctentas cia 3 arm, they one and all had learned to “ Shoot him down!” shouted one of the villains. ¥ “Who has got a pistol?” , A sharp report followed this closely. bat happily the baleen clone to old ear withou him any damage. ia tack nearer and it would have been awk- , ward. ©" Harkaway dropped on them in reply. Ding, dong, he went at the man with the _—, and his fists did not do as the bullet had ; ey did not whistle past him, but came : it home, and made the wretched . of the pistol bitterly repent ever having that The first blow from old Jack's left knocked his head com out of the square. The man lived long after. But he never got over the crick in the neck which that doughty blow gave him. Old Jack was on his Tt was a rare sight to see him drop into those ns. How it would have 4 perp the heart of some of his old schoolfellows, and his old college chums, too. » + ~ > * * “Jack,” called the r maimed Jefferson, iy oring him over, and he could not even reply it. ‘ack, I—l—lend a hand. It’s all over with LA / a ray cra vea ‘ The word ee lier i fetch toaeae —the en- at his adversaries, he scattered them and ran to Jefferson. Saito un te lay side by side aathelary a as uy OE eS oer = was a piteous sight. way saw the fatal knife, reeking with HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. the bold American’s blood, and it filled them with He fell the destroyer with d in e fell upon yer leep rage his heart, and gave him no 3 But tis atk eaniy-otes bim his own life, for the rest of the men were upon him in an instant, and he was borne to the ground and over- powered. * * * * * * Sudderly there were four or five shots fired in — succession. party of armed men came down the hill at a te It was ey and his friends. The ees, now reduced to three, vainly endeavored to fly. There was not a sound man amongst them, for Jefferson and old Jack had so dealt upon them that they could not get over the ground very. fast. fore they could get a dozen yards, they were shot down or beaten to the ground. The victory was, after all, with our friends. But ah, at what terrible price! Harkaway had three wounds, ugly to look at, but not dangerous. Alas for poor Jefferson! He was one mass of wounds, from head to toe. The knife and the bullet had done their work. “Harvey,” said Jefferson, faintly, ve me something to drink. I shall choke with as A flask of brandy was placed to his lips, and he freely. The ardent spirit appeared to revive him. ‘*Hah! that’s brave,” he said, ing with evident difficulty for a minuteortwo. “It can’t last long.” : “ Come—come, Jeff,” said Dick; “it isn’t so bad as that.” returned the dying man, seri- Seked th brave Amettoesi, e brave with a faint le of recognition. ** No—no; knocked about.” “ But not fatal?” *T trust not.” “Heaven be thanked!” returned Jefferson. earnestly, ‘‘for the sake of your poor wife and our boy. Jack, old friend, I am going home fast,” he went on seriously. ‘‘I begin to see clearly, ae on a certain point.” “ You must leave these wild scenes. A family man has no right to play pitch-and-toss with his life like that. For me it is very different. I had nothing to live for, and I sha’n’t live long.” Here he smiled grimly. “Yes, you will, you must, for all our sakes,” cried Harkaway. : ‘Not I. I feel I am about leaving you all in this world for ever.” 0. “Yes, itisso. That lastdig was quite enough to do for me, if I hadn’t received my quantity before, howe I a, But we have them royally, Jack, o : ing We'did—ve did,” returned Harkaway, press- ” “* Yes, Seiferson.” * Give me another at the bottle, while you count up the field.” — iy " Harvey or Another nk gave the brave man renewed strength, and he awaited Haryey’s reply with ap) nt eagerness. “ Eleven of them.” “Huzzah!” cried the d: American. ‘‘That's something. By Heaven, Jack, these vagabond bushrangers will learn to respect the name of Harkaway for evermore. The effect cost him dearly, and as the last passed his lips, Jefferson sank back pale .‘ “Here, Jeff.” ‘ “Give me your hand—a hand each,” said the brave fellow, oktne up into their faces. ‘‘The end is near—a few moments only, and it will be 1 Jott Toft,” 7 hi “Je exclaimed Harvey, averting his face, “‘ you'll break,my heart.” m “Don’t be a fool, ” returned the d mean, SES Se See Oe seen ae x4 ness. regret me, dear Why, if m death this solute, T eculd I had to choose not hit upon one so glorious. I have learn- ed to love you, Jack, asa brother, and tomeitisa mapyinem have fallen in saving you. God bless you, Jack!” Harkaway returned his ip in silence. His howe wos tar eo tall ts “You'll have to me in the ve they for Jack,” he said turnin to Dick Harvey. oe a sad smile. “* odd Think of poor Jeff sometimes, and never ing to rejoin my : friend, Brand—poor little ! a dear friend His voice grew fainter. A film gathered over his eyes. He tried te again. But, although his lips moved, no sound came. It was too late. ; A faint, spasmodic quiver of the lips, and the bravest heart that ever beat was still forever. _ The bold Jefferson had gone to rejoin friend, Magog Brand, in real earnest. * * * * * * Slowly—reverently they laid the dead brave fellow in the grave ready dug. The only funeral service given over him was a silent pears and the bitter tears of his heart- . broken friends and comrades. pt “ Fareweil, dear—dear Jefferson!” wailed Harkaway. ‘‘Weshall never look upon such a friend as you in.” “‘ Never,” iterated Harvey, bitterly—‘“‘never!” “ Peace be to his ashes!” — CHAPTER XIV. MR. MOLE HAS A WONDERFUL ADVENTURE— HOW TINKER FISHED HIM OUT—A WICKED HOAX, UNEASINESS prevailed in the settlement. A a day passed by, and no news of Jack or Dick. Young Jack and his friend, Harry Girdwood, did their best to reassure Mrs. Harkaway and the ladies generally. F They were, however, far from comfortable in their own minds. Where could they be? Why was there no message? ese terrible mishap, doubtless, had oc- The only person in all the settlement who ap ” peared to take it less to heart than all the rest, "ithe black bo ¢ wanting in sympath was not wanting in s: y nor kindly Be fo but he constantly repeated that it was not so easy to get over the ground as er supposed. ow so lightly did Tinker take the matter— such was iil botieiaiaa confidence in his master, old Jack, and in Jefferson, Harvey, and the rest —that he kept up his pranks, and kept the set- tlement generally in a state of commotion by one cular experiment. He himself up a tent close beside Mole’s, and into this tent, in the dead of ni he soever a pick and spade, and a variety too . Mr. Mole eyed that tent with distrust, for ker shown him that he was an adept in the villanous art of practical joking. Still Tiuker kept to his own tent, and never by me chance ventured to intrude upon Mr. Mole. eanwhile, Tinker worked as hard as a galley- slave under his own canvas. No one could guess at what. Tinker was close. “ Close as wax, sar, dis bewful, — om Py sar,” he said, with a grin, to anyone who tri to fathom him. Mr. Mole was uneasy. r From Tinker’s tent came forth the most dis ’ cordant sounds, which continually reminded Mole of that attack upon his mine by the ~~ savages, inne when fea Mamet ‘= the tent pepo d en sho very evident si worked cep hard. Worked at what? fi “4 eee eects ae ey ee Fe, Was there some fresh conspiracy batching! x “That beast of a black boy means mischief, I i know,” said Mole to himsel*, repeatedly. “ Does ‘J he mean to rob me?” \ Dreadful thi t. Poor old Mole not leave his mine. Waking or sleeping, he dare not leave it. He drankin it, and wrapped in thick Llane e Cc he in it, and during his sleep, yous ae and would 5 i poet and in the earth a few its oF old brass can- eatih fust f0 encourage ol Mole in his search for yb ss Rew although Mole’s property had beondesig- . Fa. _ ¥ “ =
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nated the mine, the reader must not suppose it Was an excavation of any great depth. The mime consisted of a hole some ten feet span, at tne bottom of which was asmaller ex- cavation cwo feet m ch'cumterence, and perhaps _. ebout the same depth. ; Here it was, Mr Mole was convinced, lay the metal, which was to reward him for all he had suffered and undergone in the past. This was now a spot most jealously ed by the mine owner, who sat on the side of the : pit with his teet in the hole at the bottom of it. ¥ “Now if I arop off to sicep,” said the wary Mole to tamself. with a chuckle, “ I'll defy Mas- ‘Tinker or any of the robbers to come and y tricks with my property, without disturb- wh, it’s astonishin, I feel,” how dro Mr. Mole, yawning. f I shall myself I don’t look out—ya-awh!” / * - * * * * Tinker plied pick and spade. He was always at it. And why? _ ‘There was a reason for it, and that reason was _ shortly to appear. ms y, ain’t I wicked?” he said to himself, as ‘ he paused in ‘his self-set labor. ‘‘ Cantankerous <7 naughty, spiteful Iam. Yah—yah!” p+ e suddenly short in his laugh. »). * Who's dar?” ited _ It’s only me, Tinker,” answered a familiar voice. ‘Massa Jack?” _._-** Yes,” said our youthful hero; “and Harry’s _ with me.” _ What you want?” asked the black boy, run- 7 ee oe meee mint, bp Aa to prevents him taking - aclose observation of his work. HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS, ~ sound, until the hole at the bottom of the pit was full. A foot bath. « It was indeed a foot bath with a vengeance. While the wooden limbs were bathed it was all very well, but the water rose higher, until it reached his flesh. And then it struck a sudden chill to him, that caused him to rouse up with a shiver. “ What an extraordinary feeling!” he exclaim- ed; “just for all the world as if I was sitting in eold wat—halloo!” Hestared in utter amazement. Sed oa it ere ? i e water rose higher higher, until it cov- ered his legs and thighs. i This aroused Mr. Mole thoroughly,and he gave a might pun oe of the hole. wi at the n he could But t had made it sli edges, and down he flopped faster t up. ut this time, he went sprawling full length in a hole, only to scramble up again spluttering A miserably ludicrous aspect he presented, when he got up, too. And the water was still risi aw C) rising. He elutched frantically at edge of the fingers, and mine, but the earth crumbled in his down he went again. - “ Help!” he shouted, “ sry Gt Some- thing’s the matter withmy gold mine. Help— help!” d poor Mole been less frightened, he might have heard Tinker’s triumphant laughter. ‘¢Tinker!” cried Mole, wildly, as the water arose higher and higher. ‘Tinker! Help, I nae en ba Tinker! come and help your ol ole. Tinker came running out of his tent, followed “We only want to know what you are doing?” | by Harry Girdwood and young Jack. Have you found a gold mifie, too?” asked| ‘Oh, Lor’—oh, Lor’, Massa Jack!” cried Tink- aNe 4 : er, apenas, in the greatest surprise. ‘Jes’ Sy lied with a suppressed grin, that | look nyar. Hyar’s Massa Mole a swimmin’ like ~~ rumbled eciibly.in his inside, as though it threat- | mad.” ened some volcanic eruption. “Massa Jack,” said Tinker, pulling a hypo- ‘critical face, “ I’se awful wicked jest.” _ ** We know that you’re awful wicked, Tinker,” said Harry Girdwood. ** Now tell us what you are after here,” said Sey Jack. f 2 You tell nobody?” said Tinker, in a whisper. me Pull me out, you young villain!” yelled le. “What yar washin’ yerself for, Massa Mole?” inquired Tinker. ole made a grab upwards, but missing his hold, down he dropped again, and was covered with. water. ‘ Beast!” he cried, as soon as he could etre breath. “Pull me out, you young black ee 0. Sy! eae * you, Massa Harry?” “Yes, sar,” answered er, as coolly as if rg “fll be ; the matt ., was cane Of wore : whatever. liam is saysierions socrst dee Ses peer etevilt” ovled poe Maid, “Tl have you 5. the of the situation so tickled bis | whipped.” = _ that he couldn't get a word out for} “ ah—yah!” laughed Tinker. , I ’spects Tse to bust right up d jp nem eine DS oe Wall oot with it, Tinker,” said young Jack, i ‘vy, “and let us ‘ bust u ’ with ou.” k yar,” said the black boy, leading into his digging. “Look at dis hyar fun- el? Oh, you mean tunnel,” said Harry in young Jack's ear. . heard it, too. : these si young boys laughed until ir sides. E thought meta a i I hearda noise. Very odd. ey thinks to people. I’m just as if Twas af Ha-ha-ha?’ _ The idea ied “ Just like a foot bath,for all the world. Fancy washing my wooden legs. * * * * * and quicker with a gurgling eee ¥ in a x , o Tink langhed in kin agra ana er in val wa took an elaborate double, sight at he who writhed with rage and with the un of the situation. “The water is rushing in quicker. I shall be drowned. nee me out, oh I'll kill you!” yelled Mole, shaking his fist at him. “Den Ino get you out,” cried Tinker, ranning ats “ Tinker—Tinker!” cried Mole. “Good Tinker, do help me out.” 5 Tinker slowly returned. * Dat’s better,” he said. ‘‘ And now,” he added, wagging his forefinger at the unfortunate igger, ‘“you be good boy for the few- “Yes—yes!” gasped Mole. * Den out you come.” Saying which, he let down a rope, and pulled the old gentieman ont. = Once free from the water, he hoisted him up, until] Jack and Harry were within reach, and the deaslage Ae as him =~ inker sat on the nd, laughing at the mis- erable figure old Mole cut at ror Hate CHAPTER XV. MR. MOLE “MAKES AN AWFUL DISCOVERY—THE TEST OF THE GOLD AND THE EXTINGUISHER NUGGET. : “Way, however did the accident happen, sir?’ asked Harry Girdwood. “T struck onaspring, I suppose,” replied Mole. “No doubt, sir.” «Good lot of springs, Massa Mole,” said Tink- er, . : iP shoukd almost. think so,” said Mr. Mole, “Just you run up to the big house and a caf clothing.” ~ Song chang “Yes, sar. Oh, sar, I tell you what you look like, sar; you look like a splendiferous water ae heh yah—yah!” * Yes, sar.” ; Tinker ran off, just in time to save himself from a lump of mud Mole was about to throw at him. And while he was gone, Harry and young- Jack strolled dround Mr, Mole’s gold and water - mine. No sooner were they gone than Mr. Mole was seized with a fit of curiosity. “What can that boy Tinker have been after there?” he muttered to himself. So looking about him to see that Harry and y Jack were occupied elsewhere, he stepped into the tent and——” seca tee =u hole in th d which ere was a hu; ole in the ground w! almost rivalled pg tere itself. ** This is a very sin; thing,” said Mr. Mole, aloud. ‘“ Niggers and monkeys are almost kin- dred. This yor Tinker has been seized with a awh imitation. e’s been digging because I’ve n ~ He drew nearer. The excavation which Tinker had so labored at went in a slanting direction so as to reach, at the bottom, the depths of Mr. Mole’s celebrated mine. This was a very singular fact to Mr. Mole. ““There’s smnething in that,” muttered the old Id seeker to himself. ‘‘Some deep villany. y, what can this be?” A pipe. An iron pipe, and fitted into the top of it an immense funnel which seemed to indieate that it had been used as a water pipe. Mole staggered back and looked about the tent, when his eyes dropped onto a big tub of water, half sunk in the ground, close by the pi and funnel, but which had been mioment concealed from view by a mound of the thrown up out of the tunnel. “There’s something in this more than meets the eye,” said Mr. Mole, to himself. ‘* That tub is to supply the water which is down the pipe by means of the funnel. That is clear en But where the deuce does this water- pipe to? Where? Unless into my gold mine?’ : . It flashed across him at once. And as the trick dawned his startled im- he could only find one word in disgust and indignation. to his utter di ae “gee se beast!” ais is epithet escaped him, he heard the voice of Tinker, moose: ‘* Where am de ole water Mole?” “Come along, Tinker,” cried young Jack. ““ What a long time you have been. : “De lubly Missie Mole wouldn’t gib me de Mole’s fings.” “Little beast,” muttered Mole, under his breath, “‘Tll ‘fings’ you.” By this the irate old gentleman meant to con- vey a novel form of punishment which Tinker was very far from expecting. He quietly dipped a pail of water from the tub and waited. ees up behind Tinker’s own tent. olding Tinkér’s own of water. “ Where is Massa Mole “Isn't he there?’ demanded Harry Girdwood. «Took areund.” D “He ain’t dere, by golly,” said Tinker, “ And T’se got such gollopshus bewful close for him, all dry and warm—ha, ooh!” wl The latter Specie tion was elicited by the sud- den dashing of the pucket of water from behind the tent into the young darkey’s face. “Take that, and that,” cried Mole, rushing out d giving the Tinker a vicious thum with the now empty bucket; ‘‘ undermine on S will. yout nipon hs A ep abt al e a water ~ me, Take that, and that. et Rod as sacks ocd betel 2 peer eee Tinker scrambled up when the surprise was over, and bolted off to a safe distance. wey, ole man, with nasty legs,” cried the Tinker, a Ht, This aggravated Mole again, and around he g rate f went after him at a dashin ; But Tinker was an awkward customer to try _ on a race with, for he dodged and doubled in a way that would have surprised the most active le. mK Eee here, and here ina jit tsa, aiin utara
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“*T have you now,” exclaimed Mole. f No. Mr. Mole had not got Tinker, for that te active black youth nimbly rolled aside and was = on his feet in an instant. 2 Then he waited until the old ot close upon him, and bolted off just as the other oa thought he had him in his clutches. At length, Mr. Mole, fairly pumped out, was obliged to sit doses and pant for woe reeaecek “You oung viper,” gas ole, “ fave you tied up and flogged within an inch of your life.” “Yah! ooh! you turn old nigger hunter,” jeered Tinker, from asafe distance. ‘“‘ Bring me my dry clothes, my boy.” Tinker never moved. “ Do you hear, sir?” % Yes, sar. Dis chile hear bewful, only he don’t eome. Threats being of no avail, Mr. Mole called for assistance to young Jack and his companion, who stood near enjoying the scene. “Bring me my dry clothes, Jack, my boy.” “Can't, sir.” “Why?” “ They're wet.” POD be abe don’t mean to say that that beast a boy ——” “Not a beast, sir,” replied Jack. ‘“ You wet- ted them yourself when you doused the water over that rude Tinker.” Mole groaned. “*T shall catch the lumbago, and ticdoloreux, and sciatica, and all the rest of it,” he an- gentleman was Swered. “Yes, sar,” grinned Tinker, ‘you get de tic- j tego ax} do asintica, an’ all de family of dem tic ; ma on all aaa Mole. “Devil!” . * Hh dat’s me, sir,” responded Tinker, Mr. Mole tried threats and denunciations until be See ee Sas no avail And then he returned to ing, and in this way was happily more successful. Tinker was induced to make a second journe {+ the house for more garments, and so Mr. M = ota ig-out. > bin” * * * * “My opinion is,” said Mr. M du #2 alyen are all in this job.” ole, dubiously, their innocence; but p i “T wouldn’t believe you on oath,” Mole; “‘ not either of yeu, but Pil tell Pl look over it all on two conditions.” “ What are they, sir?” * Firstly, that you help me undo the mischief said Mr. you what. you have caused. . “And next?” “That when you have helped me draw off the on you don’t mention a word of this to any- <A This they willingly agreed to. oo set to work with a will, and it was avery The water sank into the earth when they had got a bucket or two of it out. So Mate ae Lae ae bes ammeter of a few hours’ work. When the mine was clear, they set to work digging with Mr. Mole, and to relate, they had not been long at work when they came then revealed the most curious lic object of his excitemen the nugget, which was and hollow. said the excitable mine- - do looks for all the eone , bless me,” in | Harry Baty HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS, *Lubly gold, dat sar. Tinker glad to turn water mole to get such lubly gold.” ** You—you—you——” He had exhausted his vocabulary of abuse, and could not think of any name vile enough for the black boy. “ Bewful, gollopshus nugget, dat ’stinguisher, Massa Mole. Mole groaned. He said never a word, but ‘scrambled out of the diggings and went into his tent, where the bag of small nuggets was hidden. ragging it out, he applied the tests—it is oheangs that he should not have thought of it be- fore, but he had had no icions of trickery— and it all proved to be like the extinguisher. Candlestick gold, melted down by Jack and His anguish on comes this discovery could only find vent in one word: “ Sold had He was. “Tt’s a robl , too,” he exclaimed in his in- dignation, “ an infamous conspiracy and a rob- bery—those ome were init. Vl have them all conee way shall know of it.” e If over the settlement, and he would not dare to show his face for months. When he reflected, he felt rather ashamed of | the greed of gain that he had shown in his pur- chase of the mine. He knew that he had been chuckling over the way in which he had got such a grand out of those two unsophisticated darkeys, Sun- | day and Monday—at least he thought—and he knew that on that ground he was not justified in making it a ground of serious complaint. But he could not swallow the transaction. * Listen to me, you boys,” he said, severely. “We'se listenin’, sar, responded er, abr “T didn’t speak to you,” retorted Mr. Mole, “No, sar; dis lubly chile spoke to you, sar.” “ Hold your tongue.” “Bress my hart,” said Tinker, ‘‘ain’t Massa | Mole in a immense cantankerous big temper? Yah, Tinker run and fetch some rum to mix wid de water Massa Mole swallowed, yah—yah!” **You have been joining in a swindle,” said | Mr. Mole, not deigning to notice the irrepressi- | ble Tinker. ‘That's just what your practical joking has led you into.” “ A swindle “a Yes.” “ But you haven't read Monday’s letter.” “What letter?” “He told me that he had left a letter for you in the tent.” ity sir Yes, there it was; a big white pinned hey had of men for the service. with a wooden skewer to t mean teal of the} ‘ Romaboay seek command here,” said tent in a prominent place enough, but one which | Mole. had hitherto Mr. Mole’s attention. The old gentleman “DeaR BRUDDER MOLE: ‘You wanted to buy a gold mine for nuffin or thereabout, and so you was sold yesself. I carn’t rob my own relashin, an’ so I return your money, less the price of the candlestick. “ An’ we don't charge nuffin for de amusation [proba- bly the writer meant ‘amusement’ that we have give you, brudder Mole, nor nuffin for this bew- | moral lesson agin greed of gold. Sono more jes’ at presenk fram your own brudder, . “Cmsan HANNIBAL A. JEX, “Common known as Sunday.” “Done for!” groaned Mole, as he concluded this singular composition. ‘“* Yes, sar, done brown, not black, sar.” Tinker was there at the entrance to the tent, ” nodding and z “Done for Maat Site, sar. Done for bewful luscious brown. Yes, sar.” the Ba Mole used a naughty word, and rushed at But Tinker was off. And when be got out he saw young Jack, Girdwood and Tinker, stepping out to- wards the settlement ata smart pace. The laughter of those mirth-loving ose - y prac- od him the ane ae Spire} wderdoer ps aacieenney most lively apprehensions. “ Tt will never co to let them the hear the last arkaway knew of it, the tale would fly all | | catch dis nice infant.” | oncey ere Mr, Mole came on ;a discussion going forward which turned them mise the matter with them, Join in the laughat — my own Ugh!” is was apill to swallow; pope it down as best he could, and made up his promptly. * * - * * * “* Here he comes.” * Mole?” ““ Yes.” “Shall we run?” “Yes, sar,” responded Tinker. ‘ Dis bewful — ’ —— xg to ere * eae ay “Stop a bit,” said Harry Girdwood, looking back; ‘* whatever is he after now?” ow They turned around, and saw Mr. Mole ing along as fast as he could stump it, and way ing a white pocket-handkerchief at them as came. e, tA, of tru the living jingo: claimed Jack. yee 3 ** So it is.” ‘“*He’s afraid of the chaff.” “T’'se gwine!” cried Tinker. “Me not let him “ Sto yp!” But Tinker was not to be coaxed into this. He had not got the same faith in a flag of truce as his more civilized companions, and he was al- ready back in the settlement with Sunday and chatting with ys, making the best of his misfortune CHAPTER XVI. MOLE LEADS A RELIEF PARTY IN SEARCH OF OLB JACK. WHEN the settlement was reached, there was the two all from gay to grave at once. Bad news had arrived about the absent friends. A messenger had come in from Harkaway, an- nouncing the unfortunate death of the ow c sey Toda had Mowtin holding , unday an onday were a meeting with several of the most trustworthy of the set- tlers, and volunteers were invited to join a re- Bec: Teck bra Harry oung Jack and his brave companion, 5 would fain have gone with the party, but this could not be entertained for a moment. Somebody must remain to guard the settle ment, for it was es possible that the bushrang- ers, who were own to be very numerous, would discover the comparative weakness of the place, if a sufficient guard were not kept. In that case, in all D beyyone they would make a descent upon them, and take them by although couched in ames un le at home, quite forgot his little grievances in this state of affairs. “Of course,” said Harry Girdwood; “ must be a leader that we can all look up to.” “What do you say to Mr. Mole?” suggested onaof the men. ‘*Not I,” returned Mole; “I am after our dear friends, to see if I can take one life for poor Jefferson’s.” “You are going with the volunteers?” said cate “You must not, sir,” said young Jack. “T shall!” , “oe His voice and manner showed firmness to which they had not been And, indeed, do what they would to move him, it was of no avail. He was as firm asa rock, All his old eecentricities of character seemed to
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HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. fullof more serious mattez,for the generous eulogies iced by the old gentleman made uur hero feel v ortable over his share in their little wi of the gold-mine hoax. * * * * * * * And now we're off,” said Mr. Mole, shoulder- ing his rifle. * Already?” “No time like the Mr. Mole, ba God bless you. Righ a ringing cheer after them to help them on their way. ee CHAPTER XVII. HUNSTON’S PUNISHMENT—HIS COMRADES JUDGE se AND CONDEMN HIM—THE EXECUTION. Huwston was badly hurt in the fatal fight. But not dead. * As he Jay stretched upon the ground surround- * ed by the dead and dying, he dare not move hand J or foot lest they should revenge upon him the death of Jefferson. But when the triumphant enemy had moved a little way off to pay the last sad tribute of re- : spect to their lion-hearted dead, Hunston con- : trived he crawl into the low brushwood and hide Here he la: , & prey to the most violent anguish of his wound, and devoured by fever. He would have given anything for one drop of water. Hour after hour, he lay there parched—chok- ing. 4 na when some hours had thus gone by his y ‘ “‘nereased by the The mechanical i see shot sharp burning ler shot s\ 5 him cry out in spite of ie 3 Paes ‘erings. himself from ‘the arm, but _ Whether it was that in his he did not _ to work in the ri, way, or whether trom w - ~ ness or the confined space in which he lay con- _ eealed, he could not move it. The old su itious feeling came back. an hour or more, and as his consciousness came back, his pai Familiar voices, too. “There’s the spot, Captain Morgan; and see ” This man had fled in good time, and coming accident across Captain Morgan, had relat fact in the most favorable light for him- under orders or not. — his tender side. and most jeal- usurped by any- “Yes, captain,” replied his informant, “six that. we know of.” “T wish we had only got Hunston Master | here,” said Morgan, bitterly; “he should not have pe ama ge of taking such a job upon Hunston heard every word of this quite dis- a ‘He can't have got far, captain.” ““ Why not?’ “He was badly hurt.” **So much the better.” Hunston winced. There was not much hope or comfort in this for him. “Call your men, Barker,” said Morgan, “ and oe oe eae? this Hunston.” 3 e ranger’s men were summoned, an then an active search for Hunston began. They were net long in routing him ‘an and he was brought before Morgan to be tried and answer for the calamity he had “Now,” said Morgan, “‘ what have you to say for yourself?” - “Only this,” replied Hunston faintly, for he was exhausted with his sufferings; “‘I have lost my life in fi hting in your cause.” ‘That’s false,” retorted M “You sacrificed my men in trying to gratify your own private spite.” “And yours.” “Of course.” Net A. hen Send in de ” said Mr. m work when a danger, i - Mole, with a touch of his old dignity, “but I hope to show you, Harvey, that I have yet some steam left in me.” ‘‘T don’t doubt it for a moment, sir,” said Har- vey. raat afraid you do.” o—no. “You wouldn’t be here, sir,” said Harkaway, ‘if you hadn’t got as much of the old fire in you as ever. This tified Mr. Mole more than anything. While ey were € in this conv: Mer there was a wild “whoop” or cry, and a black a unded up to the spo a Ms. Mole back. a “ What's : “Tt is Wangi,a scout we have engaged,” re- a plied Harkaway. “He knows Tinker, and all Be about Mo: and his men.” “Ts he reliable?” asked the cautious Mole, % oe Quite. ” q Wangi was a bright en of an ugly race, “| and he was full of inte ce. They had come across him et ee moment, for the bushrangers had been ill- treating the unfortunate fellow, and he was smarting under a sense of injury, both physical we “‘My affairs had no place in your mind,” said | and Morgan, sternly, “‘and you know it.” ‘‘Haven’t I paid the penalty for it?” said Hun- ston. *“‘I am done for.” “Not yet, but you may be. Hark you, my men, this fellow has come amongst us to sacri- | fice the lives of our comrades for his own ~ po. He tried to torture a man to death. Now, arkaway is no friend of ours.” “* No—no.” “True, he is not, but we are men, not canni- bals or wild Indians. We can kill our enemies in fair fight, but not bury them alive.” “*No—no.” ‘“ What shall we do to him for this?” said Mor- ae ‘““What can we do to him for causing the eee so many of our best and bravest com- es No answer came. ‘*Speak.” The men were still silent, and Hunston began feebly to hope. “Ig Basan $08 GOcd for him? It is, but we must show him more es he would show sd enemies. Who has : rope? : e Was a aa A sickening len upon knew well that no appeals for mercy would be entertained by these men. He merited none. One end of the rope was cast over the branch of a tree, and a noose was made in it. The arms of the condemned man were fastened behind him. The noose was placed around his neck. A slight tremor of the neck was —— as Ni the fatal cord touched his flesh, but he said noth- | with ing. A dull, settled look was u his face, and strange to relate, at this awful moment, he had quite forgotten the present, and was back in the past. All the events of his old life passed in rapid succession before his eyes, and after pang of t shot through his hardened heart. “Have you anyti sl r. M aig eee 8, ‘let him look out.” esa ? said M brutall sie atin coun “yemeiose: tile ft , are you organ > “Weill cure that for you. Pull away. lads.” . The next moment Hunston was dangling in the air. CHAPTER XVIIL MEETING WITH HARKAWAY’S PARTY—THE SCOUTS AND THEIR NEWS—A BRUSH WITH THE BUSH- RANGERS—HOT WORK—HOW MOLE KEPT HIS ENGAGEMENT. MOoLeE’s pay made forced marches until they went for- fir Mate unt yer that . Mole, sorry out on such an adventure this. “My dear een - ws how “a 4 ig to say?” demanded the | « Ami as for this Captain Morgan,” He had been so kindly used by the Harkaway 7 — he was eager to render them every al possible service. : “Well, Wangi,” said old Jack, “‘what have you Sea this for Sasa : ‘“Morgan warrior close,” repli scout, == pointing to the direction he had come from. 5 “How far?’ ‘ **Close—so close.” “ And Morgan, that makes eleven.” i a can count for three,” said Dick: © | te as good as three of the others.” ae. = en Morgan, the bushranger, shall = care,” said Mole, pompously. Harkaway t it it over while. ees, © a pois eek pe age be lution, “let a on; we must exterminate these mis nae creant > Ta The scout now explained that the bushranger? ie had caught one of the yma Mga and were about to make short work of him. “You are wrong there,” re wa! ‘*we are all here nt.” . sy { : The scout ed that it was at an: rate an\ ee enemy of theirs, and a white man—hence his reason for presuming it to bea member ofthe Harkaway ition. ‘“* Perhaps it is one of Morgan’s band.” ‘““No friend—no bushranger,” said Wangi, 9, “ 'S “ee ** This is very strange,” said Harkaway; “let * we some sail forward,” said “ Ss ess — |) aa Harvey, “and we are bound to be in it.” rar said Mr,
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turning around indignantly, for he found him- self ane in the open. " — pehengery coming down upon him in directions, and he never attem to move, but boldly faced them. 3 This example was soon followed by his men in very shame; back they came to the support of their chief. There was a momentary pause, and the bush- ee net was the first of his party to break groun He cocked his rifle, and bringing it up to his shoulder, was just upon the point of deliver his fire, when Mr. Mole stumped forward an hurled his hat at him. Itserved the purpose of putting him off his Else Dick Harvey would not have lived to join in the encounter, for the bushranger’s a was omg oh and he noone shot for _ ‘iow, while they were vario engaged thus, Harka : Let the wretch- way rushed to the tree w Hunston was dangling, and cut down the ‘At the self-same instant a shot was fired which sores tain Morgan made a . Mole—and being as ac- tive as he was vigorous, he soon toppled the old man over. Mole was awfully frightened: but he clutched his rifle tenaciously, and swinging it around his he brought it down with tremendous force on Morgan's arm. The next moment Mole pulled the trigger, and then fell backwards. : “ Bang Yr owe the estoy instant, the bushranger — in was to and clappi is suddenly on his ches, be staggered and fell. Dead! Yes, the redoubtable bushranger, Captain Mor- gan, was dead. And his conqueror was Isaac Mole. CHAPTER XIX. SUNDAY'S LAST STRUGGLE WITH TORO—VICTORY. Mr. MOLE soon realized the fact of his victory, ad he was not slow to take advantage of it, for 2 was not the man to lose a bit of any possible ie, such a stroke. ie old, I have finished Captain Morgan!” he ed, as he got up from the ground; “‘now smite vibaisie-—axaite ‘em, hip an’ thigh; he rest of harge!” There was a cheer from the settlers. The rs turned tail on seeing their pader fall, and fled precipitately, just as Toro ppeared on the scene. “ Harvey,” cried Harkaway, holding Hunston m his arms, “look at this wreck of a man. Wan- igi,” he added, to the scout, “ bring me some water. He is not dead; he has only fainted, I 7 7 With infinite pains they brought Hunston to consciousness. ; And while Harkaway held his old enemy inhis arms, Harvey, Mole and Monday followed the defeated tov apenl closeiy up. A regular panic had seized upon them,and they fled madly. In vain did Toro endeavor to rally them. The Italian bully, with all his many defects, Was no coward, and he was wild with rage and tment at their ignominious flight. 7 cowards!” he cried; ‘“‘stop—stand and an’ ae they |\—faster than ever. t “ Curse your white livers!” he cried; “‘go then “and leave me. If you are afraid, lamnot. I'll _ show you how a brave man can face his enemies.” *.. This heroic speech had no effect whatever upon They increased their and disappeared. Toro launched one curse after them and turned to face the foe. _ . On came the Englishmen, and with them the - two darkeys, y and Monday. _ “Don’t fire,” cried Dick, who could not help | es ane the boldness of the Italian ruffian. ; “We sha’n’t take him alive,? said Monday. __ “I know it,” returned Harvey; “‘ but give him | a chance, as we are four toone. Leave him to ny Es “Tt shail be no one’s job but mine,” en hae ) iQ HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. bondage of slavery; but I have learnt since then to feel like a man, and I will see to him now; so stand back.” And then, before they could offer a word of remonstrance or objection, the sturdy negro rushed forward alone. Now, Sunday had nothing better to help him in his encounter with so redoubtable an antagon- ist than a short dagger-knife and stout heart, But he never quailed an instant. ‘“*T’se come to fetch you, Toro,” said the darkey, boldly; ‘so give in quietly.” Toro made no reply. The audacity annoyed him. So much so, in fact, that he was in a measure taken by surprise when the bold darkey leaped upon him, knife in hand. “Take dat.” Toro got it. The knife had only about five inches of blade, but the Italian got it all, up to the very hilt, in a 1 app st ; Vith a cry of rage and pain, the Italian closed with his react ent grabbed at the knife. But Sunday was ready. Wrenching the knife away with his whole force, he severed the fingers of Toro’s right , and jabbed away again ioe age % “ This second blow took effect in his cheek, in- flicting a hideous-looking wound, which was not, however, so serious as the former blow. Toro sbook himself free, and swin, his brawny arm, he dealt the lu terrific blow which floored him. The spectators gavea cry of alarm at this. Their man was done for. The Italian fell upon him with his whole weight, half crushing the luckless black. But what Sunday wanted instrength, was fully compensated for in extra activity, and he grap- pled eagerly with the foe. A desperate and fatal struggle ensued. Over and over they rolled the Italian ham- mering away at r Sunday’s head in a way that threatened to batter his skull in. But a negro’s skull is proverbially thick. Sunday’s was no exception to the rule. He took his punishment without any icular noise, never attempting to dodge a blow, but is his sole attention to that ugly little knife. And as they rolled over, he stabbed and stab- bed again with such a fierce energy, that the Italian’s huge body, was a mass of wounds. At length, Toro seized the unhappy Sunday with his left hand, and holding him momentarily at arm’s length, he dealt him one slaughtering stroke that sent him lifeless to the earth. But this was Toro’s final effort, and almost at the same moment, he shook all over and fell across his lifeless antagonist with a dull, hollow groan. Harvey rushed forward to raise the negro, but first they had to drag the giant Italian off Toro offered no resistance now. He slid through their hands to the ground, and as he lay on his back, he looked towards the life- less negro with a sickly smile of triumph, and so his features grew rigid with the horrible look upon them. “ He's dead,” exclaimed Mole, in an awe-strick- en tone. It was true The redoubtable brigand Toro had seen his last skirmish. He would never trouble any one of his enemies ig around ess negro a ‘* & * * * Poor Sunday!” **He’s only swooning.” **T fear not.” Sunday showed that the latter speaker’s fear was justified, for as the words were spoken, he opened his eyes. * Whar’s de big beast?” ‘Hush, Sunday,” said Mr. Mole; “‘it’sall over. Th2 wretched, misguided creature is dead.” *“ And a good thing too—serve him right,” re- sponded Sunday, heartily. He scrambled on to his feet, but be was what fighting men know as “ groggy,” and could hard- ly keep up. His head was swollen to twice its ordinary * * dimensions, and his body was knocked into a | | jelly. yet the stout-hearted darkey never thought of his own hurts when he looked at his stalwart 13) stiffening in death. They were old enemies, and Sunday, although not brutal by nature, could not help chuckling at his victory. ppouent, lately so full of life and vigor, now | CHAPTER XX. 4 HUNSTON’S LAST MOMENTS—HARKAWAY’S GENER- OSITY—SAD MEMORIES A.D BITTER REGRETS~— EMMERSON.IS AVENGED AT LAST—THE LEGEND ON THE MECHANICAL ARM IS FULFILLED—THE DEATH OF HUNSTON. ‘“ HUNSTON, come, look up, man.” Hunston opened his eyes, and looked wiidly about him. ‘* Where am I?” ‘Here, with Harkaway. your old school-fellow, Jack. Say, how is it with you now?” Hunston glanced ae a and his eyes rested upon his old schoolfellow and college chum, the man he had so cruelly wronged and plotted against throughout his misspe t nt career. ss it you, Harkaway, or do my eyes deceive me? “No,” replied old Jack, sadly, “I am here, Hunston, here with you to help you, old fellow, if I can.” 4 Hunston’s head was resting upon Harkaway’s knee, but he could not believe that this was a proof of his old enemy’s forgiveness. His evil nature could not comprehend such no- bleness of heart. “Tam in your power, Harkaway,” he said, ‘* but not for long—no, not for long. “Hush!” said old Jack. ‘Don’t talk like that now. Tell me what I can do for you.” “Do for me?’ repeated Hunston, vaguely. “ Nothing; they have done for me without your assistance this time. No—no, nothing, Emmer- son has done it.” And he pressed his shoulder above the me- chanical arm. “Emmerson?” said Harkaway. “ Yes.” *“What mean you?” * His legacy has Hunston. ‘“‘I feel the subtle poison through my veins. Nothing could save me. Sooner or later Robert Emmerson was to be aven him,” responded avenged. I have escaped the knife, the bullet and the rope. I could laugh at them all, for I knew that I bore a charmed life, and that noth- ing could touch me—nothing but Robert son. His cursed skill has done for me, and it has baffled the greatest doctors, one and all. The le- gend on the arm is fulfilled. Iam payi = forfeit of a life’s misdeeds, but not to you, rk-b away, not to you; it isthe poison in the arm.” The look upon the wretched man’s face told such a piteous tale, that Harkaway turned his head away, visibly affected. “You have got the best of it, Harkaway,” pur- sued the dying man, speaking now with evident | difficulty; ‘‘ but the wretched glory of conquer- ing a poor outcast like me doesn’t belong to you; it belongs co the dead and gone—to Robert merson, not to Morgan, either. You'll look after Morgan, Harkaway?’ When one upon whom death had already set his seal talked in this strain, it was inexpressibl, shocking. Harkaway turned his head away and si “You can spare Morgan your enmity now Hunston,” he said, seriously. “ “ te ney ” He has gone before you.” Dead?” | “Yes.” Pe are deceiviug me,” said the dying man, y; “Why should I? I tell you Morgan has al- ready paid the forfeit of his crimes. He is dead.” Hunston’s eyes sparkled with evident satisfac. tion at this intelligence. = “That’s brave news,” he said. ‘I shall cheat you all—Morgan—you—all—all but.Emmerson He is not to be baulked. I feel the deadly infiu- ence of his work stealing around my heart, ana | crushing the life out of me slowly—slowly, but, | ab, how surely!” . | His voice grew fainter yet, and Harkaway nga moistened his lips with the water that Wangi had brought. i This gentle action evidently surprised the suf- fering man, ‘ “ Come—come, Hunston,” said Harkaway, in a kind voice, “tell me if there is anything that J can do for you?” — _ “You are mocking me,” said the dying man. “Not I, by heaven!” “Ts it indeed possible, Harkaway, that you a" }ean forgive such a guilty wretch as | am?—that - | you can pardon all the evil I have wrought Ssx: against you and jours?” Pe “T can,” returned Harkaway, “I cap and do, freely.” Do you forgive my last act of cruelty?” **T do;don’t speak of it,” said Harkawey,gent- +:
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HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. ““You are the most wonderful of men,” fal- tered Hunston; ‘too good, too noble-minded for a base nature like mine to understand. Ah, Harkaway, what a different being I might have been had I been able to resist my evil instincts as a boy, Contact with you should have elevat- ed me, and brought me to Leeper] better than this. But no, it seemed only totend to the very opposite direction. The better you were, the ‘nore generous and forgiving, the viler and baser i became. “Oh, Jack—Jack!” he exclaimed, in bitter re- morse; ‘‘ oh, if I could only wake up to find that - ithadallbeenadream! But no—no, Jack,death _ is stealing around me now, and will not this time be shook away.” And then a sudden change came over his “Jack, I am thinking now of our school days! Ak, Jack, if those times could come again, how different I would act to you and yours!” He held out his hand to Harkaway. “Jack—I must call you Jack, now—hold my hhead higher, Jaek—there.” His voice grew fainter and fainter. “Will your wife forgive me?” he murmur- * Yes yes,” ae your boy, and Dick Harvey, and Mr. ‘ole?’ * All—all, willingly, freely,” returned Harka- ‘way, much airected: nf vi “Bless ou for those words of comfort! I— my debt,” he went on, speaking with the Praatess difficulty, “my debt to all.” Then, after a moment, he said, si «Jack, pray for me; ask your wife, Emily, pray for me. And with these words upon his lips, his head dropped upon Harkaway’s knee, and all was ever. Hunston fell back dead, in his old school- fellow’s arms. to CHAPTER XXI. THE END OF THE BUSHRANGERS—HOW TINKER | LED HIS PARTY TO A BLOODLESS VICTORY—A SIGNAL TRIUMPH, “ BEHOLD, all of you, Captain Morgan is dead, »and it is I—Mole—that have done the daring ~ deed,” said Mr. Mole, with a self-satisfied air; coun of such ” oo A aap ae ** Yes, ITalone!” His hearers stared at the cool audacity of the old gentleman. He did not scruple to assume the honors and tet all that had been done. > “Yes,” he added complacently, while the rest stared and waited for a whacker; “I neverdid a thing better than this job, perhaps, and that is ing something.” : x Yes,” added Harkaway; drily ; “it is certain- saying something,” “Tt has always been my principle,” said Mr. ole, looking around him for admiration, ‘‘ when take a job in hand of this kind, to finish it right Nip ’em in the bud, sirs.” “Bravo!” cried young Jack. “Cut ’em up root and branch, no half meas- bed “ Hear—hear!” While Mr. Mole continued blowing his own whispered a word or two to Tinker. The latter grinned and disappeared. “You ~aroapcer ire said Mole, with a sort i ile, “‘that I think I have done ” moi No doubt.” ‘ “Oh, of course they would fear you,” said Har- | Sin tact, if I had this jobto do I should let it go forth that Isaac Mole command- can wr ge flay then I should——” : ~~ Down with old Mole!” cried a strange voice trumpet in the most brazen manner, young Jack | and pushe Then came a t shout. “Down with Mole!” “Oh, Lor’! oh, Lor’!” exclaimed poor old Mole; ‘‘ where shall I get to?’ It was royal fun to see him pea faet, a could hardly understand over the ground at such a rate. And as he disappeared, Tinker came out of the cover, followed by Sunday and Monday. “Gollopshus great big lark!” said Tinker, hold- ing his sides, and grinning. “* Ha-ha-ha!” ‘* But the point is,” said Rook, “ that the bush- rangers are by no means exterminated.” ‘Ay, but the one or two that yet remain are dispersed, and will never gather together again about this part of the country.” ‘*« There’s the rub,” said Rook. five of the leading men after in are encamped up at the creek yo! see ** Never.” away; in ow he got “Tt is true.” Undoubtedly; they are by no means so de- moralized as Mr. Mole would make us believe.” Tinker. “You do?” ‘“‘ Believe yar, my boy,” responded Tinker; “walk up babi ’em, too: take immense dam big tails.” “ Bravo!” “ in 2 vey, oie shall alarm the ladies again. “ Who shall “Yes,” said the latter, eagerly, “I'll go.” ‘* An’ me too,” said Tinker, ‘‘me and put sir.” “Come along then, off we go,” said Harka- usual, when once the thing was decided upon. Tinker led the way, and the three combatant Each man had his rifle slung behind his back. * Do you think they mean mischief, then?” ‘*Me know whar to find de beggars, sar,” said ‘“‘ And could Jead us there:” salt box, sar, and put a pinch on dere ** Let us keep this job to ourselves,” said Har- ‘ go” ‘You and I,” said Harkaway, “‘ and Rook.” all de lot ina bag—a bressed big pn ni bag, way, who was all impatience to get to work, as members of the expedition followed. In their hands they carried each a brace of - “and I feel comparatively at rest, having rid the | pistols. It was necesary, for the sake of precaution, to reach the creek by a circuitous route, and this in- volved a considerable loss of time. sn the black boy Tinker proved to be a model scout. Every inch of the ground was known to him. After a long marc! warded. Tinker, who was marching on about twenty yards ahead of the party, turned around to them, and pointing toa thicket at no great distance, motioned to them, inviting the greatest caution and prudence. The critical moment was fast approaching. As they drew near the thicket, they saw the gray smoke curling up above the shrubs, and they understood now that they must prepare for some stiffish work. It proved to be less serious than they antici- their patience was re- ted. Petey opened out, and each of them took up a separate gree and in this way they advanced heir way through the bushes, The bushrangers, who were five in number, were, as might be seen at a glance, worn out by the recent fatigues which they had und Four of them were stretched u around the wood fire, wrap in their rugs, asleep. The fifth, who was mounting guard, had been overtaken also by slumber, and was resting in a state of semi-drowsiness u) his rifle. Tinker made this man his mark at once. Creeping like a tiger up behind him, he dealt him one alarming blow with a heavy wooden club upon the back cf the head. wee down dropped this untrustworthy sentinel ea log. Tinker leaped upon him. He had a rope all ready to hand with a run- ning noose in it, and this he slipped over his shoulders, fixing his hands down to his sides im- movably. ‘nee noise, slight as it was, sufficed to arouse e sleepers, when they opened their they found themselves faced by three men. Shs be: desperate men, each holding a brace of isto! ® “* Move a step, either of you,” said Rook, “and we fire.” ares “Wake up, men; help{”_ ¥ : *, <t Saste r — eee) , oe ssa : ‘ Y i= m the ground | | “Tm told that | double quick.” Morgan i Another word, a sound, and it is your lastut- terance.’ Now the bushrangers were not wanting in courage, but they were complete overmatched. ; “© -Vield : “Neyer to you!” cried the man. “Hold your e, Morris,” said Rook, un- ceremoniously. ‘* You have no chance, and you ; had better take it quietly.” 4 The erage. 5 never uttered another word. ‘x He was completely bewildered. : “Tinker.” ren “ Yes, sar.” < i } Bune 9 tre ‘Tie him up.” Je “Yes, sir, I will, sar; dis chile do it awful He dropped down upon the bushranger Morris, and in set his ars succeeded in fasten- ing his arms as securely as he had done those of the unfortunate sentry. To secure the others was the work of a very few minu ites. What could they do?” Nothing. They were surprised—utterly—hopelessly taken ep enere er ‘Now get up and march,” said kaway. a obeyed. ‘ x: ‘o hesitate was dangerous, seeing that the were faced by three armed men, not to speak ot Tinker, who, in his excitement, was really no er neie tage t,” said Tinker, gi 5 e up, you warmint,” said Tinker, giving the insensible sentry a kick. s As this failed to arouse him, the dose was re- peated, until the man was brought around. And when they were all upon their feet, Tinker started them by prodding them on their respec- tive rears with a wooden spear he carried. “ And what about Harkawayville?” = ” peehare you going to do with us?” demand- 4 ed the bushranger, Morris, sullenly. “Put you in a place of safety,” responded “What!” echoed Morris, recognising the speaker for the first time, ‘is it you, Rook?” ye: * As you see,” “ Traitor!” “That's false,” said Rook; ‘Iam no traitor I was never one of you. I was forced into pla ing a ~ yas 2g Sega turned traitor me, ever I ow and you any allegiance that freed me.” ders! ; ‘“ Where would you take us?” ft ** Where you will be unable to do any further tee oes bad Got fight i “Then we ter fight it out here, com- j rades,” said the bushranger, suddexily” tant 4 A around. “* No; you had not,” retorted Rook. “Netit you are prudent. Your lives are safe. and they will not be so long.” . “Curse your luck,” growled one of the prison- ers; ‘‘ we have no help for it.” *“None.” ot March,” said Harvey; “I'm getting tired of is. “ Spikey,” cried Tinker, inserting about an inch of Bh ef Mh spear in the sentry’s back, “ Oho ad “oe ” March. And march they did. In this way they were taken back to the settle- ment, and thence to the town, where they were handed over to the p authorities, to be dealt with.by them as they deserved. body was of the exploit, which i y concluded the deeds of daring of the Harkaway colony, as far as we are concerned. _ It also stamped out the band of Morgan the most eff We CHAPTER THE LAST. ENGLAND ONCE MORE—FUTURE PROSPECTS AN» PROMISES—FAREWELL. : ‘<T am heart-sick of this place,” said Harkatvay. “ButI haven't ouesnceien a spot that I ike more than the “*Land that bears a well-known name,’ as the and back I go.” “To England aa “* Where else?” Poa p= 'Y. : ‘* Leave it where it is. Pick out the telligent of
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—_ 2 HARKAWAY AND THE BUSHRANGERS. Old England! The associations of the place, —‘‘I couldn’t do without my boy Tinker,” said j are too sad, now. Poor Hunston’s sad fate I can | young Jack. never forget if | remain here. His grave shall} ‘‘Of course not.” be well cared for, by the best man I can find, for} ‘ Why, what with Mike and Nero and Tinker,” I shall remember that he was once my playmate | said Mr. Mole, “ you’llhave quite a menagerie.” Cheers, hurrahs, and signs of regret were sent after them. But not one of the settlers from Harkawayville but wished them all God w And now Harkaway aid his san have com- and schoool-fellow.” The —— for the return of our friends | pleted their journey together, we and they make So it was agreed that they should return at an | to England were necessarily rather wg gh our respective bows to the courteous readers who early date. But at length the day arrived, and the whole | have so long borne us company. " boy, Tinker, must go with us, dad.” settlement trooped down in a bedy to the sea- = ob course,” said Harkaway, to his son. port tosee the embarkation of the party. (THE END.] READ THE “BOSS,” I" Fi EE Boys of New York. All the Favorite Authors of the Day Write for it. For Sale by All Newsdealers, Or Sent from this Office on Receipt of Price, 5 Cents per Copy. Address
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WHE FIVE CENT WIDE AWAKE LLBRARY---Continued. 503 Tommy Bounce, Jr., in College—comic Sock Ts eae Peter Pad $04 Around the World; or, > phere eee 505 Out With the “Jeannette;” B 506 Captaintrose pret or, The Young Privateers or, Two Years H. C. Emmet y 607 Fred Ford; or, Life at Boarding-School....... By Captain Will Dayton 608 Billy Bakkus, the Bey With the Big Mouth— Comic........-.- -By Commodore Ah-Leok o Bow and Arrow Jack, the Indian Nemesis... Arctic Phil, the Bear-Slayer of the Northern Fred Baxier, the Wild Horse Tamer.......... ‘The Brookfield Bank Robbers... Border Bandits........By James D. Montague Young Sharpshoeters of the Rebellion.... By Col. Ralph Fenton iting Joe; or, The Game Man of the Plains By Kit Clyde S16 Invineible Bill.......... By Alexander Armstrong 517 Skeleton Gulch; or, Captain Texas and His Band of Vultures...............++ .By J. R. Scott _ $18 The ude Duval as a Privateer......... By Corporal Morgan Rattler 519 The Wolver-ze; or, The Count’s Treachery. By a Parisian tective 620 Ben Bolt; or, the Young Blacksmith.......... By James D, Montague - 621 From Drammer Boy to General............... By Richard R. Montgomery $22 Bob Rollick; or, What Was He Born For— cemic.. 524 Only a Cabin-Boy; or, Saved we By Haney Rockwood $25 Astray in Africa................ By Walter Fenton 626 Tiger Ted.......... .By Alexander Armstrong 527 Barnum’s Boy Ben...... By Commodore Ah-Look 628 The Black Mask; or, The Vow ae lence.....< W. Hanshew . 529 Sou’-west Fred.. ..By Kit — 430 Bob Rollick, the Yankee Notion ‘Drummer; sequel to *‘ Bob Rollick; or, What Was ite Born For?’’—comic......-........ By Peter Pad 631 The Drummer Boy Spy; or, the een of the Wilderness................ By Ralph Morton ....+-By Colonel J. M. Travers 633 Fireman Dick; or, The Pride of Number 9.. By James D. Montague 534 The Shortys Out For Fun—comic....By Peter Pad 635 Red River Bill, the Prince of Scouts. By J. R. Scott 536 Special Express Ned, the Prinde of Boy En- Horace Appleton New Years at By D. W. Stevens | 607 eocag By Kit Clyde and His Be Band of Deadshots.. By “ Noname” 4 or, The Terror the West. wvses «Ry * e Erie By Howard De Vere From Pole to Pole; or, The Sailor Boy Avenger So Appleton Dick Wright and His Band of bals...... or, The Search for a Missing By J. R. Seott «By Alexander Armstrong | Mishap and Mischiefs— a on Peter Pad By De Don “Jenardo Noiseless Nat; or, Always Just Where He’s OS pvscerety By James D. Mon tague The Secrets ..By Kit Clyde Lazy Jake, the Boy Spy of lion.... Fenton 651 Sam Sharpe at School....By Pbaptsine Wu il Dayton 652 Privateer Tom—a sequel to “Captain Tom engl ...By H. C. Emmet 853 Frank Reade 554 Billy the Bootblack; or, The Trum 555 The Rival ‘orse.By ‘* Noname ” Card Last B: ana & Hart = . R. Scott ‘s ae By Hora race Aj jeton 557 The Army Scout; or, The Mysteries of ae i $58 Missouri Jack and His Band of « 7»? “tt Clyde ; By James }). __ $59 Lasso Luke; or, The Three ee: tague Kit Shady Dell Schoor; or, aoe and minke Clyde Schoolbey Life........... Captain Wi Sai 561 The Man of Gold; or, Una the peace ol Lo wo 00.08 Been nos ee idee race Appleton 562 Lg ts Mac Man of the bay hed Puleror te or, The By Mazeppa of the Arcti . «-By Kit Gtyae $63 Extree Nick,the New Yor Newsbo sees ENS Commodore Ah- 664 Oath-bound: or, The jen K of Spares. B 14 . on 665 bag ey po Shot; or, Trailer ofthe ot yee Oy OS nel J. M. Travers 666 canaries or, rhe Fire Boy Fiend of Phila- 2 «By Corporal Morgan Rattler SOT Peed Hazard, * 1¢ Star of che Clrous.....05.4 By Horace Appleton . 568 Coonskin Kit, the Dashing Government Scout ‘alter Fenton ' 642 The Short: a Herald Reporter By Kit Clyde «By Alex. Armstrong By J. M. Travers .By D. W. Stevens -»+-By Peter Pad | ‘has Northwoods Tom, ‘the ‘Athlete Hunter By Kit Clyde 572 Mail-Car Ned; or, Falsely Accused............ By Alexander Armstrong 573 The Maniac Pirate............By Horace Appleton 674 Smokestack Bob the Hero of the Rail. By J. R, Scott 575 Nimble Nip; or,The Imp of the Schuol—comic By Tom Teaser 576 King Morgan, the Terrer of the Seas.........- By Alexander Armstrong 677 The Convict’s Oath; or, The Prisoner of Van Dieman’s Land.......... By James D. Montague 578 The Serpent Queen; or, The Mysterious Nignt- Riders of Georgia................... By Kit Clyde 579 The Fortune Hunters; or. Two Yankee Buys in Anstralia........ rere By Alexander Armstrong 680 The Fatal Star......... ...+. by Horace Appleton 581 Tke Bootblack’s Plet; or, The Mystery of a CR ee eae By J. R. Scott Nig' 682 Huron Harry; or, The Haunted Skiff.......... By James D. Montague 583 Doomed; or, The Secret seegee of Boston... By James D. Montague 584 The Maniac Rider; or, The be of Hawkes- wood Grange........-..+.-- By Horace Appleton 585 The Gipsies’ Den............-.ss00es By Kit Clyde 686 Matt Merry; or, The Life = the School. .... By Captain Will daca 687 The Phantom Avenger; or, Dick Darling in Montana..... ......++ By Alexander Armstrong 588 Hugo, the Texan; or, The Demons of the Alamo By J. R. Scott 589 Lost on the Desert; or, the bance Treachery yy James D. Montague 590 Thé Avengers’ League............. By “Noname” 591 The “Sea Waves buat Cruise; or, The Pi- PRLGN? OOVO wns vin decas ankstencanth on By Kit Clyde 592 Cromwell's Boy Spy; or, The Roundheads and the Cavaliers............... By Horace Appleton 598 The Pirate Hermit; or, The Waifs Legacy...... By Alexander Armstrong 694 Dick the Shadow; or, The Mysterious Trails of the Backw60d.... 2... .pecsccsess By J. R. Scott 595 Fighting the Redskins; or, Beaver BiI’s Last dehesceces piacqectese By James D. Montague 596 vo Black Domino; or, The Jailer of the Tow- Epon o Range Fes 5 7Uwbi 9.244 oes aan eee By Kit Clyde 597 Frank Reade and His Steam Team.By * Noname”’ 598 Cheeky and sae or, Through Thick and Thin.. By Commodore Ah-Looy 599 Dead Man's ‘Pond: or, “The Black Demon of the pte | RE aS Poet oye menos: By Horace Appleton 690 ‘The Tiger of the Seas; or, Forced to be a Pirate By Alexander Armstrong 601 Harry O’Malley, the tomes pe Invincible. . Sergeant O’Donnell 60. Arkansaw Bill, the Indian Spy sesece By J. R. Scott 63 The King of the Deep...........-..-- Kit Clyde 604 Little Death Shot; or,The Gold-hunter’s Ghost Sy James D. Mont. 605 The Magic bef hc De ldincee as etme By Don Jenardo 606 Old Rube. the Ra ar PE ee ee J. R. Scott Frank Reade and H Steam Tally-H RES Feed By Noname ” 608 Ont with Barnom...By Lieutenant E. H. Kelogg 609 Storm King Dick; or, The Boy Adventurers... in Will Dayton ae t Clyde #11 sua dieing or, My Quiet Littie Con. By Tom Teaser 612 at's Swift, the Prince ‘of Trappers. . areestens by James D. Montague 613 The Hyena Hut jt; or, In . Wilds of Africa y Harry Rockwood 614 The Phantom P “ate; or, The Patel Oath.... . By Alexander Armstrong 615 The Young Fenian Chief 616 Among the Crocodiles; or, Adventures in India Harry Rockwood Mustangers y Marline Manly .-By Kit Clyde .By Peter Pad Fighting the Molly Ma- MUIED 5055 devas sv nabesctnn y Sergeant O'Donnell 621 me Captain of the Nine; or, g fete a Leader. . By Harry Rockwood 622 Sassy Sam; or, A Bootblack’s Neseas Around the World—comic, ..... By Commodore Ah-Look 623 Young Putnam; or, Always to the Front... By Harrigan & Hart B24 aes or, The Mountain By er 8s Venge- Week aes Cu dMaedeein.o Views» Morris Redwing §25 Prank Reade, Jr., and His Steam Wonder.... 617 Lance and Lasso; or, The Your of the Plains... os 618 The Chief of the Delawares..... 619 The Shortys Out Fishing—comic... 620 Coal Mine Tom; or, *Noname” 626 Ss eae of “'76"; or, The Green ee sivadabess es ten, Sat tieotnd ee se Kit Clyde 627 Frank Reade, Jr.. and His Electric Boat By “ ‘Noname” 628 Ghouls of Gilt Edge... .-.... By Harry Rockwood 629 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Adventures With His Latest Invention............ By “ Noname” 630 The Shortys Out Gunning—comic. . y, 631 Frank Reade, Jr., and his Air Ship. By * * Noname ” 632 o awe 2 Boy Chief; ii Adventures in the By Captain Will Dayton 633 Frank Reade, 4 i «By “ Noname” 634 fhe Lighthouse on the Rock.. -By Kit Clyde 635 Sassy Sam Sumner—a sequal te Sassy Sam— DONG. 00vsevecessecses By Commodore Ah-Look By James D, Montague 637 The ben of the Northwest, By Alexander 638. The Captain's Secret; or, The Wreck of the fea kenanrianche +s nap eedhess .By Kit Clyde Don Jenardo teen rr ereseeen By Peter By Corporal 641 Cast Up by the Waves. ........By Alex. A 719 Fire Bell euace By Freee | 643 Under the Ground............ 3 Harry Rockwood 644 Yankee Pete...... is ames D. Montague 645 Hotspur Harry.. -.--By Alex. ne a7 ya 646 Buckskin Burke.. Scot ts ca gowere Kit Clyde 647 Guerrillas and Regular. isivckee By Col. Ralph Fenton 648 The Mystery of Dead Man’s Castle............. By James D. Montague 649 Mad Pete; or, a Fearml Retribution. By Leon Leroy 650 Olfona Man- of-War...... By Major Walter Wilmot 651 Frank Reade, Jr., in the Clouds. ...By “* Noname?! 65z Young Davy Orocketissss...0. [see By Wild Bin 653 Trapper Against Renegade..........By Kit Clydes 654 The Boy Pedestrians,......... By Jas. D. Montague’, —~ Tem Basswood, the Swamp Hero. By Capt, E. Park: 656 A Sailor’s Diary i dnc tame ay By Col. Leon Lenoir 657 Frontier Fred.......... By Texas Joe 658 Tales of the War By J. D. Ballard 659 Wrecked on the Coast of Florida. By Zach Brewste 660 The Boy Mechanic.......... By Jas. D, Montague 661 Among the Danites; or, The Price of a Life.... By Kit Clyde 662 New York Noll, the Hazvor Police Boy. ... By Horace Appleton 663 eens Marion, the Patriot Spy cal the Revolu- Wagn penne vn che tunvetpee +--+. By Ralplt Morton 664 young America in Egypt; or, The Drummer Boy’s Bravery....... By Alexander Armstron: 665 The Shortys’ Country Store—comic. ..By Peter 666 Gunboat Harry; or, Tue Navy’s Best Man...... By Col. Ralph Fenton 667 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Great Electric Tricycle, and What He Did for Charity... ...... By * Noname *? 668 Dick Wheel, the Young Roller Skater........ By Percy B. St John 669 The Ghostly Bell Ringer...... By Horace A ton 670 Man-ofWar Dick................ By Ralph Morton 71 a4 a Fighters; or, At. War with the De- wivasacaceasesshes Harty Rockwood n Fish 672 Ph "Saddle the Wild Horse Tamer . By Morris Redwing 673 The Young Arctic beiceaichs or, In Search of the North Pole.. y Harry Rockwvod 674 Old One Eye, the Trapper ‘Guide of the North. WOR onc cenccccccsccoctccecescscd By ‘‘ Noname ** 675 A Yankee Boy in Mexico. .»BY Don Jenardo - Cast U y J. T. Brougham ee boat Steve, the Boy ope of the Missis- eg poe. By Hal Standish 678 The Yankee “Boy Whaler. ..2-: “By Albert J. Booth 679 Little Mike Malloy.......By Corp. Morgan Rattler 680 Dick Twilight's School Daya. FE TE ap yten ~ Dick, the Enginee . By Albert J. Booth 682 The Spy of the morthetens ly as. D. Montague 683 The aa — -.By Alexander Armstrong 684 The Lost Whaler... .0.....00+0cssssees By C. Litt 685 Panama Sera or, ‘The Outlaws of = Isthmus y Hal Standis 686 Sightless Saul, the Mysterious Man’ or Montana By “ Noname ” 687 Joseph Jump and His Old Blind Nag—comic By Peter Pad 688 A Struggle for Fame; bes yam 8 Against Fate. Shackleford y Peter Pad 690 Black Diamond Bill; or, The Hero of the Coal ee ee ee By Ralph Royal 691 A poy With Grit, and — 4 iiade His For- 692 Jack $ Stowaway: or, point My By Howard De Vere 693 The Sunken City.. -By H. K. Shackleford 694 Royal Dick; or, Standing | by His Chums...... By Hal Standish 695 Wing and Wing; or, The Young = of Che Piya way « .3<\ .dscecdsecapsduanne X ! Kit Clyde 696 Dick Davit, the American Boy Middy..By C. Little 697 Frank Reade, Jr., With His Air-Ship in Africa By ** Noname ” 698 Trusty Joe, the Brave Old Scout...By “ Noname” 699 Found at Sea.......8..s-0esse0 By Ha: Standish the Coast.. eese BY J. T. Brougham 704 The Fire Bugs ‘of Chieago.. - By Jas. D. Montague 706 Lighthouse No. 6; or, The Ghost of the Sea... By Allyn Draper 706 The Wolf-Fighters; or, The Adventures of Two New York Boysin Minnesota................ By Howard De Vere 707 Railroad Larry; or, Always in on Time y Robert pp on a Wreck; or, Abandoned in SO ee eee By Hal Standish 710 The Jolly Travelers; or, Aronnd a. for Fun—comic y Peter Pasi 711 The Haunted Pioneer; or, Fighting for Texas By *‘ Noname”’ " 712 Leaves From a Diary; or, A Young Clerk's So See eee By H. K. Shackleford 713 Sts and the ee or, Life in Ken. Jeesea sevasecsesBy Kit 74 betore the Mast; or, ‘&. Saitor Boy’s Travels nn Ses oa oe D. Mo a *
Page 24
‘s LATEST ISSUES OF THE 5 CENT WIDE AWAKE LIBRARY, 720 Kidnapped; or, Forced on a Man o’ War.. By J. G. Bradley 721 Jack 0’ the Plains; or, The Headless —- Paul Braddon ¢/ Blow fer PreedOm.....seseeseceseess 723 Muldoon, the Sport—comic........ By Tom Teaser 724 A Newsboy’s Trip Around at World.. By H. K. Shackleford 725 In Dixie: or, A War sae geen 2574 ‘8 Thrilling Adventures... ....-+++-.+- By Col. Ralph Fenton ba The Skeleton Sentinel....By Lieut. E. H. Kellogg 27 Muldoon’s Vacation—comic Sseabs By Tem Teaser 728 The Valleydale Social Club; or a by Wine By H. hackleford 729 Davy Crockett’s Vow; or, His Last Shot for IR So ccna cds oavnkssApasnand By Kit Clyde 730 ss His Word; or, “Lucky” ndy’s RS a eS By Jas. D. Montague 71 roung Voi Drake; or, Bound to be a Captain the Author of “‘ Privateer Tom,"’ etc., etc, 732 The Mystic Maiden; or, Through Deadly GONE 0 ons a0 ccisceseese -.By Corp. Morgan Rattler 733 The Exiled Prince; or, Two Boy Explorers in AlBBKR. ... 2. .00e o sees sneseee- J. G. Bradley 734 Pilot Boat No, 7 and its American Boy Oa By Kit Clyde 735 In the Wild West; or, On The Plains With y Robert Maynard om; or, Yeung America . Shackleford 737 The Forest Myst y Jas, D. Montague 738 age cit Ben; or, Three isons mm the Mn ys oo neeg es esese seecesessovesesecoes By Kit Cly 130 A Wait from the Sea; or, Flang from the Feam By Thomas P. Murray 740 The Book Agent’s Luck—comic.......... By “Ea* 741 Dandy Rock, the Man from ieee Ségdweelnens ws . W. Stevens 742 Near the Gallows; or, A Young oe Peril T. a 743 Dick Daunt the Diver; or, Down yy A. jponge-Cu By J. G. Bradley 744 Across the Continent on Wings; or. Fra: Reade, Jr.'s Greatest Flight......By * 745 Lost In an awe Sea; or, Aaventures Un- der the Bart By Jas. D. Montague 746 The Shorty Kid or, “Three Chips of Three Old Blocks—comic.......-..---.-.-+-++- By Peter Pad T47 Dick Walton eens the Cannibals........... By W. L. James, Jr, 748 The Six Swordamen; or, The ay one By Richa ontgome 749 The Mutineers; or, Dick Walton in the Sontn , Dan- SOAS. ..- 2600-60. 00+0050s.-.-By W. L. James, Jr, 750 Frank Jr., ing Mexico in His New Air-Ship....s.s:...... “ Noname "' bk a Seer ins; or, t The Cavailers of Mys- aS eg FF Richard R. atgome: 152 Five Dollars; or, A Cheap Rev ee. " B. St. John 753 yike MesaeeeN; or, traveling he for Pleas- ainarée a veghéehng sania Tom Teaser 74 old arate, ‘the Scout; or, The on the i, the Champ ee: 7565 Y Sam Pate! e mpion Boy oy Bis Twenty Bs wins Shackleford 756 Little Jack and en " MeN. «2... a. by wrt Lennox A Stowaway’s = « to China.. 757 Dick Spray; or, y ee 758 Barnum's Hunters; or, AGES WildAni- mais for the Greatest Show on Earth.. By Richard R. Montgomery 759 The Seven Masks; or, The Quaker City League By Perey B. St. Joh 760 Muldoon’s N Sibest~deeie.. .by Tom Teaser 761 The Unin ; or, The Rivals for Dead Man's ...by Paul Braddon 762 Cal, the the Gowter: or, The > Young King of Las- a pun #G Asap Es0 0s dub oeaspeus y D. W. Stevens 763 His Fir First Drink; or A Country pA ‘s Life in te es Se eee eee oe by H. K. Shackleford Work for a Million. . 768 Sam Spry, the New York Drammer; or , Busi- ness Before Pleasure..........--++- db 769 A Lost Boy; or Hometly Jack’s Luck.......... by R. T. Emmet 770 The Black Rider...........-.---- by Ralph Morton 771 A Week Above the Clouds; or, cant Adrift in @ Balloom...........-...-4--+-+ y Hal Standish 772 The crf ene Moonlighter; ‘or, An ‘American Boy Resectwaadaaseunece J.T. am by Corp. Morgan Rattler 776 A Cruise Among Pirates; or, The Bine-beards of the Sea na a) mil The above books are for sale by all Newsdealers, or will be sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of the price, 5 cents per copy. Address FRANK TOUSEY: Publisher: 84 and 36 NORTH MOORE ST., NEW YORE. a8 780 Lucky Lal, the Pereeers or, ae the Ladder of Fame.. y C. Little 781 Lost in the Land of ‘Snow; or, ‘Two Pear ae Boys im the Arctic......... ..... by R. T, Emmet 782 Coal Mine Kit..............0. y Percy B. St. John 783 The Band of 12; or, The Knights ol the Trail.. ve Paul Braddon 784 Muldoen the Fireman—comic.....by Tom Teaser 785 Diving for Gold. .............sssss00e- by Kit Clyde 786 The 12 Owls; or, The Secret Band of Chicago by Paul Braddon 787 The Fire King; or, The Yankee = Explorer y RK. T. Emmet 788 The Boy Bank Messenger; or, Shere Bob Brad- shaw’s Seeret Foe. ............-.+-- by C. Little 789 His Last Cent; or, How Joe Ddtten Made His FOTtUDE..... 00 veccccverseses by H. K. Shackleford 790 Born to be a Sailor.........-..++s+++- by Kit Clyde 791-The Electric Man; or, Frank Reade, Jr., in MUM TR 6.00.05 cecapsccddccdssvee by ~ *Noname ” 792 Satan; or, The Mystery of Ten Years...:.. Bas by Howard De Vere 793 Those Quiet Twins—comic.......... by Peter Pad 794 The — Messenger; or, The Rte of Mosco y K. T. Emmet 795 A Soldier. at 16; or, Fighting for ing Union . By C. Little 796 Teddy of the Toll Gate; po eee Man With the Green Shades.......... Corp. Morgan Rattler 797 The Fda Boys; = “Le in a Yankee a. sé sa seprenadeanness Percy B. John Snow Trailers; = Big ene Hunter...... +-++-By Pa 799 Denny the — A Story ef Circus Life in Ireland.. «By Corporal Morgan Rattler 800 On the Ral; or. Perils in the Life of a Young pee ee Tre ere By Albert J. Booth 801 3,000 ules ona Bicycle; or, A _ ee =y the Continent. -.By ©. Little 802 Fearless Phil; ‘or, “The Hero of Ruy Ri y Paul Braddon 803 The Shortys’ Christmas Rackets—comic...... By Peter Pad 804 Claim 4; or, The Hunchback of ign Pocket “Nename” 805 The Miser’s Son.. ..By nt Shackleford 806 The Waifs of New York..............-.+--0s+ By N. S. Wood (The Young American Actor). 807 Briun the Bear; or, The Pranks of a Wild Irish SS A eRe | y Cotporal Morgan Rattler 808 The Haunted Bell Tower; or, The Hidden Mys- PONY. 0. ccc cceresccscvecse 'By Percy B. St. John 809 Two Years on an Island of Ice..By Alvert J. Booth $10 A Bootbiack’s Luck.......-...ss.ss.-- By C. Little 811 Around the World ina Balloon; or, Thousands of Miles Through the Air....-.... y R. T, Emmet $12 The Fur Hunters of Winnipeg...By Paul Braddon $13 Six Weeks Under Ground........... By Kit Clyde $14 The .eganephe Boy; or, The Hero ef the White Hou éccesoves -by H. K. Shackleford 815 The Bleciric Horse; or. Frank Reade. Jr., ana His Father in Search of the Lost Treasure of the Pernvians.. -by “ Noname” 816 Lion Luke, the Boy "Animal Tamer............ by Percy B. St. John 817 Carillo, the Corsair: or, The Mysterious Mon- arch of the Mediterranean...... by J. G. Bradiey $18 Fearless Phil’s Chase.......-.... by Paul Braddon $19 The Ghost of the School-House, .. -by C, Little $20 The Young Avenger; or, The Knight of the Silk ME Ty ghidave ns ove 5 ¥ seu céebec “ Noname” $21 Up and Down; or, The Life ofan ‘aerator Boy « by Percy B. St. John 822 Dick the Middy; or, A Boy’s Life on a Man-o’- War G. Bradley 823 Pootisit Fred the Boy Actor; or, Sonat c= Lae 84 A Roling Stone} | or, “Tack Ready's ues of Fun 825 The Secret o of the Tattooed Map. by T Em vase je a) by R. T. Emmet 826 Custer’s Little Dead Shot; or, et ‘boy Scout of the Little Big Horn............ *Noname” 827 A Queer Race. The Story ofa’ airange Pe People ‘estall 828 Kit Carson’s Boy Trapper........ by Pant} Braddon 829 Slippery Ben, the Boy Spy of the Revolution.. 830 Paddy Miles’ Luck; or, The oh Boy Miner. . Fish; Litth Dek t Kk the i Diy Rattler 831 The Bo: 3; or, e Dic VEPs... : by R, T. Emmet 832 Ben the Bowsman; or, Adventures in the Mon- tezuma SWAMP,........---..-+-eeees by C. Little 838 The Mastodon’s Cave; or, Two Wide Awake Boys in the Far Weat......by Percy B. St. John 8% The Boy Stage wien: or, “The Hero of Rocky Pass.. «by Paul Bracdon 835 = Newsboy Up; or, ¥" New Vork Boy in oy 8. Wood (The Young Americar Aetor) 836 Alone in the Wild West.......... R. T. Emmet 837 The Secret of the Sealed Gola Mines. by** Noname ” 838 Little Biondin, the Tight-Rope Walker. .by C. Little 839 heal ea San Franeisco in a Catama- bp no'weS tntempal oie bade'es dun by John Sherman sO A oe Jay Gould; or, A 2 Among the Money K K. Shackleford orld 842 Jack Ready’s School Se’ 843 The Ice-Boat Boys; or, Waters in the Northwest 844 Little —_ aw or, Thé Sharks of New York. 847 The Shertys in the Wild West—comic. by Peter Pad 848 Billy the ee Tr. A Story of Governor’s Island vy C. 849 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Chase Through = Clouds. 850 Aes Boy; or, The Mystery of an Iron 851 My Friend Smith. - by 852 The Boy Crusoes; or, The Young Castawa 856 The Shortys’jChristmas i nee 857 Two bg cr. Afloat in New York:. . by 859 A Southern “Boy ‘in New York, or, Bound to 860 Steamboat Billy; 861 The Bo: 862 Out With Kit Carson. A Story we Early 863 The ay oh Samson; or, Taking Care of ae ee or, A Rig 0F Five 877 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for a Sunken Ship; $78 Young Captain Tom Drake; or, In Seareli of 879 A Bad Boy’s Note Book. 880 The Young Railroad King, we Ee From ssf Joe Junk, the ar; or, Anywhere 884 The Boy Rovers; or, The Adventures of 885 His Own Boss; or, The pose 886 Bravin 887 Muldoon the solid Man—con -by 888 The Boy Star; or, Frem the Footlights > 0 For. $89 The Young Commander; or, A mer ork Boy er a or, The’ Lo 891 The Soldier's Sen; or, The 894 The White 899 Muldoon’s Boardi Honse-comie.by Tom 900 The Boy mK by N west (Tne Young American Actor) 845 Young jronel he Boy Gunner. by John Sherman 846 The Koy Gold Snligun: or, Young New York i Californmis. ... cess ussdevs idee by R. T. BY WOW OTK. 0s ceusdincsheanecdae’ b y “ Noname”™ pevemecesccsesceassccuesecs By R. T. of the Pacifie.......... = ro Plot.. Make His Meney pe abees y H. k. Shackleford ; or, The inne: Room Secret. . Lien mers; or, Adventures in Africa Kansas. . T. Emmet C. Little Milli B. St. John 865 Smart rw, Co. the Boy a 866 A Chicago Boy; or, Up From the Lowest... ... Peter Pad By John Sherman 967 -- bar Boy; or, Maloney After Education— Sohencsy sins hvfepsedeae cecal by Tom Teaser ; 868 The Boy Telegraph Operator; or, The M. ystery of a Midnight Message....by Col. Ralph Fenton 869 Dick Boldhero; er, The Strange Adventures of a Young Yankee Sailor...... . Written by Hiraself 870 — the Greenhorn; or. From Stowaway to rporal Morgan Rattler iy 871 From Errand Boy to Lawyer; or, poate to be ai the To T. Ewmet 872 Bob Allen's Ranch; or, A Cattle ier TOL 873 Behind the Seenes; or, Out with a New York Combination—comic........++.+.. by Peter Pad 874 A Boy Among the White Caps; or, A Victim of the Lash 875 General Washington's Boy; or, The Tou Soldier in the Revolution..... by ona 876 Pawnee Bill and the Oklahoma Boomers. .... by Geo. W. Goode or, Working for the Government.by “ Noname” the Pirate’s Home... «...+.--+..+++ +++ by the Author of “ Captain Tem Dra ete. —comic man to President......... by Col. Ralph Story of the Great Rebellion .. .by Ralph Plocky Boy.....%.0..sss-csss ~¢ CE head Lake.......- eve esses the Flood; 1 Two Johnstown Bey: bas te TOME. 0.0.02 occcvecseveusoesegeos in the Southern War. of Eight Pines, "~A Story oN New York... «seweeeees kee Boys in Mexico.. T. Emmet tei 1s Te Deere or, The Imp of the ¥ dew ad ss =a tee 20s Tin oey Soe e ; or. Say of the Treasure .-by Percy B. St. John Tom Teaser 808 Two Years With a Pirate; or, The } Ship of the Gold Coast.. ..by ae Diamo: SE cas Monte Christo of New 901 Ikey;or, He Never Got Left-comie 5 BFS ee 962 The Armorer’s Son; or, The Mystery of the Lente ary. iat ales