Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 1) (1888 11 14)
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THE BOY CRUSOES; ~ Eutercd at the Post Ofice at Nes Tors, XN. ¥.. as Second Class Mauer. : “ -RANK TOUSEY Posrissen. $i 36 Norra Moonrk Srneet. N. Y. »_ PRICE { No. 852. } COMPLETE. { ““Nuw Your, November 14, 1688. lesueD KVERY WEDNESDAY. 13 CENTS.‘ Vol. I Buterea accordmg to Act of Congress, in the year 188. ow FRANK TOUSEY, an the office of the Liorarian of Congress, at Washingten, D. C. THE YOUNG GASTAWAVS OF THE PACIFIC. By ST. GEO. RATHBORNE. » Dirt in TIT Wal rey: We hastened as much as expedient, but the raft being heavy and no tide to help us, it was some time before we reached the mouth of our creek.
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2 THE BOY CRUSOES. ‘THE BOY CRUSOES; OR, \ The Young Castaways of the Pacific. By ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE. CHAPTER I. WY DILEMMA — TAKING A SAIL—ON BOARD THE “JOHN SMITH ”’—THE SUSPICIOUS CANNON — HOW I WAS TRAPPED—AN OMINOUS NAME—-AM I SAILING UNDER THE BLACK FLAG ?—RED, WHITE, AND RED. THE day was a lovely one, or at least would be if the many promising signs augured truly. From over the vast waste of waters the veteran + king of bao his mighty head and his many arms of brightest sunshine penetrated every pos- sible nook. it was one of those soft, dreamy days, when all nature seems to enjoy herself imthe cool of the morning, and then shrink into retirement with the coming of noon’s flerce heat. But, to tell the truth, there were no dreamy days for loyal people at the time I write of, for the trumpet of war had sounded across the land, and men who loved the dear old flag were on the - field of battle, while those incapacitated for duty from yarious causes worked in their own way for the good of the country. Beautiful as was the morning, there was one who did not relish the sight. Indeed, at this es riod it must be something extraordinary that would have attracted his attention and elicited praise. The person referred to was a stout lad of some " gweventeen summers, with a brown face, curly hair, and blue eyes; and who was en in the nae exciting oecupation of fishing from a sail- That very commonplace individual was myself. I, Jack Merton, was the only son of a well-to- do lawyer in the ancient city of Boston: We lived several miles out, on the hills back of a3 Searaale ath father went to his business in e ca e or light wagon. fone issued from sea, cman a full- graduate, my epee map outm) future careér by deciding that I must either “ into the law office and study for the bar, or else- leave home to enter college. Saat This was the crisis that had arrived to change the tenor of my hitherto quiet life, and I now found myself in a sad dilemma, from which there seemed no escape whatever, except by means of “oo law as laid down in my parent’s determina- tion, ~ In some way or other I had conceived the idea that hereafter school and myself must be stran- gers, as I had come to dislike the domineering a) ex y; and as to enteringa dim, musty law office, and spending the best portion of my life there, pah! it seemed very distasteful to me. he do not want the reader ae a that I was any way a scapegrace, for Such a personage has always been and will be an object of abhor- rence to me. The case was simply this: : I was of a somewhat lively disposi- might at times have pay aaetts has not left me up to the present day, although ‘erhaps, had I put the time spent with com- panions in hunting, sailing, and fishing excur- sions, to a better advantage and studied oftener, Pte nS iF I might have made a better scholar of myself, and derived such pleasure from my school-life that I would now gladly hail the chance thrown out for continuing at college. Well, who can say it was not for the best? One of our friends the fatalists would surely declare that as everything is ordained, it mast be, and no act of ours can alter it. It was at our early breakfast on this lovely morning that my father cast a thunderbolt upon the* table, in the shape of a few mild words—at least it resembled this dread object to me just then. : That night, he said, it was expected that my de- cision in regard to the course of my future life, would be made, and rendered to him. This was a formidable announcement, for I had hoped that he would give me until the time for school to break up, came on, in order to think it Over. But he was a lawyer, and shrewdly saw that if at the end of yacation I should enter his office, these two months would be thrown away. It seems natural for one to seek retirement when a momentous question is to be discussed in all its bearings, and I, like many others, love to be alone with nature on such occasions. My dearest possession was a little sail-boat, which was some fifteen feet in length, and made somewhat similar to our yachts of the present day. Vader the teachings of a sailor cousin, I had learned to manage her as well as many an old Jack Tar would have done, and, I am inclined to believe, better than the majority of them, they being used to the rigging o% a large ship, while every sheet of my boat was so familiar that I could lay hands on them in the darkest night. Where could I find a place more solitary than at my fishing-bank? Then, again, I could com- bine the excellent system of precept and prac- tice, and think my situation over, while, at the same time, I was pursuing my favorite sport. Only the preceding day I had given“my boat a thorough scrubbing, which job was well done, judging from her clean ap ce; and Bessie, Byecnly sister, had laughingly dubbed me the “knight of the brush,” painting in glowing colors the while what a nice shield I could haye made at Professor Daub’s, the town ter. Taking a good stock of fish-hooks, lines, sink- ers, bait and dinner along (the last for myself, as T did not anticipate getting home until late inthe afternoon), I went down to where the boat was moored, by the side of a wharf, in a small creek, and, casting off, I drew in the painter, and was Soon on my way to the fishing-ground, which was several miles distant. The wind was fresh, so the light craft skimmed the water like a thing of life; the air was cool and pleasant, being yet untouched by tardy old Sol’s rays, although the glow in the eastern horizon roclaimed his coming, and very soon he showed is genial face. - Around me in all directions flew the sea-gulls, sometimes even alighting upon what I called the truck, in imitation of larger vessels, although my mast was not capped with a ball. . As the wind proved favorable, I was not long in reaching my destination, and seven o’clock found mee sed in my favorite occupation. My luck must have been unusually ce on this morning, for even at this late day I can re- 2 , hae? be member how I hauled in the members of the finny tribe. . .To sit down and calmly think over my situation with this sport going on was simply impossible, and twelve o’clock came and went without my youchsafing one thought on the detested dilemma which had brought me out there. Strangely enough the fish continued to bite vo- raciously until noon; then they nibbled very cau- tiously, until I concluded that any further tim spent in this direction was lost. Satisfied with my fishing, I now bethought me of my other reason for coming to this spot; and after appeasing hunger with tne luncheon, I rais- ed my sail, determined to take a long pleasure excursion during the afternoon, and stood out to sea. As I passed our house, I saw my sister waving her handkerchief to me from a projecting rock, and I answered the si with my own. Some premonition of what was in store for me seemed to weigh my spirits down ; and while gaz- ing back at the fast-disappearing house on the cliff, I began to grow heavy-hearted. This could not last long, however, with the bright sunshine around me, and as I once more turned my attention to the open sea, I became light-hearted again, All unconscious of the fate in store for me, I kept on my course, and in half an hour both house and cliff became indistinguishable, and when twice that time had elapsed, the verfshore itself looked faint indeed, : There is something exhilirating, to boys at least, about being far out on the ocean, with the water stretching out on every side, and I grew quite jubilant over my situation, being careful not to go out any further, however, as I had no desire to go out to sea in this open boat. I had changed the direction of my vessel, as L often called her, and was tacking about in the face of the land breeze, when I noticed for the first time a ship coming directly towards me from the north, her course being, as I proudly calculated, to show my knowledge of the com- pass, south-east by south. Anxious to witness her passing, I onea more eranged my course, and rode directly before the wind. She was a noble-looking vessel, although I faeere the ee were ter stars pes eaieniars an 8 ity gave her ara a ce, as the eniac have it. Sine I wondered at seeing most of the sails reefed, and had come to the conclusion that this stylish- looking brig must be the property of some pleas- ure-seeker, who had no cause to hurry, when she arrived in hailing distance, Aman, heavily bearded, whom I rightly con- coe to be the captain, leaned over the taff TALL it eee : I saw him raise what a petee to be a speak- ing-trumpet to his lips, ae the next moment the hail rang hoarsely over the water that separated us. : “Boat ahoy?? — / ‘Hello the ship!” I replied, raising my hands to convey the words unbroken. “*Come on board for a few moments,” sounded through the trumpet, and I could see that the ship’s speed was considerably lefsened, as though she was about to lie to. Among the many thoughts that rushed into my he subscription price for THe Wipe AWAKE LIBRARY for the year 1883 will be $2.50 per year; eae Per. a months, post paid. Address : x 2730. FRANK TOUSEY, PusuisHer, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York. pememmnanneie~. ' : ) -s
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a x pad 4 co 4 = ce SB; ye Wi , « = THE BOY CRUSOES. 3 brain just then, not the faintest suspicion of foul play might have been found. Lhad often desired to see a ship that was en going out to sea, and now the chance was before me. After a few moments’ maneuvering I man- aged to get alongside, although the oars had to be put into use before this end was gained. Then a rope-ladder was:thrown down to me; but, disdaining this landsmen’s method of getting aboard, I seized a swinging rope, and went up hand over hand, taking the painter of my sail- boat along with me. The brig was quite a large one, and, to all ap- pearances, well made. While coming alongside I had noticed the name on her stern, and could not help remarking upon its singularity. It was that beautiful, romantic one, overwhich raved the poets of old— “ John Smith.” Most of the sailors, of whom there seemed to be an unusually large number, were in the rigging; but there were several close beside me, who pro- ceeded to fasten my boat to the stern, I could not help noticing that they had a pe- culiar swarthy look, as though natives of asouth- ern clime; but my meditations were interrupted by the captain. Thad taken it for granted that he wished for some information regarding the rocks to the south, or the formation of the coast, which I was ready and willing to give, intending to ask in re- turn the favor of looking through the ship. One of the mates was standing near the captain a tall, thin fellow, with an air unmistakably southern. The commander himself was of medium height, with a face covered by black hair, and wearing a heavy pea-jacket, as though the air was too cold for comfort. After gaining my attention he turned and led _the way down into the main cabin. Upon entering the cabin my first act was to look around me, I found that the cabin was comfortably, indeed I might say elegantly furnished, being some twenty feet long by ten wide, and with articles in it excelling our own luxurious drawing-rooms. There were lockers in abundance for keeping things, a splendid table screwed to the floor, lounges, chairs, and a row of nautical and as- tronomiecal books on a shelf. From the low ceiling just beyond the skylight, hung a lamp, with colored tec protecting it. Two small windows, very like bull’s eyes atthe end of the cabin, told that we were in the stern of the vessel, ; On each side were two doors, which were num- bered in rotatidn from one to four. These were, doubtless, state-rooms for the use of the ship’s officers, or any passengers who might be on board. must say, the sight of these things surprised sh not a little, and created a revolution in my mind. Heretofore, it had been my impression that confusion reigned on all outward-bound ships. & had read of their getting most of the crew on board, dead drunk, of the unclean decks, and baggage piled in the cabin. Surely these writers must be grievously mis- | taken. Thad neverseena cleaner vessel in my life than this one, which must have been in the harbor not five hours before. The captain had motioned me to a seat as soon as we entered, and of course I did not stop to ob- serve all these things at once, but took them in gradually while we were conversing. ee T sat down in an easy arm-chair, the captain spoke. *‘ Well, my lad, I suppose you have cast an eye around?” said he, questioningly; and I replied that I had cast my eye around. “‘ What do you think of the Jack Smith?” he asked with a smile, “* From what I have seen of her, the vessel is a splendid one,” I answered. “T’m very glad you like her, boy. How would you like to take a voyage in her?” and the cap- tain gave me a peculiar look as he spoke, of which I could make nothing at the time, but which afterwards forced itself upon my mind in its true significance. ~ I could not help starting at his words, and he must have seen a pleased look come upon my face, for of all desires in the world I would have chosen a yoyage to distant lands, It was my ambition then; it is my desire now; and I doubt if the love for travel, inspired by such works as Bayard Taylor has given to the world, will ever be satiited. But I shook my head sadly, yet firmly. “Of all things in the world, captain; I would like it best, especially on such a ship as this; but my parents, I could not leave them; they would never permit it.” “But why need youask? Are you not on board now? Whatis to prevent your remaining, and going to sea? You shall see the whole At- lantic and Pacific coastif you wish,” and the cap- tain leaned over toward me, smiling strangely. “I could not leave my parents; I was brought up to honor and obey them, captain,” said I, ris- ing to my feet, for 1 began to feel uneasy, and wished myself safe on shore again. The captain also arose to his feet. Come,’ said he, *‘I will show you around a little. You canjeasily make the shore, if you do not wish toremain. I have some questions to ask, for answering which I will pay you liber- ally.” The insides of the four state-rooms equalled my expectations, for abey. were gotten up very hand- somely, and although rather contracted quarters when compared with my own spacious room at home, were cozy and neat. Upon going down below, I was surprised tosee in the hold, several unmounted cannon, and a low. iron door leading into a small room, made me think of a powder m ine. “Times are dangerous now, my lad,” said the captain, noticing the look-of astonishment, not to say alarm, that appeared upon my face at the sight of thése weapons of war, “ and warrant our carrying these useful implements. It is not pleasant for a brig the size of this, to be captured by a small sloop, just because they happen to have a gun or two. Our owners have guarded against that by giving us the means of defense.” As we once more entered the main cabin, I could restrain myself no longer. “Captain, when I came on board, I noticed that a storm seemed brewing, and, if you haye no objections, I’ll answer your questions, and then make for land. To be caught here ina gale would be certain death,” and I sat down as I spoke. “Right, boy,” said he, and taking out a wine bottle and two glasses from a locker, he filled each of them half full, and handed one of them to me. Seeing that it was port wine, which theyused at home, I did not hesitate to take it. “A quick, pleasant, and profitable voyage to you, captain,” I said, and gulped down the con- tents of the glass. Like lightning I felt it course through my veins, my head seemed bursting from some roarir, sound within; but I had sense enough left to notice that the captain had put down his wine -untasted. Iheard the door slam, and knew the captain had gone, but, upon attempting to get up, I found myself powerless to move. i he last thing I can remember was loud orders from the deck, and arattling noise, as though the men were getting things snug for a storm. Then I lost at petite ee and the hours passed away unheeded. I opened ay eyes and looked around me with undisguised amazement. Instead of being in my owr well-remembered room at home, I found myself lying on a small berth in one of the state-rooms. As I recognized my surroundings, all that had occurred rushed into my brain. : Leaping to my feet, I stagfered into the main cabin, wondering the while at my extreme weak- ness, which appeared almost like sickness, Passing through this, I mounted the companion- way and issued forth upon the deck. My first action was to sweep the horizon with my eyes, and a ery of despair broke from my lips when I realized the true state of affairs. The vessel was scudding along before a stiff breeze, and no land in sight. Turn as I would, nothing but the endless waste of waters met my view. What seemed to be the truth now struck me, and I reeled so under the shock that, but for the friendly support of the mizzen-mast (for, strange to say, the brig had three masts, although, I be- lieve, it is customary for this class of vessels to have but two) I would have fallen to the deck. I had been forcibly pressed intu the service. The cannon I had seen below were now mounted, and in their places, which fact strengthened my con- viction. To my eye, inexperienced even though it was, the vessel looked every inch a fast-running one; and astounded atthis unexpected, and to me, just then, unwelcome escape from my dilemma, I sat down on a coil of rope to think. Whot would my arents say when they found I was missing? Without doubt they would think that I had run away to sea in order to escape a fate they knew I disliked. _ To this day Iam ignorant ef the captain’s idea in going to the trouble of drugging me, when he had me just as securely the moment I set foot on his vessel. In fact, he could not tell himself, say- 8 | and shook his ing that it was only a whim of his; and Iam led to believe that he was but following out one of those strange incougruities, if I may so term them, that sometimes come upon even the wisest ofus. It wasa most singular thing for this gruff man to do; but, I really think, he desired to eran me pain by breaking the thing gradually, though he would neveradmitit, and this proved that he was not entirely heartless. Seeing him standing aft near the weel, I arose and walked toward him, taking no notice of the rude sailors around, who seemed laughing in their sleeves. ; “Captain, this is a rough joke you have played on me,” I said. * Well, I acknowledge, my lad, it is; but you might have fallen into worse hands than mine. I was in need of a boy, and could not stop long enough in port to pick up one, so I resolved 1o7 take you the minute I clapped eyes on you. The Government will pay you well for your services; and if you are made of the same stuff as most boys, you will be content,” said the captain. y alarm increased every moment, and I grew excited. “Where is my boat? Captain, if you put’me on the first homeward-bound ship wespeak, you can have the boat, and she cost aheap of money, too,” and I anxiously awaited his reply. ‘ The captain smiled at my simplicity, and even before he spoke, I saw it too; was not the boat in his hands already? “Tam sorry to say she was swept away in the storm, and doubtless dashed to pieces on the shore, for it could not very well have escaped,” he replied. : “Storm! what storm?’ I exclaimed in sur- prise. “Cast your eye at those men,” said he, point- ing to a group of sailors. who were busily en- gaged in replacinga broken spar with a new one; “‘the storm you spoke of came down upon us like lightning, and though brief, was severe. My lad, you really ought to be thankful to me for Reeping you on board, for you would never have reached the shore alive in that cockle-shell of yours.” “Cuptain,” said I, suspiciously eying the queer uniform he wore, ‘is this a new ship? I’m sure I never heard of a John Smith in the Goy- ernment service,” He smiled sae ; that peculiar smile of his, ead. ““You’ve mistaken the name of the craft,” said he. ‘‘Mistaken the name? Why, I’m sure I saw that on the stern,” I exclaimed. “Well, it isn’t there now, if this court knows itself,” replied the captain ; and after giving him a sharp look to see whether he was humbugging or not, I made haste to reach the extreme end of the vessel. The vessel was rolling in a rough sea, and not being the owner of a sailor’s sea-legs, I found it hard work to stand. Seizing hold of the low railing that ran around the high poop, I leaned over, and read the name of the vessel. The sight that met my eyes so astonished and confounded me, that my hands refused to do their accustomed duty, and gave way beneath me. But for the timely aid of the captain, who had followed close behind me, I must assuredly have fallen overboard, and being too week and Pinte aganded to swim, have been drowned immedi- ately, Grasping me in his arms, the captain waited until I hac recovered, and then let me regain my feet, looking at me rather pityingly, I thought. . The light-colored stern, with the name John Smith, seemed to have undergone a change, for now the single but fearfulword, « — Of course, like most persons, I immediatel jumped ata conclusion, the most remote I could » imagine. aor been papree on board a pirate. ¥ Such things I had often come across in my lite- rary reading, and the look I turned on the captain must have amounted to horror, judging from what he afterwards told me. “4 pirate!” I managed to ejaculate, at which he gave an exclamation. ‘Not so bad as that, I hope, my lad,” said he; and turning around, he made a motion with his hand to one whom I rightly conjectured was the chief mate. Pluto. glared at me from a black field. This man drew a flag >
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+ and blue, so familiar to my eyes, but the fatal red, white and red. “You see, boy, nota pirate after all; only a Con- federata privateer,” said the captain, while Istood with my brain whirling like a top. I was on board a cruiser of the enemy I had al- ways detested. —— CHAPTER I. A CONFEDERATE PRIVATEER—I HAVE QUITW A FEVER— THE BLOCKADE-EUNNEE—IN THE PA- CIFIC ——- PATAGONIA AND CHILI—THE CHASE—A TERRIBLE STORM ---ON THE ROCES—THE DOOM OF THE PRIVATEERESMEN—LEFT ON BOARD. THE sun was very near the zenith, and, picking _out a place in the shade, I sat down to consider what ought to be done. My situation had proved to be even worse than I had before imagined, for, had the brig been a Federal man-of-war, I would atleast be serving the flag which I had been brought up to love and respect; but on a ship of the enemy, I could know no peace. A vessel like this would be sure to risk a great deal, and, should she be captured, I would share the fate of the crew, and make an intimate acqualntance with some Northern prison. How strangely had my troubles veered around! Ashort time before I would have gladly wel- comed anything that would release me from my dilemma; now, to prove how queer human na- ture is, I must own that at that moment I could have wished myself inno better place than under old Yale’s ro roof, and myself labeled in the eyes of all beholders, a freshman. The crew of this Confederate privateer and blockade-runner did not impress me very favor- ably, not being used to men ofthe South. That they were natives of aSouthern clime, I could see at a glance, forall were possessed of the swarthy complexion so common in that on, Where the captain had obtained his men, I cannot tell; but, doubtless, most of them came up with him to take possession of the ship which was being fitted out and loaded with ammunition and stuff under another name in a Northern port. A few e the ship I afterwards found out ecase. Before half an hour had passed by, I began to feel quite sick, my head swimming around in a strange er; so I de- termined to seek my berth below watil it passed away. That it was not sea-sickness, I was positive, for one who lived half of his days upon the sea was not likely to be affected by this petty lands- rains oree is here th over to where the com jonway was situated, I found my road below. mn sf Reaching the small state-room, I pulled off my boots and jacket, and threw myself into the berth, feeling both sick and miserable. For hours I lay there, raving wildly as the dread fever se’ upon me, and then I lost all consciousness, The days and weeks that followed seem to me butadream. Even at this late day I have but a faint recollection of a terrible cannonade, which J afterwards learned occurred while the tho, fees ie i = ae a Southern eliver her cargo of percussion caps and Fthae things valuable to the Confederate anys of another engagement, which was between the privateer and an armed vessel, that she eventually sank; and, lastly, after what seemed an eternity of interval, of the whistling wind and the roaring of mighty billows, which greeted the cruiser on her passage around Cape Horn, that most danger- ous of spots. When I became conscious again, the first ob- ject that met my heavy eyes was the form of the captain, and even in my bewildered state, I recog- nized him. * “Where am I?” was my first exclamation, not knowing to make of the narrow bed and small apartment, so entirely different from my own spacious room at home, now, as, without an aoe Still I seemed to recognize the captain. In as few words as possible he told me what the reader knows about my being speed a home, Lee: Sv bp rem seemed to come to me as he spoke. “But what makes me so weak?” I asked, sur- prised that a day’s sickness should deprive me of my strength, so I could not lift my head, and even my voice seemed to have lost its accustomed firmness. In wonder I attem to raise my hand, and was nat OES. a score pa peoposticea absolute horror a: a) way, when é SE foll beck ot umown neomets : ‘ ey _. “Why, you’ve had a bad fever, my lad, and it has wasted you away f ye now it is over, and we'll soon have you on deck, providing ~ THF BOY GRUSOES. you try to obey my directions, Food isthe thing that will do it, and you shall have plenty of it soon. Don’t pipe your eye, my boy, thinking of home, for it will only make you worse, and do no good. Eatthis gruel which I had Pomp make for you.” e took up a bow! filled with warm gruel, and fed me with a spoon, just as if I had been a baby. Indeed, I was in a worse condition than this, for I could hardly move a limb; and as to talking, my voice at its fullest tension seemed a mere bagatelle of a whisper. The captain must have become strongly attach- ed to me during my sickness, or else he would never have acted in this manner; and the kind manner extended toward me, told as plain as words that he was sorry for having carried his little scheme of kidnapping a Northern cabin boy into execution. The gruel worked wonders; and as my etrength returned, in a measure, the curi- osity which Mother Eve bequeathed to her chil- dren took possession of my brain. “Captain, may I ask you a few questions?” said I, convinced that I could not very well have had a fever and have recovered in a day, and that the roaring of cannon and howling of winds which I seemed to seo in the dim vistas of the past, were something more than delusive fantasies of a disordered brain. ; “You had better go to sleep, lad. A good nap will do you more good than all your questions, and I will have something to tell you at a future time.” “ But, captain,” I exclaimed, ‘‘I can never slee sound with these things weighing on my min How long have I been with you?” “ Well, you’d hardly believe it, lad. We've a half doctor on board, and he says the case is cer- tainly without a parallel. You have half recovered three times, and then sunk back again until I despaired of ever getting you up. Itisnowsome four months since you came on board. There, I said you wouldn’t believe it.” “But four months, captain, fourmonths! How ean I believe it?” “* By taking a squint at yourself. Why you're as thin as a rail, but yon’ll pick up mighty soon. Avast heaving, my lad. Ill let you examine my log some of these days. and see what we've been doing while you were out of your head.” “But where are we now? Four months may have taken us a great ways from home, captain?” queried I, still thirsting for knowledge. ' “T believe you are a good distance from your home. We crossed the line long ago, and have just rounded the cape—Cape Horn, you know. A bad time it was, too; I lost several men in the last storm!” returned the captain, smiling. “Cape Horn! Thon we're in the Pacific!” I ejaculated. “ Exactly; but stow your gab. I must go up now, for I left the deck in charge of Gaston, and he’s half dead for want of sleep. We sailors get little in ome times, you know. Turn in and sleep now, and I'll guarantee you'll feel a hun- per cent: better when you wake,” saying which he left the little cabin. My mind was in a whirl for the next ten min- utes, as the reader may well suppose, for that which the coe had told me made my thoughts mix up promiscu te There was a small bull’s eye, which I termed a window, made of thick fies, just a foot above me, and although I could not look out, yet light from beyond ma: to gain an ingress. I could feel the vessel rolling heavily in the trough of the sea, and knew from this that the Waves were strong, although to an old sailor they might have provéd gentle enough. ile staring at the spot where the light from the bull’s-eye struck the wall, and trying to col- lect my thoughts into shipshape, I f say How long I slept I know not, but it must have been several hours, for, when I awoke, I saw a line of light along the side of my room, which came from a crack in the on, 86) ig me from the main cabin. else was dark around me, and I soon found that this stream of light must proceed from a lamp. Hearing the captain in conversation with some one whom he called Gaston, and whom I supposed was one of the mates, I coughed several times to attract his attention. In this maneuver I was successful, for in another moment he stood be- side my berth, and upon leaving what was want- ed, asked me to try and pull a tassel that hung within reach. To my joy, I found that my strength had re- turned so far that I could move my arm readily. The tassel proved to be the terminus of a rope, which, when pulled, sounded a bell, and a mo- ment after the cook, or doctor, as he was called, entered. He was a huge Ethiopian, with a flat nose, but, nevertheless, a good-humored face. : I afterwards learned that Pomp had been a _ —- slaye on the captain’s plantation in South Caro- lina, and when the latter sold all to buy the Pzuto, and use her in the interests of his native State, he took the negro along with him, The captain now told him to make a bow! of gruel and bring it, together with a biscuit soaked in wine, to me, Dbeying these commands, Pomp left the apart- ment, and my friend, the captain, quickly fol lowed him. Soon the cook reappeared, and I quickly made aay with the gruel. he wine-soaked biscuit I hesitated at, ha taken an antipathy against all liquors, and could not help blaming myself for drinking the port in which the drug had been placed. But realizing, as a medicine, the wine would really do me good, I swallowed the sea-biscuit, now soft enough when soaked. I made awry face asI tasted my old enemy, the port, and resolved never to drink again—a resolution I havé faithfully kept to this day. During my sickness the captain, urged on by,~ remorse most probably, when listening to my 4 wild ravings, must have become very much at- tached to me, judging from his frequent visits to my room as I grew better. e time passed in conversation or in my lis- tening to him read some book mutually interest- ing. Viccmand all that d during my illness; of the struggle of the blockaded Southern port; their subsequent voyage to the Pacific in search of legitimate prey in the shape of Northern merchant vessels ; their fight with an armed one just outside Brazilian waters; and last, but not least, the rounding of the cape. Iwas greatly interested in all that had occurred during the voyage, and the thought that I had pasacd through these events, even though in an unconscious state, served to make me feel more concern in them. For hours at a stretch, I pored over the cap- tain’s d6g-books repeating time and again until I knew it by heart, the few sentences which, in the same concise way that distinguished the whole pray marked my advent on board the uto, ~ When I first put in an appearance on deck, we were still in sight of the been shores of Pata- gonia, for the captain, strangely enough, laid his course within a few miles of the coast, and at times we approached close enough for me to see small shies with the naked eye. My chief delight was to sit up aloft in as easy a position as I could find, and with the captain's spy-glass, survey the land in its dreary state. 'o me, the immense rows of penguins lining the beach or se rocks, looked wonderfully like vast lines of white-vested soldiers. Birds, with the exception of this class, were not very numerous; and while I missed our northern ones, with the exception of the sea- gulls, I did not find many new species. Now and then a huge albatross would come : near us, darting down upon some unlucky fish, g parching on our spars, or else swinfming’after ; @ vessel in search of bits of bread or meat from the cook’s galley. £ One day, shortly after 4 / arrival on deck, I ; witnessed a strange spectacle, the like of which : Thad never seen before. « his was nothing more than catching a bird with a fish-hook. : The hook, a small but stout one, was baited : with a piece of meat, and then left dangling over “te the stern, for to have thrown it into the water ~ 4 would have served as an invitation to the sharks that were generally seen in our rear. Hardly had a moment passed by, before a huge albatross swooped down, swallowed both hook and bait, andwas composedly flying away, butthe ~ line soon checked its flight, and, amid a most tre- mendous fluttering, it was hauled on deck, where I examined it closely. It is a curious fact, and yet a true one, that when I cut the string and let the bird swallow the piece that was in its mouth, it did not offer to fly away, but walked about as if part and paroel of the ship’s crew, and I was very much amused to see how closely it followed the black cook, as if izing in him itsfriend and purveyor. Indeed, the bird seemed about to take up quar- ters there, and the only way to get rid of it in the end, was by pitching it overboard some six or eight times. ~~ By taking daily exercise, such as climbing up o to a dizzy height, and on several occasions even Say reaching the main-truck—although I never was 3 reckless enough to stand upon it,—and doing “3 various athletic feats, my strength soon came 74 back to me;-and when we sighted the pleasant- be looking shore of Chili, I was stouter and stronger than ever. / The captain and doctor said they had never heard of a fever lasting as long as mine, and des
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THE BOY CRUSOES. 5 clared that no one but a sturdy boy could have stood it. They also united in declaring that if my fever had been long, my recovery was most surpris- ingly rapid. Thad assumed charge of the cabin and the four state-rooms, but as only a small amount of my time was consumed in keeping them clean, I had many leisure hours to enjoy myself and pore over the ks taken from the wonderful shelf. Strange to relate, among them I found a dilapi- dated, coverless copy of my childhood’s friend, ** Robinson Crusoe.” How it came there I never discovered, but judged it must have been by accident; at any rate, the well-beloved volume was tucked in be- tween a large book something similar to “‘ Norie’s Navigation,” issued from England a few yea later, and a work on astronomy, invaluable to those who go down to the sea in ships. Another book which I delighted in was one that deseribed Chili, the wonders of her mountains, and the various creatures to be met with in her waters and forests. One day, an hour ortwo after noon, when out of sight of land, and most of the sailors engaged in making gaskets, or cringles, splicing ropes, or repairing worn parts of the rigging, we were all arouse from our indolent positions, which, to tell the truth, were growing exceedingly monoto- nous. I was reading a book in a pleasant, shady spot, and the second mate, a tall, dark man from At- lanta, Georgia; named Barker, stood near me, the chief mate, Gaston, being down in the cabin, en- gaged in looking over some maps with the cap- tain. : Ha pening to cast my eyes upwards as I turned al noticed that the man above had his glass sighted, and instead of ranging it along the hori- zon, as he would have dona if looking for a sail, he had it pointed steadfast in one direction. Knowing what this meant, I called the mate’s attention to him, and he, using his hands as a trumpet; called out: “On the lookout, there!’ * Aye, aye, sir,” came from the man as he low- ered his glass. ** What is it?” asked the mate; and we listened eagerly for a reply. “Ship in sight, sir,” yelled the lookout. It would seem as though acurrent of electricity . passed through every man, judging by the way they leaped up. 4 ‘Where way?” was the mate’s next ques- on. “ Ahead; dead ahead, sir,” came the response. By straining our eyes, and peering in the desig- nated direction, we could all of us see the vessel, which appeared like a small speck in the dis- tance, resembling for all the world a sea-gull. The captain and Mr. Gaston came on deck at this moment, having heard the commotion, and truly guessed its import. Seizing his glass from the ds of his mate, who had brought it up from the cabin, Captain Wayland sprang poe the bulwarks, and holding on with one hand to the shrouds, gazed longand steadily atthe other vessel; but she was too far away for low obser- vation. Taking the glass down, after his fruit- less attempt to discover the nature ofthe stranger, he gave a few orders to the manat the wheel, and then called out in the usual form: = no the lookout eee “* Aye, aye, ” return 6 man perched aloft, the still glued to his eye. y ; = ‘hat d’ye make her out to be?” shouted the captain. **Can’t make her out yet, sir; looks like a mer- chant aa and I seea sa oro abe returned the man, leaning forward in his observations. A moment later he added: ‘‘It’s a large brig, sir, heavy Jaden.” «And the flag?” asked the captain, anxiously. «Yankee Doodle,” was the characteristic reply; and no sooner did the captain hear this pleasant Sage p than he gave orders to crowd on all Like monkeys, the willing sailors sprang into the rigging, and, as I had never seen a ship un- der every stitch of canvas, you may be sure I used my eyes to advantage. ‘As there was a favorable breeze blowing, the Pluto tore along like a thing of life, making, as I soon asce! ed from trial, over twelye.knots an hour. She would have done even better than this had the wind come from a different quarter, or the chase changed to another direction; for, in- deed, it would have been hard to find a faster vessel than this “three-master” of a brig. That wee pained upon thé stranger rapidly could be Feces as he appeared more distinctly every momen ; Atl d wecould make her out with the naked eye, and through the glass it was soon ascer- tained that she was no brig, as tte lookout had declared, but a large vessel of some twelve 0: fourteen hundred tons burthen. = Those on board of her seemed aware of the fact that we were in full chase, for she had all sails set, and was doing quite well in the effort to es- cape us. It was of ro avail, however, for the Pluto had been. built after the manner of the low slim pirates of former days, and had all the requisites of a fast sailer, which in truth she was. On the other side, the ship before us, although perhaps able to distance many of her equals in size, was nothing when compared with our vessel, her owners having taken more pains when build- ing her to make everything staunch. With them, the amount she could carry, and her capability of withstandinga storm, outweigh- ed the advantages that might accrue from fast sail- ing. The sailors, who now watched the chase from various favorite positions, declared that we came upon her hand over hand. It was now near the middle of the afternoon, and in order that the capture should be made, it was necessary that we should come up with her be- fore night enveloped the trackless ocean in her sable mantle, as in the darkness she would hayea fine chance to elude us. Not a gun was fired, although we knew a ball from Long Tom, as thesplendid brass cannon at the bow was called, would easily reach the flying vessel. The captain was sharp enough jto realize that to fire would only retard our progress, and he was waiting until we got up closer. Once, however, the great brass cannon was touched off. It leaped up into the air and bounded back a foot, when the chains held it fast. The roar was deafening to me, but I valiantly stood my ground, and through an opening in the smoke, ors sight of the splash made by the ball, some distance to one side of the fugitive ves- sel. This was, as I learned, aninvitation to “lay to,” but the other ship paid no attention to it, be- ond firing off an old cannon from her rear, the 1 of which struck the water midway between us, and after skipping or ricochetting over the waves, sank out of sight. The captain stood near me. ‘‘ Jack,” said he, “ you remember the promise I made you about sending you home as soon as possible? Well, I think the tine has come forme to keepit. Ifwe take that vessel, Ishall man her with my men, and set crew adrift in the boats, and if you wish you shall go with them. ‘There will be little or no danger, for we are near the coast, and Valparaiso cannot be many hundred miles away; indeed, I think it is about one. “From there, with the money I shall give you, H: will be an easy thing to engage a passage ome. “T have a suspicion tat there are enemies too pomcriat for me in that port, so Isteer away from t. “*T hate to part from promise, and I am re wrong done you. “Weare hauling up fast on her now, and but for that flying tarpaulin, I could make out her name.” E Ashort time after, I noticed a gloomy scowl upon his face, and that he cast frequent glances lel y and eee as if apprehensive of anger from that on. . ; “don't like the looks of yon clouds,” said he, pointing almost behind us, and upon looking I saw what was to all appearance land, and such I might have called the low, gray cloud, had I not known that there was only.a vast waste of water in this quarter. When I heard him remark to tho mate that there was quite a chance of the fugitive’s escap- ing after all,I could not but feel glad, even though my stay on the privateer would be pro- longed by that occurrence; for it must be re- membered that I cherished loyal, Northern senti- ments, even after the many arguments the cap- tain and myself had waded through. As the cloud arose higher in the heavens, the wind grew more violent, and at length the order was reluctantly given to shorten sail, for it was dangerous to carry all, as to the heavy lunges of the vessel proved. : In ashort time the wind amounted to a small 8, ore merchantman, althoughit had to take some sails in, could stand a heavier press of canvas than the Pzuto, and only reefed where we furled. As to the result of this, it was soon seen, for she made good headway, and began to draw slowly but steadily away from us. Our ca) took ngs ee ically, al- though the men grumbled alittle. But nothing could be done to avert the calamity, as to attempt a run before the gale with all sails set would have been little short of madness. ou, but must keep my y sorry because of the ~ The monstrous waves, constantly increasing in heightas they rolled onward, came booming along crested with foam. A few sea-gulls flew swiftly , uttering their shrill cries, as though glory- ing in the coming storm. ; As the wind grew stronger the merchant vessel went ahead more rapidly, and at length disap- peared in the gathering gloom. Night was now coming on, and the captain ordered every sail to be furled, as he saw the mercury in the barome- ter descending with fearful rapidity. Truly my acquaintance with the mild, gentle Pacific was nota very pacifle one. Under bare poles, we scudded along before the wind, and just as darkness to descend upon us the rain began to fall. Not in drops, as was customary with this element, but in sheets, as if some one Was pouring the water in a perfect deluge. Terrific peals of thunder rent the air (as a hor- rible joke, I would mildly remark that it never settled up its rent), and these were followed by brilliant flashes of lightning that lit up the sea for hundreds of rods in almost every direction. I was standing where the captain had left me, wrapped up in an old pea-jacket, and having on & water-proof tarpaulin, when one of these almost dazzling flashes lit up the scene for miles around. During the’ momentary illumination I thought Isaw aship in the dim distance ahead, but al- most blinded by the extreme brightness of the flash, I could not make sure of it before darkness once more covered eyersthing like a pall. Eagerly I waited for the next _b , and in the interval heard, or thought I did, human shrieks and cries. Once again the ocean was lit up, and I strained Be be to see the ship. There she lay, a little ahead of us, her masts gone by the board, and we could tell that she was rapidly sinking, having eitherstruck a rock or sprung aleak, most prob- ably the latter. On her deck men were running around as if their brains were turned by the sudden fright. By the same flash I was enabled to ses that we were not many cable’s lengths from the shore. Our men could not help seeing the merchant- ship, and they began to hope again, for they might after all gain their prize-money, At this moment a severe shock was felt by all or board the Pluto, and, to our horror, we real- ized that she, too, had struek a rock. It is strange to observe what a panic one cow- ard can create. Asingle man made a rush for the life-boat yelling out that the shin: was sinking, as indeed t looked like it. Catching the fever, the rest of the crew dashed after him, Beep Om tain Wayland’s orders, and lowered the me jumped in to keep them steady, while others threw in provisions, and then by main force the captain was pulled into one, and the three boats pushed off. I was not inany one of them. At the first alarm I had hurried below, foolishly, I must own, although it proved wise in the end, to see if there was a hole knocked in the ship’s side. Hearing the noise from the cabins, just before entering the hole, I suspected the right cause of it, and hurried up to join them, -but it was too late. They were some ten fathoms away when I shouted out, and, asI held a lan- tern in my hand, like that in one of the boats, the captain saw me. He-.endeavored to steer back. but the giant waves beat him away, and one of the men seizing thetiller, turned the boat’s head away, fearful lest they should capsize. A or heard above the roar of the storm reached my ears, and, as the lienining dared up, I saw the two boats commanded by the two mates, dashed upon a foamy breakwater, doubt— less the reefs, and with their contents, smashed to pieces, while the third one, in which was Cap- tain Wayland, was just disappearing around what seemed to be the point of a peninsula. The ship seemed held in a vise, and the waves eame dashing oyér the deck, sweeping off Srerse thing that was not fastened securely; but as the hatehes were battened down, very little water went below. : : 3 By means of the incessant flashes, I saw that the merchant vessel had long since gone down, doubtless bringing all her crew to a watery grave. And there I was, left on board the Pluto. CHAPTER II. SLEEPING ON THE PLUTO—I COMPARE MY SITUA- TION WITH THAT OF OTHER SHIPWRECKED MABI- NEES—ROBINSON CRUSOE, JR.,—LEAPING ON A RAFT—I RESOLVE TO DEFEND MY LIFE AND PRO- PERTY—FRIENDS OR FOES. 9 I was left on board the Pluto, and as the men, when they forsook her, had cried out that the ves- ly alarmed sel was sinking, , L Was naturally great! for my safety, z
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6 THE BOY CRUSOES. For almost half an hour I clung to the ratlines with one hand, and held on to an old life-preser- ver that I foe one state the Specie Soustantly expecting to fee e ship going down, and yet fete pleasantly disappointed. About this time the storm to show signs of abating, and as this mental anxiety, consequent upon a continual suspicion that I could feel the ship settling, rendered me very nervous, I resoly- ed to go below, and settle the matter at once. The waves no longer washed the deck, and I found little difficulty in removing the covering to the companion-wey. : Somewhat to my surprise and satisfaction, I found the cabin’ perfectly dry, and pleased with the discovery, I cautiously made my way down into the hold. By the aid of my lantern, I looked around, and found that the sailors had been entirely wrong in their suppositions, for there was no hole to be seen. The captain being the one best uainted with the structure of the ship, had refused to leave, had been forced into the boat by main strength. Had the men given him time to speak, he would haye explained his ideas in a convincing manner, and backed up his theory, if ‘need be, me Roing below and ascertaining the nature of C Putting several things together, I at length ar- rived at the conclusion that the Pluto was tightly wedged in between two rocks, for she hardly moved under the greatest waves. This discovery lifted a load from my mind, and I hastened on deck again. The storm proved to be of short duration, for it was rapidly decreasing in violence, though the waves’ still ran high, and would have capsized any Common row-boat in a moment. eeling sure that the vessel would stand the storm out, and not seeing any necessity of my remaining on the exposed deck any longer in my wet state, I went below. t After changing part of my clothes, I threw my weary frame upon the lounge in the main eabin, and, despite the tumult without, soon slept. When I again opened my eyes, I soon realized where I was, although the storm and its tragedy seemed but a dream at first. ~ Wondering if anything had taken place that could affect my fortunes, I jumped up from my resting-place and made haste to reach the deck. A marvelous Carrier se taken place during the night; the gale gono down, and now the water was only agitated by the long, even swells so peculiar to the ocean. Not a cloud could be seen in the sky, and the broad band of light in the east heralded the rising sun. anxiously I cast my eyes toward the shore Wwi.ch was about half a mile from the ship, an in plain view. n the préceding night, when my eyes had fdllen upon the shore during the momenta: flashes of lightning, I had taken it for gran that it was the coast of Chili, but now, viewing it in broad daylight, I began to have serious dou of this. I could see several miles of land, with a high hill rising up at the end nearest me, and beyond this, on both sides, was the water of the Pacific. It might have been an island, and yet again there was a chance of its being part of the main land, stretching out into the ocean. At any rate, it was a beautiful spot to me, and the green yerdure so close at hand seemed like an old friend to me, as I had seen nothing but the barren shores of Patagonia for months. The land was covered all over with trees and bushes, except that part near the water, forming the sandy beach, and the summit of the hill, which was eky and desolate-looking. - From my ioe tion on the deck of the Puito, I could not tell just then whether the land before me was an island or a projection from the coast of Chili; and although I must own that it look- ed very suspiciously like the former, still there tod a chance, and I entertained hopes of its being latter. While standing upon the bulwarks of the pri- vateer, gazing upon the sie which, in case it roved to be an island, asI greatly feared, would oubtless prove my home for weeks and months, or, it might be, years, all that I ever heard or read about shipwrecked mariners came vividly into my head. I remembered the book below in the cabin, withthe dilapidated binding, one similar to which Thad read a dozen times at least when home— dear old “Robinson Crusoe.” There seems to be a secret et about this volume, a something that draws boys’ hearts to it, and renders them slaves ever alter. Show me the youth who has not conned over this volume at some time or other—pro he had the chance—and I will point out a boy who Ought to be dressed in petticoats. Mosc boys deem it their greatest treasure, and as for me it had for many months been my verit- able vade mecum; time and again had Deke hours imbibing the knowledge it contained, little reckoning how soon it was to come te practical use. Like this castaway sailor, I now decided to look after. my safety and future comfort, and. try to bring something else besides myself to the shoré. It was certain that under the influence of the wayes the ship could never hold out a week; and if a storm came up under that time she would go to pieces at once. Therefore I must be expedi- tious in my undertakings if I wished to assure success. Of course the first thing to be done was to hunt fora boat, if such a thing was to be found on board. From stem to stern I searched the vessel through, but the hunt was fruitless, and in the end I was forced to give it up as a bad job. There had been four boats on board, three of which had been taken by the crew. The fourth was not to be found, so I took it for granted that it had either been washed overboard: or else smashed to pieces during the storm, ° In the end I found that I must be content with a serviceable raft, as had Robinson before me. Fortunately, in my search for a boat I had taken note of the rows of empty water-casks, which I knew, being air-tight. would prove asure foundation for my proposed float. So tumblinga alot of them on deck, I pitched them over the starboard side, where the outgoing tide held them fast against the side of the ship. There were between twenty and thirty of them, and having; by some diplomacy, arranged them in four rows, I proceeded to nail stout boards along them, until had a very strong raft. Before doing this latter part of the business, and just after pitshing the casks over, I mado a small float with four of them, which I threw into the water, and after getting my boards down, low- ered myself on it. In this way I could paddle around my larger raft, fixing things here and there, until it was ready for occupancy. When this was done [ looked for the first time at my watch, which I had kept with me during m adventures, and finding it was almost noon, prosodic to satisfy my appetite before attempt- ng to load up. The inner man being satiated, I began to carry up all the articles I wanted, and placed them on my raft. In order that the reader may know how far I followed the coverless book before mentioned, I will give the things without details. First, I brought op half a dozen guns, two of them being rifles of approved make; as many pistols; two small kegs of powder; several bags of bullets: what seemed to be a canister of shot; and a large ease of percussion caps. : ‘Then came the carpenter’s large chest, which I had to empty first, and load up again on the raft; two kegs of mixed nails; and a sheet of lead, so large, that it kept me an hour getting it on deck and lowering itugain by the aid of my impro- vised windless. To these articles I added a heavy barrel of salt beef; a coop, evntaining two dozen live chickens, which I found between decks ; a small coil of rope; a pile of hams; a box of lucifer matches, and last of all, a cask of water for I was not sure that any of this, to me, useful article, could be found upon the land. I found that these articles constituted a good load, and so as'the raft sank rather deep in the water, I only added my own weight. It was now late in the afternoon, and the tide had commenced to flow in toward the shore, pull- ing my raft quite avant Just as I was about to unfasten the line that held me to the ship, I remembered something else I needed, and van- ishing over the side, I sought what I wanted, and then returned to my raft. T had obtained:a bundle of oars, of which there was quite a stock on board the privateer. The wind, what trifling amount there was, hap- pened to be in my favor, and as the tide came along quite strongly, as is usual in this out-of-the- way country, it did not take very long for the raft to draw near the shore. When I got inside the reefs through an open- ing, and close up to the beach, I saw the mouth of a large creek, now inflated with the tide, and thinking that if I followed it up, a suitable place for ase might present itself to me, I ed for it, and in a few moments yas paddling up the stream After moving onward for about a hundred rds, and finding that the creek, as I supposed t to be, although it might really be an arm of the sea extending thus far into the land, wound in and out like a huge serpent, I began to look around me for a good place to serve as a wharf where I might land myself and the cargo. The creek, even if not very wide, was deep. I could see specks. of foam on its surface at this point, and a sullen roar above told that there was some sortof a cataractnearme. So this, in itself, proved the nature of the ereek. I was beginning to think that, after. all, I would have to sleep on the mft, when I espied the’ mouth of a cave on the left bank of the creek, ~ some thirty or more yards from the water. It was near the base of the hill, and the stream was wider at this point than at any I had as yet seen. Paddling the raft over to the left side of the steam, I found a nice little cove, deep and rock- bound, which was admirably suited for a landing- place, and pushing the raft tightly inst the shore, I secured it first by a couple of long pad- dies thrust into the mud outside, and then by means of a rope, passed around a rock and tied - to the nearest tree. Having thus brought the raft safely to the land, I took one of the rifles and loaded it, not _know- ing but what I might encounter ferocious beasts of prey, and I desired ‘to be ready in case any- ets dangerous presented itself for considera- on, Upon examination, I found that some of the revolvers taken from the wall of the cabin were loaded, and so I thrust couple of them in my belt to keep my knife company. By this time I really looked like an adventurer, a bloody pirate, or anything in fact but plain Jack Merton, who had been, not six months be- ares attending the town» school at his native place. : ; Knowing that if I hoped to get my load in the eave before darkness came on, I had best make use of my time, I began to work with a will. The distance between the waterand my destina- tion was short, and as there was a gradual slope I managed to roll,up what barrels and ¢asks L possessed ; but the carpenter's chest I was forced to leave on the raft, while the lead I pushed on to the shore, intending to leave it untill could cut it up into smaller sections, There was little danger of its being carried away by the tide, for—well it was lead, and every one knows what that is. After pulling, carrying or rolling the rest of my possessions up to the cave, I stood outsideto rest after my labors, and watch the sunset. Like a victorious general, old Sol sank beneath the pares his golden rays streaming through the with admiration at the sight, before’entering the cave. 7 Justas I was about to turn away, I caught Sight of something that rather startled me. About fifty yards up the stream was a long row of bushes, and ring out from among these I noticed three white faces, their’ owners haying in all probability just come upon the seene. As I turned fully towards them, one of the strangers sprang to his feet with a strange ery, and came running toward me. One thing I was certain of, and this was the fact that these three belonged to either the Pluto or else the fugitive merchant ship. If the former, they would take my goods away, and perhaps make a slave of me; for although a favorite with the captain, I had always been at loggerheads with the crew on account of my SOntin otter bands ing they belonged nthe other hand, sup ng they belon to the doomed yessel which, the privateer had chased, they would naturally suppose me io be one of the Pluto’s crew, and in the end make me a prisoner of war. ow this was something I didn’t fancy; after haying been kidnapped from home, and carried away by the Confederates, it wouldn’t be nice to be roughly treated by my own countrymen. Then, again, should they prove to be some of the blockade runners’ crew I had no idea of be- ing compelled to give up the things I had lugged ashore, and assume a subordinate position. Notif I knew myself; I held ion, and ession is nine-tenths of the law both of civil- ized and savage countries, I would make a show of fighting for my rights at least. : These things went through my mind like a flash, and I saw that my situation was really desperate; 80 pulling out a revolver as the single one sprang out of the bushes, I pushed back the hammer, and raised the weapon so as tobe ready. The last rays of the dying sun fell upon my face and figure, while that of the man was con- cealed by his own form, z rea he ranI heard him ejaculate in a surprised me ; ae . declare! Jack Merton, by the shooting dog star !” : All of the Exner. men knew ce name, and the fact of his haying uttered it would have only made me positive of its being a Pluto man, but for that exclamation, Surely it wasa very fa- miliar one tome. looked around me ging of the forsaken privateer, and filled * a“. ~~ : | s
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y “ia I lowered the pistol and looked sharply at the runner as he came toward me. He was dressed in a half-officer, half-seaman garb, and when he came within the range of the sun’s rays, I caught a good glance of his features. They were very familiar to me. “Tom! Tom!’ was all I could utter, so over- come was I at this meeting, and the dear fellow eaught me in his arms with a hug like that ofa It was Tom Jordan, my cousin, who was a sailor, and who, as the reader will perhaps re- member, had taught me how to manage the little sailboat it had once been my good fortune to own. CHAPTER IY. COUSIN TOM—FIRST NIGHT ON SHORE—HOW WE CAME TO AN UNDERSTANDING—ON THE MAIN HATCH—FIGHTING THE WAVES—THE BLOODY PRIVATEERSMAN—OUR PROVISION STORE—AT WHOLESALE ONLY—JUST A TRIFLING BLOW. Tom was twenty, almost three-years older than myself, but despite this slight disparity in our ages, we were always tho best of friends. ; He had always been a good scholar—one of those singular boys, who not only dote upon books of travel and explorations in different lands, but who try their utmost to see those countries. My cousin’s family were well-to-do people of the good city of Covington, Kentucky, and there was no necessity for’him to earn aliving; but when Tom took a notion into his head; there was no such thing as dislodging it, so at an early age he adopted the sea asa footing for his profes- Bee commencing at the lowest round of the lad- er. The boy reader may be inclined to believe that Tom, being a student of nature, must necessaril be a ary, prosy sort of fellow, and just here would like to disabuse his mind of such thoughts without further Tt has never whose love for fun and adventure equaled Tom’s. He was honest, candid, and perfectly reliable in all matters, and just at this time his knowledge of Dame Nature’s freaks seemed about to come into good play. But [ hear his hearty, well-known tones over my shoulder, saying, “Avast heaving, there, Jack,” and I stop immediately, knowing that were Ito make an immense chapter out of it, I could never eulogize Tom too much. Fora couple of moments then we hugged one another like bears. Although both were startled at the sudden meeting, yet Tom’s surprise must have greatly exceeded mine, for he had left me ore school some six months before, and now foun me a castaway from a Confederate privateer. When our emotion began to subside a little, I remembered that Tom had not been alone, an asked who the others were. “Two shipmates of mine, Jack; good fellows, both, I assure you. Shall I tell them to join us?” asked Tom,as he changed once more from a bear to a human being. “Certainly. Call them up at once,” I replied. My cousin hailed his comrades, and the boys came up, looking the ee they felt at seeing Tom so intimate with a bloody privateersman, as they took me to be. Both were sturd Beaten Se tolerably well- educated, and although the stumpy one, Joe Lackey, had red hair and a badly freckled face, yet he was a good-natured fellow, as wasalso the taller one, Ned Simmons, who, possessing a bet- ter-looking phiz than Joe, was not near s0 hand- some as my model of a cousin, Tom. The two were dressed in regular sailors’ garb; low shoes, white duck punts and dark-blue shirts, but neither ofthem possessed head-gear, having lost their hats during the gale. Tom had been third mate of the merchant ves- sel, and over his blue shirt he wore a fine pea- acket, and upon his cap could be seen a gold nd, for the company believed in uniform, He was just the one to command a ship, and I had always believed that before he was twenty- two, Tom would be acaptain. _ : The boys were all very hungry, and after pull- ing up the carpenter’s chest, we went into the cave to get supper. A fire was started outside with dry twigs and branches from the trees near By: Ned then went off with a bucket, and soon came back with it full of fresh water, which he had obtained above the waterfall. I showed Tom where the barrel of salt beef was, and opening this with a hatchet taken from the carpenter’s chest, he took out a junk, which was put into a pot with water to cover it. This latter was then suspended over our fire by means of a crane fashioned after the gypsy pene, en my fortune to meet a boy |: THE BOY CRUSOES. style, by means of two stakes with notehes in the tops, placed at each side of the fire, And con- nected above by the ramrod of a musket. While this was going on, I hauled out one of the hams, and began slicingit. The boys were so very hungry thut they ate the smoked ham until the edge of their keen appetites was gone, and then consented to wait for the beef. When this was at length done, we set to work, and ina ee time were ready and willing to cry “enough.” For rink we used the fresh water obtained by Ned, and which tasted splendid after the dubious beverage from the ship’s holds. Supper done, we set to work barring up the mouth of the cave with all our heavy articles, leaving only a small hole to crawl in and out of. The place itself had evidently been the lair of some wild beast, for in a corner we found a heap of bones, which ‘we pitched into the fire. Seated inside the ‘‘ palace,” I listened to Tom’s story, and learned how he and his companions happened to be on the land, instead of ina watery rave. When the Romance struck the rocks, her masts went by the board, and she began to sink imme- diately. As is almost invariably the case, the crew lost their only chance for escape by becoming. de- moralized and lowering the different boats with- out due precautions. : - They might, some of them, have saved their lives had orders been obeyed, but the greatest disorder prevailed, and, as a natural consequence, both men and officers, afraid of being left behind, | da: crowded into the boats. The immediate result of this was that the two boats were swamped or smashed against the ship’s side, and the fourteen terror-stricken wretches went down to rise no more. In the beginning, the brave captain had been washed overbourd, or his commanding “presence might have been sufficient to conduct things more propery: - Our three young friends had kept together ever. since the ee came on. Ned and Joe wanted to get into the boats with the panic-stricken sailors, and Tom had hard work to keep them back, but if was well he did so. They now began looking around to see what could be done in order to avert the death that stared them in the face, and by making a judicious use of their united strength, the covering of the main hatch was carried to the side of the vessel. They were just about to throw it into the sea, and trust to their chances of reaching it, when Tom noticed a huge wave coming, one that great- ly exceeded in size any thet had as yet been felt, for as the Romance was raised on the rocks, and teeny bulwarks, no wave had as yetswept her ecks, A troop of pigs forward were squealing in a d| terrible manner, and this was the last sound the boys ever heard from their ship, for the next mo- ment the giant billow swept every loose object from the deck, and the three young fellows, clinging to their novel raft, were in the water, sailing toward the shore at a rate terrible to be- hold. Aloud chorus of squeals from the pigs told that they, too, were shipwrecked, but the rolling waves would have prevented the boys from seeing them, even had they looked, which ay had no idea of doing. fi hey were banged about in quite an alarming manner, being at times lifted on the summit of a mighty billow, and a few seconds later down in the trough of the sea. A loud sound, almost like a sob, followed by a ripping crash as the deck was torn up by the compressed air beneath, informed the boys that the gallant Romance had gone the way of all craft, and was down in her ocean ve. Suddenly Joe announced that he could touch bottom. As the darkness was too great for them to see the shore, the others would not a first be- lieve him, but a trial sufficed to prove his asser- tion true. Another billow came along, carried them many feet, and left the hatch, with the boys clinging to it, on a sandy shore. Quickly running beyond the reach of the in- Sets foam-crested waves, they sat down to rest. ; All were wet and shivering, and they soon came to the conclusion that the first thing to be done was to get dry. During the lightning flashes they saw several bodies tumbled about on the waves, but as the storm changed its direction, and we never came across any of them, we concluded that they had been carried off to sea, or sank upon thelee shore of the land. Greatly to the joy of the three castaways, the rain began to slacken, and soon stopped alto- gether, while through a break in the clouds they 7 caught sight of that bright harbinger of hope to the storm-tossed mariner, the Southern Cross. Crawling under the bushes and among the trees, they managed to get a few armfuls of leaves and sticks, which, being in sheltered nooks, had escaped the rain, and these proved the foundation of a small but nevertheless wel- come fire, by the aid of whieh they dried their clothes as well as was possible, and then slept. They awoke early in the morning, and hastened down to the beach to see how matters stood, and see whether any of their shipmates had escaped ~ the fury of the storm. Here they saw the Pluto lying to, as they thought. Hidden behind the bushes which grew upon the shore, they saw me standing on the poop-deck, and of course, I was taken for one of the watch. How little did I think, while gazing upon the shore, engaged in recalling Robinson Crusoe’s experience, not many hundred miles from this. spot, that my dear cousin was watching me. Feeling afraid lest the privateer might send a. boat on shore for water or fruit, and that they might be captured, they resolved to leave’ the coast for the time being. Coming across the stream just above the water- fall, they followed it for a short distance, and then leaving it, went up the’hill. . Upon the north side, half way to the top, they had found an abundance of grapes, of which they ate a large amount..I could well understand their hunger at supper time now, knowing that they had tasted nothing but grapes during the y. 3 : But for the fear of meeting some of the rivateersmen, ‘they would have been at the: ach, hunting for things cast ashore from the wreck, : Late in the afternoon they had resolved to go down at any Cost, their stomachs were loudly and ferociously clamoring for food, and substantials. they must have, even at the risk of being seen from the blockade-runner. On rounding the hill, they caught sight of the privateer, but the deserted and curious appear- ance of her deck excited their greatest curiosity. They had just reached the stream when they heard me sneeze, greatly to their surprise. “ And now, Jack,” said Tom; as He finished his- yarn, “‘how’ is it I find Bh in this part of the world, on board of a Confederate privateer, too?” I thereupon proceeded to elucidate by relating everything that had occurred since the time of Tom’s ‘sailing; some six weeks before my own start. The Romance had encountered heavy gales. on her voyage, and came near sinking while rounding the cape; and this, together with the dif- ference in the sailing qualities of the two ships had enabled the Pluto to overhaul her off the coast of Chili. All the boys listened intently while I spoke, and, as my narrative grew more exciting, their interest, especially Tom’s, found vent for itself, now and then, in various whistles, grunts, ejaculations, and pats, all of which made me smile with amusement. When at length I coneluded, many questions were showered upon me, until I had put an end to it by declaring a truce, and saying that I was. sleepy. We dropped off into the land of dreams, one after another, and’ slept soundly during the night, despite the furore of excitement which each had labored under. With the gray dawn, we were upon our feet, and, feeling quite refreshed, we walked down to the beach. The tide was at its ebb, and was. flowing toward the ship, which was almost a third of a mile from the shore. Overhead the sky was as clear as on the preceding day, and we knew that Old Sol would soon pour his rays down upon both land and sea, dispelling the coolness that actually made us shiver; and those who had Sanaa buttoned them up closer than ever. To our satisfaction the sea was as calm as it could possibly be; and so far the prospects for a fine day were very promising. We desired to make a visit to the wreck, and knowing that if the tide was to be made a benefit our movements must be expeditious, we hurried to the raft, unmioored it, and then paddled down the stream. _— 2 As the action of the water was in our favor, and there were four lusty fellows to paddle, we were not long in Pennants ship, up the side of which we clambered by means of various ropes. The first thing we did after getting on board, was to stow away a large amount of eatables, for as yet we kad taken no breakfast. fter this we held a consultation, and then went to work, adding to the raft until it was over three times as large as before, Air-tight water casks with the bungs closed- proved an excellent float, and ours, when com- pleted, was capable of holding quite a load.
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8 THE BOY CRUSOES. Roummaging around, we at length got the fol- lowing things on deck, and fromthere to the raft. Three coils of rope, being different sizes; all the cooking utensils on board ; a bundle of guns with more ammunition; several dozen knives, forks and spoons, two of the seamen’s chests full of the best clothes we could find; a large package of twine; three barrels of flour; two of pickled pork; one ditto of salt beef; one of beans; two of white sugar; two bags of coffee; several boxes of tea; three cheeses; ther with miscellaneous articles, such as thread, pins, needles, buttons, ete., which we found in profusion in the eabin. Our raft was not yet heavily loaded, and we looked around for something else to put on. While hunting around, my eye fell upon asmall brass cannon, mounted with wheels, and which the captain told me was used in one of the boats sieng, a night attack, or when running the block- 3. This we got down on the raft, and found that with the canister, round shot and several kegs of wder from the magazine, our craft was loaded Pe enoygh. Clambering over the side, we took with us some loose gold, picked up in the state-rooms of the officers, but they evidently carried any treas- ure they had away with them. It was about threé in the afternoon when we quitted the vessel, and as we pushed off, Tom re- marked: “This is the last time we'll touch the ship, boys, for yonder comes astorm,” pointing to the southern horizon as he spoke. An interval of tin oe — bette ane pies he really began to eve in the paci, eory, for in my mind this excelled the stormy Atlantic. e hastened as much as was expedient, but the raft being heavy and no tide to help us, it was some time before we reached the mouth of our creek. otieny Joe on one side and Ned on the other, both holding ropes which were attached to the raft, we see ps Dr ing and our paddling combined, to land at our cove. Haste was n to land our things and bring them into the cave; but strong arms and willing hearts can accomplish wonders, snd in half an hour the thing was done. Then we proceeded to fasten the raft to rocks and trees with several additional cables. Hardly had we sheltered ourselves in the cave, before the rain came down in torrents; the wind whistled and shrieked like an enraged demon let loose; the lightning flashed ; the thunder rattled on, sounding like salvyoes of artillery; the waves ame rolling up the stream, dashing against the bank with fury. Outside, they broke upor the reefs with a fear- ful noise, and I really think but for the protection of the former, half of the island would have been inundated. The trees creaked and groaned about our cave - poten about to give way before the violence of the gale. : Tom piled up the Jeaves and sticks, and in a few err we had c epi git fire, ie pmoks means of a draught through seve! pS hoes what little there chanced to be, for the wood was dry, and burned readily. While this terrible war of the elements was go- ing on outside, we placed our pot on the fire, and ‘were soon engaged in looking after our supper. This consisted of cold salt beef left from the night before; coffee, very fine but creamless, and some ham, together with an egg apiece, taken from the chicken coop. CHAPTER V. BLOWN OUT TO SEA—WE DECIDE TO EXPLORE. Ir would seem as though we were all veterans, so far as storms were con , for we sle soundly during the night, in spite of the tumult that raged without, When mo came, it found us on the beach, just at the mouth of the creek, looking upon the scene. - The dark clouds, which at dusk, on the pre- day, covered the sky, had all vanished, and now the heavens were clear, with the excep- tion of a snowy cloud here and there, hastening along as if anxious to join its fellows. .. _ We turned our eyes toward the spot where last wwe had seen the blockade-runner, but a glance Sufficed to tell the truth; nothing met our eyes but the endless waste of water; the Pluto had gone. - ; “Storm’s done the work for her,” said Ned, “and it was a rouser, too, enough to sink any ship. I’m sorry she’s gone, for we might have at length, by dint of their pull- | p “No, Ned,” said he, at length, “I don’t think she had’a hole knocked in her bottom, for you see she was tightly wedged in between the rocks. If she did go to pieces, it’s my opinion that the huge waves did the business for her.” «What do you mean by ‘if,’. and emphasizing did? Surely there can be no doubt but what the Pluto has gone under. If she had stood the storm, we could see her now, and I’m sure there’s no Sign there,” said I, pointing outward with a smue. ** Well. I have a doubt, and can give itin a nut- shell. You see, boys, after you were asleep, I came out of the cave, and found that the storm had passed away, though the wind was still blowing hard. I noticed that the waves were as high as ever, and that the wind came from the south-east. It was from the south when we left the ship, but it had veered several points. Now what I meant by ‘if’ is justthis: The waves were much larger than during the other storm, and they might (mind I don’t say they did) have taken the vessel from her bed, as I might say, and earried her out tosea. Now what do you say to that, boys?” “That it is only an exaggerated guess of yours, Tom,” said Joe, frankly, for, although he gener- ally J0kech to my cousin for advice, and believed in his many philosophical theories, still he always tried to combat them, unsuccessfully, I must own. “ Yes,” he continued, *‘I wouldn't be afraid to bet five to one that the Piuto went to pieces, for nothing could stand that gale, which was one of ae heaviest. Do you take me up—five to one?” “No, Joey, you know I’m pppoded to betting, on principle; and then, again, I’d be too certain of winning. Joe, you must acknowledge that if the vessel did not sail away, she sank not, but was broken up by the waves,” laughed Tom, now sure of his case. “Town up that far;she did not founder, for we batten down the hatches,” said Joe, uzzled. “Then you must see that if she was broken up, pieces of her must have washed ashore.” “T give in, old boy. You have too stronga team for me,” said Joe, “Joseph, my lad, you’re never too old to learn. You see there may be articles from the decks, but you can’t point out anything from below; that is, the cabins,” and Tom looked very sagely at us as he spoke, with the air of a wiseacre. Joe looked up and down the beach with a ver, faint hope, indeed, and then shook his head. Booms, spars, tangled rigging, and various like articles were thrown up on the sand, coming from the Romance, no doubt, but this was all; no chairs, boxes, or anything that might have been washed out of the Pluto’s cabin or state- rooms, It seemed quite probable to all of us now, that the privateer had been blown out to the sea. ing to our cave after this discussion, we turned the subject by making way with the quickly prepared break fast. While engaged in this s: pieneene occupation, Tom, whom we all looked upon as a sort of leader, assigned to each one his duty for the day. Ned and Joa were to remain at home, and build a hut out of the boards taken from the raft, and pieked up on the beach, while Tom and my- self were ordained to reach the summit of the hill, and find out whether we had landed on Chili proper, or an outlying island. ‘ Leaving the other two hard at work, pulling the raft to pieces, and carrying the material for the intended cabin up to the cave, we started out. Each had a rifle, a pistol anda knife, and alto- gether we presented quite a formidable aspect as we ascended the hill. This we found anything but easy work, for there were several cliffs, totally inaccessible, so far as climbing them was concerned, and these had to be rounded. By means of judicious di- verging, and some exertion of strength, we man- at length to reach a point about half way up. It was just at this time that Tom grasped my arm and pointed upwards in almost a perpendic- ular direction. By following the line indicated Be his extended finger, I soon saw what he want me to. ; We were nearly at the foot ofahigh cliff that stood directly in our way, and it was at the sum- mit of this that Tom was Lala g ; A very large bird was perched upon a rocky pecioction that jutted out from the face of the ele- vation. Its neck was craned out, and I could see how yery curious the bird was about finding the na- ture of the strange creatures below. ** What is it?” I asked, after gazing in silence at the bird, which remained sostationary thatone sould almost believe it a part of the rocky bar- ier. **A condor from the Andes, Jack. Watch him come down to make a warmer acquaintance;” and as my cousin spoke, he pulled back the ham- mer of his well-made rifle, and quickly raised that weapon to his shoulder. “ Be careful to keep out of his way, for he isno light weight,” added Tom, as he squinted along the shining barrel. The giant of. winged creatures seemed to know by intuition that its life was in danger, even though it might never have seen a gun before, for while Tom was engaged in the act of taking aim it spread those immense pinions, and in another moment would have been cleaving the air in its swift flight. A sharp, whip-like crack told that the riffe had been fired. I saw a puff of white smoke curling away heavenward, and looked up further to see the bird soaring away on its journey to the Andes, but for once, at least, I reckoned without my host. Tom was a splendid shot, as I ought to have known, for we had often been out hunting to- gether. But he was not the one to boast of his exploits, though always willing to tell the story. ruck in a mortal spot, the monarch of winged creatures, so far as size is concerned, after a vain endeavor to retain his. position, came fluttering down, and fell with a dull sound at our feet, ex- piring atonce. . This was the first time I had seen a condor, and et, perhaps, had time been granted me, I might ave guessed what it was when on the cliff. Ihad many atime read strange stories about their habits and how they were captured, but when it came to a description the reality was so different that I should never have been sure of its identity butfor Tom, who had shot them before, and had one stuffed in his cabinet at home. My cousin had been asailor for many years, and during this period had visited many strange countries, among which I might mention China, India, South America, the two polar seas, and last of all, our sunny California. He was hardly five feet ten in height, but had through many adventures, and from hard work had become very strong. This strength, united with a certain quickness and agility that characterized all his moyements, made him one who might well be looked upon as a leader, even of veterans, for Tom’s hi pos- sessed that rarity—brains. It may seem queer to the reader that I should blunt the edge of my narrative by a digression that is simply a eulogy upon my cousin; but Tom’s blushing face over yonder tells me that the tribute had touched a tender point, and the love in my heart for his sterling qualities must now and then find an outlet, Perhaps eight persons out of nine, who were not regular sharpshooters, would have missed, or at best only wounded the condor as he start- ed iY sail away, for his flight is exceedingly ra ‘he requisites of a good marksman are asteady hand and a quick eye, and these qualities were by Tom. The condor which he had killed measured three feet ten inches from tail to beak, and with ex- tended wings from tip to tip, there was the tre- mendous distance of nine feet. ; We were accurate about this, as we had with us a tape-line, taken from one of the lockers in the Pluto’s cabin, with which we gomvnied the length and breadth, Stooping over the bird, we éxam- ined it as closely as possible. In color, it was a glossy black, dusted hereand there with gray, which made it have the ap- pearance of old age, though such was not the case, There were several white spots on the wings, and what Tom called aruff of downy feathers en- circling the base of its neck. Both the head and neck were bare, being en- tirely destitute of feathers, and the skin covering these parts, coarse and wrinkled, of a dull red- iia color, with a slightly perceptible tinge of pur- ple. : The tail was broad and well-shaped, probably to guide the condor in his flight through the @rial ions. : : ree may, BuO estimation, it was not a very pretty bird, although the largest I] had ever seen, not even excepting many large stuffed hawks and eagles. Xe . We each pulled out several feathers to remem- ber the bird by, and then resumed our way up- ward, aiming for the summit of the hill. Being ly indefatigable climbers, we soon rounded and gained the top of the craggy ele- vation, which we concluded to call ‘ Condor Cliff,” as we had already decided to call our pos- sessions ‘‘ Shelter Island,” in case our tour of ob- seryation should prove it to be surrounded by water. . diets : From our position we could see the tyro boys industriously at work in front of the cave, and _ ro . r — ’ : eR a re PGS Seer BAN.
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THE BOY CRUSOES. Ss they were not long in discovering us in our ele- vated position. They waved their hats and shouted to us, as we afterwards found out, pious just then the wind was contrary, and we heard nothing, Tom reloaded the rifle which had caused Mr. Condor’s death, and then we continued our way onward. As we walked along, he related to me, a willin: listener, several anecdotes about condors an their general habits, while I responded with things found in the wonderful book of natural history which had been alongside of Robinson Crusoe, and the works on navigation on the cap- tain’s shelf. f Tom wondered Lap he finding a bird of this Species on our }as they, generally speaking, prefer some beetling crag on the summit of a high mountain. “/ He stated merely as a supposition that this one had come some distance, and was resting on the dp of the cliff; as we saw no more condors at * during our stay, we concluded that he was right 4 in his conjecture. Reaching the last tree, which we eyed closely, as it was tall, and would make a d signal-pole, Wwe could see the grand old Pacific in three direc- tions, north, west and south. - It was easier to travel now, and we were not Jong in reaching the very summit of the hill. ith an eagerness not to be expressed in words, we poset over the rounded top towards the eas’ However, we were doomed to disappointment, at least I was, having possessed sanguine hopes of its being the main land. Water—water everywhere; miles upon miles of it, glittering in the beams of the glorious sun, and surrounding completely the land on which we had been castaway. Boy Crusoes in every sense of the word we un- doubtedly were. Is it very surprising, dear reader, that for some time we looked around us without saying a word? Cast away upon this strange island, with thou- sands of miles of land and water separating us from all we held dear, is it a wonder that our hearts grew heavy for a time? But this could not last long: the natural buoyancy of ourspirits soon eame back, and in ten minutes we were zarnestly discussing our plans for the future, and taking a pleasure in it that seemed singular in- deed, when contrasted with our recent despond- for this purpose descended on the eastern side of | Tom, refiectively scratching his head with the the hill, rounding a small precipice that began at tip of his finger, as he naturally did when puzzled ; the summit. 5 “however I believe they can, though it couldn’t Hundreds of birds were fluttering about in the} have done them any good On ‘the wreck, for the trees, some of which excited our admiration on | waves were rough T tell you. No doubt they were account of their brilliant plumage. carried away by that monster pillow, and landed Refreshing ourselves with a cool drink of water, | near us. The greatest wonder after all, I think, dip out of'a spring that bubbled up from | is that we never suspiciored it.” under a stone, we continued our way downward} ‘“‘Theyseem to take life easy,” and Tom laugh- until the lake was reached. ed heartily as he surveyed the wallowing pigs. Upon the surface of this we found large flocks} ‘‘Shall we leave them alone, or make a pen?” of water-fowl, and managed to bag a brace by | asked. : two well-timed shots. **A pen by ali means. Then the stock will in- Down among the trees near the lake the birds | crease; whereas, if left out here, the bears will were more numerous than before, and among | soon make short work ofthem. Let’s drivethem them we discovered the many-colored Chilian | home,” said Tom. woodpecker and the beautiful macaw. “If they’re tame enough, let’s. start’em up,” We also scared up a couple of dirty-looking | I roped. e swine being glutted with roots and acorns, vultures from the y of some animal that looked like a wolf, though smaller. and quite domésticated, arose, gruntiug, to their Taking our wild ducks with us we passed | feet at our approach, and stumbled on before us. through the groves, and at length came in sight| When, at length, we reached the vicinity of the cave, we found that during our absence Ned and of the seashore. At this point we found it auite rocky, a fact we | Joe had erected quite a substantial and com- had not noticed from the hilltop. modious cabin, and were hammering inside; se we gave a yell to bring them out, which ruse be- Emergiug from the shelter of the trees we saw long rows of tall, white-breasted birds, looking ing proce ful, they were rendered motionless by 6 sig a much like Soldiers at a distance; and as I read about and seen them before, I did not} ‘Our swine, by the blue boar of Hungary!” ejacuiated Joe, cutting a caper. need Tom to tell me that they were penguins, al- me Ned was equally well pleased with our capture, though the number s ne, There were two kinds before’ us, one of which | and desired us to relate the adventure at once; was the crested, and’the other what naturalists | but wise Tom said the story would keep until call the Patagonian penguins. after supper, for there was work to do while day- This latter is so called onaccountof great num- apts lasted, as the pigs must have some kind of bers being found on the tarren shores of Pata- | shelter, gonia and Fire“Island, while the former, of} The sun was yet quite a distance above the course, is named from the crest on its head. level profile indicating the western horizon, and we knew there was over an hour Jeft us ; so, The common ones greatly predominated; there throwing on our coats, we joined the others, and being four of them to one of the prettier-c birds. set to work with a will. Many pieces of boards and spars had been left over from the house, and these were now put to the best possible use, being speedily formed into a strong pig-sty. As there was time to spare, we also considerately made them a yard, surrounding quitea patch of ground by nailing boards from tree to tree. Luckily, there was a grove of oak trees near our cabin, and Tom had chosen this for the pig’s palace; for they could eat and grow’ fat from the accum- ulated mass of acorns upon the ground. Supper over, (and one fit fora prince, too) we sat around the fire, talking over our prospects and forming plans. Tom and myself had nSticed many marks made by wild goats on the sidés of the hill, and at onetime caught sight of a group of the timid animals, but could not get: close enough for a’shot, Believing that they would CHAPTER VI. SCARING UP A BEAR—A TROOP OF PIGS—TWO AT A BLOW—A STRANGE BIRD—THE LAQGGHING HAWE—A SUPPER FIT FOR A KEING—FISHING ON A LOG. ~Leavine the beach, we again struck into the forest, and for some time strolled aimlessly around, seeing several things which tended to make us believe that the island we were cast away on, had once been part of the mainland, and that at no distant day, becoming separated from it insome mysterious manner, perhaps by the action of earthquakes. While walking along, a deep growl] sounded on ency. Tom pointed away toward the east, and, upon looking closely, I discovered that what I had given a casual glance, thinking it to be a cloud, was in reality one ofthe high peaks of the Andes. our right, followed s ily by a noise such as | most: likely sleep in caves'like our own, and of We were within sight of the coast after all, and | would be made by some heavy animal crashing | which we seen. several during our trip, we now my hopes be; 1 along, heedless of its steps. determined to follow our illustrious predecessor, gan to rise again. In time we could easily build a boat, provision her, and, reaching the shore, run northward to Valparaiso or Santiago, taking a passage from ~ one of these ports in Some homeward-bound ves- Upon looking in that direction we saw, great! to Our astonishment, a large brown bear “‘seudd- ing off under bare poles,” as Tom afterwards laughingly Soe it. So surprised, and I might say, startled were we at the sight, that not a gun was thought of until too late, for Bruin had vanished. The fact that there were bears, and in all prob- ability other wild animals on the island, disturb- ed'us not a little, and we resolved to be very cureful about arming ourselves in the future. Our suspicion about this place having once been a ead of the mainland, was strengthened by the sight of this animal, and almost became a conviction; for how else could the bear have reached it ? Surely not by*swimming, for the distance was many miles, and this theory was a moral impos- ibility; and. after reaching this conclusion, we let the subject drop. Turning to the left, we to go around the base of the hill, intending, by using a circuitcus route, to come upon the boys at their work. We had reached a group of oak trees, and were ree through them, when a melancholy grunt reached our ears; and, upon iny ig, we found a drove of very dirty pigs wallowing ina marshy spot under the trees. This unexpected, and I might say, homelike sight so astonished us, that we were inclined to believe that the island was an inhabited one after all; but a second look, more careful than the first, at the objects of our scrutiny, made my cousin exclaim : “Dash my coplignts, as eld Clewline Charley used to say, if I don’t believe they’re the very same ple we had on board the nce; but how did they come here? Count heads, Jack, and see if they tally.. Eleven? That’s the exact number. I’m all twisted up. Yes, there’s the old lady, the ancestor of tne generation. They were meant for fresh meat for the Californians, but we'll have them now.” “Can a pig swim?” I asked, laughing. “Well os where Lowz myself beaten,” said Robinson Crusoe’s plan, capturing some an taming them. The first thing to be done in the morning would be to make a house for our fowls ; they had been shut up for many weeks, an wanted freedom badly. As we could get no more it behooved us to be’ very careful of ‘the dozen we had. ; When I awoke the next morning, Tom and Ned were already up, b engaged in* preparing breakfast ; and no doubt the rich’ perfume from the browning had awakened me, for Joe opened his eyes a momentlater, sniffing the air furiously. When the cravings of nature were satisfied, we put the remainder of the fowls away to serve for a future meal, and'then sought fora good place where we could build our hen-house. Upen reaching our pig-sty, we were surprised to seo the tracks of several wild animals in the soft mud around it. ‘ a close examination we picked out a bear’s ae: but there were othor strange ones, of a different nature, which puzzled us sadiy The sight of these tracks convinced us that there were several species of wild beasts upon the island, and warned us never to go far away from the cave, unless fully armed. cf Finding a proper site beside tho pig-pen, we set to work, and in an hour had built a commodi- ous and substantial house for the poultry, in which we placed several long perches, a board, slanting down w:th small pieces nailed thereon in lieu cf a ladder, and half a dozen boxes for laying. Nothing was now wanting but a yard’ into which the fowls could enter from their house by means of a square hole near the ground, and to rocure material for this, Tom teld us to follow im into the woods. Reaching a thicket of tall canes in a marshy spot, we cut as many as we could carry, and re- turned with them to the coop. It took us but a short time to form them into a yard, and into this we put the twenty-two: hens and two cocks. Of course they were delighted with their pew quarters after being shut-up“in’a box s0 long Through the spy-glass which we brought along, the mountains were distinctly visible, and we see many things to interest us; but we soon turned to suryey the island from our lofty lookout. The hill was very nearly in the center of the island from east to west, and about two-thirds of the whole distance from the southern end, being elose.to the northern extremity. Asloping, sand : peach ran about three-fourths of the way aroun = the place, and the remainder of the shore was in- le from our seat of survey. All of the low- land, excepting the beach, of course, and most of the hill, was covered with many different kinds of trees, formed into groves, with here and there a glade between, Nature’s own unapproachable work. Among these trees we recognized—Tom, from both reading and experience, myself from the former alone—several that would prove ve! useful to us during our stay upon the island. This island may have been about three miles long by half as broad, although we never found ourselves capable of judging it. At the foot of the hill, and to the southwest of it, was a beautiful little gem of a lake, measuring about a eable’s length (720 feet) from one end to the other, having its lovely shores thickly lined with trees and bushes that overhung the water except in certain patches where the white sand revealed a beach similar to that washed by eld ocean. The stream that ran past the mouth of our cave was the outlet of this lake of which I had heard something from the boys, but being too intent in securing supplies from the Pluto, could not find = time to visit it. ‘ We set on the hill for half an hour resting and ~ gooling off in the fresh breeze that came from the southwest At length we decided to explore the island, and ©
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10 : THE BOY CRUSOES. and began scratching after the multitudinous worms. , My three comrades then went off with spade, pick and shovel, to find a cave that was uent- ed by goats, and made a pit-trap in front of it, They also intended putting up a elena Dale of distress upon the very summit of the hill. Left alone, I proceeded to examine our stock of guns, eleaning and loading those that needed it, ani gazing with interest at our pigs and fowls in their respective quarters. The pigs were rooting at the foot of a tree, and proving their right to the title of gluttons by the manner in which they crammed down the acorns. Just as I was putting a cap upon the nipple ofa musket, after having loaded it, I heard the queerest, shriilest laugh that ever fell upon my ears. pariee ene somewhat s ESS puned around, ng to see one of my companions issue forth from behind a tree, having returned ee some articles forgotten in the hurry of their eparture. ‘0° one was in sight, however, and I once more put my attention apo the-gun, wondering the while whether I could have mistaken a cry from one of the roosters for a laugh. The theory seemed plausible, and I was fast forgetting the cause 0 my alarm, when again that fearful, diabolical laugh, as I might express it, came to my ears. This time there could be no mistake. It seemed to come from the air above me, and could not proceed froma human throat. At this very instant the gallant cocks sounded notes of warning, and the terrified hens began rushing pell-mell through the small opening into the house for safety. Something descended with a great velocity into the yard; there was a great fluttering for a mo- ment, and then a , white bird came flying up, bearing in: its talons one of our precious chickens, I could only guess what species it belonged to; but my want of knowledge did not deter me from throwing the havy musket to my shoulder, glane- ing along the shining barrel, and pressing the t ‘er. had loaded it with half a dozen buckshot, and perhaps it was lucky I did so, for, to an amateur marksman like myself, it would have been a mar- velous shot to have hit this flying bird. I do not say the feat would have been an im- ible one, even for myself to perform, as I ad seen some practice, but I do affirm that, in a ease like this, six bullets are better than one, making a certainty of a hazard. ; The bird was just flying off as the musket sounded, but the buckshot brought. it to the ground. As it wus not dead, I hastened up, and i ive it several smart raps with the ramrod before it gave up the ghost. The hen was stone dead, and g both of them up to the house, I left them there for future examination. One of the backshot had passed entirely through the domestic fowl, breaking the bird of prey’s wing, and causing it to fall. Not wishing to have any more of the poultry killed or cafried away by the suvage denizens of the air, I shut them within their house. They were worth In form, the bird of prey certainly looked ve familiar, having the talons, crooked beak, heeds and general shape of the hawks I had seen in m aac New En: = ¢ forests. ihe color m - me, however, an: ve u e struggle, ‘or in this respect it differed f from any hawk I had ever seen in menagerie or bird fancier’s shop. Instead of the y or black, this bird was very nearly pure white. . After looking critically at it for awhile, and in- d in some Yankee guessing, I put it, to- r with the dead hen, behind a pile of fire- wood, near the cabin door, intending to have a little fun with the others when they came home. I felt sure Tom would know to what species it be- longed. Di the day, while putting things to rights ich were in fact one long in the cabin and cave, w: apartment, I my brain to devise some means by which we might get rid of the wild ani- mals that peouies around our pig-pen; and recol- lections of my former trap exploits made me get quite cxahed resend so much so that I could do very little work. . sete hd evening acer three came home, ungry tired, ving Wo and eaten very little dinner, # They said a cave had been found, which, judg- ing from the marks around it, a {oie pony uented ie goats; and directly in’ nt of it boys dug a pit with the tools brought for that purpose. - The ground proving soft, they made it some ten feet in depth, and also wide enough to prevent any goat from jumping over. n the bottom, soft branches were placed to break the fall. No goat could possibly enter the cave without passing over the pit, whichthe boys covered with ong, thin sticks, so artfully sprinkled.with dirt that the sharpest eyes could not discover it, and then the three workers: united in pronouncing it rfect. Bhen the goats desired to enter the caye in the evening, they would have to. pass over the pit, and the sticks being very slender in the. center— made so by the boys’ knives—would at once give way, and the animals be precipitated to the bot- tom, where they would remain in safety until we came for them. “Guess what I shot to-day, boys ?” I asked, when Tom finished speaking. “We heard your gun go off with a bang, and wondered if the savages had attacked you. Was = the bear we saw yesterday, Jack ?” queried oe. “Look here,” said I; and putting my hand behind the wood I drew out the mutilated hen, gravely holdingit upto view. ‘‘ What kind of a varmint do you call that, Tom, as our friend Kennebec Kit would say ?” To say the boys were thunderstruck, would not be expressing it too highly, for their eyes spoke of more than astonishment. They expected me to haul out some strange beast, who had threatened to devour me, boots and all ; and now they found themselves gazing upon a poor hen, It was too much for Tom’s gravity, and a mo- ment later he broke into a hearty laugh. ~ “Young man, what’s this ? n practicing, Jack ? Was the innocent chick about to emigrate to some distant clime, or did you mistake it for some ravenous bird of prey?” and Tom winked curiously, while the others fairly roared. “Laugh and grow fat, boys. ° It’s the bestthing you can do in this dreary world of sin, so the reacher says. But before you quite explode, ‘om, Iai be ever so much obliged if you would tell me the nature of this winged mouster ?” and to the utter demoralization of the laughing fel- lows, I mented out the strange bird, and held it up before them. Tom gave a long glance and then exclaimed : “Ah! the mystery stands revealed. A hawk!” “What! a white hawk?” I ejaculated, for he had spoken the very idea I thought of, but nia I feared to mention, not wanting to be,rid- iculed. “The very same, This is what naturalists call the laughing hawk,” said Tom. “T heard it,’I put. in briefly, not wishing to speak of my alarm. *fAnd, I may venture to say, was somewhat pee Why didn’t you look in that wonderful k of yours, Jack? It would have told ae all about it, Ireckon. Fetch it outherenow. There, see Ispokethetruth. I wonder at its swoop- down upon a fowl, as they generally live on fish and reptiles. There mustbea g these fellows around our lake. You see, boys,” said Tom, referring to the book, and looklng very wise, “‘ it is white, except on the back and wings, and near its beak, which is short and sharp. Also notice this crest upon its head, making it look quite pretty. Now, Jack, remember these fellows are hawks; even though they do laugh.” “Tm not going to forget in a hurry; but come to supper, boys,” I said; ‘‘but did you put up the signal pole?” Cr iat “No, we hadn’t time. It'll keep, I suppose, until to-morrow,” remarked Joe. The hawk, being worthless, we had thrown away ; but the hen was kept, as it had been killed by my bullet, and was therefore fit for food. A large seamen’s chest served us for a table, and as we were not at all fastidious in our tastes, it answered our purpose admirably. With them the boys had brought some grapes from the side of the hill, and these, together with ham, sea-biseuits, cheese, cold duck, and boiled beans, formed a supper to be envied. As we ate, our commander-in-chief gave his or- ders for the following day. “Jack,” said he, with a mouthful of duck, “I would like you to try fishing to-morrow. Just now, nothing could be better than fresh fish with egg sauce: Ugh! My mouth fairly waters for it. Inside the reefs, beyond the mouth of the creek, would be a fine place, if I am any judge. Ned and Joe will go to the very top of our peak, and put up the signal-pole, not forgetting the red bunting and ax, like we did this morning. We must make haste about this thing for it would be a shame if a ship without our seeing her, or any one on her deck knowing there were castaways on this island. Now, boys, what say you to ?” And Tom disposed of a many of | raf huge piece of cheese with the air of a philos- opher, though I doubt if such a grave personage would have eaten this dreamy, nightmare-giving article at supper. MY spe os responded Joe,‘ but won’t you go **I guess I'll take my turn home. I can fixup around here, making a stove, and several other things. And whatever you do, don’t forget the guns. Even our bears would be unpleasant to meet.” ‘ After finishing our supper, we pre d and cooked the hen, intending to have it for break- fast, together with a duck. | Fora long time we sat and talked. ‘The boys:told several very exciting sea stories, ens of course, I listened with profound atten- on, At length our eyes began to grow heavy, and we fanabled into the fancy hammocks brought from the privateer. The sun was rising when we emerged into tha open air on the following morning, for, though the hill hid his genial face, still we could see the golden rays glancing from the tiny waves to the north of the island, Not a cloud marred the beauty of the heavens, and we felt sure that the day, after opening with such propitious indications, must be a beautiful one. The tracks around the pig-pepn made me think of traps, and I told Tom what I had been plan- ning the day previous. Our breakfast haying been hastily despatched, we set about pre for the several jobs which were to be done on this day. ’ Joe and Ned started away with dinner in their pockets ; guns and hacthets over their shoulders, and a coil of slender but tough rope. They also carried a long piece of red bunting which was found in one of the sea-chests. I made an article which perhaps insulted tha name of umbrella; but the spread canvas would prove very usefulin keeping off the hot rays of the sun. I took my gun and ammunition, dinner, an oar, bait and fishing-hooks and lines, which were in my pocket providentially at the time of my capture, ing down the creek I came to where it joined ws tr, ene here I determined, to make * sand: pon looking around I espied a large log, an this I began rolling toward the water. Upon launching it I found my venturetwas per- fectly seaworthy, it being dead wood, and very light, hence, sinking only half way under. On three of its sides the island was defended by a rocky barrier, and against these reefs the waves, when at all high, broke with a continuous roar. In several places there were openings in this line of breakers, which were, generally speaking, from seventy-five to one hundred and fifty yards from the shore; and one of these, quite large too, was directly beyond the creek. It was through inlet that the boys had come on the main hatch covering, on the night of .the wreck, and myself afterwards on the t. ‘ Had the merchant vessel gone twenty yards further on, she would have through in safety; but fate willed otherwise. CHAPTER VII. A STRING OF FISH—NO CRABS CAUGHT—WHAT AN ALBATROSS IS FOOLISH ENOUGH TO DO—THE SKULL-SPLITTER—ADVENTURE WITH A SHARE— THE GUN AND LOG TRAPS—OUR FIRST GOATS. OvurtstpE this line of breakers the water was calm, but beyond we could see the light breeze forming petty waves. With a strap I fastened the rifle to my buck, and then mounted the log, pushing off and dling with the oar. I was delight the light log went almost as smoothly as a boat. . After going a short distance from the beach, I set down a line to ascertain the depth of the water, and finding that it was about right, I baited the three hooks fastened to it, and threw it out on the right side of the log. My remaining line I cast on the left side, doing this in order to keep them from interfering with each other. Both were strong, having done me service in the Roads at home, and I had no ear of catching a Tartar, in the shape of a fish oes sogogt to break my Pasig aving thus managed to su y arrange m lines, I busied myself for a few moments in pate. ing up my queer umbrella, fastened it to the blade of the oar, and then keoping it over my head by thrusting the latter into a crack that seemed very accommod “ Hardly had I finished ing the sunshade over my head, when I noticed the line thrown out first jerking about in a very significant manner, with my impromptu craft, for’
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and knowing that there was a method in its seem- ing madness, I proceeded to haul it in. This I did, hand over hand, and rather slowly too, for the fish proved very stubborn. : As I pulled, I noticed the second line giving indications of good luck, and this excited me not a little, but I landed, orto use a more appropriate term, logged the one I was at work on first, it proving to be a fine fellow, resembling a had- ock. I had a piece of cord in my pocket, and taking it out, Isoon fastened the captive at one end by ing it through mouth and gill, and then ty- g it. : Then he was lowered into the water, with the other end of the cord fastened to the log, in order to prevent his getting away. ais uickly baiting the hook, I cast it from me, and the line was now in working order in, All this time, the other fellow had been kicking up quite a‘rumpus with his splurges and pulls, being doubtless impatient for a heaving. : I was now ready for him, and soon had him alongside of his comrade in misery. In appearance, both of these fish that had been inveigied on the hook by the attractive Jook of the bait, were alike as regarded their species, although the first one certainly weighed the hea- viest. For almost two hours I fished; and at the end of that time, after twenty minutes’ patient wait- ing, I found that the denizens of the mighty deep so ceased nibbling; so: I proceeded to count tro- es. Sg {3 ‘ There were seven of the kind spoken of before, and two niore of a different species, the largest weighing between three and four pounds, and the smallest of the lot about two. Knowing, from mr reading, that there were many ¢rabs about Chili, I determined to: make an effort to obtain some, not yet being aware of the fact that they were mostly on the beach, prefer- ring this to the water, and in this particular being different from those around Florida. 3! I had not seen any that morning, for they come out with the sun, and that luminary had not made his appearance above the island when I reached the beach. Taking up my lines, I began to prepare for the crabs. : It took but a few moments to form my kerchief into a sort of landing-net, by fastening the cor- ners toa couple of sticks which I managed to ob- tain from the log. This article of apparel, beingan unusually large one, such as jolly Jack tars are accustomed to wear around their necks, would do in lieu of a better one. Moving the log nearer the shore, I fastened a small piece of red flannel to that’ end of a line which did not have the hooks onit, and then low- ered into the water. ; The umbrella I had taken down in order to use the oar; and, having used the latter, I again erected my sunshade. While waiting for a bite, l amused myself by digging a hole with my knife in the log just in mt of me. As the wood was rotten with age, and therefore soft, I found no’ difficulty in making quite a re- spectable cavity. When siting He comfortable in the shade, gazing down into the sparkling water, I heard.a sh scream in the airabove me, and glancing bg aden saw a huge albatross sailing majestically by. I watched him for several moments, wondering atthe same time what he could be doing in this region, for it is not often we find this bird so far north on the Chillian coast, they preferring the ‘region of the cape. He was soon lost sight of behind my umbrella (pardon the insult, must respectable umbrella- makers), and resumed my former occupation of -gazing down into the water, and thinking rather Sabtously of my slim chances for crabs. A few moments later I was aroused from the reverie which my occupation and the heat of the day had caused me to fall into, by a tremendous no behind me, and before I could turn to ascertain the cause of the racket, Sethe ve mé such a ferocious blow that I nearly fell from my seat into the water. ; . t was only by a great effort and a ready self- possession that this ae yt Sa was avoided; and when I had once regained my seat, I looked in front, toward the reefs, for a terrible noise eame from that direction. The sight that met my eyes was truly ridicu- lous, and I actually shook with laughter while upon it. AsI mae at a glance, the huge albatross had swooped down from my rear upon myimpromptu umbrella, and having no doubt aimed correctly, had struck the centre with commendable pre- cision. Tts head had gone through, and just at the base THE BOY CRUSOES. of the neck it stuck, the body and wings being too large. The albatross had swooped down tupon this strange object—which seemed to have excited both its curiosity and ire—with considerable force; but the tough canvas proved a little too much for it. $ There was the bird, now greatly frightened, flying away with my umbrella, and uttering shrill cries of alarm. : As its head was caught in the canvas, it could not escape from its dangerous position, and the redicament into which its extreme foolishness pal ne it, seemed about to be the cause of its eath, Vainly it tried to fly upwards. Had the um- brella been fastened upon its feet it might easily have done so, for the albatross is a very strong bird, and can do almost incredible things. The weight being all upon its neck, its head was drawn down in such a manner that ina few mo- ments it-was swimming upon the water. It did not take long for the canvas to get soak- ed; and thén began a struggle between it and the bird for victory that it has never been my fortune to see equaled. ; For almost half an hour the unequal combat went on, and at the end of this time the albatross was completely tired out, as its wings now and then became entangled in the folds of its enemy. The long:pinions beat the air more slowly every moment, and atlength the gallant bird began to sink, dragged down by its stubborn enemy. The albatross is at times a very dangerous bird, as it often descends with great violence Epon the heads of swimmers and floating objects which at- tract its attention. In some climes this peculiarity has gained for it the name of Skull-splitter. It was with mingled interest and compassion that I watched the vain efforts of this great bird to escape, and the latter feeling predominating, I would have gone to its rescue but for the fact that it had carried off my only means of doing so, in the shape of the oar. And then again it would have been a risky job, for those long pinions beat the water with the force of a steam engine or a threshing-machine, and a blow on the head from this source would give me my quietus. ~ Both canvas and bird at length vanished ; and then, the interest having subsided with their dis- appearance, and realizing that to continue my frnitless task of fishing for crabs was entirely use- less, I gave up the project in despair, and began making toward the shore, using my hands in the- place of the missing oar. * With such propellers, my passage was, of sone. not very rapid; but it was sufficiently so or my purpose. ce While busily en in this manner, some- thing that looked like the back fin of a fish at- tracted my attention some yards away; but be- fore I could examine it closely I found that it had gone. A moment later I saw something white just be- low my hand, and naturally I drew that very useful member from the water. It waslucky I did so, for the white object came to the surface, and proving to bea ve rge fish which I immediately recognized as a shark, made a grab at my hand. Ishuddered as the two terrible rows of teeth came together, and fearing thathe might make a grab at my legs, Idrew them up and stood upon @ log, holding the string of fish in my hand. Instead of going away after missing this tender morsel for a dinner, as I had thought it would, the shark kept swimming around the log as. if keeping watch over me. hat was to be done? I dared not put my hand into the water, for fear of having it bitten off and it seemed that I weuld haye to stand up- on the log until rescued or the shark grew weary of his vigil. - This I did not want to do; for besides the mor- tification consequent upon being found in this strange situation by my comrades, there was to be added my very uncomfortable position, which was also insecure, as a sudden jolt would precipi- tate me into the water, and then I would me food for my enemy, being no pearl-diver. I was growing desperate and meditating upor the chances of Tom’s hearing me, should I shout, when a simple remedy presented i , My head came in contact with the stock of m gun, and I could not but grin (as no other wo: would cover the ground) at the thought of thus being enabled to easily settle the case of Shark vs Merton. : Taking it from my back I slipped in several extra bullets in order tomake sure work of the matter, and then pulled back the hammer. A slight paar! sufficed to bring the marine mon- ster to the spot, open-fouthed and h 3 I proved too quick for him, however, and stand- 11 ing up, discharged the contents of my gun down his capacious maw. - Whether the shark was killed or not, I never knew ; but certain it was, however, that he sank out of sight at once, going down like a lump of lead; the water for many yards around, was tinged with his blood, and it was never my for- tune or misfortune to set eyes on him afterwards. Now that I had got rid of the guard, it took me but a short time to reach the shore ; upon reach- ing which, I proceeded to load my gun, for Tom had told us to keep that weapon in serviceable order at all times, and I can say that during our stay upon the Island, we never suffered from fdl- lowing this advice. - : While going up the sandy beach,I was sur- prised and amused to see thousands of crabs rushing hither and thither; in fact, the whole beach seemed to be alive with them. . All of them appeared to be of the same species and had a lz claw in front, which they would hold up in a threatening manner upon retreating, at myapproach, ; Ensconcing themselves in their snug holes the would watch with those sharp little eyes until got by, and then once again make their appear- ance upon thescene. . : na I had not seen any of these crabs near the creek, and afterwards found out that they only frequented certain portions of the beach. As they were totally unlike any I had ever seen before, I did not make an attempt at capture, and it is doubtful if [could have accomplished this without great labor. So, with the heavy string of fish in my hand, I tramped along the creek, and up the shore of this until I came within sight of our cabin. The back of it being towards me, I could not see Tom, but I heard the busy rattle of a ham- ets and knew that he must be engaged on some- g- : Rushing forward with a shout, I presented my- self before him, and holding up in triumph my beauties of the finny tribe. Pride generally fills the heart of a successful hunter or fisherman at well-deserved praise, and I felt happy when I saw Tom’s pleased looks as he upon my trophies, and then asked me to put them in the water until we had time to perform the necessary operation upon them. Throwing the fish into the creek, I secured the other end of the line to a stake driven deeply into the ground, and then going over to where my cousin was, I threw off my coat preparatory to work. Tom was making a place in which to confine any goats we might capture, and entering heart and hand into the work, we were not long in fin- ishing it. There was a medium-sized, though rather rough-looking cave, not many distant from the pig-pen, and Tom had calculated upon making this the headquarters for the expected ts. ; “ ; ore had already fixed a strong door to this cave, when I putin anap ce, and half finished an inclosure in front of it, where we might leave the animals during the day. Working steadily, we were soon through with the job, and eve ing was ready for occupancy, when my watch told it was just four o’clock. After washing up a little in the brook, we stood in front of our residence. “‘Have you been working on the pen all day, Tom ?” I queried. “No, not quite,” replied he, smiling. ‘‘ Please to examine the chicken-yard, Jack.” I did so, and was surprised to discover that he had put a nice rvof on to it, made from canes, and the fowls were at that moment seratching lustily in the yard, as if fully aware that the were henceforth safe from the depredations of hawks and other birds of prey. The pigs were lying down under the trees, full of acorns, and seemingly well contented with their lot. Just then I bethought me of something, and pointing to the tracks around the palace, in- quired : “How about these, Tom ?” “Tye been busy thinking about those traps while at work, and can’t make out anything new. We might form a common figure four, and put a log init. Then again we might attempt a gun- trap, as we have plenty of spare muskets. Haye you any choice on the subject ?” asked Tom. “My preference lies with the gun-trap; but why not try both?” I answered, for I felt a na- tural curiosity to see how they would work, never having tried the last one he _mentioned, and the other with only a box instead of a log. Tem readily assented to this proposal, as he al- ways did when .I wished anything; so we began to eouneeae for our midnight visitors. ile I hunted around for a log, Tom whittled
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12 out a figure four and as I wot not but what every one of my boy readers is familiar with the pe- culiar, though ingenious, construction of these sticks, I will not attempt to describe them, cone. tenting myself ‘with saying that they were: neces- sarily a great deal larger and stronger than those generally used, as the log must be'a heavy one. . When I had found a suitable log, and eut the ends smooth (for good looks only, as it was not needéd, and the log would doubtless have done just as much’ service with ragged ends as when the latter were shaped with the ax),-Tom was done his job, and t er we rolled it’ close to the pig-pen. Then it was ingeniously arranged so that a bear or any other large animal would ek go pretty far under the log in order to get e balt. This had: been done, by placing the meat close to the wall of the palace, and not even a weasel could it without first crawling under. Having finished this trap, we set to work on the other one. Two walls of stones, each about five feet high, were built, with a couple of feet between them. Then taking a heavy musket, we fastened it firmly at one end of this alley, the muzzle point- ing at the other terminus, and aiming at the center. After securing it in this way, we tied a stout piece of cord to the trigger, and bringing it back, it around a stake which was driven into the ground behind the gun, for this very Perper: ten. The cord was then carried forward through the passage, and ended about a foot from the muzzle of the musket. To this end the bait, in the shape of some meat, was secured, and then the trap was ready, all but the ipeding of the gun. Its working was plain enoug é : We had so the that the night prowier would have to come in at the end to get e€ meat. When this latter was seized, the string and co; uently the trigger of the gun would Le pulled, and the latter instrument disc r After trying the trap several times in order to see if it would work well, we left it, intending to par nne charge in the musket before going to Just as we turned away, a tremendous shout- ing on the hillside attracted our atténtion, and upvun looking up we discovered Joe and Ned com- ing rapidly down, and holding ‘a sturdy-looking fret between them, while two pretty little kids in rear were following their mother. Although both boys were lusty fellows, ome they had just about ali sie attend toin holding, sides the animals, their guns and working im- plements. When we turned the lot into the inclosure, Lect expressed their thanks at being thus re- With all her strength the old goat tried to butt a hole through the wall, but the stones paces too much for her, and at length, as if quite cer- tain that she had found an opening through which’ she might make her eseape, she darted into the cave, followed by the two loving little kids. Sliding into the inclosure, Tom shut and barred the door, but old nanny did not like the idea of being thus imprisoned, and she forthwith began to make quite a row over the matter. It was useless, however, for the door would not budge worth a cent, as Tom had been careful to make it very ore fies = Laughing at her le efforts, we turned our backs upon the inclosure, and a moment after- e@ two boys were looking attentively at sapade having seen one of — ao before, mired them greatly, an eir —— of commendation were bot long “and CHAPTER VIII. CLIMBING THE ROPE—THE GUN-TRAP’S VICTIM—A SPECTACLE BEAR—OUR DEFUNCT COYPU—SOME NATURAL HISTORY—CATCHING A TARTAR—THE MOST DELICATE DISH ON RECORD—JOE’S ESCA- PADE—A PERFECT FIEND IN MINIATURE. “How about the -pole, boys ?’ I asked. 7 if aon ‘top of the house you ed. We afterwards found out that when en an exer- tion. . Og leaen about ane ~ eep until morning queried. tg would be better for supper, I suppose. THE BOY CRUSOES. All of uscan go to work and do the job in a jiffy,” | ments brought along for work were rather heavy, said Tom; and, as the desire of the’ same direction, we unanimously resolved to make a supper of half of them. Cleaning the fish was anything but nice work, and many girls (at least Jack Merton can vouch for his sister) would turn up their noses at the thought, although they manage to behave credita- bly while the eating process is going on. t happened that all of us were sailors and if a@ seaman never had anything worse than this to do, his life would’ certainly be rendered more cheerful, and a* greater part of the proverbial “growling” be done away with. any class of people on this globe have a cause for growling, it is the mariners. Many a time, after a day of hard work, (for ¢aptains are generally on the lookout for work, and sooner than see a man idle would make work for him, or set him to serap rust from the cable) a storm comes on at dusk, and the tired/sailors in their hammocks or bunks, before they have had a wink of sleep, hear that hated 4 ** All hands on deck to shorten fe There is no such thing as shirking duty; tired or not, every man of them has to “‘tumble out lively now,” and hasten above, there to work per- haps the whole night in wind or rain, sleet or snow. Such is the life of a sailor, entirely differ- ent from what some stories would have you be- lieve, but nevertheless true in nine cases out of Boys often run away to sea, but they see too much in about a fortnight, and wish themselves home again. To resume the thread of my narrative. Many hands made light work of the fish, and when done, Tom e- them on the stove he had built during the day. This article, indis le for culinary pur- , Was made of sees stones, and was, quite a promising contrivance. ~ here was also an oven in which we could bake should an oceasion demand it. "When the fish were done, we put half of them away for break- fast. Ned and Joe miadea dash at what remained in the pan, and with mouths crammed full, man- Scie pee us of the fact thatthe fish were splendid. PYithout waiting to hear any more, we attacked them with a vigor that made them vanish won- derfully fast. In taste and looks they resembled our white fish from the lakes. When nothing remained but a heap of bones, we found that ourappetites were not le We thought of the share reserved for breakfast. but Tom demurred ut this, and saying he woul get something to fill us up, into the cave. Of course we thought something must bea ham}; and the reader can judge of our astonish- ment when my cousin calmly laid-a large loaf of bread on the table. Yes, the eat had actually been baking in his new oven, and although he had no yeast to make it rise, still this object had been accomplished by another method, somewhat similar to the salt- rising one of the present day. Ned and Joe could hardly put a curb on their impatience. Tom being an officer, and myself a favored individual, we had often had fresh bread during the voyage of our respective crafts, for captains; as’ a general thing, sanpeny: storing away amounts of canned in the eabins for the trip. : Had Tom allowed the bread more time to rise, it would have been much better; and this was al- ways done afterwards, but on the first memorable occasion he had been in too great a hurry,so that the job might be done before I putin an appear- ance. Now, that my attention was called to the sub- ject, I remember how anxiously Tom called me away from the vicinity of the house at noon when he saw me snuffing around, for the bread had only come out of the oven, and the air was im- pregnated with its delightful aroma. We all managed to do full justice to 'Tom’s at- ae and; when euppee was at length over, all uni in declaring it good, even our modest cook himself joining in. After the meal we went out and explained the working of the traps to the boys, and loaded the heavy musket, putting in two bullets in order to make sure work of it. After sauntering around forawhile, wereturned to the hut, for the shades of t were beginning to east their black arms over the face of nature, and the air was really chilly despite the warmth of the day. Our fire inside the hut felt very comfortable, we seated ourselves around it, Tom and I prepar- ing to listen while the others related what advent- ures had befallen them during the day. Rok had been ye ‘ time in reaching the summit of the hill, for their guns and_the imple- e rest ran in; and there were several cliffs which of necessity had to be rounded, as scaling them was out of the question. When about three-fourths of the way up they came to the last tree, and set about cutting it down with the ax brought for that purpose. It was alittle more than. a sapling, but, being tall and straight, had caught Tom’s eye when we were up there, and he had mentioned it to the others as the very thing they needed. , Once on the ground it was easy work to lop off the branches, and then the sad-looking remnant, in the shape the hill, with many rests between time, it. being green wood and weighty. The long eae of red bunting. was next nailed to the thin end;.a hole dug by the boys on the highest point of land our possessions could boast of, and after this the signal-pole.was planted firmly, so that the-wind would not tear it down. As it was now nearly noon, they: proceeded to eat what dinner they brought, but as this had been put up after breakfast, and when they. were not hungry, they found but a scanty supply. The: demolishing what there was, and thus taking the from their SEpetiee, they started for the cave, In front of which they had the day before, with Tom’s assistance, constructed a trap. This cave was onthe western side of the hill, and about half way down. es nearing it the boys broke into arun, such was thetr eagerness, A black-looking hole at one end where the sticks had broken, though not of huge dimen- sions, was quite sufficient to tell the tale; the trap was sprung. Giving a shoutas they realized this important fact, the boys hastened even more rapidly, and were soon peering down the opening. At first nothing but darkness met their gaze; but when theireyes had-in some degree be- come accustomed to it, they made out three tiny: shrinking forms. hether. goats or not, it was impossible for them to tell just then, and it was only when all of the sticks had been cleared away, that they were able to tell that their captives were two kids and a fine-looking nannie goat. The next question on their repertoire now prewected itself, and proved. quite a staggerer. Ow were they to the goats out ? After mature deli ion, Joe proposed to go down and fasten the rope they had.used to haul up the tree for a signal-pole, around the old goat. To this, Ned, who had had some exporience with goats before, readily assented, and accord- let his comrade down. into the pit. en within a few feet of the bottom, the old mother,’ who had stood all the while looking at the two boys, made a rush at Joe’s legs, and came within a few inches of his. pedal extremi- ties as he lifted them up. This. was something he had not counted on, and Joe came up, hand over hand, in a far less Ro of time it,had taken him to go down. d during the performance, Ned was so hard, that he came very near } go 0 the rope, and dropping both it and com- on. It was only when Joe called out that he was pee that Cassius came to the rescue and sayed Ovesar. When, this event had transpired, and that - worthy had regained. solid down to recover : their b: some pen. whereby the captive might be. got- ten out ofthe pit. After along confab in which many. ious though utterly impossible ways and means were discussed, the simple process of lassoing. Mrs, Nannie presented itself, and delighted with the idea the two began to angle for her with a noose whe Bote te theory soomed th Pp oug’ ry seem practice of it proved more troublesome, and nearly an hour was spent in their efforts, Z At the end of thattime a grand coup de grace was made, and the sly old goat hauled up. It took the two of them to hold her, and nowa new difficulty presented itself in regard to means they should employ..in order to get the young ones out. The ape was only long enough to reach the bottom of the pi and this could not be. used, so the boys foun ves in a scrape something similar tothe man who had a fox, a goose and some corn and;.who could take but one oe the Hive See ; re i re was of the fox eating the goose or the eueetne arent left alone. True the might have been ferried over first, but which could he bring next? He ar- und, the two sat and decide upon of a pole, was pulled to the top of -
Page 13
THE BOY CRUSOES. 13 , ; matters to his satisfaction by taking Mrs, Goose first, then Mr. Fox, and carrying back the fowl: then ferrying the corn over, and leaving it with Reynard, and last of all taking the goose So our young friends Sor prea matters by taking their stout handkerchiefs, and tying the old goat’s legs until the young ones were se- sured. These latter were left loose, for the boys felt sure the affectionate little kids would not stray far from their mother, and inthis they were cor- rect. Making as much dispatch as possible, they cov- ered the pit again with poles, and hiding these so dexterously with dirt, that even supicious eyes would have trouble in discovering the little fraud. The rope was now secured to the old goat, and pntying er legs, the boys began descending the The rope was to be used in case the old goat broke loose, a thing which seemed probable even at the start, , judging from the manner in which she struggled. ri gS a wise precaution, for several times on the way down she esca: their p, and but for the further detention offeyed her, would have assuredly escaped. After all, however, victory perched upon their standard, and the captives were ho in safety. When their story was concluded, I was obliged to relate my adventures, and when speaking of the shark, I saw Ned start and shiver; but he said nothing to Aa Sack his conduct, and think- ing he had merely the recipient of'a chill, I soon forgot the matter. At length we grew tired, and seeking our vari- -_ Chart tpo wooed the gentle goddess of sweet lumber. How long we slept, I do not know, but it must have been in the patty oF midnight when a ter- riffe discharge, resembling thunder, brought the whole of us to our feet in alarm. Darkness surrounded us on all sides, and I could hear Ned or Joe scratching matches in the corner, and vainly endeavoring to strike a light. “The trap!”- ejaculated Tom, just as I was about to believe it must bea cannon from a vessel in our harbor. At the same moment Joe succeeded in igniting the candle in a lantern. hen he led off, with Tom just behind, bearing # rifle, myself behind with an ax, and Ned rae: ing vp the rear and carrying our carving knife, that being the only weapon within his reach. This solemn procession marched out into the night, and ed for Pig’s Palace. - As we neared this delightful abode, we could hear a great grunting and squealing from within ; and it was evident that the swine were badly frightened by the loud detonation of our deep- mouthed and heavily-loaded musket, The log trap was still set, and we did not give it a second look after ascertaining this fact. When we reached the other trap, we found alot of the stones knocked down, and this calamity was doubtless caused by the animal that had been the maker of this alarm. Upon looking over the stone wall, we saw, with the valuable aid of Joe’s lantern, the body of a bear. Tt was quite dead; and as we desired to exam- ine it more closely, we hauled it out of the nar- row passage. ~ - The predominating color was a smooth, shin- ing black, while his throat and breast were a dirty white, and around its nose we discovered a little buff. At a glance any one could tell that it was a bear, for it had the unmistakable look of Bruin; but as to its ies, I could not even hazard a guess, nor could Ned or Joe. T afterward learned referring to my book chat there is only one kind of bear in Chili and Brazil. Tom , however, been closely examin- ing it, and all at once he uttered an exclamation of satisfaction that told of some discovery. ack eens so,” said he, at Jength, “though Tve never a close look at one of them before. gD: ou see these two half circles of buff extending from the muzzleand arching over each eye? Naturalists liken them toa pair of spectacles, and for want of a better name, have called this a srertncle bear. Isup- cate grat beta other day was the very ‘ellow, or its mate, Jack.” « Well, it’s omy meat, now,” I eihod as mpi faint attempt.for a pun, a general smile wen S What was to be done with our capture ? We might drag it into the cabin, and leave it there until morning; but Ned suggested a better way in the shape of a rope. ‘astening a strong one to Bruin’s hind quar- ters, we pulled him under a tree, threw the rope over a limb, and then, to use that expressive word, “yanked” him up. It was not a large bear at all, though fat en- ough, and we found but little trouble in raising the animal several feet from the ground, where it was left until morning, when we could take more time, and secure both hide and meat. Having finished this job, we unfastened the musket and charged it with balls again, so as to be ready in case there were more lovers of pork around. Then, afterhaving rebuilt that part of the stone wall which had been prostrated, as well as the circumstances would allow we returned onee more to our broken slumber. We were not awaken again during the night, and wher Lut length arose in obedience to a se- yere punch from Ned, I found that daylight was Ho y coming on. hile Joe got breakfast ready, the rest of us went out totake a look around. The glorious sun was about to rise, and theeast- on horizon, as far as we could see, was a mass of gold. This became intensifled and brought to a cen- ter as the king of day drew nearer. and at last the friend of man wheeled about the line, as we could see by the light cast upon the waters, We paid a visit to the goat-pen, and I boldly went into the inclosure to open the door of the cave. No sooner had this been done, than old Nan came out with a rush, and immediately made a dash for me. It was only after five minutes’ maneuvering that I anes to reach the gate and place it be- tween the infuriated pursuer and myself. Allof this time the two boys were laughing heartily over the matter, and seeing that it was best to put a good face on the affair, although feeling rather chagrined at my escapade, I joined in the merriment, and laughed heartily as any one. Gathering some aed ir we threw it over the wall, and then walked off in the direction of our pig-sty. ‘ The duties of the aca morning were rendered complete by letting both the pigs and chickens out into their respective yards, and then we sauntered in the direction of the cabin. Finding that Joe had prepared a very good meal wesat to,and did ample justice to it as was proved by the small quantity that remained after our as- sault was over and the castle stormed. Ned announced that it was his turn to remain at home, and so the rest of us Set about planning our work for the aay There were several things we had been expect- ing to do, and as Tom wished to find out whether there was any fish in the lake, and our course would take us past this place, we made sure of a line and hooks. We also intended bringing home any that might be found in the pit, which already netted us three animals. . The lake being our first destination, we pro- ceeded to follow up the stream, and in five min- utes were beside the Small, but beautiful sheet of water that cea our island, and which we had pro) ay ed Castaway Lake. r the most Veet. the shores were covered with trees, although here and there an open space was to be seen, In some places the shore was a steep bank, several yards high, and in the face of this we could see a great many holes. These holes were, as we knew, made by animals, for when we came in sight there were several dozen of the burrowers in plain view. At the sound of footsteps, they made haste to disappear, but we managed to shoot one, which was leisurely examined. I had read a good deal about this small but curious animal, and for once was enabled to give information even to Tom, It was the coypu, found in Chili and several other parts of South America, I can only describe it as I saw the animal. The head was rather large, and the ores placed high; a muzzle which I should call obtuse, and small round ears. It had a long tail, almost destitute of hair, and, in my mind, resembling the scaly one of an opos- sum.. . The fore feet had each five toes, all of whic were free, while the outermost only of the hin ott mere free, the rest being webbed like those of a duc There appeared to be two kinds of hair on the body, an und ent of fine, close, fur, almost waterproof, and an upper strata as I called it of long straight brown hair, which is the prevailiag color of the animal. We noticed that the Jimbs were short, but very strong, so the movements of this animal on land are slow and crawling. This animal remained unknown to thescientific world, while thousands of skins, under the name of Racoonda, had been annually exported for the sake of fine under fur, which, like that of the Beater, was extensively used in the manufacture rs) ts. They do not always inhabit fresh watér, but sometimes live in the bays and channels which extend between the innumerable small islands ofthe Chonos Archipelego, neither do they live altogether nor yegetable’ matter, but often eat small fish, when thess latter delicacy can be had. It is a flerce little creature, and will fight brayely with the dogs employed in chasing it from the burrow, and catching it. None of us felt inclined to eat our coypu, al- though the meat was white, and I had read that it was often used for food. ‘ Upon measuring it, we found that the animal was ye la inches in length, without count- ing the tail, which was over a foot long. tis said that in captivity, the coypu becomes attached and gentle, and is evidently well pleased with marks of attention from those with whom it has become familiar. An extensive trade in their skins is carried on in Buenos Ayres, where they are‘ improperly calied ‘‘ otters.” We wanted to save the beautiful skin of the de funct animal, and'so, while Tom and myself pre- red to throw in the fishing-line, Joe grasped his ife and set to work, using the blade as gingerly as ble for fear of spoiling his job. ‘wenty minutes served to show us that there were a great many fish in the lake, although how they managed to get there is u mystery we never did, and probably never will fathom; the only explanation being that a terrific storm had thrown them there many years before, Tom had left me, and I was about to pull the line in, when I felt a bite, and wishing to get the fellow before leaving, I waited a moment longer. Then came a sudden, demoralizing jerk. “Tom, Tom, I’ve caught a whale,” I exclaimed, striving in vain to gain ground. Whatever was on the other end, it proved Stronger than I, for foot by foot I went toward the water. Leaning backwards, I exerted all my. 7 but it was of no avail, and had no one been with me I should most certainly have been compelled to let the line go (a thing I should have lamented exceedingly,) or else consent to a ducking, and lose it in the bargain. Luckily the line was a stout one, or else it would have given way before this time. _ Tom and Joe were moving away, leaving me to wind up the line, but my shouts soon brought them to the rescue. It was time, too, for I was already at the edge of the shore, which at this point was sandy, and slo down to the water. hey seized hold of the line, and my progress was sto’ 3 _ Then Tom cried, ‘Yo, heave oh!” and with our united strength the line went back a foot or more. Fortunately the trees were close at hand, and after a dozen hearty pulls we reached the nearest, and the line around it. Then, returning once more to the water, we again grasped the line, and repeated the opera- tion with an equal amount of success, In five minutes we had drawn out of the water, not a fish, as I had at first supposed my captive to be, but a large tortoise. Tom had dec! , as soon as he laid hands on the line, that it wrap not a fish, for the strain was steady, and not flighty. After pulling the tortoise up on dry land, we saw why it required such an amount of strength to draw it out. When caught, the turtle, as I called it, errone- ously, I grant, had literally walked away with me and after Tom and Joe lent their assistance, it had resisted our joint efforts assturdily as possible by holding back, and grasping every object with its flippers. ; The name of this singular object was matamata. There were several strange append: about - the head, like elongations of this part, which ren- dered it a very remarkable creature, The head was flat and the eyes small. It had extraordinarily strong limbs, and a short tail. I afterwards saw that the mouth was very wide, and the snout flexible, forming what might be called a doubletube, Along the of the neck were two rows of fringes; two membranes of the same character hung from the chin, and four others were placed across the neck. This singular and, I may add, horrible looking tortoise is a native of South America, and, when fully grown is about three feet long. It is now very scarce, even in Cayenne, where it to be very plentiful, for its flesh is held in high esti- mation as food, and it is persistently hunted by those who have once tasted it. It is carniverous, inhabiting lakes and rivers.
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14 THE BOY CRUSOES. where, with its proboscis above the surface, it conceals itself amidst floating aquatic herbage, awaiting the approach of water fowl, fishes, ef cetera, Which are quickly seized when within reach. It swims rapidly and darts with great velocity upon its prey. The one which we had captured was almost fully grown, and Tom, who had once tasted sou made from the matamata, was greatly overjoy: at the prospect of indulging in the luxury ; As for Joe and myself we didn’t like the looks of this fringed and fluted tortoise, and almost laughed when Tom declared thatthe Cayennites believe it to be the finest dish in the world. At first we were atalossas to what ought to be done with the tortoise; but when I proposed the same plan that had been carried out so suc- cessfully with the bear, there was a unanimous spproval: But how were we to kill the thing? It is all very well to bop Pere its throat;” but this was not such an easy thing to do, for the raseal as soon as it found itself on land, drew in both claws and head. For some time we tried to draw its head out, in order to accomplish this humane pu , but without success, é pulled mightily upon the line; but, as our efforts were fruitless, we at length concluded that the hook was only caught in a protuberance ofthe shell. In this emergency Tom came to the rescue. A fish was held before:the head and when the greedy tortoise shot out its head, my cousin dexterously cut its throat, and we hung it sors erate a tree. intending, if ae ere we left our capture, inten , if possible, to take it with us on our way home. An hour was in climbing the hill, and at the end of that time we neared the goat-trap. “As wo drew closer, we found the mock surface again broken, and from this we felt sure’ that the pit Was not empty at any rate. Upon looking in We saw a nannie, the exact image of our other one, and a kid cit ake grown. Turning to Joe, Tom apap hin ly asked him if he would suffer us to lower him down on a rope, so that the old one might be caught; but that worthy demurred. “Shiver my timbers if I do,” said he; “I had just about enough of that yesterday. You fellows don’t know how savage one of these mother goats can be.” I thought I ought to know after being chased around our pen in the morning, but, not desiring to raise another laugh at my expense, I did not say so. We conclu to adopt the same plan the boys had put in se the previous day, ot forming a lasso from the rope, began ang- ne Tom and I were unsuccessful; but Joe, more experienced, soon managed to lasso Mrs. Nannie No. 2. Pulling her up, we tied her legs with pieces of stout twine, which Joe m careful enough to b along, remembering the sad fix he and Ned been in the preceding day. Now that the furious one of the couple was made safe, that gallant youth avowed his inten- tion of going down to have a wrestle with the half grown kid, and nothing loath, we lowered him on the rope. It proved a tough job for Joseph, riding him completely around the pit three times; butting him up against the side, and demoralizing him generally; so that when the goat was evident! secured, our valiant comrade looked as thoug’ he had been indulging in a free fight; and when he‘came to the su: , he solemnly declared that he had entered the pit for the last time. cA phe was again set, and made ready for a m. When this was done, we sat down and ate a little lunch we had brought with us, and which now proved very acceptable. ‘ Above us was the signal-pole in plain sight, With tho strip of red bunting floating gayly in the breeze. Ascending to the summit of the hill, we took a wide survey, but could see no sail. It might be weeks and even months, before a ship came close enough to see our 5: and even then take no no’ of it. Sitting on the top of the hill by the pole, we had a half hour talk about our situation and prospect. and then, having cooled off we de- seended to where our captives lay. Tom and Joe took the mother een them, and I followed in the rear with the other one, which Iam bound to confess, proved himself a sturdy fellow. It was harder work than I had expected, hold- ing on to that half-grown monster, and I wished every now and then that Ned was there to lend his valuable aid. The little fiend would pull me over to one} regu’ side, and thenalmost trip me up by a sudden dash towards the opposité. Then he would hold stubbernly hack, and even while I pulled, make a sudden dash forward that rendered life a burden to me. Misery likes company, they say, and I certain- ly know half of my troubles seemed to vanish when I saw the others going through the same performance. Ned was waiting for us, holding the gate open, and with a smile on his face. We formed'a double row, and then took the ropes from our late captives, who took a couple of springs forward; the gate was closed and they were housed. on CHAPTER Ix. JERKED BEAR’S MEAT—OUB SECOND EXPLORATION —THE CHILIAN WOODPECKER—CRESTED GUANS —BREAK BONES—-SCISSORS BILL—-BEAUTIFUL SWANS—-SETTING NIGHT LINES—-TWO NOVEL OVENS. Ir was somewhere in the neighborhood of three o’clock, and after telling Ned about the tortoise, the whole of us went to bring it from the lake shore. It was no easy work, dragging shell and all down to our habitation, but sheer strength managed it, and upon reaching our destination, we immediately set to work as there were many things to do before darkness canie on. ; Ned had taken off the bear’s skin, and cat up the carcass according to the best of hisability, follow- ing out the general directions left by Tom. The latter-named individual showed Jos and myself how to jerk the bear’s meat, and then he gave his assistance to Ned, who was puzzling oyer the knotty problem, as to how the shell should be taken from the back’ of the tortoise. Between the two of them they managed the task, and shortly after, part of our capture was boiling ina large pot over a fire that seemed hot enough to melt even iron. The reader must not wonder if at times I call the matamata a turtle, for, indeed, it went by that name among us. Up to this time I had imagined that a tortoise’ was a land animal, while the turtle lived for the most part in water; and yet here we found one of the former class, making a home of our lake. When the bear’s meat was fixed to the frames pre d for that purpose, it was almost night, and so we hastened to store both articles away in the cave, as it was very probable that our supply of meat to dry would be rather limited if left out until morning. After shutting up our domestic animals and fowls, we arranged the two traps which had ac- complished such execution the Previgns night. We then adjourned to the cabin, and were soon discussing the relative qualities of bread, soup, and bearsteak. When supper was over we sat and talked. Tom had found a nice log-book on the privateer and kept a journal of our affairs, and to this manuscript I find myself indebted during the editing of this tale, as it gives full par- ticulars where my memory would without it have been at fault. With a warning from Joe in the shape of atre- mendous yawn, that it was time we retired, the whole of us made haste to find our couches. The next morning broke clear and cool. As it was Joe’s turn at home, we left the various du- ties to his‘care and marched away. On this oceasion our route differed from the preceding trip, as we rounded the hill on the side away from the lake. Our delight was great when we found that the trees were actually filled with birds. Several flocks of many-colored macaws amused me, as did also a dozen other species of the feathered tribes, among which Tom pointed out the Chilian woodpecker and the large-crested guan. In one place we scared up a flock of dirty-look- ing vultures that appeared to have been feastin on the carcass of some defunct animal, althoug we did not venture close enough to discover what this latter was. I found the Chilian woodpecker different from my old red headed friends, It was of a blackish hue, with bars of brown running along its back and ines. In length it was about afoot from tip to tip, while those I was accustomed to seeing seldom exceeded eightinches. ~ The crested guan is really a native of Brazil, and rarely found elsewhere, but several pair were pointed out to me by Tom. It was about the size of a common ‘hen, only a little longer. The upper surface was a dusky. brownish black, as I would call it, with a gloss o olive green, and the head being surmounted by acrest. Its head and neck were very strange in Shpestacre he throat fold of the skin was, I should declare, searlet, the naked cheeks purple, and the breast larly 5 with dashes of white on a dusk ground, which lattercolor prevailed on the under surface. Two of these birds were teeding near by, and | ceeded as Tom declared them to be excellent eating, we shot them, and Joe shouldered the ill-fated fowls. Before the double crack, the woods had fairly resounded with the songs end chatter of birds; butinstantly the silence of death seemed to have fallen upon all nature, and it was several moments before the concert again burst forth. Passing on through the woods, we turned to the left, and in twenty minutes could catch glimpses of the d old ocean. In front the h sloped gently down to the water, while to the right were piles of rocks. As there was an opening in the reef beyond, the waves came rolling steadily in to the shore, and coming in contact with the ragged bowlders, they were lashed into foam, the spray flying high in the air. Perched in rows at this point were thousands of birds, and as many more were cleaving the air or sailing through the water. Among them I readily distinguished the two species of penguins, resembling Soldiers on duty. There were also two kinds of petrels in sight, the great black fellow and the cape pigeon: The former has, I believe, gained the name of Break Bones from its savage disposition. I found that there was a stranger among these many winged inhabitants of-the air, and that it was stranger thanany ofthem. —__ It was the Scissors Bill, which is also knownas the Sea-Skimmer and the Cut-Water. This extraordinary bird is about twenty inches in length. ve Bs Its stretch of win measurement, by calculation, of three feet and a half. Everlastingly traversing the surface of the water, it flies with the celerity of an arrow. It is,so far as I could judge, of a white and dark brown color. ’ Suddenly Ned uttered an exclamation, and pointed to something that had attracted his at- tention. . . Upon looking in the direction his attention was turned toward, we saw a couple of beauti- ful swans sailing majestically about, where tha water was smooth, picking now and then at some adventurous bird that had come too close. They were beautiful birds, both in their plum- age and movements. The heads and necks were jet black, and «very- where else nothing marred their snowy white- ness: they were about the size of the hooper, and had red bills. Tom was seized with a desire to obtain one of ; these ‘lovely swans to preserve as a specimen of es history, and we resolved to make the at- mp > Tom fired his gun; one of the swans arose but the other lay upon the surface of the water beating out its life. Ned and I both fired at the escaping one, and were lucky enough to bring it to the ground with a broken rine ; By wading into the water my cousin laid hands upon his trophy, but we hard work in cap- turing the wounded fellow. i Leaving the beach, we proceeded up the hill, aiming for the xis As we: were well laden already, we did not feel yery sorry to find thatthe goats had been wise enough to keep away for one night. The wounded swan bit at me furiously, and when ay nanids showed several red marks, I nipped revenge in the bud by a judicious use of my handkerchief for a gag. Reaching home alittle after noon, we found Joe munching his noon repast, and after bind- ing up the broken wing of our captive, we put the swan inthe chicken-yard. During the remainder of the day it sat moping, eating nothing, ; In the eyening it followed the fowls into the house, and ais morning proudly condescend- ed to eat with them. The bear’s meat was rapidly drying in the sun, and by night would be ready to put away for future use, ; Dinner over, Ned, Joe and myself began sort- ing over our stores, So that we could always lay hands on the proper articles, Upon finishing our work, we went up to the lake, and set several night lines, to be pulled up in the morning. Tom had foracouple of hours been en in stuffing the dead swan, and made quite a job of it, there being a set of taxidermist’s tools umong the articles secured from the ill-fated privateer. The bird was set ina prominent position, and we praised Tom’s handiwork so much that he yentured upon other specimens, and soon the basis of quite a collection of the feathered tribes, Taking in the meat, and also the bear's skin that had been drying in the sun all day, we to eat a light supper, after ‘ing is: immense, giving @ - tn
Page 15
THE BOY CRUSOES. 15 which, Tom showed us a novel way to cook the guans. Diggin ing Ri holes in the ground, he started a eac. ; Ned and I fixed the birds, stuffing them with bread and some pieces of wild onion, discovered by our chief. After awhile we cleaned the fires out of the holes, placed clean pieces of bark on the bottoms, which were terribly hot, and laid the guans thereon, covering them with leaves, and the holes with boards, so as to keep the heat in. Tom gave it as his opinion that we could trap the coypus with the steel traps found on the “ Pluto ;” so hunting them out, we laid them by, ready for service. Most caves you will find are damp, but ours must have been an exception, for it was perfectly dry; so mnch so, that even our powder suffered no harm. No sooner had we jumped to our feet in the morning, than we thought of our ovens, and ran _futto them. Upon opening one, the delicious odor almost crazed us, and as both fowls van- ished at breakfast, I may say that I never tasted Se better than the roasted guan. was left at home while the others went off to the lake. Before noon they came back with half a dozen fine fish, having also set the two steel traps. : Once more they set out, heading this time for the bear trap. ; Just before sunset they appeared, each one car- rying a goat upon his back. All were old ones, two females and a buck, and despairing of lead- ing them. they had resorted to this novel though wearisome method. Chasing all of the goats into the cave, we shut the door on them, and barred it. In all, we could count eight, three of them kids; and resolute ‘Tom announced it as his determin- ation to make the attempt on the following day, in order to find out whether we could have milk for our coffee, of which beverage we drank spar- ingly on account of this want. : r supper all but Tom lay down to-court the gentle god of slumber. He my lingered to jot down the events of the day in his log, and upon finishing the record, threw himself upon his couch, and followed the rest of us into the fabled land of dreams. CHAPTER X. ALONE IN THE WOODS—TERACKING A BEAR—THE TRAILER TRAILED--A STATE OF SIEGE—AMONG THE TREETOPS—A SURPRISE PARTY—THE SPIT DEVILS —- QUEER FISHING—RUMINATIONS—ON THE BEACH—I BECOME A TERRIBLE DEMON. Earty the following morning, Ned and Joe re off to look after the traps and the night es. It being Tom’sturn at home, I took any, gun oe started along thesame route we had used fore. When I reached the pine where we had turned to the right, I kept on into the heart of the woods. Ten utes later I poke that I had about reac the center of the fores' hon hens I stood the top of the hill was plainly. yisible, and I could see the signal-flag unting in the breeze. The pole being firmly PEE we had no fears of its giving way should a wind storm descend upon it. P intended making a thorough trip of it, desirous of hav soparehing wey to communi- cate to the boys when I returned. Little did T dreams of ane adventure that I was destined to pass through. I had gone about two-thirds of the way to the southern end, when I came upon a little sprin: that found its way to the air through a sma opening. . PRight glad was I to welcome this fresh water, and laing down I proceeded to quench my thirst. Just as I had finished, I became aware of the fact that plainly imbedded in the muddy bank of the stream were the footprints of a bear. Tt was not this alone that startled me, but when my eyes first fell upon them, the water was still trickling in, and showed signs of being muddy. This. roved that the animal had been there but a few minutes before, and had: doubtless been scared away by the noise I had mado. Obeying an irresistible impulse I set out on the 1. othe tracks were plain enough, and I found it follow. en bas had gone off on a shambling trot, but upon getting beyond hearing, his pace had ‘moderated to a walk. This much I discovered by the trail, which was broadly formed in the earth, Although I was not an expert in this line, I can say that, considering the difficulties attendant upon suck an undertaking, I made out very well indeed. As to my object in following the bear, it was peas a desire for fun, and a hope of riddingthe sland of a pest, for so long as these animals lived, our domestics would never be safe. Soon the forest became very dense, and it was with difficulty that the sunshota few golden bars down through the thick foliage. Several times I saw groups of little animals with fine fur and ears almost round; but upon ny Bparodels they would vanish in some cavity. erwards learned that it was the celebrated chinchilla, Its fur is used in the same manner as the coy- pu, and, as they live in the valleys of the Andes, where the winters are very severe, they have need of their thick coats. Their food, I believe, consists principally of wild onions which they like exceedingly well, and of which there were p erty. on the island. I knew that I was gradually closing in upon the bear, and became a little cautious. ie small glade am which the Brass i a! wild, fell my course, and passing over ; in en- tered the woods, 2 : oe Hardly had I taken ten paces bayond the limits of this glade, however, than I heard a low growl, and discovered Mr. Bruin squatted just in front of me. Up went my rifle, which luckily enough I had earried in place of my fcarlingy pleoes and after a brief aim, the trigger was pulled. Perhaps it was the gloom of the woods, or else an intervening twig turned my bullet from its course; at any rate, I only wounded the bear, and the roar of pain he gave veat to, made me see the matter in another light altogether. Ten seconds later; and, most:wonderful to be- hold, the tables had changed, the pursuer was flying recklessly through the forest with the late pursued at his heels. Mt I made good time in reaching the glade, and here the long grass somewhat retarded the move- ments of my clumsy adversary, who, while among bas had bowled along even: faster than my- self. ~ I think I gained on bruin during our passage through the glade; but will not argue the point, as it makes no material difference. What I should do;when the trees were gained, had not as yet entered my head, nor had I time to discuss the matter, for I suddenly became aware of the fact that a second bear come into the glade. This one’s nose was close to the ground, and as it passed along the route I had taken before, it es suspiciously like the trailer was being tra ‘ My case now looked desperate, and when this second bear joined in the chase, I became alarmed for my safety. As the only course left open for moe, I made an abrupt turn to the left, thus keeping both of my foes in the rear. With every nerve and muscle strained, I bound- ed along, and in half a moment was once more under the trees. Obeying an pale that it would puzzle me to define, I dropped my rifle, and seizing the lower branches of atree, pulled myself up among them. My belt caught on a projecting branch, and in the struggle fell to the ground. Hardly had I gained the first perch some six feet from the ground, than my enemies arrived at the spot, and the unwounded one began to climb the tree in such a dexterous manner, that I con- fessed mentally to be his inferior in the art. Then the question presented itself, how could I keep the savage monster down? y errors were all gone with the exception of my e, and drawing this latter, I leaned over and waited for Mrs. Bruin, as I took the second bear to be. A sharp cut from the keen blade sent her roll- ing to the ground, but with indomitable will she ae LA more attempts before giving it up as a ob. After snuffing and pawing at my firearms fora few moments, the two calmly laid down and be- gan their protracted siege. Whenever I made a movement, they would watch me carefully and growl out a warning, which, however, I cared but little for. Thus an hour away; the sun sailed higher in the heavens ; noon came and went, find- me in the same predicament. ith my lunch and canteen of water, I satisfied both my hunger and thirst, and then as time passed on, fell to ruminating. How would this little affair end? Would the bears remain there all the afternoon? I had not any serious fears, for I knew the boys would hunt for mein the night or morning, should I fail to put in an appearance; and being the owner of strong lungs, it would be easy to direct them to the spot. ‘ The only thing I didn’t fancy, was the humilia. tion of having to sleep on those hard branches, and be found in such a scrape by my comrades. Having cogitated over the matter, I determined to make an attempt at escape. How was this to be accomplished? For some time I looked around, and then an idea which I considered yery brilliant struck me. The trees as has been said before grew very close together, and often the limbs would be interlock- ed. By making use of my agility, I might pass from. one to another.. Climbing up as as I dare go, I climed into the next tree, and deeming myself hidden from the bears by the dense foliage nnderneath, I did not look down at all for fear of growing dizzy, as I was far above the ground. The next trial was rather difficult, as I had to hang from one limb and catch on another with my legs, which was dangerous practice atsuch a height; but I managed to accomplish it in safety. After this the task of passing from tree to tree was easy enough, as the branches seemed arranged scpocially, for such an undertaking. erhaps half an hour or more was consumed in this air travel, and at length concluding that Thad gone far enough from the original tree, 1 de- termined to descend. : Chuckling cyer the success of my plan, I drop- ped from limb to limb, and at length passed through the lower screen of foliage. _ What I saw on the greund came near making me lose my hold, so great was my astonishment and ahaa for there, seated’ on their haunches and calmly awaiting my descent were the two id- entical bears whom I had left, as I confidently believed, guarding my rifle and reyolvers. To say that I was surprised would be express- ing “; oobly; for I was literally thunderstruck at 6 sight. What was worse, the scoundrels appeared to be hugely tickled over the joke, if one could judge from the manner in which they rubbed their noses and seemed to wipe their spectacles. And shortly the full force of the thing struck me, and as I saw myself crawling among the Moi ec fondly ‘magining that every yard took me further away from my foes, while the shrewd rascals were watching me all the while, I laughed until the tears ran down my cheeks in spite of my des- perate situation. — I was about as badly off as before, and vainly I conjured up footings for various plans which could never be carried out. After awhile, my hand, in seeking for some weapon, fell upon my powder-horn, and this in- stituted a train of thoughts which ended in plan number two. Pouring a handful on a smooth piece of bark, I wet it and began making what boys generally eall a spit devil. As every one of my readers knows what that is, I will not expl: the simple “ modus oper- andi,” but only say that in a short time I four balls of hard powder ready for use, Applying a match to one of these, I dextrously dropped it on the back of the femalo bear, It caught in the long hairand remained, send- ing out a cloud of flery red sparks. Rapidly lighting a second, I managed to place it oe Mr. Bruin, and then eagerly awaited re- sults. - Both of them seemed uneasy at first, but when the warmth grew uncomfortable, the bears, much to my amazement, instead of bolting madl away amid a cloud of fire and smoke, displa a Begacity Oe made me believe was pitted t two flen . ‘ Acting as any sensible person would have done, they rolled over and actually smothered the fire, Again I attempted the trick, and “a second time was the fire extinguished, and that right speedily. "After that I gaye it up. ; The half hours slipped by, and I assumed as comfortable a position as could be found, but I felt very uneasy. > While rummaging my pockets to find out the slim prospects for supper, my hand fell upon the stick around which my oid riend, the fish-line, was wrapped. Idea number three presented itself. Had I thought of it before my journey among the treetops I might at that moment have been oe 1 resolved, however, to make amends for the mistake, and travel back to the original tree, and ute our was growing late, no time must be After taking my bearings I started, but in spite of the haste I made, it took me over an Boer to fet eone Soa tas onas Sone ase ed 6 trouble at the same Ww risked s0 much before, s *
Page 16
16 THE BUY CrUSUES. As if ther: had constituted themselves my ians, the bears followed after me, and at penetae resumed their positions under the origin- tree. Now began the most unique angling I ever participated in. : . Lower the three hooks descended, the bears eying them suspiciously. They did not move, however, but lay with their heads between their paws, winking their wicked- looking i and, as Tom afterwards facetiously ki when listening to the yarn, “rubbing their spectacles occasionally, in order to see the better,’ One of my gentle friends lay with his fore paws upon the iff, as if it regundledthe weapon as rous, and I a well remark that: this a the fellow who had been wounded by the ullet. I determinéd to show him that the revolvers, though smaller, were equally deadly. The belt and its contents lay just where it had apres near the foot Aen ae chen : some Maneuve: to catch a ook in the buckle, endshanled the precious re- velvers up Mr. Bruin left the rifle, and to his hind feet, made alunge at the swinging belt, but I rc him, and drew it out of was too quick reach. Another moment, and the sharp crack sound- ed. My first enemy receiving the leaden missile, rolled over in the agonies of death, and the other came overto her lord and master, asif to dis- cover what his comical actions meant. This I explained in atangible manner, although pee fea were necessary to dispose of her ‘ p. eeling safe, I now descended, and after load- ing my weapons, prepared to go home, xious for some trophies to prove my prow- ess, I cut out the bears tongues, and then put 4 best foot forward. felt tired and sore to some extent, and wished he boys. wpe ade he sun had long since gone to rest, and the moon was sailing along her track, but under the Genk was 80 dark that I determined to seek the This I soon reached, and while hastening along, Occupied myself with looking at the beautiful Mmoon-lit ocean, and thinking of our situation. While in the gloomy forest, my thoughts had been of a like type, for darkness breeds melan- choly; but upon the bright shore I soon became cheerful. Onur situation might be far worse. veh Chee a splenic Pacer home, ‘and even a passing s oO pu an a r _ ance, we could soon Build a boat with ome fools, gain beg mainland, and sail upward to a Chilian sea @ privateer captain had said my boat was Swept away in the storm, and I had no reason to doubt his word. Portions of it had doubtless been cast upon the shore, and I would be mourned as drowned. As regarded Tom and the others, their friends and relatives would not consider them really lost ‘for many months, as the * Horn” detains vessels it ay be weeks by the contrary gales. So it was only my parents whom the iron rod of agony would smite. Ww near the mouth of the creek, I heard loud laughing and splashing, and remembering my adyenture with shark elose by, I won- dered how they could be reckless enough to go in swimming. This was, without doubt, the nicest place on jee whole beach, but they shonld not peril their ‘lives. As I drew nearer, I diseoyered to my satisfac- tion that wise Tom had tho: of Mr. Shark and that the boys were in no ger. A low wall of stones ran out from the mouth of the creek, along a bar, and made a circuit, re- to the beach and inclosing quite a space. Du Anes afternoon the -betaaa made this by the aid of the log I had in fishing. The by was sloping and sandy, and when the tide came in, the deepest part was about eight feet, while at low tide it was only a third of that. Tom was certainly a essor at swimming, and was almost 3 merman in the water, doing all sorts of curious things, . From him I had Gained the art, and felt flat- I took to the tered when my cousin declared water like a duck. Neither Ned nor Joe could swim a stroke, and I found that Tom was teaching them. It may seem strange that twosailors were igno- rant of this art, but it is an honest fact that one- half our Jack Tars cannot ever keep themselves afloat. It is curious that old mariners who have spent * their lives Bp the briny deep, do not know how o swim, and yet it is not always the case. The nearer you come to Mammouth Cave, or King’s Mountain, the less the inhabitants know about those wonders. It certainly ought to be one of the rules that a sailor should know how to swim, as well as to perform his various duties. I resolved to give the boys a pleasant surprise, although it might be in a curious form, as mine had been when I saw the two bears waiting for me. Passing among the trees, I reached a pointnear them, and then slipping out of. my clothes, I tied my hair upin a bunch like a plock, and put several green leaves on it. After this I covered. myself from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet with black mud. discovered in a pool, and then seized upon a dead wood club. The three boys were laughing heartily at some- thing, when an ear-piercing yen came to them, and startled the in the direction from whence it rooeed F To their horror, they discovered what Sppesred to be a black savage whooping along the beach, and waving his mighty war-club aloft. CHAPTER XI. 4 BAD SCARE—TOM’S LOG-BOOK—MEMORIES OF TURTLE SOUP—THE LAKE SHORE—A SURROUND— TRIP AROUND OUR ISLAND HOME—THE SOUTHERN END—PREPARING FOR THE BOAT—TOM GIVES A SHORT SEA YARN—A FIGHT WITH CHINESE PIRATES, Tus black imp (I beg my own pardon) was dan along the shore, shouting and waving his club, and of course they expected him to be the chiefof a band that would soon make its ap- pearance, So stricken with surprise were the boys, that for a full moment they stood as motionless as stones. Then the pretended savage dropped his club, ran along th newly erected wall, and plunged head foremost into the water close beside them. The three scampered to the shore, and put for the adjacent forest like fellows. None of them dared deny afterwards that they were frightened, Before reaching the trees, a shout from the water, well-known to them was heard, and turn- ing, Dey: Saw not the black face of a villainous savage, but the well-known phiz of myself, Jack Merton; for in my dive I had pulled the string from my long hair, and rubbed the mud partially from my face. = Of course, they ized me at once, but it took them full sixty seconds to realize the im- mensity of the joke, and thse. then retraced. their steps looking a little sheepish. om complimented me on my success, and owned himself scared, while Joe wanted to know how I could handle such a huge club so easily, which was made manifest by an examina- tion of the dead wood. They were anxious to learn where I had been, but z told them the story would keep, as I wanted aswim. For half an hour we darted about, and then having had enough we proceeded to dress. When we reached the cabin, I stowed away a quantity of edibles, and then quietly handed my trophies to Tem, *“Mr. Merton, please to -—pass your opinion on those articles!” ‘Tom looked and laughed. “* Bears’ tongues, as I’m a sailor, Jack. Where in the mischief did you get ’em? is there a tree 2 this species growing anywhere around?” he, I tried to tell the story as plainly as 1 could, not beiag a victim to seit praise , and Tom putin many remarks that heightened its amusing char- acter. When at length the yarn was ended, we all laughed so heartily that it was difficult to speak on any other subject. I found that the boys had not been doing much that day, having oceupied half of it in fixing the apie pists. ; There been no goats in the trap, and the fish were secured atthe lake for supper, together with the skins of two coypus forfurs. ~ After conversing for some time I declared my- self sleepy, and sought my hammock. Tom sat writing for a long time, and I find upon examination that he wrote By yarn log-hook word for word, as I gave it; being the owner of a memory that would have been a bles- sing to a newspaper reporter. I went to sleep while he wrote, and woke upto find my companions at work and breakfast nearly After our morning ablutions and the meal were in his, over, Tom, Joe and myself went to make the round which had now become a daily work. Bringing the fish and coypus from the lake, we left them with Ned, and started out The greater:part of this day was spent in, cut- ting up the two bears and transporting the meat and skins home, We went to bed early, being tired, Tom defer- ring his writing until the next day, when he would be at home. In the morning the three of us started out; for, by virtue of our agreement, it was Tom’s turn to ook aise ce Solitary shat Sate : e found aso wag Oe uc 6 goat-tra pte old .of him by a plan nd 78. N He proved so strong that it took all of our stren, tohold him, and we dubbed him the Patriarch on account of his gray beard. Our earlier captives evidently knew and rever- ed the sage old fellow, who was doubtless one of the original ones left upon the island by some shipwreck. reatly to our suprise, and, need Isay, delight, we found at supper-time that Tom had. managed to milk two of the goats; and for the first time RABY months, we enjoyed our coffee in a civil- way. “ Boys, remarked Tom, as we ate, “‘how doyou feel on the ‘subject of more turtle soup ?” We all confessed a tendency in that direction, for the memory of the soup haunted us, and Tom explained his plan. his was about the season when turtles laid their eggs in the sand, leaving them for the sun Siete ie and Tom thouey eee perhaps we m catch one or more &@ moonlight visit to the lake. _Foeahen Although the matamata is really a tortoise, yet ithassome of the turtle’s habits, and there wasa GRASS of sues | before us, a , 6 eggs of turtles are esteemed a by many people; and thousands of es Serato turtles come ashore on the coast of Cuba every night, and each deposit fifty or sixty eggs. - One would be apt to think that their number during the year would. multiply fearfully, but is is not 80. Enemies, in the shape of men and beasts, hunt for the eggs, and the young ones that do hatch out have destroyers in the alligators. Tom had not studied the habits of this creature closely, and could not vouch for our finding any of them on the beach ; but, willing to take the risk, we all started forth, Caly arr weapons in our belts, and a hatchet that Tom picked up. On our way we cut us each a stout cudgel, four or five feet in length, having a purposein view for it. : ; We struck the lake at a rocky place, and walked gd under the trees until a sandy h was reached. Here we discovered a single tortoise, and quite a good sized one, too. She was about ‘the center of the sand, and busily engaged in lay- ing her eggs. ‘om gaye a few directions, and we made a complete surround, Joe and Ned being near the water above and below, and Tom Myself opposite to them, . - As the four of us drew near from opposite di- rections, we found that the matamata was filli up the hole with sand, and if left alone, shé wo doubtless have come again on the next night and 25; some eggs there, for they never mistake the place. . Catching sight of us, the old lady began mak- ing for the jrouds Fwit surprising celerity; but Tom and I shouted and waved our clubs,'so she turned toward the water. Here valiant Ned and Joe interposed, and finding enemies onall sides, the matamata began to show fight. We all made a grand'rush, and aftér a tussle, succceded in landing hér on her back. “To eut her throat after the most approved method, was but the work of a moment, and after mlirking the spot where the eggs wére, we hurried the s pre, leaving our first victim lifeless on the Sand. “ For almost five minutes we walked on, and then, coming to anothér stretch of sand, we man- aged to lay hands on a seeond tortoise. This was sufficient for the time, ahd after cu’ its throat and suspending it from a tree, we ered the eggs, and proceeding to our first capture served it in the same manner. . In the morning Tom cooked some of the egrzs found; ane we united in declaring thém absolute- 'y splendid. The day, I find by reference to the log-book, was spent in bringing the two land the fish found on the lines, the contents of the steel traps. and a young kid found in the pit to our ome, During the evening we made up a plan for the next day, determining to go completely around — a ee me Pe Ss ae ee
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THE BOY CRUSOES. 17 our island home, and hunt out a tree suitable for a t. Ned and Joe announced that they would rather remain athome and do the chores; so early in the morning Tom ‘and myself marched forth, urmed with our usual weapons, anda lunch in eur pockets to fight hunger. The route we took led us past the scene of my memorable bear scrape, and as 1 pointed out the situations Tom laughed heartily. Some ten minutes later the trees began to grow further apart, and the cheery sun managed to force an entrance at places. > Everywhere the birds seemed without number, and among them were many kinds of brilliant plumaged macaws. Chinchillas were to be seen dashing into’ their holes in every direction; and at points the wild pe vines almost covered the trees; butas the frait was not yet ripe we left it untouched. We were now below the hill, and after passing through another woods, found ourselves at the southern end of the island. ~The beach was sandy, and a break in the reefs beyond, seemed made on purpose for a splendid landing-plece. Penguins and other birds neglected this quiet lace, preferring the western shore and the Oamy surf. After looking about us curiously, we began sauntering up this latter. Our signal was plainly visible, and we knew that a vessel could not help seeing it in the day time, if it sighted the land at all: The search for a tree to form a boat now began, for although we would haye preferred finding one nearer the cabin, still it would do no harm to pick out several in case none could be selected further north. ; Several were marked as we went along the western shore, and towards noon, feeling hungry after our sharp tramp, we proceeded to do our lunch justice, resuming the walk afterwards. As we drew near the lake we determined to visit our lines and traps, if the boys had not been there before us, | they kill, others are always ready to take dead men’s places. “Our captain feared for the safety of his vessel, as we were but indifferently armed, and, as it af- terward proved, his anxiety was not groundless. About the middle of the afternoon several proas, loaded down with these ‘ water alligators’ as one of the men termed them, put out from the islands and headed towards us, “T might string this yarn out, but my eyes are saypth boys gna = eile briefs er *“They boarded us then, and the fight began three hundred to thirty. = 5 “Twice we cleared the deck of our assailants, but they kept on pouring over the bulwarks, savage looking men. ¢ _ “I may say without flattery, that every one o us fought like heroes. “T set ay teeth and cut away with little com- unction, for they seemed no better than wild ts in the excitement ofthe time. “In the end we should have come out victo- rious, as we proyed too many guns for them, bnt to. our horror we. saw. several more proas starting out from the islands. ‘Tf they reached us we were lost. Anxiousty T looked aloft and saw the sails quivering; the evening was bringing the breeze with it. Tho joyful news was quickly communicated to the captain and my gallant fellow-seamen. “A final rush was made by the entire crew, the crowd of yellow pirates was hustled over- West into the sea, and the proas cut loose from the ship. «Slowly the vessel glided through the water, gaining power with every moment, and as dark- ness came on we had left the furious pursuers far oa the rear, and were dashing merrily on- ward. ; ; “The four men who had fallen, were alee to theirlong home by sympathizing comrades, and with all ceremony; the dead -pirates fed the sharks. And now to bed with you my hearties.” Ten minutes later the whole four of us were lost to the miseries of this world in slumber. Just before leaving the beach we found the} very tree we were looking for, and what was bet- ter, it already laid upon the ground. ; We were glad it was near the beach, remem bering poor Rcbinson Crusoe’s mishap with the first boat he built. Having marked the place where the log lay, and shot some wild ducks, we went to the lake, but found the boys had been before, and had re- set the coypu traps and the night lines. Ned and Joe were surprised to see us home s0 early, and immediately made us tell all we had seen, after which we resolved to bring our tools over to the log, So as to be ready for work early in the morning. Among these articles were chisels, adzes, hatchets, saws and uxes, and formed quite a i After leaving the tools in a dry spot we visited the goat-trap, finding two victims therein, - We replaced the thin sticks with strong ones. pot wanting any goats for awhile, as we expected to be ‘too busy for any visits to the trap, and should any fall in they would starve. Leaving the poate ee we went further up and stood by our 5: -pole. : : The can wanrene the horizon when we started for the eabin with our captives, and) darknéss was coming on as we cooked our evening meal. Around the supper-table, (i. e. a seaman’s ode we were wont to tell stories. Ned related one he had heard of—adventure in the Polar regions, and as Tom was called ‘on he gave a short one, which I shall tell in his own words as faras ible: : “Tt is an adventure on the coast of China, and I came as near losing my life there as has ever happened. “«T was re seaman then, s sort of an ap- rentice, and was my second voyage. ae We were homeward Boahd from some port— I think it was Shanghai, when a dead calm caught us among a group of islands, and in sight of the shore. H om Our captain—brave old salt, that he was—de- clared himself alarmed; not at the want of wind, but that the calm should come upon us in those waters. . **You know, boys, China always has been a most diabolical place for pirates; they actually infest the coast, and woe to any unarmed ship that is so unlucky as to be becalmed near the shore or islands off the coast. Tt isn’t by bravery that the Chinese devils do their work by any means, but by force of num- bers. “T have heard of them ap over a thousand strong, and the Drape uaak teins aie obliged to succumb, when no matter how many CHAPTER XII. WORK ON THE NEW BOAT—A SEA SONG— ‘‘ COME O'ER THE MOONLIT SEA, LOVE”—NED’S RECOL- LECTIONS—THE SLIMY GREEN ROCK—I LISTEN TO STORY OF OUR ISLAND—PURSUED BY A SHAREK—POOR DICK WRENSHAW'S FA‘E, WE were up with the first streak of dawn, and after breaking our fast, it was detérmined by yote that Ned should stay at home the first day, Joe the second, myself the third, and Tom the fourth, after which the list would commence Sen ‘In this way each one, after three days of hard work, would have one of comparative rest, which would be very 3 Baers Tom, as our leader, gave Ned a few extra di- rections, and then we started forth. : My cousin was the only one among us who had studied boat-making; he set us all at work, and pitched ir like a beaver himself. As our boat was to be a dug-out, he marked yarious lines upon it, and started Ned sawing while he and I wielded adzes and axes. At noon we poeta observed an hour’s rest, and proceeded to munch our dinner with an ap- petite whetted by hard labor. : Again we began to work und kept up until near sun-set, but Tom said he did not want this sgne until later, as the interior must be worked out. ~ _ It was three weary boys who sat down with Ned to thé festive board that night, and this fat- ter individual declared that boat-building must be a wonderfully pppetain thing. On the following day he discovered how the af- Sen ae had & Hood tan vice, aR ea aL Ned had a tenor voice, and to le us as we ate, he sanga favorite sea song which I shall give as thoughtful Tom has recorded it in his note book. : “COME O’ER THE MOONLIT SEA.” Come o’er the moonlit sea, love, . For the waves are brightly glowing, The winds have sunk to theirevening rest, And the tide is gently fowing. The barqne is in the bay, love, And only wails for thee; It’s silken sails will throw, love, Their radiance o’er the sea. There is no sound save the echoed song Of dark Italias’ darghters, : Or the mnffled splash of the boatman’s oar, As it dips.in the sparkling waters. Tho’ bright the morn may dawn, love, Along the smiling sea, Far dearer stiil than morn, love, Are moon lit waves to me, I have a deep rooted suspicion thatsthe song was of Ned’s composition, and I-find that Tom entertains a like idea in his records, oe: After finishing our supper we concluded to re- fresh ourselves with a swim, taking advantage of the bright moon of which the poet ons fie = Tom and I plunged in, while the others, being novices, entered the water gradually. ; is Foran hour we remained in the water. Ned and Joe were making great strides and gave promise of early success. : / -- When the sport was over we felt decidedly re- freshed: While. dressing I noticed Ned gazing earnestly at the reefs, and atlength he gave an ex- clamation of amazement. “Joe,” said he in ex- cited tones, pointing as he spoke, ‘look at that small square rock with the flat green top, near the reefs and just inside. Don’t you remember it?” “*Can’t say that I do.” returned Joe, dubiously. *“ Why man alive, have you forgotten poor Dick Wrenshaw and his fate?” exclaimed Nel. “Of course not. | Poor fellow, the sharks got him, but I was below at the time with the feyer,” “A fact Lforgot. And never forgot the partic- ulars?” queried Ned. tS ** No, old Bob Stay refused to tell me, and he said I couldn’t:get a man on the ship to tell me, for they were all too horror-stricken,” answered ** Neither could you at the time, but now I think I can go over it, though I’m a poor yarn-spinner and apt to fly off at a tangent. 120} “It was about three years ago—no, I am wrong, it could not haye been much over two— Joe, Dick and myself were apprentices on, the Stormicoud, and a mighty fine ship she was from keel to kelson ; also the captain and mates, -- “You all know, boys, what. kind of captains we run across. I knew one, and’ let me tell you about him. ‘ re gus “One of the boys was down in his bunk, well nigh gone. All of.us knew the nature of his dis- ease, and that pean would bring him up ina short time, while without it he must go under, - ‘“We brought the captain to see him. . He de- clared the lad would die, brandy for no brandy, and refused to givea drop, as if would be o: wasting the liquor. set inh > “* Rendered desperate by the sight of our poor comrade, we resolved to steal a bottle from the eaptain’s cabin. ‘ ae “During the evening, when he and the mates were ait, looking after something, we drew lots; and it fell on me:to do the work. : ‘ “T gotin through the bulls-eye and came out the same way. witha bottle of brandy, which we gave the sick boy a dose of. fists Mgt “The effect was truly marvelous, The color began to come into his face, and he showed great signs of improvemént. ter “Suddenly the captain stood in our midst. He took in the whole situation at a glance, and with a string of curses that would have shamed a pirate, seized upon the bottle, and hurled it out of the port-hole into the sea, flercely demanding who had stolen it. ‘ J ; ** My comrades stood firm, and I was not de- tected. Nota drop of brandy could we get, and to be short, the poor lad died three days after- “So sure as there isa God in heaven, Captain Fairfax was Luke Burnet’s murderer. When we gained port, the crew went in a body to the own- ersandtoldthestory. - “They felt it a dis; to employ such a man, and F. received his walking papers... More than this, they had him tried, and he was sen- tenced for two years in the:penitentiary. ;. but on the way there, the. d te man escaped after killing one of his is. 2 3 ; -* He had a terrible spite against Joe, here, and mysélf, for we were the foremost of those who ap against him. And now, haying givin ou a yarn that has.nothing whatever to do wit Dicky, I will return to my subject, the green _ We tad finished dressing, and were walking - along up the creek. Sea stories had always nee & fascinating influence for me, and J ned with absorbing piers to the particulars. of Dick Wrenshaw’s 2. = Any sailor will stop in the middle of a story to praise or condemn a man under whom he sailed, and Ned.was no exception, asthe reader seen. , “You know,” he continued, “the yo: with Fairfax. was the first we made; and thea with Steedman, on the Storm Cloud the third. Our capa here was very unlike, the. other of the ship Sue Miller, forhe was kind to-all, and, when
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18 Pg OO arr THE BOY CRUSOES. Joe was sick, sent him many delicacies from his own table. “We were bound for California after hides, and had rounded the cape well, considering the squal- ly weather. “Our water ran short, and we He: in here, the vessel being brought to beyond the reefs, anda boat coming to the shore. **I did not go with the boat’s crew, and, of coarse, could not the island, never hav- ing put a foot on it; but that slimy, green stone [ can never forget, as it was there poor Dick lost his life, . “The men eame off with the water and were sent back after more, the second mate, a fine young fellow named Lessing, taking charge. “Dick was with him, and while they were fill- ing the casks the mate sent him to ask the cap- tain if he would like tohaye afew goats killed for fresh meat, as they were plenty on the island, and if so to send some muskets with Dick. “Of course the mate thought the boy would make the signal upon, and which would bring the light whale boat, manned by a couple of rowers to the shore. Z “The yawl would be too clumsy for him to ee and besides it was needed to load up the casks, “For once poor Dick failed to strictly carry out his orders. He was inclined to be impulsive, and this lost him his life. - “Having made the required signal, he threw off his clothes and sprang into the water, deter- mined Bp gaining the opening reefs at least be- fore the { met him. . “Dick was a magnificent swimmer, but he found, as he afterwards did, that although the surface of the water inside the reefs was smooth enough, a swift current ran underneath, against which he was foreed to swim. “Notwithstanding this, he had made a good headway, and was two-thirds of the way to the reefs, when one of the men appeared on the beach rolling a cask of water, Ido not know why the yawl was not brought up the creek here in- stead of being left at the mouth. “He saw the clothes on the beach, and then the black curly head, and white shoulders of the swimmer. ** Something else he also saw, and this the dor- sal fin of a shark not far in the wake of Dick,who was unconscious of his danger. “For nearly half a moment the man’s tongue, as he told me, would persist in sticking to the roof of his mouth. “«*Swim for your life, boy. A shark! a shark!’ “Dick must have heard the shout above the roar of the breakers, for he turned his head. “ What he felt, I can’tsay; but it must have been wiul. “ A shark pursuing a man, swims on the sur- face, and only sinks when it intends catching its prey, as you all know. “I suppose this pecularity has saved many a man’s life, as it gives him “ “You may recollect how I shivered when I heard Jack tell of his adventure with the shark. “Tt made me think of poor Dick, but just then I had no idea that both adventures came off in the same place, and, for aught we know, it may be the same shark. ** Dick redoubled his exertions, and drew near- er the reefs. “T have said before that the current was pretty strong a foot or two below the surface, but this was nothing to its force ten feet under. Of course, Dick knew nothing of this, but we found it out afterwards. “Tn the afternoon it set in with full force, and oe boy was actually breasting a small Gulf ream. : “ Using his ingenuity, he kept as much of his yas 6 out of the water, thus evading most of the current. atpe he neared ene on a on ue nets saw him som m the water, as he afterwards to d me. ne “The square green rock was the first haven my poor shipmate ed, and witha scramble he mianamed tS reach the ep it which, as we dis- covered later, was horri le matter. 5 “IT was one of the rowers in the whalé boat, and as we came inside the reefs just then we could see’ him plainly. = ~~ ““We pulled desperately toward him, but, being some distance away, we were too late. “ We saw he had a stout stick in his hand about a foot long. Having no weapon of defense, his knife being on the beach with his clothes, Dick had seized “oe this stick as it floated upon the water; and he been an experien pearl- diver might have saved himself with it. “Of course, him on the rock, we con- sidered him safe; but it was a fatal mistake. The y slimy with green ve- | the: rock was wet and very slippery. As he step back to avoid a thrust from (hesharks he tect is balance and fell over with a splash, tly to our horror. He sank immediately, and we saw the ravenous fish dart after him, “ Hurrying to the spot, we hunted around, but could see nothing of either shark or boy. “A red tinge on the water told us the awful tale, and we knew that poor Dick had fallen a victim to the shark. “‘The whole crew in our five boats sought for the body, but found it not. “Then the water-casks were hurried aboard, and we set sail, anxious to leave such a place. ** After we remembered that the poor boy’s élothes had been left on the beach in our haste. “The next time a terrifle storm came on, but we worked through it with the loss of one man, some spars, and the whale boat, which was wash- ed over-board toward the end. «Joe and I felt the loss of poor Dick Wrenshaw keenly, for he was from our town; and I shall never forget how his family took the news. He was a splendid fellow—strong and good natured, and knew almost everything—like Tom here.” zi “Thank you,” returned the individual in ‘ques- on. “No thanks required. Now, Joe, you know how Dick lost his life off this Mang island in the smooth water inside the reefs. oor fellow, I’ll never forget him,” said Ned. CHAPTER XIII. DAYS THAT BECAME MONOTONOUS—THE BOAT COMPLETED—A GALE IN PROSPECT—OUR TRIAL TRIP—THE WAR OF THE ELEMENTS—THE FAS- CINATION OF A TROPICAL STORM—TOM MAKES READY FOR A YARN. “Poor fellow,” echoed Joe, and I saw him dash away a tear, “liked Dick, and I don’t believe I ever felt so bad as when they told me he was dead. It was fearful.” ae like to have known him,” said Tom earn- estly. < “And you’d have stuck to him like a brother, Tom, for he was very much like you. Having no one else around his age on board, he kept with Joe and me. He was a walking book, and knew heaps about trees and animals,” put in Ned. “Natural history, you mean,” said Tom, : “Yes, that’s just it. He spent a year in Africa, and we used to sit for hours sett A his yarns, all true, about the elephants, goril and lions that he had hunted.” : the conversation r Quietly the night ; As no marks of late been seen around our pig pen, we did not set either of the traps.” ly morning found us on our feet, and before the sun was an hour high we were at the place of labor, having left Joe at home. Ned looked attentively at the log for a moment, as he had not seen it before, and then throwin, off his coat, went to work with a will. 4 Slowly the morning passed. Noon was spent on the mossy ground, and af- ter our hour’s respite we tackled the log again, laboring without cessation until near sundown. We were carefulto put our tools ina hollow tree, where in case it rained they would be safe, and after doing this we started towards home. Joe had prepared a fine supper, and after it we took a refreshing bath, Tn this way the days flew on, and the work pro- gressed finely. The coypus we stopped trapping after running the number of skins up to twenty, as the inno- cent little creatures seemed so tnd saan that we never failed to find one in éach trap every day. Should we remain on our island home through | fl the winter, they might prove useful to us, but according to our calculations, in two weeks’ time we would leave for tre main land. Our night lines did good service, and once a day we made a fine meal from the fish caught on m. The two weeks drew to an end, and our boat was near completion. We had worked steadily at it, but one day out of every seven we set apart for rest, as Tom de- clared we would never succeed if we labored on the Sabbath, in which we all agreed. Our time we in conversation about our dear homes and the prospect of reaching them pyre this period Ned and Joe pursued and killed a fourth bear, so that each of us had a skin acts arn d tting on finely, and 8 an were on , an we had killed Dee Or bach pe fresh meat, sf On the hilltop our pole still stood firm, and the bunting waved in the breeze. One storm visited us during this time, and al- though it kept us from work a whole day, no damage was done. ‘The boy who remained at the cabin occupied his time in shaping oars, wnich though a trifle rough looking, could be depended upon. Four rollers had been made to roll the boat down to the water. Tom had entered into all sorts of mathematical calculations that none of us understood, to see if our vessel would float properly, and he at length announced that it would, At last the boat was done. It was a great time for us I can assure you, and all the work re- maining was to get it into the water. This occupied the whole of a morning, and as the oars were at the cabin, we would be obliged to get them, before our vessel could be brought into the creek. As we passed along the hillside, Tom proposed atrip tothe top, where we could see the island house we hoped to leave so soon. ; It seemed strange to us that no ship had come within sight of the island during the daytime, as we were not far out of the usual track. We passed the cave in front of which our goat- trap was situated. As the sticks were covered with earth they had the appearance of solid ground, and although a goat might pass over in safety, now that the pit was closed, none of us felt like trusting our weight on them. Gaining the top ef the hill we looked around us. The ocean was calm, but we all saw that before many hours they would be a surging mass. Away down in the southern horizon a low bank of clouds slowly advanced. Having taken a satisfactory view, we hurriedly descended to the cabin, laid hold of our four oars and set off again. The boat floated finely, and glided through the water like a thing of life, our weight appearing as almost nothing in it. Tom, who was a reliable judge, pronounced it entirely seaworthy and we were satisfied. -After being confined to hard serpenter, work for almost three weeks, rowing was but sport to us, and we elo it Han Stk After rounding several small capes that jutted out, we came in sight of the creek, and at a word from Tom the boat was sent out to the square green rock, near which poor Dick Wrenshaw had met his fate. The only strange thing to us was how the boy managed to clin.b on to it from the water, and remain there as long as he did. After contemplating the slimy affair for a moment, we rowed up the creek and sunk the boat near the cabin, putting huge rocks in it, and tying ropes to both ends. After eating supperand attending to our animals and fowls, we put on some old clothes and went down to the beach to see the gale come on. Even now there is a strange fascination for me in a storm at sea. I dearly love to watch the mighty foam-crested billows, knowing at the same time, that in half an hour they may form my tomb; to see the zig- zag lightning pat in fantastic streaks, and Bees nt roar of e thunder and the shrieks of 6 wind. Upon reaching the beach, we saw what a change had come upon all nature. Old Boreas had come with the clouds, and the water in our lagoon might be called a **chop- ping-e0a, while beyond the reefs the waves ashed nolsily against their rocky barrier. The storm was just about to commence, the thunder that we had heard rumbling in the distance, came closer every moment, while the vivid lightning thrust itself hither and thither in the south. ‘ It was a real tropical storm when it came. The thunder rattled like heaven’s artillery, ands the lightning seemed to be one constant lash. Down came the rain ia torrents, but as the wind aes fiercer, the water fell more lightly. Night had unconsciously drawn its c around us, but we should never have known it, so incessant were the flashes of Jove’s fire- works, Never will I forget the sublime picture we four water-logged boys gazed upon that night, with the elements warring savagely about us, until the air seemed ready to split with the concussions. Now and then we could see over the reefs, and the mighty ocean looked Jike one endless waste of mo hills with snow-covered summits. For half an hour Jonger we stood spell-bound, admiring the splendid mechanism of the Maker of the universe, The huge billows swept up almost to our feet, although we stood among the trees, and had there been no reefs to break their force, weshovid undoubtedly have lost our chattels and domestic 7 "¢o- + . -
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animals, and have been obliged to climb the hill to escape their ce After gazing at the storm until the rest declared themselves tired, we walked up tothe hut and put on dry clothes. Then we went to bed, and managed to sleep in cme of the warring elements ontside, for we were sailors. When we awokein the merning we knew the storm was still ing by the patter of rain and an occasional rumble of thunder. There was no chance of leaying the island this day; and seeing s0, we resolved to pack up what few things we needed especially to take with us. Of course we would have to leave nine-tenths of our thin; behind; but we ho’ to reach a seaport, and shipin some vessel bound for Bos- ton or New York that would pass our island, when wecould lay hands on our possessions in. aay hile we worked Joe begged Tom to relate us a regular sea yarn to while away the time, and as I added my entreaties, our leader at length gave his consent. The narrative I fail to find in Tom’s log-book, and must write it out from memory alone, so the reader will please excuse the want of conciseness, = that quality is always lacking in a sailor’s ory. CHAPTER XIY. 4 MAN OF ILL LUCK—THE OLD JACEK TAR’S RE- MINISCENCE—QUELLING A MUTINY—A SAILOR’S SUPERSTITION—SENDING A JONAH ADRIFT—A CARD OF THANES—THE NEW PASSENGER—CON- STERNATION—BEN BUCKET’S OPINION. “You know Jack,” (Tom was aware of my liking for sea tales, and invariably addressed me) “that I commenced as a cabin boy. I have been asailor now almost eight years, and of course during that time haveseen many foreign coun- tries, and heard many strange adventures, be- sides passing throughafew. When 1 was on board the good mi Ocean Queen, bound from Boston to Liverpool and return, I-was some fifteen years old. Overthere we had fair weather, but on our return we encountered gales a greater part of the way across, The men began their customary growling,and this soon came near breaking out into open mutiny. At first I didn’t know what it meant, but was not long in finding out. Asaclass sailors are ignorant and super- stitious ; their lonely life makes them 50, and they delight in what they believe to be true stories of hosts and graveyard goblins. At Liverpool we ad taken a passenger for New York by way of Boston. He told the captain he had special busi- ness in the latter place, and after completing Neh he would go to mertorks ae sa orlle old man, very strange looking, with a y beard and iron-gray hair that came down on his shoulders. He did not seem to be very rich, and yet he evidently had money. Now, you may laugh, Jack, but the sailors swore that it was this harmless old’ man who had brought on these es; in fact, they declared hima Jonah. In eir minds this individual is one who brings ill luck with him wherever he goes, and of course they hate one whom they suspect to be a Jonah. At first they spoke respectfully to the captain, telling him what ey shoRtt and asking. that the man be made to leave the ship, or else they would never reach Boston. “The captain swore a mighty oath that he would do no such thing; the old man was a gen- tleman who had paid his ge in good hard gold, and to Boston he should go if the ship held out, and if not then they would all go down to- er. * After their defeat the men retired in good order but mumbling like true Jack Tars. “On the following day another storm came on, ee the vessel came near going down with all on ard, “During the time, the old man, who I suppose was a lover of nature in her wilder moods stood near the wheelsman, his long hair floating in the wind, and his general appearance almost fright- ening the sailors. = 4, ** When the sea became calm, the crew marched in a body with but few exceptions to the captain, and once more laid their grievances before him. “This put him in a terrible rage; he stamped up and down the deck like an enraged tiger, and declared that the next man who mentioned the word ‘ Jonah’ to him sats be aap in irons. “ in the sailors went away but I saw myste- iia Coeouttxeions and signals and knew some- thing was going on; therefore I was not greatly amazed, when on the ath morning, the startling news came to us that the captain’s gig was missing and with it had vanished the old man. “In spite of the indignant captain’s question- ing, he could get no information out of the men. **Only two or three were intimately concerned, THE BOY CRUSOES. and he could not discover them to mete outa punishment. “A few days after this, I was in the maintop assisting the old sailor who had been spokesman of the crew, to mend some of the rigging, when the conversation naturally turned upon men of ill-luck, and I asked for his first experience in that line. “He saw that I liked to hear yarns, and as it suited him to be the ‘spinner,’ he began: “««My first experience with a ‘Jonah’ wasn’t near as bad as I’ve" seen since, but I'll give it to ye,’ said old Ben Bucket as he was called by rea- son of a trick he had been wont to have of drop- ping his slush bucket upon the backs of offensive officers—certainly an ingenious accident. | <«T first shipped on board the “Tigress,” bound out from New York, many years ago. We had a good captain, but the mates were sour eranky fellows. Our crew was a nasty one; don’t think I ever sailed with a worse. There were many dark faces among ’em, and having my idea of a jovial sea dog, I was actually afraid of’em. I don’t know how the captain came to get such a lot, but certainly men were scarce when he ip these up. One day the mate, a Yankee, told Dale Hurst, the bad egg of the crew, to go aloft for something, but the impudent scoundrel refused point blank, saying he was tired, though he hadn’t been doing much work. ‘Again the mate ordered and the man failed to obey. Seeing that force would be used, he pe up a handspike, but the mate was not ‘ool enough to attack him. Pulling out a pistol and his watch, he gave the fellow just sixty sec- onds to obey, and if he had failed then, would have shot him like a dog. «Dale Hurst dropped the handspike and ran sullenly up the rigging: **T knew he was a sort of ringleader among the men, and that there would be mischief brew- ing. A few daysafter, I saw a crowd of the crew near the main hatch, and, suspecting danger, I r snaged to go below, and, with the aid of a short ladder, got within hearing distance of ’em. «¢Then I heard the most murderous plot on record to seize the ship and make away with the captain and all others but the mate, by setting them adrift. «his latter individual was to be left to Dale Hurst’s tender mercy. “** Having heard the particulars of the plan, I hurried to the captain, and in the secrecy of his cabin, told him all. : «*He was not disconcerted in the least, bnt opening a trunk, showed _me a supply of various fire-arms. “There were three passengers on board, and these with the officers, a sailor who I knew had joined the league, and myself made eight in all. riday morning had been set apart forthe mu- tiny, and before daybreak the crew were cutting upallsorts of shines on deck, rolling things about and’shouting themselves hoarse. “When the eight of us came on deck, they made a rush forward, yelling out threats, but you ought to have seen ’em cower before the guns and pistols we carried. «¢ They gave in at once, and all of ’em were pardoned by the captain but Hurst, and he was Ea ae irons below with a guard over him day and night. ““*You may think this a queer beginning,’ con- tinued old Ben, rolling his. quid to the opposite cheek, ‘about how I saw my first Jonah, but I thought I'd give you this to show you I wasn’t bad hearted, even if I did help to put that first ill luck cuss on an island. *«* When we got into port, Hurst was sent into prison, and most of the crew given their walking pers. sar We made up the people with some men who had deserted from an American man-’o’- war. Their captain was a beast, and had killed one poor fellow, so they made tracks at London and came to eles oe “«They stuck to their word ees joines us, Afterwards they proyed to be first boys, and our old man was neyer sorry he took ’em in. *** Well, we had a Jonah on board, and he was like the one that we had here. Shiver my tim- bers, he was the image of him, and I’d like to bet it’s the same man! [I objected to this, for the sailor was speaking of a period some thirty years back, and an old man of that time must certainly have sincedied. ~~ “*But he was a Jonah, and they never die. The ship sinks but theyare always saved,’ de- clared Ben, and I'did not argue the matter with him, seeing how useless itwas. ‘“ Well,” he con- tinued, chewing vigorously at his quid as sailors in books do, you know, boys, ‘it wasn’t long after leaving port that the storms came on, and dash my toplights but they were stunners. Soon I heard the word ‘ Jonah’ passed around, and got 19 to hate the old critter as bad as any of ’em. One night we all went and had aconsultation. We determined to get rid of the old man, even if we had to throw him into the sea, and there wouldn’t be any harm in that asa Jonah can’tsink. Well, when we sighted the next island, we shut the of- ficers in the cabins, and put the old critteron the shore. The captain tened a good deal when he got out, but couldn’t do shies No- thing ever happened to us; that’s the wayI got rid of my Jonah, and I’ve helped many atime since. “‘Tf the old man died on the island, thar would have proved him anything but a Jonah,’ said I, seriously. “*Buthe didn’t,’ grinned the sailor, ‘ shiver my topsails, when we landed at York who should be waiting for us butthe Jonah himself. He had been taken off the island by a fast vessel and got to Boston ahead of us. Weall shivered in our shoes , for we thought it wasa bad go, but he roved tobe a jolly fellow. He came on board, ad the crew mustered aft,ard dash meif he didn’t express himself under obligations to us for what we had done, for it put him in the way of reaching port just in the neck of time to sign an important document. It was a reguler card of thanks, as the papers said.” *“And now, boys,” continued Tom, laughing, “comes the funny part. The storm did miracu- lously cease after we had parted with our Jonah, andaday out from port we werespoken by a vessel bound for New York, who asked if we were for Boston, and upon our replying in the affirm- ative asked us to take a passenger. Wanting to make a little extra money, our captain proved willing, and a boatcame alongside. Judge of our amazement, when the passenger reached our deck to find in him the identical old man who had been called « Jonah. “He afterwards told me, that as it was very dark he had not recognized those who had put him in the captain’s gig, and no action was ever taken in the matter. They had provisioned him for two weeks, and after floating around for several days had at length been picked up. After getting our gig from the other ship, we went on our course. At first the men were fearfully mad at the bad success attending them, and I caught old Ben winking at me as if to say: ““Didn’t I tell you a Jonah always turns up like a bad penny?” ** We reached port all right, and our Jonah de- . I didn’t believe in the matter at all, and desirious of finding out the old sailor’s opinion, I asked him one day why the Jonah had not brought storms with him when he came on a second time. ; “Ben Bucket turned toward me, and with ono eye tightly closed, and the other leering in a way highly ce ginal and comical, announced it as his mind that: “The rascal knew there were men on board who wouldn’t stand any nonsense, If he tried the game again, shiver my larboard quarter if he wouldn’t have gone over the rail like a porpoise.’ “*So much, Boys for superstition. It is the meanest thing in the world, for you can never argue with a man who finds excuses in the super- natural. Deliver me from being seized with it. And now, gentlemen, I move we have dinner.” CHAPTER XY. A SUSPICIOUS SMOKE—WRECK IN OUR LAGOON— ON BOARD THE VESSEL—A SCOUTING TOUR—WE ARE BESET BY SAVAGES—PREPARATIONS FOR THEIR’ RECEPTION—THE BRASS CANNON SAVES US—QUITE A STAMPEDE, ‘ ; THE morning had been spent in packing up, and at Tom’s suggestion we resolved to haye dinner. : Just before noon the storm ceased, but it would be several hours before the sun and wind com- bined could dry the ground. At length we ventured forth, and found that the swollen creek had resumed its natural size, and that our boat was not injured in the least, Raising it, we washed the mud off, and then left it to ryin thesun, We now resolved to visit the hill-top for the last time, and take a parting view of our island home, where so many pleasant days had been passel, The storm had done verylittle damage on the shore, but must have proved disastrous to ves- sels along the coast, as all united in declaring it a boomer. : Naturally, when we reached a spot beside the signal-pole, we scanned the broad expanse of water fora sail, and seeing none, turned our at- VS gtlpeF the ecg 5 ‘om it was who suddenly gave a cry of alarm, oe springing back, pulled the rest of us with 4 Xo +h. ESA PE Ee Sr ee oS “Sane «22g
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20 THE BOY CRUSOES. | ** Don’t show yourselves above the top of the | davits, and we were not long in getting this along- hill, for Heaven’s sake!’ ‘said he, excitedly. ** What on earth——” Joe, “ Peep over carefully, Joe. Look at the south- ern end of the island. What do you see?” ee Spee was the terse reply. e ce * Fire is necessary to make smoke, and human beings to start fire.” “4 fact, certainly,” I asserted. “Then there’s some one on the island besides ourselves. Let me take another look, Jack.” “‘There’s something on the beach, Tom,” said I, moving back. “A canoe, unlessI am greatly mistaken. I can just see it over the trees,” and upon our looking again, we declared that Tom was right. This proved that there must be a good many. persons, and we sat down to talk over our situ- ation. Two chances opened before us; the new- comers were either shipwrecked sailors, or else we had visitors like poor Robinson Crusoe, in the shape of the cannibal, flre-worshiping natives of Patagonia. Most probably they would prove to be the latter, forthe last certainly looked likea fantastic canoe, and not the long-boat of:a ship. Should we be captured by the demons (forthe natives of Patagonia are cannibals and pure sav- ages without a redeeming quality), our fate would be horrible indeed. But why need we think of being captured? Had we not arms of all descriptions, and a boat which might be made serviceable? No doubt we would have decided to load up and set out on our contemplated voyage at once, but the sea was still too rough for anything like safety. Havily had we concluded to defend ourselves in our cabin cnd cave, when my eyes, in Pade around, fell upon an object that sent the bl open omy my head. n the direction of the mouth of the creek, and just above the tree-tops was the object that had attracted my attention, and which looked marvelously like the mast of a ship. Fora moment I was powerless to move or ppozens my comrades looked anxiously at me, inking I had taken a fit, but at length I man- - to direct their attention to the welecme t. Hurrah! a ship! a ship!” exclaimed Ned. “Dash my timbers if it ain’t.” cried Joe. “Boys,” said wise Ned, aftera scrutiny, “don’t you see that mast’s broken? No doubt it’s a de- sorted wreck, but it will be a windfall to us any- ow.” Our opinion about the fire now assumed dif- ferent as ; there was a chance of the origin- ators being shipwrecked mariners, after all, who had this strange-looking canoe on board, and were Apher BES ae ve to 6 & plausible ment when eects more than half Sreeiepeds The vessel had been driven on theisland during the night, and been deserted by the crew when she struck on the reefs. : Afterwards the ship had got off from the reefs, and shifted her quarters, seeking an anchorage nearer the shore. I must confess, however, that we failed to com- prehend how the vessel to find the ° , and while she landed at one end of the island while the crew found a haven at the other. A council of war was the next thing in order. and Tom, with his customary ability, soon had affairs arranged. He took it upon himself to make a scouting tour to the southern end of the island, while the rest of us brought our possessions, so far as was possible, on board of the deserted ship. Ifthose who started the fire were sailors we would assist them in refitting their vessel, then sail for home. : On the other hand, should they prove to be eerenes. we would be safer on board than on the shore. ee reached this determination, we started eu As Ned and Joe and myself emerged from the Soe. =) woe lay before us A C) appearance of a trading vessel, an he amidships eorietiing Eyeerhd in the sunlight hat looked very much like a partly covered brass cannon, Her three masts had gone by the board, ay remaining but the stumps, and the wreck doubtless been cut away, for we saw none of it. The deserted vessel was some ten feet beyond the wall of our swimming inclosure, and a long plank would have reached her deck from the stone gy oak : After loading our boat with many parcels we rowed down the creek, and icaratage the ship, hoisted our articles to the deck. 2 After a running tour-in all quarters, we found that the vessel was really deserted. One of the quarter boats still hung from the =} = ~ eR et ee eR al Scanian Sees liesissntens evsnersnpentinepsrsntnanissesenole=onnsnesensees -etonnsse=oensesenennemnmnipeenoronsanresstnasnspsnpmersany ssoenepspusseasseapepengmenanseageeenpur nunaysnnneprnteonpeaneipsiaeane elas sue arena mo side of our own dugout. _When Tom made his appearance just before sunset, we had everything on board, and after he joined us the boats were hauled up. What he told us created quite a furore in the camp, for we found that instead of shipwrecked sailors, our visitors were savages. There was only one boat, but Tom declared that the cannibals must number somewhere around thirty, and horrible looking men they were too from his description. Doubtless they were bound on some expedition, but were blown ashore by the wind preceding the storm. “ What is worse, they have seen oursignal on the hil, and the last I saw of them they were making reparations to bey us a visit, with murderous intent, no doubt. Unless something happens I am afraid there will be blood shed before morning. There is no help for it, boys; it may be our lives or theirs, and even Divine law gives a man the right to protect himself. A cannon on board here would save us. It is too late to bring our bulky affair from the hill,” said Tom, for we had drawn the article in question half way up in order to signal any ship. ** Here you are, then,” I said, uncovering the long brass gun. Tom actually hugged the beauty, and declaring himself as happy as a king, set about cleaning it out, while the rest of us piled every firearm we owned on deck, loaded them, and arranged them along the bulwarks nearest the shore. While engaged in this work, Tom told us all he had seen, and we agreed with him in pronounc- ing it a successful scout, for he had watched the enemy and yet remained hidden himself, Thus hours passed on; the moon wheeled higher in the heavens; midnightcame and went and still no signs of. our expected visitors. We concluded that they had deferred their visit un- tilthe morrow on account of the approach of darkness and the unfamiliar ground, and went, to sleep in hammocks on deck, one of us keeping watch for an hour, and then turning in after awaking the next in order. _ Morning found matters as they had been when night closed in, and leaving Joe on deck, the rest of us went below to spy around, or, as a boy would say, “to rummage.” - 4 means of the ship’s books we were not long in finding that we were on board the Jessie Gray, bound from New York to California, and then to London. The name, beautiful in itself, struck me as familiar; but, try as I would, I could not place it, for the names of the owners seemed to be missing in the book. She was well laden with articles intended for the San Francisco and mine markets, and would have been a fine prize for such a privateer as the ‘0, The log-book was a new One, the old being missing, so we only found out what had happened during the last six weeks or so, and the last record was a miserable jot! of a terrible storm they were in off the cape. Of course the crew had either de- serted or were washed overboard, and as the prin- cipal books were missing, we concluded that the former was the case. It was perhaps the middle of the STOR eee & warning ery from Joe brought us tumbling on deck. 6 saw a crowd of ill-looking black wretches, armed with huge clubs and_having a horrible look, issuing from the woods, a screech at the sight of the ship, and started to ey forward, but came to an abrupthalt at sight of us, __We stood firm; indeed Tom, who had seen ser- vice, took occasion afterward to commend our gallant behavior. Atthe time, I must have had strange sensations, for the idea forced itself upon me that these black fellows were huge baboons, which indeed they greatly resembled. Our acquaintance with the cannibals, made fa- mous by our illustrious predecessor, Robinson Crusoe, was destined to very brief. A few moments of hurried eprsultation, and they began to slowly advance foward the vessel, but our leader noticed their hesitating manner. * Boys, it’s all right,” said he, joyfully, ‘‘these fellows are afraid. Don’t shoot any of them, but watch me send ’em seampering back from where ar came.” It was quite evident to all of us that the savages could never have been close to a ship, before from their moyements, and this assured us that the discharge of firearms would alarm them. Tom snatched ared hot iron from the little furnace used with charcoal for the Renae, and glapped itupon the tonch-hole. ere was a puff of white smoke; then a tremendous dis- charge with a peculiar ring in it, that echoed over the whole island, and shook the vessel violently. A pleasant was blowing, and this quickly cleared the dense volumes of smoke They gave | th away. From my position I couldseethe sand fly up like a whirlwind had struck it, and throwing dirt all over the score or more of black imps. Terrified did you say, reader? In all my life I haye neverseen human beings so utterly demor- alized with fear. Indeed they seemed frozen to the spot at first; but recovering the use of their limbs they bounded into the forest, and forsome time afterwards we could hear their eldrich shrieks echoing amony the trees and ually growing fainter. Upon being convin that we were saved without bloodshed, we silently shook hands, andthe earnest grip spoke volumes, for we thought of the kind Providence above us, even though no one spoke aloud, Tom declared it his intention of visiting the hill-top witha telescope and ascertaining whether the savages really left the island, for unless as- sured as to this we could never feel at ease. He started off laden down with weapons, and with Joe for company. Ned and-myself busied ourselves in various ways on board, and then sat down to take it easy. I took the captain’s new log-book, and had no difficulty in deciphering its contents,as the chirog- raphy was very plain. Among other interesting things I found the following jotting: “June 7th.—To-day we had a little e ment with a rebel cruiser,a most ferocious fel- low. He found we carried too many guns for him, and the breeze being favorable, we got be- yond his'reach. Mr. Stanton, my second officer, and myself, agree that it ‘must have been the well-known privateer Red Monarch. Position at the time, very near the 48th deg. South lati- tude, 63d deg. West longitude from Greenwich. Hull of cruiser, a vivid red, slashed jauntily here and there with black. . Carries four guns, and a red flag besides the Confederate colors. Is not so well armed or manned as has been reported.” iad nals about “too many guns” would have puzzled me, but that I already discovered three rusty cannon down below which bore un- mistakable signs of recent use. Evidently ver. had been pressed into service at this time, used by determined men. Ton and Joe did not-put in an appesrance until almost evening, but they brought good news, for from their lookout on the hill-top they had seen the savages hurriedly embark and move away in a south-easterly dieeetio m, as if quite panto-atridken: : A CHAPTER XVI. ANOTHER RECOLLECTION — AMONG THE PEARL- » DIVERS—AN EXCITING RACE— FOUL PLAY — TOM’S STRATAGEM—UNDER THE WATER—THE PEARL BANK—THE SENTINEL SHARK—BLINDING AN OLD LINER—RATHER A PROFITABLE INVEST- THs was good news to us, and we ate a h supper with a feeling of comfort and security. It was Tom who declared every one of us to be stanch, loyal heroes, and sailors to the back- bone, and his praise was so pleasant that we felt taller than ever before, Our ship, as we were pleased to term it, was built after the shapely model of American ves- sels, and bore no resemblance to the hugs, clumsy Dutch liots we, especially Tom, had seen so often. The hatches had been batteneddown,and, . strangely, enough, there was yery little water in 6 hold. After supper we stretched ourselves upon the deck, and while enjoying the fine breeze, my cousin called fora song from Ned, who first ex- acted a promise of a yarn, and then gave us a ditty which he had heard from some nian and which was called: : “THE DROWNED AT SEA.” “ Never bronze or slab of stone Shall their sepuicher denote, O’er their burial-place alone, Shall the shifting seaweed fNoat. Not for them the quiet grave, Underneath the daisied turf— They rest below the restless wave, 'y sleep below the sleepless surf; O’er them shall the waters wrestle, With the whirlwind from the land. “But their bones will only nestle Closer down into the sand; And, forever, wind and surge, Loud or low shall be their dirze; And each idle wave that breaks, Henceforth on any Shore, Shall be dearer for their sake— Shall be holier evermore."’ It was certainly no song; only a poetic tribute tothe dead, but Ned accompanied the words with* a strange, weird tune that seemed to suit them ex- “th ere the poem came from, I do not know.
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THE BOY CRUSOES. cot Whether itis the penne of some talented writer, or originated with the owner of an old log-book I hold in my hand, Iwill, perhaps, never know, as he, poor fellow, has gone the way of all flesh. At any rate it is a gem worth saving. Tom was very modest in speaking. about his own exploits, although ever ready to praise others, an this fault only served to make us like him the tter. “That story about the shark the other night reminds me of an adventure I once had, and as I’ve never given it'to you, I-don’t mind telling the whole affair. To me it was a pretty danger- ous scrape, although common enough in those regions. You see, boys,” continued Tom, “I was only a plain sailor in those days, although I had my aspirations. “Tt was on the bonny little vessel, the White Witch, and we lay off the coast of Lower Cali- fornia, near the pearl fisheries. ‘In the daytime, many boats could be seen, each with some two divers, who were generally natives. The owners of the boats prefer natives, as all of them are expert divers. “They go down ‘to the bottom, fill a basket or bag with oysters, and then come up, after which the bivalves are drawn up. “They descend from fifty to two hundred times a day, and the yield of.a single boat in oysters is tremendous, although pearls are not so plenty as one might think. “The divers are rewarded generally by a,share in the spoils, and thus when a man is lucky, it serves to his own advantage. “ These fisheries are almost given out now, I hear, but further north on the coast of Washing- ton Territory, they are embarking in the busi- ness. “During our stay the captain had looked on with envious eyes. We had. business here, and were compelled to lie idle for two weeks, waiting for hides from the interior. *€ On the thirdiday the captain called all hands before him, and disclosed a plan he had formed. The ship was to put out.a boat, with the two best swimmers on board as divers. “They were to have a third of all the booty, and be released from all work while on the coast. Each of them was to take one of the ship’s boats, with a couple of sailors to aid him, and selecting his own place, set to work. “The morning was to be spent. in diving, but during the rest.of the day. they were gran lib- erty to. do as they pleased, and roam about the shore. This announcement created quite an ex- citement among the crew, and the two,so lucky as to become diyers were sure to be envied. “One thing puzzled. the captain, and this was to find.out the best swimmers. Every one of the twenty men, under the excitement of the mo- ment, declared himself a champion, and be- wildered our officer. “Of course the men were | them were good. swimmers, an _eyen keep themselves afloat. | “Our mate at length proposed a plan, which -was ultimately carried. out, ~We were to have a swimming race, and the two reaching the goal ahead of the others would-win. “The men could say nothing against. this, for it was fair enough, but seyen of them immediately withdrew from the contest, and I, afterwards learned from their own lips that they might as well attempt to fly as swim, never having learned. “ Our race was to be half a mile in length, and two of the boats put out, containing these seven men. One of them was stationed. and anchored the full distance from the ship, and the other took upa ee half-way between to pick up all laggards in the race. “ There were thirteen of us in the water ready to start. Before we started the captain told us eve ing was fair, -of the men looked at me, that they. had deter- mined to give me as much trouble as possible. “{ afterwards learned the reason of. this. Besides myself, there were two well-known fine swimmers in the crew, Burton and Bailey. “The former was the best of the two, and Bailey knew it. He had Proniees some of the mena share in the spoils if they retarded one of us, and, as I was the. youngest, thay had selected m the victim. = “Away we started when the signal was given,, but some of the-men kieked about me, impeding my progress, and it was some time before I got out of their clutches. « Ahead of me were four sailors, and ond them, and very nearthe half-way boat, were Bur- ton and Bailey, side by side. Five splurges placed:me up with the four men. '“* As they meanly made a grab at me, I dived ~underneath them, anc coming up in front, dashed onward. : ® , for few of some could not and Isaw by the way several hind. **In this dive I learned something that after- wards proved of advantage to me. ‘Under the water aswift currert set in toward the stake-boat, although no one would suspect such a fact to look at the calm surfa ‘When Burton and Bailey Teaclale the half- way boat, I was quite a distance, almost an eighth of a mile behind them, and the sailors laughed at meas Icame up,saying I had no chance; but I wisely kept my mouth closed, and ine my. speed. : “On we went, rapidly nearing the stake-boat. I was by far the youngest of the three, and had the sympathy of the men, although they had no idea of my winning. ‘*Had the race been really fair, I should have had a sure thing of it; but my delay in the start, at which the captain was afterwards very Andis. nant,and for which he apologized like a true sail- or, had put me back. ‘Burton and Bailey were now within fifty yards of thestake-boat, and as I was a third of that distance behind them, the race seemed set- tled. “The former was in advance of Bailey; but for this he cared little, as he would be second at any rate. “Suddenly, I sank out of sight, going down into the swift current that carried me along with the velocity of a mill-race. : “But afew seconds passed away, and then I came up again. “My judgment was as near perfection as one could wish for, as.I was several yards on the other side of the stake-boat. “Tts occupants were intent on the two swim- mers, now within a dozen yards of the boat, and knew nothing of my proximity until I clambered in and gave a shout, “This was echoed from all quarters, and Bur- ton, who came ahead of his rival, shook me b; the hand, and complimented me on such a brill- iant exploit, as he was pleased to term it. “Bailey sat and scowled as we were rowed back %e the ship by the four men, but never said @ word. «You know, boys, what sailorsare? Ever after that I was a fayorite among the men, and those who so meanly tried to stop me, begged pardon with true J: Tar bluffness. And now I will moye on to the yarn about the shark, which is not very long, however. “On this day we arranged matters and selected our men. ~ “Tn the morning each of us started away with two nes and all the apparatus necessary for the work. “Tt being a noyel business to me, I felt rather awkward, and it was not until several days had elapsed that I became used to it. “Tuuckily, I had struck on a fine bank, and hoisted the oysters in such a way that Burton declared could not be beaten, “Of course all the clothing I had on was a strip of cloth about the loins, secured by a narrow belt, in which was a sharp knife. This Jatter we some- times used in detaching stubborn bivalves. A stick about a foot long, and pointed at both ends, was carried also. “Day after day I worked, and as yet had seen nothing of sharks, although several were reported in the vicinity. It was not until just before leaving the coast that one of these horrible fellows made his ap- rancs. “T had just gone down, and was about to com- mence: work, when, upon looking upward, I be- held the body of a shark. “ Boys, imagine my horror at the sight. “One of the natives would have thought it a splendid chance. for fun; but to me it was any- thing but a laughing matter. “‘T immediately stopped loading the basket, and attempted to leave my quondam acquaintance be- **Moving along for about twenty feet, I was about to rise by casting off my stone weight, when I saw, to my despair, that the terrible fish was directly above mé. ps “The cold-blooded scoundrel had followed me as I pralkei onde ‘‘Even now I can see him in imagination, as he stood. guardedly flapping “his fins and tail and waiting to make a meal when I came up. ‘Of course I did not intend leiting him dine from such wu delicate morsel if I could help it, although how to escape him seemed an unsolv- able enigma. I resolved, however, that if itcame to a fight I would do my best to kill -him. “The nativesfear no shark, provided they have a stick, which is thrust between the monster's open jaws so that he eventually drowns. 3 “J made another attempt to elude his vigi- lance, and moved almost another score of feet way, but it was a useless endeavor. «My situation was now becoming quite des- perate, and I came near haying &% out tooth and nail with the shark, when an idea I had read of flashed into my head. “J was on a sandy bank, and this could be stirred up with my stick until eyen the shark’s eyes would fail to see the direction I took, © sooner thought of than done. Under cover of the sand-cloud I found the rope to which the basket ws attached. My brain seemed as if on fire, and my eyes half starting from their sock- ets, the result of holding my breath so Jong. In-’ deed, I doubt if a k@ener agony could be com- pressed into as many seconds. Nevertheless I to reach the surface, and was hauled into the boat by.men more dead than alive. ** After this nothing could coax me to go down again, and Burton also threw up the job when he heard of-my adventure. The next day we set sail, leaving a third, of our oysters with the Goy- ernment, as a sort of tax they exact. Out of my share I found many is, some of them beauties. One I haye at,jhome now, the rest sold for three hundred dollars in New York. Bur- ton got over two hundred for his, and the cap- tain quite asum, while Bailey looked on witha black face when we showed our trophies. _The natives think very little of a shark, for with a knife or even a pointed stick they can kill one about as easily as you, Jack, would shoot.a coon, but I cun tell you it will be a long time before I quite forget my adventure under the water off the coast of Lower, California.” CHAPTER XVII. SWINGING IN A HAMMOCK— OLD MEMORIES—SOME SCIENTIFIC SHOOTING—THE DOUBLE REPORT— TURTLE STRUCK AGAIN—A DESPERATE PULL— JOE AND NED GET A DUCKING—AM I ASLEEP OR AWAEE—THE RED MONARCH. : By the time Tom finished his shark story, we discovered that our eyes were growling very heayy from want of sleep on the preceding night, anda unanimous vote was declared to turn in. In order to get the benefit of the cool breeze and. avoid the closeness of the cabin, we arranged the hammocks on deck; slinging them in places to suit ourselves. The excitement consequent upon our recent adventures acted upon my mind in a queer way, and though I had seemed very drowsy at first, I found it utterly im ible to sleep. Not ee what else to do, I lay in my hammock; and began to ruminate in a sleepy kind of way, my thoughts naturally traveling back along the labyrinth of adventures that had befallen me, until I reached the eventful day on which I had gone fishing to make achoice ofa profession. How distinctly I remembered all of my boyish scrapes; indeed, it seemed but a few days since I left home, and that the events ofthe past months were but phantasmagoric dreams or delusions of the mind. How LI regretted now, when too late, my inde- cision in regard to my future. Regrets alneye come when too late for any real good, and I resolyed mentally to. have no occasion for them after this. moment, be surrounded by friends in my dear soe, instead of being a castaway in the great Cc. It was not this that bothered me then, Lut the agony my relatives must have suffered believing me dead. - As ed the Crusoe part of the business, I half enjoyed it, being po a8 was said at the commencement of this story, of an advent- urous nature that continually crayed excitement in some shape. Thus I lay in my hammock, reviewing my whole past life, and my queer wakefulness brought to mind another time when the same thing had proved of. great benefit to both my cousin and myself. A couple of years before, when Tom’s ship was laid upon the docks, he and I had made a trip into e for hunting and fishing. We camped out in the vast forest, and on a cer- tain night I found it impossible to sleeppeveu after my long tramp. ~ Borner: seemed weighing on my mind, as very lucky it proved for us that I dia remain awake, for about midnight I caught sight of a huge, savage bear making his way noiselessly to We had been buntin th e m hunt is yery fellow. all day, and he bad pometo five wes call : He was close to where Tom lay, and would cer- tainly have been upon my cousin in another mo- ment, but for the rapidity with which I raised my rifle and fired. 2 But for my undecided mind I might, at that
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22 The shot only broke his leg, but it kept him back until Tom leaped to a safe distance. Seeing that we were too many for him, bruin turned and fled, with both of us in full pursuit. In spite of our efforts, he eluded us in the dark forést. When morning came on, we took up the bloody trail, and soon came a a couple of old bear- hunters, who were looking at the marks with in- terest. They declared the bear badly wounded, and piréad: to join us on condftions.to which we of course assented. An hour later wecame upon our shaggy friend, toiling along, and one of our new friends quickly put him out of misery, the skin and some of the meat coming to us for our share. While thinking over this, my eyes became very heavy, and as my thoughts grew vague, I sank to sale en morning came on I heard Tom’s cry of ** Show a leg here, you fellows,” followed by a poetic outburst on the glories of the rising sun. _ Breakfast was quickly dispatched (not by tele- graph, but byg teeth), and then we proceeded to havea talk. During this we decided that it would be best to remain in our comfortable quarters a week or two longer; and then if nothing happened, we would lash our dugout alongside of the ship’s quarter- boat, and make sail forthe coast of Chili, We would leave all our possessions on board, except the animals and fowls,and under Tom’s directions these were brought back to their re- spective habitations. Luckily the savages had not come across our ede village, and everything was just as we had eftit. With the last load of goats we brought a water cask, which was filled above the cascade,and car- ried on board for future use. : The grapes on the island were now fully ripe, and we took quite a supply om board with us, for they made a delicious wine; which, when fresh, as we used it, evén the strictest temperance folks could not object to, as it would notintoxicate any more than coffee, : Theafternoon was spent in reading some books of adventure and exploration Zound in the “7's tain’s library, and in abe with a fine rifle that hung from hooks in the eabin. While at home I had delighted in this business, and was a good shot both with pistol and a rifle. Tom surprised us all by some difficult feats which he had acquired from practice, one of which was to shoot a hawk on the ‘wing, and then bore a second hole through its body as it fell. Joe was a slow, steady, methodical hand, and wanted time to take alongaim, whereas the beau- ty of Tom’s shooting lay in its rapidity. Ned was Joe’s equal, but a trifle quicker, and as he wanted to see some of my cousin’s shoot- ing, Tom sent him to the other end of the ship with a tin pan, which he was to throw high into. the air at a given word. This was to show how he had learned the shot made at the hawk. * I was behind Tom, and mY ace fire at the Same time, so that it seemed like one loud report. “That wasa stunner. Didn’t know [had load- ed it so heavy,” said Tom, blowing the smoke out of the nipple and peccesting to reload, while Ned and Joe ran for the target. ; “Tsay, Tom, you must have had. a couple of bullets in your gun,” declared Joe, holding up the mutilated article of the culinary department. Tom was about to clear himself from the ac- cusation, when he caught sight of the smoke that oozed from my rifle-barrel, and saw me.smile. “Jack! Jack! that’stoo bad of you, old fellow belt, and the whistling sound was explained. ofall power to move, and yet during this time my brain was very busy. for hours, My comrades; the thought of thom gave me an | an impetus to move. THE BOY CRUSOES. wet, and Tom almost stifling with suppressed laughter, and while they were below changing their clothes, I heard the ludicrous story. It seemed that not finding what they wished on this side the luke, they had gone around. They m: ed to turn a large one over, and came in sight of another. ; Ned and Joe wouldn’t believe what Tom said about the great strength of the matamata, and at his suggestion they seized hold of this one’s flip- pers. ye result was just what might have been expected. : Tom laughed so hard that he was too weak to assist, and the stubborn sailor boys held on until the-matamata reached the deep water. Then, with a tremendous kick, it sent them head over heels, and swam offin pants de leaving Ned hold- ing on to Joe’s leg, whichin his flurry he thought was the tortoise, and Tom rolling about: on the sand shrieking, while the boys floundered about in the lake. In the morning we had _ turtle soup, and desir- ing a good. walk, I coaxed Tom to ascend the hill with me, the others choosing to remain on board, and condole with one another on their recent misfortune. , ; Sitting under our signal of red bunting we looked upon thé great ocean, and then communed together on our prospects. : Late in the afternoon we descended, looked to the animals and fowls, und then went on‘bvard, where we found the boys diligently ‘practicing the shot atthe tin pan with good-luck, if one mi; ui. judge from the battered condition of that cle. a Being very hungry, Tom and I did ample jus- tice to the supper, and was soon asleep in our hammosks. ie It was something like four o’clock in the morn- ing,as near as I could judge, when I again openod my eyes. r The moon had gone down and the stars looked pale as dawn drew on apace. - These had now become familiar to me, and I no longer marveled at the Southern Cross. What wind reached us, and gently swayed our hammocks, came from southeast by south.. A singular noise attracted my attention, sound- ing like the breeze whistling through the ri Zz of a ship, but I was not in a state to investigate, and b grow watching the gray belt along the horizon roacer as morning came on with a listless manner common to one half asleep. Suddenly a cry of surprise broke from m As Isat up and rubbed my eyes, and then looked iar again. v Surely I was not deceived; that was certainly the rigging of a ship outlined against the gray For five minutes Isat in my hammock bereft ere our prison life was to end at last. The ship had evidently been lying off and on cert anchored by moonlight. - ould I awaken them or let them find it out for themselves in the morning? y desire to hear Tom’s voice dictated m movements, and in a moment I had them on dec. growling fearfully. When, however, I pointed to my discovery without saying a word, a low murmur went around, that soon broke out into vivid exclama- ons. “Ts it a ship?” asked Ned, half crying at the ne of his old mother, and not able to believe trying to impose on us. Never do, neyer,” said he, and the other boys, who had seen me fire, laughed aloud. ; After this we practiced with revolvers, firing at a circular mark on the stump of the mainmast; and Tom told us of a feat he had once seen, where & man thrust his knife into a tree, with the keen side out, and stepping back a distance, split six bullets in rapid succession, the halves entering on each side of the blade. ‘That evening the sun set in a bewildering maze of gold, lavender, purple, orange, crimson and blue, such as we had never seen equaled. Salt meat was commencing to grow monoto- nous again, and when Joe proposed turtle-soup, every one joined in with an alacrity that made Tom smile, for he remembered our first dislike to the looks of the matamata. We cust lots in order to see who should remain behind, and it fell upon rime; so I am forced to watch my Contrades ppear from the moon- lit beach in among the trees. Several hours later} With anxious hearts, we stood behind the bul- the boat shot into view, and I assisted in hauliug | warks and gazed at the strange vessel as the light a large tortoise on board, which was as dead as | grew stronger. Julius Cesar, or any other ancient hero. All of us could now see the rakish, set-back ap » I soon noticed that Joe and Ned were dripping | pearance of her masts, and this peculiarity C) war style. There’s no fear of herslipping away like an ignis fatuus, and we haye to be sure that she’s friendly first.” “Friendly #’ exclaimed Ned, his face thermome- ter falling to zero. “Confederate privateersmen seem to be*plenty in these waters, and to my eye that gping looks too trim and taut for a merchantman. e will wait; itcan do no harm, and may be productive of much good. Boys, help me turn Long Tom onthe pivot. ‘In times of peace, prepare for war.’ We will bring up our muskets again and light up the c! furnace.” We helped our leading spirit, but I must con- fess his words put a damper on our feelings, which would otherwise have been exuberant. me remember a similar description in the new log-book. ¢ Deciding to find out the worst, I hurriedly dived down into the cabin and brought the article in question on deck. : orning was fast coming on, and the light grew stronger every instant, so that we could see the whole vessel,-and reading was an easy task. The captain had written more abous the pri- vateer he metthan I gave in the extract, and now I prepared’ to-hastily compare them while the others stood by anxiously awaiting the result. In every respect, the vessel in the book and ‘that which was anchored beyond the reefs proved to be exactly similar. There was the same rakish appearance of the masts noticed by the captain, and by close scrutiny I became conyinced that the dull color of the fine-looking vessel was really red, slashed here and thére with black. . : No wonder I let the book fall heedlessly to the deck ; no wonder my companions uttered groans of despair. : Without a doubt, we were close beside one of the most noted privateers ever fitted out by the Southern Confederacy to prey upon commerce, the Red Monarch., - — CHAPTER XVIII. WE RESOLVE TO DIE FIGHTING—THE BOAT—HAIL- ING THE PRIZE—LONG TOM’S COMPLIMENTS— SANGRE FOR SANGRE—THE LAND ¥FORCES—A CRITICAL MOMENT—THE LAST OF THE PRIVA- TEER—A WELCOME SIGHT. : Soon we looked at each other with that grim smile a man might have who stood with the rope around his neck, about to be hanged. I cannot tell how my comrades felt just then, for none of us spoke a word until ten minutes had elapsed. T only know that I clenched my teeth and made an inward resolution to die rather than be ¢a) tured by such a well-known desperado as the cornmander of the privateer. Theten minutes seemed anhourtome. Tom’s voice, unusually gruff, now djsturbed our painful reverie, and under his directions we brought up ammunition for the brass cannon, and many muskets. : Gradually the shadows of night faded away, and the sun arose in the east. Like a statue Tom stood, leaning on his brass cannon and intently watching the privateer, for we had a slight hope that she would sail away without seeing us, We could see men moving about on the deck, and soon our hopes were effectually banished by the sight of a boat which was lowered and quick! filled. At first we thought they had discove us, but the sight of half a dozen water-casks told the story. Several of the men carried guns, which were doubtless meant to assist in obtaining fresh meat, although we put a different construction on the matter until the water-casks made their appear- ce. The boat had five occupants, and with four oars to work, came quickly on, passing in through the opening and entering the |}, n. ' In the stern-sheets stood a dandified-looking individual, dressed in fancy officer's uniform, and actually Sed boi) a slender sword at his side, the hilt of w was shaped like a gold cross. : After entering the lagoon the boat was headed directly for the creek, and just at this instant old Sol shot his first cheery beams upon the water. On they came, but when half way between the reefs and the shore, the oars came to a pause; the men stared in wonder at what was beforo them, (for we had in our leisure hours decked the Jessie Gray with green boughs so that she seemed a part of the forest) and silence brooded over the scene, ; At length, however, the young officer recover- ed himself, and gave a hoarse command to “let fall. and give way.” The men at fa thinking the wreck deserted and their Jawful property, but when Tom’s “ boat ahoy” pealed across the water they once moro came to a pause without waiting for an order. “On board the prize, ahoy!” came from tho young man in the stern-sheets, who had now dis- se Mr us, and his audacity took us quite “This ship is no prize. What do you want?” asked Tom. “Want,” explained the other; “we'll soon show you, and back it up with hot iron and cold steel, Do you see that staunch craft?” pointing to the vessel. “‘T see her; what of it?” said my cousin. It was evident opie oe scoinens of aly replies exaspera! e officer, for he was ra! losing both his temper and good manners, —
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“That I'll teach you at closer quarters and to a new tune. Give way, my hearties.” “Stop!” 7 Like a pistol shot Tom said this, and the men involuntarily paused, for we sometimes come across a voice that seems to have the power of sommand in it. «© warn you fairly. Attempt to board us and your doom is sealed. ‘This’ ship is the Jessie Gray. We whipped you in the Atlantic and we can doit again,” said Tom, wdo wished to make out that the whole crew were on board. “Bosh! go talk to the marines.’ Forward; I tell you men.” ‘ i Amine There was no disobeying now and the boat moved on. ; : ‘ I had a fair view of the young officer’s face, 3 and my most prominent natural gift is a remem- brance of faces. ‘Seeing that the case was desperate and _re- red a remedy of the same sort, Tom pushed 6 cannon a trifle, seized upon a hot iron and eee clapped it upon the touch-hole, .. ‘ A bright blinding flash, followed by a thunder- ous discharge, proclaimed that our loading was effectual, and, as the smoke cleared away, we — not with a little awe upon the result of the rst shot. The ball had struck the boat at the bow and cut it off as neatly as a French guillotine beheaded a courtier in the days of yore. Scarcely an instant later and, filling, the boat went down, leaving the five men struggling in the water. All but one man could swim, and he clung to a couple of oars while his companions towed him along toward the opening in the reefs. But for the thrilling nature of our situation we could have laughed at the sight. A boat was put out which met the men just be- yond the reefs, and took them on board. Ten minutes passed away and we grew anxious. Then signs of activity were shown on the priva- teer; men ran into the rigging like monkeys, and soon the Red Monarch began moving through the water with her canvas spread. Coming as near the reefs as she dared, two port-holes flew open anda broadside of as many guns was sent at us, but the gunners had aimed high, and the mis- siles, after clipping off some feet of our broken mast, went plunging among the trees. Tom hastened to discharge the brass cannon, ) and had the satisfaction of planting a ball between decks, where it created quite a commotion. The Red Monarch sailed on for nearly half a mile, then rounded to, and, by considerable tacking, ‘ was brought to her former position. Again the. ran was made, and the guns belch- ed out their contents, but the aim must have been very deceptive, or else Our position was not plain, for the balls followed the path made by the first couple, and managed to cut downa tree. 3 , z Then came the roar of Tom’s pet, and we gave a shout of approbation at sight of the hole in the privateer’s side, just above the water-line, and sufficiently large, had it been below, to have | scuttled her. .. - . aii Our enemy kept on and disappeared from view * around the ben toward the west. This move puzzled us at first, but Ned solved the puzzle by declaring that she had put men ashore to attack us from the land. That this was true we felt sure when she came ‘in sight again, for a boat was missing from the davits that we had seen before. Slowly the ves- sel beat up to windward, and upon reaching the old position lay to. This, Tom explained, was because those on board wished to wait until their ‘ shore forces were ready so that the two forces could co-operate. ‘ CHAPTER XIX. . THE END OF OUR CRUSOE LIFE—THE MABEL HALL - -o0UR LAST NIGHT ON THE ISLAND—THOUGHTS ON THE PAST—YVISITING FAMILIAR SCENES—TOM 4S CHIEF MATE—A NEW USE FOR CANNON BALLS —OUR LOFTY LOOKOUT. . ; Nep, Joe and myself placed all of our muskets on the side nearest the shore, and expressed our- selyes ready to shoot the first man who made a ___. leap on to the stone wall. Ey Tom, in the meantime,looked after the long ! brass gun, and had it in position. In way quarter of an hour passed by. Then he saw a man step out of the trees and pete a piece of red bunting above his head as a signal. This was answered from the U prerataet with a white flag, and the man vanished. - As if ae to come to blows, : Once more put in motion. oa Three minutes passed and then tke ball began. ne Tom commenced it this time, sending a ball =~ that shaved off the beautiful privateer’s bowsprit, and spoiled her nobby appearance. the ship was ‘ THF BOY CRUSOES. Their return shots were better aimed than the revious ones, as, of the two, we hada hole bored in the side of the ship, which however was Of lit- tle consequence. At this juncture we saw a squad of some twenty-five or thirty men come out of the woods and make for the water. They. were in a solid phalanx, and carried a boat above them, which proved that they were ready for contingencies. Joe, Ned and myself drew in long breaths, We had never knowingly shed human blood ; but the time seemed at hand when we could say this no longer. ; ; j With determined faces we pulled back the ham- mers of our muskets and waited. What might have happened after this, I would not like to say, but: certainly we should have fought to the last gasp: F Tom at this moment called out that-the priva- teer had run up a red flag on her halliards, and was vanishing again around the bend. What this: meant we did not know, of men ashore seemed to, for, coming to a halt they turned around and quickly disappeared among. the trees, leaying us gaping with amaze- ment, and ignorant of what had prevented the assault. : Ten minutes later, and while we stood ready for anything, the gallant privateer came in ‘sight again, heading in a northerly direction, before the wind. One glance toward the cppestie point of the com and. the tale was told, A large ship in plain view, and heading direct- ly toward us. Thank God! our deliyeranes had come at last. With strained eyes we watched the progress of the ship which we hoped was to prove our deliy- erance. Twenty minutes after the privateer had moved away, she came to anchor at almost the same spot so lately occupied by the Red Monarch, and we saw to our surprise that the new-comer was a perfect model to the wreck we were on, A boat was lowered and came toward the shore, ostensibly with the same purpose in view as the privateersmen, and the men in her looked eyen more astonished when they saw our aie Uttering what appeared to be cries of delight, they came dashing along. However, their impe- tus was stayed when they caught sight of our faces above the bulwarks, and Long Tom frown- ing upon them in a manner at once significant and persuasive, : A hail from our leader brought them alongside, and the officer clambered on deck by the aid ofa zone thrown to him. © was a middle-aged man, and looked every inch a commander and a gentleman, It was not long before we were in possession of. the facts relating to the wreck. The vessel outside thé reefs, the Mabel Hall, and our wreck, the Jessie Gray, belonged to the same company, ; Just after rounding the cape, the latter had been overtaken by a terrific storm, and believing her to be sinking, the officers and crew had de- serted in the boats. _ By the kindness of Providence they had sur- vived the storm, and were picked. up seventy days later by the Mabel Hall. they were bound in opposite directions, and the rescuers had put back to leave the rescued at Valparaiso, when they sighted the island, and hearing firing had made for the land. The man who attended to the long brass can- non had declared that he heard its voice, but they laughed him into silence. ~_ hen Captain Halleck finished his story, we told him ours, to which he listened with great in- interest. — I related my wonderful adventure as to how I was trapped on board the Pluto, and after askin me several questions, declared that he was we acquainted with my father, and that my uncle on my mother’s side was principal owner of these two vessels. This news did not surprise me much, for Joe aeey. was a wealthy ship-owner of New ork, Captain Halleck had a small share in the cargo of the Jessie Gray, and of course he was over- joyed to find things safe when he had considered it all lost. He made his plans at once. The other vessel could not remain over two days, but during that time the united crews could rig up the wreck well enough for her to reach the nearest port, where she could be refitted. After saying that he would begin work immediately, the cartain left us. ; Soon utter confusion seemed to reign about our quiet island home. Boats pulled here and there laden with goods, All of our chattels were brought on board the Mabel Hall, as we intended leaving in her. : The cargo of the Jessie Gray was mostly on but the body.| Lea 23 shore by night, and. we slept on shore in our, hammocks. As I lay awake, unable to sleep, I thought over our pleasant stay upon Geusoe tes land, and in spite of my great.joy at the prospect of seeing my home, regrets. would creep in una- wares. I looked at the hill-top, silvered by the moon’s rays, but both pole and signal were gone. Du-- ring the day one of the sailors had, by my direc- tions, gone and pulled down -the old friend, for should we leave it, some ship might be lured out of her course. The red bunting I had safe in my sea-chest, and in time-to come, one glance at this’ dear relic would bring vividly fo my mind the many pleasant days spent upon our island home. By the restless movements in Tom’s hammock I knew he was ruminating also, and, judging others by my own inclinations, I didn’t venture to disturb him, for at such a time Solitude is de- sirable. ni mids : Ti When I opened my eyes, morning was at hand. ping from my hammock, l*awoke my com- rades, and we all walked down to the beach. ~~ The sailors who had slept:on shore among the goods that formed a part ofthe Jessie Gray’s cargo, were not yet awake, although the sun was peeping above the eastern horizon. a , Ourlast breakfast on the island was soon dis- patched in the solitude of our cabin, and, during the day, we tramped almost everywhere, taking leave of our home. Sy evening everything was completed. The Jessie Gray had her cargo aboard, and, with trees for masts, was in pretty good order. As we were to sail with the rising of the sun, the farewells were said on bothsides, > Captain Halleck had promised to write to my arents as soon as we reached San Francisco; but he letter never came to them, as the poor man died of fever in Valparaiso. * I was treated like a guest by Captain Somers. Only that I insisted ee it, he would not have let me touch a rope,’ While: rounding. the, cape his first mate had been lost, and Tom was.eager- ly pounced upon as the very man for the place, as he certainly was. 2 ; By his kind firmness and his willingness tolend a hand in an emergeney, he gained the respect of all the sailors but those few evil spirits that generally crop out in a crowd. : These bad sotten the upper hand of the last mate, = a J pleasant times of it. ma pislands wo passear ny Woy t found in gut late home. . : TT othert the same time Ned’s tenor voice came mppurntully to my, , as he sang the words suas the ; many days had been ringing! in Be the OuWing ‘that his thoughts were directed in the Tomié channel: : : ; inth ‘As slow our ship, her foamy track, Against the wind was cleaying, |. Her trembling penne still looked back him_ lovec : To that dear isle ’twas leaving. ship, Too Joath we part from all we love, : Jo . From all the finks that bind 1s, We'll turn our hearts where’er.w' him To the isle we've left behind us.” and ther your pipe and smoke it into your thiek skull,” said Joe, at length, quite flercely. __ - z ' The , who-was really a coward at heart, looked at him, and saw a sturdy, well-formed frame that evidently possessed strength, and he x wisely silent during the remainder of the re- cital. « ‘ Of course this made enemies of the four sailors, but it was little we cared for that. : When Tom heard about it he gave me some good advice, telling me to peed my eyes on those men so long as we were on the Mabel Hall, for when a sailor hates he does not hesitate at any- thing, and there was sucha thing as falling over- board by accident some dark night. Joe soon informed me that the men had already commenced operations. = One of the saflors, who were great friends of his, had overheard the plan, which was now an old one, practiced on board men-of-war. About midnight, when the first watch came down Joe’s hammock would suddenly be cut, ard he would receive a beautiful thump by the fall. I had heard of a means which this stale trick could be palmed off Tooth person under- taking it, and between Joe and myself we arrang- enh fo “5 in the aged 6 former, 6 semi-gloom below, man: to slip out of his own tere TiOn! and ‘get into a spare one ae tut AE ed placing a couple of six- pound cannon in his own. At midnight the second watch was called, and as they went out, a thundering racket arose. ~ , Upon the light from the binnacle lamp being
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Same time, so that it seemed ed it so heavy,” said Tom, out of the ni Nod At nipple and proceeding to reload, whi 24 THE BOY CRUSOES. turned on, it was discovered that Blossom, one of the four men, was dancing about on one foot, howling with pain. He had intended rushing out with the rest after cutting the headline of Joe’s: hammock, but the balls had come down too oar. For several weeks he qu ite a sore teas and the tae was hugely enjoyed by all on Aut his friends. The same trick was never tried again, for it had proved to be of the rule that works both ways. ee rreht and early we were up at the peep of wn. Before sunrise our anchor was at the cathead, and a few minutes after sail was made, Nearly all of the men were in the rigging, hold- ing on like so many monkeys, and as we drew further away from the island the wind became fresher, increasing our speed. The cheers from those on board our sweet named comrade, the Jessie Gray, were answered by ones equally as loud from our men, but of the four late castaways, none had eyes or ears for Here we were rapidly leaving our dear island home, and anxious to make the most of the mo- ments left us, we peered steadily at the well-re- membered features. It seemed like parting from an old friend, and I Moe not help wiping my eye, nor could the others. twelve, the second to four, and the third up to eight in the morning. r uring the day work is always: abundant, for every day the decks must be holystoned and the sails attended to. Sooner than see the cabin boy idle, some mates hunt up their shore boots and make him shine ‘them, although” the affair is little less than a farce, as they will not be used for many months, Thank Heaven! says poor Jack Tar, that all mates are not like this. Some there are, jouy, good-hearted fellows, may to lend a helping hand when needed, and laugh at a joke even at their own expense. I feel compelled to say, however, that this latter class is very few in numbers, The day passed pleasantly enough to me. Ispent most of it beside a veteran sailor who went by the soubriquet of Backstay Jack. He was making several new pieces for the worn rigging, and was surrounded by strings and ropes of all sizes, which in his experienced hands rapidly, assumed the shape of cringles and other things in a manner that was truly marvelous to me. T was learning how to make all sorts of curious knots, and the old fellow declared that I was a tenes born sailor, which praise quite won my ea ; His strange name had a charm for me, and it was not long before I had him telling me how he ‘| came by it. : CHAPTER XX. THE ISLE WE'VE LEFT BEHIND US—LIFE ON THE BOUNDING WAVE—HOW BACKSTAY JACK CAME BY HIS NAME—THE CHAMPION YARNIST—SAIL- ORS’ CONSOLATION——ROUNDING THE HORN— MEMORY WILL EVER CARRY US BACK TO CRU- SOE ISLAND. NED came scrambling up to our lofty perch with a Plece of paper in his mouth. * What’s that you have there?” asked Tom, sus- the trut: “A few lines, partly from memory and partl 0) ; listen, arch and think you of the ’ girls we’ve left behind us. You know ‘the old tune,” and Ned’s fresh young voice pealed forth with a mournful cadence that made our hearts heavy. *uawk ON te wing, and then pC a second hole through its body as it fell. Joe was a slow, steady, methodical hand, a wanted time to take alongaim, whereas th ty of Tom’s shooting Jay in its ra idity. hee Ned was Joe’s equal, but a trifle quicker, a) as he wanted to see some of my cousin’s sho wien sent him to the Rebdry dent of the sh # tin pan, which he was to throw high in the air at a given word, This was to show how he had learned the sh made at the hawk. I was behind Tom, and ee fire at tl 2 ike one loud repor That wasastunner. Didn’tknow [had loa blowing the smok - . trent * Bravo !” cried Joe. “Don’t compliment me; there isn’t much of it original, I assure you, Joe. But look, she’s near- ‘ly gone, boys.. Our little island home is among the things that were.” As we looked, a circle of gold seemed to settle upon the dim hill-tops; this good omen grew very indistinct, and, at length, we gazed upon the vast “waste of water. Slowly and sadly we went down, and fora long time the words of Ned’s parting tribute rang in my ears. : ; The day passed with the usual monotony. Generally the hardest work, stowing cargo and such things, comes just after leaving port, and during the remainder of the voyage various daily tasks are on through with. When all other jobs are out,some mates will —* man to work scraping the rust from the e. If the reader is under the impression that dur- ing a week of fine weather, a sailor has nothing else to do beyond eating, sleeping and looking at | ain the sails, then he has an entirely wrong impres- .Sion as to what constitutes a s life. It may be very well for poets to sing of a “fm life on the bounding wave,” but my word for it, when that wave begins to bound, theirtune will change. On board a well-regulated ship there are two dog watches, from four to six and from six to eight P.M., and during this time the men must look after their private work, The first regular watch lasts from eight to “ Want to hear how they painted me Backstay Jack? Well, it ain’t much of a yarn, but you’re welcome to it, lad. I can spin it off in a jiffy. Ye see, my hearty, it was nigh on ten years when I shipped on board the Dolphin whaler, Joe Graw, owner, bonnd for the north after oil. We had nearly sighted Greenland, when a bluster- ing gale came on, knocking gs sky-high. Af uss this arte be fixed, este took us et awhile to re our spars and rigging, being rather short-handed for a whaler.” ’ : “One day, Tom Bodlick (dash his old timbers any way, I used to call him Badluck) was work- ing aloft, when he lost his hold and fell. “T don’t see how he did it, for I’ve been on the water all my life, and never tumbled; fact is, I believe I’d find it hard to fall. “Ye know, lad, what a man will do for his life, how a sinking man will grab at a straw? Weil, Tom had grabbed hold of a spar, and held on for dear life. “He wasn’t a very light man, must have car- ried nigh two hundred, and as he was at the end of the timber it bent fearfully with him. ; “The only way to saye himself would be to work in hand-over-hand ; but this was im ible when the spar was bent so much. m, he wriggled, twisted, kicked and tried to pull him- self up, but it was no go. “Every man on board the Dolphin felt sure that his time had come, for to was to be smashed on the deck. “T was the only one aloft besides himself, and if ’'d had a rope I could have saved him easy. My knife I left on deck, so I couldn’t cut one. ; “Several men sprang into tho ng with ropes; but I knew they would be too late, forthe end of the spar was cutting Tom’s hands lly. ** On the first alarm I had hurried to the spar he fe)l from, and which was some five feet above his hands. ; ** A queer sort of a plan rushed into my head, and, without thinking, I set about ¢ it out. s Orawling over the spar, I lowered myself and paDg by my hands. ; “Tm a pretty tall man, and as I hung at full ees my feet came in front of Tom’s face. *“T had intended putting SM feet under his arms, and helping him grab hold in that way. ’ “'Tom, however, had more grit than I had given him for; as is often the case when you un- derrate a man’s qualities, he Jager it by quietly transferring one hand fo my foot. “ Well, I managed to slip along the spar, and the end of it was that Tom Bodlick owed his life to me. . “ The men declared that I had been areal back- stay to him, and from that day to this you will find ‘ Backstay Jack’ signed on my ship’s paper. Now, younker, ye’ve Ret the yarn, and though it *t half so good as Bally Bogen’s worst ong, it has more truth in it than all of his put together, and not saying much about that;” and Jack re- commenced work on his ropes and strings. - ‘The person mentioned as Bally Bogen was the worst it had been zy toxtene to set eyes on. He was ever ready with his scrapes and adven- tures with lions, wolves, Indians, and such things terrible yarns that pleased, while they one and all bore the print of untruth stamped upon them. A young acquaintance of my earlier years, by name Dow Walters, had occupied that enviable position in my mind, but after listening to a few of Bally’s, related with a sober countenance that seemed all the more comical to me, Mr. Dow Walters was put down as second-class. His ped- estal was occupied by another; in fact, he was nowhere, Never had such a hero lived like Bally Bogen, according to the usual tenor of his reminiscences. I dare not give one of them now, as. my story. is rapidly nearing the end; and, besides, at this point, the reader might not be able to digest even the most probable of them all. Should I relate the yarn I heard during my first nignt on board the Mabel Hall, and which the men united in declaring worn te best, as they gen- erally did with each succeeding one, the reader would deem me a lunatic. ‘How the fellow managed to make up these ter- rifle stretches I know not, but he must have pos- sessed a very creative im: tion, for there was always one on the top of tongue. “ears thing I = oe oe. Tigh oe that e literary world lost a brilliant t when Bally Bogen became a sailor. ly was certainly educated far better than myself, for he threw around seven-syllabled words as if were a walking dictionary, and often intro- duced certain chemical elements that made me stare in amazement. Of course, Tom, as chief mate, could not min- gle much with the crew, and thus he lost a splen- id opportunity of filling his log with yarns that would have made the most valiant minister afraid to & grave-yard after dark. en upon better acquaintance I heard Bally’s history, I discovered that my impression in re- gard to his class was true. . His father was a rich merchant of Cleveland, Ohio, and Bally had passed creditably through Yale College. ‘ After such a course of study, he found that in- stead of the hearty fellow he had wont to be, he seemed sickly, and his doctor recommended a yoyage upon the ocean with plenty of work to cure him, ~ This oat trip had made him a man again, amet 4 ed the life so well that he refused to leave it. ; He had already made two trips, and his father had promised that when he got into port, a vessel of his own should await its captain. had yoluntarily gone as a common sea- - man; but he was treated well on all hands, for the men knew his prospects, and respected a man who wished to learn how to obey before he attempted to command. Bally also told me how he had este up this habit of yarn telling. and d his intention of eel pin, n in the presence of his mute- ness. _ Little did he think that,the latter, while seem- ingly intent on listening, aorike the fi powder plot, the min 6 the famous -powder e mine ‘he reas and ea iy nested @ spark to ex- plode it. was laying a plot for his _ One night this man had finished his best tale, and while the sailors were giving vent to various exclamations. of satisfaction, the narrator lookea around with a triumphant grin, and, unluckily for him, his eye renee on Y. him proved to be the spark needed, and q yarn was the result, such as he, in his wildest ay had never come near, The men sat entranced, and so great was their interest that pipes were forgotten and allowed to out. eo vhen Bally finished he was unanimously called the champion yarn-teller. The other fellow gave in without even a show of fight, for he saw what eo a he a with - e youn Ss ow of language and ‘great ve Ever since that time he had been kept at work, and the watch that secured him was lucky. His fame preceded him from one ae to the other, and it was his music that usually lulled the men to ae Need it be said that Bally only played on the lyre (liar)? Bally was a young man of some twenty-six years, and not bad-looking, by any means. When with either Tom or myself, Bally ved a very sociable gentleman, and many an nteresting conversation did we have in the fore-top, branching off.and discussing favorite theories. K The first day passed away quietly, as did also the next. On this night, I took my turn on the watch with Backstay Jack, Joe and another sailor as companions, and we managed to get the A word from” L
Page 25
y vo, ae hell rT THE BOY CRUSOES. : 25 former to sing one of ‘his original ditties in his eracked voice. I have called it: “THE SAILOR’S CONSOLATION,” ~One night ’t came on a hurricane, the sea was moun- tains Tollin’, : Et ; When Barney Buntline turned his quid, and said to Billy Bowline: *A strong uor’wester’s blowing, Bill—hark! don’t you hear it’s roar now.? My conscience, how I pity all unhappy,folks on * shore now; : And as for them who*re out all day on business from their houses, : And late atnights are going home; to cheer their babes and spouses, eg and I, Bill, on the deck, are comfortably ying; My eyes, what tiles and chimney pots about their heads are fying. re We know what risks all landsmen run, from no- blemen to tailors, Then, Bill, let us thank Providence, that you and I are sailors,’ ”” which, in my estimation, was putting it rather roughly for the land-lubbers. : On board the Péito I had on several occasions taken a short turn at the wheel in fair weather, and. I liked the occupation. so well that I hailed with joy the opportunity of trying the thing again. ~ It wus fated, however, that weeks should pass before the chance came. n During the early of the third watch, Tom’s yoice came rolling down in hoarse tones: «All hands on deck to shorten sail,” and every man was instantly awake. i “Tumble out, Ned,” I cried, giving hima pureh and leaping from the hammock. ; “Show a leg here, Joe,” said Ned, giving his next neighbor the benefit of his fist, and in an- other momentthe three of us were hastening on deck with the remainder of the crew. In the few hours that had elapsed since our go- ing below, a marvelous change had taken place in the face of nature. There was a strong wind blowing, that sent a shiver through us at first, and I mentally thanked Joe, who had directed me to put on my warm pea-jacket before venturing out. When we went down, not the faintest sign of.a cloud marred the broad dome of heaven where the bright stars twinkled and winked mysteri- ously. Sy ¥ = Now the scene had changed, shifting winds had come up, and from horizon to horizon stretched the unbroken expanse of gray clouds, which had an angry lyok about them. 43> ps We were soon busily engaged in taking in sail, what little there was in the breeze. The men had not been::called before this, for the simple reason that both Tom and the eaptain knew they would need evéry Wink of sleep they could get. ; eee; Doubling the Cape, even in the best weather known there, is no child’s play,and at times is perfectly horrible. The Leste in the eabin had fallen cereals and knowing that'time was precious, the captain, had given the order. As the wind. came Cie we were soon scudding along under bare es. When everything had been made snug aloft, the men sought the sheltered portions of the deck, and waited for something that wouid need their service, They lookéd cheerful enough just then; but I knew there would be some fearful growling be- forethé Atlantic Was reached. - This charateristicis a sailor’s chief failing, and even the best-hearted Jack Tar afloat gives in to it when adversity comes. ; I saw no laughing among the men, however; the time for that had passed. and even merry Bally Bogen’s face had a seriousiook upon it, for with the storms starting thus early, our chances for reaching‘ the Atlantie’and foundering were about equally balanced. _. ' Old Baekstay Jack assured me, however, in his quaint way, - 3 “T’ye been round the Horn thirteen times, lad, and nary:a wrack yet; I would like to shake ends with the man who has done better,” said Oe Soon the rain began to fall, and in half an hour, just at dawn, it changed into sleet, By this time the air had become so very cold, that the rain and scow froze solid to the ship as soon as if touched. There was Very little fun in this, but we.sought shelter as far a8 was possible, and huddled our- selves in heavy pea-jackets. This was not so bad, and had we gone through in this style, none of us would have minded it much, . I knew this inactivity could not last long, and shivered at the thought of climbing the frozen rigging, acd handling a sail as stiff as a board, but I was not the coward to back out and accept Tom’s offer of: a comfortable place in the. cabin, which was extended to me in courtesy through the captain-on account of my being a favorite néphew of the owner. Soon we would come-into the thick of the storm, and then we might count on the rough time to commence. The day drew near an end, and the sleet still continued to come down, stopping at intervals, it is true, but descending with renewed violence, as if additional impetus was gained by the halt. . After ee half of the men ent = oe to be prepared for any emergency, while the others agee ht their hammocks. : ; They were to sleep several hours, and then our turn would come. ~ ; This plan was put into practice because we were sure to be on deck the greater part of the night, and wished to be prepared for it. ~ Our turn ¢ame at length, and with considerable -satisfaction we rolled into our hammocks, Nowif thereis one thing a sailor hates it isthat —infernat I had almost called it—cry of ‘“‘all hands on deck” when he has just turned in. There is some excuse for the proverbial grum- bling, and I must confess contritely thet Jack Merton Jent his assistance to the half howl that came from below when, some twenty minutes after turning in, and just when we were settled over our quarter in héavy /down to an invigorating nap, the words were [THE END.] - Se ss Sus shouted in stentorian tones which I had some difficulty in recognizing as my cousin’s, : We were now in the heavy gale, and our hard wight bad bl d Night had come on, black and gloomy, and this made it all the worse for us. | g ae Fete Fancy for a moment, dear reader, that you are climbing the icy rigging, crawling out on some slender spar, and working with benumbed fingers at some sail broken loose, which is frozen as stiff as a board, darkness surrounding you, the wind shrieking in your ears and the hail rattling every- where with a yelocity that makes. you think needles. are entering the skin, andva!l the while the old sail jerking in a manner that threatens to Knock you overboard. _ A very pleasant picture truly, and yet I am drawing it exceedingly mild. ; Days passed away in this. manner, and night followed night. : aes 1 get in a corner and laughed heartily when I found my growling voice raised in the general clamor. . - _ Sleep was a stranger to us, and I verily be- lieve that about the sixth-day I should have lost myself in slumber if I were hung up by By heels in. some dry spot... earrwes t could not Jast forever; that was certain, and, as we pushed on in spite of adverse winds, We would in the end; find ourselves in the At- 1antic, and beyond the icy grip of sleet and snow. x On the seyenth day, much to our satisfaction, the continued storm showed signs, of, abating. .. Thesleet thinned out, and by evening wehad.a glimpse of blue sky, which was the first we had seen for a week. i i ah In the morning not a cloud remained, and soon the men discovered a new planet, as they laugh- ingly called the sun. Wiree3 As the ice melted from the rigging, the day was spent in cleaning up, and in the night we enjoyed asecond good sleep, which helped us eonsider- ably, although I felt it would require a month to become myself again. : This was my first real experience in rounding the Horn, for during my other trifs, being down with the fever, I knew nothing of my dangers. _ We were now in the Atlantic bound for London, and from thence to Boston. : =20 The captain had promised to speak any ship, and let us boys send letters home. 2 ~ : Tom also desired to communicate with the owners of the lost merchant vessel, the Romance. I expected to be home myself ere many months, and as I sat upon the cross-trees idly watchi the islands we passed, my thoughts drifted back to our late home. ? ae At the same time Ned’s tenor voice came mournfully to my ears, as he sang the words that for many days had been ringing: in my head, showing that his thoughts were directed in the same channel: ‘ : —— * As slow our ship, her foamy track, Againstthe wind was cleaying, ._ Her trembling peanart still looked back To that dear isle *twas leaving. Too Joath we part from all we love, From all the Jinks that bind us,. . We'll turn our hearts where’er. we go, To the isle we’ve left behind us,” Tseful and EXPLAIN DREAMS.—Zverybody dreams, from the little child _ mOy Te te : This. Tittle book gives the explanation ds of dreams, together aber eer Se ays, == ¥ i od k of fate. For sale by every ne’ leon’s Oraculum,” the boo! Pripadccartesonommer hl to the man and woman, to all k “ Napo! , dealer in the United States and Canada. address, free, on, receipt of price. pe aes aber Stand’ Sb North Moore street, New York. Box 2730- Tousey, pub! HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Full boy should know how to row and sail a. han in this little book, together with newsdealers in the United States your address on receipt of the A pips Res fpousey> publisher, 34 UNT AND FISH:—The most complete hunting and fishing guide ae published. It contains full instructions about guns, hunt- , together with descriptions of wich.” apply ant spatiale by all newsdéalers' in the o your eddress, on re- and 36 North Moore street, New York. HOW TO d pe RR ice 10 cents. For ada, or sent, stpaid, t nited States and Can pone te ot price. -Frank Tousey, pu ‘Seite New York. Box 2730. ; instructions on swimming and riding, companion. Sports. to beatin Price 10 cents. For sale by all price. Frank Frank illustrated. Every | HOW TO DRESS.—Co ull instructions are ing dogs, game and 36 North Moore ceipt of pricehy 74 street; price 10 cents, or sent, ce) New York. Box 2730. Instructive Books. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to love, courtship, and mar-- riage, giving sensible adyice, rules and etiquette to be observed, with many curious and interesting by all riers ° things. not generally known. For sale free, upon reeeipt post: sey, publisher; 34 and 36 North Moore street, instruction. in the art of dreesin and appearing Well at home and abroad; giving the seleétions colors, material; and how to have them made up. Price 10 cents. x For sale by all me oan in the incited tates ae ones fs sent, ‘ d it te post-paid;to your addross. on receip price, by Frank Touse els: ote poiibher, Sand 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730,” HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most compléte hunting and fishing guide ever published: x ; trapping, and fishing, together with descriptions of traps, and fish: ‘Price 10 cénts; -For sale by all It contains full instructions about guns, hunt- newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent, postpaid, to your address, on re- Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 86 North Moore ; New Yorks. Box 2750. c
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rank ‘Tousey’s Hand Books. Containing Useful Information on Almost Every Subject Under the Sun, Price 10 Cents Per Copy, No. f. Napoleon’s Oraculum and Dream Book, Containing the great oracle of human destiny; also the irne meaning of almost any kind of dreams, ther with charms, ceremonies, and curious games of cards. A com- piete book, Price 10 cents. No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS. The great book of magic and card tricks, containing full instruction of all the lesding card tricks of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed by our ing magicians; every boy should obtain a copy, as it Price 10 cents. will both amuse and instruct. No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT. The arts and wiles of flirtation are fully explained by this little book. ides the various methods of handkerchief. fan, fare rasol, window and hat flirtations, it contains a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is interesting to everybody, both old and young. You can- mot be happy without one. Price 10 cents. No. 4. HOW TO DANCE Is the title of a new and handsome little book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instructions in the art dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, bow to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular square dances. The Price is 10 cents. No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE] A eeapise guide to love, courtship and marriage. givi Sensible advice, rules and etiquette to be observed, wit many curious and interesting things not generally known. Prtce 10 cents. No. 6. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE, Giving full instruction for the use of dumb-bells, Indias wea eat he . horizontal bars end various other methods of developing a [Sten healthy muscle; containi over res hee et a very boy can become strong a! thy by following the instructions contained in the ik. Price 10 cents. No. 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS. Handsomely illustrated, and contaiting full instructions the mauagement and training of the canary, mocking- ird, ape blackbird, paroquet, parrot, etc., etc. Price — No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST. mas balloons. This ° s : No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST. Sy Harry Kounedy- The secret given away. Every ot racti is won- No. 10, HOW TO BOX. Fe art of self-defense made . Containing over th ustrations of guards. blows the different positions § good bexer. boy should obtain one of these useful aod instractive books: as it will teach you how to bot with- out an instructor. Price 10 cents. No, If. HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LETTERS. writing rs, specimen letters for both young and old. Price 10 cents, No. 14. HOW TO MAKE CANDY. A complete hand-book for making all kinds of candy, ice- cream, syrups, essences, etc., etc, Price 10 cents No. 15. HOW TO BECOME RICH. This wonderful book presents you with the example and life experience of some of the most noted and wealthy men in the world, including the self-made men of our country. The book is edited by one of the most successful men of the present age, whose own example is in itself guide enough for those who aspire to fame and money, The book will give you the secret. Price 10 cents. i No. 16. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN. Containing full instructions for constructing a window garden either in town or country, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful flowers at home. fe most complete book of the kind ever published. Price 10 ceuts. No. 17. HOW TO DRESS. Containing full instruction in the art of dressing aud ap- pearing well at home and abroad, giving the selections of celts, material, and how to have them made up. Price 10 cen! No." 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL. One of the brightest and most valuable little books ever iven to the world. Everybody wishes to know how to ome beautifal, both male and female. The secret is simple, and almost costless. Read this book and be con- vinced how to become beautiful. Price 10 cents. No. 19. FRANK TOUSEY’S United States Distance Tables, Pocket Com- panion and Guide. Giving |the official distances on all the railroads of the United States and Canada. Also, table of ‘distances by water to foreign ports, hack fares in the principal cities reports of the census, etc., etc., making it one of the most complete aud handy books published. Price 10 cents, No. 20. How to Entertain an Evening Party. A very valuable little book just published. A complete compendium of games, sports, card-diversions, comic recreations, etc., suitable for parlor or drawing-room en- tertainment. It contains more for the money than any book published. Price 10 cents. No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH. The most complete hunting and fishing guide ever pub- lished. It contains full instructions about gas, hunting dogs, traps. earyis and fishing, together with descrip- tions of game and fish. Price 10 cents. No. 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT. Heller's second Biene explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. plain ae how the secret dialogues were carried on between the magician and the boy on the stage; also giving all the codes and signals The authentic explanation of second sight. Price 10 cents. No. 23. HOW TO EXPLAIN DREAMS, dreams, from the little child to the aged man mates This little book gives the explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky and unlucky days, and * Napoleon's Oraculum,” the book of fate. Price cents 5+ No. 24. HOW TO WRITE PNAS TO GENTLE- Containing full directions for writing to gentlemen on all P, ts; ivi: le letters f tructi Price Giving complete jnstractions for writing leters to Mellma| Weenta, quests. rice 10 cents. a No. 25. . ‘ No. 13. : HOW TO BECOME A GYMNAST, How to Do It; or, Book of Etiquette. Containing fall instructions for all kinds, of ezmnastlo “4 . ic exe! SOS. It te s great life secret, and one that. @very young men de- | *atoae W, Blecdouald: a bamky aud weo- ppiness in i! No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT. Fully illustrated. Every boy should know how to row ané saila boat. Full instructions are given im this tittle book together with instructions on swimming and riding, com, pauion sports to boating. “rice 10 cents, No. 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECI- ’ TATIONS. Containing the most popular selections in use, comprising Dutch dialect, French dialect, Yankee and bh dial pie together with many standard readings. Price © cen ‘ No. 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES. - Every one is desirous of knowing what his future life wild bring forth, whether happiness or misery, wealth or por erty. You can tell by a glance at this little book.. Buy one and be convinced. Tell your own fortune. Tell the fort- unes of your friends. Price 19 cents. No. 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR. Every boy should know hew inventions originate. This book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, by- draulics, magnetism, optics, pneumatics, mechanics, etc., otc. T’1e mc“t instractive book published. Price 10 cents- y No. 30. HOW TO COOK. One of the most instructive books on cooking ever pub- lished. It contains recipes for cooking meats, fish, game, and oysters; also nies, pniidings, cakes and all kinds of pastry, and a grand collection ef recipes by one of our most popular cooks. Only 10 cents per copy. No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAKER, J Containing fourteen illustrations, giving the different po— sitions requisite to become a good speaker, reader and elocutionist A!so containing gems from all the popular authors of prose and poetry, drranged in the most simple and concise manner possible. Price 10 cents. No. 32. HOW TO RIDE A BICYCLE. Handsomely illustrated, and containing full directions for mounting, riding and managing a bicyele, fully exrisiaed. with practical illustrations; also directions for picking out. amachine. Price 10 cents. No. 33. HOW TO BEHAVE. Containing the rules and etiquette of good society and the easiest and most approved methods of appearing to good advantage at partias, balls, the theater, church, and in the drawing room. Price 10 cents. ‘ No. 34. HOW TO FENCE. osratoiee tar instruction for fencing and the use of the broadsword; also instruction in arehery. Described with twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the best positions in fencing. A complete book. Price 10 cents. No. 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES. A complete and useful little book, containing the ruler : elle, backgammon, cr. and regulations of billiards, bagate! quet, dominoes, etc. Price 10 cents. No. 36. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS. Containing all the lesding conundrums of the day, am ons : Goa riddles, curious catches and witty sayings. No. 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSE. It contains information for everybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you howto make almostanything around the house, such as lor ornaments, brackets, id lime for catching birds. No. 38. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR. A derfal book, containing useful and practical infor- mnation in the treatment of oclivary diseases and ailments common to every family. bonnes useful and effect- ive recipes for general complaints Price 10 cents. $5 For sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address, post-paid,"on receipt of price, 10 cents. Address Box 2730, FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 34 & 36 North Moore Street, New York.
Page 27
p OUR TEN HOW TO HUNT AND FISH. and_fishi: id i most nomaplots hunting fis De eu le ever pub= or sent, address, receipt of pri F 3 and 26 North Score vaeet, New Yous HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS. Gimmg_ complete information as to the manner and me’ of raising, keeping, taming, breeding, and man. aging. all kinds of pets; also givi fullinstructions fa-mak- ing etc. ‘ully explained by 28 handsome illustra- tions, ing it the most complete book of the kind ever ublished. ce 10 cents. Address Frank Tousey, pu Esher. % ‘and 36 North Moore street. New York. Box 2130 HOW TO BOX. ° Th If-defense made easy. Containing over thirty qocertinnat guards, bluws, and the different positions ba . Evi boy should obtain one of these Seefeld nad lastcaalivehcoks as ib will venchs you lige to hee without an instructor. Price 10 cents, ‘or sale by all sdeal it-paid, on receipt of price. Ad- dress ‘Frank eae Pabiicher: 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. x 2730. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAKER. Containing fourteen illustrations; giving the different sitions requisite to become a good speaker, reader and elo- cutionist. Also containing gems from all .the-popular au- thovs of prose and poetry, arranged in the most simple and concise manner possible. For sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada; or sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of 10 cents.. Address Frank Tou- sey; mblisher, 34nd 36 North Moore street, New York x 730. : HOW TO DRESS.° - cS pos the pri: Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 3¢ N Y Moore straet, New York. Bos tao. 4 HOW TO MAKE LOVE. : ide to courtship, and marriage, in sensibl e a ice, rilstiandl eti ette to be on many curious and interesting not generally known. . For sale by all pawndonlcrs, arin, ie ponte, or sent, post ee. nk Tousey, . tad’. orth Moore © tree t, New York. Box How to Do It; or, Book of Etiquette. It is a great life secret, and one that every young man de- sires tine all about. Frank Tousey, 324.636 North Meore street, New York, publishes a book that tells you all abont it. Send 10 cents and getit. There's happiness in it. Address Frank Tousey, 34 & 36 North Moore Street, New York. Box 2730. ; HOW TO BECOME A MAGICIAN. — Contai: the est_ assortment of magical illusions ever pl before the public. Also, tricks with cards, in- cantations, etc. Price 10 cents. Forsale by all newsdea. ra or sent to your ad dress, postage frec, upon receipt 0’ tice. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North core street, New York. Bor HOW TO TELL FORTUNES. desirous of khowing what their future life wil ng: forth Sabethec happiness or misery, wealth or . Youcan tell by a glance at this little book. Buy Teli your own fortune. Tell the Price 10 cents. . For sale by.all or sent to one and o convingedl: janes e! mewsacalors "in the United States and Canad r address, free, on receipt of price. Frank . publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 720 HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR. ada, t to address, postage free, on receipt epee. Addrees franks Rouseyppabiiaher 34 and 36 Norte oore street, New York. Box ; HOW TO FLIRT. The arts and wiles of flirtation are fully explained by this - little book. Besides the various methods of handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window, and hat flirtations, it contains & full ist of the aod senstmansot femearsra ict in ing toe old and young. Youcan: be heppytwithoal ony’ Price 10 coie, Aadiees: Wrank Tomeey, isher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New or HOW TO PLAY CARDS. Ai fomplete ape hands little book, sizing every n ia, or we will send it to your address, free on receipt of the price. Frank T a lisher, 34 aud 36 North Moore street, New York. Box HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS. ‘ou, Coeera pac Box 2730 it to Frank . Every hie heck t and every young Sy A AE AR US RB ie grea! of magic and card tri containin, instruction of all the leading card tricks of the day, als0 the most popular magical illusions as performed by our leadin magicians; every boy should obtain a copy, as it will bot! amuse and instruct. For sala_by.all newsd: ers, or sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of 16 cents. Ad- dress Frank Renee y publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730, HOW TO PLAY GAMES. A complete and useful little book, containing the rules and regulations of billi bagatelle, backgammon, croquet, dominoes, etc. Price 10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to your ad postage free, on receipt of price. Address Frank Tousey, pablishers 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box HOW TO EXPLAIN DREAMS, Everybody dreams, from the little child to the aged man and woman. This little book gives the explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky and unlucky days, and ** Napoleon’s Oraculum,”” the book of fate. Price 10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address, post-paid, on receipt of Erie Address Il’rank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North oore street, New York. Box 2730. HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LETTERS, A most complete little book, containing full directions for sell love-letters, and when to use them ; also giving specimen Jetters for both the young and old; price 10 centa; for sale by all newsdealers, or sent to your address, postage ree, on receipt of the price. Address Frank Tousey, pu her, 34 and 36 North Moore street. New York. “Box 2730 HOW TO KEEP HOUSE. It contains information for everybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to make almost anythin; around the house, such as parlor pee a Pee Sas cements, wolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. Price 10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent to your address, post-paid, on receipt of price. Address Frank ees , publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. x ‘2150. : How to Entertain an Evening Party. A very valuable little book just published. A complete compendium of games, sports, -diversions, comic recreations, etc., suitable for parlor or dra -room enter- tainment. It contains more for the money than any book ablished. Sold by all newsdealers. or send 10 cents to Tonsey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New ork, and receive it by return mail, ‘post-paid. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS. _ A wonderful little book, telling you how to write to yout sweetheart, your father, mother, sister, brother, employer; and, in fact, everybody and anybody ‘ou wish to write to, ras in the land shonld have k. It is for sale by all newsdea ers, price 1¢ cents, or sent from this office on Peed of price. " Ad- dress Frank Tousey, epic: uM 36 North Moors street, New Yuu. P. O. Box 2780 : HOW TO BECOME RICHY EF wonderful book presents you with the example and e experience of some of the most noted and wealthy men the world, including the self-made men of our country. k is edited by one of the most su¢cessful men of the nt age, whose own exaiaple isin iteelf guide enough for Riese who aspire to fame and money. ‘The book will give a the secret. Price 10 cents. For sule by newsmen and ksellers, or se..d price to Frank Tonsey, 34 and 36 North ‘core street, New Yor’ “ud it will be mailed to you, post- HOW TO COOK. One of the most instructive books on cooking ever pub- lished, It contains recipes for cooking mests, fish, gam and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes, and all kinds ot Daseeya and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular cooks. pay 10 cents per copy. For sale by all neradealersy ips aS Ke mend te eats ue Dest paid; on receipt of price. ress_ Frank Tousey, pu er 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box oo. E HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS, A valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, pre. paring, mounting, and preserving birds, animals, AeA in, sects. Price l0cents. For sale at all news-stands, or sent post-paid, on receipt of price. Address Touse: publisher, 34 and3€ North Moore street, New York. Boxzo HOW TO MAKE CANDY. A complete hand-book for making all kinds of candy, ice cream syrups, essences, etc., etc. For sale by all newsdeal- Prive Wd cents: Address Frank Teocser: ponte oe ae ei ri e ress Frank To A i "s North Moore street, New York. Box zig. eerie - HOW TO BEHAVE. Containing the rules and etiquette of Food society and the easiest and most approved methods o fo de. good advantage at parties, balls, the theater, ehureh, and in the drawing-room; price 10 cents. For sale by_all newsdeal- ers, or sent, poetane free, on receipt of price. Address Frank Tonsey, publisher, core stres: New York. Box 2730. ob agosto ~ : HOW TO FENCE. Containing fall instruction for fencing and the use of the broadsword; also instruction in archery. Described with twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the best positions in fencing. A complete book. Price 10 cents For sale by all pene ers, or sent, post-paid, on receipt of price. Ad: rank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730. - how to dress, an CENT BOOKS. ~ HOW TO WRITE IN AN ALBUM. Containing Selected Verses suitable for any time or sion; also, Acrostics and Valentines. Price 10 cents. for sale at all news-stands, or we will send it te you, postage free. upon receipt of the price. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL. Qne of the brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world. Everybody wishes to know how to bee tome beautiful, both male and female. The secret is simple, and almost costless. Read this book and be convinced, “ How to Become Beautiful.” Price 10 cents. For sale book and newsdeslers, or send price to Frank Tousey, 34 an 56 North Moore street, New York, and it will be mailed +® your address post-pai ___ HOW TO DANCE Is the title of a new and handsome little book just issaed by Frank Tousey. It contains full instructions in the art of dancin , etiquette in the ball-room and at ‘ies, full directions for calling off in al] popu- lar square dances. The Price is 10 cents. For sale by new: colors or pent from abies: office on receiptzot price ree. ress Frank T’eusey, publisher, 34 an Korth Moore street, New York, Bee 2a HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.. Fully illustrated. Every boy should know how. to, row and sail = boat. Full instructions are given in this little book, together with instructions on swimming and riding, tompanion sports !to perices Price 10 cents. For sale b all newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or we will send it to your address on receipt of the price, 10 cents, Frank picts yun naatiocs 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. x 2730, se ae : HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST, By Harry Kennedy. The secret given away. Every intel. _ligent boy reading this book of instructions, by a Practical ete (delighting multitudes every night with his won- erful imitations), an master the art, and creato any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is the great- est book ever published, and there's millions (of fun) in it, For sale by all newsdealers. price 10 cents: orsend price to the office cf THE Boys or NEw York, and receive a cop: by return mail. Frank Tousey, publishor, 4 and 38 North oore street, New York. « Box 27 HOw TO BECOME. A SCIENTIST. A useful and instructive iving a complete trea tise on chemistry ; also, experiments iin acoustics, mA chanics, Ente! er pr} chemistry, and directions for mak- ‘ing fireworks, colo res, and gas balloons. This book cannot be equaled. Price 10 cents. For sale by all news- aaa or.it moles sent — your address, TAOS Ee ceipt of price. dress Fran usey, . 35 North Moore street. New York. Bora.) HOW TO D9 SECOND SIGHT. Heller’s second sight explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining how the secret dialogues were carried on between the magician and the boy on the stage; also giving all the codes and signals. The only authentic explanation of second sight. For sale by all newsdealers, of Frice 10 conta. Address Frank Tovegn, bepinkes 20m rice n' ress ousey, publisher, 34 ani 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2700, 2 f THE GEM COOK BOOKS, Nos. 1 and 2. The best and most useful cook books publish ini recipes for cooking all kinds of mea‘ ve fish, oe ee and pastry. Price 10 cents each. For sale by all newsdeal- price. Address Frank Toussy, polite ai wea be of the © ress nk Tousey, is oore street, New York. Box 2730. Sears Or Napoleon’s Oraculum and Dream Book. Containing the great oracle of human destiny; also the true meaning of almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, and curious games of cards, A com- lete book. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent to your ad- Address Frank Tousey, publisher, Saud 96 Nery Mens ress Frank Tousey, pu er, 34 an CS 00! street, New York. Box a0. hd United States Distance Tables, Giving tha tcl aioe es tes saline ivi @ 0: noes on @ of thé United States and Candia, Also, tables of tine te water to foreign ports, hack fares in the principal cities, reports of the census, ete., etc., making it one of the most couplets and handy books published. Price 19 cents. For sale by every ne ealer, or sent to your ad fres, on pocorn’ of the price. Frank Tousey, pub‘isher, ‘nd 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 7738. Pocket Com- _ Ireland’s Struggles for Liberty and new book just ae Contains bio, Ue ot bert Emmet, Charles Stewart P: Tal O’Brie, O'Mahony, Wolfe Tone, and every prominent Iri triot. interesting and instructive incidents in the ory of ’s Isle. Price of book by mail, 1@'cents. Postage ppid us. Everybody should have one. Address Frank “‘Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North York. Box 2730. = HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR. - A wonderful book, containin mation in the treatment of ordinary, diseases and ailments Abounding in useful and effect- complaints. Price 10 or we will send it te your address, free of postage, on re- ceipt of the price. Address Frank T 5 - and 36 North Moore street, N. Y. x or. oe Sen ~ Moore street, New _
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The Great § Gent Wide Awake Litrary, The Largest, Cheapest and Most Popular Library in the World. Cont Comic Stories of Adventures in all Parts of the World, and tories by the Most Humorous Authors of the Day. A New Story is Issued Each Week. -Price Only 5 Cents per Copy. For Sale by all Newsdezlers. 64 The Potomac Detective..........By Ralph Morton | 125 Pie the Fisherboy; or, Perils on Land and 1 Tom Biown’s School Days...By Thomas Hughes 2 The Pirate.......... oveeeeseBy Captain Marryatt 8 Adventures of “Robinson Crusoe.. y Daniel Defoe 4 Joe Dodger, the Boy Arete be Poor reso . By Gus Wiliams § Sindbad the Sailor 6 Peter Simple..............-.By Captain Marryatt 7 Pantomime Joe; or, An Orphan Boy’s Career 8 Snarleyyow; or, The es cole deseccscée By Captain Marryatt 9 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful aap ee 10 Poor Jack 12 Tommy Bounce—comic............- Peter Pad 13 Shorty; or, Kicked Into Good Luck—comic.. By Peter Pad 13 The Devil’s Diamond; or, The Fortunes of Rich- ard of the Raven’s Crest 14 Shorty in Luck—camic..............By Peter Pad 15 Dick Dauntless, the Soh eg oe oe Ga. oN ater 16 Skinny, the Tin Peddler—comic... ae Teaser 11 The Marked Moccasin; ;0r, aeey Eu Yard... By Marline Manly 18 Gulliver's Travels 19 All Baba; er, The Forty Thieves 20 The Mulcahey Twins—comic......By Tom Teaser 21 Jacob Faithful; or, The Adventures of a Water- ARNG Jc dis. JbacteeedkedeudesBY Captain Marryatt 22 fhe Young Engineer 23 Oliver Twist..........- ee Charles Dickens 2% The Image of his Father Ry Horace Mayhew 25 The Young Sergeant. A S Revelution.......... .-By Jas. D. Montague -By William Carleton rry 29 One of the Gove of New York; or, The Adyen- tures of Tommy Bounce—comic.. By Peter Pad 34 Infantry Dave, the Young Scout of the Wiider- BOSS. .< sc. ececsseesecessecseees BY Ralph Morton The ; Or, Hero of tne Regi- MONE. Fivcvvodes eR. 05s BY Philip Murdock The Pirate Doctor; or. The Extraordinary Career of a New York Physician 83 Cavalry Jack at Champion Hill.......... By Col. Ralph. Fenton 34 The Pirate Chief; or, The Cutter of the Ocean y an Old Salt The Smugglers of St. topes! Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. 3 Little Mac, the Bo meeps By Ralph Royal 37 Josephine; or, The ly of theGulf........ TH. ingraham By 3s “seat Charley; or, the eovensres of a Boy HETO.. 000.40. ecccesseveeeee- BY W. I. James, Jr. 89 Paul Jones..............- - By Alexander Dumas 49 Eely Jim; or, A Yankee Boy in the Rebellion By Morris Redwing 41 The Black Mask; or, The Mysterious Marriage By Bernard Wayde $2 Dot Boy Fritz—comic............By Gus Williams 13 The Demon of the Deep; or, Above and Be- neath the Sea. By the ‘Author of “Starboard Jack.” #4 Mark Grayham; ots: The Boy Wanderers of the Desert. ess+see0e--By H.C, Erzmet 45 Starboard Jacks or. “The Nimble Reefer of te School-Ship Mercury Y Jeeeeeese by Orrin Goble 46 San Francisco Bob..........By H. K. eerste 0 47 Tom, Dick and the ——; or, School Days in New York—comic ........2..00.-+-BY eter Pad 48 The Yankee Privateer; or, The Traitor Mer- Chant see: son eens BY J. H. Ingraham. Esq. 49 The Rover's Oath......By Charlies Powel. Bickley » me iS The Tricks aud Travels of a 2 SoPe ee te ee geet tifa ‘om Teaser 51 pick Lipiineart -eeees-s-.By @ Celebrated Author se theart’s — 3 Dick Lightheart’s Triumph 3 Forward; or, The ‘Terrible March to Richmond By Cap Phil Jordon 55 The Boss Boy.By the Author of * Teddy O’Lynn”’ 56 Shorty, Junior; er, The Son of his Dad—comic see eeaeee By Peter Pad 57 The Pirate Schooner ...By J. He Ingraham 6 The Gold Hunters; Search for the ..By George Fenn “td, = He A ape idshipman Easy The Black Pirate Union Dick. the Yankee Spy..By Philip Mardock Will Wamies; or, The Freaks and Fortunes of a Newsboy 65 The Sea-King 66 Life in the Red Brigade 67 Billy Bo’swain 68 Mulligan’s Boy—comlc............By Tom Teaser 69 The Wild Robber 70 Goldburn, the Girl Guerrilla . By Morris Redwing 71 The Light-house Murder; or, The Invisible Beauty 72 Daring Davy, the Boy eed Se Morton 73 The Pirates of the Shoals......oy J. H raham 74 The Robbers of the Rbine........by colons Blood 75 Jack Harkaway’s School-days 76 Harkaway Afloat 1T Harkaway Among the Savages 18 Harkaway’s Escape 79 Harkaway at Oxford 80 Harkaway and the Black Band 81 Harkaway and the Brigands $2 Harkaway and the Spy 83 Harkaway ae rice u Aoplebe x and the Italians; or, The Brigand’s $5 Dick Lightheart at Sea 86 Dick Lightheart Around the World 87 Dick Lightheart in London 88 Dick Lighthéart’s Victory 89 The Island of Mystery; or, Adventures Under the 90 Detective Danor. The Irish Ferret.by D. O'Sullivan 91 Joe Ready; or, By the Side of General Scott.. by Richard R. Montgomery 92 Cavalry Jack at Murfreesboro. By Col.Kelph Fenton 93 A Sword For a Fortnne......By Horace Appleton 94 Union Dick in the Rebel Camp.By Pnilip Murdock 95 zante Rob, The Young Scout of the Rap- paha NOGKk sss Seovcatdeac cans By Ralph Morton 96 Dick Mizzen; or, The Cruise ot The * Corsair ” By Richard R. Montgomery 97 Union Dick in the Seven. Days’ Fight. By Philip Murdock 93 Cavalry Jack inthe Swamps. By Col. Ralph Fenton 99 Daddy Durge, the Old Man of the Dead-House: or. The Ghouls ef Paris.......By Walter Fenton 100 Union Dick and the Guerrilias..By Philip Murdock 101 Bul} Run Bob; or, The Rebel’s Bride. A Thril- ling Story of the Ola Dominion.By Ralph Morton 102 Basan’, for Glory; or, The Unionists of Tenes- Spidaesccddsesens, By Richard R. Montgomery 103 The ¥ Young Recruit.......... ..By Ralph Fenten 104 The Rival Spies; “The Fall of, Vicksburg.... Percy B. St. John 105 The Boy Swordsmar; or, The Mysteries of the Catacombs....-..-.s.eessee- By Percy B. St. John 106 Ben Breeze; or, A Boy: and His Banjosnd Their Journey Around the World........By J. R. Scott 107 Cavalry Jack; or, The Scout at Shiloh......... By Cel. Ralph Fenton 108 The Young Artilleryman; or, Between Life QNd-Dedtisccaccccscocveccecoce By Hal Standish 109 Branded and Mad; or, A Boy in Business.... By Author of* “Trough Fire'and Water, v etc. 110 Topmast Tom; or, The Buccaneer’s Secret... By Alexander Armstrong 111 Bayonet Bill; or. The Nemesis of the Battle- field. A Thrilling Romance of Stone River By Ralph Morton 112 Dick the Lion-Hunter; or, Advenvares on the African Coast....... By Richard R. Montgomery I13 Sherman's Drummer Boy..By Col. Ralph Fenton 114 Stars and Bars; or; The Rebel Conscript, A Thrilling Story of the War in Georgla......- By Capt, Phil Jordon 115 Charge for the Flag; or, The Sem casiet of MON... a5 a5 dp epee Percy B, St, John 116 Red. White and Blue; or, Two New York Kalpte Mot in the Northern Army........ orton 117 On Board the Merrimac: or, fhie'h eataree of a Bey Tarin the War of the Revolation...... By Percy 8B. oo tate 118 Black Horse Tom; or, The Young Cavalry m of the South......../.ccsscees By Ralph Morton 119 Jack Harkaway and His Son’s Adventures Around the World 120 Harkaway and His Son Homeward Bound 121 Jack Rushton: or, Alone in the Pirate’s Lair By the Author of ‘Gentleman George” 122 On and Or: the Stage; or, Wich Was Right? 123 The Bush Boys........... By Captain Mayne Reid 14 ne Lown Schools: Their Fon, Feuds and Trolics = ae eA pa ed OR et eee eS naa CLAN EATEN Leeeeiammaneiinaeemeieen ra nt ee tee 126 Young Tom Rodm 127 Shorty, Jr., on His Ear; or, “Aiwa 8 en a Rack- ét—comic........3 “BY the Author of “Shorty ” 128 Fred Spangle; or, The Life of a Strolling Play- er 129 The Young Tragedian 130 Clarence Rhett; or, The Cruise of a Privateer By Ned Buntline 131 Paddy McGroarty; or, The Drammer Boy o: the Irish Brigade......s........ By ee Alison 132 Brian the Brave; or, The Hero M By Dennis Oballtvan 133 Yank, Shank & Co., Ne eneaeny, Harry Exton 134 Master of Himself; or, A Hors Fight in the World. .....5.. syasccnBY ane Ah-Look 135 Jim Jams; or, Jack of All Trades—com’ By the Author of “Skinny, the Tie Peddier” 136 The Boy Bohemian; or, The Advéntures of a Young Reporte fo agscaseiss «By Philip 137 The Mysterious. Messenger; or, The Secret of the Three Black Stars........-.ByY Hart Barnard 138 earke the Detectivé; or, A Sieuth-Hound on the Track. ...........By Police Captain Howard 139 ‘'}2;?? or, Tracked to Death 140 The Young Ventriloguise 141 Denver Dick; or, The Mystery of the Treasure Moun’ ntain.......:.-BY Corporal Morgan Rattler 142 Dick Daring. the Bareback Rider - Gypsy Blanche ¢ Boy Clown; or, eae the Pantomime "hod atone 145 Three Yankee Chums; or, Dr. ia’s ing Expedit ion.....3.BY Commodore in-Leok 146 Dilucky Tom—comic 147 Lathy; or, The Funny Adventures of a Thin Boy—comic - 148 The Sea Fiends 149 Under the Ocean 150 And tie FAE The Boy Jim Fisk Started tn -By Col. Bisir Ask Red SS the Bill-Poster: or, the Pies ss.fsssiaise-raby, Gab ebert Leda 152 Daniel Boone, the Hero ormomee 153 Hale and Hearty; or The Boys of Columbia College. .......0006-..06.sBY Tittlébat Titmouse 154 Tim of the Mail-Train; er, Steel to the Last.... 155 Out With Stanley; or, Young isevton in At THCAs ce ccccccceveccsccesscceeBY COl. James fa aki 156 Mad Manrice; or, The Crazy Detective ....... By Dennis 0° — 157 Shorty and the Count; or, The Two Great mashed—comic... ..By t the Author of * Shorty " 158 The Wharf Boys of New York 159 Big Silas 160 Nip and Flip; or, Two of 2 Kind—comic...... By the ‘Author of * Skinny. the Tia Peddler 161 The Four Jacks; or, The Dog Detective..... EB eae Miser of Harlem; Ser House by e Bri Lae Col. Rob rt Lennex 163 Young Harkaway and the 164 Harkaway’s Triumph 165 Harkaway on Magic Island 166 Ferret, the Little Detective 167 The Man of Many Faces 168 Harkaway’s Peril 169 Harkaway to the Rescue 170 Harkaway, the n - 171 Reckleas Rob; or, Foe Mystéry of Palm {sland Rambie Ralph 172 Luke Lander, the Lion Hunter; = a Boy Adventurers in Africa «se»By Col. J. M. Travers 173 Rob Rattler, the Rig wiped Cold. M.Travers 174 The Dwarf King; or, Adventures of Harry Biot. see ceveesBy Col J. oP eben 175 The Gallant Miaay;" or, Cureanee er ey. . By Richa’ ontgoinery 176 Harkaway the Avenger 177 The Rival Crosoes..........By Harry Amsworth 178 Harkaway in Australia 179 Harkaway and the Convicts 180 Harkaway and the Bushrangers 181 Chased Around the World 182 The Detective’s Mistake 183 Chips and Chin Chin—comtc.,.......By Peter Pad 184 Chips = = Chin Among tle Mormons—. . --By Peter Pad 185 Chips is “Chin Chin's “Kaventares with the Indjans—comic..... ....+..++++.-By Peter Pad
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THE FIVE CENT WIDE AWAKE LIBRARY---Continued. 186 Chips and Chin Chinin OMAR ETsOOUNS = “Sn By Peter Pad 187 Chips and Chin Chin in St. Lonis—comic... in york By veter Pad 188 Chips and ChinChinin New York—comic.... ee By Peter Pad 189 Jack Hawley 190 The Two Boston Boys 191 Frank Martin, the Young Rajah 192 The Locksmith’s Apprentice 193 The Charmers and the Charmed 194 The Red Circle 195 The Nemesis; or, Tracked to their Doom 196 Tom Trump 197 The Boy Pilot , 195 Satan’s Tree 199 The School on Wheels 200 A Lightning Flash ystery ofa ae 202 Bound to Be An Acto 203 Mountain Tom, the Rebel CEN Rare at by Morris Redwing 204 The Mystery of the Red River 205 The Masked Messenger 206 The Prairie Phantom............By H. 0, Emmet 207 The Young Engineer 208 Fighting Ag Against Odds 209 Harry Halsey 210 Donnell O’Gig 211 Mustered Out at Fredericksbu! A Tragic Romance of War,...by Richard R. Mont ‘omery 212 Kilpatrick’s Charge; or, The Terrors ofthe War By Richard R, Montgomery 213 The Dare-Devil Detective 214 Game to the Death 215 Kickapoo Joe 216 The Struggle for a Mine 217 Stump; or, “Little, But, Oh, My!’—comic 218 Stump at School—comic 219 Stump at Sea—comic 220 Stump and Jack Hawser—comic 221 Stump’s Rackets Below Decks—comic 222 Stump and His Chums Homeward Bound—comic 223 Three of a Kind—comic 224 Adventures of Charlie, Mike and Don—comic 225 Thirteen 226 The Brotherhood of Death 227 Tricks; or, Traveling with a Variety Show 228 Under the Gallows 229 Adrift on a Floating Island 230 Fred Hazle 281 Shot in the Dark 232 Doonie Crandall 233 Meta, ts ene Crusoe noe Teddy aoe Trip et tothe 6 Center of the Earth 236 Driftin: 237 Rory, t gan: 238 An Irish Boy’s Luck 239 Twenty Miles Away; or, tae Ride _to FAine. .....20eecceccescces 1, Ralph Fenton 240 Sword and Musket; or, The Young Trooper's PYide......eccceeesceveeseeeDY Percy B. St JobN ~ 241 Tornado Tim 242 The Bo eee ie Joki ae a e Irish Robber’s Apprentice Fighting His Wa, us A night of the Brush 247 Fritz the Tumbler 248 a Spite ral Ted 249 Dare-Devil Dick 250 The Dock-Boy of New York 251 Captain Cartouche 252 The Bay tines Vengeance 253 The Boy Miners 254 Water-Duck Ji 255 The King of the i Swimming Gang 256 The Flying Ship of the Pacific J Bs aaa aa nar Poe ple Cha: 259 The A aveptures of Two Tramps 260 Plack 261 The Blakemith’s Apprentice Gordon 264 Mat McCarthy’s Fortune 265 London Bob—comic 266 An English Boy in America—Comis 267 Scotty the Terrier 268 Philade:phia Dave 269 Billy the Boxer 270 Cadge i mua atin’ Jim 273 Charley Lance 274 A Search fora Missing Man 275 Commodore Rip-Rap 276 Teddy O’Lynn - 277 The Shadow Skip = nar Ress noe ue 230 The Wild ean of Old Kentack eee Se o 290 Midshipman Ned 291 The a of the Old Ironsides 297 True Blue; or. Right at Last 298 That Boy of 299 Tom on His Muscle 300 Bob Short; or, One of Our Boys comic $01 Percy of the Strong Arm 302 Jack Manly; or, On the Trail 303 The Freebooters of eat ete 304 Captain Merrick an Rangers 305 Nero. the Hunchback 306 The Rell-Ringer of Trinity 807 Harry Harley 308 The Arctic Queen 309 Harry Fitzroy 310 The Heart of bak 311 The School on the Sea 312 The Golden Island 313 Among the Savages 314 Phe Specter Schoolbo 315 The Headsman of Ol 316 Harold Forrester 317 Mat o’ the Mist 318 Eveline Duke 319 Mark Bradley 320 Driven to the Sea os Routing the Redskins 322 Tom Fox 323 Adventures of a Philadelphia Detective 324 Richard mayage 325 The Mystery of a Misspent Life 326 Double-Six 327 The Dominoes of Death 328 Gipsy Bess 829 The Queen of the Higuway 330 Rodolf, the Traito: 331 The Boy. Cacaion 332 Young Captain Kidd 333 The Secret of Wizard Lake 334 The Prairie Witch 835 The Hunters of the Silver Trail 336 Traveling With Barnum 337 Three Dashing Hussars 338 Pat O’Corker; or, Always to the Front 339 The Diamend Eye 340 Jack of the Naval Brigade $41 The Zulu’s Daughter 342 The Haunted House at Deadman’s Commer 343 Sir Guy’s Secret 244 The Fortunes ofap Acrobat 345 For the Green Flag of Old Ireland 346 Kathleen O’Shaughnessy 347 Tom the Midshipman 848 Out With Captain Cook 349 Every Inch a Sailor 350 Ralph, the Light Dragoon 351 The Brothers in Arms 352 Jack of Cheapside 3853 The Green Banner of Islam 354 The Colonel’s Maen int 355 Walter’s Secre 356 The Outlaws \ Berkeley Forest : 357 Redspear the Oullaw 358 ‘The House of a Hundred Terrors 369 Oswald, the Unknown 360 Adventures of & Free ee 361 The Treacherous Knight 362 Young Jack Harkaway and His Boy Tinker 363 Tinker’s Man Bogey 364 Young Harkaway in Spain 365 Young Harkaway in Turkey 866 Mole Among the Mussulmans 367 Young Harkaway and the Arabs 868 Young Harkaway and the Ceunterfeiters ~ 369 The Secret of the Traitor Gate 370 The Waif of the Tower 371 Ralph Wildhawk $72 The Brigand Chief 373 Bravo 374 Zara, the Gipsy 375 The Servian Spy 376 Sword and Cimeter and other stories London Bridge 37; Adam Bell 378 The Archers of 1 ‘00d 379 The Knight of the Cross 380 Jack-o’-the-Cudgel 831 Croquard, the Free Lance 882 The Fair Maid of Kent Sed The Oxford and Cambridge Right? , e Oxford and Cam 385 The Wild Huntsman 386 Tom Mansfeld, the Smuggier 387 The Sunken Treasure 388 The Slave’s Revenge 389 Cris Carrol, the Scout $90 Phil Rayleigh, a London Arab $91 The Knight of the Iron Hand 392 Tom Lester 393 Bicycle Bob $94 Mark Darrell 895 Oscar Mexinaes or, the Forger’s Victim 396 Tom Oakland $97 The Mad Alchemist; or, Myaperien:X Unfolded.. By Dr. H. M. Jordan 898 Worm, the Pittsburg Detective.By An Old Detective 399 Rob Racket, the Scourge of the Cowboys 400 Gipsy Dick; or, Born a Mgr RFR By Seth Huntington 401 The Red River Pilot eee Paul Braddon 402 Catana, the Robner’s Danghter. By Seth Bestineen 403 Detective Sketches....by A New York Detective 404 The Boy Scouts of the Sierras. by Seth Huntingdon 405 The Heir of Longworth 406 A Ghost in the Mirror, and other stories........ by Allyn Drape! See 407 Strange Stories of Maniacs.........-tsecseses> 408 The Skeleton’ He toy; or, The Myste Sortie: oe 's Legacy; or, The Ty of the Island..-....... Se ay Col, J. L. Trueman The Pirate’s Son.....+-+++ ---.-by J. T, Brougham 410 The Xone Revenue DEPELYEs or, Among the Moonshiners. . ........2-. a Retired Detective 411 Little Hall, the Boy Bagineer SE eet A 412 Captain Hurricane; or, The Waif of the Wreck By Allan Arnold 413 aoe erd Ted. A True Sry of Life on a Sosanbageae’ -By J. M. Bradon ~ The Mystery of 1 Hollow ....... : BY James Grzenwocd 415 The Cruise of <he Beaut, By Captain Will Dayton 416 7.3 Jord21, ne Young Inventor 417 Ebenezer Crow~comic 418 “harley Charlton, the Young a Sher eve By Col. J. M. Travers 419 Gorilla George; or, A New York Boy 1m Africa By J. L. Freeman Ree: 423 The Search for ¥rom the Deep.... 424 The Young Explore 425 Little Nugget, the Pride of Leadville.......... By Majors: ‘Anderson 426 The Young Aeronaut.......... By Professor Wise 427 The Loy Trapezist..... .By a Former Professional 428 Prairie Phil; or, The Panther “ the Platte.... By Harry Rockwootl 429 The Green Caps...... .......By a U. Sv Detective 430 Hollow Roost; or, The Traitor i ae ecb y 431 The Grimsda's Ghost, and other stories By a Physician 432 Lost in Africa; or The Adventcres of Two Young Castaways..... -By Samuel T, Johnston 433 Denver Dan and His Mystic Band..By ** Noname ** 434 Shorty in Search of His Vad—comic. By Peter Pad 435 The Blasted Pine; or, Three Boy Scouts...... By Capt. Will Dayton 436 Denver Dan and the Road wi tar By “Noname ’? 437 The Freebooter’s Secret..... Eye T. Brougham 438 Sawdust Charlie, the Pet of the Ing v<dccavs By an Old Ringmaster 4389 Denver Dan and the Counterfelvers.By “Noname’? 440 Cavalry Jack at Corinth.....By Cot. Ralph Fenton 441 Ned Owen; or, The ny a brine Ship. Capt. Will Dayton 442 Denvet Dan Outwitted; or, the Outlaw’s Tri- mp se ..-.By ““Noname”? 443 The Girdle of Gold: or, The Counterfeiter's Daughter..................-By Morris Redwing 444 The Treasure Cave; or, Run to Barth. By a Traveler 445 Denver Dan, the Sherift..... -seee-. By “ Noname” 446 Long Paw, he Mysterious Hunter..By Kit Clyde 447 A Yankee Key in Africa......By Percy B. St. John 448 Black and Blue; or, Nick Wharton onthe War- PAth... 0... .eeccceeeseeees-- BY Harry Rockwooe 449 Ivan and Ismail; or, Scouts of Plevna...... on by Don Jenardo 450 Denver Dan’s Peril; or, The cone Ruse... “*Noname?? 451 Sir Rufus the Rover; or, the Pirates! Island... by Richard R. Montgomery 452 The Russian Spy..............by a U. 8. Detective 453 The Creole Brothers....by Colonel J. M. Travers 454 The Castaways; or, The White King of the Atlantic.............seeeeee0e--By Don Jenardo 455 Denver Dan to the Rescue; or, The Mountain- eer’s Stratagem............ Sooo By & Noname’? 456 Condemned; or, Number 709....... os By Richard R. Montgomery 457 The Wolf of the Waves. A Tale of the Pi- rates of Old...........By Alexander Armstrong 458 Billy Bangs’ Schooldays...By Soar Will Dayton aoe Mad Doctor..., ....-.....+.By Paul Braddon 460 Zola, the Old Trappers Dau ee y R. T. Emmet 461 The Shortys’ Trip Around the World—comic By Peter Pad 462 Locomotive Bill, the Giant eg gat Samuel Keene sy Gerald Fleming By Capt. Wil Dayton By ‘| 463 Buffalo Bill’s Chum......By Colonel Ralph Fenton me etl Dan and His Chums.......By ‘* Noname ” The Old Magician.....By Corporal Morgan Rattler ise The Unknown Scout....,..........-By Zeke Baxter 467 The Brother's Crimé...-....-By Percy B. St, John 468 Molly Bland, the Detective....By J. T. Brougham 469 The League of Blue................-By Paul Spry 470 Same ing Ti; or, Traveling With a Circus— Waneadatanucesns Bye e By Peter Pad 471 Mat Of the Mountain; or, The Struggle of Des- perate MeD........seseesseree« «BY Draper 472 The Picador of Chapultepec......By Don Jenardo 473 sigsk am Island; or, The Cruise of the *‘ Caro- ” pesccccccecessess- by Colonel J. M. Truvers 474 “aie or, The House of Many ed oA Philip Murdock 415 The Maxwell Brothers; or, The pha a Sea- BON sevnccndcvocee secseoessccsescees By) Rit Clyde 476 Statte: Sam—comic .............By Peter Pad 417 hed und unter; cr, The Mystery of the Bea- Captain Will Dayton Red Cross of ane y On Bulg, on: ne 480 Buck Bidwell, the Bo: leutenant E. H. ‘Kellogg 481 Toby, the Spy; or, The Russian Conspirators of Paris... cccvecces. --.+-By & Parisian Detective 482 The Phantom of the Waves..........cccocsees By Alexander Armstro F | 483 Denver Dan tn New York.........By wanes 484 Tommy Bounce, Jr.; or,A Chip ss the Old Block—comic........--0-+-00. y Peter Pad 485 fea Ashore; or. Adventures ‘in 4 Strange 'y Harry Rockwood 486 charlie “Chubbs at Gollege.By ¢ Captain Will Dayton -
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THE FIVE CENT WIDE “AWAKE LIBRA RY---Continued. 487 The Irish Clande Duval. By Corporai Morgan Rattler 488 The Twin Boy Scouts......-. By Percy B. St: John 480 Faif-Weather Jack; or, Life in the Arctic Re- gions 490 Sumter’s Aide. .By ystery of the Trunk. ....... 491 Old Fox; or, The By a Parisiar Detective 492 The Old Thirteen; or, The Union League of Charleston......:..-.......-By Morris Redwing 493 Silvershot, the Sport from Seara cay, Xero is t 494 Sie — Slayer; or, The Terror of the erhad Cosrpcossaas By J. G. Bradley 495 The. Trish ‘Claude Duval as a Rebel... yy Corporal Morgan Rattler 496 Astray in the OClouds......By a Retired Aeronaut 497 The Shortys Married and Settled Down—a sequel to all theShorty stories—cumic..... By Peter Pad 498 ‘The Tree of Death..............By an Old Trapper 499 The Twin Detectives; or, True to = Other. y Ralph Royal 500 William Tell, the Dead Shot of the Wert “erry By Harry Enton 601 Trapper Duke; or, The Female Avenger...... By James D, Montague 602 Leon the Outlaw; or, The Avenger of the Death James D, Montague PASH... cccrcccvescnccees §@3 Tommy Bounce, Jr., in College—comic...... By Peter Pad 604 Around the World; i) ens to Wim. ....... Harrigan & Hart 605 Out With the “Jeannette; or, Two Years Among Icebergs.......... By a Herald Reporter 506 Captain Tom Drake; or, The Young Privateers By H. C. Emmet 607 Fred Ford; or, Life at pecranescne’ euseed By Captain Will Dayton 508 Bay Bakkus, the Boy With the Big Mouth— mic........+.-...-...By Commodore Ah-Look 509 Bow a and Arrow Jack, the Indian } Nemesia: woe t de 610 Arctic Phil, the Bear-Slayer of the Northeone, esas +++-+eeeeeby Alex. Armstrong 511 Fred Baxter, the Wild Horse age pa By J. M. Travers 512 The rookfield Bank Robbers....by D. W. Stevens $13 The order Bandits........by James D. Montague 514 The Young Sharpshooters of the Rebellion... by Col. Ralph Fenton §15 Fighting Joe; or, The Game Man of the at ora ; t e 618 Sogo Bil. A Wonderful Story ve ener: da, California and Utah of 12 Years Ago.... by Alexander Armstrong 517 Skeleton ae or, Captain Texas and His Band of Vi esesecesecveseee DY J. R. Scott 518 The Irish Giaude Duval as a Privateer... by Corporal Morga: Rattler 519 The Wolverine; or, The. ners Treachery. a Parisian Detective 820 Ben Bolt; or, the Young Biochrcaithenn Seceee by James 521 From Drammer Boy a General...... y Richard R. Montgomery 522 How. Rolltick; or, What” Was He Born For— doce cectesecte =++ eee »by Peter Paa 523 Northwoods Tom, the ‘Athlete itanter-by Kit Clyde 524 Only a Cabin-Boy; or, Saved by Grit..-....... by Harry Rockwood 525 Astray in Afric&...-..ceseeee-s $26 Tiger oseceowrel eve ieee Armstrong 527 Barnum’s Boy Ben......by Commodore ‘Al-Look 523 The Black Mask; or, The Vow of Silence...... by T. W. Hanshew stesesesecessee.D¥ Kit Clyde $30 Bob Rollick, the Yankee Notion Drummer; a sequel to '* Bob Rolilek; or, What Was ite con For?—comic.....+:.c+«s y Peter Pad $31 “eres Drummer Boy Spy; or, the ‘iangnter of Wilderness. . by Ralph Morton one; J. M. Travers "Capt Geo. Granville (U.S. A.) 529 Son’-west Fred Ante nena eeeeeee 632 The E Black Hercules...... 633 Fireman Dick; or, The of Number 9.... by James D. Montague 534 The Shortys Ont For Fun—comic....by Peter Pad 635 Red River Bill, the Prince of Scouts. by J. R. Scott 536 — Express Ned, the Prince of Boy En- ginee: TS..+-s+0-+-+0---+-++--by Horace Appleton 637 The Shortys’ Christmas and New Years at Home—comic..........+-see00-..-.by¥ Peter Pad 638 Owlface, the River Scourge; or, The Guerril- la’s Captive. A Romance of the War in the - »by Captain Phil Jordon 639 The Spies of the Delaware...-......by Kit Clyde 640 Denver Dan, Jr., and His Band of hots.. by “Noname” 541 Frank Reade and His Steam Man ofthe Piains; or, The Terror of the West....... by “Noname” 642 On Deck; or, The Boy Pilot of Lake Erie...... by Howard De Vere 543 From Pote to Pole; or, The Sailor ee Avenger Horace Appleton Se i ua tenant e bya 8 545 The Boy Captain; or, Cag bin Phase el pee eanmeccoe eacar ees er Armstro’ 546 1 pose and Tickle; or. "Sinslaps and and Mschiete— ..by Peter 547 Fort sHayes;or, Black Eagie, the Ave Fone 5 by Don Jenardo 548 tame Nat; or, A.ways Just Where He’s eet cose = ies -by James D. Montague 649 The Ny Boerets 0 the Sea....- Perr A Clyde 550 Lazy Jake, the Boy Spy of tne Pe in Fenton 651 Sam Sharpe at Schooi....8y Captain Will Dayton 652 Privateer Tom—a sequel to “‘Captain Tom Drak H, C. Emme ST ewer nese escerenernsee DY ..--.-.-By Albert J. Booth ; 555 The Rival Scouts................--- -by Walter Fenton |- Seott| $53 Frank Reade and His Steam Horse.by ““Noname ”? 554 Billy the Bootblack; or, The Trump Card Last by Harrigan & Hart by J. R. Scott 556 The Coral Cave; or, Paul Philip's Crulse...... by Horace Appleton 557 The Army Scout; or, The Mysteries of the West by Kit Clyde 558 Missouri Jack and His ecto (1) iene CLP errr yy by James D. Montague 559 Lasso Luke; or, The Three Prairie Pards.... by Kit Clyde 560 Shady Dell School; or, Haps and Mishaps of Schoolboy Life........ .-by Captain Will Dayton 661 The en of Gold; or, Under the Shadow o1 ssececeesecsseeeessD¥ Horace Appleton 662 The Mad Man ofthe North Pole; or, The Boy Mazeppa of the Arctic Seas...... --by Kit Clyde 563 Extree Nick,the New York Newsbey.......... By Commodore Ah-Look 564 Oath-bound; or, The Jack of Spades.By J. R. Scott 665 Ouster’s Last Shot; or, The Boy Trailer of the Little Horn.............By Colonel J. M. Travers 566 Gassy aha or, re-Boy Fiend of Phila- delphia..... .--By Corporal Morgan Rattler 567 Fred Hazard, the Star or the Circus.......... By Horace Appleton 568 Coonskin Kit, the Dashing Government Scout By Kit Clyde 669 Denver Dan, Jr., and the Renegade. By **Noname” 570 Billy Badger; or, The Mysterious Unknown of the Bank Bobbers’ Band.By James D. Montague 571 The Brand ofthe Desert........ By Walter Fenton 572 Mail-Car Ned; or, Falsely Accused........... By Alexander Armstrong 673 The Maniac Pirate............By Horace aren 574 Smokestack Bob. the Hero of the: Rail. By J. 675 Nimble Nip; or,The Imp of the School—comic By Tom Teaser 676 King Morgan, the serrOn Ok the Seas....ss0cee Alexander Atmistrong 577 The Convicts Oath; or, The Prisoner of Va Dieman’s Land.........- By James D. Montague 578 The Serpent Queen; or, The Mysterious N! he Riders of Georgia..................-By Kit Clyde $79 The Fortune Hunters; or. Two Yankee Boys in esesesceseesssby Alexander Armstrong 580 The Fatal Star............-. by Horace Applewn 581 The Bootblack’s Piot; or, The Mystery of Night..5.....-cccceccee seensnsszsa;aBY ds Be SoOtt 682 Huron Harry; or, The Haunted Skiff.....:...- By James D. Montague 583 Doomed; or, The Secret Leegue of Boston... By James D. Montague 584 a a el Rider; or, The Mystery, of Hawkes- ....-By Horace Appleton Ory oF the Romany ee oe sats eeeee ee D¥ Kit Clyde , The Life 07 the School. .... By Captain Will Dayton 587 The eet Avenger; ae Dick Darling in.. Montana..... ......-- Alexander Armstrong 588 Hugo, the Texan; or, The eres ofthe Alamo By J. R. Scott $89 Lost on the Desert; or, the Guide’s Treachery By James D. Montague 690 The Avengers’ ...By “Noname” 591 The “Sea Wares ; or, The Pi- ...By Kit Clyde , The Roundheads and valiers .-....--By Horace Appleton 593 The Pirate Hermit; or, The Waif's Legacy...... De tary a Armstrong 694 Dick the Shadow; or, The Mysterious Trails of Backw00d.... ....+-ese++ee0+-By JR. Scott 595 Fighting the Redskins; or, Beaver Bill’s Last fl... Sp tee TREY James D. Montague 596 rae Black Domino; or, The Jailer of the eee Ne 597 Prank Reade and His Steam Team. By ewes ” 698 Cheeky and Chipper; or, Through Thick and Thin—comic.......:...By Commodore Ah-Look 599 pe Man’s Pond; or, The Black Demon of the Sie seseescesevceseseseby Horace Appleton 690 ‘The Tiger of the Seas; — Forced to bea Pirate Bv Alexander Armstrong 601 Harry O”’Malléy, the cooses —_ Invincible... alg se 60. Arkansaw the Indian Spy ere BY JR 603 The King of the Deep...........-.... Kit Glyde 604 Little Death Shot; or,The eee Ghost By James D. Montague 605 The Magic Hi atet 4 Don Jenardo 606 Old Rube, the Ranger.. 607 Frank Reade and H Steam 608 Out with Barnum... ay Laeetenene E. H. Kellogg 609 Storm King Dick; or, By Oe Adventurers... tain Will Dayton Captain 610 Frank Durham, the King ey. the user. it Clyde @11 wpe caso Fuagen or, My Quiet Linte Cou- la doseeasccccocescccesecby LOM Teaser 612 Si “awit ny Prince Dk phase Se arpwlre James D. Montague 613 The Hyena Hunters; or, In Wilds of Africa By nig Rockwood 614 The Phantom Pirate; or, The Fatal Oath...... By Alexander Armstrong 615 The Young Fentan Chie’ 616 Among the Urocodiles; a Adventures in India By Harry Rockwood 617 Lance wp tenets or, The Young Mustangers of the Plains... -. +ee-s--By Mariine Manly 618 The Chiel of the Delawares..... geeky Kit clyde 619 The Shortys Out Fishing—comic....By Peter 620 Coal Mine Tom: or, Fighting the Molly Ma- By Sergeant O’Donnell ERA ee eee were ene ee SS A eS 621 The Captain of the Nine; or, Aiways a Leader... By Harry Rockwood 622 Sassy Sam; or, A Bootblack’s Voyage Around the World—comic...... By Commodore Ah-Look 623 Young Putnam; or, Always to tlie Front....... By Harrigan & Hart 624 eoser Ned; or, The Mountain Guéen’s Venge- ececcccccccccoescveres y Morris Redwing §25 Prank Reade, ir, “and His Staare Wonder.... - *Noname 626 The Spy of ‘76; or, The Green Mountain OYBiisesce veaeseqe «-.--By Kit Clyde 627 Frank Reade, ir., and iis. Electric Boat....... By “ Noname*? 628 Ghouls of Gilt Edge..........By Harry Rockwood 629 Frank Reade, Jr., and His A ventures With His Latest Invention * oceeesess- By * Noname” 630 The Shortys Out Gunning—comic. ...By Peter Pad 631 Frank Reade, Jr., and his Air Ship.By **Noname” 632 The Young Boy ‘Chief; or, Adventures in the Far West... ‘By Captain Will Dayton 633 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Marvei........By “ Noname” 634 [he Lighthouse on the Roc: eve Spy Kit Clyde 635 Sassy Sam Sumner—a eben to Sassy Sam— yy Commodore Ah-Look 636 The House of Horrors. cos Pye James D. Montague 637 The bien ofthe Northwest.By Alexander Armstrong 633 The Captain's Secret; or, The Wreck of the = Dalsviiee ee peccecepecotcacedtcceoDY Kit Clyae 639 Among the Arabs... ...............By Don Jenardo 640 pth Galore; or, The Adventures of a Wild Irish Boy at Home and Abroad............. By Corporal Morgan Rattler 641 Cast Up by the Waves.........By Alex. gio hie | 642 The Shortys Farmng—comic. sseee-By Peter ra 643 Under the Ground; or, The Wild Man of the Cayern, The Strangest Sey Ever Told. By Harry Rockwood 644 Yankee Pete, the Man of Grit...........-..... By James D. Montague 645 Hotspur Harry; or, te ee Trailers -..-.. y Alex. Bees 646 Buckskin Burke; or, The cavhs of Gold....... By kit Clyde 647 ater be Regulars; or, The Cost or Inde- penden «--.by Col. Ralph Fenton 648 The Mystery ‘Of Dead Man's Castle.......-..... By James D. Montague 649 Mad Pete; or, a Feartul Retribution. By Leon Leroy 650 Otron a Man- of-War......By Major Walter Wilmot 651 Frank Reade, Jr., in the Clouds....By “ Noname™ 654 The Boy Pedestrians; or From California to Maine....... secesceee DY Jas. D. Montague 653 Trapper’ Against Renegade; or, to, on the Plains.....-..+0- -...-.-by Kit Clyde 654 Young Davy Grocket; or, “The Hero = Silver G by Wild Bin 655 Tom Basswood, the Swamp Hero. By Capt, E. Park 656 A Sailor’s Diary,.........-..-by Col. Leon Lenoir eee eeeaee 657 Frontier Fred... «+e----By Texas Joe 658 Tales of the War............ «-..--By J. D. Ballard 659 Wrecked on the Coast ‘of Florida. ‘By Zach Brewster 660 The Boy Mechanic.......... By Jas. D. Montague — 661 Among the Danites; or, The Pees ofa Life.... By Kit Clyde 662 New York Noll, the Ha>vor a ea Boy. ..-.. Horace Appleton 663 Young Marion, the Patriot see. or the Revolu- ~~ TON. 0.0 ceveeeecccecnce cesses hy Ralpht Morton 664 Young America in Egypt; or, The Drammer Boy’s Bravery..«..... By Alexander Armstro 665 The Shortys' Countr: a teeter Peter 666 Gunboat Harry; or, The Navy’s Best Man...... . By Col. Ralpit Fenton 667 Frank pots Jr.’s Great Electric Tricycie, and What He Did for Charity.........Br Noname” 668 Dick Wheel, the Young Roller Skater........ oa By Percy B. St. John 669 The Ghostly Bell Ringer......By Horace Appleton de | 670 Man-of- War Dick; or, Fighting” for the Stars a Bars.... ee satis ea Se Ralph Morton 671 The snark Fighters; or, At Cfo ba the De- Rock wooa 673 The Young Arctic Explorers; or, the North Pole.............-By Ha arry Rockwood 674 Old One Eye, the Trapper Guide of the North- WESE. .ccccdcccccccssascosccsosvesDY NONAME 675 A Yankee Boy in Mexico..........By Don Jenardo 676 Cast Up; or, Adventures on ae are Deep. J.T. Brougham, 677 irae et Steve. the Boy Pilot oF the Missis- Li hen decececocssesseccee-cs-BY Hal Standish 678 The ankee Boy Whaler......By Albert J. Booth 679 Little Mike Malloy, the Ee of the Irish Coast. By Corp. kom Rattler 680 Dick Twilight’s School cy fe ok 681 Dick, the Engineer...... S 682 The Sry of the Northwest.... 683 The Pacific Specter....By Alexander Armstrong 684 The Lost Whaler; or, Adventares of the North- ern Seas...... --By C, Little 685 Panama Pete; or, The Outlaws of the Isthmus By Hal Standish 686 Sightless Saul, the Mysterious ak of whe = “ Noname 687 Joseph Jump and His Old Blind igctoome By Peter Pad 688 A Struggle for Fame; or, Figh eon K. Stackieford 689 Jack Hawser’s ‘Tavern—comic....-By" Peter Pad 690 Black Diamond Bi; or, The Hero of the Coai Mines stistoes dtatoche By Ralph 691 A Boy With Grit, and How He Made Hts For- tune onstesenestate DY Ob Wil Dayton 693 Jack Stowaway; or, Bound to By Howard De Vere weeetecceeD id
Page 31
> “SE FIVE CENT WIDE AWAKE LIBRARY---Continued. 3 The Suaken City. A Tale Se Mexico. aaaete y H. K. Shackietora 404 Royal Dick; or, Standing by the Chums.. By Hal Standish $95 Wing and Wing; or, The Young Captain of : the Flyaway........ 2+--eBy Kit Clyde 696 Dick Davit, the ‘American Boy “Miday. -By ©, Little 697 Frank Reade, Jr., Witn His Aur-Ship In Africa By **Noname ” 698 Joe, the Brave Old Scout...By ‘“* Noname” 399 Found at Sea; or, The Secret of a pietdits Lite. By Hal Standish 700 Little Ned, the Leader of the School....... By Captain Will Dayton 701 Will o’ the Wisp; or, The Wila Man of the COaR. Sicncccccccesepessceuecoce .--by Kit Clyde 702 Acrobat Ned, ‘the Prince of ‘the Air..,..by C. Little 103 Sv the Wrecker’s Son; or, Adventures on the Qoast.....:.....-....-.-.eby J. T. Brougham 704 The Fire Bugs of Chicago...:by” Jas, D. Montague 705 Lighthouse No. 6; or, The Ghost of the Sea.. y Allyn Draper 306 The Wolf-Fighters; or, The Adventures of Two New Yerk Boysin Minnesota.........- by Howard De Vere 707 Railroad Larry; or, Always in oe Times... Albert J. Booth 708. Bound Together; or, The Youn: Fite Laddies of Springdale. ......... cerry’ Robert Lennox 709 Two pose: on a Wreck; or, "Abandoned in Mid Ocean...... by Hal Standish 710 The Jolly Travelers’ ‘or, “Around “the World for Fun—Comics ses. cic cecsteccces ». by Peter Pad 711 The Haunted Pioneer; ‘or, Fighting for Texas **Noname”” 712 Leaves ate a ways or, A Youtik Clerk’s -..-by H. K, Shackleford e; or, aes in Ken- srseseee-bDy Kit Olyde r Boy’s Travels in y +--+. by Jas, D. Montague 715 Monaco, the Jaguar Hunter.....by Hal Standish 716 Poe Page to Senator; or, Working his Way seeeeeeeeee- DY H. K. Shackleford 717 hoes ‘Oleary’s Country Court—comilc..:...... by Tom Teaser 718 Old Rough and Ready; or, The Heroine of M rey.. -by “* Noname” , The Rival Hook and Ladders by Robert Lennox T20 Kidnapped; or, Ferced on a- Man o’ War.. by J. G. Bradley T21 Jack o’ the Plains; or, The Headless Mazeppa by Paul Bradden 722 The Prisoners of the Castle; or, A Blow for Freedom.....-.-- ceccees Od pak D. Montague 123 Muldoon, the Sport—comi Sexe Tom Teaser 7 A Newsboy’s Trip Around ue Work beesierge y H. K. Shackleford 125 In Dixie; or, A War Correspondents Thrillipg Adventures... ..../.......by Col. Ralph Caton 726 The Skeleton Sentinel....by Lieut. E. Kellogg 727 Muidoon’s Vacation—comic......by Tom Teaser 123 The Valleydale Social Club; or Ruined by Wine by H. K. Shackleford 129, RE Crockett’s Vow; or, His Last Shot for s+e-----by Kit Clyde ndy’s COs anesecsccnvens: wha West; or, On The Plains With earn Billesss se sasenec sees BY Robert Maynard flor Boy’s Kingdom; or, Young Ame ites aria South Seyret sby H. K. Shackleford 737 The Forest opt OE uae D, Montague 3 OF, 0. B Le perenne z soeccesesebDY Kit Clyde 739 A Waif from the , Flung from the Foam - by Thomas P. by "Ea? k Agent’s Luck—comic..........by “ 740 Pasay Heck, the Man from Texas... Xs Dy D. W. Stevens Gallows; or, A Young Man’s Pei wis teen, he a D soy B, . ee aunt tne Diver; or, Down Among the mes Wick -D MOTE oo ae asia ss .by J. G: Bradley ross the Continent on Wings; or, se sreade, Jr.’s Greatest Flight......by ‘‘Noname” 345 Lost In an Unknown Sea; or, rene Un- der the Earth..............-by Jas, D. Montague 746 The Shorty Kids; cr, “Three Chips of Three Old B Tiros among ihe Gannibals.. -by Peter Pad Walton Among sesclee ast. Dick = sh EL James Jr. wordsmen; or, The Boy Gttaee gaa Tee XE * py Richard R. Montgomery 149 The Mutineers; or, Dick praises in the South SOAS. .....deccesecsesserseessbv W. I. James, Jr. 760 Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring Mexico in His New Atrship. aes eenee ieee oa Ee ote, ” wins; or, ped LT REA Richard R. Montgomery 152 Five Dollars; or, A Cheap Ravenge.;tia2/-2+ oY rey B. St. John 253 aaike McGuinness; or, Traveling ot Pleas- re—oomic. Tom Teaser au old Grate oa oe OT gn 755 Young Sam Patch, the Coa Boy Ju yaa miners 456 Little Jack and His Twenty Boy, Firemen eee 757 Dick Spray; or, A Stowaway’s Trip to China... by J. G. Bradley 7158 Barnum’s Hunters; or, Trapping Wild Ani- mals for the Greatest. Show on Earth... By Richard R. Montgomery 759 The Seven Masks; or, The Quaker City League By Percy B. St. Johu 760 Muldoon’s Night School—comic....by Tom Teaser 761 The Unlucky Miner; or, The Rivais for Dead Man’s Claim............+ss6s..Dy- Paul Braddon 762 ae pe ME or, The Young ing of Las- seaeeaent eveseeesD¥ D. W. Stevens 763 His Fine Drink; Ora Country Boy's Life in Ne w Y cise «by H. K. Shackleford 7164 The Orar’s 8 BOY. Mail: ‘Carrier: or, Young Amer- ica in Russia ....... eseesee- DV O, Little 765 Bap bers and ‘Trailers; “or, Battles With the Red Men. .....cccossecceccee-cee-D¥ *Noname ”? 766 On the Queen’s Service.......-.-- by J. G. Bradley 767 Tick Tack, the Messenyer Boy; or, Sharp Work for a Million...... ....by Robert Lennox 768 Sam Spry, the New York Drammer; or, Busi- ness Before Pleasure—comilc.......by Peter Pad 769 A Lost Boy; or Homely Jack’s Luek.......... by R. T. Emmet 770 The Black Rider. A Story of the Revolutien, By Ralph Morton TIA _— et the Clouds; or, Cast Adrift in BallOon....,,0cseee+eeeee+ee--DY Hal Standish 772 mie Young Moonliginter; of An acre Boy Telan eat . Brougham pink or, The Maniac Father........scecssees Paul Braddon 174 Little aa the. "pilot; or, The Pons of the LEK isscctaccdecccse eecccceceeeedy C. Little 715 The Irish Boy Monte teeyed a ote by Corp, Morgan Rattler 716 A Cruise Among Pirates; or, The Blue-beards of the Sens Since a dcact ecacebeseeky Kit Clyde 777 The Little Joker—comic.........-- 178 The Two Runaways; or, The cate Circus Life... 779 The Schoel-boys’ League: or, Way Against Odds,.... 780 Lucky .Lal, the Newsbo; Ladder of Fame..... 781 Lost in the Land of Sn Boys in the Arctic... 782 Coal Mine Kit; ory The Mule Boy of Diamond BNAM. 20. cccccrcccseccesess y Percy B. St. John 183 The Band of 13; or, The Knights s the Trail... yy Paul Braddon 784 Muidoon the a Leese by Tom Teaser 785 Diving lor Gold.. Te Kit Clyde 786 The 12 Owls; or, | of Oh icago by Paul Braddon 787 The Fire King: or, The Yankee “ge ie re) pha Emmet 788 The Boy Bank Messenger; or, ae Bob Braa- shaw’s Secret Foe......... --+--.by O. Little 789 His Last Cent; or, How Joe Dutton Made His FOrtune.......+++5.s0000.--0Y H. K, See 790 Born to be a Sailor; or, Bob Dare’s Life o the Water... ccc pvrecccccccvecccees DY Kit Clyde 791 The Electric Man; or, Frank Reade, Jr., in AMBtIAlA. 20. cccaccceceesecees DY “.Noname”” 792 Satan; or, The Mystery of Ten Years......... by Howard De Vere 793 Those Quiet Twins—eomic..........by Peter Pad 794 The Somat i seneneers or, The Burning of MOSCOW 6 ova ces veidic dpesieuee --by R. T. Emme 795 A Soldier at ‘16; ‘or, Figuung: for’ ihe Dalen epee br C, Lit 796 Teddy of the Toll Gate; or, The Man With the Green Shades. SiaveacecBY Corp. Morgan Rattler 197: The maysawer Boys; or, “ue a a Sees SONOS ese cccceccndssccess Fereri ss St, John 198 The Young Snow Trailers; pa! o ck. the Giant Moose Hunter.......... Paul Braddon 799 Denny the Clown, A Story of ee Life in Ireland.............by Corporal Morgan Rattler 800 On the "Rail; or, Perils in the Life of a Young Engineer...........+s.se00...by Albert J. Booth 801 3,000 Miles on a Bicycle; or, A Race ee the OONUNONE. ... 2. . esse neers sececcsees DY O. Little 802 Fearless Phi}; or, The Here of pepees Rif... Seibet Braddon $03 The Shortys’ Christmas Reekete=soora Boece by ‘Peter Pad 804 Claim 4; or, The Hunchback of Placer Pocket by **Noname” 805 Bs Miser’s Son; er, ‘In Seareh of Hidden eeserecesccvene-veessDY H, K. Shackleford 806 The Wallis of New York.sccccccosecessssede by N. S. Wood (The Yonng American Actor). $07 Bee the Bear; or, any Pranks of a Wild Irish by Bane Smiley 8 ape of a al Standish R. T. Emmet aeeccnsccececs by Corporal Morgan Rattler 808 The Haunted Bell Tower; or, The Hidden Mys- terys.cA ese vseseeee- DY Percy B. St. John 809 Two Years on an Island of Tce..by Alvert J. ee 810 A Bootbiack’s Luck....-..........-..-by C. Li 8{1 Around the World ina Batoon; or, aectmanoeees of Miles Through the Air........by R, T. Emmet 812 The Fur Hunters of Winnipeg...by Panl Braddon $13 Six Weeks Under Ground...........by Kit Clyde $14 The Eremcenny Boy; or, The Hero of the White ee es ceeneseececsnee by H. K. Shackleford 815. The’ Bieciric Horse; or, Frank Reade, Jr., and His Father in Search of the Lost Treasure re of the Peruvians.....-..-.-........by “ Noname” 816 Lion Luke, the Boy Animal by Perey B. St John 817 Carillo, the Corsair; or, The Mystetiond Mon- arch of the Mediterranean......b¥ 3. G. 818 Fearless Phil’s Chase,.........--by Pani 819 The Ghost of the School-Honse......+.by ©. Little $20 The Young Avenger; or, The Kuight of! the Silk MASK ieicascetesdesec ose cenasct aay ae tt ORAOE ’ $21 Up and Down; or, The Life of an Elevator Boy by Perey B. St. John 822 Dick the Middy; or, A Boy’s Life on . Man-o’- Wartecclicxncs cocnetann es by J. G. Bradley’ 823 Footlight ¥ Fred the ‘Boy ‘Actor; or, Bound ade. bers 824 A Rolling Stone: ‘or, “Jack Ready’s Liles of Fun --comic. se.s-----Dy Peter Pad» 825 The Secret of the Tattooed Map..b y R. T. Emmet $26 Custer’s Little Dead Shot; or, The Boy Scout of the Litsle Big Horn...... ae... by** Noname ” $27 A Queer Race. The Stery of a Strange People by William W: $28 Kit Carson's Boy Trapper........by Paul Braddon $29 Slippery Ben, the Boy Spy of the Revolution. . $30 Paddy Miles” Luck; or, The Irish Boy Miner.. by Corp. Morgan Rattler: 831 The Boy Fish; or, Little Dick the Diver.....: by R. T. Emmet 832 Ben the Bowsman; or, Adventures in the Mon- tezuma Swamp....... cesscceseee, seDYCoLIttle 833 The Mastodon’s Gave; or, Two Wide Awake Boys in the Far West.....- by Percy B. St. John 834 so EOe Stage Driver; or, The Here of Rocky ty EL fe Bracdon 835 reat Newsboy. Up; or, A New York Boy in |» Business, .....0.00ee0 by N.S. Wood (The Young. American ‘Actor) 886 Alone in the Wild West; or, A New York Boy’s _. Search for Buffalo Billovesccceas by R. T. Emmet 887 The Secret of the Sealed Gola Mines, by** Noname * $33 Little Blondin, the Tight-Rope Walker..by C. Little 839 Late New York to San Franciseo in a Oatama- ey titi te »-by John Sherman 840 A r Younes Jay. Gould; or, ree Boy Among the _ Fae bennts Kings... paarhy H. Xo Rbaskiafard n ape oy; or, Ge! nee p in the World... So aie oas-eceecceess DY RK. T. Emmet $42 Jack Ready’s School Scra omic.by Peter Pad $43 The Ice-Boat Boys; or, Cruising on Frozen Waters in the Northywest..,.,.....by C. Little $44 Little Blind Joe; or, The Sharks of New York. by N.S. Wood (The Young American Actor} 845 Young Ironclad, the Boy Gunner.by John Sherman 846 The Boy Gold Punters; or, ee New York in California, ..........+.+-.-..-by R. T. Emmet 847 The Shortysin the Wila Wertecomteus Peter Pad $48 Billy the Bugler. A Story of Sorernerian Isiand and New York......0+s-000-+ by ©. Little 849 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Chase ‘Through the’ Clouds. by “Noname” 850 Dye Boy; or, The Mystery ae an Iron 3 By R. T. Emmet 851 My Friend Smit % Ney Talbot Baines Reed 852 The Boy Crusoes; or, The Young Castaways - of the Pacitic.. «by St. George Rathborne 853 Eig the Tumbl r, The Wonder of the eobseres -by Corporal Morgan Rattler 854 Ned, t r, Through 100 Miles of Foes........ sswoctoes-e-s. by O. Little 855 Frank Reade, Jr, and His Electri co Team..... by “Ne panier, 856 The Shortys’ Christmas BAPE OoBUCs 3 by Actor) 858 ee Phil in Disguise; or, The Tiger’s Last York; or, Bound to Make His Money.......... by H. K, Frenne a 860 Sipetap mm 3 or, The State-Room Sec 861 The Bo: ‘mers; or, Atanteeate in Africa 862 Out With wit Carson, A Story of “ Karly Days of Kansas................by R. T. Emmet 863 The Boy Samson; or, Taking Care or Himselt. by C, 864 The Boy Frem New York; or, A ment lex Five HONS. sos cssvepceces ae eDY Percy B, St. John 865 Smart & Co. the Boy Peddlers—oomic........ » by Peter Pad 866 A Chicago Boy; or, Up From Be: Lewest.. . y John Sherman $67 An Old Boy; or, Maloney es eduentions: GOMNCISSs0cs fevcskccaneecess ..by Tom Teaset 868 The Boy Tal ear Operator; or. the Mystery of a Midnig «by Col, Ralph Fenton 869 Dick Boldhewo:, or, “Thes Strange Adventures of a Young Yankee Sailor.......Writien by Himsew 870 aes the Greenhorn; or, From BrowaNay to Mator.... eet Corporal Morgan Rattler 871 ron Errand Boy to Lawyer; or, Bound te be at the Top... sosseseeesse.DY R, T, Emmet $72 Bob Allen’s Ranch; or, A Cattle King at 17... by ©. Little” 873 Behind the Scenes; or, Out witha New. York “ pes pamen pales 5 a see Peter aA or ten pS; oF, of ti sdateconcsckosecsacsRy. a least nh 875 General Washi n’s Boy; or, The You Soldier in the Revolation.... we bade ale 876 Pawnee Bill and the Okla siren age Geo. 877 Frank Reade. Jr.’s Search for a Sunken Ship; or, Working for the Government.by ** Noname ’* 878 Young Captain Tom Drake; or, Im Search of oe Pirate’s Home...-.,,..-.--- yy the apr’ of “ Captain Tom Drake, ete. 879 A Bad Bora ues te Book—comic.....-...by * Ed? 880 The Y: oung Ral road King; one — Brake- man to Prest dent.........by Col. Ralph Fenton 881 Joe are the Whaler; or, anrmnere — Fon 882 Lost on nthe ‘Atlantic....-.....by Ho oward De. Vers 883 Monitor Matt: or, The Giant of the Waves, A Story of the Great Rebellion. .by sea A! Morton 884 ae ey Ee Rovers; or, The Adventures of Tw: BOYES. cde ccccsccedcadeucpabee C.Litte 885 His Own Boss; or, The Boy ‘Captain o Cat- head Lake........+.......+.by Percy B. St, Joby -~ N. “s. Wood (The Young ‘America:
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Latest Issues of THE 5 CENT WIDE AWAKE LIBRARY $86 Braving the Flood; or, The Plucky Fight of Two Jolinstown Boys....s- .-.--by R. T. Emmet 887 Muldoon the Solid Man—comic. ...by Tom Teaser 888 The Boy Star; or, From the ae to For- y N.S. Wood $89 The Young Commander; or, A New York Boy in the Southern War........... by Ralph Morton 890 Two in a Box; or, The Long and Short of it—comic.........- eoseccevceseesD¥ TOM Teaser 891 The Sol Soldier's ‘Son; or, The Secret of the House of Eight Pines. A Story of New York... by C. Little 892 Satin Sam the Young Western Sport.......... by Paul Braddon 808 The Funny Four—comic..........+. Te by Peter Pad 894 The White Queen of the ‘Aztecs; or, Two Yau- kee Boys in Mexico............. by R. T. Emmet 895 The Deacon’s Son; or, The Imp of the Village COMIC. cevevscoceseccscccdguoses by Tom Teaser 896 The Boy Slave ‘of the Galley; or. The Mystery of the Treasure Ship.......by Percy B. St. John 897 A Bad Egg; or, Hard to “Crack—comic,.:. 2... by Tom Teaser 898 Two Years With a Pirate; or, The Prantom Ship of the Gold Coast..........by J. G. Bradley 899 Muldoon’s Boarding House-comic.by Tom Teaser 900 The Boy Diamoua King; or, The Young Monte Christo of New York:....:...by ©. Little 901 Ikey;or, He Never Got Left-comic. by Tom Teaser 902 The Armorer’s Son; or, The LoS of the Tower of Londor......2..0.-.% .by Allyp Draper 903 Jimmy Grimes; or, Sharp Smart & Sassy— COMIC. £00.00. ee cseessseces-+eeeeD¥ TOM Teaser 904 Dick Getaway; or, thes 9 fora Fortune..:.. aed Morgan Rattler 905 Tom Quick, the cyt of Delaware..... by R. T. — 906 — Peleg the Boy Engineer; or, ming at ec cesesesceee Dy Albert J. Booth 907 Daring. D Dare: the “Diver; or, The Prince of mers...J..+ sovcceese Dy C, Little 908 Sam; or, The Troublesome Foundling—comic. by Peter Pad 909 Velvet Van; or, Deadly Soe and His Demon fe -++---by Paul Braddon 910 A Smart New York Boy; or, From ad Sa Wealt 0.5 ,.0cccecccssccence ..by John Sherman 911 Foretop Tom; or, A Yankee Sailor Boy -Among the Malay Pirates...... by J. G. Bradley 912 Bulger Boom, the Inventor— comic..by Peter Pad 918 Out in the Streets. A Story of High ‘and Low Life in New York. by N. S. Wood (The Young American’ Actor). 914 The Swamp Demon; or, Lost For Two Years by R. T. Emme* 915 peryste Dan, Jr., the Stage Driver; or, The stery of Golden Guich..... +..by * Noname ”” 916 writen n’s Brother Dau—comic...by Tom Teaser 917 ae Bil’s Boy Broncho Breaker; or, The Youngest Hero on the Plains..by Panl Braddon 918 A Sallor at Fifteen; or, = Cabin Boy to see ee eeeeeteees Captain. GhetevevcedotendssDY usG. x Bradley 919 Henpecked—comic. Wdieduatdeote ae 920 Homeless Hal; or, ‘A Poor “Boy's Life in aoe: Great City 22. 0. 5F..28 .by Captain Will Dayton 921 Wild Bill’s Boy Partner; or, The Redskins’ Gold Secret...... ebeccveses .-.-bD¥ Paul Braddon 922 Mulddon’s Christmas—comic ...:by Tom Teaser 923 Captain Jack the Pirate’s Foe; or. The Devil- fish of the Indies............by Roger Starbuck 924 A Bad Boy at Schocl—comic............by “Ed.” 925 Mr. McGinty—comic..............by Tom Teaser 926 Lineman Joe, the Boy Telegraph Climber... by C. Little 927 Shipped to China; or, The Life of a Ranaway Boyt Mecactetacedunatevcovsce by J. G. Bradley 928 Searching for Stanley; or Tom Stevens* Ad- ventures in Africa..-.... ----e-Dy R. T. Emmet 929 Boarding-School; or, Sam Bowser at Work and Play—comic citenedtew te tos .--by Peter Pad 930 Young Magic; or, The Boy with a Charmed Life.: saceveeecssseeess DY Paul Braddon $31 Muldoon | Out West—comic. ..+--.by Tom Teaser 982 The Vn ea ty Hunters; or, Searching for Lost Mone wesessescseeeeeses-b¥ John Sherman 983 Senator Mnidoon—comie.......... by Tom Teaser 934 Sam Johnson, the Negro Detective, by Harry Kane 935 Frank Reade, Jr., in the Far West; or, The Search for a Lost Gold Mine. ....by “ Noname’? 936 The Waif of Mystery Island; or, The Adven- ue tures of a Boy Who Was Kidnapped...... by Roger Starbuck 937 The Mystery of the Sealed Door; or, The Old- eat House in New York.........by R. T. Emmet 938 Island No. 7; or, The Pirates of Lake Michigan by Geo. W. Goode 939 Our Landlord; or, Life in French Flats—comic by Peter Pad 940 From Jockey to Judge; or, The Boy Who Was Always Ahead. .... 0 cee eeceeereeee by C. Little 941 Alone in New York; or, Ragged Rob tke News- boy. by N.S. Wood (The Young American Actor) 942 ae wen Express Messenger; or, Fighting the n Ro aiascseedsu cusses ohn Sherman 943 Next Door; or, The Irish i by Tom Teaser 944 The Limbless Hunter; or, Si slocum’s Revenge by Roger Starbuck 3 For sale by all newsdealers in the United States or Canada, or sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of the price. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, Box 2730- 945 cn} Boy in Red; or, The Czar’s Masked Mes- BENQEL ese cenccecccecccsovesse= by R. T. Emmet 946 Adrift in the ‘Antarctic; ‘or, Two Years on a Continemt of Ice.........- escsecss-eDy-C. Little 947 The Aldermen Sweeneys of New York—comic by Tom Teaser 948 Pawnee Bill; or, The White Chiefs First War Tratls cc. csicvedescvevccccceses by Paul Braddon 949 The Boy Suowman; or, A Circus Manager at Sixteen --. .--by John Sheriaan 960 Tip Top Teady. “the Young Foretopman; or, Four Years Before the Mast..... py x G. "Bradiey 951 Mrs. Brown’s Boarding-House—comi: by Peter Pad 952 The Boy Sheriff, or, The Regulators of Peco Valley... .scecceescccvesscocseve by R. T. Emmet #53 The Buried “Gold “Ships or, ‘The Sailor Boy’s Ghos ree Lesvesseee DY Cy Little 954 Our raters "President; ‘or, “The Oak That Came From the Acorn—comic Thee ++-.-by Peter Pad 955 General Crook’s Boy Gnide; or, The Great Indian Fighter's Black Hills Trail......... by Paul Braddon 956 Three Yankee Boys in Africa; or, The Giants of the Congo...........-.».by Percy B, St. John 957 The Bo: Surveyor: or, Running Out a Rail- Toad in the Indian Country...by John Sherman 958 Rob Rounds, the Young Fireman. ....by C. Little 959 Muldoon’s Basc Ball Cluab—comic.by Tom Teaser 960 Fair-Weather Frank, the Dashing Sailor Boy.. by J. G. Bradley 961 Fagle Dan the Boy Hermit of the Rockies..... by Paul Braddon 962 Captain Lewis, the Pirate..............by ©. Little 963 Muldoon’s Base Ball Club in Boston—comic.. by Tom ‘Teaser 964 ore Horton; or, From a Waif to a Million- “ Captain Will Dayton 965 The "Prairie Post Boy; or, The Scalp Hunters of Apache Land......... +sos--Dy Paul Braddon 966 Chums to the Death; or, The Adventures of a Boy Marine...........20++00-DY ae Starbuck 967 Muldoon Abroad—comic.......-- y Tom Teaser 968 An Engineer at 18; or, The “Boy Ditver of the Lightning Express..............by R. T. Emmet 969 Hardpan Harry, the Hunted ‘Boy; or, A Young New Yorker Among Western Outlaws... by ©. Little 970 The ero nny Boy; or, Before the Footlights and Behind the Scenes...........by N.S. W' 971 Maldoon’s Base Ball stat in Philadelpula— ee 5 Tom Teaser aeceecscevesecs gz 973 The Boy Bicycle Scouts; Among the Redskins... 974 Rob Rider, the Circus Equestrian; con Two Years Under the Canvas......by Geo. W. Goode 975 The Boe SA be Minstrels; or, Work ing the Same Old ets—COMIC.....+++0s 976 The Tunnel Under the Sea; of Two Drowned Boys.”.. 977 Pawnee Bill Doomed; or, No Man’s Land...... 980 he Tr “treasure trove} or, 981 Alone on a Wreck; ‘or, “The Myster fete Visvrsuevtes ee 982 Dan Darling’s Cruise; or, Three Boys’ Lucky Vacation....... Fr ehseeeD¥ Hs ‘Shackleford 983 Muldoon's Picnic—comic. soveveesssD¥ TOM Teaser 984 Luke Lines, the Boy Stage Driver;or, The - Fonur-in-Hand of Keno Camp...by Paul Braddor 935 yocees, Jim, the Daring Boy Rider; or, Win- / ning His Fortune in the ao EEL yy Robert Maynard 986 The Lost Boy Captain; or, me "secret of the Hidden Whirlpool...... sd ee r Starbuck 987 ee Jack Jarrett; or, How He Made His MONGY sos is iee vccace cesitve by He R. Shackleford 988 Rob Rivera. the Ratt Boy; or, Log Driving on the Missouri River........-....by R. T. Emmet 989 Muldoon the Cop, Part I.—comic..by Tom Teaser 990 Mnidoon the Cop, Part 1I.—comic. .by Tom Teaser 1 The Bor merece er: see me pioung, Pilot of the by Roger Starbuck dventures 1n A K. Shackleford 993 Frank more and Bis Queen by Wor ol the Clouds—Part I........--.es name » 994 Frank Reade, Jr., and “His Queen tip r of the Clouds—Part II............ dD: oname ?? 995 -The Boy Lawyer; or, Fighting. For a Stolen MUNMON T5552 seek pe cost esescdss wee by R. T. Emmet 996 Little Tominy “Bounce on His Trave: s—comic. by Peter Pad 997 The Little Biack Rover; or, The gla ph Privateer of New York Bay eeeeuss by Corporal Mor n Rattler 998 Pawnee Bili’s Oath; or, The Oklahoma ut’s Lost Gold Cache. ..... s+eeeee-eDy Paul Braddon 999 Jie Grimes, Jr.; or, The Torment of the age—COMIC...s.svee-eeeseessDY Tom Teaser 1000: The Pirates of the Black Cave; or, The Mys- tery of the Hidden Lake.....by Roger Starbuck 1001 Through Thick and Thin; or, Our Boys TAINTORC wavsccvecetscuavsecess by Barton Bertren . 1002 Jack and Jim; or, Rackets and eee at School—comic..........eeeseeeee m Teaser 1003 Littie Quick-Shot; or, Buflalo vis. Wild West in Enrope................by Panl Braddon 1004 The Mysterious Li rht-Ship; or, The Smnug- glers of the Death Coast..... Roger Starbuck 1005 Muldoon’s Grocery Storesonrh oe Part I.. yy Tom Teaser 1006 Muldoon’s Grocery store—comic. % Part Il.. Tom ‘Teaser - 1007 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Monitor of the Air; or, Helping a Friénd in Need. by “‘ Noname” 1008 Gerald *O’Grady’s Grit; or, The Branded Irish Lad.......... «by Co orporal Morgan Rattler 1009 Denver Dan, Jr., the Silver King; or, The Richest Lode in Nevada......... by ‘“*Noname '? 1010 Six Weeks in the Saddle; or, The Aeneas ures of a Boys* Riding School..:.... R. T. Emmet 1011 The:Traveling Dude; or, The Gomnt cal Adven- tures of Clarence Fic | Roy Jones—comic... by Tom Teaser 1012 Black Brow, the Pirate; or, The Cruiser of the Dark River......c:c--.-: by Roger Starbuck 1013 The Yankee Yacht Club; or, Around the World by Water.............-- by Geo. G. Smal} 1014 Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a River of Mys- » <A Strange Story of Africa.by “ Noname”’ tery. Uy 1015 Muldoon’s ane aragng the W om i—comic, Part I Tom Teaser see eeweeee Iss 1017 Flat Boat Fred: or, ter-of Louisiana.... 1018 Among the Sun W York Boys in Peru. 1019 Jack Magic, the Bo @BE ON the Stage......sscseervcccoscs 1020 Frank Reade, Jr., and ‘Bis Electric Air ache: or, The Great Inventor Among the Aztecs by “ Noname.’? 1021 Two™ Boy Wanderers; or, ae chums of the Lost Island. ...000 ceeceneees by Roger Starbuck 1022 The Wonder of Wall Street; or, A Boy Among , the Bulls and Bears.......by HL K. Shackleford 1023 The Unknown..............+---D¥ Panl Braddon 1024 aye Comical Adventures of Two Dudes— ; MICs pe cep egacoane by Tom Teaser 1025 Cast Adrift; cr, One's Year ‘ona Ratt. Sapaveste, by J. G. Bradley 1026 The Rival Boat Clubs; or, The Boss Schoo! at Beachwood.........++--.. by Howard De Vere 1027 The Demon Captain; or, The Doomed Boys of the Gun-Ship......... ary Roger Starbuck 1028 Boe by hess Sekine ull; or, The liege of a Da- kota School-House.......--.. by Paul Braddon 1029 Bob Bright; or, A Boy of Business and Fon —comic, Part l......-.--...... by Tom Teaser 1030 Bob Bright; or, A Boy of Business and Fan —comic. Patt Il....+..++.+.... by Tom Teaser 1031 Pawnee Bill’s Shadow; or, May Lillie, the Girl Dead Shot..... seseeessee-DY Paul Braddon 1082 Tom Topp; or, Fighting Against Bere Dr Allyn DIRDes 1083 The Poisoned Ship; or, Adrift we a Sea of Death. <. cocececcacvecs -. by Roger Starbuck 1034 Bick Dart; ‘or, “The Fiend ofthe Revenue Cut- Naderags aan pERA Se eeT et ey .-by Berton Bertrew 1035 The Boy Siave of New York; or, Sold to a Hunted Man -by C. ae 1036 Around the World in a Sail Boat........... Harry Keuneae 1037 Fred Fresh; or, As Green as Grass—comic... by Tom Teaser 1038 Old Buckskin, the Man With the Trained Dogs or, The Iudian Scont’s City Man Hun seeee-+-DY Paul Braddon 1039 “ Bpartit” the New York Bootbiack.---. ee OB METONEDK cies ccuccosaccsaenecces 1041 A ‘ship ¢ an Wheels; or, The Woncer pe Hur- OO Ferra r Starbuck 1042 rrrathfol qeex: or, On Board the Nancy Jane. ‘A Story Fnil of Lies—comic. .. .by Tom Teaser 1043 The Gold Arrow; or, The Demon of the Cas- Les A Thrilling’ Story, of the Wild North- +eseee-e0¥ Paul Braddon 1044 The E Boy. Lion King; ‘or, ane rome. ofthe + Diamond Cavesy.........++- R. T, Emmet 1045 “7 of Dismal Swamp, Great South........ Cave snaslY, 1046 The Custancayh of Icelana; or, The Fiend of the Lava Caves.............by Roger Starbnck 1047 Billy efit or, From One Thing to Ancther MIC... .secccossceseveces ---by Tom Teaser 1048 An n Engineer a “Seventeen: or, pre the s Bottom to the Top...........+...-. y Cc. Little 1049 bes Carl; “or, be Factory buys Bon T. Emmet 1050 One, kway With” Gannibals; or, The ube Boy King of the Man-Eaters. A Thrilli Story of fhe South Pacific.....by J. G. Bradley 1051 Frank Reade, Jr., in the Sea of Sand, and His Discovery ofa Lost People.by “ Noname’” Address 34 and 36 North Moore Street, N. Y- -y qd . 1 ne AS Sabet oy / i t y {! OMT eh ae) ae tute