Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 2) (1896 04 03)
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- Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Matier. pe FRANK TOUSEY, Pousnisuer, 4 & 36 NORTH Moors Sr., N. Y, PRICE No. 12 61. {COMPLE TE} New York, April 3, 1896. IssUED WEEKLY. {; CENTS. Vol. II. Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1896. by FRANK TOUSEY, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. O. —— Joe Dodger, the Boy Ventriloquist By GUS WILLIAMS. _ ‘The shrieking of the monkey aroused Joe from his stupor. He sprang to his feet, he saw that:Fay was saved but | _-_—s that her trate pre: srver was in deadly peril. He rushed upon the reptile with Eierievkeite adewwe, “le De eeeee cr tes tee eee eee Ceely Sar. , Ts raked meow. epee Sere we Mywiekalie Aewe. (a
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2 JOE DODGER. Ske subscription price for Toe Wine Awake Lrprary for the year 18: will be $2.50 per year; $1.25 FRANK TOUSEY, Pus.isHes, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York. r 6 months, post paid. Address x 2730. ‘ ss | JOE DODGER. BOY VENTRILOOQUIST. "TELE; Author of “The Black Mask,” “ Billy Bender,” “ The Seven Charmed Bullets," “ CHAPTER I. A MYSTERY WHICH ASTONISHES THE SCHOOL- MASTER AND CREATES A RUMPUS. “Boys, come to order!” cried Professor Thwackem, hammering away at his desk with his ferule. “Come to order immediatety !” The scene was the Yankville High School, an institution that was the pride of all the good citi- zens of Yankville, a quiet, staid, and sober New d town, and those whom the professor addressed as boys constituted the highest class, who were soon to graduate. ranging in age from fifteen to a penton The usual crowd of noisy, boisterous, whole-souled and hearty boys, that ure to be met with everywhere, and without entering into a minute d ion of each, it is cient to state that our hero, Joe , was one of the tall, muscu- fae that were gener- ; the leader at once usually boisterous. The being that, as they were to leave school for good within a few they had determined to have a grand old time, and were busily engaged g the lessor en’ t rap in the posed * blow-out,” fered. aa, enthroning him- self a) cathedra, rapped for order. A le word about the professor before we take w bao * Sos egg 4 em, D.D. LL.D., the Ebenezer Thwack type of the New England school-master. Long, n and bony, his legs and arms entirely he ee in length with the shortness of his ly, with bent shoulders and consumptive air, lean-shaven By GUS WILLIAMS, infamous! Who was it that used that slang phrase? Iam determined to discover the wretch, and woe to him if I do!” This new offense made him, for the time, ob- livious of the first interruption, and he sent Hay- ward to his seat. “ Now, sir,” said he sternly, addressing the pes from whom the sound apparently proceeded, “was that you?” The boy protested his innocence, and so did the rest, and A that were in the immediate vicinity of the cause of the disturbance. , The professor was ina rage at his failure to thi or. Peers wee it?’ asked he in despair. “Does “Who Bebe - ow ory T do,” answered one, though the professor could not discover who. “ Well?” asked he. «Solomon Slingshot, the button-grinder.” This answer was too much for the equanimity of the boys. They toeced and yelled, they shrieked and screamed like so many lunatics just let out of Bedlam. For some moments chaos reigned in that school- room, and the professor st there with ferule —. dumb, powerless, rooted to the spot, th a horrible spread over his face, “ Like Patience on a monument, smiling at grief.” A silence as of the grave succeeded this wild ayo ddenly beeame mute and silent. ts} sudden en There ‘ake some mystery in this they could not explain, but which caused their merriment to vanis! Th ; gant at each other with questioning nates ut none seemed able to solve this riddle. Silence being thus restored the professor folded his arms, and wesite © n them a look of awful ry, ne aioe struck dumb with shame at See ee enne Shon aioe Soe Boys, you ae Tes absolutely impressed upon him the stamp of a kind of in- unparalleled in the annals of this school-house, structor, which, happily for and those | fo wide world, and when You become older and ge ie ho tesbennoe find- | Wiser, the thought of this day’s behavior will fill ‘that his efforts were in vain. “ What's got | your w pas aan shame. aoe morning 30me among you Ww! ‘ Sh and mili: cam the unexpected answer, | Stay here is soon to be over, that for that reason pparently trom a boy known for his quiet man- | You cv COmP0t *Snjoys, and upon. me, ks pein= ner and exem conduct. tation seboo! , » E ‘The boys shout of laugh i But whoever they are, let me tell them _ gai Bebavgcet upp shout of laughtor, and then | EP iney will find themselves mistaken, They _ dacity of the seeming cul; shall not graduate, they shall be expelled in dis- 7 was dum led. honor and infamy, and none of you shall leave Fae | ia dead nck tociess bisaoeane this room until the guilty ones are discovered, S. Seer rene ae and t Metin caaes Sion 0 Rina weet ng school recollection, best as too. — penne. kis . tape the fegapt continund = | DEFER be Sorhag i “ “ ou are silen ve war cee” ed Re impatiently, “step for- | 1 you what I intended to say half an hour ago, The boy so You know that, though this is a private school, tothe, seat like a ballshotfromacannon. pny eT rb 2° Why, this is infamons, yelled he, “ perfectly se —_ a é 7 ‘ wre yet it is subject to the inspection and examination |. of the gentlemen com z the State Board Ex- aminers. I have received information ‘that they _ -_. | will visit the school this day and examine you. fact, I momentarily expect their coming. In While they are prgsent I hope that jereia of the tiase will, by your and igh inerease the n the Y. School y and sound natu tion.” mS He had delivered himself of this speech when a at the door announced the arrival ewe) aeret ani? ay An Aor's Son,” etc., etc. The boys straightened themselves up and sat erect in silent expectation, The professor opened the door, and with a greasy smile upon his lips and an humble obei- sance, ushered into the school-room four stout, dignified gentlemen, arrayed in all the glory of black swallow-tails, and high-standing collars. “Ah! gentlemen,” exclaimed the fessor, shaking their hands, “it does me much honor for a — my humble efforts in the paths of “Professor Thwackem,” answered the Hon- orable Eliphalet Todd, the chairman of the board, and the most dignified of the lot, “the honor is mutual. Your school, sir, is an ornament and pride to the State, and its greatest virtue is disci- pline. Heaven’s first law is order, and it should also be the first law in the school-room. What is a school without discipline?” — *T give it up, Toddy,” answered some one, in irreverent tones, ; Toddy! The Honorable Eliphalet Todd, chair- man of tife State of School Examiners, and apn igh “aeped as boys before on . ott Ml ee y8 with a look of severe dignation. Not a face moved, not a muscle stirred, ' Whatever inclination they had toMaugh was restrained by the mysterious source whenee the — exclamation had proceeded, and the august presence of the board. ry The Honorable Mr, Todd next gazed at the school-master, ; ‘ He was b! with mortification and shame. He dared not his eyes from the ground to meet those of chairman, . Was this an example of the discipline their colleague had now so highly lauded? “Sir,” said chairman, slig! stammering, and turning towards the crest- professor, * did madden aaiross me by the name of— | of bs oe ; a “T_I,” stammered the rin and 4 professo turn, * stood you, sir; I—heard nothing.” Ao ust have been mistaken, the capital of France?” _ “Paris,” came in a whisper close to the boy's. “Sit down, sir,” exclaimed the chal sternly, “You are being prompted. Prof . N am surprised that you should allow such a thing to oceur.”” \ 8 The hapless school-master was in despair. No onehad been more strict in that regard than he, and now that such a thing should ‘in apnect ete. ween.
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_ me the n.ust stop right here. Look to your license, sir, it will be revoked. Come, gentlemen,” added he, turning to the board, “ we will delay no longer.” ** Squeak, squeak,” came the sound of a pig right under the chairman’s feet. at worthy person sprang into the air with a bound. He struck the professor’s desk, which rolled over him, throwing him to the floor. In falling he grappled with the entire board, and they toppled along with him, drawing the school- master after them. There they lay on the ground, a heap of groan- ne Soe. to the infinite delight of the yelling class. CHAPTER II. JOE AND HIS UNCLE, “Boys,” cried our hero, starting up just as the worthies tumbled on the floor, “let’s rush out. Hurrah for the campus. Follow me.” . The effect of his words was electricai. The boys seized their caps and with wild warhoop of the untatored savage, ran from the room and out into their Bw las ig A crowd gathered around Joe as he perched himself on the head of an empty barrel, and gave vent to immoderbte laughter. pes f boys,” eried he, “‘ wasn’t it glorious? How old Thwackem didjump! And how theold ’ took a tumble !’ >i oy ay,” cried several in a chorus. “What strikes me,” exclaimed Hayward, “is who tbe deuce raised all the row?” “Can't you guess?” asked Joe, with a curious twinkle in his eye. “Tt wasn’t you, was it?” shouted half a dozen of the boys. “T was doing it all the time,” answered he, com in tke school-room, “ I didn’t see your lips move.” “Neither they did,” replied he; “nevertheless, I created all the fuss. You won’t let out, boys, if I tell you?” “No, no, we won't,” they all shouted. - “Ts sneaking Bob amongst you?” asked Joe, around. = “The duffer’s not here,” answered they. Sneaking Bob was the nick-name given by the boys to one of their number who ingratiated him- self with the master by revealing all the - dilloes and pranks that his companions indulged in, and was consequently y hated and de- spised by all the boys, “Well, boys,” said Joe, “seeing there’s no one here who'll give me away, I'll tell you all about it. You"remember, boys, about six months ago an Italian duffer came into the town and gave an éntertainmentin which he spoke with his stomach so that he could send voice wherever he wished to; he was a ventriloquist. Well, you remember he said that some fellows are born with a natural gift that way, and if they practice they can become ventriloquists. Well, that sort ofstruck me, and so I tried whether I mightn’t besuchachap. In a word, boys, I found out that I was a ventriloquist, I wouldn’t tell any- body until I had become perfect in it. So I kept it a secret and practiced every day. Now I can talk that way as good as any one, and I tried it openly to-day in school for the first time.” } This revelation was received by the witha shout of delight. The possession of that faculty by their leader promised them a mine of fun, and the: demonstration of his power. This he willingly did, and the boys were transported with glee at the suceess of his efforts. ; “ Well, boys,” exclaimed Joe, after he had con- eluded, “let’s go into the meadows and have a game of foot-ball. Old Thwackem won’t miss us muehb to-day, I reckon.” His word was law, and in a few minutes all the boys had a the gohool-yar, and were noisily engaged at their new s They had hardly Gissppeared when the panel upon which our hero had been sitting was raised and Sneaking Bob erept out. us He stretehed his form, which was cramped by the uncomfortable position he had occupied hile get c a, and a malicious grin over- Forad ti Son Daiger ” exclaimed he, shaking ‘oe ,” exclaim @, : his pa ed hand at his absent enemy. “I'll be even with ny Segad for the walloping you gave ‘day. Bending low so that the should not see saked tein the school-house and enter- a ae 4 on. a re. ~ JOE DODGER. strange experiences he had gone through that morning. ** But all this is inexplicable,” exclaimed the Honorable Mr. Todd, “ How are you to discover the guilty ones?” “There was only one, sir,” said Sneaking Bob, who had entered unperceived and who now came forward. ‘And I know who he is!” “Ah, Bob,” exclaimed the professor, patting the informer’s head, “‘I knew you’d find out. Tell us who was it and I’ll work you perfect in your lessons to-morrow.” This pleased the young scamp for he was too lazy to study, and yet did not like to be always at the foot of the class. “Tt was Joe Dodger,” answered he, grinning. “Joe Dodger!’ exclaimed the professor, in surprise, “Joe Dodger, the boy whom I teach for nothing, just because his miserly uncle holds a mort eon the school, Oh, the rascal shall suffer for this! But how did you find out?” The sneak related all he had heard. The school-master chuckled with satisfaction. “Tl tell his uncle, Job Thornton. He hates the boy, and will fix him for this.” Even as he spoke there came a knock at the door, and in answer to the professor’s call, Job Thornton, our hero’s uncle, entered the room, He was a decripit, weazen-faced, pinched-lqok- ing old man. Meager in form as though he be- grudged himself a meal, with his old and tattered garments losely hanging to his almost fleshless bones, with the cunning, crafty look in his eyes, his eringing manner, he looked the vsry picture of what he was—a heartless, mean, and God-for- saken miser. * Good-morning, professor,” whined he, as he entered, ‘ good-morning, gentlemen. I come to see you about the interest on my mortgage. I've been calculating that Joe’s got sufficient educa- tion, and that he ought to be put to work, and you ought to pay me my interest hereafter in ntly. A “Why,” exclaimed the boy who sat next to him | cash, “That I will,” answered the professor, “and vied Dodger shan’t stay in my school another What?” asked the amiable uncle; “has he again been cutting up his usual emo Oh, that boy will be the very death of me yet. I must take him down a peg.” The school-master related what a row our hero had created, and during the recital the old miser’s eyes fairly sparkled with malicious rage. _ “Oh, just leave him to me,” hissed he, grind- ing his teeth, “‘just leave him tome. I'll drive this spirit out of him. Oh, let him come home to-night. I'll show him how to act towards his teacher.” The conversation was continued for some time longer and then Job Thornton took his departure. |: Meanwhile the boys were bis a be themselves in various ways until the schoo! Derg enced ‘the ringing of the bell, recalled them into the school- room. “ Boys,” said he, “the board of examiners have gone, i | it is needless for meto tell you that they were highly displeased with your conduct to-day. Thad in ed to k ou. here until the offenders should be discov , but to-day’s events have made me feel ag? ill, and 1 will, therefore, dismiss you for the day. To-morrow I will investigate matters further. Youmaynow go home.” rey That the boys did not want to be told this asec- ond time was evident. They separated for their respective homes in high glee at the glorious old time they had had and resting in fancied security that the school-master had not discovered the besought our hero to give them some further | truth Joe entered the wretched broken-down cottage of his uncle, which had been his home almost as far back as he could remember. Tt is true that sometimes in his day-dreams he fancied himself in a former house, more hand- somely furnished, and surrounded by all the elegancies and comforts of wealth. Atsuch times he would behold the features of a tall handsome, man, a lovely woman, kind words would greet his ear and k of love and affection be pressed to his lips, and find it alladream. If he had ever lived in such a house it must have been many, many years ago; that handsome man must have been his father, that lovely woman his mother. Where were they now? they were dead? But that was all he ever knew of his parents With a sigh he entered the dim hallway. He was met by the housekeeper, the only help his meds uncle allowed himself, and the good wom- an endured many privations rather than tear her- self away from the she so fondly loved. ~ “Joe,” said she, and her voice tly trem- bled, “‘your uncle told me to send you to his room a5 S000 as you vame into the house.” t 7 > is uncle had told him that | sibl “Why, Mary,” asked our hero, in surprise, “how agitated you are? What’s the matter?” “He seems to be awfully mad against you- about something,” answered she. : “Oh, he’s in one of his delightful humors,” an- swered Joe, laughingly. ‘‘ I’m used to that.” “Take care of yourself, Joe,” whispered she, “Don’t provoke him further. I would die were anything to happen to you.” “Tl look out for myself,” answered he cheer- ily as he sought his uncle’s room. _ “So, you young raseal,” was his uncle’s greet- ing, “‘you’ve been kicking up your usual row at school to-day.” “J, sir?” asked our hero, wondering how his unele became informed of what had occurred. * Dare you deny it, sir, I know all about it. ’ “Oh well, if you do, I suppose I must confess at; “You glory in your shame, do you?” eried his uncle enraged at our hero’s cool demeanor. “But Ill put a stop to it. You shan’t go to school any more. You shan’t eat my bread in idleness, I have apprenticed you toa trade, sir, where you will continue until you are twenty-one years of age.” “ This was news indeed to Joe, but he merely asked: ** May I know what trade?” * A shoemaker, sir,” answered his uncle vindie- ey “You're fit for nothing else but a cob- er.” “T won't learn any such trade,” answered our hero, highly indignant. “Oh you won't, eh,” yelled his uncle. “T’d like to know what you’ve got to say about it?” “I guess,” answered Joe, ventreiaiel his pas- sion, “ my inclination has something todo withthe choice of my prcfession. At any rate Pll never become a cobbler.” The words were scarcely out of his lips when _ uncle sprang upon him and seized him by the roat. * ba beggar, you,” shrieked he, “I'll strangle you!’ ‘Joe knew that, boy as he was, he was morethan a match for his decrepid old assailant; but he, although attacked, di to offer no violence to one who was his uncle. So he had recourse to his ventriloquous art. Assuming a deep bass voice and sending the sound towards the ceiling of the room, he exclaimed: : «‘ Brother, touch not my son.” / The effect upon his uncle was awful. The old man loosened his hold upon our hero’s throat, his face turned an ashy pale, a groan escaped his lips, and he fell senseless to the floor, CHAPTER IIL JOE STARTS OUT INTO THE WORLD, JoE of his words on hisuncle. It is true that the lat- ter had only fainted, but wh at apparently hearing his brother’s voice? There was some m about that which our hero eould not comprehend, but which he firmly de- termined to fathom, As hehad become older, by d he had more and more felt the want of ] parents to cheer and sustain him. He was not at all satisfled with the vague explanations of his uncle concerning their absence. Ifthey were _ dead how had they died, where were they buried, = > 4 ie . was himself somewhat startled by the effect — wo! should he swoon _ did any stone mark their last -place? _ All these questions, raised iy ine re ing soul, remained unanswered, bound to discover the truth at whatever cost. eS From such a happy vision he would awaken | al brother. And yet how could he be here. ‘He could not have escaped. No, no, | ell of mingled “Ah, I have it!” cried me Joe was a ventriloquist. . n eo "8 yearn- | he was a) e. ‘ : in his thou At last” He soctped abucsbed ; — At the he uttered a 4
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i _ - - Fring pee 1 could but hope that,” cried our hero “ait . “IfI could but believe that he is s*ill ive, He was wealthy, ys rdid Mary, > 2, JOE DODGER. overme? Shall he rob me of the wealth I reared from his father’s pittance? Shall he hand me ever to the law? No, no,a thousand times no! Til kill him first.” He paced up and down the room in great ex- citement. He breathed heavily, and cold per- spiration stood on his forehead. “Ay,” muttered he, “this very night I'll mur- der him, and then the gold is mine, the gold is mine.” When Joe left his uncle’s room he went to the kitchen where Mary had spread for him a sub- stantial if not sumptuous dinner, which he de- youred with that healihy appetite which is a pre- rogative of youth only. ‘i said. he, after she had cjeared “Now, Mary, the table, ‘I want you to tell me about my par- ents. Whenever i have heretofore asked you, you, for some reason or other, put me off; but something has occurred to-day which makes me determined to wait in ignorance no longer.” He related the scene between himself and his uncle, and continued : “You told me that you were housekeeper in my parents’ home before you came here, and I know you ean tell mea great deal if you wish to.” “Ah! Joe,” answered the worthy woman, brushing atear from her eye. “It is asad story, and I have kept it from you because I did not want to fill your young-heart with sorrow; but now, aS you are soon to become a man, it is ae for you to know all.” * Before you begin, Mary,” interrupted Joe, “I want you to tell me how it happens that my uncle, who is my father’s brother, rs the name of Vhornton, while my name is Joe Dodger.” “You were @ great favorite with your poor father,” answered she, “and he nicknamed you thus on aceount of the capers you cut even when & mere babe, and it has stuck toyou since. Your Fight name is Joe Thornton, but we've got in the habit of calling you Joe Dodger.” It may be here remarked that we shall continue to call our hero by the name that seems adapted to his general character. “Your mother,” continued Mary, “was a French lady whom your father married while at Paris. He loved her devotedly, and when twin sons were born to him the measure of his happi- ness seemed complete.” “Twin sons,” ejaculated Joe. “Had I a brother then?” “You had. His name was Henry, and though your brother, he was as unlike in appearance to you as day is to night. He took after your mother, who was a beautiful brunette, with dark eyes and wavy black hair, while you re- flashing _ semble your father, who was it complexioned. Well, until six years after their m e there never lived a happier couple. Your father was yery wealthy; they lived in a brown-stone house in New Yo: When P me and your brother were about five years old, for some unknown cause, a lent quarrel arose between your parents, Your mother was of a very passionate temper, and the result was a separation. She took Henry with her and embarked on the steamer that left _ New York for her native land. A week after, the terrible a eereeme Saat Ce vensel eae sunk at uring storm, on board were Seanad. a an nm no longer, With you, his only loved one to me he came to this place and ht to bury himself from all the world in your e's house. sad Strangers to the place, drove o ina carriage. A couple of days later your uncle returned alone.” *: Mary,” cried Joe, up and —,* her, “‘ do you wy he is “Hush,” whispered she, glan around the room. “I dare not tell oy by 4 lave.” jut a my uncle a miser. , could it be, could my uncle have murdered his brother to obtain his wealth?” ~“T do not know, I cannot tell,” whispered she. : he has hid himself somewheres,” would ransack every quarter of the to discover him and restore him to his Fights.” : : > . * __It was midnight. On a simple couch in the a fornished attic lay J: He was calmly, e fail moon that shed single window shed Siowly and stealthily the door opened. A fe- male form entered the room. It was Mary. She was as pale as a ghost, and trembled with excitement. She advanced on tiptoe to the bed, whereon lay sleeping the boy so dear to her heart. “Hist,” whispered she, shaking him, “hist, Joe, for merey’s sake wake up.” ' The boy did not stir; his sleep was too pro- found. *‘Oh Heaven help me,” cried she, “that I may not be too late,” = She shook him more violently and finally aroused him from his slumber. “Quick Joe,” exclaimed she, “‘ get up and dress yourself.” “Why, Mary,” agai he, “ what do you want?” “Get up and flee.” “ Why?” asked he, arising in his bed. “Your uncle,” gasped she agitatedly. “I heard him mutter as I passed his room, ‘now it is the time.’ I red through the keyhole, he was whetting a huge knife, he intends to murder you.” “To murder me,” cried Joe, springing to the floor. It took him hardly a second to dress. “Let him come,” added he bravely. “I am ready to meet him.” ‘*No, no, Joe,” pleaded she, “seek your safety in flight.” ** And leave you here alone?” answered he. ‘He will not harm me. There, that’s a good boy. Out of that window, climb down the honey- suckle. Go, and Heaven guard yu.” : Thus importuned, Joe crept out of the*window. Hardly he disappeared when the door opened and Job Thornton entered, bearing a murderous- looking knife in his hand. - ; The sight of Mary showed him that his victim had coi a “ Perdition !” cried he, “ where is Joe?” “Safe,” answered Mary, triumphantly. “Safe from your clutches, murderer!” “ Ah!” shouted he, ‘‘ you have warned him, you a aided him to escape; you shall pay the pen ty.” He sprang upon her, and seizing her by the throat, brandished the weapon over her head. The poor woman thought her last moment had come. “Catch the murdsrer,” “bind the villain, “arrest him,” apparently shouted a dozen differ- ent persons, Job Thornton let go his hold upon his victim. “The devil!” cried he. ‘I’m discovered.” He rushed from the room. Our hero ee through the window into the room and embraced Mary. He had uttered the various cries that had fright- ened off the villain. His knowledge of ventrilo- uism had enabled him to save the house-keeper’s e. in surprise, od CHAPTER IV. ‘JOR GOES TO SEA. Joz now rec that his only chance of safety was in flight. He knew that his uncle | the figh’ would not repeat the ———- upon s life, for was but the momentary ebullition of pees and there was no motive for her death, but he felt that the old villain would, if he had the opportunity, kill the.n both, through fear that our hero would etrate the mystery surrounding his father’s disappearance, and in order to re- main in ion of the ill-gotten wealth which belon, Joe. He had hastily made up a small bundle of iad elothing, which he had slung over his For an instant he hesitated which direction to take. The whole world was before him. He de- termined to adopt a jolly roving life, hastening from one place to another, as the best means to eome across the place where his father was hid- den. He felt convinced thatthe progenitor of his existence was still an inhabitant of this , and outh and daring inspired him with the hope that @ would be able to find him. For the immediate present, however, Joe felt that he must find a p where he could earn enough to support him, and his mind instantly rev to the glorious tales of sailors lives which he had read. A seaport was but a few miles from his native village, and towards it he directed his footste: . He walked sturdily along, and daybreak found him wandering along the wharf, somewhat tired, pi dusty, and aw hungry. e to get some but then it wanted struck him that he had not a in his pocket. Under the cireumstances, he was not ‘niach to blame for resolving to make his art of ventrilo- quism procure him one. . He entered a grim, smoky, dirty-looking res- taurant, which was situated in a street along the water-front, and going up to the baf, asked the jolly, stout proprietor standing behind it for a es of water. This was handed to him, and e@ remained standing there under pretense of drinking it. A party of men were standing at the bar drink- ing and talking. One of them, a sailor, returned from a veyage, was showing a handful of money and blowing and s ring. This man Joe hit upon as his victim. Having got the hang of his voice, he made him vo *“ Boys, call for w you want,I stand treat for ail in the house.” Immediately there was a mighty rush of bum- mers to the bar. Our hero sat down at the table and ordered a porter-house steak, potatoes and coffee. The waiter quickly brought them, and Joe fell to with a will and demolished the eat- ables in an extraordinary short time. Meanwhile the victim was dumb with astonish- ment; he had heard himself give the order, the_ words had issued from his lips, and yet he had not uttézed them. Before he could recover suffi- ciently ‘to countermand the order the mischief had been done, and the jolly tyne said: “You're a brick, Jack. The bill is ten dollars, and I likes a man as is generous like you.” “Generosity be darned,” roared Jack. “I didn’t stand treat, and I shan’t pay acent.” | “You didn’t treat?” cried the landlord, indig- nantly. _‘‘ Why, I leaves it to the gentlemen here if yer didn’t tell the boys to for whatever they wanted.” “Yes, yes,” eried the bummers in concert. “We all heard it.” “T knows it,” said Jack, igmeoees “T heard it myself; but, mates, may I never live to tread the deck if a single word came from me. I'm ages ed, and the devil put words in my mouth.” * Come, come,” cried the landlord, fearful of losing his money, “that’s too thin. Fork over, and don’t yer make any more fuss about it.” “Darn me if I will,” cried Jack; bitterly. “I'd like to see the man that can make me doit. I tell ye’s I didn’t stand treat, and it’s agin reason for me to pay what I didn’t order.’ “‘ Oh, Jack,” cried several, “ pay like a man.” “T won't,” cried he, furio a “You're a beat, then,” shouted the landlord. Hardly had the words teen spoken before Jack, with a bound, cleared the bar and landed himseit upon the unlucky proprietor, All hands joined in the fray. Tables, chairs, crockery, bottles and glasses flew around the restaurant ina lively manner, the air was resonant with oaths and 1 In the midst of the struggle Joe escaped in the street. As he walked along the wharf and reflected upon the mischief he had done, he was sorry for it. He had not foreseen the end of his joke. He thought that Jack, after some bickering, would have paid the score. He wished he could make some reparation for the act. As he was thus he almost ran against Jack. The latter, ned oy op and beaten, look, He. conquered in wore @ beg tat: “ Avast, there, youngster,” cried Jack, grab- bing our hero’s hand. “‘ You were down in the crib when the muss broke out. I walloped the duff- er, but what a me is who the deuce made use of my voice.” : “That was I,” answered Joe, with a sudden burst of confidence. * You!” cried Jack, in amazement. ‘ Our hero, sorrowfully penitent, made a clean a “ =~ whole reo odd + “By Neptune,” exclaim ack, “give’s yer hand, boy, you’re a trump. I forgive yer, and, what’s more, I’ll pay the And yer want to go to sea, eh? Be a sailor. Well, there’s the school-ship just goin’ to heave anchor in an hour, Guess I'll get yer on there. Got any parents? Cut the erib, ch? “No, no,” answered Joe, “ my parents are dead. pate run away from my uncle who wanted to me.” “ All right, then,” eried Jack. “Til be your guardian,” there's the ship, now. Let’s get on An hour later when the eri es A og ia, Joe about two hundred boys of his was enrolled own to sues the vo too sea-sick and felt too miserable to pg ea In that time, however, he rightly, come to the conclusion that the and officers were low, brutal, miserable fel- lows, who omitted no op; ona at the beg a eg charge to them by Cosme a mong the he made number of friends and some enemies. One to \ ree weeks our hero was .
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J» ' * trembling in every JOE DODGER. whom he became particularly attached was a German Lo Bo about sixteen years old, who, on | all th aecount of foreign ways and broken lish, was constantly made the butt of the others’ ridi- eule, and the victim of innumerable practical kes. a was a quiet, inoffensive lad, and though he had at first borne the contumely witn manly forbearance, yet their constant recurrence em- bittered his soul, and he keenly longed fora friend to champion his cause. All these things Joe quietly noticed and re- solyed at some time to repay the boys in like coin. They were now under a tropical sky and Joe was on his legs again, as full of life, vigor, and mischief as ever. They were crossing the equator, and the boys thought it a good time to try a joke upon Yacup. “Yacup,” said Ben Bottle, the leader of the gang, & rough rowdy and cowardly bully, “‘ we’re tm the line.” “Dat makes me noddins out,” answered Ya- eup, turning away, for he dreaded some on- slaught upon " o “ And Neptune, whois the god of the sea,” con- Ainued Ben,‘ requires a sacrifice of s»me person from every ship that crosses the line.” “Vell,” asked Yacup, respectfully, ‘“‘and vat vas dat to me?” “The captain has singled you out to be thrown overboard, and given us the right to do it.” The —— Was standing near and heard the words. He entered into the brutal joke, and ex- claimed : “Yes, drown the Dutchman.” Poor Yacup became pale and frightened. What- ever courage the boy may have had, had heen taken from him by the repeated trials he had al- ready underwent. He sank on his knees before the captain und with tears in his eyes, said: “Oh, captain, blease dond haf me drowndt.” bo i seh with him,” yelled the captain. Ber Bottle and a number of other boys raised the struggling lad on high and were about to precipitate him into the sea when a deep bass voice apparently coming up from the depths of the ocean, exclaimed: “TI donot want him, I want Ben Bottie. Soon fire him to me or I will sink your craft.” Superstition is ever dom t in a sailor’s Imind. The boys dropped Yaeup to the deck and stood gaping with oo mouths at Ben who was imb. The captain looked stupefied. He had en, in the sport in mere devi ty and had intended to give Yacup only a good ducking. But now he regarded the ominous words as a direct admoni- tion from Neptune, and tapping Ben’s shoulder, said: ; “ Ben, my boy, make ready, you’vé got to go overboard.’ “TI won't, I won't,” shrieked Ben. ‘1 won't be drownded.” a pesaaiey nn im Ha ‘ oeaon ciegusted ed, he plo: until Joe, di ti at his cowardice, exclaimed: “‘Heaye him over, captain.” The captain, hardly laid hands upon him when he swooned away in a dead fright ‘Joe wishing to change the sub; ect now raised overboard. : - the of , is « Where—hereP> shouted the captain. “ Help—help |” came the sound of a human voice. The boys crowded to the side of the vessel nearest to the cry of the person apparently drown- ing. ** Man the life-boat,” ordered the captain. . A minute later, the first mate, Joe, and several others were ro over the wide waters in search of the drow: boy. “Help!” faintly eried the voiee—* help !” “Keep up, my_boy,” cried the mate, “we're coming for you. Bt I can’t see you, where the are you?” °¢ “Here, Y” erted the voice, ap tly com- ing from’ the direction diametrically opposite to that in which they were rowing. The mate ordered the men to steer about, and the life-boat dashed ahead. “TI can hold out no longer,” cried the voice again in an entirely different direction. “Well, this beste everything!” exclaimed the mats, in ye “How -the deuce do you to shift your quarters? Where are you now ere was a sound of ing and gurgling right underneath them, and then all was silent. “Bis is cooked,” said the mate, still mystifi to-day, anyhow? Is the vessel : ad e gave orders to re-v back to the ship, and fell into a brown study, ° Vf Assoon as the party were on deck again, the ’ eaptain piped up all hands, and called the roll of e boys. No one was missing, not even Ben Bottle, for = had recovered from his swoon, and stood in e “ Darnation !” said the captain, ‘‘there’s some pw = the bottom of this. Ill be bound to find it out.” “I know who itis,” said a boy, advancing from the line. : “ Who is it that is playing all these tricks?” asked the captain. “It’s Joe Dodger,” answered the infoffhant, ‘he’s the Boy Ventriloquist.” Joe turned tosee who it was that knew his se- eret, and was betraying him. He immediately recognized the little rascal. It was Sneaking Bob, his old enemy: CHAPTER VY. JOE AND YACUP JOIN FORTUNES, A SINGLE word to explain the presence of Sneaking Rob on the Minerva. Having betrayed Joe to the school-master he was terribly afraid of our hero’s resentment, and therefore begged the august board to protect him. That body of func- tionaries having the school-ship under their con- trol dis hed him on board of it, and he was enrolled the day previous to that on which our hero came on board. One can judge the surprise he felt at his dis- covering that his enemy was with him, and he studiously kept out of his sight until ‘this mo- ment. The desire to injure Joe was, however, too strong for his pradence to overcome. Hence wihoubg eocahatie 0e’s ae re : esky p: athunder-storm appears no blacker or emer thas did the vountenance of the captain at the announcement. He fairly foamed with rage. eo Dodger,” shouted he, “step forward, 8 i” Our hero mechanically obeyed. * Now, sir,” added the enraged captain, “I'll teach you, sir, to send me on a wild-goose chase in; I'll show you how to cut capers aboard : this vessel; Ill learn you who is mascer e) ee. “T am sensible, sir,” answered our hero, with great di ity, “that I have done wrong, and though the ‘ellow who told on me is a mean, des- pieable wretch, yet I am willing to endure what- ever punishment you may inflict upon me.” “Oh, er willing, are you?” sneered the cap- tain. ‘“‘ Well, I don’t care whether you are or not. Perhaps you'll change your mind before the per- formance is over.” He summoned two stalwart men of the crew, and they pounced upon our hero, like wolves on their prey. They stripped the clothes from his back, bound him nst the main-mast, and then one of them “1 g forth a ferocious-look- ing cowhide, asked with a grin: “How many, captain?” “Give him fifty,” eried the brute; “‘then salt him and tie him aloft.” Joe snuddered as he heard the fearful punish- ment which pot was about ae but not a word esca compressed lips. . The Pal drawn up in line would gladly have come to his rescue if they had dared to; as it was they could not but be witnesses of his suffering and degradation. ta ate: Seven especially affected, for he felt that to the trick for which our hero was about to pay the penalty he owed his life. “Captain,” said he, sobbing, “please don’t yer licks Joe. It vas all mine fault. Let him go and licks me so much as he likes.” “Silence, scoundrel,” roared the captain, knocking him in the stomach, “ how dare you speak without permission. If you want to be whipped so y, I'll settle yer hash after I get done with this young mutineer.” The poor boy was thus cowed into silence, and — id do nothing but wring his arms and weep oud. The ruffian who swung the cowhide gave it to our hero thick and fast across the naked back. At first Joe stood the blows with Roman firm- ness, but when dark blue seams appeared down his back, wher the sharp thongs cut into ‘his flesh Fag teense Stew from his man wounds, then courage forsook him, and he eould not help exclaiming: r “ Oh, cai , bid them stop! I am punished? enoug' ; | him and stretched him on the deck. They then took large handfuls ' Pa ¥| the deck, Ben and Bob stood a s' a “4 of salt and rubbed it into the bleeding flesh. This last barbarity might have been spared our hero, for he felt not the smart. Then they hur- riedly clothed him, and, bearing him aloft, bound him, still insensible, with strong cords to the upper portion of the mast. en Joe recovered consciousness it was dark night. The sky was a with a pall of heavy clouds, a low d moaned through the riggings, all gloomy and dismal. At first Joe could not comprehend where he was, but the smarting of his woundsjawakened him to a lively consciousness of his position. **The inhuman wretch,” exclaimed he, bitterly, “to torture me thus. If ever I get ashore Pil.re- port him to the authorities. Surelw the law can- not be on his side, If I ever gef ashore—whe knows? I feel weak; the cords with which I am bound seem like red-hot chains searing and burning my flesh. If I am not soon released, I shall surely perish. That rascal Bob; oh. wouldn't I like to meet him face to face, I'd give him a walloping he would never forget as long as he lived.” Our hero continued in this strain for a long time, alternately giving vent to feelings of rage, indignation, and pain. How many hours he had been thus chained he knew not; how much longer ie ane a bh pe haa gor he was orant 0 'o the physi pains he suffered were those of an intense thirst and fleree hunger. He shouted aloud from his dizzy height, but none below seemed to hear. If they did, they en no attention to his heart-rending cries. He eard the bells ring to change the watch. From that he knew it was midnight. The clouds that had gathered during the night now poured forth a steady flow of drizzling rain. His clothes be- eame soaked with wet, and though that at first offered a temporary relief from the pains of his wounds, yet it caused him to shiver and quake with chills. “ Oh,” taurmured he, “I shall be dead before morning if I am not released. Have I nota single friend on board the ship who would brave the captain’s resentment to save my life ?” He such a one. A dark form cautiously and secretly climbed ap the mast until it stood beside him, “e Joe ing “Yaeup !” ‘‘ Hush,” whispered the German Jad, “you safes mine life to-day, and I haf come to safes. ours.” He pulled a knife from his bosom and severed the cord that bound our hero’s arms. The latter grasped Yacup’s hand and fervently exclaimed : “ Heaven bless you. You shall be my friend forever.” “Dond you shpeak so lout, der vatch will hear ” : you.” ** Who’s on the watch “Dose two big rascals Bob and Ben.” * And the captain ?” ‘Oh, he vas dead drunk, shleepin’ like von;big 1 em ag von a y e Yacup gradually loosened all the cords that bound Joe. A sense of — faintness overcame him as he was set free, he would have Sopsies to the deck had not his releaser held him ly to the mast. The weak- ness was, however, but momentary, the thought that he was now free to him wonderfully, a4 “How vas you?” asked Yacup; “does you feels very sore about der back ?” ts “A little stiff,” answered Joe, but I guess I remain on board the vessel. covers us we are both lost. Have you the and trust to luck ?” ‘ ‘ = help me der without awak any provided themselves stout ro) cealed themselves behind some the conscious of the. “—- q on the forecastle wie eee caer tones to while conv _ “ ’s that?” gasped Bob. * Tt’s some one d .’ whispered Ben, aghast. « 6 it’s Joe, giving up the. ghost,” mur- mured “Tam the his death.” | can manage it. I say, Yacup, we can no lo! 2 OT the ee to capture with me the life-boat, desert the ship, spirit of him whom you betrayed te ‘ihe words were uttered in a low, mournful ag oY - and descend revived Tiss > ate, ‘p> +é Le * “1! Fs ej
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7 tone, proceeding apparently from the rigging. The sound struck terror to the boys. ‘hey weet on their knees with affright. The next instant they were seized, bound and gagged, and lying helpless on the deck, with Joe and Yacup standing triumphantly before them. **So my fine buck,” hissed our hero, brandish- inga before Bob’s eyes, “ you thought you had the best of the boy ventriloquist. What's to hinder me from cutting out that tattling tongue of yours?” “ Und,” added Yacup, addressing Ben, “‘Shpos- in’ now Y gee you into the ocean, eh, likes you vant t6 do mit me.” Unable to utter a word, the baffled young ras- eals could only plead for mercy with their eyes. It was not, however, the intention of our hero to dothem any bodily harm. ing safe from in- terruption he, with the aid of Yacob, lowered the life-boat, and having equipped it with whatever necessaries he though proper, descended into it, followed by his German friend, and forever part- ed company with the vessel on board of which he had been so shamefully misused. A few sturdy strokes of the oars put them en- tirely out of sight of the ship, and they then rest- ed, and allowed their boat to drift along with the tide. They were now on the wide waste of . The rain had eeased falling, but thesky Was still of an inky blackness. The exercise of rowing and the excitement of their desertion had done our hero much good. The stiffness left his body, and he felt no longer chilly. Having regaled himself with some water and food, which he stowed on board the boat, he stretched on the seat and sank into a re- freshing sleep. Meanwhile Yacap faithfully kept watch, so that ne harm might befall them. With early dawn Joe awoke, and felt as well as he ever did in his life. They ate their morning meal, and Yacup was about to go to sleep in his turn when he espied a vessel heaving near. “They hailed the ship, and were taken on The vessel was the good ship Alcanthus, hail- ing from India, and bound for New York with eargo and passengers. CHAPTER VI. , THE CONFLAGRATION. by an occasional of pain of his But when a ans gp passed, and "old. ones. . nothing remained of his wounds but dark blue scars, which, however, did not him; when fires in the gigantic furnaces. Joe was standing with Yacup near the fireman, to them fearful heat in f i’ . Hen [nen re erga am ‘thea) aw accid: cangh it. ey if ,” said he, “ only yesterday there were a dozen men re tubes of the boilers. _ Suppose one of them should have got stuck be- _ tween the bars and remained undiscovered until the fires. confirmation of the fireman's words, sound of a human groan proceeded directly condenser. . There's a man in there,” ejaculated the fire » said Joe, in his natural voice. 1 creamer ie be alive in midstof a blaring fire. Why, 3 told us but a minute ago that it ‘ impossible.” 's impossible?” asked the captain, step- oe i ed t ‘ir Jackson,” said the captain, steraly, “are , )| ers with shouts of JOE DODGER. you playing upon the credulity of those boys, or are you intoxicated?” “Neither, sir,” answered the fireman, with a puzzled expression on his face; ‘‘ but—hark !” Again a low moan was borne on the incandes- eent air that issued out with the steam. ‘“Why, what can be the meaning of this?” ex- claimed the captain. “Oh, captin’, darlin’,” exclaimed the man in the condenser with a rich Irish brogue, “ it’s fear- ful hot in here. Shure, I’m roast beef already.” Had the captain paused but a moment to k, he would at once have perceived the impossi- bilifWof the thing. But no—he had heard the man speak; his ears could not deceive him. He was sure there was some one in the condenser. ** Poor fellow,” exclaimed the captain, ‘‘ what can we do for you?” “Oh!” eried the salamander, “don’t stand there a-talkin’, and I’m bein’ done brown. Shut off the steam afore I’m burnt to cinders.” The captain gave the requisite order and the steam was shut off, as a consequence of which the whole machinery stopped its work, and the pas- sengers came pouring down to inquire the cause of a eed Joe had now quite a ie audience. The captain explained the cause of his trouble. His statements were, however, received with laughter and incredulity, which, however, were soon changed to mute and silent faith by hearing the words: “Will ye look at them blackguards. Fust they roast me, an’ now they’re jabberin’ an’ talkin’ in- stead of helping me out.” A number of those present volunteered to enter the condenser, which had now cooled down, in order to drag out the unfortunate wretch whom they thought within. ‘Well ?” inquired the captain, after several had entered and looked about. ‘“ He’s not in the condenser at all,” answered the fireman, who made one of the ee : ** Not in the condenser !” ejaculated the captain. ** Where the deuce is he then ?” ** Sure I’m in the boiler!” Horror of horrors! A man actually living and talking in an atmosphere of superheated steam. “ Oh, you’re in the boiler,” exclaimed the cap- tain, with a sneer, “ and pray how do you like your new quarters ?” “Oh, quite well, thank ye,” answered the voice. “ Tt’s a trifle eowld, but I'll feel all right in a few minutes.” This ludicrous reply was received by the hear- ughter. Joe, however, was anxious in some way to terminate the scene with- out drawing the captain’s resentment upon his head. When, therefore, the fireman who had come out of the furnace opened the safety-valve and let out some steam, our hero saw fit to let the mysterious occupant of the boiler escape by the same valve. a “T’r, out,” eried the unknown, * I’m the spirit of the shteam, I’m a-floatin’ away wid it, good- bye, good-bye, good-b e.” At each repetition of the word voice sounded weaker and more distant, and seemed to be following the cloud of steam that had left the boiler. The mysterious stranger having departed, the fireman relit the fires and the captain and pas- sengers scattered nceaoy ried over ane Sock) a diseussing the extraordinary even yaoras the uniform current of their ship-board le. At the dining-table the discussion was renewed, one Joe, By with we , were be eed an as waiters, was ly amused iadierens explanations advanced to meet the ludicrous occurrence. . One tleman, however, said: “Although not present at the inary performances, I have carefully listened to the various reports thereof, and after weighing the subject in my mind I have come to the only rational conclusion le under the circum- stances. And that is that there is a ventriloquist among us, to whose wonderful skill we owe this day’s enjoyment, and who, I hope, will reveal himself to us, so that we may obtain for him Cap- tain Sampson’s pardon, and beg him to give us further evidences of his ability. $ body immediately exclaimed, “ Just as I thought,” and ‘+didn’t I tell you so?” It was the story of the egg of Columbus repeated. Pipes riddle had been solved everybody knew extraord Of course eve it all » “Vy,” exclaimed Y: , who listened _at- tentive to the gentlemen's ;eeeniogs “Ishust dinks of it. Der feller vat es all der fun is mine Joe Dodger.” Our pith a blush of perdonable pefilo, ad mitted that he was thor of all the trouble, and he was sly lionized by the company. “ My lad,” exclaimed the captain, shaking him ’ «3 : : ° ry “ good-bye” the | hi a) by the hand, ‘‘ I forgive you this time, but give me notice when you want to play a trick upon me again.” ‘ “That would spoil all the fun, sir,” replied Joe, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Our hero gave further specimens of his powers and kept the table in a constant roar of laughter. After dinner was over the gentleman who had hit the nail on the head called Joe into the state- room. As he, and more especially his daughter, are; important personages in our story, they deserve a moment’s description. Mr. Templeton was a man of about forty years of age, and in the prime of manhood. Born in New York, and of influential family, he had obtained the position of United StatesConsul in Caleutta when he barely attained his majority. Since his twenty-first year he had resided in In- dia, and his constant residence there had dark- ened his features so that he appeared quite oriental in aspect. He had en in love and married a native princess of enormous wealth, who, subsannently ot ee marriage, had embraced the Christian Their union, which was one of unalloyed bliss, had been blessed by an only child, Fay Temple- ton, now a beautiful girl of fifteen, who combined in her person the sturdy vigor of her Ameriean father and the ravishing loveliness of her Indian mother. : Within a year, however, Mr. Templeton’s wife had died, bequeathing her wealth to her husband and child, and Mr. Templeton, unable to endure the painful associations connected with the resi- dence where he had passed so happy a life, re- signed his consulship, and was now on his way to his native home, accompanied by his daugh- ter Fay, and an Indian servant named The latter had been a rajah, or prinee, in his own province, but the territo whe been con- quered by the father of the cess, he ee slave, and after Mr. Memmpheion's aserv- ant of the latter. 3 He was highly cultured, and spoke the English language as fluently as a native. e wore the European dress, and when stand- ing beside Mr. Templeton it was often difficult to determine which was the master and which the servant, What secret thoughts were buried in his. mind were never known. Perhaps he, too, loved the princeas; and it must have filled him -with jealous rage to behold her the wife of a foreigner. The wealth, also, which now belonged to Mr. Templeton had onee been his own, and he, who had once ruled over thousands of slaves, was now & slave, a servant. If such thoughts were in his mind, he never betrayed them, but for years and years had been a faithful attendant upon Mr. Templeton. Joe fell in love outright with Fay. There was no two ways about it. They were intimate friends after the first words ad passed between them,and when she laughed and clapped her hands in ¢! glee at his sportive tricks, he felt that he would go through fire and water for her sake. In a burst of confidence he related the ad- ventures he had already passed through, and showed the marks upon person in affirmation of * ety pe ee “ Poor Joe,” whispe , tears of sym filling her beautiful eyes. ‘‘ But tna! bol copa and your bad uncle s never harm you again. You shall always stay with us. My papa shall adopt you as his own son. Won't you, a, er father had approached them, and the latter portion of the conversation. “TI will, my boy,” said he, “You and Fay shall be brother and sister.” Why, he could not tell. ‘ x in time he would better be able to ana- lyze the emotion which swayed his heart. At Se Joe and Yacup were sitting on the deck ind pic They saw a form glide thro the rigging. They could not Sonmine = 9 Tem m or Lookah, It resembled both. 2 The next minute a sheet of flame shot out ee eee, followed by a dense cloud of The ship was in flames. ; me? | ON THE WIDE WATERS. Free! b ; . r What sounds more terrible to the luckless pas~ A 2 See 8 “s
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oat “Por Heaven's ‘gievant in senger, starting at dead of night from his ham- m The ship is his world, and that world is a burn- ing hades itself. . should he flee? The tumultuous waves before him open wide their foam-capped mouths to engulf him. Seething tongues of flame shoot up to the right, to the left, d him. > 3 He has the melancholy satisfaction of a choice Sp tetas the ol they shall again enj p from the sleep they s: never n enjoy start the affrighted ngers. In hot haste they attire themselves in the first garments they can reach; in wild confusion they ae on deck, j eS, curses, prayers, groanings join in one mighty shriek, that for a moment drowns the roaring of the flames, Men rush hither and thither in utter distrac- tion; women are everywhere stretched insensi- ble on the burning deck; children cling to their parent’s breast and scream with terror. It is, indeed, a terrible scene. The crew are demoralized. In vain the captain commands them to fight the fire; they are deaf to his orders, discipline has vanished ; chaos reigns supreme. captain, to intimidate the others, shoots a The refractory sailor in the head. Tt has a con effect. ‘: Maddened by the loss of their comrade, the mutin Jus sailors rush upon the @aptain, disarm him. and strike him senseless to the deck. They are now their own master. The first use pra borg: of their immunity from punishment, is to open the hold where a be tap brandy is stowed away. y smash in the heads of the barrels and fill themselves with the deadly liquor. The floor of the hold becomes saturated with the brandy, and the flames gain a new impulse thereby. : The intoxicated crew are no longer human be- ing; they are beasts, worse in their instincts than hyenas that feed on human earnest. With threats and blows they drive the passen- gers from the life-hoats. Those who resist are hurled into the flames or east into the sea. The bestial crew are now in ion of the boats ; they lower them into the water, spring in and row away, leaving the helpless passengers to their fate. / The scene at this moment is terribly magnifi- cent. The Inrid flames wrap the doomed ship in a wild splendor; for miles around the heavy canopy of smoke is tinged with the radiance of the set- ting sun; the waves reflect the scene, and a phantom ship is burned beneath the surface of the sea. The terrible heat drives the passengers as high up the mast as they can advance; they cling to with the iron grip of despair. Beneath them the flames encircle the masts, and the goed pomaenenes by the pre- -load, © and fro like reeds in the moment threatens to hurl the mass of into the burnin below them. Tete hundreds of gd unable to endure the luntarily let go their hol sod their’ Diackinaed bodies” azo Grackling and roasting in the Saddenlya flames. ! it flame illumines the heavens; a reverberation of a hundred cannon follows. that accompanying the dis- The burning ~~ rises from the sea and shoots e sky. i A wild, piercing shriek is borne oyer the waters, ~ When Joe and ay Seat Was on fire their first Templeton and Fay of the their : the and Lookah. "ithe eaters, and they banged against it with all their might. ; _ “Who is there?” eried Lookah, with a yawn, as if awakening from a deep slumber. sake, kah,” ¢ried Joe, Mr. Templeton and Fay; the ship’s upon us!” exclaimed Lookah from a-fire!” within, “- \ There was a sound as if he out of his hammock, and the next momen the door was and the entered, to find the Indian thes and Fay still soundly Mr. Templeton?” eried our hero, ‘ = + | lently gave orders to Yacup to row from the sad They hastily rushed to the state-room oceupied |, JOE DODGER. “What!” cried Lookah, in tones ,of astonish- | sequent to severe physieal labor and the want of ment, “‘is he not in his bed?” sl ‘ “No,” answered Yacup. ‘** And you say the ship’s on fire?” inquired he. “Yes,” replied our hero, asad suspicion aris- ing in his mind. ‘And it is the work of an eee . We saw a man ascend from the ts) Ree “Heavens!” exclaimed Lookah, half aloud; “he has escaped my watch !” “What do you mean?” asked Joe, anxiously. PAS gon that Mr. Templeton has fired the ship.” “Impossible!” cried the boys in concert. “For years,” continued the servant, “ when the moon is full, Mr. Templeton, affected by a strange disease, has been in the habit of arising from his bed while in a somnambulistic state. He then commits acts which he would not dream of in his waking condition. Ihave carefully kept Single over him so as to prevent any mischief, ut to-night he has eluded my vigilance. You see,” added he, pointing through the window at pop arey sun of the night, ‘the moon is at its full.” : “Arouse Fay and see that she is safe,” said Joe. ‘I will search for Mr. Templeton.” “No,” replied Leokah. ‘“ You and Yacup tend to Fay; it will be best for me to look for Mr. ae eton. I can bring him back,so that no suspicion attaches itself to him.” 80 saying, the Indian glided from the room, leaving the boys alone with the sleeping girl. Joe advanced to her bed and gently touched her lily-white shoulder. The contact caused a thrill of pleasure to shoot through his frame. He could not restrain an exclamation of ad- miration at her wonderful beauty. The light touch awakened her, and ‘she sat up in bed, gazing at him in surprise. “Joe,” asked she, wonderingly, “‘ you here?” Fay,” answered our hero, excitedly, “ quick- ly arise and dress yourself. The ship is on fire,” “On fire!” cried she, looking around the room in alarm. ‘‘ Where is my father?” **With Lookah,” answered Joe, unwilling to tell her the whole story. “Come, quickly dress yourself, and we will join them.” Fay sprang lightly from the bed and ‘hastily donned her clothes. Then the three left the state- room and proceeded to the deck. An instant’s lanee revealed to Joe that he had no time to ose. The flames were rapidly gaining headway, and the passengers were awakening to the peril in which they found themselves. As yet the boats were untouched, but he knew that perhaps a minute later it would be impossi- ble to procure one. “ Yacup,” ordered he, “ help me lower a boat.” * All right,” answered Yacup. “Will we leave without father?’ asked Fay, anxiously. “Tt is too dangerous to remain on board the ship,” replied Joe, “* We can remain inthe vicinity to epough tach ‘ it. hi ill to go sank ough much against her will to her ates Py Fay was by cireumstanees forced to submit. eee sce et at cul Sear ta Se 0) rovisions and wa’ » the three lost no time in descending into it. * ay owt Yaeup Ay gr ag ong about Rg yards away from the yessel, they rested on their oars and syn the awful spectacle presented to their eyes. n vain they waited for a sight of Mr. ample ton or Lookah; neither of them i kareena When the explosion took place Fay sobbed aloud : ‘Oh, my father, my poor father! He is killed!” Joe could offer her but little comfort, and si- eep. Yacup loudly gave vent to his feelings. “Oh, I am shust der unluckiest boy vat vas ever born!” grumbled he. “ First I gets me put on der school-ship, und am half killed by der captain und dot Ben e,den I comes onder . odder ship und I likes to get roasted, now Itinks I shust starve to death. 1 wish I haf some pork und beans, mit a little sauerkraut und one glass of beer. That vad make me feel shust bully.” $ But he sighed for these Gelicacies in vain, and grew more and more morose and sad, Joe also felt a sinking of the heart, but nota sound of repining esea) his li ye of the wonderful fortitude w h which Fay ured the general load of suffering. She, by nature the weakest of the three, frail in body, and mourning for her father’s loss, still had a cheerful smile and a pleasant word to sus- tain and encourage her companions. She would net allow them to deprive themselves of the slightest comfort for her sake, but shared all the burdens alike, even to taking her turn at the oar, and in watching. Both Joe and Yacup found a tempor: relief from their toils in frequent gZ, & pleasure they indulged in several times each y They were pean in the waves as ifthat were ; their natural element, when an agonized shriek of Fay startled them. . ‘ “ A shark, a shark,” sereamed she, arising im the boat in wild terror. my. They ced behind them. There, hardly a hun yards off, appeared the hideous form of the ravenous monster. His fins glistened like swords in the sunlight. Already he turned upon his back and opened wide monstrous — with its double set of pointed teeth. With ightning speed he was Bea se upon his destined rey. ¥ 's the p' matter with him?” inquired the captain. : so His skull is crushed in, and he’s an idiot for ie.” , M “How pi it oy i } a “Trying to save my life-from being destroyed. in the conflagration of the ship in Which I was journeying homeward, he was struck onthe head — 2 saa “, ve a wonder he was not killed Feet “Tt is, and he would have wale es eet ak cet ¢¢ 7 senses, and wou.d drown himself’ - he effect of this conversation was that the * 2 * * | (orcas Fe Ei madaae or Yacup in the water —— hove dia not despair, Ho had one st ep
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’ 4 : : 3 the boat by the aid of a rope, and cu stances, included. JOE DODGER. * The voracious monster was just about to make one mouthful of the boy’s head, when Joe, with a mighty effort, perfectly imitated the roar of the spouting of the whale, making the sound appear immediately behind the shark. It is well known that the whale and shark are deadly enemies, and though they often meet in battle, still the latter has a wholesome dread of the former. 2 When, therefore, the shark imagined his an- cient foe to be so close at his heels, he relin- guished his intended prey, and made a quick turn-about to meet his opponent. “Now Yacup,” cried Joe, “ strike out for the boat quickly, and throw a knife to me. I'll tackle the old boy.” b © You sent bet I vill,” answered Yacup, strik- ing out hand over hand. : ’ e sprang into the boat, threw a bowie-knife to our , who deftly — it by the handle, and then p on his clothes, he and Fay watched the fo ming struggle with intense excitement. If there ever was @ shark struck with astonish- ment it was this one. He couldn’t understand it. His ears had not deceived him; he had heard the war-note of his enemy, and had expected an attack upon his rear; and yet when he turned about bolat to face the foe, he was nowhere to be seen. he been endowed with the — of speech, he would no doubt have given vent his feeling in the following elegant exclamation: “ Where the deuce is the old buffer?” The incident was so ludicrous that all of the party burst out in a loud, ringing peal of laugh- ter. This sound of human glee recalled to the shark’s mind, if he had one, the banquet he had deserted, and he turned towards the place where he had left his victim. Yacup was, however, no longer in the water, and the shark, expressing his disappointment by lashing the sea with his tail, turned his attention to our hero. Joe let him come up quite close, and then again made a whale spout some distance behind the shark. The monster turned about with lightning , this time fully expecting to meet his foe. e was of course again disappointed, and that ‘was too much forthe nature of any shark. His feelings were ed, and had there really been a whale in sight a battle would have ensued worthy of the pen of Homer to describe. Joe sounded the war-note to the right, and in that direction started the shark; then to the left, and the monster changed course. Before him, behind him, around ble whales, until’ the shark must’ have sup himself surrounded by a eohort of spiri foes. Now as particular fish — no believer in spiritualism, nor a medium, ve up any at- tempt to wrestle with = orived! of disem bored Ww Besides, he was not afraid ofa thousand a who could do n but spout, and, ‘ore, g his tail a shake of supreme con- = he, for the third time, faced about to begin terrupted repast, This time, however, he was destined to meet a determined foe; for our hero, diving beneath the right under the 5 the strength he was capable of, drove his knife to the hilt in the shark. again. sea round about became incarnadined with the blood flowing from the many wounds. Mad- dened by Ae yt the shark lashed the waves into fury, he dived down- -down—until he entirely dis- ap from view. ¢ exertion, and the protracted stay in the water, had completely exhausted our hero, he, also, would have sunk never. to rise again, had not Yacup rowed the boat near him, and ———_ in an almost senseless condition into the . Yacup clad his heners, and gave him they had on , tasted. This draught revived a few minutes he was as The shark now reap water; but it was no longer dreaded monster. Joe’s vigorous blows had the mi creature they had shark shark- hich, under the circum- relished by all, even Fay During the following night a copious shower ne Senge e Da zt to last them for several days, and which, t re) v4 about, spouted invisi-- es with a little brandy, was highly ac- oeptuble. ‘hey were now, for some time at least, secure from perishing by hunger and thirst, and accord- ingly me quite merry in feelings. oe made the time pass quite rapidly, by the amusement afforded by the exercise of his skill in ventriloquism, and though he frequently made Yacup the victim of his practical jokes, the latter was too good-natured to take offense thereby. As they drifted along they noticed various signs that announced to them that they were in the vicinity of land. The sea for miles would be covered with sea-weed, leaves and branches; sometimes whole trunks of trees drifted past them. The air was perfumed by the scent of flowers, and with a plumb-line they could touch the bottom at several fathoms’ depth. “We shall soon land,” exclaimed Joe, joyfully. “Vere? asked Yacup,-“ in New York?” “In New York!’ laughed Fay, ‘I should rather think in Africa.” ‘ ‘TI believe that we are near the South African coast,” said Joe. **Oh, mine gracious!” cried Yacup. “Shpose now we lands on a blace vere dere is savages, und they catch us und eat us ub, eh?” “T guess they’d find you rather tough,” langh- ed Joe. “Vell, vell,” replied Yacup, with a sigh, “if dev dose eat me ub, I wish I was so tough dat I sit he right on dere stomick, und make dem all sick.” “That would be some consolation any way,” merrily replied Fay. h par aa Bn ry anh f land ope ofas ys of land. The sun sank blood-red into the ocean. An ominous calm lay dull and heavy over the sea, not a breath of air stirred. An oppressive silence reigned about. * Heaven help us,” muttered Joe, half aloud, “if it overtakes us before we land.” “ Vat overtakes us?” asked Yacup. “The storm,” replied our hero, gravely. “What!” cried Fay, “are we poing storm? Why, see how calm and still everything is. See how beautiful the sun sets; why, there’s nota cloud in the sky, except that small black speck just at the horizon.” “Ay, ay!” exclaimed Joe, “the signs are un- mistakable; that small speck, which seems no larger than my hand, will, in a short time, grow so huge as to cover the whole sky with a pall of leaden clouds. The air that is now so sweet with perfume, will be impregnated with the smell of phosphorus; instead of no wind at all, a tornado will sweep this region, tearing all be- fore it in its insensate fury; the rain will come down in torrents, the lightning flash, the thun- der roar, the calm, placid waves will be lashed into tempestuous fury. Hark!” A low, rumbling noise was heard. It was the sound of distant thunder. The storm so beau- the day, buoyant with the ing — of and entered the water a few feet from the boat, a thunder-clap followed that seemed to rend the earth in twain. The clouds burst, and a deluge of rain descended. f The wind now blew a hurricane, and the mountainous wave raised the frail boat, with its precious occu , 80 high that they seemed to be soaring into sky. The next moment the boat was swiftly descen: -—headlong—as into the boweis of the earth. The bow struck the water and tho boat capsized, hurling its human freight into the ig main. And, overwhelming their agonized shrieks, the waves, the thunder, the rain, and the hurricane, united in one tremen- dous, mighty, supernatural roar, wae : CHAPTER IX, CAST UP BY THE SEA. Ir was morning. Bright and beautiful shone the sun from the cloudless sky. A gentle breeze, laden with the perfume of many flowers, broke the placid surface of the ebbing sea into ripples. Ali wasstill, calm, and peace What a from the hours of the previous ! As far as the eye could reach a low beach re- flected the rays of the sun from its white, daz- sand, Ata distance d the beach trop- jeal forests arose in all their luxuriant From out the dense foliage rang loud and clear to have aj bh the feathered songsters’ melody. All nature smiled and rejoiced. Stretched on the sand, just beyond the reach of the rippling waves, locked in each other's em- brace, mute ard senseless, lay Joe and Fay, The heat of the sun had dried their dripping ents and tinged their pale cheeks with the ue ofthe rose. Their arms were around each other’s waist. Fay’s head was nestled on our hero’s breas' Rnd ce a Sever of blissful gece There ey slept—that boy ignorant as yet of the passion which fires at once the bene and noblest emotions of our soul; that girl, too young to dream of love, just old eneugh to cherish our hero with a sister’s devotion. Happy pair; Heaven’s blessings upon you. The first to wake was Fay. Her eyelids gently quivered, then opened. Her met the clear, blue vault of eaven, she inhaled the perfumed air, her ear was greeted by what seemed to her to be the sound of celestial music. She thought she had passed beyond the vale of sorrow, and entered the gates of paradise. And yet the measure of her joy seemed incomplete. She slightly raised her head and beheld her sensing companion, A smile of angelic bliss parted her lips. “Oh, Iam so happy,” she gently murmured, and dropping her head again on his breast re- — into sleep. en our hero opened his eyes the day had already far anced, and the sun, just about sinking beyond the horizon, rendered the scene still more beautiful by a ruddy refulgence, He, too, for a moment thought himself in the realms of bliss, but conscivusness awoke the memory of the terrible storm, and he recognized that a bene- ficent Providence had preserved his life and the life of the dear creature reposing beside him. Her breath which fanned his cheek and the regular beating of her heart close to his assured him that she gvas en pying a refreshing slumber. He remained perf still for a time, fearful of disturbing her rest; but as the day waned and night crept on he felt it to be his duty to awaken er. Gently lifting her beautiful head from his ~ breast, he arose and kneeling beside her softly betes her shoulder and whispered : “ Fay.” The girl awoke and sitting up, Wonderingly looked around, ex: ing: “Are we in Heaven, Joe?” Tn you feel hungry, Fay?” asked he, with a smile. “Yes,” answered she, “and thirsty too.” “And I’m the same,” replied he, “that shows we're not in Heaven.” “Where are we then?” *«That’s more than I know; very likely on the on s cried shi ringing to her “ , Heay ” e, sp feet, “‘ we'll be by the savages, or eaten the tah apna : = Gest mat oy ode knife, hich + caus ta , “an m nife, w my belt, for ie tection.” Es ae Joe,” asked Fay, looking around,“ where ring said J fully, , poor te oe, Sorrow “Isee him nowhere, I fear he is drowned.” “¥ “T’m so sorry,” answered she, with téars in her Wy) “he was such a good boy, and true frie » ' “We have no time for lamenting,” said Joe. “ Let us go to yonder clump of trees. All kinds of fruit grow wild in these regions. Wemayfind © some to appease our hunger and thirst. And then we must secure ourselves for the night, oe we will determine what further to. eo" ‘ In his com y i ee ee frankly gave him her hand, and the pair walked across the beach to the forest comer by out concerning the nature Almost all of them were covered wil smooth straight, and the branches so u that all cf Joe’s essays to climb mages = 4 proved fruitless. “Tm afraid we'll have to go without supper!” said he, disappointedly. Just then a troupe of monkeys, attracted by the , SW themselves which our and sat in the an at them. “T say, Mere Fay, at their curi- » * CO you play ven on Perhaps they'll reward a aie wee oS ed Wen,” exslaimad 3 He ‘had notic éall monk noticed that, like’.all ae of wild one, had a wizened chap, Jor dried-up :
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= JOE DODGER. [>> Chinaman, whom the others obeyed with serf-like submission. He determined to stirup a rebellion and consequent fight, hoping that the animals would make use of the cocoa-nuts for weapons, When, therefore, the old monkey-chief chattered something which sounded like a command, he as near as possible reproduced the sounds, making them issue, iz a contemptuous tone, from one of the frisky juveniles of the ng. The effect was perception the whole troupe. | t They immediately stopped chattering and gazed in dumb astonishment at the audaci@us young- ster. The old monkey-chief chattered forth his displeasure, which was cleverly mocked by Joe, throwing the blame on several of the troupe. Now be it known that, according to Natural- ists, the ordinary state of society in monkeydom is that, of adespotism, The chief demands and obtains implicit obedience and submission. In all the annals of the quadrumana such a thing as een. their chosen head had not been heard’ _ of. Nothing but the immediate death of the original culprit could atone for the crime com- mitted on the outraged dignity of the ancestor of our present monarchs. The chief seized a handy cocoanut and flung it at the head of the frisky juvenile with such effect that the latter tumbled to the ground as though struck by lightning. = act, however, was the signal for a general revolt. The wounded quadrumana lay on the ground screeching with pain. His many friends in the troupe, mostly youngsters, espoused his” cause, and, chattering like a lot of scolding women, fired a volley of cocoanuts at their chief, which the old fellow, however, neatly dodged. In his native tongue, he, like Richard IIL, called upon all who loved him to follow him, and a goodly number joined his ranks. . They were ncw ranged in two parties, and right manfully did they belabor each other with cocoanuts, so much so that Joe and Fay were obliged to seek shelter from the flying missiles. For atime the pair watched the contest with amusement, but when the monkeys seemed to be determined to eg A up on that line all through the night Joe saw fit to put an end to the fight. He a loud roar like that of a lion, at the sound of which the monkeys hastily seampered off, posta! our hero in ion of the spoils. None of the combatants had been sufficiently , orgy a be left behind except the frisky juvenile rs' The animal was sorely wounded in the head by the cocoanut, and had sustained some injuries by his fall from the tree, and was rendered quite tame by his suffering. Fay gently stroked his skin, and gathering some green leaves placed them on the wounds, which seemed to have a soporific effect on the animal, for he soon fell asleep. Meanwhile Joe had collected all the cocoanuts, which, as the: ounted to over fifty, were suffi- STeaiitioe: x coule apaitioe ach tier, be and a couple st each other, he an Pay drank the milk with great relish, and feasted on their meat, After having thus disposed df about half a dozen, their hunger was fg Sige whic and Set ubout finding a secure spot " nonge tees, ite late, yet in the dark was now , ye e dar vault of the skies the t ted twinkled with a brillianey unknown in northern skies, and to- xuther with the silvery beams of the ful! moon a a@ light almost equal to that of day Si - After making quite a circuit, they retu the place whence they had stated without Gan, ing - a pes alin “ Nothing remains,” 08, “ bet to mak. bed of leaves on the ground. You are still mite exhausted, and you can go to sleep. Have no ear, i shall keep wide awake and watch over you.” “ But,” asked she, “‘ when will you sleep?” “Oh, I ain't tired a bit,” exclaimed he. “ Be- sides I can sleep in the morning after you awake.” A soft bed of leaves was soon prepared, and fay reclining herself upon it, soon sank intoa deep slumber. True to his heart, Joe remain awake through all the hours of the night. Lean- ing t the trunk of the tree beside which ¢ improvised couch, he faithfully guarded his precious charge. solitude of the night-was unbroken by a single sound, and just as daylight began to streak the eastern sky Joe succumbed to the influence about him, and still leaning against the tree sank iatoa tle doze, Pres of a serpent awakened him with a Qh, horror! Around the still sleeping form of Pay there coiled the folds of the prec ae eapello, the most of snakes. As Joe started, it raised its head and shot at him a glance of de- fiance, its forked tongue issuing from its mouth, a : Me 4 ; bu St oe if > se ey and its deadly hiss freezing the very marrow in his bones, CHAPTER X. THE ABDUCTION. _ Wart todo? That was the momentous ques- jon. Spell-bound, fascinated by the serpent’s glit- tering eye, our hero gazed at the reptile winding its folds about the form of the dear girl. The beautiful tints that decked the serpent’s skin daneed before his eyes. In vain he struggled against the enchantment; he was powerless to resist its baleful influence. He tried to shriek aloud, but his tongue clove to the roof of his mouth, his brain whirled, he seemed to be soar- ing in the air. A low moan escaped his lips, and he sank senseless to the ground. The reptile, having thus by the power of its spell overcome its enemy, now began to play with its unconscious victim as the cat plays with the mouse between its claws. It coiled itself up around Fay, then uncoiled itself again. It softly glided over her bosom and entwired its slimy folds around her neck, It touched her face with its head as though kissing her before inflicting the fatal thrust. A low rustling among the leaves stirred it frem its playful humor. It now coiled its folds tightly around her body, then raised its head preparatory to fastening its poisonous fangs in her face. At that moment a slender form gre | fromthe leafy bed, and with a loud shriek grabbed the reptile by the neck. It was the monkey whose wounds Fay had on the previous night so ten- derly cared for. Whether it was gratitude for the act that prompted the animal, or whether reptiles are the natural enemies of the quadrumana, we know not. : The monkey clawed and bit; the snake tried to shake him off; but in vain, he clung to his pam with a tenacious grip. The reptile un- coiled itself from the body of the unconscious girl and twisted its folds around the monkey. Thus they rolled around the ground still engaged in the deadly combat. The shrieking of the monkey aroused Joe from his stupor. He sprang to his feet, he saw that Fay was beved, i ut that her brute preserver was in dead- Y peru, ushing upon the reptile with his bowie-knife drawn, he with one blow cut off its head. The w ling trunk twisted and turned and ed on the ground, the decapitated head d setter 4 the glittering eyes scintillated with rage. These symptoms of life, however, ssoon ceased andthe monster was dead. Joe quickly awakened Fay, who learned with surprise the Senger through which she had pass- ed. Her iy fe ies were now more than ever awakened for her brute preserver. The monkey lay on the ground near the body of the dead snake, A spasm, at intervals, con- vulsed his form, he was gasping for breath, the poisonous wounds inflicted by the reptile be- gan to have their effect, his body swelled enor- mously and turned of a dark blue color, with tinted spots like those that were on the snake. As Fay bent down to caress him he leaped eon- vulsively into the air, then fell back a corpse. Faithful fellow, he had saved the girl’s life at the cost of his own. This incident more than ever determined Joe that very day to seek some more suitable spot for a temporary home. Having carried the dead body of the monkey some distance into the forest, they dug for it a ve and covered it with leaves. Kind-hearted * drop a tear to his memory. he episode had a saddening effect on both, and they made a of cocoa-nuts in silence. ; dispat -in- patched they wandered arm-in caring whither they went. As th proceeded the vegetation became more and awe luxuriant. Hs and bush ; i ha hana es laden with delicious fruits of a | still using soca a © European who has been that region must forever remain b Al of. . Pes Ee Bid ab eg tear of and cool, hunger pe thie. ently they had no fear of ey wa until midday, then, taken of a dinner of fruit, and rested Centres, they continued their march of exploration. @ woods yy to w lighter, ps of trees which had been felled by axes were visible; they came upon u patch of ground that had once per tilled, though now it seemed abandoned and “Surely,” cried Joe, ‘these are all traces of European culture; press on, we may find some settlement near at hand.” “Hark!” exclaimed Fay, suddenly, “I hear a human voice.” “It is Yacup’s,” cried Joe, “‘and singing, too: Thank Heaven that he was saved !” Th The space i There were everyw: * Listen,” whispered F “For yer never miss pee, yo. md. a former European settlement. A few broken-down huts ranged themselves on one side of the clearing, farming utensils, old and rusty, lay scattered about in every direction. All this our young couple saw at a glance; but what riveted their attention was the sight of Yacup sitting in the center of the open 5 ‘ He was clad in the fantastic garb of a bucca- neer, pa it was several sizes too large for him ; he hel * . er whisky till der jug ped through the thicket into an empty here @lapidated vestiges of ‘ a demijohn in his arm, of the con- tents whereof he had imbibed a considerable quantity. In fact, he was gloriously, hilariously intoxicated. It was with difficulty that Joe and Fay could restrain their laughter, so as not to themselves. “Now we'll have some rare fun,” whispesed Joe; “T’'ll play a little ventriloquism on him.” “ But won’t he find out the trick!” asked she; “*he knows your secret.” “Oh, he'll never think of it,” replied Joe; * be- sides, no doubt, he thinks us drowned.” voice. Seeing no one a iscover th dead and Throwing his voice into the window of one of the huts, in a deep bass voice he exclaimed: “ Stop thief!” “« Who der deibel vas dat?” cried Yacup, spring- ing up and gazing with dumb astonishment at the empty hovel. “ Bring back my clothes, you rascal,” cried the courage and replied : “* Vy der deuce don’t you come and get them.” “T can’t, you scoundrel, you know I’m naked.” “Vell, vat’s der odds, der vas no one here to see you.” pearing, Yacup screwed up nce pa ee se sailor’s [voice from the oppos: icket; “* y where you are mistaken. “‘ Vell, by grashus,” exclaimed Yacup, turning — around in bewilderment, “‘I done thought dere ~ vas nobody on dis infernal blace.” —_- . “Oh, there’s lots of us,” continued the sailor voice, *‘and if you you’ve stolen the first voice from the window. 7 ** Vat vill I wear ven I takes dem off,” said pairingly. ‘* Mineglothes dem waves.” come, my voice, “off with your p cup, des bieces by “se Come, y quick, on’t take off those clothes you’) it.” “* Ain’t you bringing my clothes yet?” exclaimed false colors.” Not knowing what to do, Yacup mechanically ~ oy 4 undressing of pantaloons himself. dow exclaimed: avay?” ‘* But I won't let you off,” cried the sailor vy: “What have you done with your compal what have you done with Joe and Fay?” _ Fay,” sighed Yacup, “ dey vas “No matter, clothes again. T'll let you off this Y, “ Poor Joe, poor oungster, you me.” vy der deuce didn’t mbled Yacup, both drowned, nantly ; ‘‘ dey vas mine best fri “You lie. murdered Ya- yas all torn to 7.” continued the sailor ’s rig, lower your He was about to take when the voice from the win- may put on your ‘ye just found another suit, ang you say so right - oe 3 ae {the finvisible sailor, “you — “ Vat, II murdered dem,” rine Bape hae a ends, un all I got, I gives dis bottle unt der whisky, ven _ dey bers alive. | I murdered:dem, no, ne, Tea ant so bad ‘ a ‘Wh ina as blease mister and miss ghost, don’t r like me.” : dat. ‘ And burying his face the dense forest, hardly knowing or | burst into tears. the sailor’s voice: on his in his hands the poor boy were deeply affected ip, but our hero cop by ~ ‘ | them, and here — eee hurt 17 y, Yacup, what’s the matter?” cried Joo, _ tone of affected surprise; Fay and I were saved, and we “are you thought > ¥
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ray 10 JOE DODGER. tale ‘We are glad to find you alive, and surely you ought to be so.” * Vat,” cried Yacup, clutching him and Fay, J — are no ghosts, you are flesh and blood; yell, I be tam, this island is bewitched.” “Why, Yacup,” asked Fay, merrily, “can’t you gpess who was fooling you?” The boy looked alternately on the smiling faces of our hero and heroine. At last the truth broke ». upon him. A broad grin overspread his features, ) and, after indulging in a hearty laugh, he ex- claimed : as ys vat a fool I vas; it was Joe all der time.” : We will ne rapidly over the next few weeks, The settlement was no doubt a rendezvous for the buccaneers who poe upon passing vessels, but for same reason been abandoned, Suffi- cient articles of furniture were found to furnish one of the huts comfortably. Guns and ammuni- tion were also found, and a well of pure water had been dug near at hand. The hut that was their home contained several apartments, one of which was Fay’s exclusive boudoir, in another they dined, while the third afforded a sleeping- place for Joe and Yacup. Fruit was abundant and game was plenty, and as their solitude was uninterrupted either by man or beast, they settled down into quiet home- dike life, until deliverance in the shape of a vessel should appear. Joe and Yacup altérnately went hunting, leav- ing the other to protect Fay and the homestead. One evening as Joe, out by a long day’s hunt, and laden with game, retraced his steps to the hut, a column of smoke reached him Rom afar. illed with apprehension, he hastened his footsteps, only to discover on his arrival that the settlement was on fire, and Yacup, gagged and helpless, was’ bound to a tree. ith his knife he cut the thongs that bound the boy, and agonizingly asked : : “ Where, where is Fay?” * Carried off by the savages!” sorrowfully an- Swered Yacup. ~~ CHAPTER XI. SNEAKING BOB'S REVENGE. Im: ible,” cried Joe. Weill,” continued Yaecup, “I don’t know how ft vas, but shust as Fay und I vas eating dinner der black niggers comes rushing into der hut ‘mit a white boy in der front.” “ A white boy,” exclaimed Joe. “Yas; der i. « 4 * Der same old rascal.” _* How could he be here?” “T dop’t know, but here he vas, dat’s certain, takes up Fay und runs avay mit her. Den y drinks all our whisky und puts der hut on fire. It vas der flames went out und dey poke os Deg now, or else I vud be all b taken no particular and the two immediately in the right direction. had truly said that Sneakin, ay me om age n succumbed ; he was the only survivor he was ed ad condition the | byeurstrength, but and master of y vat gives you avay on der/ 0D me on der head mit a glub, und der | peo: until he awoke one morning to. raved among them, he found himself quite in is element. He frequently made descents upon the settle- | hi ments—of which there were several in the vicin- ity—and, renegade as he was, delighted in the tortures inflicted by the savages on their victims. It was thus that, with a band of blood-thirsty savages, he surprised Fay and Yacup, and, hav- ing bound the latter, as before described, made the former a captive. Fay was frightened unto death as she was foreed to walk between two brawny savages with pa goer clubs, threatening at the slightest show of resistance to dash out her brains. She did not utter one word of complaint, but, foot-sore and weary, trudged many a mile through the dense forest with her captors. It was dead of night when the party reached the camp of the savages. About a score of rude huts, constructed mostly of mud and earth, were erected beneath the trees. Around these huts clustered in various groups the semi-nude horde of men, women and children, Though the weather was quite hot, a number of fires had been built in several places, at which to cook their evening meal. As the victorious party appeared they were hailed by the tribe with wild hes: and unearthly shrieks, which filled Fay with terror. In accordance with Bob’s order, the brawn savages who held Fay brought her into a mu hut, which stood a little apart from the_ rest, and was a little more oe appearance, It was the residence of the chief of the tribe, He was an old blear-eyed negro, whose shrunk- en skin hung loosely on his form; he was dirty and filthy in appearance, and lazily stretched him- self on a lion’s skin, which lay on the ground. As the party, headed by Bob, entered the hut, he half ra. himself up and looked inquiringly at them, without, however, saying a word. Bob knelt on the ground and kissed the hem of his dirty garment, a ceremony followed by ali the. other savages. \ “Great and glorious chief,” exclaimed Bob, in English, a language which he knew the former understood, “the moon was full when first I ar- rived in the tribe; since then it waned until it was no more, and then it grew until now it is full again. You have made me one of yours; I have lived with you, and learnt you the use of fire- arms, and how to beng pen and slaughter the white people who come to rob you of your young men and women, and sell them as slaves to their poy in the land of the setting sun, Say is it ot so ?” : ; ; “Tt is,” grunted the chief. “Tam young,” continued Bob, “not yet eight- een; but as I grow older I will become a great chief among you.. Your young men shall be my brothers. en I go with them to fight the white ple I wilt forget I am white; I will think my skin is black, like those of my brothers.” These Seeger: seemed i: nee the old chief highly, for he gave a grunt of pleasure. ty added Bob, “there is one do; Lcannot marrya female of your tr been here but a week when you told me to take a wife from among the dark beauties; then I hesi- tatingly answered you that I was too young. You were displeased with me, and replied that among the tribe there were young men younger than who were ed; that a young man could never be a chief until he was.a hus have treasured up your words. I have captured a lot of booty an white maiden who stands before ros The booty is yours, let the maiden be mine?” . t He bent rik rap = sable dignitary, and humbly awai answer. ; The Snief arose, and throwing the robe which had formed his couch over his*shoulders, re- sponded : , + Your words have been music inmyears. Our tribe is strong and powestsl, but the white nenere unning, Wecan overcome them eee sth : they defeat us by their strata- m. Weneed a white man’s hey 4 who will faithful to us, and eq ge won rach 4 man yses. Such a one eve y a say a reward. The maiden shall be your if she easy rie if not, oe be your slave. Lead her hence to your n. Words fail to depict the effect of this speech on Fay. ‘Sook all the th with idly she threw he on her the chief, and Sih ceed Se Se eR EOS, T| wile. the knee ex- “Oh do not send me with him, do not force me ‘ bats on ae ‘Tam but a young girl, I am ‘but a 7 ‘do not want to marry, oh have ; 2 oo. oe / ? cee ala @ ioe » -o* ae ae wi , are! Fa AY nF Tne ee Are ee Ph ae mercy on me, pity me, let me return to the settle- ment, let me go back from where I was stolen by m,” “*Maiden,” answered the chief, “the spoils of war belong to the victor. He has captured you, he is your master, you are his slave. That he wants to make you his wife is an hon®r, of which you ought to be proud.” “But,” begged she, “I am so young, I am but fifteen years of age.” * There gre girls among us,” replied he, “ who are mothers at that age. But I have spoken enough, lead her hence.” Fay screamed and held on to the chief's leg. It was with brute force that they tore her away and bodily carried her to the hut which had been assigned to Bob. There they rudely flung her on a couch of furs and left her alone with her captor. “So, so, my girl,” said he. ‘*You’re in my power now. ay What is your pretty hame?” “ Fay Templeton,” answered she doggedly. “ Fay !” exclaimed he, “‘ that’s the same as fairy. Well, my fairy, how do you happen to be in this outlandish place?” “T and my companions,” replied she, “were cast ashore.” “Your companivns,” ejaculated he, “ have you another besides the boy we bound?” “T have.” “And he is?” “ Joe Dodger.” * Joe Dodger,” cried Sneaking Bob, fiendishly. “ Ah, ah, he is my old enemy, and I have tri- umphed over him.” CHAPTER XII. ON THE TRAIL. ““Wrry do you hate him?” asked Fay, plead- ingly. ‘ What has he done to you? He cannot have harmed you. He is so good, so noble- hearted, so generous.” “Ay, that is| it,” hissed Bob. “At school he was always the favorite among his companions— their leader, their very king. I could not win ths Ai ome e enjoyed, and therefore became ie ous of him and hated him forit. I sought to rm him in every way, and once when he sus- pected my agency in the matter he struck me to the earth with his fist. I have never forgotten that blow; it burns on my cheek even now. Oh, he has already suffered for it; but that is nothing to what he shall endure. I'll have his life yet— | I'll have his life.” The boy, for he was hardly more, stamped his foot and clenched his fist with rage; he frothed at the mouth, his eyes became bl ot and roll- ing. Thus convulsed with passion, he seemed more like a fiend than a human ae . Fay shuddered as she upon him and thought how utterly she was in his power. “You love him,” continued he, savagely. “‘ Nay, do not deny it—do not say yew are a child, and know not what is love. y that 1 am, I feel the master passion sway my bosom, and from the moment my eyes fell upon you I loved you. That Leone opens my senses—though you yourself © not know it, vet I can see by your eyes, your manner, your whole self that you are in love, and with Joe Dodger, my enemy. He has resened our life, he has cared for and protected you, he when he becomes a man to make you his No, no, that shall never be, I would first torture you to death.” “ You ought to be ashamed tos tomethus,” replied Fay avivid flush mantling her counte- nance. “If you are a gentleman, you will go cary and leave me alone in my sorrow.” “ Fay,” cried Bob, trembling with excitement, “TI go; I leave you sole mistress of this hut. You ean sleep in peace to-night. Attempt not to es- cape, for flight is in vain. I shall guard the en- trance to this hut; no one, rot even myself, shall enter; I give you time to reflect upon your PS tion. When ts morhrw's sun sin South the brow of yonder mountains, I shall return to you and ask you to become my wife. If you consent, it is well; if you refuse, —” ‘ He left the hut without finishing his threat, leaving it to the excited imagination of the help less captive to deck it with mysterious horror. Joe and Yacup, rifle in hand, followed the trail through the forest. Neither of them spoke a ows flitted along, group of savages surrounding the Ce 2 @hum of many voiees struck their They ined on the ground, in order to take obeer- re » 8. sn 2 ep te AL a "eo ady iw te cipal ; i. Oy See ors PAS. Ad & +,
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JOE DODGER. 11, to see plainly what was going on, though they themselves, shrouded in darkness, were unseen. They beheld Fay led from the hut of the chief to the one assigned by Bob. The sight thrilled Joe, and he would have | rushed er 5 etd to rescue her had he not been | not consent to my wishes. y restrained by Yacup, who pointed out the impos- sibility of success against the many savages, and that failure now meant the sacrifice of all their lives. Later they saw Bob leave the hut and assign a number of savages to guard the entrance. Then they beheld him advance to a camp-fire around which a couneil of elders of the tribe was held. Tbe consultation was long and animated; but though the sound of speaking reached their ears, yet the distance was too great for them to distin- guish the words spoken. Daylight came, and they had to adjourn their contemplated attack until the night, Fearing their place of concealment might be discover by the tribe, they penctrated still further into the forest, until they came to a low range of moun- tains that barred their further progress. Having nothing more immediate to do, the elimbed up the side of one of the mountains: . It was of volcanic origin, and they soon reached the erater, and peered down the dark, bottomless opening. They heard a low rumbling noise at an immense depth down the opening, and a slight eolumn of sulphurous smoke issued from the crater. “I say, Yaeup,” said Joe, after a thoughtful pause. “Weil ?” asked Yacup. “Tf appearances do not deceive me, this vol- eano is Gn the point of breaking forth.” “Oh, Shiminy,” cried Yacup, in a fright, “‘ we better goes avay righd off.” “ There’s no immediate danger,” answered Joe, with a smile, “ but it appears as if it would break forth in about twelve hours, perhaps to-night.” “TI no likes dat,” said Yacup, shaking his head. “TI only vish we had Fay mit us,‘und dat we could get avay vrom dis infernal place mit its snakes, und savages, und volcanoes,” “Who knows,” exclaimed Joe, “but that Heaven may cause fire and smoke, lava and hot ashes, to shoot forth from this mountain as aid to us in reseuing Fay from her captors!” a. 1 don't see how dat could be,” answered ~ Yacup. * = * * * * True to his promise, Fay passed an uninter- rupted if sleepless night. n the mo a young at a brought her some fruit and a kind of re! ing liquor made of the milk of the eocoa-nut. She ly of the repast, and then attempted to 6 a confidant ofthe servant, but she learned to her sorrow that the latter under- stood no English. All day long she remained in mute silence in the hut, brooding upon what could be the horrible Cy gehpeneeney pt ep eres and Why | seen with what suecess he embraced the oppor- ’ The ron es sinking t behind the mountains 4 ~ 4 — pa _ eird tone, raised a chant pat neither daring to halt nor to cast a single ~ whoa, able to his word, Bob entered the | ;, prowiehane thet offended deity. | Tn the midst of glance backwards, : a “I have come for my answer,” said he, gazing | ‘Be, Solemn invocation, Joo and Yacup siowiy;| After Bob had yisappeared Joe lowered his pe had with folded arms. ‘“ Will you become my hopin gree eo iar gre ng te A ess ees - turell his attention! tb the tainting: : rr by the extinguished pyre. =. = No, @ thousand times no!” replied she, de- vat their sight Bob recovered his self-posses- war tas eb _ ey pene a bes rie dy : sion. oor flantly. ‘ “ Beware, Fay,” hissed he. ‘You know not to what you condemn yourself. Behold!” . He pointed through the open door to an empty encireled by a hooting cry of savages. In the center was erected a funeral pyre. “ Heavens !” said Fay, her face blanching with terror, ‘you cannot mean, you surely do not in- tend to doom me to the stake. You cannot be sueh a monster.” =" Aye, Fay,” hissed he, “ ge! fate lies in my hands. The savages around you are cannibals. ‘They roast their captives of war alive and eat them. “ Oh, horrible, horrible,” gasped she. - “They are eager to make a meal of you,” con- tinned he, fiendishly. “‘I, as Pee captor, have the power to save your life or d you over to them. Say now, will you become my wife? “No, monster,” shrieked she. “Lead me forth to the stake. Destroy my young life, I prefer Seats terrible us it is,to a union with such a in as you are.” bs. patent ry’ shouted he. “You have sealed your doom.” ’ He made a sign. A number of stalwart savages entered the hut and seized F. 8 - ‘ ©: 1 2 “= i. sl e@" ) 2b es i . te oe 4. This being done the whole tribe danced about their destined victim in fiendish glee. “ Most high and glorious chief,” said Bob, ad- dressing the monarch of the tribe with a low bow, *‘ the white-faced captive was perverse, she would ast night at the council you said I had the power of life and death over my captive. I have offered her life and she has refused it, give the signal for her death.” “You have spoken well,” answered the chief. “Your words are music in my ear.. It is against the law of the tribe to let any captive live. For your sake I broke the law when I permitted you to marry her. She has refused; the law can take its way. Letthe fires be lighted.” A number of black fiends with torches in their hands sprang forward and desta the flame to the combustible material of which the pyre was constructed. The bright flames shot upward and encircled the unconscious victim. “The mighty spirit of the universe commands that the flames be extinguished.” The words came loud and clear, apparently from the heavens themselves. The tribe, who could not understand the words, were awe-struck, The chief seemed rooted to the spot. “The mighty spirit is angry with his children. Why do they not obey him?” This second appeal ronsed the chief. He gave the order, and the burning wood was scattered_in all directions, a “Tt is not the mighty spirit who speaks,” cried Bob, in disappointment and rage. “It is Joe Dodger, the boy ventriloquist. “Liar!” eried the voice. “I am the mighty spirit. Behold me!” An earthquake shook the earth. The tribe fell prostrate upon their faces, A huge cloud of smoke darkened the sky. From the voleano issued forth a mighty burst of flame. A sea of burning lava streamed down the mountain side. CHAPTER XIII. THE YOUNG CHIEF OF THE AMARI, To all appearances Joe had performed a mira- cle. In obedience to his command nature was econvulsed, At his word flame and smoke, ashes and lava issued from the hitherto extinct vol- cano. Fortunately for the preservation of the tribe, the stream of molten lava took a direction tothe camp. They thus could, unharmed, gaze oo on the terrible yet magnificent spec- tacle. 2 How was our hero enabled to perform this ap- parent miracle? While the others were gazing at the burning pile whose flames were to consume our heroine he had anxiously watched the crater of the voleano, and was the first and only one to behold the beginning of the eruption. _ “Tr’s all a trick,” shouted he; “ smite the ras- cals to the ground.” » ; With a drawn knife he rushed upon Joe, but the latter coolly raised his gun and aimed it at his assailant’s head. At the same time he made the terrible voice ex- claim from on high: “These lads are under my protection. Harm but a hair of their heads and I will turn the stream of burning lava, which now flows harm- away from you, upon you.” The chief heard and hearkened to these words.\ At his command a group of savages with up- raised clubs formed a circle around Joe and Ya- cup, and had Bob made the least attempt upon their lives the savages would have brained him on the spot. ; : He cursed and fumed with rage. He was no believer in the Mighty Spirit, though even he could not explain how Joe could summon up an eruption to his aid. Yet he knew that our was the author of the mysterious voice. “Ourse you, Joe Dodger,” yelled he. “Curse you, but I'll be even with you oA ; Rwy age an his knife be vely, but there 8 8 S80) xX Of Savages, through which he could not penetrate. “eX aire flung the knife Mer ground. -_ ground teeth with rage. He loo! embodi- ment of a baffled demon, : " Joe gazed at his vanquished enemy with a con- isGats or nee = - be 'e have | gazed into bore her—at the head of a procession formed by the tribe—to the hut which she had a short time before left, apparently, to meet a horrible swoon, she was uninjured. : : The chiet’ summoned the. tzibe a council temptaous smile, then turning to the chief of the tribe addressed him. “High, mighty and most glorious chief. The great spirit who rules the sun and the ocean, who eauses yon mountains to issue forth death and destruction, to whom you pray for protection against your more powerful enemies, and for victory over your foes, has sent me here to warn ~~ against the enemy who isin your fold. There e stands. A white man, he has betrayed those whose skins are like his, think you he would hesitate to hand you over to yourfoemen? He has blinded your eyes and duped your senses. Beware of him as you would of the poisonous snake that stealthily winds its folds around you, and stings you before you are aware of its pres- ence. I speak the truth. The almighty spirit _ hears me. Let him attest my words.” “He speaks the truth,” came the response from the clouds, The effect of our hero’s timely s h was im- mediate upon the chief, and when the latter trans- lated it so that the whole tribe understood its meaning, a shout of approval issued from the throats of all. ; “ All hail to the mighty spirit,” exclaimed the tribe in concert, “all hail his messenger, death to the white traitor.” Nothing is so ephemeral, so fickle, as popular- ity. But yesterday, Bob was mighty and all. powerful among the tribe; now they would have torn him to pieces where he stood at a nod of our hero’s head. The young villain heard their cries, and though he could not understand their im- port, yet he knew it boded destruction for him. Cowardly by nature his assumed courage desert- ed him, and sinking on his knees he piteously begged for his life. ; “Bob,” said Joe seriously, “had not kind Providence allowed me. to interfere a flendish erime would now have been committed. What other fate do you merit but to change places with this poor girl who, still unconscious, is,bound to that stake, and to light hell’s fires around you to consume your guilty soul?” : “Oh, 8 me, spare me!” pleaded Bob, “Tam more merciful than you are,” continued Joe. “I will not doom you to the tortures you — would inflict on others, But you can no longer associate with man, even so d savages: your fit habitation forests among wild beasts and “ ae doom me to exile?” gasped he. *I do.” . “But how can I live—how protect myself from the fary of the wild beasts?” } “hat is your lookout, not mine,” replied our hero. “Go! Take that path. Halt not, look — esd backwards, for my weapon is pointed atyour _ Joe again raised his rifle. The baffled villain 1 “a th. Yacup, his ever-faithful friend, was at his side. Laying fair burden ypon a couch of furs, — he applied such gentle restoratives as were 1n his” power to recall her to life. FE ia Fortunately the flames had been extinguis! : before they. touched her person; Save | to; discuss the events of the day, and Joe ‘acu were left alone with our heroine. ? Joe’s endeavors to awak her senseless form were cro’ A roseate took up its wonted heat, her eyel fri athe pencil 5 He oma smile played about Ear “Tt was alla dream, a horrible mured she, A? she, oe I can see it , how they sprang w d clubs ; ho I was we ebased as these is in the boundless serpents that proy upon their kind.” = Ue q _ ar -
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| pth eee ae ~~ .- La 4. oe A OF a> . yy. tainey of the Amari was an | Bly to the speech of the old chief JOE DODGER. he doomed me to the stake; how I was led out to death, then it seemed I fainted, and I know no more until I now awake and see you near me. Surely itwas ne dream. No, no; it was a hor- rible reality. But I am saved; you have saved me.” In her gratitude she raised his hand, which still clasped hers, to her lips, and kissed it. Our hero was affected by the spirit which prompted this impulsive act. ‘* Yes, Fay,” replied he, and his voice sounded rich and tender, “you have indeed : oe oe danger you have so vividly depict- ed, be to Heaven that has made me the unworthy instrument of its beneficent action. What I have done for you willingly would I do again—aye, and a hundred-fold more. We three are cast off frcm all the world. Our fates are linked with each other. Were either of us to suffer, we all would share the pain. Were either of us to die, the rest would perish.” “Yaw, dot ish so,” chimed in Yacup. “If de debels haf burnt you up, by gar, I wad shump into der fire and dell dem to roast me too.” “But are we safe?” asked Fay, somewhat anxiously. “We are still among the savages. Can we return to our home?” “Hone,” repeated Joe, with a smile. “We have no longer a home.” “No home?” asked Fay, in surprise. **No,” replied our hero; “ glance through the door. Do you see yon mountain still smo v, “T do,” replied she. “ Why, itis a voleano. “Yes; and the stream of lava which issued from its crater took the direction where the set- tlement lay. Doubtless by this time it lies buried e molten mass, forever hid from the sight of man.” “Vell, now, who vad haf dinks von dat?” ejac- _ ulated Yacup. “Und dot good visky all gone, oo? Vell, vell; I only vish I had drinks it all a ” “Tt is better where it is,” said eis es “YT dond know about dot,” rep Yaeup. “Und der powder und guns all gone? How we — shoot —— vat we ~* and protect our- ves against der savages, eh?” “For the present,” said Joe, “ we will remain the tribe.” “Vat! Here under der black debels?” ejacu- ne Yaecup. “ Vy, dey villcook us for der din- ner!” “J fear it won’t be as bad as all that,” re- sponded our hero. “They think mesomesuper- natural person, for which I have to thank my skill in ventriloquism. As long as by that means I can keep alive their superstition, we have nothing to fear.” “Here comes a deputation of the savages themselves,” cried Fay, “headed by the old chief. The so announced entered the hut, and : tully ranged themselves in a semi-circle bed Nd tte ws irit,” began the { o! = aig spi eld chief, ing oar mes ow dion 5 council and deliberated upon / . CHAPTER XIV. HOW A BATTLE WAS WON BY VENTRILOQUISM. | ‘Tue announcement of his election to the chief- cam Se ay nd bent upon him to re- hero. He felt it in pre bere oa r,” began he, cramming all the longest and most high- ords he could think of, “ whose emi- am about to assume,deem me notipre- honor offered to me. but the the ceiling. ‘So long as the Amari will honor and obey thee and guard and respect your com- panions, so long shall I, the t spirit, smile upon their arms, and they shall gain bright vic- tories over the Wahnohi.” ** You have heard the great spirit speak,” con- tinued Joe, assuming his natural voice. ‘ Are you satisfied?” : “ We are,” responded the ex-chief, speaking for the deputation of savages. “Go with us, young chief; the tribe aré awaiting you.” They formed a procession. ¥ At the head marched our young hero, Fay and ‘acup. The ex-chief followed; the rest madé up the rear. As they issued from the hut they were received by a serenade by the band of the tribe—that is to say, about a dozen semi-nude young savages beat upon metallic plates with short sticks, and shouted at the top of their lungs. Though the noise was ear-splitting, yet our party acknowledged the compliment with a bow, and the musicians ranged themselves at the head of the procession. Though it was night, the bright beams of the fall moon made torches useless, and everything around about was as visible as at day. The pile that at an earlier hour that evening was to perform the part of a funeral pyre, was now converted into a huge bonfire, in honor of the auspicious occasion. Right merrily the flames leaped and, crackled, and, ascending, sought the sky. The whole tribe formed a e around the fire, yelling and shouting with joy. As the procession approached, the assembled eee hastened to it, and, forming a wide ring, encircled the party. At a sign from the ex-chief, the hideous musie ceased, the shouting and yell- ing died away, and all d respectful attention to the words that he spoke. “Tribe of the Amari,” said he, “the time was when I was young and strong as you now are. Then the ostrich was not more fleet of foot, the — more ferocious, or the lion more powerful. But that was long ago. Then some of you were not yet born; the most of you feeble children.” Now I am old and weary, my limbs are feeble, my eyes have lost their keenness, and my feet their swiftness. My mind is still clear and strong, and I can direct your councils and inspire your actions with the wisdom gained by experience. But I can no longer lead you in battle. I have led you to victory over the Wah- nohi, the Maruni, and the Ujambi. But now a new leader will head your victorious warriors. A boy, heaven-sent, will show you how to van- quish the Wahnohi. Behold him, the friend and beloved of the great spirit.” ~ This speech, which was delivered in the ver- nacular, was received by the tribe with tumultu- ous applause, and the musicians struck up a pean on their nye Though Joe Hid not understand a word of the cS) h, still he rightly conjectured that it was ly complimentary to him, and through the ex-chief, the interpreter, thus addressed the tribe: Y “Warriors of the Amari, you have heard the words of your chief; they have been impressed in your hearts By the choice of pre he among you I am made your military chief. e great Spirit is my friend. Listen to his words.” “Men of » exclaimed the great spirit from the clouds, “trust in your young chiel. I have sent him among you to vanquish the Wah- nohi. Obey him, and you will be great and mighty; betray him, and my wrath will over- whelm you.” For reasons which the reader will well com- prehend, the spirit spoke English. Great as he was he ia not understand the language of the Amari; but his words were translated by the old chief, and the tribe fell on their knees in humble submission to Joe. sts caste tn ae ae or the bac! und; the, shed- ding a lurid light over the scene; in the fore- ground the Raaeling corneas before ieee Standing proudly e e three young es whose fate was so el intertwined. “Rise, men of Amari,” said Joe, somewhat effected by this sign of devotion to him. “It is not pon that you should kneel tome. The great spirit only deserves your adoration, and I am but human as you are.” The tribe arose and, amid cheers and shouts for pe young chief, the meeting broke up for the Cur pasty contpeal, the hut vacated by Sneak- to their respective rooms. : "Por the next tow dnp Joe busily cecupizd , himself in marshaling and equipping the force he was to lead against the enemy. e school whence he had run off was governed by military tactics, and the knowledge of these matters there obtained was of good service to him now. It seems a little strange that one who was but peed years old <— accomplish so much; ut Joe was a strange , or indeed he would not have been our hero. 4 He picked out two hundred of the most stal- wart men—the flower of the tribe. These he armed with spears and bows: they also had pre aoe! for Leake ’ He himself, robed in the ‘antastic costume of a savage, used his gun. H needed a lieutenant, and Geehaad to make cme out of Yacup. “Well, Yacup,” said he to him, as the two hun- dred savages were drawn up in line, “ what de you ek he aemer “ Vell, inks dem putty good,” answered Yacup, “und if dey only all had guns like you and me, dey yould shust make dem—what you may call it—Wahnohi shump.” “It is better that neither they nor the enemy have any,” said Joe. “ Vy?” asked Yacup, in response. “You shall see,” replied our hero; “‘ but what do you think of their leader?” ‘Vat 1 dinks of you?” responded Yacup, in a tone of admiration. “‘ Vy I you're shust a bully boy mit a glass raat “Now, Yacup,” continued Joe, “you must ac- company me to the field of battle,” * Yah,,” answered he, shouldering his gun, “I fights mit you.” b “ But not as a private,” said J smilingly. “T hereby commission you to be my lieutenant.” “But I knows nodings about war. never in a battle in mine whole life.” “Neither was I. All I want you to dois to keep out of the way of the arrows, watch me closely, and fire off your gun immediately after you see me discharge mine.” ’ “ All right; I guess I ean fix dot.” The little army now being pocperes. to do bat- tle, Joe though it expedient to advance upon the enemy, and if possible steal a march upon them. So one morning at daybreak, bidding good-bye to Fay, and assuring her of his safe return, our hero, at the head of his band, struck out on the war-path. : All day long they marched Sree the forests, and when they cocdingst at t they were within a few miles of the hostile . Joe sent a couple of fleet-footed savages to reconnoiter the zr position, and these re- se wap arn Foe ane — ne a were advancing to’ em, led on Bob, who had evidently formed an omeaaie — intending to surprise and conquer his lormer u : . Joe immediately called his men into line, and put them on the march. At daybreak the opposing bands stood face to The battle was about to take place. Ms Bob was armed with a sword, and way- let fly a shower ing this as a signal, the Wahno of arrows at their opponents. This feat our hero had anticipated, and at the wave of Bob’s sword he, with a shout, threw himself flat upon the ground, which act his men followed. The result of this stratagem was that the arrows flew harmlessly over the heads of the Amari, and stuek into the ground without wound- ing sey one. 2 I vas At asignal from Joe his men rushed towards the enemy, to follow up yes but were met by a shower arrows, W bore suit. and two of the Wah- co) to the d, bleeding corpses. Now U cther the Walinohi nor the Amari had beheld a gun discharged, and” were noise and the lest of
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JOE DODGER. The awe-struck savage aimed at thought he was killed and promptly fell to the grounc. Yaeup dispatched him with a spear hastily picked up from the ground. Joe and Yacup repeated this performance antil a dozen of the Wahnohi’s had bitten the dust. In vain Bob tried to arouse the drunken spirit of his band. They moved neither hand nor limb, and every time Joe leveled at an enemy and ventriloquized areport the latter would instantaneously drop and allow himself to be killed by Yacup without the least resistance. At length, with a great ery, the Wahnohi’s re- eovered from their stupor, and throwing their weapons away, turned their backs to the foe and bean the spot as fast as their legs would car- ry them. Bob was only too glad to follow their example. Joeand Yacup now reloaded their guns and gave the flying enemy another dose which stretched two more of their number on the ground. “‘Warriors of Amari,” exclaimed the voice of the great spirit, ‘‘ rejoice, the battle is won. The Wahnohi are vanquished.” Ventriloquism had gained the day. CHAPTER XV. OFF FOR HOME, Suce a shout of exultation arose from the throats of the victorious Amari was probably never before heard in that region. They danced and sung and shouted, some fell on their knees and worshiped Joe, others kissed the hem of his garments, his ds, his very feet. They were wild with joy. i _ After the first outburst was over Joe ordered them to start in pursuit of the fleeing enemy. A args march of several hundred yards brought them to the hostile encampment. But it was deserted. The Wahnohi’s, filled with super- stitious dread, had vanished, leaving all their val- uables behind, which of course became the booty of the conquering tribe, Tents formed of the skins of wild animals, valuable furs, numerous trinkets, barbaric ar- mor, all this was seized upon. * The prizes of war were equally divided among «the men, our hero and Yacup retaining nothing for themselves. While foraging through the camp they came upon an elephant fightly fastened to some large trees, which had belon; to the chief, but had been left behind in the hurry of retreat. The animal was perfectly tame and docile, and our hero could not resist temptation of get- ting astride of its back. Yacup, also, mounted and seated himself behind Joe. having order to march back to the tribe, and he and Ya- cup, on the back of the elephant, headed the line. Phoy marched all day, rested the succeedin, bat forest and recommenced their mare As they neared the encampment of the Amari, eet-footed were dispatched in advance to inform the tribe of the victory which had been achieved, and of the S <eeeek L approach of the con The sun was setting in the western s' h the —— procession entered the iM by ~ The entire tribe was assembled to meet them; | vi at their head stood the old ex-chief and Fay. From bis eminence our hero looked down up- on the admiring throng with a flush of pardona- ble e. @ guided the elephant into the center of the ° Space which was the common meeting- house of the Amari. eried she, ing their hands. “I’m so glad you both TAD comensd safe and sound. Joe told her all abont that, and she also joined in the laugh. Joe,” said she, “as long as you keep your skill in yentriloquism a secret, the tribe wor! ship you asa deity. de 4 The old chief now approached them, and ad- dressing Joe respectfully, said: “Young chief of the Amari; I have learned from those who were with you in the battle, that to you belongs the honor of victory. You have called upon the great spirit to aid you in the bat- tle, and he answered your request. Great glory is yours. This night the tribe will celebrate the victory with song and dance. Behold, a throne has been raised for you to occupy. The fair maiden can sit beside you. Dous the honor to ascend and witness the festivity.” The throne indicated was a rude structure formed of the trunks of hewn trees over which, however, had been thrown some of the furs cap- tured from the enemy, which gave it quite a lux- uriant appearance. When our hero and hero- ine were seated on this elevation the sports of the evening were begun. The old chief was master of ceremonies, and the participants in the entertainment obeyed his directions. First came the hideous noise yelept music, played by the band on the metallic plates before Senaribed: Then the dusky African maids per- formed a dance which resembled mostly the con- tortions of a group of gymnasts. ) Following this was a sham fight which was in- tended to be a repetition of the victory they had just scored. Solos were sung by various members of the tribe, more remarkable for loudness than for melody. Yacup was induced to sing a song of his Fatherland in high German, which as it was not understood by a single one of his auditors, Joe and Fay included, merited and received tu- multuous applause. The entertainment becoming somewhat mo- notonous our hero conceived the idea of creating some fun on his vwn account. When, therefore the singing was at its height he cleverly imitated the roar of the elephant and S the same time raised the cry of “ elephant oose.” Then was a mighty scattering of the tribe, all rushed off in different directions fearful of being ground to powder beneath the animal’s massive legs, Some, however, in their fright ran to the spot where the elephant stood bound, quietly mastiecating some young twigs and gazing at them in a mild, benevolent pianner. These assured the rest of the tribe that it was a false alarm and induced all to return to the scene of the entertainment. Our young friends who had seen the trick, heartily enjoyed the fright of the savages. The singing and dancing now became quite promiscuous and general, and ugain Joe started a little trick. Taking a handful of powder from his flask he descended from his throne, and without any ope | ; noticing it, he placed it on the ground near to the old chief. Then he whispered to Yacup and re-ascended the throne. Yacup touched off the powder. A bright flash suddenly arose followed by a dense cloud of smoke. The old chief sprang into the airasif shot from the mouth of a cannon. The whole tribe fell prostrate on their faces ex: the outbreak of a yoleano in their midst, All was extremel, ludicrous to our three friends, and, as it off harmlessly, was a source of exceeding enjoy- ment to them. The savages, however, unable to account for thought it best to break up che enter- tainment, a Logproma ardently Ghelted by Joe, who was Bence — worn out*by the ex- ertion of the previous days. Half an bode pot all the inhabitants of the llage were sound asleep. We rapidly pass over succeeding months. In- deed a year elapsed since the three outcasts had been cast by the waves on the coast of Afri- ea. During that time Joe maintained his ascen- daney over the tribe, and he, as well as Fay and Yacup, had ae lett to desire but a sight of the civilized worl They, however, longed to be again among the habitations of people of their own complexion, and had made several journeys to the sea-shore in the hope of attracting the attention of some vessel. For jpu they had also reared a pole, on which wan tasted the white flag of distrate. The savages knew their object in so doing, but though they earnestly desired to have Joe live among them forever, yet so much did they dread his secret power esires, ; Their patient watching was at last rewarded by the sight of a vessel. Oh, how rly did strain their eyes in gazing at Pp, Ww could bear them homeward; how voices in loud appeals; how their hearts throbbed lest it should nr tg from sight; how’ they fairly screamed delight as they saw the ves- sel lower anchor and a row-boat filled with a por- they dared not oppose his | boring their | added Fay: “he is a noble boy and tion of the crew row to the very spot where they were standing. - The minutes that elapsed before the boat touched the shore seemed like hours to them, Sai = ms eed oss = jogs Joe aol Poses irly clas em in their embrace, exclaiming: “Saved Tented! saved !” , Fay, though less demonstrative, was equally excited. : “ Jene vous comprends pas,” answered one of the sailors, disengaging himself from our hero’s embrace. “ Vous etes francaise?” asked Joe, who had learned the language at school and spoke it flu- ently. “J am,” replied the sailor in his native tongue. “Our ship is the Bonhomme, and we came here to get some cocoa-nuts. We are surprised to see yo How came you here with your compan- ons ?” Joe explained, and then asked: - Whither are you bound ?” “ To Havre.” “And you will take us along ?” : “The captain will have ‘no objection,” replied the sailor. ‘I am only mate, but come on board with me and tell the captain your story. I have no doubt he will take -you on board. : “Thank Heaven,” ‘exclaimed Joe fervently. * Our exile is over. We shall depart from this foreign shore. We ehall leave, and forever, ComegFay, we will prepare for the voyage, and then we will be off for home.” CHAPTER XVI. JOE'S FAREWELL TO THE TRIBE. ; Fay naturally spoke French as fluently as she did English. Indeed, the langu: n almost the exclusive medium of intercourse between her parents, and her mother had ad- dressed her in no other tongue. She, therefore, was enabled to ae quite a continued con- versation with the ch sailors. To Yaeup, however, French was Greek. He listened to their talk, of which he did not under- stand a word, with a curious expression on his gern eee at last broke — ‘i: aoa aa Po tam, you jabber un r like von on of gorees. y don’t you United States, so — dat a feller can putin a yord, too.” ~ “No matter, Yacup,” d Fay, smiling; “you | beat us all in German, you know.”* “Dot vos so,” cried ha, “und I shust show you how it sounds.” And he began to rattle off several sentences in high , much to his own and others’ en-. joym: : Pets : “Sir,” said Joe to the mate, “at present we dwell with a hostile tribe of sa’ named the Amari. By certain means, I not now ex- Jain, I have beeuelevated to the positiouof chief. They would grieve at my de and your appearance among them would be the signal of hostility towards you, and perhaps towards me and my companions. The must be man- - aged with tact. Fortunately none of the savages — have beheld the a ofthe ship or the’boat, _ Come with me, and when near the camp secrete ~ yourselves in the woods, m you are sum- moned, though the manner of the summons may you, advance and stand before me.” ese remarks filled the mate with some sus- piecions. ; “Pardon me, my dear boy,” said he, “*I hardly eth trae and you yor admit that you are the chief of a hostile tribe of sav: Are you | not | us into a snare? Will you give us o- your word 4s a Christian that you will n et us — the savages to be Killed and perhaps- ‘ “TI pledge you my life,” said our hero, earnest- ry. : . hy “ But.” continued the mate, his doubts not be ing all dispelled, “why do you .s to go back to gla und een rou not with your compan- — ions return e ship at once?” — pA “There are several reasons therefor. First, I part with dignity and honor from these _ who, Donen avaare have treated us kindly and_ vk with every = a res 2 y which f on 4 pate hy of war with = w asa N neigh-— ‘And, besities, if ‘eae KJ es, if the matter , the ewig pairs cod lad nt n you could gather un-" . repose the utmost faith in Joe,” would 2 i break his word to any one,” | ' T oise can ae < ” replied the mate, tly, er eertifleate of honor than pai young lady like you Se ae. Madem “there is no =<" (a be ly a with more “You ean which a beau!
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JOE DODGER. _ Tam at your service, young gentleman do with y me and my men as you see fit.” This point being satisfactorily arranged, the party struck a bee-line for the encampment, as it Was already late in the afternoon jand they had quite a distance to walk. The sun was just setting when Joe, Fay, and Yacup reached the tribe. They ate a light supper, and then our hero pro- ceeded to the tent of the old chief. “Venerable chief,” said he, after the usual salutation, “ while this day I wandered through the forest, lo and behold the grea\ Spirit appear- ed before me in a mighty column of fire. Ithrew myself on my knees before him. He bade me rise and convene the tribe to a council.” “For what object?” asked the ex-chief in sur- *T know not,” replied Joe, “the mighty spirit said that he would himself announce it to the as- sembled tribe.” Such a summons could not, with impunity, be disregarded, and at dusk of evening a mighty fire Was kindled in an open s) as a signal that the tribe was called to council. Soon the warriors, the old men, the women, and even the children were ee around the blazing throng all eager to learn why they were convened. r Upon an elevated dais sat. Joe and Fay; at his feet crouched Yacup. Around ‘him in respectful attention stood the old chief and the warriors of the tribe. Such a pre-eminence as our hero, . ome se he was, had acquired by the force of ?\ intellect and his wonderful talent over the untctored savages before him was well calculated to inspire a less — nature with pride and haugh . Butthough he assumed a quiet dig- nity, yet he never departed from his rule, being that of an humble messenger of the mighty irit, sent temporarily to dwell among the tribe. By this means he had raised no spirit of rancor or enmity = warriors older and physic- ally more pow! than '@ arose and quietly surveyed the throng around him. He thought how hopeless would have been his jot and that of his ee ions had not these savages befriended him. is thought iy an unbidden tear to his i and rendered his voice husky and emotional. He addressed them in their native tongue, for a so- arn amongst them had made master of name ed you here, , council to-night. He has appeared to = = It is necessary, let them not against me. What I, the mighty spirit, _ order must beobeyed. LIhavesmiled upon them, but if they obey me not, they will tremble be- . neath my frown, Thus s' ne Oe aie ae -# The trite is assembled: Sp, mighty ruler 0 the verse, Speak, proclaim wish, mari hears thee. 7) ‘ saeueueets ged Sensattion led the effect of in- 5 ; tribe with that feeling of awe which : rite,“ Your t which you must f P ing ’ _ become full poe _8e messen, amongst you. "all But 2 tribes, tribes i _ distre pity their sufferin their prayer, Your young chief must leave your tribe, he must hasten to where I direct him, he must assist them as he has assisted you.” Be cerca Nes beard thee. Ho prtores © ly me: es thy messenger 7 rane then changed the thou shouldst go.” appily none of the * . The sailors started in | sounds and looked were by a voice from Heaven itself, and behold- ing our hero standing on his throne of state, sur- rounded by the submissive tribe, were equall dumbfounded. They arranged themselves in si- lent, respectful attention by the side of Joe and his companions. « Brethren,” said Joe, and his voice slightly trembled,‘ you have heard the mighty spirit speak. He summons me away; he raises up from the empty air men to take me hence; he commands, and lo, aship appears on the coast. He is all- } powerful, and r must obey — farewell men of Amari, farewell warriors whom I have led to bat- tle, farewell venerable chief, whose wisdom sur- passes that of all others, even like the lion sur- passes all beasts in strength. I go from you, I depart hence. In my heart, however, the memo- ry of you shall ever be green. In whatever clime l am [ shall turn my face toward this spot, and, remembering your kindness and hospitality, raise my voice in earnest appeal tothe mighty spirit ever to look down upon you and protect you.” ** Messenger of the mighty spirit—young chief,” replied the old man, speaking forfthe tribe, “the Amari are not women; they do not weep; they ean stand in the shower of arrows and see their companions and friends fall around them and laugh; yet their eyes grow dim as they think that their song chief will leave them. They grieve at the wishes of the mighty spirit; yet they do not murmur at them. To the treacher- ous foe the Amari are stern and vindictive, to their friend, their benefactor, they are kind and gentle. When the young chief is gone the Amari will erect a stone on yonder hill, and will light-a fire on stone. which shall never be extin- guished. And when the tribe sees that fire they will think of the young chief who has left them,” The old man concluded his simple, affecting speech, and the tribe in concert chanted a mournful melody; then old and young passed in review before our hero, each fervently grasping his hand as he passed. Thus ended the farewell ceremony. The next day was passed inembarking. What- ever the tribe could induce our hero to accept was urged upon him. Bre uing was stowed on board the ship, not excepting the elephant. The tribe gathered on the sea-shore, On the deek stood our hero, with Fay and Yacup. They waved their handkerchiefs until the vessel; was far out of sight of land. CHAPTER XVII. A SUSPICIOUS-LOOKING CRAFT. Favorep by wind and tide, the Bon Homme sped merrily through the water. She was a sail- ing vessel of some hundred tons burthen, and though equipped for trading service, yet carried several cannon on board to be used should occa- sion offer. Besides the captain and mate there were about a dozen men on board. The captain—a jolly good pice Sewanee his cabin to the use of Fay, while Joe and Yactp, like the sea-dogs they were, messed with the crew. The captain, unlike his mate, spoke English uite fluently, and, the common sailors were drafted from all ndtionalities, ineluding séveral sons of Erin. Joe made himself a favorite on board the ship, and the crew were never of hearing h yarns about the adventures he had passed ship, was a source of constant amazement to many of the crew who had never before beheld a live one of its 5 \e ; Joe was Z rad want oe ome ns and was anxiously waiting for an o u pranks, The occasion pamouted itself when two of the sailors, both sons of the “ould sod,” were standing before the elephant discussing its various qualities. Joe hid himself where he could over- ear them. “T tell img av all the es what is so smart as the elephant, bego , it can raison just like a human bein’, barrin’ its want of spache, it would be all the world as as & man.” . “T've hearn what ye say afore, Mike,” replied Pat, “ but nary a worddolbelave. Shure what’s a baste but a baste, an’ how can a baste be en- dowed wid raison like a human crater?” 1+ 80 hisself.’ : “If I could talk!” exclaimed the elephant. “Who denies it?” — ‘ as they heard the sheepishly at each other. addressed as it | who of course was the author of the words, eould | , ; f iy , bg ‘brandishing his trunk, The ciephant, whieh was safely housed amid- Pat,” said one, “‘there’s niver one, 4 scarcely repress a burst of laughter at their com- ieal fright. “Who denies it?’ continued the elephant, “Who denies it at his peril?” “TI don’t, good Mr. Elephant,” stammered Mike, unable to discredit the evidence of his ears. “J—thought all the while yer worship could speak ; twas Pat here who denied it,” a I—I—.,” Pat. “T know you of old. Your ancestors, when they were kings of Ireland, were great magicians. One of them —— his own daughter and a young man she loved into elephants. Those elephants were my ancestors. Pat, give’s your fist, you're my cousin.” oe made the elephant utter these last words just at the moment as the animal with his pro- oscis touched Pat's hand, probably in search of a cracker, of which he was very fond. The action, therefore, was entirely suited to the words, The Irishman is, by nature and education, disposed to place the utmost faith in ap ent miracles. He especially believes the eyi- dence of his senses, and rarely, Sages never, thinks that even in that respect he may be de- ceived. When, therefore, the elephant announced the relationship existing between it and Pat, both the latter and Mike, without a thought of jits absur- dity, believed it. “Well, now, Mike,” cried Pat, “‘ phat do yea think ay me now. I’m fust cousin to a helephant, faith, I’m a helephant meself.” “Ttis moighty strange, anyhow,” said Mike, seratching his head, “an’ shure supposin’ now we'd find out the spell what turned yer ancestors into elephants p’raps we kin restore yer cousin Oiee ee evident lexed, for ‘he sto] ce was eviden' ex! ‘or he sto in the midst of his ps aly . tae “What are yez howldin’ in for?” asked Pat. “Shure,” answered Mike, “I’m wantin’ te know is it a male or a female cousin ye have.” Joe, in his place of concealment, thought he would die with laughter at this remark. ** Faith, that’s so,” said Pat, looking confused; ** how’ll we find out?” “Why, ask yer cousin, av' coorse.” “T say, elephant,” asked Pat, turning to the animal, “cousin, I mane. What's yer name?” “My name’s. Biddy,” replied the wonderful creature,” “‘Oh, yer a leddy, thin,” exclaimed Pat, “but e say yer’s Trish, y, yer havn't a bit av the rogue.” ; “How could I,” replied the elephant, “ being born in Africa. But only restore me to my nat- ural shape and I'll be a comely Irish girl, with b 6 and all,” : 4) ‘ore ye to Po natural shape,” exclaimed Pat. ‘Faith, can I do that?” d “ Of course you can.” : “ How?” “ Well, I’ye told you I’ve got veins, and, hence, I ad That’s the spell. Your ancestor, was smart.” “Who'd ever think of giving an elephant a drop whisky?” @ small Keg, and as soon as I a maid Sy “ Pat,” cried Mike, ‘the captain’ a whole ‘o av the good staff; let’s stale a keg” b “Shure we will,” replied Pat; “and when will 4p ‘gh Spe ome dear?” “ o-n al sunset. ” “but you mustn’t let the secret e nded the elephant, outor thew will be powerless to break the spell.” staid Md t,” cried Pat, “we'll be mum. Come his | on, Mike lots get the whisky. To-night, begorra, we'll hoe the grandest ould spree yer iver saw in yer life.” ‘ he two Irishmen departed in quest of the powerful talisman that was_to change the ele- ons-toie beans shape; and Joe emerged from Bn i upon the 0 ex- cited in Sete Tesire to witness the pode) : Then he approached the captain. “ Captain, gr 0. the — 2 “Becwuse that two of them are insane.” Irishmen, Pat and Mike.” “T never observed it, How come you to think 60?” : =F ust about feeding my elephant when ? heard tht m talk with it as it it wore heen asked I fear “If what yoa say is true, I mustese into thie” said he, “have you examined your , you shut up,” interrupted the elephant, promise to of whisky, what purpose 1do net know, at sinuat™
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T's What sort “ Abadia 9-7 asked the cap- | 8tmed with muskets and sabers, and raised a lou tain. ‘ JOE DODGER. of the foremost boats urging on the rowers, and delivering his orders in a cool, deliberate man- — ner. Next to the chief sat a boy. Atsight of him, *“Tt’s best to be present when they bring the} “Ha! as I thought,” cried the captain. “She whisky and observe their actions.” is a pirate.” Tke captain agreed to this, and Joe spent the; At the same moment the pirate vessel opened afternoon secretly in spreading among the crew | a broadside upon her intended prey- the suggestion of the Irishmen’s lunacy. how Yaecup uttered an exclamation: The result was at sunset, the captain, our hero, *“*Shust see dere, Joe!” eried he. “I be tam if Fay, Yacup, and as many of the crew as were not CHAPTER XVIII. that ain’t Sneakin’ Bob.” “Sure enough!” exclaimed Joe. “It’s the on the watch, were all concealed where they could young rascal. I wonder how he got amongst have a good view of the elephant’s pen, without if SS Ee being‘themselves seen. : ForTUNATELY the pirates had miscalculated | them.” ; Pat and Mike soon appeared carrying a keg of | the distance between the vessels, and most of the} _ ‘Oh, birds von a fedder flocks togedder!” said whisky between them. balls touched the water before reaching the ship, | Yacup. On came the boats in a solid column. ** Aim tor the boats,” ordered the captain to the gunners. “Level your cannon at them. Fire!” The pirates, hovever, suspected this maneuver, and at the moment the gunners discharged their, _ “Now, me darlint,” said Pat, placing the keg | only one or two slightly touched the sais. on the ground, “I'll give yez adrop aythe good| After this reception further doubt as to the staff, and that'll soon change ye into the purty | nature of the strange vessel was dissipated, and ass, Me cousin.” the captain saw that an engagement was inevit- “Tsay, Mike,” said Pat, “shure an’ how’'ll yer | able. Tink the cousin whisky, by the glass or from the| There were on board four cannons; these were | Weapons, they scattered in all directions. keg?” rolled into line so as to form a broadside on the| The balls, therefore, fell harmlessly in the __ “We'll mash in the head of the keg, and place | port of the ship, facing the enemy. A man was | water. : it in the pen.” Stationed at each of these cannons. The rest of | The boats now closed up on all sides, surround- This they did, and anxiously awaited the result, | the sailors were armed with guns, and at their The elephant put his proboscis in the whisky, | belts they hung cutiasses to use in case the vessel Smelt it, and turned away with a grunt of ae should be boarded by the pirates. “ Paith, yer cousin won’t touch it,” cried Mike.| Joe led Fay into the cabin and begged her to “ P’raps it’s not good enough for her,” said Pat. | have no fear, assuring her that as Jong as a dto “Tllask her. Me darling,” added he, address- | of blood remained in his Veins he would see to it ¢ ing the elephant, “ why don’t yer drink?” that no harm should befall her. ~, | the pirates n to swarm up on the decks in — Joe remained silent, and the elephant of course| “I fear not for myself,” replied the brave girl, | spite of all efforts to keep them off. made no response. “but, oh, Joe, you are so daring. You will rush| The captain saw that a hand-to-hand combat “T say, Biddy,” cried Pat, “ raising his voice, | into the thickest of the fight, you will expose | was inevitable. ' “why don't yer drink?” ~ yourself to the greatest danger. Have acarefor| Already there were fifty pirates on voard the The animal gazed at him a moment, then in-| your life, and for my sake do not court death. Bon Homme, and still they came. ; 5 serting its proboscis in the whisky, filled it with |" ‘‘I will do but my duty, Fay,” answered Joe,| He called the gunners away from their cannon. a9 toe ship. ‘he gunners and sailors kept up a steady fire, rte swamping a boat, now picking off a number irates. i ut all was in vain; the boats steadily ad- vanced ; they touched the ship on all sides, and the liquor and spurted it over Pat. “and we are all of us in the care of Heaven, letit} “Draw your cutlasses,” cried he, “and on — ; This action created a roar of laughter on the|do with me what seems best. Good-bye, Fay, | them.” Ky eae of those concealed. perhaps—perhaps we shall never meetagain, Fay,| Then came a clash of stee! to steel. eoncealment behind the cargo on the deck, aimed } skedaddled from the tribe uick a piel ae po ae is painted en-| in a body at the mass of pirates and fired. ? ef Pe here The cries and groans, and the sight of falling agp) nn he ceptnin. What fag does she | mon showed them that’their powder and balls “None at all. Yet stay, now'she unfurls a| “et? not thrown away. : iti Fren " This unexpected discharge put the pirates ina flag; itis the eh colors, the same as we are momentary panic, which"the captain of the Bon rca Brench ship,” mattered the suis,“ 30t| tngulas er use praca ee Soar sagecit’; we are a pnonshing: i pow I) The balls plowed their way through the side of al little closer a os walt and hail her.” te Ao eted fone niin a large hole, through See ee es tems pitte,ship ewan to sink, and it seemed the The strange ship was now apparent to all. irates were vanqu : : YNota person appeared on her deck, which was wae i a iokly resolved. the lowered at veougty then Sas but. very little wind she | #Pmns Rem eee) eae was e seemed almost to fly over the water. They plied “I do not like her look,” said the captain, pip- ing up the crew. “‘ Men,” added he, “ look to the ¢annon.” “Do you suspect her, sir?” asked Joe. a : oe?” . “He’s dead.” _ : ; Wells it b ain’t d he’s a “ tr] . U what's left of the crew, are have them AE Pi aS sect met oe ue Saw them coming and grew a trifle rn he counted the over thtiming Saeber, i * Now comes the tug of war!” exclaimed he. If they gain a footing on board this ship we are iP “Her colors ought to reassure me,” said the | jost.» brag 3) him. “ pepe i gh ipaeotbe too careful “in oh, beg. The vessels ee now ag Ae eb hundred | ‘ hea be A a captain ordered one cannon t might are eee : uf ail eames appeal ‘a4 iy 2a pnt: ta ni looking eraft eid ibe tomethe Gann Bowe, fg < Inauled down the French flag and hoisted a black | der. eet ee eee Atver ail flag with skull and cross-bones. : . P _ Their chief, a burly Mexican, was ‘ al ha ron ys "I :
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Z 16 JOE DODGER. No, indeed! To-morrow’s sun will rise on his corpse, and you—you will be mine !” CHAPTER XIX. REGAINED. Nicut brooded over the surface of the water. The pirates had broken into the store-room, where there was quite a cargo of whisky, and poured the vile stuff down their throats. a including the pirate chief, became beastly They sang, and danced, and shouted. In her confinement in the cabin Fay heard the reveling and shuddered at her fate and that of the prisoners in the hold. T — ceased not their carousals until al- most stupor on the deck. Sneaking Bob had joined in the convivialities, but had imbibed only enough to make him boist- eérous and nacious. He was that condition in which he would have braved the very devil, and could not resist the temptation to vent his drunken spleen on his captured enemy- ith reeling steps he stumbled towards the hold and mae the m nD. Eines tank below. It was ny twenty feet from the deck to the floor of the hold. He stretched himself flat on the deck and bent over the o my re, Joe!” cried he. urself, Sneaking Bob,” answered our es that covered their im- en young rascal. “We'll see about that,” replied Joe. “ By hades!” shouted Bob, “if I had a pistol with me I'd blow your brains out.” _ “You'd whistle another tune if I were on deck with you, you cowardly scoundrel.” “Oh, oh; you are mad, are you?” taunted Bob. “J wouldn’t like to be in your skin for all the world. Do you know what's going to happen to you in the morning?’ “ What?” “You're going to be shot like a dog. And do you know what I'm going to do with Fay ?” “ Oh, villain !” ra pe ay to be mine, ah, ah, mine, mine.” He y shrieked the last words in fiendish ’ glee. The ship just then gave a lurch, and Bob, ’ $50 drank to steady himosif, lost his belance and top’ down headlong into the midst of the captives. Before he could rise Joe sprang upon him and clutched him by the throat. “She'll yours, will she?’ exclaimed he, grasp. ‘What's to prevent me from strangling you? I'll be shot like a dog, will I? By Heavens, I'll wring your neck like a “Oh, merey, Joe,” gurgled the young rascal. Soave you're obo me.” vi “Do you deserve a fate?” cried our hero, maintaining his hold upon the other's ' “¥Forbear, Joe,” int the captain. “Tho he merits death not murder him, It was kind Providence that caused him to tum- eects pa a eS open, we can escape rhaps ship.” At the est of the captain ss flung the erest-fallen into a corner of the hold, ex- “You can thank the captain that I refrain from taking your miserable life.” “Dot vas all right,” said Yacup, “not to kills bud, by tam, I vill bind him mit a rope on und 80 dot he not plays us some ee er tricks.” A rope was soon found in the hold, and patee 4 bound Bob, and besides stuffing Pema oroniet in hie moth way of a gag. e ported the position of affairs. poe ent discovery it was resolved that Joe garments with Bob, who was Py, of them were stretched in a drunken | pee chance of climbing up the sides of the chamber. Yacup, however, struck upon a plan. ““Yen I was in Yarmany,” explained he, “I vent in dot turning school vhere they teach vot = call dot ghymnasties. Vell, dere ve used to uild pyramids, Dot is three or four shtand on der ground, den two shtand on dershoulders von der odders, and von on der shoulders von odder two. By gar ve build him forty, fifty feet high.” his plan was immediately adopted. The captain and two sailors st upright on the bottom of the hold, Pat and Mike, after several colla) , Managed to sustain themselves on the shoulders of the three, then Joe, with the agility of an acrobat, clambered on the shoulders of the two Irishmen. He could now just touch the deck with his hands. He cautiously drew himself up and red out on the deck. “The field is clear,” whispered he; to those be- low, “‘ there’s no one in sight.” He then silently emerged from the hold and stood on the deck. Until now the sky had been covered by clouds, but the full moon broke through a rift and illuminated the deck for some distance ahead. Cautiously our hero crept along. The silence wis oppressive. Not a sound was heard, he seemed to be traversing the deck of a phantom ship. The mystery was explained when he reach- ed the inp hee portion of the vessel. There, stretched on the ground, snoring loudly, sunk in intoxicating sleep, lay the drunken pi- rates Noiselessly he pent over them, and one by’one |’ removed their knives and pistols, leaving them totally unarmed. Having accomplished this, he turned to the eaptain’s cabin to inform Fay of his liberty, and to reassure her by his presence. The feeble light of a candle streamed through a narrow window, and to this window Joe softly erept and peered within. There, on the cabin floor, knelt the beantiful girl, Her back was turned towards the window, her hands were clasped in prayer, her eyes were raised towards heaven, “ Almighty Father,” prayed she, “ if that Thou wilt harken to me, p ye Joe from the horrible fate now threatening. He has sayed my life, and let my humble prayers win Thy «id to save his.”, Joe was deeply affected as he heard this humble appeal to heaven. In a low sweet tone of yolee he softly sang a song taught him by Fay, and which the two had often sang together as they strolled along the beach. As the well-known notes struck her ear she paused in her prayer and listened attentively, A glad smile overspread her countenance, and she | sha 8 to her feet. ** "Tis he,” exclaimed she, “’tis Joe.” She rushed to her eabin-door, hastily unlocked it and appeared on the deck. ‘ Joe was about to clasp her in his arms when she recoiled with a shriek. From his clothes she thought it was Bob. “Oh, what a bitter disa a gal cried she, turning to re-enter the w Joe caught her by the 3 Unhand me, villain ” exclaimed she, “I am er 5 unhand me or I'll armed, see; I have a stab you to the heart.” She drew a dagger from her bosom and raised her hand to strike. 4 “ What, Fay,” cried Joe in amazement. “Joe,” joy y_exclaimed she, dro ping the weapon, and rushing into his embrace, “I thought you we * re My dress misled,” said he, gently, leading her into the cabin. “I have turned the tables on Bob, I am free and he is a prisoner.” He related what had occurred. “ And now, dear Fay,” continued he, “ remain here in I shall clear the ship of the pirates and rescue our friends.” Bidding her a tender farewell, he left the cabin and proceeded on the deck. g a little vain-glorious he had indeed con- “ back of a pirate before it. A low groan issted from the victim’s lips, as the breath of life was pressed out of his body. “The elephant strode forward, At every step a pirate surrendered the ghost. Pale and breathless, yet determined and irre- sistible as fate, Joe gues the steps of the gigan- tic executioner. In less than an hourall was over, every pirate was a corpse. “Tt was a terrible thing,” muttered Joe, “‘ but — was no other choice. Either our lives or rs.” He guided the elephant back to his pen and left it serenely munching a load of mE oe if the fear- ful deeds it had just perfosmed no weight upon its conscience at least, _ Next Joe took up a long rope and proceeded to the hold where his companions were anxiously awaiting him. He lowered the rope, and one by one clambered up and stood on deck. “Well?” asked the captain. ‘ “The ship is ours,” triumphantly, exclaimed ourhero, © “* And the pirates?” “ Are d ae “ Dead?” ** Behold.” The full moon east its silvery beams on the ghastly faces of the lifeless, mangled bodies of the pirates stretched out on the deck. It was, indeed, a fearful sight. CHAPTER XX. AN INTERRUPTED CEREMONY, - For some moments the ca and his com- panions ed at the fearful havoc caused by the elephant in mute astonishment. Then the cap- tain turned towards Joe and said: “You have performed a deed from which © firmer hearts than — would have shrunk. Doubtless the souls of these wretches were black with murder, theft and all the wickedness imaginable, yet their fate was terrible. Perhaps had you summoned us we might have regained ——- of the ship without sacrificing their ves. “Tf, sir,” replied our hero, “they would have slept off their stupor, even though they would awaken to find themselves in chains, yet through their overwhelming numbers they still have found the means of overpowering and slaughter- ing us.” e The deed is done,” said the a) as further ent concerning it is fruitless. See that the ies are cast overboard, the decks washed, and everything restored to its proper This was done during the night, and when the next day the sun rose bright and clear, all traces of what had happened were gore; the ship, neat en es ee att sco to- wards office at ro gc e captain, who gave a glo ith the pirate pore | os finally sold the animal, which was ly shipped off to eeived the idea of outwitting the pirates alone | Paris. and unaided. He went directly to the éléphant’s pen. The al recogni its master with a joyful ex- clamation. the beaston its head, he took off the chain that was bound around one of its feet, and led the animal out of the pen. Then he got on its back. Catching hold of the elephant’s a ears for wantof a better bridle, he urged it O) rward. The intelligent animal a to know what was desired of it, for it ow and solemn tread, strode on the deck to where lay the drunken pi- It before their outstretehed bodies, but The ek sive legs and placed fous . hee ’ sow" heen none Sie sleet, and tear ies es for com > aD in handed him on to the American consul, whe find means to ship him to America for trial. The ca of the Bon Homme, when on land, resided a’ , where he had a family, and upon his solicitation our three friends accompanied ims for-a shoes tei So thet gny copied 2 Arrived at Paris they made the captain's house their home, and determined to d the time ained in the city in whatever the whole , inel the wife, took a private box at the During the first act Joe, to whom the spectacle ‘ i « : ‘ —— _ yo . wt i aw -kept him in close confinement until he should — * 7 ol a
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> / p JOE DODGER. : : all things,” replied Fay, “(and especially at the}servant who brings this note to you. Let him was a novelty, remained quiet, watching’the per- formance; but after that it came into his head to give the audience an entertainment not put down in the bills. Urging those with him not to betray him by immediate laughter, he began his operations. The prima-donna had just concluded a beauti- ful aria, and the whole house was still ringing with applause, when, from the center of the parquet, a clear, ringing hiss was heard. Now, it was well known in Paris that the prima- donna had a rival whom she had displaced in the affections of the audience, and every one imme- event of a wedding. couple?” “The groom is Marquis de la Rue, an old no- bleman; the bride is Madame de Lavigne. slightly know the bride. She’s a widow lady, whose husband has been dead over ten years; I believe she’s forty, but she is still beautiful, and looks no older than thirty. Why, she has a son by her first marriage who is abouta year younger than Joe. How she comes to marry the marquis is a very romantic story. There comes the cap- tain with Joe and Yacup. I'll tell you the story is “Yours, in love, Who are the bridal | come immediately, or I shall die of suspense. “Marie DE LAVIGNE.” “Strange,” muttered Joe; “could it A wild hope FS) up in his heart. * But no,’ be » perry sighed he, “it is impossible.” “Joe, you've made a couquest,” said Fay, gayly. : ia g8 you jealous, my dear?” asked he, rogu- hly. “Jealous!” replied she—“pshaw! of a lady diately believed that the expression of disap- | sometime when we will not be interrupted, for it | old enough to be your mother.” 4 pro was a machination of their favorite’s | is a long one.” : “Old enough to be my mother,” muttered he— Fival, The others now entered the room and it was|‘ oh, my heart—down, down idle thought; such They therefore broke forth into a tremendous burst of applause, which, however, was followed again by that suspicious hiss. The audience now sprang to their feet, wildly shouting. A venerable old man who was just then wiping his bald head with his handkerchief was fasten- ed upon as the author of the mischief. “Put him out, put him out,” shouted several among the audience, shaking their fists at the barmless old man. An usher tapped him on the shoulder and sig- nificantly pointed to the door. . “Sir,” cried the innocent man, highly indig- nant, “it was not I. I won't go out. I’ve paid for my seat, and havea right to keep it.” “Puthim out, put him out,” ear: $ the excited audience. ’ The usher saw that, right or wrong, he would have to obey the imperious mandate, if quiet should ever be restored so that the performance could continue. rae the theater in spite of his protests, amid the tu- multuous applause of the audience. To show their appreciation of the prima-donna the audience demanded an encore of the song which had called forth the demonstration. It was gracefully given, and as no hissing fol- lowed the — the house gradually settled down to its former decorum. The inmates of the box highly enjoyed the but Fay expressed her pity that the old| J sport, man had been so roughly treated on account of our hero’s trick. the old man he hustled bim out of agreed to go to “ Notre Dame,” to be present at the marriage which was to take place at three o’clock that afternoon. 4 “But promise me, Joe,” said the captain’s wife, witha smile, “to leave your ventriloquism at home. I would be sorry if by any trick of yours the ceremony should be interrupted.” “ Your word is law,” replied he, gallantly. ‘I promise to be as quietas a mouse.” Punctually at the appointed hour our party found themselves sitting alone in one of the an- cient pews near the altar, where they could geta good view of the ceremony about to take place. The captain entered into a long disquisition about the antiquity of the church, its wonderful architecture, and the many stirring scenes that had taken place within its walls. i The deep notes of the organ announcing the bridal procession, interrupted the instructive dis- course, The solemn precession was headed by the minister who was to officiate, in the robes of his high office ; following him was the bridal couple; friends of the two closed up the rear. The procession halted before the altar. The bride raised her veil and extended her hand to the groom. The minister read the impressive ceremony. He came to that portion where he asked the bride if she would accept the man be- side her for her hushand. For a moment the lady hesitated, her eyes glanced through the assembly, they fell upon oe. Suddenly she turned deathly pale. “That face, that face |” exclaimed she, and sank happiness will ne’er be mine.” et he was strangely excited, and in hurried “ones bade the servant lead on. Bidding his friends a hasty farewell he left the house with the servant. as he opened the door and entered ch chambre, At the door stood an elegant carriage, At the uest of the attendant he sat himself therein, he vehicle was rapidly driven thivugh Various - streets, and at last halted before an elegant man- sion in one of the most fashionable quarters of Paris. “This way, sir,” said the servant, leading our hero up the broad staircase, and to the door of the parlor, “ Madame is within.” ; Joe’s heart beat wildly, he scarcely knew why, e : room. The parlor was luxurivusly furnished with all that good taste could suggest and wealth pur- ase. On a low couch, clad in a rich, yet neat robe de eand weak, yet s' beautifal lay Madame de Lavigne. Beside her stood a boy about a year younge! r Joe, whose dark fea- tnres, black curly hair and general resemblance ~ to the lad: marked him as her son. At our hero’s entrance the lady slightly arose from her reclining position, and a flush suffused her palid countenance, and extended her hand to him and said in pure English: “Tam glad you came, there, kneel beside me —— ottoman, so that I can gaze into your ‘ac ” Joe did as he was directed, feeling all the while a strange tremor at his heart. The low, sweet voice seemed to have touched a chord that “ No matter,” cried the captain, almost bursting | senseless to the ground, — thrilled his very soul. with laughter, “it serves him right. I know “ Madam,” said he softly, “if I shut. my eyes” him well. He’s an old sinner that only comes ae and hear speak it comes over me asif I were here to see the ballet that follows the opera.” a little , and heard my mother’s voice.” As the captain had intimated, a ballet was per- formed after the opera was over, and,soon the stage was filled with airy-costumed fairies. “Now shust look at dot codger,” exclaimed CHAPTER XXI. A STRANGE DISCOVERY, inspirations > ed sin beheld your face? Oh, tell me, tell me, what is Yacup, “ who sits in dot box opposite us, He is| » THE sudden swooning of Madame de Lavigne | your name?” » P ime”? lled the congregation with consternation. No ) barr Sa yeah nen yee ey Gnicfacelidt decease sor our hers Me nget? “ Eye —t me Joe Dodger, my right name is “For Heayen’s sake, don’t!” exclaimed the ca ; “that’s the En peror Napoleon.” _“*And what’s the Emperor Napoleon to me?” cried Joe, with true American independence. Then sending his voice so as to make it appear as if coming from the gods in the gallery, he shouted: « re eyes, Napy—mind Pil fall Hagen ~ Py: your eyes, or 5 of course was uttered in French, and its effect was Tee on the audience. They sus- pected a plot, and as their sympathies were about evenly divided, the air was filled with entirely ignorant that it was the sight of his face that had produced so deep an agitation in the '| mind of the bride. Me cB ere nc a pretecest ss the ots “pane: ought the wo ve met, and informed those present of the fact, begging them quietly to depart. Then with the aid of the minister he bore the senseless form of her who was to have been his wife to the sa- Meanwhile the captain and party had returned to their home. The interrupted ceremony was of course the main topic of conversation. clas; “ My heart has not deceived me,” cried ing him to her breast; “‘ Joe, Joe, mother. The hope in our hero’s soul was ta Oy was in the embrace of his mother, whom Rs thou “ 52 enri, ht the cruel waves had swallowed. eontinned Mrs, Thornton, for indeed it was she, “behold this is your elder brother. ~ This is the Joe whom we have thought dead.” moments all were too happy to give expression ~~ 8. ‘ to their emotions by wo: The brothers met in along embrace. For some “Ah, Henri,” said our hero, at length, “I- shouts of: “Tm positive,” said Fay, “that the lady swoon- | ....% tell you how hai Lam to. fil. saesam “« Vive ? Empereur! Vivella ique !? ed as she got a glimpse of Joe’s g om mother still living. oy told me that the up “ Now you've fixed it!” exclaimed the captain. Whatis the matter with you, Joe?” exclaimed | 4) Which you sailed from Wenea had been the ca “Tt seems you re bound to create a 3 the climax both eden oben si titra by | MOS ty cemgE NRE 1 Ge) reed aa Youth Ware oe bidden to be sung at Paris—right in the midst of |, , /™_ Sure I dont know.” replied our hero. | voy and father had died.” midst fearful lest by some hance our hero’s com- plicity in the row might be discovered, hastened boy vend ee Seeenceee bopees next rs ve @ — of the - Lage s with ving erated the disturbance. This pro- duced a bitter newspaper war, which waged for many weeks, and as the affair ous result, the flaming accounts were a source of supreme enjoyment to the captain and his ~ confusion the captain, |}, ** As she swooned I heard herexclaim, ‘ that face, that face.’ Could she have meant mine? Now, really, Fay, have I such an uglv face that a sight of it is enough to turn a person to stone, like the i, yes head of old?” “If that were so,” suggested the captain’s wife with a smile, “‘ Fay would have been a pretty hard stone by this time, judging from the number of es her eyes wander towards you.” Before Fay could recover from the confusion intowhich she was thrown by this silly hit, a pote nag the room, dressed in a magnifi- “Madame,” said he, addressing the ca’ ’s wife, “‘ I have the honor of oeinagtae you al no note from my mistress, Madame de Lavigne.” : Cork opened the note and read along as ‘ollows : . “ Krxp Frrenp:—You were at chureh to-day and saw meswoon. Though feeling quite weak, “ Who wrote you so,” asked Joe. “ Our Unele Job.” “ He is—_—” began Joe, but he checked and continued :_ ** But first, mother, tell me how it is thatyou have been so long in France, how comes it this day you were to become the wife of another? I know of jor your native land.” said tho angen, AEG “that the vi gallant efforts o: —that of Marie de Lavigne. re separation from father and your the : aastaiane f the Mar- . { ; wie their request assumed my maiden name “ Pay,” said the eaptain’s wife to her, several | still I have recovered sufficiently tosatisfy along-| “‘Ashort whileafter came the newsofyoursand __ days after the above occurrence, “how would | ing hope which fills my heart. Was sauee of a your father’s death. I was.frantie with Sexe, an a like to witness a grand wedding at Notre | faint was the sight of a young gentleman in your | wanted to return to America. They -- * _ . **T should like to see the famous church above — company, If he is at present with you I b for the love of Heaven, to allow whi follo yind 4 - . me by force, and sent a person to New 4 returned, saying that he Yor! who
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_ he is a noble gentleman, and will immediatel - explore é ~~ 4 7 4 18 JOE DODGER. 4 ours ang your father’s graves. Thesad tidings | stooped its head, and picking up the apple, com-| “Henri!” exeleimed the first mummy, who Phich now I aecepted as true, threw me on a bed | placently devoured it. had, apparently, spoken, = — It was long before I recovered my “Meanwhile the marquis, ina gentle, manly way, sought my hand. My mts earnestly desired me to marry him, but I persisted in my refusal. “Years . My parents died, and I became the sole heiress of their prineely fortune. “ The marquis persistently wooed me. He was my benefactor—had saved my life and that of m ehild. After twelve years of patient waiting, eould not hold out any longer. I ecnsented to become his wife.” “© Mother,” said Joe, “do you know, that had not the ceremony to-day been interrupted by my fortunate presence, you would have committed a fearful crime?” “ Ah!” said she, turning deathly pale, “ what ag ‘ igamy ig “Can it be true? Oh, tell me—your father !— my husband——” **Ts alive!” “Alive! Oh, where is he?” * Alas!” said Joe, sadly, ““I do not know. But from certain actions of my uncle, I feel assured that father still lives, but is hidden somewhere. But wherever he is, it shall be my mission to dis- “ Sid win should le ha trated w ould your uncle have perpetrate this crime?” ’ “To his wealth. He is a miser, and the only he worships is gold. For it he would hesitate at no crime.” “Oh, Joe,” said his mother, earnestly, “ believe me that I always loved, that I still love your father. I thought him dead, and it was a feeling of gratitude, not of love, that induced me to be- come the wife of the Marquis de Larne. Heaven knows how happy Iam in having found you, in ing that he still lives. I will tell the marquis, re- sign all claims upon my hand. Joe, we will set out for America together. I will ‘convert all m ms into money, Iam wealthy. Weshall a nook in the world if necessary. I it we 1 find your father. Oh, how blessed I will be if again I will be clasped to his manly What happiness will be ours, if our age will be passed in a restored union, with our chil- and Henri, near us.” still weak, mother,” said Joe, ten- wait until you are fully restored we will set out for home.” . Joe,” said his mother, “ you must me with me. I cannot bear, now eome immediate}, She touched a bell and ordered the servant who answered the summons, to immediately to the ’s house and the whole party we him. an hour afterward, the captain, The evening was spent in listening to the won- derful adven through which our hero had ‘and it was late at night when the cheer- broke up for the night. The captain his wife started for their home, the rest took their new quarters in the palatial home of Mrs, Thornton. ——_ CHPTER XXII. Joe’s RETURN. AS Madame de Lavigne—or rather as we now know her, Mrs. Thornton—nad foretold—the marquis, who was to have led her to the altar, immediately and honorabiy resigned all claims to her hand, learning in the state of by apie none however, a true friend of family, and assisted them in their various to the New World. became sworn and Yacup, they the streets of the various of interest there revealed to his brother his and he thought he would a donkey, and Henri | the * Thank you, sir,” said the animal, after it had finished its repast. “‘That was very good. Have you got another?” “Joe, did you hear that?” cried Henri. ** What?” asked our hero, with a severe coun- tenance. “That donkey.” “What's the matter with it?” “Tt speaks.” “Henri,” said he, assuming an air of mock gravity, ‘‘I am a year older you, and that gives me the right to give you a little advice. Be sure that you are ag ectly sober before you pre- sume to take a walk with Fay and me” * But, Joe,” persisted he, bewildered, ‘‘I tell you this donkey did speak.” ** Pshaw, my brother. You'd better take a soda- water to cool off your head. A donkey speak! What nonsense. Fay,” asked he, turning to the re lady, who with difficulty suppressed her ughter, “did the donkey speak?” ** No, indeed,” replied she, truthfully. “Yacup,” continued he, in English, “did you hear it speak?” **T understand me not French,” said Yacup, but I dinks the language vos shust good enoug for a jackass to shpeak,’ **There, you see,” said Joe, resuming the French tongue, “we're all st you. The ma- jority -ules; you were mistaken.” ’ This did not satisfy Henri, but as he could not explain the miracle he remained silent. hey strolled along, and soon arrived before the entrance of the Parisian Museum, which is the grandest in all the world. “ Oh, let us go in!” exclaimed Fay. Her wish being law, Joe proc tickets, and the party entered the s ous building. It would be impossible to describe adequately the many and wonderful curiosities drawn from every age and clime there on exhibition. Our fous folks promenaded along the glittering gal- eries viewing the various objects with admira- tion. Each country has here a separate department, in which its particular curiosities are collected. Joe led the way to that department headed ** Egypt,” where, among other noteworthy things, were several fine specimens of mummies, taken from the Pyramids. : “How wonderful,” exclaimed Fay, “‘to think that those mummies, three thousand years were living, breathing, walking, and ing like » , we are ay. bat “T don’t believe it,” exclaimed Henri, who was quite a skeptic in his way. “Those mummies are all manufactured to order in Paris, at the shortest notice and with the greatest dispatch.” “Fool,” came in a low, distinet yoice from the mummy. Henri stared hard at the inanimate figure. Joe had so toned his voice that the word was only heard by our party, and not by others in the , who were, indeed, at that moment not pay- the mummies any attention. ‘ ‘Impudent youth,” continued the mummy. “T was king over t three thousand years before you saw the light of day.” , a homed do you hear that?” said Henri, turn- 0 Joe, ng Hear what?” “That mumm a “What ?” ¢ oe, “First it’s the donkey; now it’s the mummy. Why, if you're drunk, so, and we'll go home,” dant Ld ra pe ae te an mummy § , and the donkey, too. My ears cannot deceive Ay ; iid “Henri!” exclaimed some one at the further end of the gallery. ; “Now, there’s some one calling you,” said oe. It was quite a breach of etiquette to eall ont aloud, and everybody glanced in the direction of the sound, but saw no one except an old ‘man, who was sitting in a chair quietly reading a pa; ’ ; - Henri i : Thore was no doubt the sound came directly from where the old man was sitting. . ‘Did you call me, sir?” asked Henri, walking up to him. “T, my young friend?” replied the old man, in astonishment, “ Why, no. y do not know your name. “ Henri!” , The sound now came from the opposite side ot , | and “ Henri!” cried the second, and the third and the fourth, and so on, until the whole twelve re- peated the word. **Am I mad?” cried he. this?” “T can,” said Fay, pityirg his desperation; “it was Joe, he’s been fooling you all the time.” This let the cat out of the bag, and he was duly made acquainted with all his brother’s art. He readily forgave him, and laughed heartily over his own'mishaps. Joe instructed him not to inform their mother about it, as he wished to give her a pleasant sur- prise. That evening, when they arrived home, Mrs. Thornton informed them that everything was ready for departure on the day after the next. On the morrow, therefore, Thornton, Joe, Henri, Fay and Yacup proceeded in a carriage to take leave of all their friends, including the cap- tain of the Bon Homme and his wife. “And now, mother,” said Joe, after that part was concluded, “let us drive to the ‘Jardine des Plants ;’ I want to see the elephant I formerly owned beford I leave this place forever.” The “ Jardine des Plants” is the zoologieal gar- den of Paris, and is situated a little off of the city. A pleasant drive along the broad Boule brought them to the park. They alighted from the vehiele and proceeded on foot. 2 They wandered slowly through the magnincent park, stopping every now and then to view the many strange animals there domiciled. Thus they paused before a cage that contained an old chimpanzee or man-monkey. “See, mother,” said Joe, 3 as the ani- mal stood erect, ‘does he not look like a human rson a ac Indeed,” replied his mother, in the same lan- guage, ‘the resemblance is something marvel- ous.” “* Sup: , mother,” continued our hero, “that they were to dress up a man like that and put him ina , do you think the deception could be discovered so easily?” * Bedad,” exclaimed the chim in a rich brogue, “ ye’ve hit the nail on the head. I'm no more av a monkey than ye are yeself. I'm « true-born Irishman, and come over to this blast- ed country to find a livin’, And, bedad, the hathen frog-aters stuck me in the monkey's skin at mé in here.” * “ Who eun explain al} It luckily happened that the people standing around understood no English, and they sup- that the words were but the jabberings of e animal. “Oh, Joe,” cried the mother, completely taken off her guard. is. We must tell the keeper.” “Td be much.ol to ye, ma’am, if ye wud,” cried the Irish monkey, or the monkey Irishman. “ I’ve been tryin’ to do that same me- silf, but I can’t spake the hathen lingo and the devils don’t understand good Christian English.” It required several w: looks on the part of Joe to restrain the others from bursting out into laughter and spoiling the joke ; “$ eee oh re oo rench, to a keeper passiug. the name of poet ced to release that mediately.” j “What man, madam?” asked the keeper. “ Why he, whom you’ve put in the cage there, Daned up as a chimpanzee.” The keeper gazed at Mrs. Thornton from head replied Henri, impetuously ; | to foot. A puzzled expression appeared on his counte- nance. ;* ’ She seemed to be a resi lady, she could not be intoxicated. Cou be mad? “Madam,” said he, is no man, that is a apoyo ar " Ah, do not try to ¢ eceive me,” nestly, “he has told me why oul At was mistaken, and Ne by a and truly “*‘ What a fearful misfortune that — said : Peay tin ‘
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way he acknowledged himself as the culprit and ey his modus operandi. t is hardly n to state that his mother forgave him, and heartily enjoyed the pranks he _ subsequently played on others. Joe took a touching farewell of the elephant, with whose aid he had accomplished the heroic feat already recorded, and the party returned to their home highly delighted with the day’s enjoy- > SE eet ae ; a JOE DODGER. Immediately Joe, imitating his voice cried out: “Waiter, bring me a cup of boiling tea.” The waiter hastily executed the order and set a burning hot liquid before the astonished bach- elor. “ Eh,” eried he, “ what’s this?” “You ordered tea, sir,” replied the waiter, “and | told me to bring it boiling. It’s as hot as it could ment, and eagerly expecting the morrow which | be was to witness their setting out for America. We will not follow them in their journey from Paris to Havre, but merely state that a few days : subsequently they were standing on the deck of one of the magnificent steamers of the French Transatlantic Steamship Company. The gong sounded, the ship castvoff its moor- ings, and, midst the booming of cannon and the waving of handkerchiefs, majestically steamed out towards the broad Atlantic, on its way to the shore which stretches forth its hospitable arms tc the oppressed and enslaved of every land. The first day out they could not get a glimpse of the captain, as he was too busy in attending to the duties of his position. But on the second day, as Joe and Fay were standing on the deck conversing with each other, the captain approached them. A mutual glance of recognition passed between the parties. - t! Joe Dodger?” cried the captain. “And you,” said Joe, extending his hand, ‘‘ were the captain of the Alcanthus at the time of its con- more sa “The same, my boy,” exclaim ®, graspin the proffered Sant oak shaking it heartily. “‘An Templeton, too,” added he, turning to our heroine. ** How glad your father will be to learn that you are saved.” Fact !” eried Fay, in joyous amazement, “ is my father alive?” “He is,” replied the captain. ‘As forme,I am &n old sea-dog. I was picked up by a passing vessel. They pumped the water out of my stom- ach, and then I was as good as ever. I came to New York, and was surprised a few days after My arrival to behold your father call to see me. He told me in confidence that it was his Indian servant, Lookah, who, in a fit of insanity, to which he was liable, had fired the ship.” ” murmured Joe to himself. ‘“ I re- member that Lookah told me it was Mr. Temple- = — fired the ship while in asomnambulistic ears of service in India, and he was fearful | servant’s crime should cast a stain upon his high reputation. Under the circumstances I remained quiet, and you are the a oe to whom I have told this.” “Ido not like all this secrecy,” thought our hero. — some mystery in this that needs — not, however, reveal his thoughts, mere- + “« re The captain was introduced to Mrs. by Joe, and all the savgnterds Sinan which our hero had passed are & ventriloquist. I remember the trick played on board the Alcanihus about those per- sons in the boiler. Now would you give an entertainment for the benefit of the ” “Hot, stupid fellow,” exclaimed the bachelor. “And me roasting. Take that stuff away and bring me some brandy with ice in it.” The waiter took up the rejected tea, and the bachelor was soon absorbed dissecting a fowl. ‘** Here, waiter,” cried Joe, assuming again the bachelor’s voice; “never mind the brandy, I guess I'll take the tea, anyway.” d “ AH right, sir,” said the waiter, again placing the cup before the bachelor. * Crazy fool!’ cried he, “ What's the matter with you?” “You told me to bring back the tea,” “T told you no such thing.” pe 3 pond it, sir.” “You're a fool.” “Tt may be, sir, but I think it’s you that’s fool- ing us.” f Take that for your insolence!” cried the en- raged bachelor, seizing the boiling tea, and ae it at che waiter, who retired highly dis- | j comfite The table was already in a roar at this episode, which particularly irritated the bachelor. “No matter, my darling,” said Joe, assuming the eld maid’s voice, which he had previously | ment. heard, “ when we get married you won’t be bothered in this way.” “ Madam!” exclaimed the bachelor, putting down his knife and fork, and gazing flercely at the ancient maiden beside him—“ Madam, how dare you address me as your darling, and speak of marriage to me, such an old thing as you are? I beet marry you though you were lined with gold !” - Sir Y cried that highly virtuous and indi t female, “‘ you are a brute !—a monster! I did not utter a word. But I know you,sir. You take this opportunity before all the people here to ruin my reputation !” “T call upon everybody,” asseverated the bach- elor, “to bear me witness that you called me dar- ling.” The highly amused listeners all agreed that the bachelor was right, and that the old maid had given expression to that term. “Oh,” cried she, “I am innocent, but I am doomed,” E Joe saw that she was about to faint away,so he hurriedly confessed the trick to those there as- sembled. “ Saved, saved !” ejaculated the old maid. ** My reputation is vindicated.” \ he old yen eee showed signe of pu ity, an vane towards Joe, ex- lalmed : e 35 “Young man, hegy dare you play such tricks on me?” “Take my advice, old fellow,” said Joe, so suiting his voice as if it was the old bachelor speaking to himself, “ and ours him.” This new evidence of his skill completely van- quished the indignant man, and he joined in the general merriment. , In such gay sports the time quickly passed, and soon the ship that had borne them safel across the ocean was moored at its dock in New York. Mrs. Thornton and her family, as she called the h | four young people, temporarily took up an abode at a fashionable hotel. So impatient was Feyte meet her father that on the very afternoon of her arrival she set out in company with Joe to find him. Our hero asked the clerk of the hotel whether he was meetine’ with Mr. Templeton. Ww _ Joe mused for a moment, and then replied : Kno . Te ’ - 4 “Twill at the dinner-table to-day; but don’t |cutta,” replied the’ clerk “I should say 1 do. f it out, for that would spoil the fun, Why, sir, don’t you know that last week our | The captain promised not to do so, Fave morainst him for governor of the State o! ew York?” CHAPTER XXIII. “ I’m delighted to hear of it,” said Joe; “ he’s 4 MYSTERY. » like to see ae Dee sone — addvess?™ Tse hour for the principal meal arrived. Our} “Here it is,” said Oo ak snoping Raul party was in the and quite a juet | the directory an him. - was Spread before the passengers. As ot| Joe him, and with Fay proceeded to them our hero adopted the house, which was an elegant brown-stone Mage taranondes van ak f ou pr seein a Rg most aristocratic quarters hearty our city. Xs ‘ .. He was seated at the table by the side} 1 : ~ ofalean beng be ~ old maid, and two was fembting wit eager Im roa ie \ . » - ‘Soe singled +s ct 2 ROE ih,” murmured she, “I shall see him. How _ during the course of the meal. Foalebes W: he * * : : - # te, “20 1 5 7 t : oN rang the door-bell. A servant answered the summons. “Is Mr. Templeton at home?” asked Joe. “I do not know,” replied the servant, ) “* I will inquire.” “ One moment,” said our hero, drawing forth a | eard on which his name was inscribed, and add- ing that of Fay. “ Here, hand him this card.” A moment later the servant returned. “ Well?” asked Fay, eagerly. : * His secrctary informs me,” said the servant, “that Mr. Templeton left town this morning.” wie = Pi sadly exclaimed she, “ what a cruel dis- appointment.” * And when will he return?” asked Joe. “T do not know,” said the servant, abruptly closing the door in their faces. “Those people aré very saucy,” said, Fay. “ Why didn’t yon tell him who I was? that would soon have chan; their demeanor.” ; Joe said nothing, but descended the steps with Fay and walked to the corner of the street. “Pardon me, Fay, a minute,” said he, leaving her alone. He walked up to a policeman. i “Do you know Mr. feria said he. *T do,” replied the guardian of the peace, “e Soa you on this beat since morning?” i es, > ’ “Did ne see him leave the house as for a “T did not. On the contrary, I saw him enter the house not fifteen minutes ago. I’ve been on this block since that time, and have not seen him go away. He must be in the house at this mo- ” « Just as [ thought,” exclaimed our hero. He thanked the policeman for his information, \ “ There’s some mystery about this,” thought he, “‘ but, by Heaven, I'll get at the bottom of it.” CHAPTER XXIV. WHEN Joe and Fay returned to the hotel Joe merely recounted the fact that Mr. Templeton had gone out of town and it was uncertain when he would return. ; “Tam sorry,” said Mrs. Thornton,“ for I want- ed to go to Yankville to-morrow and did not wish to put ce ae the necessity of the journey,” “ Oh, she can remain at the hotel with Yacup,” su Joe, “while you, Henri and I ge to are il nae s **Have you no objections to my dear?” asked Mrs. Thornton. reg ee “ Oh, none at all,” said she. “I preferremain- ing, as our recent voyage has somewhat fatigued m 8. “And Yacup,” said Joe, turning to his German friend in a tone of mocked severity,““Ihandthe __ young lady over to your charge. If a hair of er — is hurt your on tn ‘ “Supposin’ now,” as acu a grin “she tears vun out mit her comb?” + fuk yousbeet ges Xtal good ” you 0. es care von Der man vat vants to touch her must shtep over mine dead body.” ee, As he said this he struck atheatrical attitude and flourished his arms wildly. om > That i being settled. our hero said: ~ - “ Mother, there’s a ventriloquist advertised to appear at one of the theaters to-night; as that is i in my line, I’m quite curious to see Let us - all ge together.” is was agreed to, andeight o’clock thatnight * Y | found them seated in a box at the place of amusement where the professor, as he wasstyled in the programme, was to give his formance. When the curtain rose for the actit revealed a = board representing respectively an Tash wy; ‘ man and a representative of the fifteenth amend- 1 ment. { % The professor turned out to be the very man whose performances at Yankville had firstawak- whether he, the “(/ 4 hae’ ened in our hero the consciousness of the _ sion of a similar upon him somewhat ee curious to discover excelled him. | ;
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£ _ He, he, who can come to JOE DODGER. NX * Now, sir, teil us s what is your name?” at Shure, that’s none ov yer bizness,” answered the figure. The audience regarded it as a huge joke and roared with laughter. The professor, however, seemed at a loss for the utterance. He surely had. not prompted them. Nevertheless, seeing that the sralnene believed it a part of the act, he would adopt them. “Sir,” said he to the figure, “‘be more polite and tell us your name.” “Oh, by the blazes,” exclaimed Joe, through - medinm of the figure, “why don’t ye make it? Ye’re a foine vintriloquist, anyhow.” the roar of laughter that followed this sally, the professor began to smell a rat. There was a ventriloquist among the audience who was a exhibition of his power at his ex- “Ladies and gentlemen,” said he, advancing to the footlichts, ‘‘ I need only say that I did not eause the Irishman to utter the words you have t heard, in order to inform you that there a brother professional in the audien This was news indeed for his auditors, and they stretched their necks in all directions to dis- cover who this personage could be. “ Whoever he is,” continued the professor, “I challenge him for one thousand do to make an immediate exhibition which can equal mine.” As no response came to this challenge the pro- fessor thought he had cowed his rival, and oe we aside the figure of the Irishman brough of the darkey forward in orderto continue rmance. “* Before, however, he could address a question to the figure it broke out into the following song: ‘Massa saw = catch a coon, , DOYS, Bl; Laughed and —— it was de moon, Hi, boys, hi !”” The audience immediately recognized that this was a feat of the unknown ventriloquist, and broke forth into a burst of omar The professor was now He advanced towards the’ itootliehts and brand- ishing his fists toward his unknown persecutor he exclaimed : “T dare the scoundrel to reveal himself, I will soon show him who he is.” * Ob you git out dar,” cried the darkey, under a inspiration. “He’s showed up putty well Ww » “ He is a scoundrel, a villain.” “You're a humbug,” cried Paddy from the hter, In manager jown the curtain, and the professor, still a was hid ee mn after left the theater and re- y; Thornton with Joe and the cars for Yankville. A few hours’ ¢ them to the scene of our hero’s since he was last here, appeared just as it did on the ret he passed the Teoh bee, he peeped slyly through the window. There was old Thwackem, still in his glory, — an unruly boy. tender recollections eame over him as he the giant ipa the well, and . they knew he was 4 yet he was the brother of Mele ig pi bor he, “this gold. mine.’ re aio. bes bie he mates ae it i “ Bian uae clive bok a or vi ora ah mother | aside and speaking OHAPTER XXYV. ASUDDEN ATTACE. Ir would be difficult to deseribe the various emotions depicted on the miser’s countenance at sight of the wronged parties, who had come to assert their rights. He bounded outof his chair, and with his hand convulsively clutching his box of gold, gazed at them with a wild, maniac stare. “ Alive,” niuttered he, “all alive?” “Yes, *uncle,” said Joe, “ we're all alive and kicking. My motherand brother did not go down | lord. in the shipwreck as you x ral ome and as for me, why, I guess I’m a pretty lively corpse. You might as wellgive up. Your little gameis played out, and your goose iscooked. So just hand us over the money you robbed us of, and tell us where you have concealed my father.” The wretched old man was silent for a while. To part with the gold avas wormwood to his soul. Rather would he Sa up his life-blood, drop by drop, than surrender his ill gotten wealth. He would temporize with them. He would raise hopes in their breasts, and then find means to crush them. “TI confess,” whined he, “that I have been.a villain, But the Foot Lord has overruled my wicked designs. am old and feeble, tottering on the brink of the grave. I will try to undo the wrongs I have inflicted upon you. Mrs. Thorn- ton, your husband, my brother, still lives.” “oe Heaven be ‘praised ! ! murmured she, fer- ven Me But he is incarcerated in an insane asylum.” “ And you have done this deed?” eried Joe, en- eS have, ” whined he. “Oh, where is this. horrid place?” cried Mrs. Thornton, eagerly, “oh, tell me where it is, read may hasten there and liberate my hus- “TI will do so,” replied Job Thornton, “ but only: on one condition.” “ And that is?” asked she. “TJ will not live much longer,” whined the miser, ‘and I love my gold even dearer than my life. Let me keep possession of it until my death. I will bequeath it all to Joe.” “Tf that is all you desire, it shall be granted to you,” said Mrs. Thornton. bie fae you will not denounce me to the author- es “Though you do not deserve that,” said Joe, we'll pro it, only to see our er.” “ The as’ a a or a distance from here,” continued * We take the cars until we reach a pacha = a. and then we proceed by “nee en shall we go?” “To-morrow morning.” “Hark ye, old man,” said Joe, “ we shall all go. Mother ‘and Henri, and I. Do not dare to mislead us, attempt no trickery, or uncle, a you are of mine, I would throttle you asa “T swear by Heaven,” replied the Fl rascal, turning up the white of his eyes, “that I will bring you to your father. So may Ph eert deal with me as I with you.” “It is well,” said Joe. ‘We will be here to- morrow morning at eight o’clock.” Pe took their departurs leaving the miser one. A glance of Sendiah, trium: Fuca lit up his counte- nance. ly and shook his elenched han at the Pros through which they passed. “Aye,” hissed he, “I'll bring ig ye to him; Pll agnor ye to him with'a ve He Scented bib Dakota tacahaaion ae -| ter, sealed it in an envelope and addressing it, car- ried it to the post-office himself. “ They shan’t triumph over m Sioa ar ae pom he to ak ig “ We'll see who holds to-morrow.” eens the short stay of our BESTS at Yankville they put up at the v he rumor of Joe's return being no about, they found on their return to the inn quite a number of his old friends and schoolmates there to welcome him. The principal room of the tavern was a low, dingy apartment, with a bar at one end, and a large hearth for burning wood at the other. As the weather was quite warm there was no fire in the hearth. eo hing s 2 retired - her room, leaving Joe and Henri, or Henry as was now called, toen- Feo, lanienn, plenty? of tod treat 06, ty of money, s! sev- eral times, and as the on mugs of - passed around the crowd became quite * Joe,” said Hayward, his old cabanas who was among the: number ‘knee = T drawing him remember when you were arp ge you emai raise | plenty of fun with your ventriloquism. ad Gans oe Py ea you give us a little exhibition now?” “ Are there many here,” asked our hero, “ who knows of my skill?” “Only our old chums.” “ Well, instruct them to keep mum about it.” This was done, and Joe began proceedings. While the stout and jolly landlord was sup- plying his guests with flowing tankards of ale. a peculiar sound was heard in the chimney. “ What’s that?” asked Joe. “Oh, them’s the blasted cats,” said the land- “Tt didn’t sound like a cat,” said our hero. Listen |” ine were silent for a moment, listening atten- vely. “ Darn yer eyes,” whispered a voice in the chimney. ‘‘ What are you making that noise for? D’yer want to be heard?” “It’s burglars,” ejaculated the landlord in a e whisper. All were now painfully excited. “* Hist, Mike,” whispered a voice different ae the other in the chimney. ‘Where does this chimbly lead to?” To” Joe Dodger’s room,” replied the other, also in a whisper. “ He’s down in the barroom drinking, and all his money's in the trunk. We'll make a haul if we’re not caught.” * Friends,” said Joe, ‘‘ it is evident that there are burglars in the chimney, intending to a raid on my property. We must capture them. Will ou assist me?” e will,” cried all present. Even those who knew that Joe was a ventriloquist expressed their determination to assist in the capture of the eo burglars, the deception was so per- fec' The landlord produced a long boat-hook, with 7 Int at the end. “Till give them a page the See ee - said he, running the pole up the c ay “Outch!” cried one of the two up the chim- ney. ‘“ By gob, Mike, they’re after us! Hurry OP. let’s get out !” The real effect, however, of inserting the pole was to loosen a quantity of the soot from the sides of the chimney, and as the landlord was peyton at the hearth, he received the dose full in the face, transforming him into a negro. “Oh, m Sgro ee eried ae. Seige the “gh and runn eo = ~basin. rien oy ‘some you eursed burg hurry upon the roof gee “AE A number started for nrpoee 8 a whom was the scnstahie, a fat, burly o cial by the name of Nat Turner, against whom Joe had an Ms a score to settle. “Are the et?” asked the landlord, when he had was at soot off his face, Asorstching slong the odes oft chimney sera g along es of the was heard, and a quantity of soot descended. arr was no doubt of the presence of some sti one De wie epered ‘oice, “there are peo- arn it,” w a voice, “ the je on the roof. They’ve cut off our escape. hat shall we do?” Regge stay where we are,” replied the other voice. * You will, will you, my fine bucks,” cried the landlord. “I'll soon drive you out.” He left the inn a moment and returned with an arm full of straw. aa he placed on the hearth and nd sopiee® ‘ht flame ania from the combustible and aseended the chimney along with a column of smoke. *Oh, hold on,” cried a real voice in the chim- ney. “Tm suffocating; I’m roast i ee t and be darned,” ejac tite landlord ee. Joe, Ebnowses seized a bucket of water and eres eee it on the burning straw, extinguishing the mes. : At the same time.a human form came down the chimney, all covered with grime and soot. The landlord and several others pounced upon the man, shouting: We've got him! We've got one of the burg- rs ad “T ain't a bu exclaimed the captive. “Tm Nat Poth 0-3 constable.” ais % oe Fg wae. all, in surprise. arising, “and ay been illo ee . 7. 7 rushed out to change his
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az 4 . i ' | % Those remaining indulged in various surmises as tothe existence of the mysterious. burglars, all wide from the mark, until Joe, under their solemn promise to keep him harmless, revealed his agency in the affair. : It is needless to add thatthe explanation was received with roars of laughter, in which even the much-abused constable, who subsequently returned, joined. The next morning the train carried from the village our party, including Job Thornton. In due time the station for which they were bound was reached, and they alighted. After a short repast at the inn they entered a vehicle which had been ordered by Joe, ind were driven on rapidly along the country road. Gradually the path became precipitous, the earriage was slowly winding its way along a nar- row pass, either side of which was hemmed in by almost perpendicular walls of rock. Suddenly the path gave a sharp turn and asthe carriage wheeled around, a group of six men all masked and with pistols in their hands stopped its further progress, Some of the assailants sprang on the coach- man’s box and presented their weapons at the affrighted driver’s head. Others flung open the earriage door, and holding their pistols before the surprised occupants, shouted : “ Stir the least and you shall be killed !” “Oh, good Mr. Highwayman,” whined, the old man, wringing his ds in apparent terror, “we have no money. Please do not stop us.” The rufflans, however, gagged and bound the whole ,, who were indeed at their mercy. Then, snate Mrs. Thornton and Job from their seats, they dragged them from the carriage and bore them bodily away, leaving our hero and his brother gagged and helpless, ——- CHAPTER XXVI. ENTRAPPED IN A LUNATIC ASYLUM. Tue highwaymen, if such they were, dragged their captives .some distance along until they reached the end of the narrow pass, where they found a carriage awaiting them. At this stage of the mysterious proceedings the men who were holding Job Thornton released him. Instead of raising a cry for help or attempt- ing to escape he only said: * = didn’t you carry off the youngsters with ou?” we There’d be too many,” replied one of the as- sailan 1s. “Then why didn’t you crack open their skulls?” “Tt wasn’t in our orders,” answered the other coolly, as if that was the only reason why the party had abstained from murder, r The feelings with which Mrs. Thornton listened + ese conversation can be better imagined than bed. She had been betrayed, torn from her sons, was held in the grasp of villainous ruffians bearing her off she knew not whither. for all this she had to thank the old man. ca) foe — evidently but a blind to mis- ere thought ‘ thus the desire for escape be- eame stronger in her mind. Witha spider she freed herself from her captors and started to run. Sas But they closed around her, completely én- eetng he, att with cocked weapons leveled at r “It’s no use, Mrs. Thornton,” jeered the wretched qld miser; “it’s no use. von in ~~ power, and you must submit quietly orthese men Will let daylight through your » The woman glanced around at the shining weapons pointed at her, then she earn- estly gazed into the face of her captors to discover one pit; countenance to befriend her, but in vain ; they were brutes rather than human beings, with no instinet but that of dogged submission to the will of their master. Who he was we shall see anon. Mrs. Thornton saw that her present'safety lay w in the fact of her a virtue out of neces- sity, and leaving it to a kind Providence to en- dow her sons with the power to rescue her. “Job Thornton,” sai aietiy. I see that it is useless longer to resist you. my Joe and Hi will yet find a way of snatch- mz their ~adther toons your ruthless grasp, dis- my dear,” said the old scoundrel, talk so sensib! ‘ou ly. Now won't you "Pawhither will you tak i e me?” is rt A. /— Ape He was in league with her ab- | earth JOE DODGER. “‘That you shall learn when we arrive at our destination.” She entered the carriage, followed by several of her captors. Job, however, not daring to sit near her, clambered up beside the coachman. The latter lashed his horses, and off dashed the ear- riage at a rapid pace. The captors had chosen a narrow for the seene of their operations, and now when this was assed, the road became broader and less preeip- tous, until it became an ordinary country highway, stretching along for miles beside flelds of corn and wheat and other cereals, just ready for the mower. At an y other time, the beautiful landscape, the clear blue sky, the merry warbling of the feathered songsters clustering amid the branches of the mighty oaks that lined the iy pe ey the beauties of nature, so profusely displayed, would have awakened the admiration of Mrs. Thornton. But now her thoughts were too busy speculating upon the fate of her two sons, and whethe: they were already hastening after her to reseue her, to enable her to survey the beau- tiful country through which they passed. The carriage rapidly rolled along mile after mile. Day waned, and night was about to set in, when at last the vehicle drove up before a large stone mansion and stopped. | : It was a solitary, solemn-looking edifice, built on the summit of a slight elevation. The height of the site afforded a view for miles around, and nowhere was a building, not even a cottage, in sight. The truth was that the land for miles around belonged to the proprietor of the man- sion, and for some reason he was careful not to sell any, or by any other means allow human habitations to arise to any proximity to his build- ing. The edifice was about five stories high and each story had a large number of long and narrow windows, each of which was secured by cross- bars. The mansion proper was inclosed by a wall of masonry, which formed a court-yard be- tween the building and the wall. This wall, whieh was about ten feet high, was surmounted by sharp glistening prongs, and had but a single gate, and that was heavily secured within. As the carriage rolled up the deep-mouthed baying of a pair of blood-hounds was heard’trom within, : A bolt was withdrawn, a bar displaced, a huge key turned, and the gate was opened a small dis- tance. At the same time Job Thornton descended daiver’s box, and opened the ce from the door. The ruffians within foreed Mrs, Thornton to alight, and they followed. . “What place is this?” asked she. wae “You shall find that out in due time,” replied the miser. Job through the gate first, then Mrs. aeenton was pushed through; the others suc- The gate was closed, the huge key turned, the bar rep’ the bolt re-inserted, and our hero’s mother was within the walls of a very hell on She was, however, unconscious of the nature of the place into which she had been we and without deigning to inquire, silently fo owed and to the main entrance of the buil Here again be rns . fact, security ani characteristics of the establishment. : The was ushered through a hall-way into asmall, but neatly-furnished office. At a desk sat a gentleman who, however, arose at their en- tran j ope a stout, well-built middle-aged man, with a large head, high forehead, and ealm blue eyes. He seemed to be the mildest-mannered man | sco that lived; and yet beneath that calm exte- Hae Pier vec icd the bratality of a savage, the cunning of a fox, and the merciless cruelty of a tiger. iAs the perty entased, the attendants departed, leaying Job Thornton and Mrs. Thornton alone with the portly gentleman above described. e -8 ,, Doctor Trueheart,” said the old miser, motionin pcos toaseat. “ This is of whom Is ou.” rine -evening, mad "gaia the doetor, gently pressing her hand. “And you are the wife of one of my patients?” ‘‘ Ah!” cried she, startingup. ‘Is my husband in this place? Is this the lunatic asylum where suaeee teen ingeiaonet for the last “ Tt is.” “And I may see him?” a" ‘ , ~ Are ss aah Af : . ‘ a 21 “ Alas, madam!” replied the doctor, in a tone of deep sorrow, “you may see his corpse; his spirit has fled. He died this morning.” “ Dead !” gasped she; “dead! No, no, iteannot be! Hecould not have survived so many years of torture only to perish now. Oh, it is a trick— adevice! Teil me that he is enohained in the —— dungeon below the ground; tell me that in despair he is huping, praying for death; but as- sure me that he still lives.” 1 ,” answered the lying scoundrel, with hypocritical sympathy, “it were cruel to deceive you. Your husband is indeed dead.” ** Oh, my heart, my heart!” wailed she, sinking senseless to the floor. CHAPTER XXVII. THE LONG-LOST HUSBAND. Docror TRUEHEART carried the insensible form of Mrs. Thornton to the sofa, and stretching her out upon it returned to his desk. “We can leave her,” said he, drawing forth a memorandum book, ‘‘ while we attend to busi- ness, “* But she may revive,” suggested the miser. ““Oh, no, her swoon’s gi enough for half an hour at least. Thirteen years ago, Job Thornton, I received from your hands a patient alleged to have been of unsound mind, but who really was no more insane than you orlam. He was your brother, and though you had no seruples against taking his fortune, still you hesitated about taking his life. You promised me one thousand a year during his incarceration at this place, and five thousand if he died a natural death.” ; * And haven’t I kept my promise faithfully?” asked the old wretch. =‘{You have, and I have tried to earn the five Thousand without resorting to the more effica- cious means that lay in my power. What is the result? The old man is alive to-day. If he has survived thirteen years of this life, who knows now many years longer he will hold out. I told you all the while to let me have my own way — it. It would have been so much the er.” “ But he was my brother.” “ Pshaw, man,” sneered the doctor, “did you think of the relationship when you put him into my power, and stole his wealth, amounting to over one hundred thousand dollars ?” I “Twas false,” cried the miser, not——” “Bah,” interrupted the other, “Do not try to pull the wool over my eyes. I have my a abroad, whose duty it is to keep me informed of pa- “it was ev concerning those who bring us tients. See, I have it all down in this little book. Amount taken from your brother, one hundred thousand, n thousand, clear profit, eighty-five thousand.” “Well, sir,” whined the miser, “since you know all I will confess that I did profit that amount by that act.” ““That’s another lie,” coolly said the doctor; “‘you invested this stolen money to such advan- tage that you are worth at leasta quarter of a million dollars. And now this wife turns up, the husband lives. You'll havea deal of trounte to come out ahead this time.” “ Aye, doctor,” hissed he, “and that’s not the worst. They’ve got two brats, and one of them, Joe, he’s the very devil Himself.” “ They’re only boys,” said the doctor, calmly, as if discussing an ordinary business transaction, “and if the old ones were forever hushed i ee Rte mean that it is necessary they should be ?” gasped the miser. “ Hush, friend,” said the doctor, with a smile, “you kos cohagae - by too harshaname. Itistrue, here we are safe, but suppose some one sh overhear us? Why don’t you say thi to a happier sphere?” “And you will do it?” eagerly asked the old un “‘T will for fifty thousand dollars, cash down.” “ Fifty thousand dollars!’ exclaimed the miser, horror-struck at the amount. “Oh, that’s cheap as dirt,” sdld the other, as eoolly as though he was the price of a hat or other commodity. “It’s.only twenty-five — apiece, and I'll guarantee you that you not be re yl ai , if =~ I haven't that sum with me,” **How much have you?” “A thousand.” “ Weill, hand thatover. I'll settle the woman ‘| first, then you ‘pay me twen' four thousand - dollars when the old man’s ie In aslow, regretful wa over to the deep-dyed i eted. row’s sun, Mrs. Thornton { will x on a the old miser handed > in the amount, which | the latter pock « Now.” said e, “by the setting of to-mor- be an angel in —
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22 JOE DODGER. heaven. You see, that’s the way I put it. It’s so much the more soothing to the feelings.” While the villains were scheming, conscious- ness had slowly returned to Mrs. Thornton, and by degrees she had regained her senses. The import of their conversation struck her ears, and she remained apparently in her senseless con- dition, listening to the fiendish plot against hers and her husband’s life. . The doetor touched a bell, and two of the| ert ruffians who had made the attack upon our party in the earriage answered the summons. “Oarry that woman,” ordered he, “to ward number seven.” “ Above or underground?” asked one of the . Tuffians, laconically. “Underground.” The men approached Mrs. Thornton, but she suddenly sprang from the sofa and rushed to the opposite corner of the room. “ Back | back !” said she wildly, “‘ you shall not touch me, you shall not murder me!” : om Oh, oh!” cried the cpa “so she’s been ying possum on us and overheard our conver- sation. That seals her doom; she must never these wall alive. Seize her, men, bear her to r dungeon !” . “¥iends, monsters!” cried the unfortunate wo- ‘man, “have ye souls, have ye any conscience thus todoom me? If money prompts a fiendish acts, see, upon my knees I beg you to let me go, release my husband, and I will give you more than the amount he has stolen.” ' She sank upon her knees and imploringly raised;her hands; but in vain. The doctor calmy said : , “Obey my orders.” = The brutes sprang upon her, and seizing her by the wrists began to drag her from the room. “Oh! will no one save me?’ screamed she. S min Seale Oh, has Heaven deserted me?” , Anold man rushed into the room through the ° slivery beard hung down from his countenance. ——— to be im e threw hi upon the ruffians, and, hurl- ing them to either side, clasped Mrs. Thornton to his breast, and while tears gushed from his eyes, exclaimed : “My wife! My wife! It was her own voice! It was not madness !—it was not madness, thank Heaven ! *: amen eared the long separated, cruelly treated usband This sudden entrance struck the beholders with s George,” cried she, fondly clinging to his em- brace, “ ara alive? You are near us! We will aiag to each other! Those bad men shall not tear us awa: e \ “No, darling!” he, but he stopped short, and a dark look of bitter hate swept over his "He had @ moet sight of his infamous brother. “You here!” hissed he. “ Has Heaven at last face to face with me? Monster! Do yed for this Fee tenoks jast! moment! It come Now sink beneath my wrath!” enema te wine to his bosom, he advanced id measured tread toward the old _miser, who with fear Sas gpaee pote Deere, : from before him, refug at = ee c aa ’ “Ha! ” cried Mr. Thorn! * you flee from me, but you shall not ona ag Off, men! Stand aside, and let me get at my enemy, or with peaes bode Fh wanes cee ou!” He attempted to oo e ra away, but hey, now recov from their fright, attack Burdened as he was by his wife, he sone inom wh ali ie wien sa ooonk = Soup conquered them, had not three er men entered the room. Old Thorntbn bas escaped !” exclaimed one of them, “ and——” “There he is,” interrupted the proprietor. “ Seize him.” Without mors ado the new-comers drew small or four “ . i old man so long, until, mangled and be sank unconscious to the 3 ed| broke, and with it came sounds of animate bs from their breasts and belabored the head of bleeding, fs Dee as, alg OP ee a . : ' 4. 2. Patt ee WE ee: Pr ae CHAPTER XXVIII. HOW JOE AND HENRY GOT INTO THE ASYLUM BY A LITTLE VENTRILOQUIAL DODGE. We left our heroand his brother bound and ed in the coach by the abductors of his mother. The coachman, who was also bound, ma torelease himself and soon set the boys at lib- y. “How is this?’ cried Joe, in surprise; “we have not been robbed.” “ They surely were no highwaymen,” ejaculat- ed his brother. “No more they wasn’t,” said the coachman, with a mysterious look. “Who were they then?” asked Joe. “* Attendants at the lunatic asylum.” “Im ible!” cried Henry. “No, it isn’t,” added the coachman. “It’s not the first time the things’ been done. Say, wasn’t there somebody to get rid of?” “My mother,” exclaimed the two boys simul- taneously. “That's it,” said the coachman ; “ the thing was arranged to abduct your mother.” ney But,” said Joe, “ they also carried off my un- cle.” ‘The coachman hesitated a moment and scratch- ed his head. Then he asked : “Had your uncle any interest in putting your mother out of the way?” “ Ah,” exclaimed Joe, “I see it all now. My raseally uncle was at the bottom of the whole plot. His abduction was buta blind to mislead us.” “Exactly,” replied the coachman. “We must follow them,” cried Henry. “Aye,” answe' Joe, “and rescue our mother.” “They’re dangerous fellows, those kee % said the coachman, shaking his head. “Tho best thing would be to return to the village and get ass “And meanwhile A aged mother is in their power,” cried Joe. “No, drive on, coachman; we may overtake them on the road.” mt i “a a million dollars!” vehement! exclaim: e “My life’s wo more than that to me.” : He hastily ascended the box of the vehicle and turned the horses around. - * You desert us!” exclaimed Henry. “ You only risk your life in vain,” was the cow- ardly driver's response, as he rapjdly drove on, leavypg the boys behind him. “The white-livered coward !” cried Joe; “but let him go. 8 mother from the very jaws of hades. Come, brother, come.” He seized Henry’s hand, and the two rapidly advanced on the road : All through the live-long day they walked with- | Hi out ‘ @ sign of the asylum or any other habitation. As night broke over them they rested beside a stream, and refreshed themselves with its cool Water. ° After an hour's the: ntinued their | Yo 5290 Shae Sage Ho caught his pleading relative by the neck and from the vehicle, and some distance march. It was near daybreak when they at last reached the asylum. c All was dark and silent within and without. The boys cautiously tried the gate. It was loeked and barred. They peeped through the railing. They could reeive the dim outlines of two ferocious blood- ounds erouching on the stone floor. They knew that if they attempted to seale the wall the dogs would fly at them and tear them to pieces. They determined to conceal themselves in the woods near by and await further developments. All night they watched and waited. Da e a ag: winger nerd neealment they feould rom their of col en a see the helpless lunatics being driven into the them halted but a moment he was brutally { In taking leave of ' drove hi and the h hich Ww e horses, wh lanky snimais, Started ata ‘ ’ Tr , Py Ben Pee Lat en od Aa te ho a ade s We will push on and reseue our| bh yard with clubs, like so many cattle. If one of , “that such “Henry,” whispered Joe, “I have a plan to get into the asylum. Follow me.” The boys scooted along the side of the road, under the cover of the bushes, and were enabled to keep quite up to the carriage. en they were quite a distanee from the asylum, Joe uttered a low ery of distress, making his voice appear as if coming from some distance .in the forest. The coachman, hearing the cry, instantly reined up his horses, vehicle stopped. “Some one’s hurt in the woods,” replied the coaclfman. “‘ Hear that!” Again the cry of pain was game “T hear it,” whined the old reprobate; “‘ but no matter. Whoever it is, let him look out for himself. Drive on.” But the coachman’s curiosity was aroused; and instead of obeying the direction, he descended from the box, and entered the woods to investi- gate the cause of the sounds. By a series of well-executed cries, Joe led him on a wild- chase, until the man, wondering what it all meant, sank tired out on the ground. At the same time, the boys sprang ore him, and while Henry clasped his hand overthe aston- ished man’s mouth to prevent his uttering any eries, Joe pulled a pistol from the eaptive’s pock- et, a presenting it at the latter’s head, whis- pered : “Make but the least noise and you die!” The sight of the cocked weapon before his eyes cowed the man into silence. ea gag of his handkerchief, and thrust it into the man’s mouth. Then telling With Henry’s jacket he also secured his legs, so that the man could neither move nor cry out. “Now, Henry,” said he, “ uickly, undress yourself and put on these ec man’s clothes.” “What for?” asked his brother in surprise, obeying, however, the direction, “ You shall see.” When Henry was clad in the coachman’s garb, which a almost to fit him, he really seemed to be a coachman, to a casual observer. “Now,” said our hero, “go tothe carriage and ascend box; uncle will not suspect you. Henry did as he was directed, and the old mis- er, g) bade him to drive on more — At this moment, however, Joe sprang into the =) Ne 1d villain, I've got = a ‘ou O ‘6 got you now.” | = ‘oe, exelaimed the terrified miser, “ here, will you murder me? Coavhman, elp.” «Shut up,” grimly exclaimed our hero, “It's “ itis, uncle,” cried the disguised boy, cheer ily. ? The wretched man Ssaw that he was outwitted. “Ob, what will you do to me?” “ Take ° uu in the woods. into forest. The old man was too fr to resist. In a few moments Joe had RD- ““What’s the matter?” asked the miser, as the i of the coachman’s return, as he thought, coach, and presenting the pistol at his uncle's | =A your clothes,” replied Joe, “and tie ina hte oo coat, 8 ed it and tone of voice. i r — Joe,” said he to Henry, “he's a evil.” brother “ then the truth broke upon him and he laughingly exclaim: m think me some one else?” inquired our hero. ~ mt. Se: “We'll try it on him.” . : “ What?” exclaimed Henry, in surprise. we, di to drive back to the asylum?” ‘ “And y th the aid of our disguise rescue ¢ : t’s the ticket.” “Joe,” exclaimed his brother, > brick.” "oR pas looked at him for @ moment, as if in doubt whether it was Joe or his unele, but ee ed: : : 8 “Good, by Jove! I though you were the old an red . ‘Do you think the rascal ofa proprietor would
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-JOE DODGER. . 2 2) expected, and his surprise was increased b seeing the old miser alight from the vehicle-an » Approaching him. “Why, my dear sir,” said he, “I thought you were gone.” «The woman,” whispered Joe, admirably as- suming his uncle’s voice, “‘ has a valuable paper that I must get hold of.” “ Oh,” replied the doctor, ‘ I would have found it on her body and sent it to you.” “She has not the paper with her,” replied Joe, suppressing a shudder at hearing his mother’s fate so coolly hinted at. ‘‘She’s got it secreted. I must see her. I will get the secret out of her.” * But you’ve missed the train,” said the doctor, leading the way into the asylum. “When does the next train leave?” ** To-morrow.” “Then I will remain here until to-mozrow.” CHAPTER XXIX, JOE AND HENRY FIND THEIR PARENTS. Mas. THornton lay in the corner of a foul and loathsome subterranean cell. She was not manacled, for the en opening in the wall, and the heavily barred iron ae afforded her no opportunity to escape. 6 Was very unhappy, and sealding tears flowed from her eyes as she wrung her hands and exclaimed: “ Lost, were ess To a ogre agal in after so many years of se on, 0 torn from his arms and imprisoned in this foulden. And the brates struck him down, perhaps killed him, before my very eyes. Oh, , Where are Thy thunderbolts? y sleeps ae wrath? Can suffering innocence sink into dust before tri- umphant villainy, and Thou not wreak Thy vengeance on these human flends! Oh! what will become of him, my husband, my long lost love; where are my children, my boys? What will become ofme? Oh sorrow insupportable, oh grief immeasurable! My heart, my heart—canst thou endure these pangs and yet not break?” Thus she raved, and wept, and tore her hair. She filled the cell with her groans and cries, she pounded and shook the iron gate which barred her , until the sound re-echoed through the and murky gallery, co all who heard it in the thought that she was a raving maniac. weer bre were peeaoterty hushed at the so of approaching footsteps. - “‘AhI they come to butcher me,” shrieked she, sy from her recumbent position on the oor and standing at bay. Dr. Trueheart now aripenchod the gate of her ell, followed by Joe, disguised as his uncle and , in the coachman’s dress. Under the pretense that violence might haye to be resorted to, our hero managed to keep his brother near At sight of him whom she thought to be the author of all her woes she bitter ppt ad a ea “Job ean you come to look upon the vil you have done; to k and jeer me because I thought you had some spark of honor leftin you’ yet, and : in your power. < vile schemes walt crowned with n I shall te dead, but, mark my wo! \ as there’s a heaven above us my spirit, to find repose, will haunt you day and night, and hiss into your ears: ‘Murderer! Murderer!’” “You See, doctor,” said Joe, assuming his uncle’s ag ge a mad, stark mad, Poor thing, how er.” ; “Fiend !” shrieked Mrs. Thornton, “‘ keep your to yourself; 1 want none of it.” : “I'm afraid, Mr. Thornton,” said the doctor, **that it will be dangerous to enter her cel, now, ‘She's desperate, and a woman in that condition is worse thanatiger. You'll never find out from her where the paper is.” * What paper?! asked Mrs. Thornton. _ “I will,” hissed Joe, ‘if I have to choke each ‘word out of her throat. The coachman will as- sist me, will you not?” peek only bowed ; he dared not trust himself success, as sure s ‘ ae ve you the keys, doctor?” asked Joe. _, “There they are,” replied he, handing them to | A slight tremor of joy shot through our hero’s _ frame ag he tel the instruments of his § mother’s escape in his hands, \ 3 st Satvned . th bo © : ow. You will leaveus er, doc- _ 25, won't you? TI won't set her peek, doctor, You on me for that.” think so,” answered the proprietor, with a chuckle. world to do so.” 4 “Tf you only knew,” mentally exelaimed our | ero. “You want the coachman?” asked the doctor. “Yes; he can stand off a little,so as not to hear our, conversation, but be within call when desired.” “Allright. I have business otherwheres to at- tend to, and must now leave you.” Joe waited until the last echo of the departing proprietor’s tread had died away; then, hastil a the iron gate, he entered the cell wi enry. He approached his mother, but she, raising her hands, cried: : “ Back, Job Thornton, back, or with these fin- gers I’ll strangle you as I would a dog.” “ Mother,” eried our hero, throwing off his rig, and stretching out his arms, “do you not know me?” At the sound of his voice a glad light broke over his mother’s countenance; she rushed into his embrace, and, wildly kissing him, ex- claimed : vag. ** Joe, my Joe! Heaven be praised !” The tender embrace lasted for some moments, during which neither of them spoke, for rap- ture, Then his mother, gently disengaging herself ter? ieee —— asked : “An ere enry?” *T am here, mother,” exclaimed her second- born, throwing off the coachman’s cloak. “Oh, my child—both my children,” cried Mrs. Thornton, embracing Henry; “oh, how happy I am.” Joe allowed his mother a few minutes to re- cover her self- ion, and then he told her of the stratagem he had i to gain an en- trance'into the asylum, an added: “Be of good cheer, mother. Your sons are near Fc and nek shall find the means to reseue ‘ou this ve’ it.” a And sot pals me, Joe,” said his mother, with aglad light beaming from her eyes, “but your father also.” er * My father!” exclaimed Joe, «Our father!” cried H. ‘ “Yes; he is imprisoned in this place. I saw him—I was clasped into his arms, though only for a moment.” 5 She related to them the scene that had taken place in the proprictor’s office. ’ “Poor father,” exclaimed Joe, “how cruelly he he has been treated ; but his trials wil] soon be over, lasting, joy, like the beauteous sun, will dis- “* You'd be the last person in the perse the clouds of sorrow and grief that now envelop him.” SL “Hush!” whispered Henry, ‘‘the proprietor is retu: ey In an instant the boys had resumed their dis- guises, and when the proprietor approached the cell he found Mrs. Thornton crouching on the ground wringing her hands in agony and the} w: pesudo-uncle sneering at her. “ Good-night, madam,” said Joe, tauntingly. “I’ve wrung from you the information I aurea: and ‘now A wscgse dreams to you, for you'll never have another chance to dream again. He! he!” Laughing and sneering, he came out of the cell, followed by his brother. He handed the keys to the doctor, who locked and barred the iron gate. “Doctor,” said Joe, in his uncle’s voice, “the paper I told you of contains a description of treasure buried by my brother. I’ve found out where the paper is, but I must know more about the treasure. That only my brother can tell me. I must see him. Conduct me to him.” “ He is very violent,” said the doctor; “ I doubt whether you will be successful.” “T can at least try,” replied Joe. “T’ll take the eoachman along. he offers violence we two are a'mateh for him.” “T'll conduct you there,” said the proprietor, | mad “but cannot remain with you, as this is my offies hour, and I must be in my office.” As this was exactly what our hero desired, he took good care, to conceal his delight, and even * His cell is thirty feet below the ground,” ex- plained the proprietor, “and was expressly made for such refractory patients as he is. Until yes- terday he was confined in the cell where his wife now is, but he actually wrenched off the iron bars and escaped. We clubbed, him down and ar jo him down here, where nothing on earth could rescue him.” : “ Perhaps you'll think differently after a while,” thought our hero. : They arrived at the bottom of the staircase, They found themselves in a vault, the atmos- here of which was heavy and murky, Evin the ight of the torch a pale, ghastly hue, they them- selves could scarcely breathe. The stone flooring was covered with a green- ish slime, and here and there little ;pools of stag- nant water oozed out from betwden the cracks in the stones, i : “He, he,” cackled Joe, ‘‘a fine place this is, Say, doctor, how long can a man live down here?” “Well, I should say he might manage to sur- vive forty-eight hours.” “And (ee, long is your patient here?” “Well, more than twenty-four.” “ He'll be gone to-morrow?” **T hope so.” So did our hero, but in a different way than the proprietor. One corner of the vault was grated. — This was the cell where Mr. Thornton was confined. The proprietor flashed the torch through the bars and the boys dimly beheld an old gray-hair- ed man lying on the ground. He did not turn his head towards the light, He seemed unconscious of their ogee *“T'll leave you with him,” said the proprietor, handing the torch to Henry. “Till leave the a open for you to come out.” ‘or full five minutes the boys stood contem- plating the dld man in tremulous silence, Then Joe stretched forth his arms between the . grating and, in a voice choking with emotion, ex~- claimed : “ Father!” ‘ CHAPTER XXX. rf OUR HERO UNFOLDS A PLAN OF ESCAPE, : \Ar the sound of the single word,’so dear to a parent’s the old man started from his semi. — uneonscious and muttered: “Am I mad, or did I indeed hear a word for whose utterance my h has craved and m soul hi for so many'years? sh no Pend on the cold, slimy floor of his cell, observed our hero and his and cried aloud will not be mad, I a He let his head sink on his breast and remain- ed in mournful silence. Tears flowed down the cheeks of his listening sons at hearing their fa- ther’s recital of the horrors he had endured, —_ They could not speak; deep emotion bound their lips and fettered their limbs. beater toes <E thoweet heoat’ aap wanahe ul tone, “ ou f voice; it seemed to me as if with © gisnt’s , strength I tore the bars that confined me asun- der and rushed to her arms, clasped her tomy breast. Ah, it was buta hallucination of mydis- — torted mind. It was the first outbreak ‘ had feared so long. And now, me-— I hear my son’s voice call upon me, Alas, I had two sons, and they are dead. Oh, Heaven haye merey upon me, lam mad, Tam : a ae a Se ee ee an ion of ui espair, Fan Silently and stealthily Joe w the OR! s aS the “‘dangenn: aed entered ‘the coll with his went so far as to urge the proprietor to remain | brother. : en eee eee be: Sowell "On tip-toe they advanced until they stood phe ay Impossible,” said he; “I’ll conduct you there, | fore their father: ; Se Port sean ome — ee the keys. Be very tolock} The old man lowered his hands and beheld — 7 C) rwhen you come out, and be sure that} th 2 3 ead eae og ‘ou bring me the keys, as they unlock all “ mon,” he, thinking his wicked hh which the patients are co ed.” ny a See before him, *‘ have arisen from ae dan eentnen aie seed we of health, home, be a e proprietor led them throu have me “ then raising a broad stone walt eos lett all that makes rappys the flooring he revealed a trap and spiral. stair- T have strength enough 8 ease which led down into the darkneahe strangle you, monster” c sag op S torch and lighting it he began to He sprang to his feet and clutched our h bea mt by the es throat aa : “You take good care hes escape,” said “Father,” ¢ried JB see Joe us they were descending, ould you murder your son, your first bo , = ‘
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aa ¥ *. . __ thousand 24 JOE DODGER. < “My son!” ped the old man, staggerin back gas gering * Yes, father !” exclaimed our hero, “I am Joe, our son, him whom you loved to call Joe ger, and this is Henry, my brother, whom you thought was sleeping at the bottom of the ocean.” Whilst uttering these words, our hero had di- vested himself of his disguise, and Henry had done the same. Mr. Thornton heard the words in stupefied silence. He saw them throw off their disguise, and uttered not a word. They extended their arms, yet he drew them not to his bosom. He staggered and reeled as if intoxicated. A wild gleam shot from his eyes, and he shook his fist at them. “ Avaunt, ye phantoms,” yelled he, “my sons are dead. Ye are not flesh, ye are spirits come to haunt my mind. Down, down, to hades, I aay” Ho struck our hero a blow on the head and recoiled as suddenly as if he had been shot. “My poor father,” murmured Joe, “are his senses really deserting him?” “T struck him,” gasped Mr. Thornton, “I thought to strike but empty air, but it was a body—a living body. Oh, reason, pause but for @ moment. Let me feel them again.” With trembling fingers he first touched Joe, and then Henry. He ran his hand over their heads, their faces, “ their very bodies. “ Alive!” shrieked he, “they are alive. Oh, I am not dreaming, I see them with my eyes, I hear them with my ears, I hear the sound of their voices, I touch them with my hands. They are a eee they are my children !” e rushed to Joe and rapturously kissed him, then he cahght up Henry, and raising him in his arms, held him to his breast as if he 4vere a child. For some moments he could not bear to part from their embraces, but kept kissing and hug- ing them in childish glee, his tears of joy now rolling down his wrinkled face. “Tf I am not mad,” said he at length, “ if these, my sons, are alive, then, surely, it was indeed my wife I clasped to my bosom. Oh, boys, tell me if you know, does your mother live?” “She does i »” replied Joe, “and is this moment confined in a cell in this horrid place.” * But it seems so s' ,” continued his father. “They told me that and Henry had been drowned.” ~ “Itis a long story, father,” said Joe, ‘but let us sit down on the stones, side by side, and I will tell ot tne ores : 6 three on the slimy floor; for the time being they were unconscious of the fetid, noisome place in whichthey were. The fathersat between them, holding the hands of either son with nervous grasp, as if he feared they would be snatched from him. _ Our hero began, and in a short and simple way related all the incidents with which our readers are already acquainted. bm: ” said he, when Joe had con- ~~ the eg ma egg | + all our may be seen guidin of an over- ‘ puling Providence, who has S stched over and ‘protected us all. Surely the dark night cf our misfortune is rapid! before the t sun of. 6 already i shes m. us. arene CS: eek ven draw faith that we shall es- cape from is pest-hole of civilized life. We shall be free, ha ppy.” : “ That is our mission,” said H x : “ And we shall accomplish » eaid our “But how can we?” said his father, val Ee” tate on te 5 I,” ‘oe, “have the keys, not only to unlock her cell, but that here confined.” = eer “That is .” continued the old -* but even 80, we are still within the earl tht bad man who governs this place, Fhe inmates are “eo py idiots een. or such men, a a course 0} treatm have become fied. * and demoralized. On the other hand, the proprietor has around him a horde of who would hesitate at no deed oodshed.” / “ Those men,” said Joe, “can be gained over. ‘Ido not believe in the saying that there is honor a thieves, nor is = either among The only ties that these rufflans to their masters are dread and money. I have in _ my possession bank-notes to the amount of violence or 4 because we thought we might have occasion to need them. Bribe these men, and convince them that their only chance to avoid the just punish- ment of their misdeeds lies in aiding us, and they will turn upon their master, whom, I am sure, they hate as much as they fear, and rend him limb from limb.” “Hush,” whispered Henry, ‘ here comes some one down the staircase.” It was an attendant, who, seeing that the trap was open, descended in order to discover if the prisoner was safe. The boys hid themselves in a corner of the cell, and the attendant, astonished at finding the iron gate opened, entered the dun- geon. Hardly had he put his foot within the cell, when the boys sprang upon him, and our hero, leveling a pistol at his head, exclaimed : “Breathe but a word and you die.” “ Why, what’s this mean?” stammered the sur- prised man, * “Tt means just this,” continued Joe, “that we're going to rescue this man and some other inmates of this asylum. We are desperate and heavily armed. If you attempt to resist we will blow your brains out. If you aid us we will guarantee you immunity from punishment and five hundred dollars, Take your choice.” “Say, young feller,” whispered the keeper, * will old Trueheart know of this?” “He will not,” replied Joe, “ until he finds him- self helpless to interfere.” “Then I’m with yez,” said the man’ “I hate him, because he clubbed me, and I swore ifI ever got the chance to be revenged on him. ['ll help yéz. I swear it, by Heaven, and so will all the ae if yer divide a couple of thousand among em.” “Can we depend on you?” asked Mr. Thornton. “You can,” replied the man, earnestly; “ I'll not betray yez.” " “Listen,” said Joe, “T’ll go with you to all oe companions, I'll try to win them over. If notice the slightest suspicious sign about you, Tl shoot you down. I’ve got my pistol loaded and cocked, Remember that. If I win them all over I will unlock all the cells. Ata signal all the inmates will rush out. You must all join us so that the proprietor will be alone. you promise me thie?” “T do.” ; “Henry,” continued our hero, “you remain with father until I return.” “Joe,” said his father, as our hero and the keeper were about to ascend the staircase, “among the inmates you will find a poor half- witted old man, who was brought here about a year ago. I desire above all that he shall be let out.u med.” “What sort of a man is he?” asked Joe. “The keeper knows him,” replied his father, “ Poor fellow, a portion of his skull was eae ory by some accident. If under good medical treat- ment that portion were slightly raised, I am sure he would recover his reason again.” CHAPTER XXXI. THE MISER’S DOOM. As might have been foreseen by the boys, the bonds with which they bound the wiser ana the onan of their jackets, were not ot a very di nature. The coachman, who was a strong burly fellow, after a deal of and rend them asunder, and thus . He then removed the gag from his mouth and uttered a shout. This the miseranswered with a low moan, and, directed by the sound, the coachman soon came up to him and set him at liberty. “Those curseé buys!” exclaimed the old ras- om struggling to his feet; “ they’ve got the best of me!” “What was their motive,” asked she coach- man, in “ putting on our clothes?” “No doubt to return to the asylam and hvod- wink the proprietor,” whined the miser, They had now advanced into the road. “Ah!” exclaimed the coachman, “the devils have run off with the carriage !” -“ They’re in the asylum by this time,” said Job. “The only thing we can do is to trudge right baek and fatorm the proprietor.” * What a t we are in !” said the coachman, cing at eompanion and bursting into a ey Were indeed dressed in the boys’ pants, wo Botan are tele Shrly_ go 5 ee HT wa: jam. It took them ‘several. -s to accomplish the distance, and, at last, entered the proprietor’s i; office just as he returned from conducting Joe to his father’s cell. If ‘ever there was an astonished man in the world, that man was Dr. Trueheart. He could searcely believe the evidence of hi senses. He was sure he had just conducted the miser and coachman to the subterranean dungeon, and here they were standing before him in a very sorry plight indeed. “Oh, doctor,” whined the old reprobate, “we have been betrayed, we are lost.” «What does it all mean?” asked he, confused- ly. “I thought I just brought you to your brother’s cell?” “ Ha,” cried Job, “you did?” “ Yes; why do you start?” : “ Because he whom you thought was I, was my nephew, the son of my brother.” - *« The deuce you say !” ejaculated the doctor. ** Yes,” continued the other, “and the coach- man was his other son, the brother of that devil Joe, who seems born to spoil! all my schemes.” * But I do not understand all this. They both wore your clothes, respectively, and now I see you are wearing theirs.” “Yes. The rascals surprised us and forced us to change.,’ fe two boys? Could you not master them?” “No; that Joe’s got a spirit called ventrilo- quism, to help him in all his tricks.” The miser in whining tones related how our hero had outwitted him and the coachman. “That is the game, is it?” cried the ee his small eyes twinkling with rage. “Well, E guess I can spoil it.” He touched a bell and an attendant entered. ae *2 immediately,” said he, ‘to the tra that leads to the underground cell. You'll fin it open. Close it, and report to me.” The man, however, did not move. “William,” cried the doctor, springing up, *did you hear me?” The man n to tremble. He was evidently afraid ofthe doctor’s wrath, yet hesitated to obey. “What are you standing there trembling for?” yelled the proprietor, pull forth a —_ and aiming it at his head. “ Speak, or I'll blow your brains out!” The man’s courage forsook him, he sank on his knees, exclaiming< t« “Don’t kill me, doctor, don’t kill me, and I tell you all.” : “All what?” “Two boys what got into the place tn dis- guise have bribed the keepers and unlocked all the cells of the inmates. They're all i for the signal to rush upon you and kill you.” “By Jove!” yelled the proprietor, pale with fury. “I'll give them the s' m ; I've been prepared for an event like this. In every cell is a nga Ah ge metallic wires connect the c tile electric battery on yonder shelf. I can so arrange the mac in fif- teen minutes a 8 will be emi which will run along the w simultaneously explode all the ¢ , ard send the whole building in the Ah, ah! The time has come to put my in- fernal machine into operation.” He uttered a flendish laugh, and a: the battery, carefully peta the vanes mamas co wires and put them a curiously-ar- a ad machine, w' was run by clock-work. “You see,” said he, ex 6 modus oper- mey of an inventor, “this clock-work ually brings the ends of the wires closer together. When arrive within half an inch of each other, the spark will fly be- tween them, and at the same instant the whole asylum will be shattered into atoms. Meanwhile we can escape, leaving the fools waiting for the Sorel. A! They'll get it, in a way they do not ra) ” “He, he!” giggled the miser. “It'll serve them — It'll serve them right!” e coachman and attendant were too horrified at the diabolical scheme to utter ste into the hall-way when they were met tha Tkoopers, headed by Henry, Ses, and Me ornton. hornton had just left, the pistol. ~~ Sinultenconty uit the inmates rushed out of the cells and into the asylam yard. vr : ong them was Mrs. Thornton, and the man with the depressed skull. figs ry ae ooh they @ *
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‘JOE DODGER. 25 Meanwhile the keepers had unbarred the gate which led out of the building. ‘“* MY DARLING Fa ¥—MyY OWN DEAR DAUGHTER: —If you ever want to see your father, order your * For Heaven’s sake!” cried the attendant, who ! driver to follow my vehicle. I am driving to my was in the proprietor’s office, “hurry out of this “ Why?” asked Joe. “Tn a few minutes the place will be blown into the air!” © “Impossible !” , The attendant hurriedly explained the infernal machine which was in operation. “Can it be prevented?” exclaimed Joe. ““No, no,” cried the attendant, “it is too late! Oh, let us flee before we are all killed.” Already most of the inmates had rushed out. Joe and Henry, followed by his parents, and the rest that were within the building, hurried out. _ They had just gained the woods when a report like the discharge of a hundred cannon was heard. The air was darkened by a shower of rocks and stones, which fortunately fell harmless around them. A cloud of smoke and dust for some moments enveloped the scene, When it had disap , nothing was visible of the asylum but a mass of dust and ruins. Among the fragments of broken stones were seen the torn and mangled remains of Dr. True- the inhuman proprietor of what had been a curse on the face of the earth, and Job Thornton, the mean, rascally miser. Both had met their richly deserved fate, —— CHAPTER XXXIT. A GRAND DISCOVERY. We must go back to the hotel where we left Fay and ewig : ey spent the time during which the rest were absent from the city in taking walks through the town and viewing the various objects of interest that struck their fancy. Still the time wore heavily on their hands, and as day after day passed without the return of the others, or’ withvut receiving any tidings from them they became anxious and concerned. Fa fa span feared that some mischance had befallen oe,and became quite sad at the thought. To cheer her spirits, Yacup proposed that they should take a drive to Central Park. Fay acceded to this, more to please her friend than for any pleasure she might experience with- out pedo race sed Sy te 2 4A car was ordered,and the young pair gay- ly dressed,were soon being rapidly driven to that Deautiful purk which is the joy and pride of all our citizens. ‘ The afternoon was bright and the weather loye- ly. 4 k was thronged with ladies and gentle- men, who were the embodiment of the wealth, fashion, and beauty of the metropolis. Yet, among all none appeared so charmingly beautiful, none so gracefully blended the sweet boyd of girlhood with the unfolding charms of womanhood, as our heroine, Fay Tem- pleton, then sweet sixteen. The vebicle in which they were was an open barouche, and as the noble steeds pranced along ee stopped to gaze in admiration at the seat. Then began a chase, all unconscious to Fay and | th Yacup, through the park and back again to the Here Yacup ordered the coachman to make a halt while he and Fay alighted to obtain some refreshments. in the direction an hour later Fay and Yacup came back the terrace. “Please, ma’am,” said the coachman to Fay, after she and Yacup had taken their seats within cee reliele,.| Saceng Genes een nee e you n : F took the missive and eagerly opened it and ' ‘ home, and there I will receive you. There are reasons why I cannot show myself to you now, and clasp you to my bosom, as I longto do, Fol- low me, darling; all will be explained. “Your loving father, ** ALVAH TEMPLETON.” ** Vell,” asked Yacup, “‘ vrom who isht dot led- der, if I may ask?” “From my father, Yacup,” replied she, rly —‘ oh, I shall see, speak to him; he will tell me all_why he has not seen me before—oh, read it!” Pine: 4 read the letter through, and then said : “Vell, vat you goin’ to do mit it?” “Why obey, of course,” said she. “I don’d Ilke all dis secreds aboud it,” said Yacup, shaking his head, fs “Father has reasons for it,” she answered; “but he will tell me all.” “Vell,” said he, as if to satisfy the doubts of his mind, “I’li be near you, anyhow, and no harm shall cum by ae as long as I'am here, by tam. If you gets urt, Joe he vould eat mine head off,’ “T hope,” replied she, laughingly, “that the emergency will not arise.” 3 ~ “Coachman,” asked Yacup, “ who vas dot man vot gives you dot note?” ‘ “ Ho is sitting in that carriage there, sir,” an- swered the coachman, pointing to the vehicle. “Vell, you shust follow dot carriage.” “All right,” said the driver, closing the door and ascending to the box. : The other vehicle set itself into motion and drove rapidly out of the park, followed by the barouche. On through the various streets it drove, until at last it halted before the elegant mansion which, in a previous chapter, our hero and Fay had ineffectually attempted to enter. Though Fay was on the alert to catch a glimpse of her father as he descended from the coach, yet he was so muffled in a mantle, and entered the house so quickly, that she could not distin- guish his form or features. In obedience to Yacup’s orders, the barouche drove up bese the other vehicle, and he and Fa: ted and ascended the broad staircase. Belore they had time to the bell, the door was opened by a servant, who led them into.a parlor furnished toa degree of surpassing lux- ury and elegance, “My master desires,” said the servant, ‘that the young gentleman should remain in the par- lor while he speaks to the young lady.” Yaeup received this piece of information with ill-concealed displeasure, but Fay thought it was but natural that her father should wish that their reunion should take place while they were | di alone, “Who is your master?” asked Yacup, ab- ruptly. “Colonel Templeton,” replied the servant. ** Vell,” said he, whisperingly, to Fay, “ you go, und ven you vants me shust scream ike blazes, und I cums right purty quick, you bet. **Lead on,” said Fay to the servant. The latter conducted her up one flight of stairs and to the door of the library, where he left her alone. The door was slightly ajar, and with her heart beating strangely and a tremor shaking her lim>s, Fay slowly entered the room. 6 glance at its occupant was sufficient. feng oe in horror, and, turning deathly ie, gasped : “You are not my father!” “TI know it, rn, replied he, grasping her by e wrist, “and it was for that reason I sum- moned you here to-day. Iam Lookah, his In- dian servant.” a ho my poor father,” sobbed Fay, “oh, where Lookah carefully locked the door, and then turning to her, said: “ He is alive, but in my power. Do not shrnik } from me, Fay, for I Will not harm you. Listen while I reveal to you the motivesfor my act. rf loved yuor mother, Fay, with a passion deep and unutterable. Then I was a rajah, a prince. ef ~~ contained thousands of acres of ae — thousands ot carro ess your , however, scorned my lov instigated pn mage to oon an = me. He was m er than I was, and conquered my terri- tory, and from a rajah I became a slave. let ee When your mother married n, I was transferred with her dowery to his household. Though I hated the love I bore your mother was so strong for her sag buried my eae lived. After r death my hate, intensified by its suppression, turet forth Saw, sud 1 longed Se ts Ooeeateay ofrevenge. It came. On our passage to this s bad pony country I fired the ship and turned suspieion on his head. I thought that they would him for arson, but eae | the conflagratioa he was struck by a mast and rendered y idiotic, Then the plan came into my head to change our respective positions. I, then slave, became the master, he became the slave. The greater portion of his wealth I managed to secure from the wreck. I impersonated him. His long absence from the country and the darkness of his com- plexion, rendered more so by his long residence in India, favored the deception, Upon my arrival in this country I was treated with the as: honor. I was invited to banquets and festivals by the highest in the land. My culture and edu- eation enabled me to act well my part, No one suspected that I was other than I appeared to be. Ah, ah, they honored me, Lookah, the servan’ the slave, while they profoundly pitied Colonel - or ages the poor -witted fool.” : ** Oh, wicked, heartless man!” ejaculated Fay, “The first dread of exposure,” continued he, not noticing her interruption, “‘ came at the time when you and Joe came here to seek your father, ~ Had you been alone, or with him who now ac- companied you, I would have admitted you then and revealed this to you. But somehow I fear that Joe, I dread to meet him. Now I have told ou all. For your own safety and that of your er it will be necessary for you to act towards me as if I were your father.” 4 ih I can never do,” interrupted she, vehe- mently.” ; . “Girl,” hissed he, “you must. My word can doom your father to a miserable death. If you would not have-him die, if you would live in ~ hope, perhaps, at some future day to see him, you must implicitly do my bidding.” 3 ‘i Int” cried she, “ what would you oO a “Live here. Allow me to introduce you as my daughter. Speak to me in accents of filial love. You will here be surrounded by wealth and lux- ury; and, if my ambition is fulfilled, you will _ grace a still higher sphere.” He was interrupted by a knock at the door, —— and opened it and a servant en- - r “ Well ?” asked he, “The committee have arrived.” “Send them here,” ordered he, CHAPTER XXXIIT, E CONCLUSION. AFTER the servant had departed om his er- - rand. Lookah turned to Fay and hissed into her ears: z “Now I will sotepinte 20eS ane eee a as my daughter, One look to betray me and you 8. He took a small jeweled dagger from his oop agg g her with it restored it to - ts place. : e poor girl, pale with fear, nodded an assent - have me _ to his words. -, three re- with a courtesy that did credit to The servant now returned, ushe portly gentlemen into the room. ceived them his training, and which was one of the means by ~ which he deceived those around him into a el that he was really the ex-United States msul, : 7 “Gentlemen,” he said, affably, “ to what fortu- _— Sc” do I owe the honor of this - t i “Colonel Temp! ieton,” replied the chairman of Placher talibeenoe that ty has nominated in our pal ou for the position of Governor of the State of fer J ase carta ts Seer ‘ou oO! urge you to r par conferred upon soos the of the convention. : é “Mr, Chairman and gentlemen,” responded the fo. d <i we have come to bring you the ‘ yoto false colonel ; “in accepting the nomination so ~ d unanim tendered to me, I: Naan esaens may hearttols toaphke to” you individually. will have the honor to ore you. © had are — rived. Should she be silent, and suffer this cruel _
Page 26
JOE DODGER. “ deceit to continue? Should she, eence, give it the stamp of trath? tlemen before her were men of honor. could but i e who the man was on whom they were hea these unmerited honors—hon- ors that were intended for her father—they would recoil from the wretch with horror. She saw that Lookah was narrowly watching her; but she de- termined, come what may, once and for all, to expose the frand and deceit. * He lies !” cried she, suddenly. “2 am not his forth the daughter!’ z fia !”’ exclaimed Lookak, draw carelessly , and twirling it around as ‘playing with it” “ on me, gentlemen; the shock of the catastrophe has somewhat affected her reason. She is indeed my daughter.” The honorable gentlemen forming the com- at the in mute astonish ment. Somewhat emboldened, Fay rushed towards them, and placing them as a shield before her, “Tam not mad—I speak the truth.” “No more, girl, no more,” hissed the servant. - By this time the suspicions of the committee were aroused, and the chairman, pointing at the Weapon, said : = ly, colonel, you would not draw your dag- ger on your own daughter?” Feeling sure of friends, Pay rapidly continued : “He is not Colonel Templeton; he is not my father, but my father’s servant, He isan Indian | victed slave. her acquies- arely the gen- If they Loekah would hear no more, With the ery of a baffled r he sprang upon Fay, and would have buried the dagger in her heart, had not the ape forming the committee sprang upon and wrenched it from his graep. At the same moment the sound of many footsteps as- eending the stair was heard, the next, and the door was violently eer | open, and there rushed into the room Mr. an rs. Thornton, Colonel Templeton, Joe, Henry and Yacup. oo ao the first to ng her father, and Fase gup to him sank into his arms, exclaim- g: “ Father, dear father !” Some gleam of reason seemed to return to the imbecile man as he embraced his ey ge for tears rushed from his eyes and he softly mur- mured : “‘ Fay, my own dear Fay.” Meanwhile a couple of officers, who had enter- ed simultaneously with the rest, clasped a of handcuffs on Lookah’s wrists while he stood spellbound with astonishment at the sight of his master, whom he thought safely secured in the lunatic asylum. A number of explanations followed, and the committee were exceedingly grateful that the fraud practiced upon them was so early covered. Lookah was dispatched off to jail, where he remained until he was in due time tried and con- of arson on the high sea, and sentenced to imprisonment for life. Colonel Templeton took up the residence oecu- pied heretofore in his name and stead by his ser- vant, and, at Fay’e earnest request, Mr. and Mrs. Thornton, with Joe, Henry and Yacup, also re- mained in the spacious residence. _ The colonel was placed under the best modical treatment the country could afford, and in a few aa pg completely regained the control of his mind. It was a happy day indeed when he was fully restored to health, both in mind and bod y. The miserable hovel occupied by the old miser was torn down, Mr. Thornton regained possession of the wealth of which he had been robbed, to- gether with the increase due to the miser’s thrift, and Mary, the housekeeper, who had so tenderly reared our hero, was made em by a position in Colonel Templeton’s household, which was the common home of all. : What need I add further, except to say that as years by and our hero arrived at man’s estate, he came to know his own heart, and dis- covered that it was brimful of love for Fay, who = meanwhile grown into a most beauteous y. ‘ A declaration and mutual confession of love dis- | followed. The happy day was set, and a grander and more magnificent wedding was never yet cele- brated than that when Joe, the boy ventriloquist no longer, led Fay to the altar. ; (THE END.] ST Useful and Instructive Books. 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For sale by all newsdealers, or it will be pent to your address, postage free of Frank Tousey, re Publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to love, courtship, and mar- riage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to be observed, with many curious and interasting things not generally known. For sale by all newsdealers, price 10 cents, or sent, ere" free, upon receipt of priee. Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730. : HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A .complete and useful little book, con- pom ap the rules and regulations of Billiards, Bagatelle, Backgam-, mon, Croquet, Dominoes, ete. Price 10 cents. For sale by all nows- dealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address, tage free, on receipt of price. Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 Rorth Moore street. New York, Box 2730. HOW TO BECOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing the grandest assortment of magical illusions ever placed before the public. Also, tricks with cards, incantations, ete. ice 10 cents. For sale by ull newsdealers, or sent to ol address, free, upon receipt of price. Frank eg ai lisher, 34 and 86 North Moore street, New York. P. O. ox HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE.—Giving full instruction for the use of dumb-bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, horizontal bars, and various other methods of developing a good, healthy musele; containing over sixty illustrations. Every boy can become strong and healthy by following the instructions contained in this little book. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of 10 cents. Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore New York. Box 2730. ' HOW TO FLIRT.—Just out. The arts and wiles of flirtation are explained by this little book. Besides the various methods of -— kerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window, and hat flirtations, it tail @ full list of the mesguege and sentiment of flowers, which is inter- esting to everybody, old and young. You canhot be wy te out one. Price 10 cents. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving Nag et ange ee om ; as tothe manner and method of raising, Keeping. » breeding kinds of pets. Also Bring, Tv niang e by 28 handsome : Moore street, New York. 2730. 3 : 4 HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY is the title of very valu- able little book just published. A eee Sons : Of games. . 8 me) Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York, and receive it by return mail, post paid. es ree cents. Fran Tou Ys street, New York. Box 2730...
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Latest Issues of THE 5 CENT EOMIE LIBRARY. Hard Nats; or, A Term of Fun at Dr. a ef Acad i ag Ruler 58 The Shortys’ Country Store, by Peter P: 59 Muldoon’s Vacation, roe Tosser 60 Jack Hawser’s 'T'av: r P. = pes or, He Never Got Left, by Pinere Te Teaser Es 1 Jump and His Old Blind Nag, Sy Peter Pad in @ Box; or, The Long and Short ot It, y Tom Te 6 The Shorty Kids; or, Three Chips of Karee Old ia iter C) Mike M Moaguinness; or, Traveling for Pie by ‘Tom Teaser 66 The Shortys’ Christmas Snaps, Pete P, 67 The Bounce Twins, or, The Two Worst Boys ih - the World, Sam Smil $8 Riable Bip, the mp of the Schoo, 7 "miler fore | leasure, Peter Pad 70 Muldoon Ont West, tic Teaser ‘Those Quiet te om Peter Pad 72 Muldoon, the Fire: Pom Teaser 73 A Rolling Stone; or, or, Jack Ready's Life o ae, - e' 74 An Old Boy; or, Maloney After Education, ig Tom Teaser 75 Tumbling Tim; or, Traveling With a Circus, Cleary's Cou: Court, b; Peter ier ‘om Teaser 77 Fr Jock Roadye ‘a School Scrapes, Peter Pad 78 Muldoon, the Solid Man, by Tom Teaser 3 Joe Junk, the Whaler; or, Anywhere for e aune i £0 The Deacon's Son; or, The Imp of the YVilienes Tom Teaser 81 Behind the Scenes; or, Out With a New York FR a pee y oa Pad noy Foar, r 83 Muldoon's Base ag Club, by tom Teaser Peter Pad rf “i Base Ball Club in > Panag T 88 Jimmy Grimes; or, Sharp, Smart and Sass. a aiwaee 89 Little Tommy Bounce; or, Romething’ Like vag tyne : ee Pad 90 Muldoon’s Picnic, ‘om Teaser 91 Litule Tommy Bounce on His Traveler , Doing America for Fun, Peter Pde 92 Besos Sam Bowser at Work on % ; or, The Irish Twins, Ey neti ‘Aldermen Sweeneys of New Yor! I; or, Sa Boy's Note Book, by “ Ed” 96 A Bad Boy at School, by nf 97 Jimmy Grimes, Jr.; or, the Torment of the Vii- % ¥ ‘om Teaser poe nny Jim; or, Rackets and Sao ab Tom Teaser 99 The Book Agent’s Mas “Ka” 100 Muldoon's in soar, 101 Muidoon’s Brother 1@ The ne Tere Dudes 0 or, The Comical Advent- tz Roy J Jones, wr ‘Tom Teaser 16s Senator Muldeon, ‘Tom Teaser 104 The 5 parece; or, Working ‘the Same Old by Peter Pad 106 The Comical preees of Two Dudes, wal ba = by BCL Tosser Muldoon, Cop. y Tom Teaser 181 Muldoon, the Cop. art Ii, by Tom Teaser Billy Moss; or, og one Thing to Another, y Tom Te: 309 Truthful Jack; or, On Board the Naney xy acag 110 Fred Fresh; AsG Grass, Be rom Tosser : or, As Green as ‘Yom Teaser Ill The Deacon's Boy; or, ‘I'he Worst in Town, by Peter Pad Brown & x at School; or, The Deac- aL rk ye np ee by ee Pad Jim; or, T Hard Nots by om. Pea Co., the Boy Sree Peddlers, by PB Pad Ulowns; or, A Summer With 118 Boe ounces OF, A Block of the Old Chip, gad Ut Young Dick Plunket; or. Tho Trials and Tape 118 Muldoon in irclanels os Pes. Bolsa bran oe 119 Maldoon's Grocery aoe Part 1” ee on ak Store. Part II, Tal Bo! b Bright: or, A Boy of Sosinten and Fun. im Bie a at: or, A Boy of Busineosana't agar’ T ‘easer 128 Muldoon's Trip Around the World. are 124 Maldeon’s Trip Around the World. ace + 13 ‘s Part [. by Tom ‘Teaser 126 M s Part IL. Tom Teaser 127 Maidoon’s m Teaser 138 The as Rackets, by Peter Pad 129 5am Sr Noor ca ponenals tee tsteps of His 4 Peter Pad nee fo Cayton Se = :fptonne in the Mg song! 131 Tyree gt Us: or, or, Huse! ing for Boodle and Fun. 132 Three of Us; or, Hustling for Boodle and Fun. ‘Tom Teaser Lis 133 Oat Fan; or Six Months Witha how. ™ the Bosa of the Town, pom Teaest 1s joing 7 ; or, On a Grand 138 The isle Meteval an, Ge 5 Cone Tourfervan, Pat in by Sam Smiley Tee eee ee Latest Issues of Latest Issues of } Frank Reade |:ibrary| YUNG SeevrH LIBRARY, By ‘“* Noname,” 5 Cents, Price No. 78 Frank Reade, Jr.’s eee Backboard: or, ‘I'brilling 19 Frank eade, Jr.'s Search for the Sea: Serpe: nk ie, Jr.'s Search for the Sea nt; or, Six Thousand Miles Under the Sea. s Desert Explorer; or, The Under- ground City of the Sahara. 81 Frank Reade, Jr.'s New Electric Air-Ship the “ Zep- hyr;” or, FromNorth to South Around the Globe. lL 82 Frank Reade, Jr. s New Electric Air-Ship, the “ Ze- byr;” or, From North to South Around the Globe. ‘art 83 msg ee the | Tresen Sea; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Electric m4 beasts in vine Great Atlantic eg OF Frank Reade, Jr., and His Submarine Wonder, the “ Dart.” 8 Frank Reade, Jr., and His New "Blectrio Air-Ship, the + Eclipse ;” or, Fighting the Chinese Pirates. Part 86 Frank Reade, and His New Electric Air-ship, the “ Eclipse;" ‘or ‘ting the Chinese Pirates. Part 11. 87 Frank Reade, J 5 Shipper of the Prairie; or, Fighting the Apaches ij in the F ‘ar Southwest. 88 Under the Amazon for: a ‘Tbousand Miles; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’ Woedartal Drip. 89 Frank Reade, Jr.'s Search for the Roper Wane: or, Under the ‘Ocean in the Electric “* Dolphi 90 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Catamaran of the Air; or Wild and Wonderful Adventures m North Austrailia. 91 Frank Reade, Jr.'s Search For a Lost Mau in His Lat- est Air Wonder. 92 Frank ean Jr., In Central India; or, The Search For the Lost Savants. co 3 The Missin Spans 06, or, Ing Reade Jr.’s Wonderfal ip Under 94 Over the Andes With P Frank Reade, Jr., in His New Air-Sbip; or, Wild Adventures ip Pero. 9% Frank Reade, Jr.’s Prairie Whirlwind; or, The Mystery of the Hidden Cany: 2g 96 ened the Yellow ‘Sea: Fravk Reade, Jr.'s Search for the Cave of Pearle ¥ With His New Submarine 97 Around the F Horizon for en Thousand Miles; a Frank Reade, Jr.’s Wonderful Trip With His A Ship. 98 Frank? Reade, Jr.'s “ Scraper;” or, North and South Around the W. 99 Under the on uator {rom Ecuador to Borneo; or, Frank Jr, 's Greatest Submarine Voy: 100 gine Coast; or, Frank Reade drs Trip a tries j in His Electric ‘‘ Boomerang.” 101 ee oe aan sm His Electric Oars: Outwit- tiny Say rein! 102 Lost in th “pec min ot the Moon; or, Frank Jr.'s Great Trip With His New Fen ~ ard ” 103 108 Miles Below the Surface of the Sea; or, The Mar- velons ‘I'rip of Mae Reade, Jr.'s “ Hard-Sheli” Submarine 104 Abandoned in ‘isaka; or, Frank Jr’s T k Reade, brill- ing Search for a Lost Gold C. arrange jaim With “His New 105 Around the Arctic Circle; or, Frank r.'s ise Dae Sony Trip With sek teeta the“ Reade dee nder Four Oceans; or, fran eade, Jr. 107 iron SP pkg iar yeaiiee ke J mi the Nile to the Niger; or, tr. Jost in the Sondan With His “ Overland Omnibus Ld 108 The Chase of a Comet; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Most Sl aba Trip With’ His New ‘Air-Ship the 109 — in the Great Undertow; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s ubmarine Cruise in the Gulf Stream. no From Recoone a srepies or. Frank Reade, Jr.'s Latest ur it! 1 le Oar. Hi To the Bnd of ne. Earth in « an Air-Ship; or, Frank Reade, Jr.'s Great -Air Flight. 112 The bre Dacierseonad Sea; Frank Reade, Jr.’s Subter- 113 The M. say ee ines ao em Reade, Jr.'s Desert ie rious nm Search 10 er a Secret City with His New Overland Chai 14 Th Eleotri Island; ar, ¥ k Sant tie Grentent Woaier ‘on Har Wh. Bi th Sie 5 vor ‘Bix A shorrenif bite crf Dee ae Cave; or, r.’s Great So 6 ‘he Galleon's "Gold: or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Deep Sea k Reade, Jr , In His N 117 Acrous sear oe ‘Adventures in the e Coast. ith Frank Reade, Jr., In His nee Fa A Twenty-Five Thousand Mile sn the Tadian Coden 5 With Frank Reade, Jr.; or, 121 fy the. Belvasy or or. the Wild Experiences of vi , ine Pg “eade, ed Jr Barney, and Pomp, in South erica W! jectric C: 12 Lost in a Gomet ‘8 Tail: ot, Lyre Reade, Jr.'s Strange A tare With His |New Air-Ship. 13 Six tankeu the Bs or, ep Ben Reade, Jr.’s Marvelous Ag ts Rest, Jr.'s Over- Reade, Jers 's ‘host Wonderful nken Forest; or, With Frank Reade, ne Oruise. in a Deep Sea ~ By the author of “ Young Sleuth,” ) Price 5 Cents. n 4 No. 73 bye pe Sec Seven Signs; or, The Keen Detective’s Trail “ Your 75 Young Sleuth at Monte Carlo; or, The Crime of the 76 Young Sioath and the Man with the Tattooed Arm; or, king Missing Millions. 77 Young Sleuth in Demijohn City; or, Waltzing Wil- liam's Dancing School. 78 Young Sleuth i in ore or, Saving a Young American from the !'rison ci) Young Sleuth Aimost Knocked Out; or, Nell Blondin’ B perate Gam. 2 Young sex Sleutb and “Billy the Kid Number Two; or, The iden Ranch of the Panhandie 81 Young Sleuth’s Master Stroke; or, The Lady Detec- tive’s Many ks. 82 oe im a Mask; or, Young Sleuth at the French sc} Young, Sleuth in in erie or, The Keen Detective and 84 Young Sleuth and the, yal Brigands: or, The Keen Detective's Greatest & Young Sleuth and a Dead Man’ . Secret; or, The Mes- 8 Young Sleuth Deceyed: or. Tine Woman of Fire oung Sieu eC) or, The Wo 87 You . ~ beg tt the. eg 4 ae Boys; ‘or, Fol- a Pair il ew York Lad 88 Young Sleuth at Atlantic City; or, The Great Seaside ) Youss! Sieath, the Detective in Chicago; or, Unravel- i tery. 90 The ois “the Safe; or, Young Sleuth as a Bank jetective. 9 Young arpa an | the Phantom Detective; or, The 9 Youte Seats and fhe Girl i in the Mask; or, The Lady pee Sy pa ee ot Young Slenth and the Con Cashier's Orime; or, The Evi- 9% Rease: Sleuth in the Toils; or, The Death Traps of 96 Young i sleuth nent the Miser’s Ghost; or, A Hunt For 97 Young Sloat rt; or, The Keen ee cath as tor gio. Game Spo % Zeane Sieath a and the =o Gold; or, The Package 99 Young Steath and Policy Pete, the Sbarper King; or, The Keen Detectiv, 24 Game. 100 Young Sleuth in the Sewers of New York; or, Keen Work fr oy Bread to the Bowe’ he 5 and the Mad Bell Ringer; or, The of = Old Church Tower 102 Young ere Unknown; or, The Man who Came 10S Young Sleuth’ 's Great Swamp Search; or, The Miss- 2. 104 Young Sleuth and Doctor; ‘The Seve Pat eee De — the Mad or, D ers. 105 Young Sieuth’s Big BI ‘ le Sallie's Mission. 106 inone o Sleuth’s Grea it. Contract; oF The Keen De- le Gan 107 Young Stouth's Night | Watch: or, The Keen Detective G 108 Youn, Sleuth and th M ~ Dark Room; nT he Crime of the Phasemen G ery , ee gi —_ the mee Bi Rovpery: or, Beat- Orooks on an Ocean Steamer. 110 Yen Sleath ana the’ Great Mine Mystery; or, Mur- er Ground. m Young ang, Sleuth and the Runaway 1 Hisivens: or, A Girt 12 Young Sleuth and the Lisanted ‘Mill; or, The Phan- yste’ Dark Dell. n3 pot —. = the Millionaire Tramp; or, Dia 4 Yous oan = = the of the Surf. ste: Crime nS Young | Sieuth and the Artist; or, The Orime of the Stadio. 116 Young Sieuth’s Best Find; or, The Seoret of the Iron hest. HT Young Sleuth's fats Ferret; or, The Keen Detéct- e's Beautif pace Seat and” ae 2 Welf in Sheep's: Clothing; or, nmask 6 Prince of Inrpostors. ns Young Siouth's Boy Pupil; or, The Keen Detective’s 120 Young ‘Sheet, wed the Sidewalk Prince}, or, Neck, to 1 ¥ Ygane,Sieutl and the rious Model; or, The Secret of a 122 Yourg Sleuth and the iS of the Mill Siting Poe dina Docs imi 1 126 You lenth and the Female ke Cbarmer; or, 7: Showth aed the nip Newabo or, The e 3 Or, Queen sili sons Goose eer ce wae 13 Young §i th and way; or, the Hand 129 Young }and the Copnee Meee Arnab? or, The | of the + 130 ¥: San eerie __ Silver Dagger; or, in ¥ Play for ) Dissaen Bharpy St Des Stew and the Broadw .y Window 1st Yount htofe Lone way Smasher; or, All ee libraries are for sale by alt newsdealers in the cadias States and Canada, or sent to your address, post-paid, wajreotipt of price. P, 0. Box 2730. 4 FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, il & a North Moore Street New York, pig a of Atlantic | Sleuth on the Stage; or, An Act Not on the” ysician; or, The Mys- ;
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COMPLETE LIsT OF. JACK WRIGHT STORJES —— Published in the — STAR LIBRARY. #= =# BOYS’ 16 Jack Wright, the Boy Inventor; or, —, 220 Jack ‘Wright and. His ‘Hlectric ac t ic ee or, Chasing the Pirates of the Spanish Main Dik wots = Submarine Catamaran Phantom Ship of the Yellow Sea.. 2 Jack W. iF stn Sin toot t_an = Olle tkound fhe World orld in Twenty pers. nates ? 229 Jack bade ad and_ His Electric ; or, Working in the Revenue Service......... “Noname ” 231 Jack Wright’s Air and Water Cutter; or, Wi Adventures on the we ‘and - Welker atoowwicsbesssebsesse “ Noname 235 Jack Wri ihe ee eee otor; or, | Pe ng en City of the axrne. ty, a 7 a Bey. Minors SL A by. C. Little Sack W it, the Inventor, and His Water Tron. ; or, * eerie by “ Noname pi pe ly Sea 21 Jank Wright) and His Electric Fighting the Bandits of the Black Hills. - by ‘ Noname” 246 Jack bale ds and His Petite Ege or, “Noname”™ 33 Jack W: 6 ak Tale Hovizic Am Bobooe er; or, Mystery of a Magic M és by “ 7s 257 Jack W: ot ee Se or, The oman i roe ee - 262 Jack W: t and His Ocean Sleuth-Hound; a ttadking on Under Water “ Noname” 266 it Pag and His Depay of the Deep; iven Afloat in the Sea of Fire....... 271 Jack Wright and His Electric Torpedo ote teenaged the Atlan- a Se eee “ Noname ‘and His Deep ‘Sea Monitor; for a Ton of Gold ” = een, S.A} ven Exploring Magnetic H % by ““Noname ” poke 4 bi ey ae His Ocean Pi ters of the wT dock W iSenge Under-Water Jo Jack Wright, = Geteal hate ter Hite joname"™ 231 Jack t, the Boy Inventor, and His Boat; or, ir 4 283 Jock Wright and His Under-Water Week, ; or, Mystery ni eg % 285 Jack pia cad ie Tereer of tho Sons: ; or, @ Sunken Fortune......---+- “Noname”™ 237 Jack W: and His Bectric Diving Poss; i or, Lost Under the Ocean...... “Noname 289 Jack W: Se Tia Sabenarine —_ or, unters of the Red Sea..... is “Noname Jack Wi and His Electric Gunboat; or, “Sreeee . or, A Desperate Cruise For Life |= greets Et 00 Jack Cri wend bel eg Fm pnd Hite Motte wi Jack Wrist sod} oe oes by “Noname” 304 Jack W: {and His Electric Man-of-War; or, Fighting the Sea Robbers of the Mew Reketnibedt be wa Perilous Journey to Cape Farewell. 355 “oO Wright and His Electric Roadster in the Desert of Death; or, 357 J. ie Wright and His Eleciri Soaring Ma. ic - “chines oe Sy Re = nprenns ie ays oname Train Ro! by “ 359 Jack Wright and His Electric Sea aa Soren Ww Weeks iin dceee Pace 358 Jack W: or, Beat: 960 Jatk Wright_and His Electric Balloon Boat; = sas cas a ack Ww 2 Topuoa ba cs it Continent on the “ Electric’”’........ 364 Over the South Pole; or, Search for a Explorer 388 Tho Poy Técn Tion Fighter: or, Jack W: Se oer Jacke W aa aad His Kies trie Sab Ra ; or, t Am aes 5° — - =| Sacaopane S a me A GW pvepasog swaxad *s cone Wright and His Sledge- om Weed For sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address, post-paid, on receipt of price, 5 cents, Address ~ P, 0. Box 2730. Uf FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 34 & 36 North Moore Street, N. Y.
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all r, Box 2730, _ HOW TO WRITE rank Tousey’s Hand Books. Containing Useful Information on Almost Every Subject Under the Sun. Price 10 Cents Per Copy. No. |. Napeleon’s @raculum and Dream Book. Containing the great eracle of human destiny; also the true mesning of almost any kind of dreams, tegetber with charms, ceremovies, and curious games of cards. A com- plete beek. Price 10 cents. No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS. poke. ‘The great book of magic and card tricks, containing full fustroction of all the ari card tricks of the days also the most popular Poa aie ae Po PS ap by our magicians; every boy sbould obtain a co asi will both amuse and instruct. Price 10 cents. aac No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT. The arts and wiles of flirtation are fully explained by th little beok. Besides the various methods o bandkerchiet. fan, gic DD grees = window and bat flirtations, it contains Ft, list o er language and ene of gh which interestang to everybody, old an aD, - mot be happy without one. Price 10 conta. Siperie No.4. HOW TO DANCE Is the title of a new and handsome littie book just issued dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, how direstiens for calling off in all popular aare . The price is 10 cents. zea Ne. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE4 Acom guide to love, courtship and marriage, givi sensible advice, rules and etiquette te be observed, Wi eee and intercsting things not generally known, cents. No. 6. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE. ola methods of developing a good, healthy muscle; containi i. ons. No 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS. Handsomely illustrated, and contait.ing ful) instructions pene man. ent and training of the canary, mocking- o a blackbird, paroquet, parrot, etc., etc. Price com HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST. A useful and instructive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also, experiments in acoustics, meebhanics, mathematics, chem’ , and directions for making fire- works, colored fires, and gas balloons. This book cannot be equaled. Price 10 cents. cam master the art, and create any ef fon for himself aud friends. It is the greatest S. Published, and there's millions (of fun) in it. No. 10. HOW TO BOX. patna self-defense made . Containing over th aes od boxer Brery bey she the different tions out an imstructor. LOVE-LETTERS, No. 12. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO UADIEs, i plete f riting letters i beg 3; 2 ag omer intred ot as mover, waiter quests. ce 10 cents. ~ No. 13. How to Do It; or, Book of Etiquette. It comtains full instructiens in the art’ No. 15. a) 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 sel:-made men of our country. The boek is edited by one ef 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. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN. Containing full instructions for constructing a window gardeu either in town or country, and the most approved metheds for raising beautiful flowers at home. 6 most complete book of the kind ever published. Price 10 ceuts. No. 17. é HOW TO DRESS. Gontaining full instruction in the art of dressing eud ap- pearing well at home and abroad, giving the selections of colors, material, and how to have Price 10 cents. em made up. No. !8. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL. ome beautiful, both male and female. simple, ener ~ ess. Read this beok vineed how to become beautiful. Price 10 cen’ No, 19. FRANK TOUSEY’S United States Distance Tables, Pocket Com- panion and Guide. and be con- ts. reports of the census, e' complete and handy books published. Price 10 cents. No. 20. How to Entertain an Eyening Party. a It contains fi ed. Price 10 cents. ane HOW TO HUNT AND FISH. The most complete hunting and fishi i ab- lished. It sounatan full lothieetions ine alte over iiae dogs, traps, trapping and fishing. together with descrip- tions of game and fi Price 10 cents. No. 22. : HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT. eH de a aight explained by his No. 23. HOW TO EXPLAIN DREAMS. from the little child to th ed man Ere Sab oi ah ah er wi ic! au * Wapeleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate. Price it No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO GENTLE: i for wri te gentlemen on all tmectes iso giving sample levies fee Instroctio D. Price cents. No. 25. HOW TO BECOME A GYMNAST. Nentaining full instructions for all kinds of gymnastic sports fon orden Se Lm ae -five illus- Professor W. Macdo ° Realy onl unex fal book. Price 18 cents. : No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT. Polly Htustrased. Every boy should know how to row and sail a boat. Fall instruct: oe ructiOns are given in this little book, i panion sports to > sae Simoe oll about. Rena Wocomts and acitt. ‘There's No. 27. Bappiness in it. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECI- No. f4. TATIONS. HOW TO MAKE CANDY. — Gontaining the most popslar selections in comprising idlect, Y: sud irish A compleie hand-book for, making all kinds of candy, toe | pieces, together with many standard feedings Pris ib js | 8utbors of prose and po No. 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES. Every one is desirous of knowing what his fat ii bees forth, whether havpineae or misery, wealth woe - =w. You can tell by « glance at this little book. Buy one and be convinced. Tell your own fortune. Tell the fort unes of your friends. Price 1g cents. No. 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR. Every boy should know how inventions Origtuate. book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, hy- drsulics, magnetism, optics, pneumatics, mecbanics, ete. The most instructive book published. Price 10 Bye No- 30. HOW TO COOK. One of the most instructive books on cooking ever pub- ished. It coutains recipes for cooking meats, fish, and oysters; also nies, puddings, cakes and all kinds peste. and a grand collection of recipes by one of our moss popular cooks. Only 10 cents per copy. end concise manner possib e. 32. HOW TO HIDE 4 BICYCLE. —_ Fy . d snagint rom oy folly latond canting, riding an ng a bicyc with practical il ustrations; also directions for Picking out machine. Price 10 cents. No. 33. HOW TO BEHAVE. Containing the rules and etiquette of good society and easiest and most approved methods of appearing to advantage at parties, balls, the theater, church, and in drawing room. Price 10 cents. 5 No. 34. HOW TO FENCE. Containing tall mstruction for fencing and the use of broadsword; also instruction in arobery. Descril ibed twenty-one practical iilustrati iving the best tions in feneinas: a Giuaplene I book. Eales Iocente. = No. 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES. A complete and useful little book, containing the rules telle, backgammon, org I I I; siete or eae No. 36. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS. Yeadi undrums ef the day, Cease lSha nT pte ate ees No. 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSE, ; It contains information for everybody, boya, and women; it will teach you howto Ban A nen around the house, such oe parlor br: ments, woliam harps, and lime for birds. rice 10 cents. common to every family. ive recipes for general complaints Price 10 No. 39. Hew to Raise Dogs, Poultry, Pigeons and PS ay Fe ag em $e HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS. Including hints om how to catch Moles, Wi Otter, Rats, rrels and Birds. -Also hew to cure pew lustrated. By J, Harrington Keens. Price cen ee The Boys of New York Ena Men’s Joke Book. Containing « great of the latest used by the ea ee = See ‘The Boys of New York Stump Speaker. ‘a varied of Stump ‘<= home amusement and 2 eles hee Sh ine For sale by al! newsdealers, or sent, post-paid, upon receipt of price Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 34 & 36 North Moore Street, New York,
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FPRANE TOUSEY’S HAND BOOKS. _ No. 52. HOW TO PLAY CARDS. § complete and bandy little Cook, by sts 2 and full Speses co tan Draw Poker, ‘Poker, Auction Fitch, Pitch. many No. 53. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS. man snd every young book. Price 10 cents. No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS. information as to the manner and methu Containing valuable information regarding the collecting sod arranging of stam; Hantisomely tated, Price 10 how to & Banjo. Violin, Zither, Asophese other musical instruments with a description of nearly asical Algerese 8. Fitmereld, for ovecce baed master of the Bengal ‘Meriuen Prise 1 58. HOW TO BE A DETECTIVE. tions. | Hew to Become a West Point ae I worked j | trated. bs Rm ps 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTERN. Containing a description of the lantern, sage with its nya my tides. Sfecksonty teaseeiod ie Joka r ing slides. andse astra’ o! Alien. Price 10 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER. HOW TO BECOME A BOWLER. A complete manaal of bowling. Containing full instruc- tions — pissing all the standard Ametions and German with rules and systems of sporting in use iectpal | bowling Seta Pte United States. By ascie mew Ba nitawes Containi by :. Sevarens, qo of “How Ear « Naval Cadet.” Price 10 HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADET. fete instructio: written By Lu. Sonerenes Author of “ How to Wost Point Military O Price 10 cents. How to Make Electrical Machines. Containing full directions for making Electrical Machines, aduction Coils, D: Lo ag amos, and many Novel Toys two be R.A. Bonnett, Fully illus- bumor. collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, » of Maidoon, the great wit, humorist, and pmeretins my We offer this amusing book, e picture of “ Muldooa,” for the small sum of 10 cents. Every boy who can enjoy 8 good substantial obtain a copy itaini: 300 interesting and with key to cam \ complete eck Fall By A. Anderson. Price 10 cents. 67. How To Do era Pe Tricks. Containing a collecti instructive and amusing electr vag nget Vogether with illustrations. A. ‘Adasen: Price 10 68. Hew To Do pecateel archos Containing over one hund ighly amusing structive tricks with chemicals By A. Anderson, fn 4 + 3 somely illustrated, Price How To Do Sleight of lope bi megane cas, lag containing them the wetget of of recon econ sig” neuen my aaccomnai Eien bE Anderson. 70. How to Make Magic a anager mi full Susciens er whine: MES, kinds. By A vi Price 10 0 yy cents. nore vy al eet 71. How to Do Mechanical Tricks. Containi: lete instructions f: of Seana Bye ge etar pale Price 10 cents. For sale by all newsd: it by mail, postage piew upon receipt 72, How to Do Sixty Tricks With Cards. uabencteg ail otths latest and most Covapties cand with illustrations. By A. Anderson. all ne Sa BR ER gt postage free, upon receipt of price. 73. How te Do Tricks With Numbers. Showing many ew: wer cron Pally Srinath en maul, postage fo of numbers. Price 10 cents. rie States, or we will send upon receipt of the price. pres Funny Stories by the Great “Bricktop.” Handsome Lithograph Covers in Colors. Stories Fully Illustrated ” Worth. Each Story Complete. Price 10 Cents Each. 7 Mrs. Brown’s Boarding-House. 8 Henpecked. 9 Columbus, the Discoverer, ~ ‘ay tgs by Duke Ragbag 14 Dodging a Creditor. 15 My Wife’s Mother. 16 Going to the Country. | 17 A Quiet Fourth of July. 18 Where Are You Going ? 19 That Parrot Next Door. 20 Our Baby. 21 Good Templars Exposed. 22 Our Boarding-School. 23 The Troubles of Mr. and Mrs. Tumbleton. 24 Mrs. Blinker’s Blinds. 25 My Birthday. The above books are for sale by All Newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or will be sent, postage free, to any address, by _ FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 34 & 36 North Moore St., N. Y.
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LATHST ISSUES OF HE JAMES BOYS STORIES | _———- Published In —— DET E: OTTWE: LIBRARY, Each Number Completein Itself. - - Price 10 Cents Each. oe i 337 ar: i. Boys in the Ozark Mountains; or, 618 The James Boys’ Bonanza; ror, On Greene’s 652 The James a Baffled ; or, iyD Detective’ Brady _and Carl Greene and the Hard Luck ........-++0ss++-++ D. W. Ste w. of the Lake... .by A & Y, Detective|619 The James Boys’ Three ee Fight Along on ess Bg tty Boys Lost; or, The y BW, Bier ons 588 The James Boys and the Life Hunters; or, the Border; or, Chased by Old Kin; Curious Case........++-----++- by D. W. Stevens Carl Greene's Hot Struggle noe the and Carl Greene...... by a New York Be Detective 64 The gree abs Boys and the Russellville Bank ee by D. W. Stevens|620 The James Boys as Bank Robbers and or, The Bandits at Work in Ken- 589 The James Boys in the Bad Lagoa or, Old James Boys’ Band..........-. by D. W. Sevens gta: egg ptt by D. W, Stevens King Brady and Carl Greene Guarding 621 The James Boys in the War; or, Under 655 The BONY = Sioen in the Beddoes or, The High- Gov S eaeot Gold....by a New York Detostiv ve Quantrell’s Black Flag....... by D. W. Stevens waymen and the Haunted Mill... (80 Jerry Owens and the Beacon Light; or, The [622 The James Boys’ Piercost Struggle; or, The by_D. W. Stevens Signal Fires of the we 1 ae Murderous Teht in the Da id Mite. — 656 Quantrell’s Old Guard; or, The " seanas' Boys s@1 The James Boys’ Fight for a’Rare Gem; or, \623 The James Boys’ First Crime; et The e Be Seles The peer git Boys’ League; or, ified” oo Carl Greene, the Detective, and the Young ning of a Terrible Career.. tevens Keen Detective “by D. W. Siow yens Moateahens. >... 2. .. The | 599 The James Boys and Matiekine Gt of eer ee esse Sean | mer at eines. coke | 68 Jesse James Avenged: oF The - “gd » 601 "a ( Boys and the Dumb Dude; or, vens sraneseceee toe sesgaehas ans . Wes ' i" Greene, the Detective's a Game. Na a ahah ag st + anette ene “Badin Re THe oot i eee aa ca Ww. Stevens by D . W. Stevens Chased Across the 65 by Carl Gree: ae! James BO 3 and the Jayhawkers; : : on The James Boys and One Shot Pete: or, Carl yim. York Det Be ho Teg chting U the Black Flag Ds, if : Greene, the Detective, in a New Character 635 The James Boys’ Flight) to to Deadwood; or, Car’ elective zs ‘D. W: Stevens j } ©8 The ——- Boys and the Ku- Kine: or, ek pert epee (3 to Dal ta age Rappate Jol 555 tiereee : by'D. Ww. Stevens e an Fmt Kentucky 7” Old King mg and 636 The James nee and the St. Louis) Express;or, (672 The t Riders; or, Carl Greene, the } 604 The Janos oy ihe Te low ee -! gy The Train Robbery at Glendale............ Detective, Working in Three St ay ’s Search for the Outlaws" “Home... 637 The James Boys’ Wild Riders: or, Fighting 673 The James Boys in New York: or, fing The James Boys in California; or, Chased to less The ne dames’ Boys, and th ;- ap. ty DW Beavene ie Mite Fuge ihe Breaches Deteetivor oe the Land of Gold by old King ‘Brady and Robberies; or, Old King Brad tert orking |. ‘The James Boys in a Fix......by D. W. Stevens us The (etry, ove amen y Ariel eee enitee on a Great Case...... bya N rady vk D Detective|675 The James Boys and Cole Younger; or, The Greene’s Fight For a Stolen Will... - gs Oy my Beas; Oy The andl - SR ie et ipa Nace ~~ y DA W. Stevens The James Boys and the Cri; L. bry exe Stevens Sam Sixiilion, the’ Cherokee Detective; or, (676 The Last of the Band; or, The hinteniiet of ne as the Woodend a a The James Boys’ Most Dangerous - eee Pa Jam Bo eager overs ce nae eae iret... «sssnpbatidk SSRN D. W. Stevens/641 Chasing the J. orp. ti tevens| lake's Tri ba Ae sd dae by D. W. Stev: ‘The James Boys at Cracker Nock and as Parone Cann Ores > Bt ee re veneers The Jamen Bane Aficni: ox fe WaXadves Tb WAYIDED. .-644¢002-5 . W. Stevens|612 Th; UB Case 2... 200. 000-8- y vens ames Boys Afloat; or, The 1 cas Te ‘ames Boys and the. i Sire Hirwke: Carl Gree Boys, aoe ne Ni a aoe my 613 The ~ faacot: or, Carl “Greene | 647 Jesse James: ‘and Sire or, = Detective’s ~ G ‘Kansag Raid. NG of Ti ....by D. W. 1s Sy Part..a,..” "py D. W. Stevens|648 'Thirt Dee oo ‘the Jeones sos W, Stovens/t@t The J ia D. W. Ste i ‘The Boys’ a a iene ea Detectives wi the James Boys; af, A _ Light on the Binff...-....-...by D. W. Stevens 615 The Scce aa Stevens sede Deer ig ty D. W. Stor be Sy DW, Stevens toys’ Fate and the James Boys’ Jesse James’ Last Shot; or, Tracked by = Blunder ; he i ; Oe: SE, , ked by the The James Blunder ; or, ; 616 Last a of Bes ee BT hE a Br Boge. ss ts oesen vs an «s...by D. W" Stevens Mistake at oer gi TA D, W. Stevens — ines aoe —— Mf, The Bad The James Bare sad the Litile Rock Stage 687 The James Boys and the Railroad King; or, 3 ‘& The James Boys and dl ing Bray Fi a Pesan ting in Two States....--- haa aicos a D. W. Stev og wr neeety The, Mad i 651 The James Boys on the Road; 7 tes Yai The James Boys in Deadwood; xe Re Game sssesceveveeqae by A New York Detective dit Kings in a New Field....'by D, W. Stevens’ Pair of Dakota.....-.-..-.-..- by D. W. Stevens _ sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address, post-paid, on receipt of the price, 10 cents. sae P.O) Hox 2780, FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher 84 & 86 North Moore Street, New York, oa »
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. al ~ Latest issues of THE 5 CENT WIDE AWAKE UBRARY 1079 Benny ae: or, A Block of = 4 = Cnip— 1080 oan Ned, ‘the Boy Fireman of by Robe 1081 tes ‘Two Boy Cattle Kings; or, An Indian ail Carrier’s Oath 1082 Nimble Nick, the Boy of Nerve; or tee ing His Own Battles............... 1083 _— Pole to Pole; or, Frank este, Se 8 Submarine Voyage...by ““ Noname” 1084 The Od p Faced sh A Summer Circus—comic. Ean salt einai, ton b sag Oeslenh or, The Trail of the Death 1088 The c Island; or, The S uise of the Black Frigate...... by er Starbuck 1089 Dandy Dan of Deadwood and His Great ERMEG:,.sethecdeas «nobis ueéimese by “ Noname 1000 Young Dick Plunket; or, The is and ‘Tribulations of Ebenezer Genscae by Sam Smiley 1091 Old Oak Burrell, the Journalist Detective 1092 Among the Amazons. of the tebarior of ‘ean by Paul oom goa A Thrilling 5 ante Renee eee e ees ecssewense rt Lennox by Paul — ’ Little by R. T. Emmet by R. T. ‘Emmet 1130 The Actor’s Son. A a, of Trials and Triumphs On and Off the Stage. 1131 ee Ocean Wolf. A en! of Crim 1133 Bound Boy Ben; or, Sold Into Bion ery by C. Little 1134 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Electric Ice Boat; or, - nase in the Land of Crimson Snow. Part dees case suiiey teed Sihseseaedinel by “‘Noname” 1135 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Electric Ice Boat; or, Lost in the Land of Crimson Snow, It by ‘“‘Noname” 1136 Frank Reade, Jr.'s Kiectric Gyclone; or, Thrilling Adventures in N o Man’s Land. SS ST ae eer by “‘Noname” 4137 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Electric Cyclone: or, meee Adventures in No a s Land. 1138 Green Mountain Joe, the Old Tra 1139 Red Lig h 1 Dick, th ‘by Lieut t Die e = by Albert J. Booth Draper or the C. Little = Noname”’ 1140 Adrift in the Tree-Tops....... by All 1141 Lost in Labrador; or, The Search Frozen Pirate. .......--++++2+++++- by 1142 The anyday Man of the iMoantein A Story of the Hudson River. td P. T. Raymond 1143 In the Sea of Ice...... «+.++.by Albert J. Booth 1144 The Young Deserters; or, “The Mystery of Ramsey’s Island........-. Berton Bertrew 1145 “ Special , Bob; or, The Pride of the 1146 7. in a Haunted Lake; or, The Mys- ery of a Lost War \ gad b Starbuck 1147 The. Arkansas Scout. SX Se Pee “'Noname ” 1097 Rob Ready, the Life Saver; nt Pirate ee re danas atta Ste 59 Dane edocs Bast oso The eis“ 1098 Captain Ba Seymour, the Game Toh Cock of of the Kentucky Pioneers. .by John Sherman nb dscd'sncecsscness Ralph Morton | 115) The n’s Boy; or, The Innocent One of 1099 Dandy Dan ot Bead wood Batrayea ee id abe k y—comic Be dipntsit " Tom Teaser mtana.........- 1152 Th r Oo! 1100 “Taet Gist ofthe Coral Cave. Sea; or, The fae eed Geo. @. Small Girl of VO... es ecnnceeens 1153 llins, the Youn: ata A y Roger Starbuck ory of Hetote a 1101 Muldoon’s Hotel. Part Eee by Tom Teaser 1102 Muldoon’ 8 Hotel. Part ‘IL—comic by Tom Teaser Robert Lennox Boy Scout of I Norte. .. by Lieut. E. = Kellogg 1108 Dan of Deadwood in Texas; or, 1156 The Silent Band, be race tittle * sor Faas ithe Fails - et ee Honnane « 157 7 Carson's. Little Scout; or. Gaston ta Fiail; 5G ting ForLand {| gade’s Doom...-......-...... arne Ligeerse, = ral Margen Rattler | 1158 ia and Ladder Jack, the Davin 1105 Pa e Bil 3 Boys: or, The Svea ae oe A eee ar Rober Lan t Lennox - ers of O «EERE yy Paul Braddon | 1159 The Men in Green........-.----- Noname 1106 The Boy S sesaveseeesss+++--bD¥ N.S. Wood | 1160 Yellowstone Kelly ........ by Histert Ma ante 1107 od in Ireland; or, The ‘an on 161 oo Jack Tempest, the Prince of Tom 1108 Frank Reade, Jr., With His ser 93 Asia; or, A ‘A Flight Across 1109 On pas Ship; or, ee For a0 The Wotan He House 0 Til ae eo. Jr., and Teaser ot a Bia ¥. H. reallors n Draper 1165 a oe na ph e G. Small kets Geo 1163 Eryn Scrapes; or, The * a Young oe be To Road by Albert J. Booth 1148 The Wolf Boys of Michigan................ » * en Jas. D. Montague 1149 = Boy Nihilist; or, Young America in of a ¥ 1 of t ae ROY 02s asekccsesd C. Little and No. 2 "by Howard De Vere 1125 Sam Sureshot, the Skeleton Marine; or, The Lost Frigate of the Demon Isles... . The Island of ed or, paresis om Under the Sea........... ard De Vere 1175 Goldburn, the Girl Guerrilla............... 7 or, pe Cae of the ‘Cor- 1176 Dick Mizzen; nies te ery ANNOCK......,-+--+dee0 y h Morton 1178 Potomac Detective by Ralph Morto 1179 Union Dick in the Rebel Come has pe enite Murdock 1180 Cavalry Jack at Murfreesbo: the Swamps........-.++...- 1181 Cavalry Jack in the hg yeh Rane Tole by Roger Starbuck 1136 Billy Button, by x young, ng ea and Bare- 1182 Sea- Charlie; or, The Savestaces ofa back Rider. A Story of the MB... «+ « Boy Situs aweietind =i by W. I. James, Jr Lieut. E. H. Kellogg | 1183 The on the Road; or, e Old 1127 The Orphans of New York. A Pathetic Business Just for Fun—comic..by Peter Pad ene Sees Cit ae by N. ne =—y- ntey Das a aacTh lame 1 Perry, ero of 1812. ve, the Youn iaieetise fore G.Small} —_ Willderness......-.-.-.-....+ by Ralph Morton — ork Boys to St Mexico......by For sale by all newsdealers i in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address, nai, on recei pee ‘Address Fie eg -“ Worshipers; or, Two New pe Berton Bertrew Wildern 1186 Daniel Boone, the Hero of Kentucky..... - by Paul Braddon FRANK TOUSEY, Publish, 34 & . Fe ya ~ by Col. Ralph Fenton ee as! oe Si sie tae? bic Unt rweindacaiern stil by. Gus, Williams 1192 Undone the Gallows........ by a U.S. Detective 1193 The Gold Hunters of ey or, The Prairie Phantom............: Cc, Emmet 1194 1 Reem Harry; or, Hoeing Hie Own Row y J. G. Bradley ea OE cians .M. Travers 1197 siecay Dell A yt or, Haps aed “Mishaps of Schoolbo; Fis ES by Capt. Will Dayton 1198 Dick Wrighi and His Band of ee J. 1199 Sawdust Charlie, the Pet tte comes " by An Old Ringmaster 1200 The Blasted Pine; or, = Boy Seoute.- Capt. Will 1201 The Boy Trapezist..by Ms ‘ormer 1202 Little Nugget, the Pride of Leadvilley.... 5) _ by Major J. Ande 1203 The Young Aeronant............ by Prof. 1204 Denver Dan and His Pe Band) by C. Li 1205 Denver Dan and the ond Agents. by C C. Lit 1206 Denver Dan and the Counterfe’ iy G C. Little 1 Degrex Den Case tens or, The Outlaw’s by a 1208 Ym Dan the Sheriff 4 he 1209 Denver Dan to the Rescue; or, The Moun- taineer’s Stratagem............... by C. Little 1210 Denver Dan and His Chums....... by GC, Little 1211 Denver Dan in New York. 1212 The Twin Boy Scouts... 1213 Prairie Phil; or, The Panther 1214 Trapper Duke; ‘or, The Female A 5 Rg D. Montagu 1215 Black and Blue; or, Nick Whart a in the 4 Warpa aL by | Harry kwood > \ 1217 The Pirate's Son........... 1218 The Search for the “* Midas; m oe, Treasures from the Deep............. by Gerald Fleming ~ 1219 Gorilla Gsorge: or, A iiew’, York Boy in J.L. Freeman ~« Prince of Bo 1220 ial | Sees Ned, ~~ iiaiaeeall Jesove ie eton . 1221 Nor’ "Woda ‘Tom; ema 1222 Lighthouse Lem; or, The 2 es by an O} Sea Eapiain man’s 1223 Joe Jordan, the Young Inventor.. 4 Lasso Luk Th er , Shacktet 122 uke; or, The > y Kit Clyde lack < 1233 Jack Gackaway i 1234 Jack givin and the Italians; or, The 1235 Jack Herkuway.. and His Son's Adventures Round the World. na Yack a arervaced and His Son Homeward yy and the Pirates: 8 Triumph. ’ 1239 Jack Harkaway on eh Island. 1240 Jack Harkaway's P. : 4 — 1237 Young Harkawa a d Ee pomme, Jee Jack ay the and His Boy Tinker, er’s M: = Young Jack haway in Spain. 1280 Young Jack Henaway in Turkey, a = Mole Amon the need a # oung Jack Har! and Arabs. 1258 Young Jack Harkaway and the Countert<t- 254 Dick Lightheart, pet Bracebridge He ¥ng P k Lightheart’s ENO. «THE 5s et y Braceb jemyng 125 Dick Lightheart’ 8 oe ge Henirng 1257 Dick yee Ben 1258 Dick Lighthear — the Word ii ee ee rer erertirt. » cs sacs ta Ip ee