Pluck And Luck (no. 106) (1900 06 13)
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———— san mu IES OF ‘ADVE NTURE. (ssued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Cluss Matter at fhe New ‘York Post Office, by Frank Tousey No. 106. NEW YORK, JUNE 13, 1900. Price 5 Cents. x SSaanp!” again cried Bolton. He took a flying leap, the crack then being about four feet in width, being followed upon the instant by Hervey. The gap instantly widened, and as Dick and Ralph flew over it. was more , than six feet across. a ae . — .o
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hese Books Tell You Bveryt » LOONPLETE SET 18 A RECULAR ENCHCLOPEDIN® Bach book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper, in clear type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrated cover. fost of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that any ehild can thoroughly understand them. Look over the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the subjects mentioned. , THESH BOOKS ARE FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR WILL BE SENT BY. MAIL: TO ANY ADDRESS | ; FROM THIS OFFICH ON RECHIPT OF PRICH, LEN CENTS EACH, OR ANY THRNE BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE | a ENTS. POSTAGH STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N. ¥, a : SPORTING. =a No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete hunting and fishing guide ever published. It contains full in- * @tructions about guns, hunting dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, together with descriptions of gamé and fish, 1 No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SATL AND BUILD A BOAT .—Bully iilustrated.. Every boy should know how to row and sail a boat. . Hull instructions are given in this little book, together with in- Aas atructions on swimming and riding, companion sports to boating. No. 47. HOW TO BREAK, RIDE, AND DRIVE A HORSH.— A complete treatise onthe horse. Describing the most useful horses for business, the best horses for the road; also valuable recipes for - diseases peculiar to the horse. ; e No. 48. HOW LO. BUILD AND SAIL CANOES.—A handy ont book for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes 1 MAGIC, i" No. 2. 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PLUCK AND LUCK. Complete Stories of Adventure. Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2 50 ‘per year. November 7, 1898. Entered as Second Olass Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office, Entered ‘according to Act of Con gress, in the year 1900, in the office of the Libr arian "of Congress, Washington, D. C., by Frank Tousey, 24 Union Square, New York. No. 106. IN ', NEW YORK, June 18, 1900. THE LCE Price 5 Cents. A Story of the "Loy O7, CHAPTER I. THE PROPOSED EXPEDITiON-—-THE START—-A TRAITOR. ’ “TJ tell you it cannot be done.” “And I tell you it can.” “Others have tried it and failed.” “Others have succeeded in many things where those before them have failed.” e “But not in this.” “That does not deter me. The thing will be accomplished ‘some day, and why should I not do it as well as anyone else?” » “T grant you that you might succeed—nay, that you would do so in anything else, but——” “But what?” “Neither you nor anyone else can accomplish impossibil- ities.” “There you go again, Davy. How do you know it is im- _ possible?” “How do I know anything? From the evidence of my senses, of course; and I tell you, Harry Hudson, that you'll fly before you discover the North Pole.” “At all events I am going to try.” “ Gaye a won’t help you; they’re tired of that at Wash- ington.” “J don’t want them to help me. I’ ve ‘got my own vessel, the Hope, just the right sort for the work, and I’ve plenty of friends ‘ready to see me through—you for one.” _ “I'll see you to-—— What! I.for one! What do you mean?” > “That we must have a surgeon, Davy, and that you’re the “very man for the cen. “1? Nonsense! Do you think I’ve taken leave of my senses?” / “Rawlins is going as first mate, and Ransom as second; do You know Of any better ice master than Bolton?” Rrists re was Hae Hazen in the Pole Star, and is as good a man Alle ; Arctic Regions. By HOWARD AUSTIN... as you'll find. Well, you’ve got veterans, I see. A burned child may dread the fire, but it’s very clear that a man who has been frozen in the Polar Circle is ready’to go again just as soon as he thaws out.” “Dick is going with me, too.” “H’m! He’s as crazy as you are on the subject. What route are you going to take?” “Through Behring’s Strait.” “H’m! You’ve got some sense left! feasible that has yet been talked of, in my opinion, and you’ve got good men to assist you. I know you well enough, but I didn’t think you’d pick up as good men as you have.” : “T’m sorry about my surgeon; I’m afraid I'll have to take Mott.” “What? Take that quack? By Jove, I’d go myself b I’d see an old friend of mine under his hands. He’d bleed when you wanted a tonic, and stuff you when you hada low He don’t know as much about medicine as a cat, for she fever. can doctor herself,” “He is accounted a very good——” “Oh, pshaw! Oh, I say, Harry, you’d never think of f taking Oh, come now, be reasonable! aes it, Man, you shan't take him! Ill go myself!” “Done! Consider yourself surgeon of the exploring steamer Elope, bound for the North Pole. I’d trap you!” : The above conversation took place between two old friends—- Captain Henry Hudson, formerly a captain in the United States Navy, but for some years resigned, dnd Dr. Davids, an army surgeon, who had been in active service for many years, and was as efficient as he was eccentric. Captain Hudson had purchased a little steamer which he had renamed the Hope, and which he had fitted up for an expedition to the North Pole, the discovering of which had long been a cherished project with him. He knew that the worthy doctor would “object, and ie Suatr 1g That route is the most — T Ha, Davy, my boy, knew
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IN THE cleverly trapped him into giving his word to go with the ex- pedition, and knew that the man would sooner cut off his own. head than violate it. - _ The argument had taken place over a bottle of wine in Cap- tain Hudson’s cozy dining-room, his’son Dick having retired, at a signal from his father, the young fellow knowing well the Subject to be broached. ° Dick Hudson was nineteen, tall, strong and hearty for his ‘years, possessing an iron constitution,.and a will to do and to dare anything that was not impossible; but like his father, that word impossible, in his mind, embraced but a small field. ay He was to accompany the expedition, for, since his mother’s _ déath, he and his father were inseparable, and went into vari- 2) ous projects more like brothers than like father and son. $3 Captain Hudson was possessed of an independent fortune, and could therefore well afford the expense of an expedition of this kind, depending entirely upon himself, and thereby avoid- ‘ing the many disappointments and delays which usually at- _-tend the waiting upon Congress or Royalty to push ahead any- ting that they have agreed to foster. 4 The Hope lay at a private dock on the North River, in the ine of New York, and was to start for San Francisco in a ; As the time for her sailing drew near, the greatest excite- - ment prevailed, and the newspapers and public prints were full of the affair, enough officers and seamen having offered their _ services as would have filled two more vessels of the same size, “a and everybody seeming to have no other topic of conversation. In the pest room of a sailors’ boarding house on the west side of the city, a night or two before the Hope was to sail, sat a sea-faring man, of not over, prepossessing appearance, al- though: he seemed possessed of health, strength, good vision, sound, “whole limbs and an agreeable disposition—that is, if he latt could be judged “trom his general conversation. ore a mustache only, and his hair was short, crisp, and and considerably streaked with gray, although he could iore than forty years old at the most. oh d an ugly scar on his left cheek, and men often won- i e did not allow his beard to grow so as to cover it, of leaving his face smooth; but probably. he had his reasons for so doing. \ “Let me see,” the man muttered to himself, when ‘alone, landing at the newspaper he held in his hand. “The Hope sails F Th sday for San Francisco, and I go to Charleston to-mor- nate of the Kite. Can I get back in time? neg months and a half, ahd then another to refit at J une i will give me time enough, and she won’t be likely to. before oe time, I don’t. fancy, for then the ice would be elite of. leatlee: about here. It ish’t likely that better by going straight to ’Frisco and waiting for sta I haven't ee money. No} ey ett go over- herefore, | that this man, who. was called Hervey, ext day for ee the ‘Kite, ee that the | captain as far as ei an although ICE. Now it happened that the boatswain had gone ashore the — day before, got in a fight with some Chinamen, having ma- liciously provoked them to a quarrel, it is said, and had been ~ killed, or at all events he did not turn up, although a thorough ~ search was made for him. The Hope was ready to sail in a few days, and the applicant was evidently a good man, as well as a thor ough seaman, asa | brief examination showed, and such men were scarce. He seemed strong and well built, and evidently in the best of health, the doctor making a thorough examination of him, and pronouncing him perfectly sound and well ahs: for an Arctic voyage. “You’ve had your hair dyed, my man,” grunted the Hener when he had finished, “though I don’t know as that makes any différence in your physical condition.” . “That’s only a matter of taste, sir,” was the answer, “I was re a trifle gray, ’'ll admit; but my woman, the one I’m sparking, likes black hair, so I just died it to please her.” i “H’m! it’s always the women that put men up to be vain,” ~~ sputtered the doctor, “and to do worse things than dyeing their _ hair, too, I suspect, sometimes. Well, I never ran after one _ yet, and I don’t intend to. Well, my man, if you must dye your hair, always use vegetable dyes, such as you have used this time. Ahything el8e looks bad, and, besides that, injures your health. You'll pass, if the captain wants you. uf : “FHe’s too observant, the old fool!” muttered Hervey, when alone. “I’m on my guard now, though, and it isn’t likely tha Hudson will suspect anything. He must jae forgotten me by this time.” ; Hervey was engaged to take the place of the boatswain, ai was rated on the Hope’s books the next day. “You say your name is Hervey?” asked the captain, as he | met the man on deck. “I fancied I had seen you before some: where.” " “Hardly likely, sir,” was the answer. “I am an Englishman, and haven’t been in the counfry over a month.” ‘ “You have no accent; I should ae bane you for an Engl ; man.” ‘ ¢ i “T’m not a Londoner, sir, and therefore. can speak E so as to be understood. I have resided in the Sandwict for some years back, and there are many Americans ther know” f # “Tt was merely a fancy,” now that I was mistaken.” Young Dick chanced to be passing at that moment, and iy: ing the man a passing glance went on. “I’m safe enough,” thought Hervey, “for the youaustee aes not know me, and it’s unlikely that the old man will think any © more about it. If the young one don’t call his attention to I know he on’t.” 3 ‘f : For all that the man kept out of sight of poth Dick an ver appearing to iW * \ returned the commander. ~ them. | Th three or four days the Hope departed, Intending to self veadontty in her voyage a ound the a was expected of her, and she cnn realized th fortunately meeting with no- eae. in coa, through Behring’s Strait, on th . doubly y celebrated in consequence. In a few days they began to meet with bi ice, b but the lanes: or leads: through 4 the ithout cult ji eee no. fears | were
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IN rely mainly on their sails, thus saving the consumption of coal, a most important consideration. ¢ “fverything balks me as yet,” muttered Hervey, one night, as he stood leaning over the rail. “Good weather, no ice to speak of, the men all in good humor and contented, the cap- tain distant and reserved, young Dick always in company of _ that chum of his. Well, I can wait, and when the time does Mi come for revenge, it will be all the sweeter for having waited.” * CHAPTER II. SOME QURER CUSTOMERS-~THE TRAITOR BEGINS HIS WORK. Hervey has spoken about a chum of Dick’s, and it is high time that I introduced him. Ralph Sargent was a young fellow of Dick’s own age, the gon of a sea captain, who wished that his boy should follow the same honorable calling as himself, and knew of no better man to intrust him to than his old friend Hudson. Sargent had amassed a fortune, but Ralph was told that he must make his own way in the world until he know the value of money, and that when he became fit to command, he should have a vessel of his own. : _ Ralph, therefore, although rated as a seaman on ‘the Hope, aha receiving seaman’s wages, occupied a berth in Dick’s room, and lived in the cabin, studying navigation and the routine of séa life, so as to be able to ultimately take charge of a vessel ot his own. He and Dick had been firm friends ever since they had worn trousers, and Captain Hudson had also ,conceived a strong liking for the young fellow, as well on his own account as on his father’s, and was ready and willing to give him all the as- -Sistance and advice that lay in his power. = ' As I shall have considerable to say about certain of the sea- _ men on board. the Hope, some of whom were characters, in an ‘their way, I cannot do better than describe them also, in this connection, a.d then leave them to take care of themselves. Topp, the cook, was a tall, lanky, ungainly-looking fellow, as thin as a match and with a half-starved appearance, as though he never had enoygh to eat, which was the contrary, however, as he was a most inordinate feeder, although the heat of the '. galley and the smell of the savory odors which issued there- trom did not seem to put any extra flesh on his big bones. Cleat, the carpenter, was the opposite of Topp, in appear- ance, being short, fat and rosy, with as merry a disposition as ; Topp’s was sour and crabbed, having a joke or a laugh for __' every occasion, and being particularly fond of playing off _ pranks on‘the grim-visaged cook. Topp considered that he was the most veracious person in the world, and that when he said anything there could be no dis- puting it although some of his assertions had about as much truth in them as the yarns of that extraordinary historian Gulliver, or the equally truthful Munchausen. “Why, I tell ye I can’t tell a lie,” he would say, laying one huge paw—you could not call it a hand—upon the other, and making a resounding noise therewith. “I'can’t; it’s an impos- sible thing. I was brought up to tell the truth, and it’s out a’ reason to expect me to do anything else.” This oft-repeated statement was made one afternoon shortly ‘after the steamer had passed through the Straits to a little coterie of his companions, who sat around the galley door, among them Cleat, the carpenter. k i _ “Why, you old sea lawyer,” cried he, with,a grin, “de you : mean to tell me ape you have yourself been to the North Pole “many and many’s the time.” “Didn't I say'so? Well, that settles it. I can’t tell a lie.” & THE being perfectly safe, the other leading into the pack ice, and ICE. gi Sia get “What was the name of the last vessel you were in when you went there?” ; “The Breeze, Captain Jack Templeton.” “H’m! that vessel was lost twenty years ago, and no trace ever seen or heard of her, or any one aboard of her. Besides, she went South.” “What of it? I can’t tell a lie, I tell ye. If you keep on going south you'll strike north after awhile, won’t ye? and then by still keeping on, go south again?” : “And do you mean to tell me that you went around the world end for end, taking in both the North and South Poles? Why, here’s a natural curiosity, mates—the biggest liar on record.” 5 “JT can't help your inferences,” growled Topp, getting red in the face. “I can’t tell a lie, and that’s the end on’t.” “Well, it’s mighty plain to be seen that liars ain’t struck dead in these days, or you’d have gone to glory or elsewhere long ago.” , This made Topp mad, and he spyanig with the most unexpected result. The jolly fellow had, during. the course of the argument, fas- tened a lot of tin saucepans by a bit of rope yarn to Topp’s apron strings, and when the irate cook jumped up they went flying out behind him like the tail of a comet. Cleat dodged; and, as Topp turned, his clattering appendages swung around, scattering the spectators like chart. | Jack Bunt got a crack in the stomach with his dipper, a quart pot full of?slush took John Bilge in the mouth, the blackened bottom of a big saucepan left its mark on Ji erry Hull's flat nose, while a huge coffeepot played a regular jig on Tom Reefer’s Shins, not to mention sundry other mishaps. Everybody was in a roar, and at last Topp slipped and sat down in a tin steamer used for cooking potatoes, and stuck so fast that he had to be lifted out, during which time Cleat slipped off to his workbench, leaving Topp to get all the blame for the disturbance.. “That beats the sight of a dog running about with a tin kettle tied tuo his tail,” laughed Dick, who had seen the sport. “Why, Topp had a regular tin shop fastened to his rear.” “Looking like a flying machine broke loose,” added Ralph. “I'll bet he'll vow vengeance on Cleat for that, and what he says he’ll stick to, for he can’t tell a lie, you know.” As the Hope proceeded she was careful to avoid the pack ice, which if it had once caught her might not have released her until, crushed and broken, she sought a grave in the depths of the cruel ocean. Therefore the greatest care was taken that she should only enter such leads as were perfectly safe and open, and to avoid the main body of the floe ice which drifted by them. It happened one night, about the first of August, the masses of ice seen during the day having greatly increased, Hervey was on deck keéping a sharp lookout ahead, and n and then muttering to himself. ER The man at the wheel was a mah much addicted to sleeping at his post, this habit having been increased of Wyte by asly dose which Hervey had put into his coffee, with which he was wont to regale himself just before beginning his. duties, What Hervey put into it was something to make him sleep, © and it was not strange, therefore, that, after having been at his post half an hour, he began to nod and yawn, and lean against the wheel for support, holding on by the spokes. It was late, and the men on deck were sitting well up for- ward, under the lee of the rail, to keep out of the wind, the officer of the watch sitting just under the rise of the quarter- deck, close by the companion ladder, smoking a cigar. ; There was no particular danger just then, as the vessel was running through a long, straight lane of water, the ice beingi at least. thirty feet away on either sige. Further on, however, this lane branched off into two, one. Aor the jolly carpenter ~~ ae " ye ae) Wad ‘ “e ; TH 22
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this Hervey had seen as he stood Lrane over the rail aft, out of sight of the officer. ; | The man had planned for an occasion like this, and he now a began to carry out his evil intentions. _ He noiselessly approached the binnacle, holding something heavy in his hand, and this he deposited beneath it without i having alarmed the dozing helmsman. What he had put down was a piece of iron. i Its effect on the needle of the compass was directly apparent. It was at once considerably deflected from its true course. _ As he was stealing away, the villain contrived to make some "little noise, unnoticed by the officer of the watch. The helmsman heard it, however, and instantly awoke. _ Glancing at the compass, he saw that the vessel was ap- _ parently off her course. é divided. He ‘The man instantly righted his wheel and the vessel went off a couple of points, after eee he kept her on a straight course. a On that one false step depended all the fatalities which after- ward surrounded the vessel. ; tie By changing her coursé she had been turned into the false f ead, and beyond her lay the pack ice.., ' For some time, however, the change would not be noticed: Hervey smiled as he looked out over the glittering expanse lit by the moon, and murmured to himself: ane I mistake not, we shall be beset betone, long, and then if ; An hour later, just before the watch was to be relieved, the Officer looked up and glanced across the waters. _'The moon was now SPRcuneG, but, nevertheless, the look of nt seem as if we’re following oy lead, ‘as be- a ns is: ‘narrower, and there is more ice ahead of us. Why n <a F aotiee none, sir. tring: all the’ time, and kept: the same lead; that was a expec ted to do, sir.” not blaming you, my man, and I presume it is 5 all n’ know as much about these eee as I might, and Jarm myself without cause.’ atches were changed, and in at confusion ke away the iron and hide it from sight, being told to keep the vessel as she was. en. growing obscured for some little time, and a he ae ilot, Mr. aga came on deck inthis atte for a ents; but as ie could see n poe ratever, he, of | » the: dangers which surrounded him. ep Pa, At that moment she had reached the point where the lane }. ae been keeping on as straight | j 1 prune, when aa ‘Hudson | “ml came running on deck, and took in the situation an a glancer ; Not a word did he speak, however. A deep shade of vexation settled on his face which spoke | louder than words. | . “What is the matter, Mr. Bolton?” asked Dick. “We are in the ice!” J “That does not necessarily endanger us?” asked the cap- * tain. i “Not if we can get out. But look behind you.” Vans Behind the ice had closed in upon them, and presented an unbroken expanse as far as the eye could reach. | Before them it was the same. ae The vessel moved, it is true, but not of her own will. She was drifting with the floe ice. i “Come, come, Bolton, ”* said the captain, cheerily, “this” is” nothing. I have been caught in the ice before, and got out. We Shall drift awhile, and then the ‘wind will make a sudden oi change and’ free us, or we Can batter our way out.” he “We might if we had any room to run in; but, look at us! — We are caught as if in a vise, surrounded by pack ice. well. I'll do my best to get us out of the scrape; but how re # got in is a mystery to me. We must have gone astra; duri . f the night, for the lead we were following could not us into this bight. i words. “He must be silenced! ‘ CHAPTER III. A TRIP OVER THE ICE—FAST IN THE FLOE, } That forenoon a party was sent out over the ice, in char of Bolton, to see if there was any passage beyond to. which ao vessel might be forced. , The party consisted of Bolton, Hervey, Dick and R I two seamen, Bunt and Bowline, all dressed in furs, a and cari ing axes and gus, in case they eae chance to meet an. b u or seals. i ies a. by himself, Mea the od sailors bringing up the rear. They went on thus for a good while, when they encoun’ a small pol of water, fifty feet long by about. twelve wide tending in he direction they were going. They skirted it on the side nearest the ship, and prese ntly they reached a mass of ice considerably higher than the rounding ‘surface, evidently a small berg, which had forced into. ‘the nee ani was cartied along with it. should return, as the wind was padiaing to fresh, and the air was growing decidedly cold.
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Fiercer blew the: wind, ‘and now ominous sounds began i be heard, which could only cause the greatest alarm. Now and then a noise like the report of a cannon could be heard, and a strange commotion seemed to be going on-under their feet. “Take care,” said Bolton, coolly; “the ice is liable’ to open _ directly under your feet.” ‘The reports continued, accompanied by a stvange rumbling, -and more than once the ice trembled so beneath their feet that _ it seemed as though it were about to upheave and cast them _ inte the icy waters. “Look!” cried Dick presently. _ There had been a louder report than usual, together with "more commotion in the ice, and as the lad spoke several open “Spaces were seen in the ice ahead of them. “Hurry!” cried Bolton, “or we shall be cut off!” | All hands ran ahead as fast as was possible, for the vessel was still half a mile ahead of them, and no one knew what f Fortunately the newly-formed ponds did not lie in their way, pare they hastened on, not knowing when a yawning chasm ick suddenly uttered a cry and sprang back. he ice began to part, forming a crack right across their _ path, extending a considerable distance on either side, and _ threatening to cut them off from the vessel. “Jump!” yelled Bolton. “Jump for your lives!” The crack certainly would not close, and the probability was it would widen, and perhaps extend in other directions, olating them entirely from the road of escape. — “Jump!” again cried Bolton. ‘ He took a flying leap, theyerack being then about four feet in , being followed upon the instant by Hervey. ip instantly widened, and as Dick and Ralph flew over more than six feet across. | was the hext man over, having to clear ten feet of and narrowly missing a ducking in the icy flood. ine was the last man, having Hagered ans and he Sbatbre’ he reached the edge the ice odan ns upheave in terr le manner, his companions hurryt g on in order that i they $ videning every second. fe up and down, hoping to find if piace to tenn across; ; ‘the poor fellow suddenly: found himself cut off. was afloat on a cake of ice arth feet long and ten wide, aide and @anibered on board by means of ladders let down c ‘t them. “Bowline is out there on the ice,” said Bolton; “but unless the ice in front of us opens, I do not see how we can get boat out to him.” - As he spoke, however, there was a sudden noise like thunder the vessel was lifted bodily out of the bonds that held it, and , ‘then driven forward with great force. Every soul on board was thrown down, and many thoweht: that their last hour had. come. The vessel floated free of the ice, however, a large opening having suddenly been made through which she could be guided, the glittering masses drifting by her slowly. | { “Get on all steam!” cried Bolton, “and we will try and force — our way through the pack ahead of us, to the next lead.” E Steam was already. up, and it was only necessary to Spake on. ' a full head, which could be done in a short time. Then the brave little vessel went at the ice full tilt, and with | ‘ her sharp steel spur at the bow soon cut her way into the ice which lay in her way some few lengths ahead. It parted and left under the attack, and the Hope presently | reached a newly-made lane extending for sqme distance. G In this, floating on a cake of ice, was Bowline, and a'boat — was speedily lowered and sent to his rescue. } Dick was in command of the boat, and Hervey wished that i all sorts of calamities might happen to it, a) that the young fellow might not return. i Bowline was rescued, however, and a happier man than he, when he once more trod the deck of the Boe, could not ee ‘3 be imagined. The vessel was not out of difficulty yet, however ie th same wind which had caused the breaking up of the ice, no’ packed it together closer than before. ' The floe pieces pressed against the sides of the vessel, a seemed ready to crush her in their sharp embrace, : i She was suddenly lifted up and heeled over to starboard, : huge mass of ice sliding right under her and holding her as a cradle. \ She remained stationary, the floe isidtnal her fast, the um- mocks of ice closing in upon her, keeping her in a firm ¢ sp ( though not crushing her. : She was in the ice, indeed, and her voyage, cheer had o so auspiciously, received a sudden and most Sesoring, which might last, no one knew how long. og es _ They were resting upon the aoe not between tes pieces, a seeing the dreadful future. “Hm!” thought Hervey, as he saw with ail aoneeatens ) ure what had befallen them, “it could not have been done ter. Now for the long winter in the ice, and we will see i: do not break the proud spirit of this tyrant. nee me ) now to work out my revenge, and dearly repay on nd hi son’s|heads. ce: wrongs I have entree at his Hands.” Riek CHAPTER IV. Bian . _ PHEPARING 2 “FoR Gia ico coax. ve
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6 ahs : . IN THE ICE. SSS began to grow colder preparations were made for making them secure against the cold. The house on deck was supplied with extra stoves, all the the doors but one being closed, the walls lined with heavy sail cloth, and show packed up all around upon the outside, thus preventing the slightest breath of cold air from pene- trating the seams, the bitter wind of these desolate regions be- ing most séarching. , The Hope was caught in a sort of.eradle in the floe piece, and was thus slowly carried along, the ice flowing beneath it at a rapid rate, although that on the surface proceeded more slowly. The drift still continued, and although there could still be seen an occasional lead or lane of water in the distance, there was no chance of reaching them. Had the Hope been merely frozen into the ice in some creek or cove, beyond the influence of the pack, there would have been nothing to fear, but now she formed part of the pack it- self, and ran great risk of being nipped or crushed by the ice ali around her. 3 The fact of her being perched upon one of the floe pieces, . instead of being caught between two separate ones, was a mat- tter of congratulation, and the captain and crew could not fail to be grateful for the circumstances. Day after day passed on, week after week slipped by, the Hope still drifting slowly to the eastward, locked fast in the ice, from which there seemed to be no relief, and which, for all they knew, might prove the grave of the entire expedition. The day grew shorter-a$ the time sped on, and before many weeks the sun would sink out of sight not to reappear for at least three months. Hervey bided his time, doing nothing to excite Gidea but nevertheless maintaining a. careful watch over both Captain Hudson and his son Dick. The man had come into these desolate regions for purposes of vengeance, but he had waited patiently so far, and could wait longer if need be; his revenge would be all the sweeter for his having waited so long. Dick and Ralph were constantly together, and although the latter did not seem to mistrust him, Hervey was always most circumspect in his conduct, and did not attempt any treachery toward the young man as yet. “T can wait,” he would say to himself. “A wrong like mine cannot be hastily avenged; time will make my reprisal all the more terrible. My opportunity will come, if I only wait, and then let this tyrant and his son beware of my wrath.” As there was really so little to do, there was danger of the crew becoming discontented; and Captain Hudson therefore ~ Taia down a set of-rules to be followed, so as to prevent this. i 4 very day the men arose at such an hour, went through a Short drill, and had breakfast, after which the hold was broken + . out for stores, the men had two hours’ exercise on the icé and i “returned to dinner, the afternoon being spent in reading and ' study, with a short run on the ice until supper, and in the evening games and other recreations were indulged in until bedtime. : There were fire drills, boat drills, and other useful practice at stated periods, and once a week\there was a lecture upon interesting topics, particularly those concerning an expedition of this kind, in the cabin, besides a minstrel entertainment or ; concert every two weeks, in which the sailors took part, and to. which the commander and officers received special invita- tions. ‘Thus the life on board the Hope went on tranquilly, aH be- ing apparently eontented, no one becoming sick nor despond- ent, and all being hopeful for the future. ; The light faded away at last, and the long Arctic night came ~ on, relieved only by the occasional and fitful gleam of the ~ aurora.) - Ling and night, for three weeks, got so he could say it, and one = a pone ar wag dark and gloomy; the ice ectgea in more firmly - than ever, the snow covering all things with a thick mantle of white, the cold becoming more intensely bitter every day, and the vessel remaining immovable in the ice, the drift of which was now only perceived by means of the instruments. Christmas was approaching, and all hands agreed to cele- brate it most royally, for their hearts were not yet cast down by the dangers which beset them, nor by the’doubts and fears which were, later on, to assail them so terribly. The day before Christmas, the air being still quite cold, al- though there was no wind, the absence of which made the walking agreeable enough, Dick, Ralph, Hervey, Topp, the cook, and two Esquimaux, started out for a tramp across the z ice. The two Innuits, having the most unpronounceable names imaginable, had been rechristened by the sailors, Snooks and Brooks, but as they answered equally well to these names as to their own, the change was a decidedly agreeable one. “Talking of long names,” muttered Topp, as they set out; each carrying a steel-pointed stick to assist him in walking, besides a rifle thrown over the shoulder, “talking of long names, I say, reminds me of a feller I knowed once, on a trip just like this. » “We had one of these natives with us, what had a name half a& yard long, and meant Man-Who-Lives-Under-the-Ice-and- Bats-Raw-Blubber, but in its own language was a terror, and would break the jaw of a Dutchman to say. : “Well, one of our fellows, by practicing half an hour, morn-— day, when the cold was away down, two or three hundred be- | low zero, or something like that, with the wind a-blowing 4 ne “3 thousand miles an hour, he goes up on deck and hollers to this ; feller to come in to his breakfast. “Well, sir, he rattled off the whole of that critter’s name good enough, but then he stopped, with his mouth wide open, and couldn’t say another word nor shut his Jaw to save his neck. “We thought it had given him the lockjaw to say it, but it : wasn’t that at all; it was keeping his mouth open so long that his throat was frozen stiff, and the wind rushing into his mouth—he had one like a tunnel or a barn door—he was one- ro solid chunk of ice in two minutes, ; “We lowered him into the hold with a block and tackle, and i laid him on the stove to thaw out, and it was a good three il hours afore he came around; he was so cold he put the fire out | twice. / “We fetched him out of it at last, but would ye believe it, all the spunk was gone out of him, and he didn’t care to show off no more, but ever after that, when he wanted to call that na- tive, he jest called him Jim, which was short, sharp, and to the p’int, and didn’t take half a second to say.” EL. oe eae you'll vouch for the- truth of ‘that yarn, none you?” asked Ralph, with a laugh.: ie “Truth?” returned ‘Topp, innocently. “Why, of course. I . iss can’t tell a lie, you know, and what I says, I sticks to.” 5 F The party had, during the recital of this veracious narrative, continued on its way over the ice at an easy gait, and soon after its conclusion reached a point where the hummocks of ice obliged them to. make a detour. Presently they struck a smooth, but winding path, aN lode in and out among the blocks, some of them reaching to a neta ip of fifteen or twenty feet above their heads. Dick and Ralph were in advance, and suddenly came upon an arched opening in a huge mass of ice, which seemed tor run os in to a considerable distance. Over the central portion,of this door, or archway) was setae a large block of ice like a keystone, and both Bahk remarked it. Pi rae curious to examine the grotto and determine whether it had been constructed by the hand of man, or was the work "S \ ' a
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= of naturé alone, they passed through the entrancé, and stood in a vaulted’ chamnber some twelve feet i height at the sides, and eighteen or twenty in the centre. ° The place had evidently been formed by the alternate melt- ing and packing of the ice, and was like a glittering palace of fairyland, all the colors of the rainbow being reflected from the polished columns that supported the roof. As they stood gazing in rapt admiration at the beauties of thi§ singular place, a loud crashing sound was heard behind them. ; “They turned instinctively toward the entrance, and found that it was closed. The slab Of ice over the archway had, in some unaccountable way, fallen in and completely blocked the outside world. Was this the résult of accident? No; for a sharp blow with the steel point of Hervey’s staff had caused the support of the overhanging block to give way and most effectually close the passage. No one but Hervey had seen them enter the place; no one had seen his act, and now no one but he knew what had hap- pened, or what their fate was likely to be. CHAPTER V. SHUT UP IN THE ICE—THE BEAR. _ Neither Topp nor the two Esquimaux knew what had hap- pened, but, supposing the two boys to be still in advance, fol- lowed on after Hervey, passing around the berg, and beyond the sound of the’boys’ voices. Hervey had seen the overhanging block, and realized in an instant how little was required to capsize it and close the en- trance of the grotto. A hasty glance around convinced him that he was unnoticed, and with one sharp blow he broke away the support of the ice slab, which by its own weight was quickly slid imto place in front of the opening, locking it as if with a key of ice. “Let them get out of that if they can!” he hissed, as he hur- i ried on. The boys were not missed until some twenty minutes after- ward, when the party came suddenly upon a deep fissure in the _ ice, extending right across the path, and running down toa - eonsiderable depth. . The path ahead of them was now Visible for a good mile, the ice being smooth and PEE Sa and the boys ought to be in 1. sight. They were not, however, and the Innuits pointed down the chasm, their faces indicating the greatest alarm. aa “Where are the young gentlemen?” asked Hervey. s nothing has happened to them.” 3; “The natives seem to think they’ve fallen down this crack, - but it’s so dark down there that you can’t see, and seems to me we'd ought to’ve heard them holler.” “The ice must have given way suddenly beneath their feet. An extra pressure of their sticks might haye opened an site: crack, dislodged a thin layer of ice, and hurled them into this living ve.” x _ Topp Knelt on the edge of the crevice and peered down into Woes ‘the darkness, vainly endeavoring to pierce the awful gloom of “T hope % adibet anxiety, and playing his part so well that no one sus- pected that by his treachery the hoys had been placed in a danger nearly as great as they would have been in had they actually fallen down this chasm. It was impossible to go down into the depths and determine IN THE ICE: f at bt happened to the naate for there were no ropes, and bast even the Innuits did not dare risk climbing down the ragged edges and projections of the crevasse. “Them two boys must be lying way down at the bottom; maybe dead, and anyhow, badly hurt,” said Topp. “It’s funny we don’t see no tracks, nor their staffs, nor weapons.” “The ice here leaves no traces,” said Hervey; “and their staves and rifles are with them. We must summon assist- ance at once.” “Welll have to get back to the steamer anyhow, for it looks like a storm, and we’ve been out now as long as is allowed, and longer.” “Not if the weather had remained the same; and I was in hopes of seeing something to make a favorable report of, but I’m afraid we’re in for a winter in the pack, and maybe longer. We can do no good here, so let’s hurry back to the vessel, and get a party to go in search of these unfortunate young men.” All hands thereupon hurried back toward the vessel, Hervey taking care to strike a fresh path which would take them away from the stranded berg in which the boys were imprisoned. Hervey saw with delight that there was every prospect of a heavy fall of snow, which would soon obliterate the path they had followed, fill the chasms in the ice, and cover up the trail so that the searching party would be unabit to find the spot where Dick and Ralphgwere supposed to have been lost. ‘Meanwhile how fared the two boys in their icy prison? They shouted in vain, and at last desisted, concluding that the ice was too thick to permit of their voices being heard, and that their companions nad gone on, believing them to be still in advance. There was light enough in the place for them to see, though not very distinctly; but this was better than being in total darkness. Finding the place where the slab of ice had slid into pldon y they began attacking it with the steel points of their sticks, with the hope of piercing it. All they could do was to make a few holes, and chip off a few splinters of ice, the main body remaining firm under their attacks. e can dig around it if we can only keep at it long enough,” said Dick; “but the trouble is, we may have ee stay here all night without food or fire.” “Tt isn’t cold here now.” “You don’t feel it, perhaps, because it is warmer than the outside, but you’d be cold by morning, I guess.” The boys continued to bore with the steel points for some time, and at length Dick exclaimed suddenly: “By Jove, this boring has given me an idea. Suppose we. blast this ice-slab instead of trying to split it.” daae EF “Good! But we have no powder.” “We have cartridges, and we can open the, and use the _ powder inside.” The boys were each provided with a stout jack-knife, and they now pried off the tops of two or three cartridges apiece, © emptying the powder into Dick’s, handkerchief, a corner of which was torn oif, wrapped abouc the powder and thrust into the hole which Dick had last bored in the ice, It was then. tamped down as hard as possible, ome end of the handkerchief sticking out for a fuse, Ralph setting this on fire with a match which he struck on his boot. The linen burned slowly, but the boys did not dare approach too close to it for the purpose. of fanning the flame, lest they should be in danger -from the blast. : They retreated to the further end of the grotto, Dick step- ping upon something soft, which suddenly moved beneath his foot. ear. ; The truth flashed upon him in an instant. The oh tt at the berg was the home of a ape 2 away He sprang aside just as a tremendous growl broke upon his = be
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' in ‘some aakiountabie manner, and it was he upon who ps ‘the boy had stepped. j . Their. situation was thus rendered doubly peritous: If they retreated the blast might cause the ice to fall upon | ei them; if they remained, the bear would attack them. ! “Where the mischief did he come from?’ asked pains who i, was on the other side from Dick. no time to lose. ; The fuse was beginning to burn more brightly, and it could not be long before there would be an explosion. ~The bear, however, had arisen, and was now advancing upon him with distended jaws and glittering eyes. Suppose the first blast should not prove effective? In that case the bear must be dispatched at once. Raising his rifle to his shoulder, Diek took as careful aim as e circumstances would permit, and fired right for the crea- ture’s: eyes. - There was a howl of doasinea rage and pain, we the huge aoe made a sudden bound forward. ; “tote floor in his hurry to escape. At this moment there came, another explosion, and the bt was filled with the smoke of gunpowder. just now, however, was not how. they could get. er the bear was likely to give ae any more uh ? ee slowly oon tah ‘his ice jaws. 8 we've ee ae said Ralph, nae it’s as well to ri monster's heart. S°a LOW groan, onvuisive rhe ‘end hen the} Sere the ice, the- a pe 1 i or got a (sea say on ‘you once, ‘iit y with y “no mistake.” 2 “Don’t know. Take him in the flank if 1 miss him—P m go-| ing. to shoot.” It was jucky: that the Bee rifle was londed, there was it came at lage; the partier of ice was peu ye top to bot- a j tom, and the boys “were free to walk out of their prison. [ a . t | CHAPTER VI. SAFE dae ri BOARD “ SHIP—MERRY CHRISTMAS. 1. Hi The shock of the blast had been considerable, but ea. nately nothing had given way but the block in the entrance, ‘or otherwise the boys might have been as badly off, if not worse, than before. 8 To clear away the rubbish was the work of a few moments only, and then the boys stepped outside, and felt they were once more free. The next thing to do was to look for their comrades, ko were doubtless ‘filled with anxiety concerning their fate. “They can’t know where we are, or they would have heard — our voices and tried to get us out,” argued Dick. iy “Then they may have gone on ahead to find us, ea that we had lost our way. And that makes me think. Do you suppose you could make your way back to the Hope?” — “Yes, but I don’t want to try ‘it tonight.” “Why not?” ; “Don’t you see that it is beginning to snow? How far as you suppose we could go before we would be utterly blinded and bewildered, and lose our way?” “It does not snow much,” Nia: “No, not now, but I don’t propose a trust an Arctic snow: it storm at this distance from the vessel.’ “And to-morrow is Christmas. We ought to be ist home,” ae home?” rat “Oh, I mean on board; but then you know a sailor’s home is i his ship.” ) “Well, so would I like to be at home, ‘then, RUARY don’t want to go to sleep in a snow-bank toners so. su nRBHe we in aie get our BR BDOKO Oy Ni) 1 fly much. thicker than at first, and it was easy phir gee that if they had started, they, would not have gone far Db fore’ they would have been obliged to stop. | _ With their knives the two boys now stripped off the hi of the bear, a job which took them some little time to. "| complish, not. being used to such work, after which they a off several slices of the tenderest portions, and laid them, | the ice to dry. There was nothing to make a fire with, nothing to tnalés Vesta the bear in, and they were therefore obliged toveat ine meal raw and do without a fire. Dick made ; light by taking Ralph’s hagdwerbnicn, per, up a piece of fat in it, and then ligpeine,? it i fein a erack in the ice. sag it # As night advanced, Dick’s watch tolling t en of the flight 0 time, the darkness lasting constant y now, relieved only by the aurora, the ‘snow fell thicker ai ter, until it was impo: sible to see. through the blindit 1g clouds which wh ae the path just outside th
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t - being very much amused thereat. IN THE ICE. . 9 z bodies, they nestled close to one another, and soon fell asleep. in each other’s arms. The warmth prevented them from awakening, and so they slept on through the wild night, the snow drifting in at the entrance to their singular retreat, and covering a considerable area, with soft, fleecy particles, the wind howling without as though in anger at the boys’ escape from its bitter touch. When the boys awoke on Christmas morning the snow lay thick over all the path, and in the entrance of the cave, so that when they arose and looked out they rie recognized the place. The storm had ceased, the wind having died away at the same time, and although the air was cold, it was not uncom- fortably so, owing to the stillness of the atmosphere. After breakfasting on raw meat, the boy took their sticks and set out for the Hope, Dick slinging the] earskins and sev- eral pounds of meat over his shoulder, while Ralph took the two rifles. Dick followed the path, and when he reached the open ice “was able to determine the general direction he was to take, although he could not see the vessel as yet. ' After they had proceeded for a couple of hours in as straight a line as they could determine, they suddenly caught sight of a party in the BISUaRES: evidently coming from the direction of the vessel. wy Dick discharged his rifle, and when the sound had died away the signal was repeated by the other party, which at once changed its course and hastened toward them. It was not long before Dick recognized the captain, his friend the doctor and Hervey in the party, and, dashing for- ward, the boy cried merrily: “A merry Christmas to everybody: Here we are, safe and sound, and with something for dinner!” Not long after this Captain Hudson clasped his son to his heart in a warm embrace, while the eccentric doctor began fussing around him, feeling his limbs, his nose and ears, sounding his lungs, and counting his pluse-beats, exclaiming, disjointedly: “No bones broken—nothing frozen—pulse regular as a chronometer—eyes bright—blood in good shape—well, well, the boy is a marvel!” Then he put Ralph through the same examination, the boy “Why, doctor,” he exclaimed, with a laugh, “there is nothing the matter with us; did you expect there would be?” Nothing the matter with you! That’s just what puzzles ‘me. Young gentlemen dcn’t fall down an ice-cleft thirty feet deep and sleep out in the cold all night without something be- ing the matter with ’em. You must have the constitution of Polar bears.” “No, but we have the skin of one, and besides, we didn’t sleep out all night, and didn’t fall down any holes; we slept together, like a couple of spoous in a box, with a bearskin around us, and were as snug as could be,” _. ThenyDick told the story of their adventures, Hervey watch- _ ing him narrowly toSee if there was any suspicion in the boy’s mind as to the real cause of his having been shut up in the lee ir _ grotto. ' “No, he Lee nothing,” the man said to himself; “neither he nor his chum, and I am safe. It’s a wonder they got out ‘of it as cleverly as they did, but that shows me that I must ‘make my plans beforehand, and not trust to chance, as I did this time, if I want to get the young villain out of the way.” The whole party, much relieved at jhaving so unexpectedly -eome upon the two boys, when they had expected nothing less _ than to find their dead bodies at the bottom of some hole in the _ ice, even if they found them at all, now turned their steps _ toward the vessel, which they reached in little more than an “This is indeed a merry Christmas for me, Dick,” said Cap- tain Hudson, as he and the two boys entered the comfortable cabin, “and I am thankful that the day brings me one source of enjoyment even in the midst of so much that is disappoint- ing and vexatious.” “We'll make a merry day of it, anyhow, for the sake of old times, father, and some day we will laugh at what seems so annoying now.” “Perhaps,” returned‘ the other, sadly; “put I. cannot help thinking that fate is against me after all; else why, in spite of all my caution, all my calculations, should I have blundered right into the pack, whose grip is as tight as that of death? Well, well, boy, this is no day for such thoughts; so, as you say, let us indeed have a merry Christmas, if only to show our thankfulness for your safe return.” . CUAPTER. VII. THE DEATH OF BOLTON—THE ACCUSATION. Christmas Day on board the Hope passed as merrily as even Dick could have wished, every one, from captain to cook, seem- ing to be in the best of spirits, and doing their utmost to make the occasion as agreeable a one as possible. There was an extra fine dinner in the cabin, and the men were given certain little luxuries which they did not have on ordinary occasions. : In the evening there was a concert and theatricals in the men’s quarters, to which the officers and captain were espe- cially invited, and which passed off very pleasantly. After this things went on much as usual until the new year set in, and then, as the weeks rolled by without any change, the men began to grow discontented; complaints were fre- quently heard, and more than once muttered threats were breathed against*the captain, who was considered as having been the cause of all the trouble. ‘Hervey had not forgotten the ice-pilot, Mr. Bolton; and, as he had’ promised himseif, kept a watch upon this gentleman. In the matter of the narrow escape of the two boys, Bolton : had unequivocally expressed it as his opinion that there had been something wrong somewhere, and that Hervey ought to have kept a sharper lookout upon the young fellows to see that they did not fall into danger. “I am not so sure that the fellow would not have been pleased if something serious had happened to one or both of the boys,” he said openly to the doctor. \ “You think so?” “T am sure of it. and I know that he hates Dick, or, at least, has no very great love for him.” “But what motive——” “Oh, I don’t know that, but I’m sure there is one some: where.” “But Dick never saw the man before. through Dick; but he’s always, respectful, always willing, seems to regard the captaim most highly, and——” I have watched the man considerably, He might possibly have some cause for hating the captain, and strike at him’ “Does Captain Hudson remember having seen the site be- fore?” “Why, Leal I couldn’t say—that is—no, I don’t bes lieve he has.” “He hesitates; the captain has known the man, and knows : no good of him,” thought Bolton, “and, for some reason or ~ other, this fellow has a spite against him. more closely. ‘I must watch him T suspected him at the: time we got caught in the ice, and yet I could not put my gc taper into, shape t dee ; make an peu eats ipepingt him.. Sie Sag ee a
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IN THE IOB. may tout ema) Neale Fea fe Ee eee Ro oe a | “Oh, well, I may be mistaken,” said Bolton, aloud, in a _ €areless tone, “but I fancied the man had, as you say, some grievance, and meant to settle it by doing harm to Dick. You . have not mentioned the affair to anyone?” “Why, no—I think not—bless my soul! I eat remember “ everything—no, i am sure I have not done so.’ “and to the captain himself.” The. conversation was pot continued, for at that moment Dick and Ralph. appeared, and the subject was changed. _. There was one man who had heard this talk for whose ears it had -not been intended. This was Hervey himself. He had been concealed in a dark corner of the cabin where the conversation had taken place, and had heard nearly all of it. As soon as the place was cleared he made his escape, mut- _ tering to himself: “So he suspects me, does he? Aye, and more than he says, Iam sure. He won’t have an opportunity of ventilating his suspicions any more, if I know myself.” _ After this the villain narrowly watched Bolton, even as he - was himself watched, though without apparently seeming to do so. : i _ One day Bolton left the steamer to take a run over the ice, and, attracted by the sight of some Arctic foxes which some- ow had got out upon the ice, and” who were playing among _ themselves at some distance, started off, gun in hand, in chase of them. Te was seen, and pursued with as keen a desire as he him- self approached the foxes, and with the same intent. _ He took care not to be seen by the animals; his enemy took is much care not to be seen by him. ‘he man in pursuit was Hervey. rs He had his gun with him, but he did not intend to use it if 1 e could avoid doing so, fearing lest the sound should bring 1e one to the spot. olton had to go further than he had intended, the foxes ing changed their position, and thus it happened that he ad arrived at the stranded berg, the one containing the rous srotto, before he could obtain a goad shot. 3 7 een shot was heard. Upon the instant the man felt a sharp pain go through his ‘turned his head, and peheld ‘Hervey approaching, t is you that have fired upon me,” he gasped, tering of } Fir d We: you! No, indeed; I fired at the foxes.” | ee ee Bolton, his strength leaving him, and is mouth, elf for a brief spell, he cried: ied to murder me, because you have seen that I ness, but you will not succeed, for I haye still reach the vessel.” eg bilge it!” cried the miscreant, and, leap? a dar an fy: the Ponies he dragged him ‘within a] recesses, lying on his back, his glassy eyes foie tame ove | ae | etch muttered. “And I am sure you have,” again said Bolte to himself, | Ba Se AT Oe BAe os a a it NN Re et LTE ea Ee ar ee He worked rapidly, and at last had the entrance completely Ai closed. j into all the crevices he packed the snow, so that all ap- pearances of the place having been walled up might disappear. __ When he had finished, he went away a few paces Ric ex- amined his work. No one would have known the place for what it had once been. cs “Let them find him now if they can,” he muttered. 5 Then, picking up Bolton’s rifle, which had fallen on the ice, he hurriedly left the scene of his crime. On the edge of a deep gully in the ice—so deep one eould not see to the bottom, he threw Bolton’s rifle and the body of the fox he had killed. aap. No one had seén him leave, no one saw him tanen An hour later a party fiom the Hope, consisting of Dick, ir Ralph, Topp, Melton, the chief engineer and the two HEsqui- maux, came upon Bolton’s rifle lying upon the edge of a pit. Beside it was the body of an Arctic fox, cold and dead. _ The ice on the edge of the pit had been freshly br oken, and on its glittering surface were the prints of bloody fingers. _ “Some poor fellow has fallen down there,’ am ise the esac “Who can it be?” : * Dick picked up the rifle, examined it, and cried ere a “This belongs to Mr. Bolton. Here is his name engrayi tes on the stock.” { So saying, he handed the weapon to the Snel who quickly corroborated his statement. “Poor Bolton!” he murmured. “He was a “good fellow, ae one whom we could ill afford to lose.” “Can’t we get down there and. recover his body?” ; “I fear not. This ice is very treacherous, and doubtless the water is beneath. He must have been carried away atid ere this.” There was evidently nothing to be done but return to t steamer with the sad news, and accordingly the little part at : once set out. Contrary to Hervey’ 's belief, Bolton was not dead whe in the cave. He was merely unconscious, and in time he recovered He was very weak from loss of plood, however;, and, out proper care, was in great danger of dying. Crawlinz to the side of his prison, he made his way sl around it, trying to find an outlet. i ee There was none, nor could he find the place where Herv y had walled it up. “Oh, the heartless. villain!” he gasped. here to die. There is no escape for me,” . ys He tried to rise, so as to find some point where he coma his way out, but his strength was not equal to the effort, Then a mad despair seized him, and he made the icy ring with his cries for help. Alas! ‘there was) no one to hear him. He felt. himself cold and stiff, and knew that he must. He was beyond all human help, and nothing could. 8 hin No one would think of looking for him here, ae” to have fallen down the crevasse. : ; He knew that unless help arrived, he would pot live t the night. In the enetie he would be ‘not die of his hurts long be He could not escape, but at Jeas ni have be it s.
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IN THE ICE. = “Hervey has murdered me and shut me up in an ice cave to die. : Bo.ron.” associate with each other for even a year. day in and day out, without fightin’. It ain’t in the natur o:.man to do it. He wants a change o’ faces, and if he don’t get ’em, he fights. i “Well, sir, the cold was so strong that the wood o’ the ship shrunk so that the seams was all opened, and the water came — in and froze, and then lifted the vessel out of thé ice- by contrary pressure. D’ye see?” : | “I see that you're trying to tell a bigger lie than usual,” retorted Dick, with a laugh, “and can’t do it without stopping to think.” ea “T cannot tell a lie,” said Topp. “and ye'd orter ENS that 4 by this time.” : Then ciate the leaf in his cold hand,. he sank uncon- scious upon the ic Would the pociation ever come to light? Time will show. r CHAPTER VIII. DISCOURAGEMENT—PREACHERY. that line I have ever seen.” At this there was a general laugh, and Topp retired, dis- comfited. ; Winter was again approaching, and the men, seeing the ob: ject of the expedition as far away as ever, became discontente and gloomy, nothing but a firm hand preventing them kgs breaking out into open mutiny. Hervey, crafty as a fox, and cunning as a fox, took every opportunity to foment dissatisfaction among the men, and an- imosity toward the captain, and yet doing it in such a way as to escape all suspicion, his openly expressed admiration of the captain being a matter of general remark. : H There was nothing to do but remain on the vessel as lon as it held together, and Captain Hudson. would not listen to the idea of abandoning it, and trying to reach app land in the te boats, and across the ice in sledges. : However, when the spring again came around, and the sec- ond anniversary of their setting sail had arrived, the vessel was found to haye been greatly oe by the eran an grating of the ice beneath it. { nee _ The pumps were obliged to be kept going day and night, it being now impossible to stop the inflow of water, The vessel leaked in more places than one, and at last, : day in June, after a serious consultation in the cabin, held b the captain and principal Officers, it was_ deemed Bin ss to make preparations for abandoning the vessel. The sledges were removed to the floe, the boats placed upon them, the nautical instruments, charts, logs and other re placed in safety, and the work of removing the stores the : ‘During the whole of one day all hands worked néroically, and at night tents were erected upon the ice, to be us ease of an emergency, a large Portion of the stores. hay in been removed. ei The night passed by tranquilly until within an hour of d day light, when a sudden trembling was ‘felt throughout: vessel. The floe which supported her was giving way, What would result from this could only be guessed ats The orders had been that the vessel should be gheneey the slightest notice. i The first officer rushed upricle below, and kn c door of the captain’s room. s The commander had already pronsed: bimsot and was hastily dressing. - 7 “Let the men leaye at once!” he cried, from within, Y Week after week passed, and the motion of the drift-ice be- _ gan to be more apparent than formerly. | Then. Teads appeared in the ide, short lanes of water leading -nowhere, rs The sun once more appeared, but his light brought little comfort. The show -was removed from around the yonsek and the house on deck needed less protection than before. The air was still keen, and the mercury never went above _ thirty-two degrees, _. With partial breaking up of the ice came a startling dis- covery. i The vessel had sprung a leak! fee Lhe ice, rushing beneath them, there being no other outlet for it, had, in spite of the cradle in which the Hope lay, so rubbed and pounded upon the bottom of the unfortunate ves- sel ag’ to open her seams, besides staving a hole in the bows large enough for one to insert an arm. } Now that the ice beneath them was less solidly haeeed, the water had a- better opportunity to enter. For a long time the locality of the leak could not be dis- e ed, and the pumps were obliged to be kept going half the s z Meanwhile, they were still drifting to the eastward, the ice stiT1 holding them in its strong clutch. At last the exact: situation of the leak was discovered, and eparations made to stop it. ! e It could not be reached from the outside, so that a thrummed “sail might be placed over it, the ice being too thick to make utting down to the leak practicable, Whatever was done must be from the inside. ‘The flow of water was stopped temporarily, and then the - After this it was peseinta iG thrum a sail Over the aperture, iar RALDS: OED the water from entering so rapidly. a3 i ; hapless navigators ee themselves in the same predicament. : at’s nothing,” said the yeracious Topp one day in No- mbe wl the winter again facing them. “A man I once knowed a trip ike this, nd was caught and kept in the ice for Not ‘so, however, for a dark: figure Ge i] ten pal twelve years.” stooping betore the eaptain’s door, listened Tc zled ‘expression ha, 1 é o1” he his: “though Ses ; Re ct e ast, et i
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IN THE ICE. | ; ee j a At that moment the door opened and the captain appeared. a ; Suddenly springing upon him, the villain hurled him back into the room with irresistible force. One hand was placed upon the commander's face, and the odor of some pungent drug could be detected. The captain gave a gasp and fell.across his bed, uncon- a scious. _ With a-smile like that of a triumphant fiend, Hervey sud- the space beyond. To shut and jock the door on the outside required oF a moment's time.” i “Now, Captain Hudson, I am partly avenged!” he hissed, “and my next move is against your son. I swore to kill you both, and all others that should dare to interfere with, me in my work.” ‘Then hurling the key into the darkest corner, the villain assed through to the steerage, and reached the deck from » that point. - Hurrying down the side, he reached the ice just as all hands beat a retreat, shouting that the vessel was sinking. ! CHAPTER IX. ‘- = f THe RETREAT BEGUN—-MURDER COMES TO LIGHT. ~ one chew. ‘Whan it might break up. k their slices a their respective boats. nm it was moticed, for the first time, that : Saemn Hud- tion be seeing the captain appear at: any moment. enly there ‘was heard a loud report, as of a hundred nd “for | an inion the vessel floated in open water. e was seen to be rapidly ‘sinking. i where is my eg Le cried as in agony. | lb Tost!” . “He gns of breaking up. _ er n was therefore aay dade with all haste. oot the Hope sank in the water that surrounded iE decks were evel with the he ‘i , he does ‘not kno his’ ‘danger. ” “muttered Hervey to himself. thrown him elf into the w a . (ser ‘ cs denly abstracted the key from the lock and panned out into’ of every possible danger. { he sae would float, and these having been hastily | ce in the hed nelahhdrhoea of the sledges now bee . | ponds of water, the skirting leis of ¢ nsiderable value, being able, owing t light motel to cross sgt nie ce rier. It was all over in less than a second! e The Hope had gone S98 % and her brave commander nae bn perished with her. | “He would not abandon his vessel, the brave man,” said Hervey to himself, but in tones that all could hear; “and he ~ has gone down with his pet, and both are buried in the same grave.” : i This idea was accepted by nearly \all as the true reason of the captain’s absence just before the foundering. “I supposed he was going to follow he at once,” said Mr. Rawlins, “for he urged me particularly not to delay an instant. Yes, he undoubtedly intended to go down with his vessel, and yet was most careful that every one else should escape.” aa When the sun arose, soon eee nothing remained tone show where the Hope had gone down; not a spar, not a bit of wreckage—nothing! Ma, The sea had swallowed her up in an instant, and all that was left of her was the memory of her beloved captain. The only thing now left for the sei dite: of the expedition was to seek to reach land. — 4 All hands remained in the vicinity of the catastrophe that day, observations being taken in order to determine their pf act position. eal i ‘a The nearest land was ascertained to be Eastern Siberia, and thither the course of the boats was to be directed. The distance to be traversed, considering the detours to be made in order to avoid the rough ice and the numerous blind channels, or even as the crow flies, was estimated to be at least two hundred miles, and this must be made in the face On the morning succeeding the going down of the vessel the whole party, consisting of four boats’ crews, began the re- treat, no one knowing whether success or failure awaited them —all holding their lives in their hands. : Mr. Rawlins headed the first cutter, and. with him were Dick, sbi the doctor, Topp and three seamen. Oe Sanat and ae: of the survivors going in the ee rl might have gone in the boat with that young whelp, muttered Hervey; “but I’m just as well satisfied, for perha it will be: better for me that I did not.” {As long as the sledges could be drawn across the ice boats would not be used, as more stores could: be taken in way than if they had been obliged to resort entirely poats. Nothing but what was absolutely necessary was taken! Dick left an extra coat behind ua sO that he hares not | too much to carry. ae At times the boats” could te bi ) party a a great - of time, and wa Dik and Ralph
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4 IN THE ICE. his time for vengeance came he could more easily get he young man into his power. é Several days passed, the ice sometimes drifting by them, while that on which they were seemed to stand still, while at other times they seemed to drift, and the ice in the distance to emain fixed. There was a berg which, detached from the rest of the pack, joated by itself, being remarked. by all the party. “One day, this berg, coming in contact with a floe stronger an itself, a large portion was severed, and formed part of one rhich the expedition was obliged to cross. ook there! If that is not just like the ice-cave where ~ Ralph and I were confined.” vlegt in fact, the very, Same, : 1 "broken down, and the interior was exposed. 3 Dick. and Ralph advanced with a curious feeling, and the ormer ae into the opening of the cayve.t What is that?” CHAPTER X. re eried. Dick, starting back aghast at the | he not have ‘been shut in here the same as nae had been tree a he had taken the pene from | of the skeleton, and now held it out so that. both ind the engineer could see what was written thereupon. ae was livid,' but hy. a superhuman effort he re- ak Bolton had, been dead at th tithe 3 he was shut : ice, and» now, here was pe ‘haps a dreadful accusa- and on it, in large capitals, was the someone ‘has murdered me > and shut ‘me in an ice,’ hee per- haps, ‘to die,’ and then signs his name, Bolton.” : “But the name of the murderer is missing,” cried Ralph, “Who is it?” and he glanced quickly upon all the faces about — him. . Certainly the face of Hervey showed no more guilt than did that of Dick, or of Mr. Melton, or of anyone there. i He was excited, as were they all, but no one could have said ~ from merely seeing his face, that he was the murderer. . A great load had been taken off his mind, and yet, so well) drilled had he been in concealing his emotions, that where in his face there seemed nothing but natural excitement. “Where is the rest of the paper?” asked Dick, il must be in the fingers still.” any There was pened a ont serap of paper still fastened ott B forward to take it out. Hervey was burning with rage and apprehension, and, had he dared, would have dashed forward and with dne blow of his. foot have ground the skeleton to powder, and torn the paper to atoms. x The doctor, with a deftness natural to ove of his cloth, parted the fingers of the dead hand, and the ‘serap of paper fell to the ice. { } Before he could pick it up, however, a sudden gust of wind swept into the cave, caught it, and‘ whirled it up to the top, _and then outside. All hands chased the fugitive scrap which could Have’ ‘told $o much, but it was quickly lost to sight, and” hits blown Ba one could tell whither. “How provoking!” spluttered the doctor. didn’t. think IT was so clumsy!” “Did you read it?” asked Dick, eagerly. “Read it! No, indeed. Why should I read it?” “You did not read the paper a took iti of the skeleton's hand?” i “No. ” A murmur of surprise ran through the company. : : “I dropped my glasses and stepped on ’em—can’t get an- other pair within a thousand miles—too bad, I declare. ate ae “Did you see what was written on the scrap, Rawlins?” asked the engineer. -“No; did you, Melton?” ‘Not I.” , “Then we are as much in the irae as Seeru cried Dick, i patiently. ; “Of one thing we are certain, ” said Melton. ' “Ow friend has been struck down and left to perish by som whom he has named in this last memorandum.” i “Who is it?” cried all, eagerly. ; “He who committed the deed alone knows. conscience, now silent, will Siu from his lips.” ; Everyone looked at his netghbor, but on iy fae utmost horror was depicted. i AWho could have done this awful ee ‘the light, but now revealed ae by aceide “Chance has revealed this uch t Providence will reveal. the rest. i 4 a i > bay “4 Sor and foree_ the
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‘to climb over about a dozen icebergs a thousand feet high over, and you'd better believe it was no fool of a job, neither. : _ down, for’ard and back, every time coming a little short of his ‘to wait that long, we made up a plan to bring him to a stand- ' gan going. up, and when‘he reached that p’int, we chucked a al \ 14° ; IN cy f ICE. ing effrontery, “and I, for one, will help you, engineer, in find- CHAPTER XI ing him out.” . 4 Melton had not once suspected Hervey of the crime, and THE STORM AND WREOK—FATE STILL ADVERSE, now he was even still further from doing so, the man’s earnest ; manner having completely deceived him. A sudden change of wind, an extra thaw, a shifting of the “Your hand on, it, Hervey,” cried the engineer, seizing the under ice, something not readily to be determined, had sud- man’s hand and pressing it warmly. denly left a large open space in the ice ahead of the party, and No one but the most’ accomplished in villainy could have | that all around them began now to break up. | stood a test like this, but Hervey came off triumphant, and not| The boats were hurriedly launched, but in the confusion @ soul then even suspected him in the slightest degree of hay- | S°™e of the se were lost, and the longhoat was crushed % ing had a hand in poor Bolion’s death, by ice. The doctor had more than-once suspected that he intended The men were thrown into the icy waters, the boat itself some injury to Dick, but of late the man had disarmed even sinking, the other boats going at once to their assistance. ~ these suspicious, and now the worthy doctor, shrewd as he| The turbulent state of the water, the dashing spray, the bit- was, Was as much a believer in the man as anyone. ing wind that suddenly arose, and the danger which alike | After this they continued upon their way, camping on the threatened all the rest, all these things conspired against the ice-at night, and resuming the journey in the morning. effort, and before the poor unfortunates could be reached they They followed as straight a course as possible, their destina-| »ad sunk #eneath the chilling waters, never to be seen again. tion being the shores of Siberia, whence they expected to make It was close upon night, and the storm increased as the dark- their way overland to the nearest settlement, after which they | 2°88 stew more profound, until at last the oceupants of the could obtain help. several boats could not see those in the other ones, Mr. Rawlins, Engineer Melton and Hervey were considered Tn the first cutter Mr. Rawlins attempted to make sail, but the leaders of the retreat, and Dick and Ralph aided them in no sooner did the canvas meet the breeze before it was | many ways, cheering the despondent, helping the weak, and whipped into ribbons, and the hoat nearly capsized. exerting themselves to the utmost. As it was, the gunwale was under water for a few secondsf { Cleat, the jolly carpenter, was constantly poking fun at and two poor fellows were thrown over into the icy flood: =."3) Topp, the lugubrious cook, and the disputes between them al- Despite the efforts of their comrades to save them, the un- ways stianaged.to put the mén in good spirit® which was as fortunate seamen were lost, the chilling waters quickly be- important as deing in good health. numbing them, and preventing them from helping themselves, — “You'll be willing to allow that you’ve walked over rougher piled teat ie 1 ne ee chek dariaeas that pre country than this, I s’pose?” asked Cleat of Topp one day as = 5 ieee BOR CAPS Se Ce nae t ithey were dragging the sledges along over the smooth ice, vailed. “Course I have. I ‘can’t tell a lie, and so'I say that once,| Dick shouted, that those.in the other boats might try to when I was in the south Pacific, crossing the ice floes, we had save the two men, but the wind prevented their hearing him, f and very likely no one saw the poor fellows after they WEES 2 first thrown into the water. It was hardly necessary to use oars, the boat being ariven | forward af, so rapid a rate, but they were employed in order that the men might not become chilled from! being inactive. | There Was literally nothing to be seen, so thick were the | | clouds, and the danger to be apprehended from being Swen was therefore the greater. ‘The waves would dash upon them with great violence, anid. somebody was Rept constantly bailing, lest ipey should go, down. , Aa Finally Mr. Rawlins angen to get out a steerin'g oar, by) | means of which he kept the boat headed to the wind, and thus. 4 prevented her from taking in as much water as formerly. Then a boat’s lantern was got out, and, after several fail: — ures, was lighted, the men shielding the wick a ‘the inatch with their coats until this was accomplished. a It was then hoisted to the top of the broken mast, which | had been shattered at the time the sail was blown away. |) — The light gleamed through the darkness, and although it re- * vealed nothing to those in the boat themselves, it unidoubteriyg sf showed their position to the others. Ny ‘For some time the men pulled in silence, their situation be- | ing not at all conducive to talkativeness, ana Dick suddenly | cried out: . “Light ahead, sir!” ey “Aye, aye!” answered Rawlins. “I see it myself now.’ tix “Tt must be in one of the other boats.” a4 , “In one of them, yes; but where is the other?” asked the ES doctor, suddenly breaking into the discussion. ee By “Aha, Dr. Davids, you haven’t your glasses on, 1 am at ra Are you sure that you can’t see two lights?” ty “No, I'll be blessed if I can,” he returned, luntly, 2 | don’t believe you can either. Come, now, do oe p ore ; past afore we could get along. “Not o’ny ourselves, but all our baggage had to be toted The sledges weighed fifteen ton apiece, to say nothing of other traps, but then we had one advantage. / _ “When we got to the top of one berg, we could jest let things slide, and down to the bottom a-filyin’, and sometimes halfway up to the top of another berg we stopped. “Them times we had to be careful so as not to slip hack, and one time the fust mate missed his hold and went flying down backward to the bottom and up the berg he had jest slid down,) and so down again. “Well, if you’ll believe it, and I cannot tell a lie, he kept swingin’ back and for’ard between them two bergs, jest like a pendulum; now down, now up, then down again, then up and | previous mark. “We cal-lated that if he kept that thing up, that it’d take him about six weeks afore he’d stop, and as we couldn’t afford still. “We went down, just where he stopped going down and be- bit of ice as big as a house right in front of him, and made him come to a halt so sudden that he went flying over our heads like a comet, and that’s the truth, for I cannot tell a lie.” \ “No,” ’ grunted Cleat, “but you can conie as close to it as any man T- ever ‘saw. \ ' ~ y “What's that?” muagery exclaimed Dick. “The ice is break- f s
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: No, not at present; but. Goubtiees before long——” i ‘Then he paused, as if fearing to present both sides of the case at,once, ther Beperar and the discouraging. If the other boat still floated it would doubtless soon show a light and set all doubts and fears at rest. BS On the other hand, the occupants might not have provided _ themselves with a lantern, although that seemed hardly prob- ey ast Dick, ai stiine to look behind instead of ahead, as 3 he had een doing, suddenly sang out cheerily: “Light, ho! There it is, sir, astern of us, and here we’ve en. lookiig ahead all this time for what we — have seen ure enough, ners were two lights visible, one ahead ana _ the other astern,/and they therefore knew that their friends vere still safe and sound. z “Hour after hour the wind howled around them, the waters dashed upon them and the ice threatened them, the light alones erving them from this last danger. ‘Suddenly Dick saw one-of the lights go out, but he said no ing, as he did not Wish to cause needless alarm. The extinguishing of the light did not necessarily mean that. boat had been swamped, for an accident might easily have pened to it and not to the boat itself, ie young fellow waited anxiously for ‘the reappearance of light, however, and presently he saw it again. eemed to be lower down onthe water than it had for- erly been, however, and Dick argued from this that the mast ad been. broken, necessitating hanging the lantern lower i er a while oth” lights disappeared, but their own went shortly afterward, so that this argued no danger, or, at t, not necessarily so. : Alla night they drifted on and on, searcely knowing whither, nd i last the day dawned, the storm still ‘raging as vio- as before. the light increased, the men wise their eyes to catch sht of the other boats, looking in every direction. was to be seen but floating masses of ice, some quite others dnite sinall, or made up of broken bits, slush oe some of the firemen and sailors. Ss was fiend a welcome sight. ere was the other boat, however? ad she gone down during the night? Sake erhaps she had been simply driven ou ltimately come across her. atter was decided an a haues “than peaktast = an unex- out of sight, and they * te yr, when this could nat be done, preventing the from running against them bY, pushing off in time. \ ed an exclamation’ of surprise. ist ahead of them, “stretched at full length upon a some Page tee square, lay the body of a man “What do you mean?” asked Rawlins. “Pray ‘explain your self.” © 5 “Ha! guess somebody else has forgot their specs this time. Are you blind, man? Don’t you see that lantern on the fea alongside the man?” : Dick had seen it, and as the boat now came up to the ice in’ 3 thrust out his pike, and made fast, while Ralph took up the lantern. : “It’s plain enough,” said Dick. “The boat was swamped, this one man being thrown upon the cake and the lantern fall- ing beside him. He has known enough to set it up, and that ; is how we managed to se@ it again.” ae, “And keep fr om running the poor fellow down,” added Raw- lins. “Who is it, Dick, my boy?” Dick and Ralph turned the body over, and revealed the fase. The map was Mr. Ransom, the second officer of the Hope, and late in command of the second cutter. “Ts he alive, Dick?” The young man put his hand on the man’s heart, and also on his wrist, but felt no answering beat. ss Mines ‘Pe Then he placed his ear close to the unconscious officer's chest, and listened attentively. There was no sound, and the man’s face wore the hue ak of death, his hands, even when the gloves were removed, be- - ing like lumps of ‘ice, and devoid of all color or feeling® “T am afraid——” began Dick, when the ‘doctor bluntly in terrupted him. me . “Let me look at him,” he said, peg over the yall and miatie a rapid examination. 5 Blunt and brusque though he was, his eyes suddenly moist: ened, and he turned away, muttering half to himself: iy “Poor fellow! the voyage is over for him, at: all events, though the Lord oniy knows what we poor’, wretches have, go to suffer before we go under.” i “Dead?” asked Dick. “Frozen to death. Poor fellow, he was doubtless sibel ig: a blow on his head—I saw the mark—and just knowin enough to put the lantern upright, dropped off into a doze a so died. Well, his troubles are over, at any rate.” : CHAPTER XII. ae pha THE QUARREL—SUSPICIONS—THE MARCH OF DEATH—LAND. None of the other unfortunate occupants of the boat ever discovered, having either been drowned at the time of its a7 foundering, or carried away” on bits of ice to meet death later - on, as the hapless second officer had done. ’ : The latter’s body was taken into the cutter, which wai for the whaleboat to come up, when the aK ee new | related. “I am sorry for, poor eget said Hervey. better have spared someone els ass “That's not a very feeling re did ” erfed Dick, indign l “Ti’s equal to saying that dis wish somebody peeve Mr. Re som had died.” a “{ can’t help your putting wrong donsteactions’ on. inno remarks,” returned the other, quietly; cae even a yo strue it, I do not see as it is: far wrong.” “We m “Who could we have: a oe ‘then rather som?” Ties y cea lt, for one. he he “A
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vy IN THE 10K, _ “There must be others, then,” said Dick, angrily. “Well, I don’t think the entire salvation of the expedition Ai depends upon your being along, Master Headstrong,” returned Hervey, in calm tones, in which contempt could be seen » lurking. Dick flushed crimson, and from more causes than one. The name that Hervey had called him had been given to him once before, some years back, and he remembered the man and the circumstances well. _ He darted a suddén look toward Hervey as if to read his in- most thoughts, but the man’s face told him nothing. “Tt might have been better for the expedition,” he retorted, é angrily, ; that you, at least, had never joined it.” 7 liste atou: Dick; I will have no more of this,” said Raw- "fins, sternly. ‘‘We are all in an equal danger, and it is not ' manly to quarrel at such a time.” ii “Tet him alone, boatswain,” said Melton to Hervey, in a low i tone, putting his hand on the man’s arm. “He is but a boy, es of us. Think what he has had to suffer in losing his father.” rae at! have suffered, too,” returned Hervey, musingly, “and I am not used to being chaffed by a mere boy. I shall exact _ as much from him as from anyone, and shall give him the re- _ spect due his rank, and no more.” - The boats now separated, and Dick, as a tossed upon the gry waves, thought to himself: as it mere accident his using those words, or is he really nI imagined for an instant? Certainly I can see noth- his ik to remind me of the other; but then, five years oy O° on ‘else Bee called me ‘Master Headstrong,’ and the , tone and manner were the same. Can it be possible that Cy incorrigible Jack Murden has again turned up? ‘The ruffian was flogged by my father’s order when nothing else would subdue him, but: even that did not seem to answer, 4 pte @ was more furious than eyer. I know he tried to beat. be pat and father laid a his cheek with a riding- | an ugly scar on his cheek ‘Hale this fellow However, T don’t’ like him, and I mean | to watch was equally busy with his own reflections. oi ed to himself; “He looked as if he would read my soul. doe d iknow me, I am convinced, or he would nave ae Le before them all. tia Saat yhat d do I care for a’ boy like that? I avenged my- the hee turn. It was he that caused me 6 be rked for life, so let him beware.” and days passed, the ‘survivors of ‘the ill-fated Hope ith various haps and mishaps during their retreat. ly exposed to the intense cold and the cutting winds ch Ware across the barren te of ice or over the ae z “and you must not expect as much from him as from the rest fool I was to give him that old name,” ‘ he mur- | soft slush up to their arm-pits, from which they” dpe b dragged by their comrades. Then, with frozen garments and chilled to the bans ne would be obliged to keep on in their weary march without, shelter or change of ‘clothing, getting warm as best | they : might. To add to their sufferings, they lost one of the sledges con- taining provisions, a sudden breaki ing: up of the ice causing this much-to-be-regretted disaster. The boat was crushed, and soon sank beneath the waters, earrying with it the hope of the party, ‘the accident causing , them all the greatest <adness. When they should again be compelled to take i the water the remaining boat would not be able to accommodate them — all, and this thought, it may well be imagined, was anything — but comforting, Sy Before that time, however, poor Rawlins, now ‘become totally” blind, fell dead from exhaustion and hunger. His death was succeeded by those of three or four of th ‘sailors, and thus, one by ‘one, the little party was reduced in numbers. At last, after many weary days of almost jnddnesivabts ‘ fering, the party reached open water again, and were oblige to take to the’ only boat they had left, this being — strained from having been drawn across the ice. it The sledge was abandoned, its weight being now ‘tor to put upon the party already weakened by their sufferin: For days and days more they tossed about on the wa: without a guide, having lost their instruments, but trusti instinct to take them in the right direction. eee _ One night, when all was so black that they could a yard in advance of the boat, they suddenly ran wi sre 1 force upon the ice; the boat was staved, and two or th F; pitched into the water. Hervey and Melton sprang out upon the ice, and Topp, Cleat and the doctor to do the same. Dick and Ralph followed, as the boat was sinking, but m ed to save a few packages of pemmican ana some pottl th Scat i Bunt, Bowline; Hall and Reefer were thrown 4 i water, but Bunt and Reefer alone emerged, the other borne down by the tumbling and rocking masses of ice, *| prevented them from getting upon the solid floe. | ech sh - The survivors spent a dreary night, not daring to push the darkness for fear of accident, and dreading that at 5 ment the ice would break up and the waters engulf t Morhing dawned at last, and the weary, cheerless, fa march was resumed. ; ‘ Hervey, Melton,. the two boys and the doctor had sacks containing food and spirits; Topp and (Cleat carri half dozen rifles belonging to the Tr and Bunt and Ri bore two axes apiece, dah ' The ice seemed firm, and Melton eee that it to the shore, which could now not be’ far off. Tay The hardships which the cso Bee is now. eee ean hardly be deseribed. : They were without shelter on, the means of costal and at night were obliged to ie down as close together as sible under the lee of some ice-mound, passing the 1 ours darkness in troubled Unonti gam brought n ont i refreshment. oh ne 4 1 ae
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IN THE" ICE, Wy before they at last reached land, three of their number having succumbed under their almost incredible sufferings. ‘ The jolly carpenter and the two seamen had gone to join their comrades, and the number of the survivors was new re- duced to a scanty half dozen. Topp, the solemn and truthful cook, actually cried when he saw the last of poor Cleat, and muttered between his sobs: “T can’t tell a lie—blow me if I can—and for all the aggra- wation—that that fat seamp of a carpenter cost me—him al- ways a-disputin’ o’ my word—I’m as sorry to lose him as if he —he—he—he was my brother, so I am, and that’s the gospel truth, for I can’t tell a lie, and the Lord only knows what’s to become of us in this desolate country!” CHAPTER XITI. A DREARY LAND—DIOK RECALLS THE PAST. The survivors had reached land at last, but what a land it was. One cannot imagine a more desolate and abandoned region than that in which the poor wanderers now found themselves. There was not a green thing to be seen; the ground, when not covered by snow, being dry and sandy, with dwarf trees scattered here and there, their dead branches and withered leaves rustling in the chilly air as though even they could feel the cruel blasts, and partake of the sense of desolation which pervaded all the scene. There was little vegetation, and no animal life, both brute and human having evidently fled from the place in terror. And through such an inhospitable land must the castaways make their way before they can reach civilization. The provisions were divided, so as to give each man an equal weight; one rifle being given to each, and the axes given to the strongest. Nothing was carried except what was absolutely necessary, because it would not do to burden themselves with any CALIe weight, no matter how light. The guns were retained, in case they might mect with game, and the axes were to be used in cutting wood for fire, or clearing away a place in the ice to sleep at night. Melton, ‘the engineer, had been in the neighborhood before, and to him was assigned the task of guiding the party. It was his plan to keep along the coast, as what settlements or habitations they were likely to find would be there rather than in the interior. So the dreary journey through the wilderness commenced, the men keeping together, and doing phot utmost to cheer each other’s spirits. “Tf you can justly say that any country is God- forkaken,” muttered the eccentric surgeon, as he trudged on, “this is the * one, and I don’t believe the great desert of Africa is any worse. _ At all events, you can’t complain of cold in those parts.” “You wouldn’t believe it if anyone else told you,” broke in Topp, with a sad smile, the nearest approach to merriment that his ever made, “but at times, on that ‘ere desert of Sahary, it’s really quite cold, as cold as it is here, though they ain’t no ; a snow there. : “J just remember, a great many years ago, of bein’ wrecked ton the west coast of Africa. It was in the bark Commerce, «Captain Riley, that this thing happened, and we was took by a lot of wandering Arabs and marched across the desert. . “Well, if I was capable of telling a lie, which I ain’t, ye i, wouldn’t believe me when I tell ye how hot it was during the _ ‘daytime. Why, the sand was red-hot, and the air was fairly steamin’, and the sweat that came on a feller's face was set to piling 3 ina sean “Ye should see it some nights, though, to know what cold was. Gosh! the sand was like ice, and a feller’s breath would freeze. Only fur there not being no ice nor snow, ye’d fancy that ye was in the Ar-tic. : “T didn’t have no thermometer with me, so I can’t prove it, but T’ll be willin’ to bet that it went down to a hundred below freezing p’int:” : “That won't do, old man,” interrupted Dick, with a laugh: “lve read Captain Riley’s book, and though he says it was cold, he don’t run it as low down as you do, and, besides, your name isn’t once mentioned in the whole book.” “Wal, now, what an oversight that was. When I get home I’ll have a new edition struck off. I tell ye I can’t tell a lie if I was to try, and it was cold there of a night. Why, the camels came near freezin’ to death, and the milk what the Arabs put by over night was like ice-cream in the mornin’. “Tell me it wasn’t cold! Wasn’t I there! Why, I was full o’ frost-bites, and I was durned glad when the sun came up of: a mornin’, sayin’: “How d’ye do, old Topp? Blamed if I don’t give ye a scorcher this day, to make up for the chill ye got last night.’ “Then I’d just\get nicely thawed out, when down would go the old sun, sayin’ good night, and that he hoped I’d have a cool evening of it, and then I’d freeze up again. Talk of the heat of that there desert, why, it ain’t nothin’ when you think 0’ the cold.” “Then you’re lucky,” and we ain’t.” “Well, if there was a prize given to the biggest liar in crea- tion,’ sputtered the doctor, with his usual frankness, “you'd get it with a special mention thrown in, for yon’re the worst— most up and down—out and out—perverter of the truth that I ever saw.” : } While Dick and his chum wére always in good spirits, Her- vey remained taciturn and almost gloomy, although he never spoke of giving out, and never complained, no matter what triais he had to go through. Wet to the skin from frequent breakings through the snow- crust, frantic with pain from frost-bites on fingers and toes, always hungry—the supply of food being insufficient to allow of a hearty meal at any one time, lest all should be exhausted,” and the dreaded catastrophe anticipated—evidently suffering both in body and mind, the man never complained, never grumbled, scarcely ever spoke, even; when addressed answer- ing-in monosyllables. Yet he did not seem distieneiaee: but kept on at the en- gineer’s side, frequently assisting him, sometimes giving the others help, and evidently saving his strength for greater trials, notwithstanding the severity of the existing ones. It now began to be noticed that his hair and beard were growing decidedly gray, which made the lines of age in his face more apparent than before. Dick imagined that the: hardships to which the man had been subjected were telling upon him, and making him older; _ but one day the doctor “let the cat out of the bag,” as the say- ing goes. “Ha! you forgot to bring your dye with you when you left ii the vessel,” he blurted out. “Murder will out, won’t it? Gray streaks at the roots of your hair, white lines through. your beard; even that fine black mustache getting rusty and dusty —what would your woman say, you old beau? H’m! the secret is out at last! You’re ten years older than you look!” “IT never made any secret of dyeing myvhair,” muttered Her- vey. “I told you I did when I first came aboard.” Dick pricked up his ears at this, and gave eErey. a search- ing look. “Confound that meddling old fool!” thought the man. put in Ralph, “for you’re used to it, “The youngster will know me now, and it will Doh my plans, for’ he'll Be on his sie sf pat eal HR Ry A
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Mr. Her yey, did you ever know,” asked Dick, carelessly, “ man by the name ef Jack Pshaw! I thought I had oe “name right on my tongue. Jack What the mischief was his name? You remind me of him now, only he wore no - beard, and had an ugly scar on his left cheek, caused by a blow from a whip.” \ “The young dog knows the name well enough,” cans Her- vey, during the abave, “and is trying to sound me.” ‘= When Dick spoke of the sear and its cause; Hervey’s face be came livid for an instant only, however, as he quickly re- ined. the mastery over himself. “IT was sure of it,’ mused Dick, “It is the same.” — . "The young demon!” mentally observed Hervey, “He re- “members all. Never mind, for, on his guard or off, I shall yet “repay on his head, as well as on his father’s, the insults I have endured at his hands,” Oy E have it!” exclaimed Dick, suddenly. Jack Murden. Did you ever know him?” oC No / was the careless answer, the man betraying no emo- " “tion, though he would have liked to strangle the boy at that i “His name-was a ane brute, ‘and perfectly pep anenty My father, en in the navy, was obliged to have him flogged one day, al- “though the penctive had Deen abolished, . {a Dick eae 4 to ayenge himself on me for the punishment he scar. on, the back of my head, which I shall never lose, and was about. ~ aive. ee 1unmerciful béating, perhaps kill me, when nly appeared, with nothing but a riding-whip Aey- % a a the ruffian and dealt him a blow on the 2 the loaded end of his whip, cutting to the bone, ar which remained until the last day I ever graded for insubordination, and would have re- er punishment had the offense been committed the vessel. He went away when) his time was UD, ark that’ you are -yeminded of him by seeing me, mit relate a story of some desperado or other, 1 th > man . beat: you tor your want of good manners? Upon ord, if he | did it was well-deserved, 0 be gentlemen in the navy, but you apparently skipped J branch in your education. ‘e } “y, ere ot Basten: himself, and no other!” eried Dick, af never Rearas dle name a this day,” returned ‘elessly, “Don’ t be a headstrong fool!” - onaPrmn IV. gaa mie Ae” pe be THE ‘Seanou—ananva's PiscovERY. “% indigent the. ‘days wore. on, shi, sittle 1 arch, which « v y day s They used to teach first ebullition ofa anger had iensed Bee, made no further : lusion to the affair, and acted just.as he had always done. There was nothing in his conduct that Dick could seize upon as corroborative of his theory that the man was still nursing his revenge, nothing to prove definitely that he was really Jack Murden and although satisfied of the truth of both of | these suppositions he was obliged to hold/his DRanS until some later day. zy He had tried to foree Hervey into an admission of the truth, but had failed, and so determined to be more wary in the fu ture. te The rate at which.the journey was carried on was necessa- rily a slow one, for many reasons, and, at last, the last of t available provisions gave out, with no prospect of the stock. being renewed. Eas Nothing had been shot or even seen, the bisitey poise e j dently barren of life, both animal and human. | f « Their boots were nearly worn out, their clothes needed CO. stant attention, their feet and limbs were sore and weary, a there was scarcely a moment in the day when any of the could say that he was sufficiently warm. Here they were, thousands of miles, maybe, from. civ: zation, and hundreds at least from any human habitation, in — a country of which they literally knew nothing, ‘exposed to. dangers of all kinds, and without the least’ shelter eT th weather. At last, after being three weeks on the march, bho yi suffered the most unparalleled privations, they found seleves without food, the onfy possible means of sustainin, being two pint bottles of alcohol saved from the stores. i Night was coming on, and it had begun to snow, th s ad to their almost insupportable trials the danger of being” frozen to death, for none of them seemed able to proceed or to their usual shelter. Hervey and Melton were in advance of the rest, end wh I the heavy pi began to come down the engineer tell ex f hausted upon the hard, sterile ground, and cried: ie: ’ “Oh, my God! the end has come at last. Push on, He ‘you have strength; reach some town or yillage and brin; for the rest, for I cannot go another step.” 2) “Make an effort, man; we must find some » shelter 800 L, “No, no, it is impossible; and even if we did, it would ayail me nothing, for 1 am dying.” ie? ‘Mon’t say that, Yor I’d rather die myself than have Tt} is not right that men inferior to you should live whi perish.” j “Kneel down here by me,” said the engineer fecbly; und listen to. what I haye to say, As you value your own life, your own peace, forego your scheme of revenge on. peer Dick. Hic “How do you know T have one?” “From what has been said, from what you have muttere your troubled Sleep, I know you have some fancied wro: which you wish to avenge, but in such a, situation forget - “He and his father both treated me most eruelly, and I sh never forget it. I settled the old one, and now the youn, must-—— Bg do you say? bsp: you any hand in the; cee only one in fie world that I ih tv for. Raise yours ff up, m Il carry you til we reach a
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IN THE ICE. et “You must let me do what I can for you,” cried Hervey im- patiently. “No, no; save Dick. He has strength yet, vut I am dying.” “Save him! Id lie down in the snow and die first.” . This was said with such a yindictiveness that no room was left for doubting the intense hatred with which he still re- garded our hero, z “Qh, man, man! have you no heart?” cried the engineer. “Yes, for I would save you, even at the cost of my own life, for you have treated me as a man; this. young upstart I hate, and I’ll kill him yet if f get the chance.” i Melton uttered a cry of pain and fell back unconscious. 3 Heryey looked at him a moment and then hurried forward into the blinding snowstorm which now raged. The others had fallen by the way, but Dick and Ralph, de- | ‘ 1 S ; 3 termined to seek some kind of shelter, had renewed the strug- gle, and now came upon Melton. “That scoundrel has killed him!” muttered. Dick. “They were together when we last saw them. I am sure he is not the first victim, either.” “What can you mean?” “Tl be willing to swear that he killed Bolton. There’s no one else that would do stich a deed. He is an evil-minded brute, and has always been a hard character.” “Ts that you, Dick?” asked the feeble voice of Melton at that moment. “Oh, thank God! he lives!—he is not dead!” cried both haut joyfully. ' ; ~ “Where is Hervey?” asked the engineer. “Not here, and I feared he had killed you.” “He has gone to look for shelter. You wrong the man, Dick. He threatened to give up entirely if I did not allow him to carry me on his back.” : “That was only an excuse. I believe the man is mad, He killed poor Bolton beyond a doubt, and he’ll kill us all before he gets through, if he can.” ’ “Mad, do you say? What did he say to me about——. No, no! I cannot believe it! and rent his hate, his vengeance, his _ bitter——-” “What are you Saying, sir?” asked Dick, for the engineer had suddenly stopped, “Nothing; it was only my fancy. I am afraid I am dying, boys.” i Dick was about to reply, when there came a sudden shout through the darkness. . “Answer him; it is Hervey returning,” said Melton, excit- edly. “He cannot find us. Answer him.” “JT don’t care if he never does,” said Diek, doggedly. “We shall be all the better off without the company of such a ack erable villain.” ‘Hervey’s voice was heard again, and this time Ralph an- - swered him. Evidently guided by the sound, the man presently made his appearance, and, kneeling down, took the engineer in his arms and supported his weight upon his shoulders. gee “Ha, ha! you shall not die!” cried he, with a wild laugh. “I : have found a shelter, an old hut Aeserted by the natives. You shall have shelter and a fire, and we will bring you around in a short time.” % ey a! ¥You-are deceiving him, you are luring him to his death!” ~ -eried Dick, about tO spring upon the man and detain him. ; Hervey laughed scornfully, and, shouldering his weight man- fully, disappeared in the darkness, saying: ‘Follow me if you like, and you may perhaps enjoy piay “which has been prepared for your betters.” _ esate eth BAEDS after the man, and soon came upon an ‘In the former fireplace of this primitive dwelling Hervey had already built a cheerful fire from loose pits of wood lying about the ruins, adding thereto the twigs and stunted branches of a withered tree, which he had cut-down with his ax. He placed Melton near the fire, in a positjon where he would be free from draughts, and then hurried out, i Diese nearly petrified with astonishment. CHAPTHR XV. A MAN OF CONTRADICTIONS—MELTON’S DANGER. In the course of five or ten minutes Hervey returned, bring: ing in Topp and the. doctor, whom he had found lying halt- buried in the snow and nearly unconscious. The hut had been originally built of rough slabs, bark ad tree branches, plastered on the outside with mud, and haying but one entrance, with a hole in the roof to le” the smoke out. The door had -been merely the skin of an elk, or some such animal, nailed to the cross-beams of the opening, and portions of this still remained. ' This Topp and Hervey cut off with their knives and tore- © into strips, whieh-they began chewing most vordciously, there being still some fat and bits of dried flesh adhering to the skin. The rear of the hut was still in a'fair condition, though the front and one side were badly ruined, great cracks appearing in the walls and some of the wood lying on the floor, The wind, fortunately, beat upon the better parts, which thus afforded the unfortunate explorers a most welcome shel- _. 3 ter, and greatly ameliorated their: terrible’ and almost Dope ar less condition. 2 The roof was broken away in parts, but “#hyess could be - patched up so as to keep out a considerable draught, so that really the hut was a perfect godsend to the poor, half-frozen travelers. After the rule winds, the lack of any shelter but the lee of Aber” an. ice-mound or the middle of a snow-bank, and the hard ground for a bed, this miserable hut seemed a palace, and the cheerful blaze an inexpressible blessing. Melton sat up, braced his back ‘against. the boards, and, holding his hands ‘out to the fire, said feebly, ba with heartfelt gratitude: “Hervey, you saved my life, and although I have not many — safe days to live, I shall at least spend them in comfort.” é That night was one of the best they had spent in many weeks, and even Topp was actually made cheerful and laugh 8 and told his veracious yarns in the liveliest manner im: able. / The supper consisted. of an old bootleg, the remains of the aa elkskin door and half a gill of alcohol apiece, the bill of fare being as limited as it was tough, but there were warmth and shelter, and these made'amends for the eel in is ‘ divéctions. Lest anyone should imagine that I am exceeding even a’ noyelist’s license in ee tae my characters dine off such un- — promising articles as a*sealskin boot or an old battered hide, I refer them to the accounts of more than one party of ex-_ plorers, forced to retreat from these inhospitable regions, and especially to the most recently published accounts, which must. be still fresh in their minds, for cnt of all that T haye written, assuring them that, for harr phe details, I have not told them the half of the sad tale. ¥ The next morning Melton was too weak to leave the hut, and he peeped ! het they would go on: Narre him,
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IN ie he said, “and you must reach some setlement in the course of ' a few days. Then. you can return for me.” “Yes, and find you dead,” muttered the doctor. / with us.” “But I can’t move.” “But we can move you.” “Tow?” _ “There are branches enough to make a litter of,” interposed Hervey, “and we can take you along with us.” Sy “No, no, you must leave me, or you will all perish. I will not see you die that my life may be prolonged a few days. -Push on, and then if I am not alive when you return, you will - at least have saved yourselves, and if I am still alive so much the better.” _ “Who is to go, then?” asked Hervey. main behind to take care of you. ¥ _ *Then do you go ahead, you and Topp and the doctor. boys can take care of me, and you will soon return.” sedisutie § ean’ t leave Dick,” sputtered the doctor. “T and his father were friends—old chums—blessed if I leave him alone “Better go “Some ‘one must re- The WOE him—no one else will or can, so I must.” i “Tl go alone, engineer,’ said Hervey, ‘‘for your ‘sake, any- how, and if help is to be got, I’ll bring it back.” jap ll go with you,” said Topp, dolefully. . “I can’t tell a lie, ‘And I'll say squarely that I don’t like this here place, but I don’t want you to go and get lost, so I’ll go along.” “That”; settled then,” muttered Hervey. ie heavy snowstorm had again set in, however, and it would ‘have been madness to start at such a time. _ Delay was— ‘therefore unavoidable, and yet every hour was precious. ; To show the inconsistencies in human nature, this man Her- et Hee who. was ={0) bitter against Dick, who had deliberately murdered Bolton that the man might not inform against him, yho had meditated the doctor’s death in order to silence his ispicions, this ‘same. man could make sacrifices for Melton, aw o he knew was also suspicious of him, and treat him with the tenderest kindness. is heart, and he now denied himself many things ‘that Mel- _be the more comfortable. ih ; husbanded as much as possible, so as to make rvey piled away ‘all the wood that could be e. ern ‘so as to keep Melton in fue} during Foy er ee ve ene ck oF the doctor, , or both, in an inetant i HY, = - ee two days they Honan in the hut, a alone’ fog suc- ng the snow, and rendering the start equally dangerous st further delay should result in the man’s death, - , and accompanied by the cook. .” murmured the ‘sick and. halfstarved en- s eps, and said sacomntnlly? si +3 THE ICH. . of elt 6 in this howling wilderness—got to look after him—take care spite of his wickedness there seemed to be ‘one kind spot i and a prana it over the man; and yet flush upon his haggard cheek, and although he spoke clearly frame, and his comrades knew too we ; clear voice. Seed ‘and vat last Hervey. determined to go at all ill,¢ ome ack,” he said, as he set forth, his rifle slong a ditferehet vt ofa life, takers Tah WN i caring, Hervey tailed! to. the others, who ~~ i “T shall come back for Melton’s sake, not for yours. If he could be moved now, I’d take him along on my shoulders, and let the rest of you starve. I don’t know as.I’ve got sy esl against you Sargent, but as for you two, I’d be glad enough ~ to find you dead when I get back and the engineer alive. Good’ day to you, and a good riddance as well.” } 9 Then he hurried off, joining Topp, who had gone-on abeaes ie bi and presently both disappeared in the distance, Bivegient, “Do you suppose he will return?” asked Ralph. “Yes,” muttered the doctor, “if only to carry out his schemes against ‘Dick. He’s the man Dick said he was—there isn’t i % the least doubt of it—and he’s bound to have his revenge—the rascal—but I’ll be on the lookout. Your father was my friend, i : Dick, and bless me if I wouldn’t die to save you from harm.” Be 4 The three then returned to the hut, the engineer, who. nad 74 concealed all that Hervey had told him, lest the man should ‘a not be intrusted with his mission, saying to them, sadly: ‘| “He will return, never fear, if return is possible, for he has : given his word to me; but, alas! I am afraid it will be too late.” Acts sta | ‘| 41 CHAPTER XVI. i v4 L THE ENGINEER SETS OUT FOR ANOTHER LAND. W Nearly a week passed away, and nothing, had ts seen or heard of the two scouts. That they would return, the engineer seemed t though they had been gone longer than he had e sallbvarig ected. ne interest in what went on.about him. Dick, however, declared empHatically that h "At last, when a week had passed, and e. hothing to eat, not even the seraps of fat a (4 had enon satisfied them, and only a sm rg of alcohol is ue was cheerless and desolate, , , There was a feverish light in the isuannean 's eye here a there were the unmistakable signs of dissolution in his jean what he inten to speak. 18) “My life is ebbing ont, und I have. live : longer than Isthought TL showlde <3 “Make a fire, boys,” cried the doctor, suddenly. be that the men 1 may come back after’ sine Rip off the id0a8 slabs and b e the ped the Greuent”. ” e i fire go warmth iting ae fall in better con ition ‘than
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IN THE. ICE. ‘time has’ already more than run out, and death is even now ' waiting for me.” / ‘ “No, no; we will save you yet!” cried Dick, HaRIDE the man _ swallow a few drops of alcohol. ~~ °* “No, Dick, I am going, but I have something to say. -I do not believe Hervey will return, for I fear that he has perished. _ Iam sorry for the poor fellow, for I believe he was crazed by his sufferings. _ “He told me that he had prevented your father from leaving - the vessel when she went down, by shutting him up in his - room, but I do not believe it. The man was undoubtedly de- lirious when he told me go.” ‘Dick shook his head, but the dying™~man did not observe m do so. | “More than ever, I do not believe he will return,” he thought to himself; and the doctor was of the same opinion, although e said nothing. “His threats to you, Dick, did not mean anything, I know,” e poor fellow went on. ‘He imagined you had done him a rong; and this idea taking possession of his mind, eaused his ( ray gs. You will forgive him, will you not?” } Dick inclined his head, although he felt very nearly certain etl 1at he should never live to see the man again. _ Melton sppke but little after this, seeming to grow weaker and weaker every minute, his eyes closing, and only his faint : breathing showing that he still lived. n hour passed, and it was getting dark outside, when ton suddenly raised himself up, and said, excitedly: oe ie eh you not hear them cane ust See! they are tn can see their og faces. Give me your hands, friends for I am going away. Is it not a beautiful sight?” aN here?” cr cried Ralph, starting up. “I see nothing. My atghte: ng?” whispered Ralph, taking Dick’s hand. vl eee “Yes.” } A the music now?” asked the dying man. Tiny et opened and a troop of bright angels are toward me. I see my mother and sisters—yes, e my wife and. little children, No more alone; I as sed ones that have gone before.” eized the hands of his friends, grasped them con- of the deepest joy and peace, fell back in Dick's arms, eased to breathe. eath had at last released that noble spirit from its bitter rerit gs, and the three comrades were left to mourn him. 1 ight they watched by pis dead body, saying nothing, but ng many things, and when the morning oo arose od began the silent preparations for the final disposi- nO of these ‘poor remains. en they came to lift the body they found, under where the j ad a in the habit of lying, a hole dug in. the hard NG alco O ie that. his. friends might have it when he was h seraps of ood as he was able to put by. I himself many times when h r der that the othe Flush, tae havi! our friend is passing aie rained kisses upon them, and, with a low ery, ex-|/ was obliged to almost carry him, and to do this he ite ‘aie ‘die! he had baved out his own oval that they had ee 03 fal BCRP oe Badagl ‘not Dick could say nothing, for he realized the difference be. ae tween the unselfish bravery of the hapless engineer and his a own vengeful thoughts. ihe “T have been wrong all the way through,” he muttered, “and the death of this brave and good man has taught me a lesson of charity and forgiveness I shall never forget. If I and my father have been injured, let a power higher than mine avenge ete the wrong. What have I to do with vengeance—I, who am as Ly, guilty in mind, if not in act, as that poor misguided creature? Even he denied himself, and who am I that I should judge Rt him?” 3 The body of the engineer was then buried beneath the snow, the survivors shedding many tears over his poor remains, and then a plan for future action was decided ypon. It was settled that they must leave the place, and, following — the route set down by Melton, endeavor to reach some yess | hs 4 habitation. ete rt Bee The next day, therefore, they departed, scarcely knowing what was to be their fate, and yet trusting to Providence to bring their dreadful wanderings at last to a propitious ending. CHAPTER XVII. pees A LIVE IN THE RALANCE—OLD COMRADES—A MIDNIGHT INTRUDER. he / hee ey eran es" Dick, Ralph and the doctor, a rifle over the shoulder of each, the scanty store of provisions left them by the noble-hearted Melton divided equally between them, and carrying but one ax | to serve them all, set out early on the morning after the death. of Melton, and traveled all the oe wearily, only halting Se night. a The way seemed easy enough to follow, as they had struck an old, » Jong-disused wagon-road, ‘the trail being plain enough, ty however; to keep them from going astray. = i That night they lay under a bank where the wind could not réach them, but their sleep was troubled, their naps lasting not more than half an hour at a time, the cold keeping nev ‘from resting in comfort. Two or three days passed in the same way, and then 4 great surprise, they found a little mud hut, large eno morning the journey was Seimei although Ralph seemed hardly able to drag one foot after the other. z His rifle was left behind, as he was unable to carry it, and the others had already as much as, they could attend to. yet the three friends did not want to abandon them all it fear. 8 that the time. might come when they would need them. pe The next day, however. Ralph became so weak that. Dick leave behind his rifle, ax and ‘staff, the ‘doctor ret rifle only and the ammunition. 4 That night what provisions they had iat ou
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EN DEES On, Ralph was delirious this night, and Dick was in a fever of anxiety lest he should die, although he well knew that such an event would be a relief as well to Ralph himself as to them. Inthe morning the young man was much quieter, and Dick saw with alarm that unless help arrived the poor fellow’ would die before night. : _. Leaving the doctor to watch his friend, Dick set off, he knew not whither, himself scarcely able to drag along, and yet hop- ing that he might meet Topp or Hervey returning. He did not meet them, but he did come upon them, after a two hours’ walk, sitting in a hut before a fire, eating some salt fish and some ‘very hard, very moldy, black bread. Topp was glad to see Dick, but Hervey only frowned and said nothing, the welcome being confined to the cook, who seemed, now that their condition was really desperate, to- have suddenly acquired that good nature which he had so long been “without.. ‘T can’t tell a lie, Master Dick,-and I tell you im 1 mighty ' glad to see you. Are you alone?” Dick quickly informed him of the condition of affairs, and begged him to return at once and save Ralph if possible. “I’m glad you’re not.so far away,% returned Topp, “for we never could have reached ye if ye had been. Hervey and me ) have both been sick, and we hain’t left this place for four Ly days. sis - “And ‘would you have returned when you got better?” “No; we would not,” growled Hervey, “It’s every man for '. himself now, or we’re all lost. You look out for yourself, and I'll take care of me.” : “But you will come back to Ralph and help us bring him here, won’t you?” Dick asked of Topp. “To be sure I will. We found suthin’ to eat here, and may- Ly ‘be the natives will come back, Anyhow, Ill go with you, ne Come: along; we ain’t got no time to lose.” s “Topp then took up his rifle, threw a little bundle on his ze loulder and set out at once, Dick leading the way. "ee ‘ve got suthin’ that'll do the boy good, and I ain’t telling ‘no lie, ’ *eause I can’t do that, you ae, said the man, when they had left the hut well behind; “only I didn’t want to let at, fellow. back there know it.” “What is it?” “Ts | a small bottle of lime-juice, not ‘more’ n halt a pint, but 5 itn ‘do him good. I saved it from the stores, and I’ve kept it ; along just for a case like this. Then I’ve got a sea-biscuit in my bundle aad some dried fish, but we won't let Ralph eat could Btey with that villain back there,” “Well, I don’t like to leave nobody in distress, I don’t, and I e him my “baccy to chew when we got out 0’ ‘grub, and t found this place.” / : n something less than two hours the comrades reached the ce where the doctor and Ralph had been left, and Dick the. ian news, © ! { 4 was restless and oppressed with some vague sens “stances. isn’t there a fire? I'd like to serve ae as I did hi: i six persons, men and women, of some mixed race, half Rus- : sian, half Indian. ; They were in a rude hut, divided into two rooms by rough blankets hanging from the roof nearly to the floor, and were ; cooking their frugal meal when our little party arrived. j They appeared friendly and offered the newcomers food, con- sisting of coarse meal cooked with bear’s fat and some dried fish, the latter seeming to be the staple article of diet*thr ‘ough: out this region. e+ They could not understand the language of the whites, but : they knew that the latter were tired, cold and hungry; ‘and, as-tuman nature is the same all’ over the world, they gaye the strangers liberally of their scanty store, and made them more eomfortable than they had been in a long time. In the morning, the leader of the band, which seemed to ‘be a family party, made the doctor to understand that they were going ep, and that they must therefore separate. _ : He pointed due west, however, and then by signs indicated f that at the distance of about twenty miles, as the doctor u derstood it, was a large town, the name of which the w surgeon found it impossible to repeat, or even remember. — “However, it was enough to pine that before many days” th understand the language they haath and all the party! thant their preservers many times. : When they came to separate, the Russians gave the cans a quantity of food sufficient to act them three or for the huts which they would meet on the way. re With much more hopeful spirits than they had possessed previous sah therefore, our four friends continued the ney, sometimes finding shelter.at night and sometime obliged to roll-themselves up in the blankets given 1] the natives and sleep as best they mitght ‘themselves in a ‘hut at the entrance to a narrow ang exceed ingly wild mountain pass. they proceeded ‘to feast, giving up an attempt to make : in disgust. : At last they rolled themselves up and tried to sleep, Y ing danger, and could get no elseDy no matter B tried to compose himself. 1 aN He could not tell whether the daters slept or “Het (0) made no sound, and he thought it best not to disturb then long as they found it possible to sleep ‘under ce At last, however, just as he was dropping « off into an w doze, Dick thought he heard voices outside the cabin, it might! only the sighing of the wind. He listened attentively, and in a few moments saw : a form in the eeu and then heard a stealthy foots proach. “T wonder where he lies,” he fiGaata some one whi | that wretched Bolton!” — The truth flashed upon Dick in a moment. ; The man was Hervey, and he had come here to if CHAPTER XVIII.
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THE ICE. He determined to He still, therefore, and if Hervey suc- _ ceeded in finding him make all the resistance in his power. __-He must be prepared, however, and pretending to have been ; partly awakened, he rolled over, so as to loosen his blanket, _ and put his hand upon the rifle which lay beside him. “What's that?” whispered the villain, crouching to the floor. _ Dick made no more noise after this, and at the end of a few “minutes Hervey crept cautiously forward, murmuring seareely _ above his breath: “Séme one stirred in his sleep, that’s all. I wonder if it -washe. I'll go that way and discover. I killed Bolton because BS: he knew too much, I shut the captain up in his cabin to per- _ish with his vessel, and I don't think 7 am afraid to kill this 5 cub. ” a Then Dick heard him approaching, sO stealthily that he could 7 searcely distinguish the sound, there being not enough light - for him to see the form of the villain now. ie Dick’s heart almost stood still, and he trembled with the ex- _ citement the position caused him. _. He was not afraid, but he would have preferréd to see his enemy and grapple with him to better advantage. en, too, Hervey: might strike one of his friends. in the ot mistake, and Dick was as ‘anxious about them as he rvey uttered a low curse, and sank to the ‘hoet, onfound him!” thought the miscreant; “I have aroused He is evidently armed, too; ‘so I must be cautious.” 0 is there?” again called \Dick, louder than before. e you!” hissed Hervey, leaping to his feet. “I'll have e in spite of everything!” n he sprang toward the spot whence the sound of Dick’s had proceeded, & keen knife clutched in his hand, his ie was, the ball passed within an inch of Hervey’s “head, g itself in the mud wall beyond. ae looked about them. as been here and tried to kill me,” cried Dick. ¥ ¢ footsteps were now heard going rere the door- octor was now aroused roe all four held a wurmaa con- ti tion, it being decided that they all should keep a watch, _ time, until morning, lest the man should make a sec- d attempt similar to the first. oP was to stand the first watch, Dick the second, hd the and Ralph, each to take an hour, or as near to it as he on, and then wakén one of his comrades. ; this had the effect of keeping Hervey away, or had not intended to return that night, could not d, of course, but certain it was,that they saw no more ath er was still ‘disagreeable, the-fog being so thick ot considered safé to thread the mazes of the ag S, for fear c of losing the way. owever, the arr was resume, the fog hay- eather straps, and all such things, till we had sity lately occupied it, and that it had well-nigh been de- , stroyed by fire. : _ In the centre lay a pile of still smoldering embers, branches and seraps of wood, all consumed by the fire. y More than that, the hut had contained a quantity se dried fish, and these, too, had been burned, so that nothing re ae mained. “What wretch can have done this?” asked Ralph, in\sur- prise. fi ; “T’ll bet that it was that there Hervey,” answered Topp. “He — is a regular dog in the™manger. He couldn’t use this stuff, and was bound that we shouldn’t.” : a ‘ “If somebody would kindly put a bullet in him,” snapped the — irate doctor, “he would be doing all mankind a service—hang 5 5 me if he wouldn’t.” “Goodness knows we haye enough to stand without. this — cat wretch trying to make our lot harder,” said Dick, in i a gees Ba “The man must have a heart of stone.” 4 aT “Well,. we ‘have at least a shelter over our heads—he couldn’t pull the hut down—-thank goodness,” cried the doc. “e, tor, “and o supplies are not all gone yet.” There was some consolation in this, to be sure ‘ane consid- ering how much worse off our friends had been, they did not find it all disagreeable. oy Tho ‘next time they halted they found that some one had ~ been before them again, and a hut where they might have — rested was‘a total ruin, having been burned to the ground? “Hervey again,” sighed Dick. “Will nothing satisfy his insatiable appetite for revenge?” This time the rain came doy wp in torrents, chilling them to the bone, and even a slight sheller would have been welcome, but there was none, not even a bank under ry ae Eo i crawl. The rain froze as) it fell, and before fine ‘their cloitieg, ; blankets and weapons were covered with a stiff glaze of ice. ‘ There was nothing for it but to lie down in their blankets and make themselves as comfortable as possible, and ‘this they did, managing to catch an hour or so of sleep toward ee when the rain’ ceased. For four or five days longer they kept on, sometimes ‘finding a shelter which Hervey had evidently overlooked or been | n- able to destroy, and once they found some musty fish, which satisfied their hunger, although, they made them all sick. The town which their friends, the Russians, had spoken of — did not appear, however, and they began to tata that maybe they had gone ‘astray. P ; “T have it,” said Dick, at length. “It was not Keane ‘miles, or twenty leagues, or versts, or whatever measure they higye in these miserable regions, but a twenty_ days’ journey.” “Then that means a month!” cried Ralph; ‘tfor of course we — i: can’t travel as fast as those fellows. for us? We shall all be dead before that time!” “Cheer up, my boy, said Topp, cheerfully. Why, if’ you’ believe me, and I can’t tell a lie, you’ know, I once had to ‘go thirty days without so much as a cracker, me and a dozen. more of us, through a country that put on ner to shame for, roughness. “We chewed our pais ~tops, we ate lead pullets, we r ‘did teeth left and our stomachs/Stuek topetaet at th lapsed from havin’ ‘nothin’ in ’em.” "And the country! Why, thefe wasn’t a tr nor nothin’ but rocks fifty ora hundred feet hig and as tl ae velblin and we had to anes over or get My God! is'there no hope ee
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IN THE ICE. late, infernal hole I ever struck, but it’s a paradise alongside of that.” ‘Three days after this they came to a river covered with ice, and they began the passage, feeling sure that there would be something on the other side. When nearly across Dick and Ralph broke through, and went into the water up to their necks, being rescued from amid the tumbling and rocking ice-cakes by their comrades. ° Before they reached the shore Topp stepped through an air- hole and pulled the doctor after him, so that by the time they reached shore they were all in a sorry plight enough. They had no other clothes, and were obliged to stand in the keen. air nearly. naked, while they wrung out the water, after _ which they resumed their still reeking garments. By a vigorous run they managed to keep from freezing, and just at night they beheld a welcome sight—a large mud hut— / which they found to not only afford shelter and the means of “making a fire, but which contained also a quantity of coarse food, left there for chance travelers. 3; “They therefore dried their clothes, warmed Yhemselves thoroughly, consumed a hearty meal, and thén went to sleep, : thinking that at last they had baffled the anger of adverse fe fate, and that hereafter she would not attempt to overwhelm CHAPTER XIX. % 7 | BURNED aaah S ESCAPE. Our friends’ went to sleep with no if thought of Hala! ‘in ‘their minds, no watch being set, as nofone dreamed of harm. hour or two after midnight, when men sleep soundest, four ‘dusky forms might have been seen hovering the hut, taking care to make no noise, lest ‘those inside wake. Then they tried the rude 5 ager, and, finding it only ‘dubasch aes si: astened, quickly pushed it open and entered. , aling noiselessly about among the sleeping forms, these res picked up the weapons of the wanderers and took them a) seeking for anything in the rail of food, and rob-| . of that as well. who | stood aloof, wrapped in. a long fii coat. pa heir evil work was not yet finished. © er was ‘not, se their only motive? | r appeared in their midst. i ; br shtened, and then it was een that they had oe / fire to iiss alow burn and hur: ed, the air became hot and. of the man he had knocked down. ‘caused all this trouble. ad grasp. Topp and the doctor were now awake, ane were 5 hiaeistls looking for an ax-or some other weapon of defense. i There were none to be found. re “How could the door have caught fire?” cried the doctor. “Some villain has been at work.” “Ts there no way out?” cried Ralph. ie “Yes, you can bet there is, for I can’t tell a lie, and Tm g0- ing to make one,” cried Topp. f) Then, drawing his hood over his face, he put his head be- — tween his arms and rushed blindly at the burning door. Z Crash! Away it went, flat on the ground, landing Topp in the snow © beyond. Crack! Crack! | 2% * What noise was that which now broke upon the awful still ness? ; The report of rifles! Then came the thud of bullets deaingt! the’ mud walls side. me was now heard. “Get the guns!” whispered Blak hurriedly, “and Topp will be murdered.” the doctor. Then they heard a shout from Topp, oe) seer gaged inia struggle with some one. “You miserable villain!” he was heard to say. for this night’s work.”’ é “To the rescue!” shouted Dick. Then all three rushed fr om the bests hut. They were none too soon. ea Artived outside, they beheld Topp eng with one. man, to whose assistance three now running. The’ doctor leaped. forward, and, putting out te sent one of these fellows sprawling upon the. ‘Ralph took another between the ibe and ay the mOSt doletul fashion. ° ced in a At that moment the remains of the burning rubb out into fresh life. _ The cae lit up the faces of woth dup and his Dick uttered a cry of surprise. | : “Hervey!” | It was the man himself. At that moment Topp, had a suerte in wrenchi ng from his hands. Ralph, too, now came hurying’ up, having obtain tne iy Things began to look , bad for the cruel wrete f He broke away from Topp, and snatched th ye: Gaia, Pe j “You'll: hear from me merci he cried, ‘ant
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IN “ietse THE “IGE. - while we slept, too—hanging is too good for such a wretch.” _ The hut had :been utterly destroyed, and, therefore, afforded no shelter, but, fortunately, the night was not as cold as it ~ had been, and they did not suffer much. - Morning came at last, dull and cheerless, a storm being evi- ; dently in preparation. 5 The four companions searched, . the ruins of the hut, but _ found not a scrap of food. Everything had been taken away. _ Even the pack on Topp’s shoulders had been cut open and as rifled, and among them all three was nothing to eat. Bits of ice and snow, placed in their mouths, afforded them 3 some temporary relief, but food was what they required to keep their strength. | “This is putty rough, ” muttered Topp, “but. I remember onct, when I was out on a explorin’ tower, of being wuss off even han this. , “We was going through the great desert, takin’ observa- ons of the moon, and we had a telescope as big ‘as a ‘house, nd I ain’t telling ye a lie, nuther, ’cause I can’t do it, for that here telescope was the biggest ye ever seed. Why, sir, I remember one night in partickler, when the “moon was shinin’ bright, hang me if, when I looked through I couldn’t see the man in the moon a iain igs it was so C man shift his quid of bacey Acide one cheek'to t’other; it so Re. was an awful liar, and ye couldn’t believe nothin’ ake an affidavy on it, though, that later on, when we -a’most starved fur suthin to eat, I gaye a acer through Ne ped Tl be blowed if I wasn’t ed 3 I can’t tell’a lie, and I tell ye I see the old man ne old woman, and all the brother and sistey moonsters, in the grub and smackin’ their chops, and we a-starvin’ ere in the African desert. ake my word, it made me so mad that I up and mashed the telescope all to. bits, and what do ye suppose we ) t tie af ome of those big thieves in the camp had stowed Y pair of roast. chickens, half a dozen hams, five d, and a bottle of rum, thinking we'd never see “You can just bet we piled into them provisions, tot I can’t a lie when it comes to eatin’, and arter that, when I looked ae see ae you could, in the first tae icuiccea i ith a smile, “with all those things in the teleszope; ’re a truthful man, uF suppose Ti haye to believe you. easier than getting the proof, I know. Beem told ye it was a whopper.” — Fae as,” ‘interposed Ralph—“the telescope or the story?” | you, you ‘ought to know better; thought you had sputtered ‘Dr. Dayids. “Tell a yarn about eating stomach up with good things: Ugh! Makes, me : nik of iti oo kn aa fool—why didn’t he tell of in - els 2 m ee some town soon. We and Topp was glad to let go, with a howl of pain. ‘ble, and they instantly filled up on it for want of something -ing could weaken. - said Dick, apt, “the only thing we can do is t > ‘ i st the weary march was continued until nightfall, when sud-_ denly a species of wild hare ran across their path and sought © refuge among the rocks, causing all the greatest excitement. ._ CHAPTER XX. FRIENDS AND FOES—AN OFT-INTERRUPTED JOURNEY—THE NIGHT . ATTAOK. 7 “There’s some grub, anyhow,” cried Topp, eagerly. “Oh, if. we only had a gun now!” a There was not even a knife among the party, everything in — the shape of weapons having been stolen from them. } ‘ However, Ralph gathered an armful of stones, and when, Topp began endeavoring to dig the hare out, the young fellow stood ready to stone it at its first appearance. aK ; Luckily the hole in which. the little animal had sought ref. uge was not deep, and Topp soon exposed him to view. ; ; The creature started to bolt, slipping easily through Topp’s fingers, but Ralph threw a stone and partially stunned him. The cook made a grab at him, but he bit his captor’s anny Ralph came in with a heavier stone, however, Kna laid ‘iin oy low, when Dick, seizing him by the: heels, peasout ed. Binet a fe against the rock, and finally settled him. a}. There were no means of making a fire, the tinder boxes hay- ing been stolen, and no knives to cut the animal up with, so that they were actually obliged to tear the creature bie take out the entrails, and eat the flesh raw. ¥ This was better than nothing, however, and they felt their strength considerably renéwed after this rude. repast. { They kept on until long after dark, finally sinking to. rest, a under an overhanging bank where there was a y moss. % oat In the morning they found that some of this. unl edi- y better, taking a eats ‘of it-along with them, and liv it for two days. there ahead of Gieuk and eeauiheas had Foe burned, 30 they were obliged to sleep on the bare ground, with the wind blowing through their ragged garments. For the whole of the next day they went witho at food pushed on courageously, and witha determination: vhic rr eAT night they saw the lights of a little village them, and although the road was rough, and bib ingly dangerous, on account of numerous pitfalls ae the path, they did not stop until they reached the first which was that of the priest or ruler of the little hamle } This man proved to be exceedingly kind-he ted, and a though he could not understand a word of their 1 2 needed not words to tell him of their sad conditio He was poor himself, and his. house was: not mu than a hovel, but it was warm, and afforded them and /this, with the coarse Pos gave them, was as im ch they could. wish for. so WS The doctor made him und rs been shipwrecked, had lost. all t hardships, and: desired to reach 50 as possible. ral They remained with him: a week,
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. ~——_——— s IN THE ICE. = oe bootlegs, but I-don’t fell 2 a lie when I say I'd like to have eh: ‘good tough beefsteak to chew on instead of this everlasting fish. I don’t believe they live on anything else.” _ “They don’t. Scurvy lot they are, too—all except our host— he’s a decent fellow,” declared the eccentric doctor, in his disjointed manner of speaking. The party were furnished with whole clothes to take the - place of their rags, although their boots had to be patched up, there being none of those useful articles to spare. _ Then, furnished with knives and stout cudgels, they were ‘taken in a cart to the next town, a distance of some twenty- five versts,; by the young priest himself, who left his flock to look after them personally. Here he introduced “them to a magistrate, the chief person ‘ot importance in the place, and returned to his own town : alone, his profession securing him from molastation at the hands of the bands of nomadic robbers that now and then infested the roads. ‘At the house of their new acquaintance the wanderers fared i “welcome they received could not have exceeded that which the former worthy man had given them. __. They. were provided \with boots, with two pistols, and ammu- , nition enough for several rounds; were given a small but warm blanket apiece, and, for the first time in many weeks, actually tasted meat well-cooked and palatable. In the magistrate’s house they lived on meat, coarse, black _ bread, dried herbs and sour wine, the latter driving away the scurvy which had begun to make its appearance again, though not to any alarming extent. _ After a stay of ten days, ‘during which ie they found it ‘impossible to communicate with anyone who could have in- c* formed their government of their safety, they again continued ‘their journey. Z| They could not be supplied with ho horses all around, there be- ing few to spare, and therefore they were put into a wagon drawn by two. horses, and, under the care\of a guide and a j young man to drive, set out at length £6 r the next town of any _ importance. id | The distance to be traveled. was about fifty miles, and as they ‘could not hope to obtain entertainment at any of the ‘wretched collections of huts on the way, they took a supply provisions with them, to use as necessity required. e road was occasionally infested by bands of robbers, or ey 4 no reports lately of any depredations committed by these ple, it was not considered ne¢essary either to take a strong scort or to more than ordinarily arm themselves. ! ; he guide carried a brace of heavy pistols, which were ca- of. making a considerable report, but not of doing much age otherwise, and he also had a huge word buckled at] side, so that, with the knives and. pistols of the Americans, | he party was considered unusually strong. ; HIB id not think 80, and he could not but feel that there Yas tro ‘ he could not have told § from efiat quarter it would come. e start Ww: s made i ‘not: hope. to make the journey in ‘ess than three: or four 7 a Rite proceeded ‘nHoue ten niles one of the traces ough it’ had Re pany rons: ai _ rather better than they had done at the priest’s, although the | fr gypsies who were no better than such; but as ‘there had |’ in the early morning, and, as the ; road | ing been taken, together w: xd_one, ‘and could only” be traveled by daylight, ‘they «this is & plot!” the horses were staked, nd the travelers disposed themselves to rest. © ” * The next morning, after proceeding five miles, one of the horses became most unaccountably lame, and as there were no others to be procured without riding a long distance, it was considered best to go on with the remaining animal. The guide undertook to drive, while the young man re- turned to the town with the disabled animal, and so the journey was continued. ‘ ¥ One horse could not go as fast as two, ‘and although the travelers walked most of the way, that day’s record was but ten niiles, They encamped in the wagon, as peforss and took an early start the next morning, but, shortly before ‘noon, one of the forewheels got fast ina deep rut, and, in the ‘effort to extricate it, came off, badly wrenching the axle in the operation. a The guide said thai he knew of a smith some four or five — versts further on, and that if they would be patient he rou 4 go ahead and bring him back. -This would use up the’rest of the remaining daylight, put as there was no help for it they consented, although Dick gave te: as his decided opinion that there was design in all” bees and 443 that these delays had been purposely caused. sale “T’ll bet that this fellow is in with the robbers,” aeeteinaes : Ralph, “and if he does come back he will bring a gang wit him.” Thinking that such might ‘indeed be the case, tile” looked to their weapons of defense, and as the time pe Just at. bate beds however, the guide returned with . the ape oo work -being accomplished in about an n hour, until the next morning. Nothing occurred during the night to cause the eee alarm, and at daybreak, having previously breaktnstgd a made the wagon ready, off they started. bre awe This day they managed to go fifteen miles, halting Fae of the wildest spots they had ever seen, ES They had met small parties of pedestrians i one’ or | single riders mounted on mul ring the day, and th the guide assured them, had told him that nothing was to ' feared from robbers, for none ae seen for motp’ that month. S They, therefore, went to sleep ih perfect confidence; | Dut ward midnight Dick awoke with a strange aera of proaching danger oppressing him. y So great was this feeling, in fact, that he awoke his friend and then it was discovered that the guide, who general r in the fore part of the wagon, was missing. ; Dick leaped out, and, looking around him, soon. saw not only was the guide absent, but the horse also—not a. of either being visible. Wei It was further discovered that beyond the ee con munition, every grain of. cried Dick; “and that ris ny ele : party. LORIE sel “Hark! sig Bitar pb rae . ‘Tt hear Pier . The ming! — co. tS (ates eo aa sie ecay XXI.
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“All four accordingly ensconced themselves under the wag: on, and presently a party of four or five men, mounted on stoutly-built horses, rode up. : One of these men, evidently a leader, spoke some words in a low tone and in a strange tongue to another, who proved to be the guide himself. Dick gave a start, for although he could not understand the stranger’s words, he had recognized his voice in an instant. “Hervey, by all that’s bad!” he whispered to his comrades. “What's that?” hissed the man suddenly in good English. ‘“T could swear I heard my name. By Heaven, they are awake, but they shall mot escape me this time!” Then he dashed up to the rear end of’ the wagon, tore open the canvas flap and fired three or four times in rapid succes- sion into the pitchy darkness. The flashes revealed nothing to him, for he could not tell whether anybody was within or not. _ He was surprised, however, that no outcry had been made. “Bring a light here!” he shouted, forgetting his Russian in his excitement, “and let us see what has happened.” His gestures more than his words were understood, and the guide hurriedly prepared a torch and brought it to him. - “Now!” suddenly hissed Dick, as the light. revealed the orm of the traitor. “If I miss, shoot the villain.” Orack! There was a sharp report and a snort of pain. The villain’s horse had suddenly shied from some unac- : countable cause, and the bullet had struck it instead of the ‘mat for whom it had been intended. thousand curses!” yelled Hervey, as his steed fell to his “Who in thunder fired that shot?” t _The pullet struck the vill in on the cheek-bone ceitlita half ch of the eye, glanced off, struck the bridge of the nose, /then plowed a shallow furrow across the scoundrel’s fore- ad, and whizzed off among the stunted trees, ( ad been a narrow escape for the villain, and, as it was, fancied for the-time that he was more seriously hurt than ( had t been. ¥. ive’ em a charge!”’ cri ‘opp. “It’s our only chance!” All four suddenly dashed out from under the wagon, and, in hand, made a fierce’ assault on the first objects that esented themselves. } le guide dropped his torch as the impulsive doctor drove a his side, and the place was in darkness. ‘tuck a horse in the flank, and sent it galloping off throwing its rider against a rock and breaking his Dick shee a sayage cut at a man, but merely sueceeded in. g his arm; the fellow taking fright and dashing away | first sound of alarm. j Topp unseated one of the robbers, but was unable to secure % Lorse ; and the man himself took to his heels, thinking ha os whole army of travelers had auddeny sprung up SOR nd. é hole "party: of robbers had been stampeded, and,our cor gratulated themselves on the unexpected result of wy ight enough to see, a reconnoissance was made, covere that shies men find Ka horses had | row? ; ‘mines 1 for. @ agreed to accompany them, finding it quite a large place, pefore; ia ‘although a animal was dead, nothing was to be : seen of its former rider. The animal had gone some little distance pefore he had stumbled, and very likely Hervey: had managed to evade beta: 5 thrown, and had joined his friends. ¢ “I’m sorry I didn’t kill him, for your sake, Dick,” remarked a Ralph. “The man‘is a villain and a murderer, and should be shot at sight. If he isn’t dead, he will make trouble for us — yet.” The wagon still remained, but as it was of no use to them — without horses, it would, of course, have to be abandoned. : “Since they have left us the wagon, and also since its owners have endeavored to betray us,” remarked Dick, “we need have no compunction in taking what we want from it.” The cover and frame were taken to furnish them a tent, the blankets and robes served as bedding, and the provisions and ~- other supplies would be useful to them, so that when they had ~ made pp into bundles\what they wanted, the wagon had been literafly stripped. na “Tf we’d only come across one 0’ them horses when we was ee on the retreat from the Hope,” observed Topp, “wouldn’t it. have been a feast?” Y Gime “IT can’t tell a lie,” answered Ralph, with a grin, “for it~ .| would have been one indeed.” / Leaving the degpoiled wagon behind them, théy now set off - on foot, trusting to chance to find the road, and making the | most of their time, lest the robbers should return ‘and take. vengeance upon them for their rout of the night before. At night they encamped in a little wood or collection of dwarf pines and oaks, and with the materials at hand con- structed a very comfortable shelter, and enjoyed a hearty sup- per and an excellent night’s rest. The next day they struck upon one of the government moat: roads, as they knew by the tall posts painted in Black and | white, and surmounted by a sort of finger-board pointing the | ; way ahead. = sie e ¥ After this they felt safer, ‘fox now they were snot obligea to ; camp out at night, but rested in the different post-houses on the way, and were treated w, the greatest respect. ' At last they entered the town to which their false guide nie To their Surprise, however, the moment they set foot in the town they were seized by a party of men who seemed to be policem’n, ‘or officers of some sort, and, accompanied by a howling crowd of women and children, taken to. a strong-look- — i) ing building, where they were confronted by a judicial-looking personage in a rusty uniform, who sat behind a desk littered — with papers. This man put numerous questions which they could not 1 un- derstand, not knowing the language, and they therefore re mained silent. This was taken for contempt « of court, or a sign of har dare guilt, and with an angry gesture the man ordered them awa) % the soldiers conducting them to a large cell. most secur guarded, into which they were thrown and left to themselves, ‘What’s the meaning of all this—-take us for conspiyators because we won’t answer them? Who could, when they don’ speak English? This is as bad as ERS: eanOnahies , | derness, feeding on old boots.” f “Never mind, doctor,” said Topp, in a tone’ eat to be a suring. “Tf they keep us here prisoners, they’re feed us, vin if they do send 1B to the quicksilver ward.” y “But ahah have we done?” put in Ralph. conspire against their old goxernment when word of their parties ee what ghey
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we might settle it in a moment, ‘but these brutes evidently think we're shamming.” It was night before anyone werd them, when their meals >iwere brought them by a soldier, to whom they addressed a few words pf inquiry. The*’man stared, shook his head, and went out, presently re- turning with a man who addressed them in two or three dif- ‘ferent European languages. They shook their heads, and presently he addressed them in French, the sound of which was familiar to the doctor, al- _, though he knew but one or two words. “Francais?” he asked. “Oui, messieurs.” “We are Americans then, and friends\of the French. Com- | prenez, Americains?” “Qui, oui, oui,” returned the man volubly, and then he and nag soldier went out, leaving the prisoners to eat their meal eis My alone, and to wait patiently for his coming. i They fell asleep long before this, for it was well ito the y next forenoon before the guard returned, bringing with him sf _a gentlemanly-looking man dressed in a sort of half uniform. i 2 ai “Gentlemen,” said he, “there appears to be some mistake | here, since you claim to be Americans. What can I do for | you?” | “Why are we detained here?” asked Dick. ag “You are charged with a serious crime.’ “and that is-——” “Highway robbery and murder, and it is said that you be- - long to a band that has long committed the greatdst depre- dations upon our unfrequented roads.” ¢ This charge completely staggered the prisoners, and for a few moments they seemed unable to speak. i CHAPTER XXII. ‘ caved Ree a { eager EXPLANATIONS —THE PRISON DOORS ARE OPENED. fe The statement of the chased against the prisoners had a most bewildering effect upon them, as we have said. _ Dick was the first to speak. 4 Wea is false!” he cried, indignan ly. “We were ourselves at- |, of it,’ answered the gentleman. Dick, Sabai mistake not you are an American. Ww at? “Were you on Captain Hudson’s vessel?” — \ 4 “1 m his son Richard; this gentleman is Dr. Davids, ship’s timate 5 friend.” : eat ai the face table grea ly. Sit down and ‘tell oe oe are the nly aaa of the Bil ‘vengeance, ba ie ; 1. The | attache of the American Legation. in Russia, quartered in - e are ¢ the survivors of an Arctic exploring expedition, which tions. - it Sa ‘Franci a0, in ‘the United States, over two years ago,| , lope, my ather’ S$ vessel.” : ; this is ‘Topp, the cook, and ae young man is Ralph | being all the more remarkable consider ie r-| bef the voyage of the Hope, of her numerous misfortunes, and her final end, and of the terrible retreat and march through the wilderness, the loss of their comrades, the confession of Her- ; vey, and of this last affair with the robbers, and the subse- © quent arrest. “What you tell me is really surprising,’ remarked the gentleman, when Dick had concluded. “That is the first news we have heard from the Hope, for you must know that con- siderable speculation has been rife concerning the fate of the expedition, both here and in America.” “Then our effort has attracted attention?” “Indeed it has, and, although I am deeply pained at your failure, I will do all I can to forward you to your own country, « as I presume you have uo particular desire to rethain in Hurope?” oS Toa “None whatever, under ‘he circumstances; but how about the charges against us?” “Oh, as for that,” returned the cen smiling, “ will see . that you are released. Being Americans, it does not stand to. reason that you would come away off here to become robbers, particularly as you do not know a word of the language.” nee “Do you know who furnished the information that caused a uf to be arrested?” as really do not, but if you will remain here a short while, I will procure an ad for your release, and also obtain wh information I can.” re: The stranger turned to go, when Dick said, pleasantly: ‘We are not yet aware, sir, at sah we owe this interven. : tion in ur behalf.” i “Oh, to be sure! really, I had forgotten that. I might. that you owe it to the fact of your being Americans, for I but an humble instrument. My name is Fisher, and I am an : is town to look after the interests of chance Americans who pass through. ea ‘ nue ' ants Mr. Fisher then took his leave, and our ‘friends ‘began dis- cussing the situation among themselves. ” ans “T would really like to know to whom We: are indebted being in jail,’ muttered Dick. : “Hervey had a hand in it, I'll bet considerable,” inten Ralph. : / , ; “T’d like to get a chance to wring his Meeks fe sputtered | J doctor. “There's, only one thing that would give me m satisfaction, and that is, being back in my own country agi } No more North Poles for me. Poor Harry! I wish he hadn convinced me that the thing was feasible, for then ‘we wou! never have gone looking for what'll never be found.” “We made a fair start,’ returned Dick, “but somethi don’t know what, went against 7 and aulnen our ‘caleu’ Even Bolton was een } } ay ne bet, then, that Hervey ad sdieeitns to do witl it put in Ralph; “though, of course, I don’t. know what. Br ‘J seems ‘to have been our evil ‘genius all along.” : “Talking of bein’ in prison,” observed Topp, his obser ati ) ited that no it a said anything about prisons for at least five minutes: in prison once when we had a darn sight wuss tim th do here, ’cause I was seventeen. sete in ‘it and they wust seventeen. months i ever see.” | “Oh, come, now; you sajd years first,” interrupted "No, sir, months; I can’t tell a lie, and it was. mon | then, each month seemed a year, ‘cause the tim | heavy. ‘The walls’ were fifty foot thick, and, c ‘what, light re es hed us through the windows go | get to Us. that we couldn't, see ite
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i THE. tone 2S | ay 29 “With the walls fifty feet thick?” asked Ralph. some of it stop on the way?” ; _ “Well, if you know this story better than I—who was right there, and can’t tell a lie to save my neck—why, go ahead and tell it, that’s all I’ve got to say. Some fellows wouldn’t believe the angel Gabe, much less me, that can’t tell a lie.” “No, you can’t, that’s a fact,” laughed Ralph, “for a lie de- - eeives, but there’s no chance of anybody ever being deceived by your yarns. They are laid on like the walls in this last one—too thick.” Soon after this Mr. Fisher informed our friends that they were free, and invited them to make their home with him until they were ready to»continue their journey. with a black beard and mustache,” he said, “who spoke Rus- sian fluently enough, but who, nevertheless, seemed a for- - eigner.” “Did he give his name?” asked Dick, becoming interested. “No; and he has disappeared: He had been wounded in the forehead———” “Then it’s Hervey!” ‘cried Topp, “for a bullet hit him in the cheek and glanced off, hitting his forehead. It’s the same villainous cuss, for all the world.” “No wonder he has gone,” added. Ralph. “It isn’t likely he id ie to prove his charges, and that would be necessary, of course.” “Not here, it wouldn’t,” returned their friend, with a smile. Fiastica is dealt out in the most summary manner here, and 0 en a mere accusation by an unknown party is enough to sondemn an innocent man to death, or even worse.” “Then the sooner we get out of such a country the better,” Pies sputtered the doctor. “Justice, indeed—injustice I should call 4 ‘No wonder these people keep their rulers in constant fear of their lives—afraid of peing blown up or poisoned or le r all combined.” ‘ “was very fortunate for you,” continued Mr. Fisher, ‘that happened to meet a Frenchman, and told him that you A ericans. Otherwise I might have fever heard of you, * d not have given it another thought.” \ we get out of the darter ee was echoed by the Bottdes #, ( and then, accompanied they left the place which “might have been for his timely interference. i WP alge ; rea ate at XXII. . sRovLE—atERvE's REAPPEARANCE AND p ESCAPE —ptoK's Ni penitent g. % forwarded upon their way, fs: provided with pass- or rts which would insure them perfect safety from any such k one which had liked to prove so fatal to them. ! pplied with money and letters to prominent m the route, which would secure them more when ag ‘as well as letters to officials by means of which ane the assistance necessary to take them from until they reached the coast. y e documents they’ had no trouble in obtain- ma “ca ie dead, and that it had been given out that a party of imposters “The charge against you was made by a rough-looking man places,” growled the doctor, * | seen the chief consul at all, but pe deputy, the principal a | not having returned when night ‘tell, Topp Nggetie he wou |suddenly saw, by the light of a gas-lamp, a figure spare the identity of which he instantly recognized, despite “Oe eae es and places on railway |r BE had conceived the idea of getting home to America by falsely stating themselves to be the survivors of the Hope. They applied to the American consul, but even the letters — from Mr. Fisher did not avail then, and they found themselves looked upon with distrust and suspicion. ; In fact, it was a difficult matter for them to prove their identity, the logs and records of the Hope having been | lost, and there being nothing in their possession which could asso- ciate them with that ill-starred vessel. ; “To what villain do” we owe this new mischance?” asked Dick, in despair. “T should think it was plain dncuek: ” retorted Dr. Davids. * “Hervey is still at work. I suppose we will have to unwind a deal of red tape before we can fix things up; but it’s got to be done. We can’t live under suspicion all our lives.” “H’m, we don’t intend always to live in Russia,” me Ralph. “No,” interrupted Dick, quickly; “but I’m afraid we will find it somewhat difficult to get out of it, as renee as we wre re- garded as impostors.” fg “Just let me meet the scoundrel—that is all!#’ growled Topp. | “T can’t tell a lie, by gum! if I catch that villain I'll strangle him, as sure as I live!” Finding that they could do nothing with the Riteridan con- sul, our little party determined to wait until they could write — to-Mr. Fisher and get his testimony in their behalf. * They therefore put up. at a quiet hotel where there was a — waiter who understood English passably well, determined to bide their time until this vexatious matter should Ps satisfac- torily settled. } “They were almost sure that they were being constantly ‘tok lowed by spies, for what purpose they could not guess unless it was to discover whether they were really impostors or not, and this made Dick and Ralph very angry, and they deter- mined to speak to the English consul about it, seeing that the representative of their own country was 80. lukewarm in their — behalf. ‘ ) 4 “Tf the government would only put decent men into guch ‘instead of played-out politicians — whom it wants to get rid of, our interests would be looked after much better. The idea of refusing to believe anyone al- most, and taking the word of such a villain as that | Hervey!” ‘We may: say, in passing, that the abuse the doctor com- - plained of has since been reformed, and also that they had not a ing a different sort of man. Dick and Ralph had gone out ee the British consul, and, — go out for a stroll to see the sights. He was standing on the bridge across the ee tines h ness. Hurrying forward, he seized the man by the. throat, ie aside the heavy cloak he wore, ae sw 1; ind | the ‘light, cried fiercely: ie “So it’s aoe is it, Mr. Jack Murden, a our rept ms 2?” “Let me go,” hissed the villain, for it yak He y have: hothing against you. “It is. only that cub ¢ f to be avenged UB OH; Hi father knocked me d
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with the vessel; [ that killed Bolton; I that have followed on| London, and, arriving at the latter place, wrote and cabled — ‘the brat’s track; I that will kill him; yes, and you, too, if you home, the confirmation of the’news of their safety being re- f interfere with me. Take your hand off my throat!” eeived on this side of the ocean with the greatest demonstra- init crowd had begun to collect, attracted by the sound of loud | tions of joy. — ' : and angry voices, and by the menacing gestures of the two “Now, for home!” cried Dick, “and then to make another “men, and among them Topp recognized several agents of the] effort to find that which so far seems beyond our reach!” -police and one of the spies that -he had formerly noticed fol- lowing him. — “So I will,” he said, quickly; “but Il give you suthin’ to ; remember me by, all the same.” y CHAPTER XXIV. : Then suddenly lifting the man off his feet, by a strong ef- 2 OV! yIL-) — fort—he was standing close to the parapet—he flung him over SUR LIGH ONDE LS SSne ieee BYIL-DOER igo ON “into the icy waters beneath. ‘ “In London our party of returned explorers met with every “That man is a Nihilist!” he ‘cried, suddenly, as the police} kindness, and were feted and praised to their hearts’ content. rushed upon him with drawn swords. At last they began to think of going home, and therefore se- Though they understood not the remainder of his speech,| cured berths aboard a steamer bound for New York, going to ea that one word was plain to all, and the greatest excitement | Liverpool a day in advance of that set for the sailing of the prevailed. “ steamer in order to look about them. j _ Three or four suspicious looking fellows in the crowd im- At last they took their departure, gliding down the Mersey mediately made off, and while two officers took charge of Topp and down the Irish channel, stopping at Queenstown to take others went below the bridge to secure the body of the villain | on the last of the passengers and the mails, and then out upon when it should come to the surface. ; the broad ocean toward the land of their birth. z° - When Topp: had raised the man in his arms to fling him over “Over there,” muttered Topp, pointing out to sea, after they “the parapet, eon long cloak which Hervey had wofn was| had lost sight of land, “is America, and anyone what ain’t sat-— stripped from his shoulders and had fallen on the stones. isfied with that ought to be scalped. At any rate, it’s good ie Pere, The police agents had seen this, and had picked it up at enough for me, and the next time I go to sea, NO matter where _y onee, being now occupied in searching it thoroughly. just let me know it.”. oy , ___ Ripping open the lining, they found, among other papers,| “]ye had all I want of North Poles, and Siberian wilds, and certain incendiary documents inspiring the reader with hatred | Russian justice and starvation,” echoed the doctor, testily. . : ‘of the government, and counseling the immediate murder of| jost the best friend 1 had up yonder in those infernally cold the czar. { regions, and you don’t get mé up there again, I Oh you There were, “pesides: a list! of prominent Nihilists, with their | that. No, sir! Tam g to settle down.” ae residences, and the rough draft of some denunciatory resolu- “Won't you go with ne if I ever command a vessel a “tions evidently intended to be read at some future meeting,| for the North Pole?” asked Dick. Naa, Vy i ‘several invitations to which were also found in sealed en-| “No, my boy, 1 won’t. Not even my affection fo you would elopes directed to certain addresses, tempt me to—at least I don’t think——. Oh, well! don’t say This was an important seizure, but it was more important | anything more about it, boy, until you do get a ship.” hat the rascal in whose possession these things had been “You certainly are not thinking already of taking anoth should 1 be captured before he could give the alarm. trip of that sort, are you, Dick?” asked Ralph, earnestly. Or _ Lights flashed along the river, signals were given and an-| woulé think you had had enough of it.” — ii es swered, and in a few. moments police boats were plying up and “JT shall go in the very next expedition that ‘sets: out, old lown ee the. banks, so that the man should not es- fellow, and you are going with me.” Ms ots me. No icebergs and Polar ks in ee ss : aly urobable that he had been drowned) nor that he had plorations to warmer climates. I ae tie just as: B00 concealed himself anywhere under the piers of the bridge. sailor by going to regular places of traflic, and even bett Topp was conducted to the ‘ehief of police, where soon af-| than by freezing myself in the North.” ‘ward his friend, the doctor, came to look for him, the two] “Well, my boy, you can do as you please, of course, but as boys having returned. rene as I am concerned, I shall keep on trying to reach” the Ne . The American consul | himself had been seen, and offered to| Pole until I succeed at last, or leave my bones in the iey North erest himself in their behalf, expressing himself as very |a sacrifice to my. ambi ion, as my poor father has done.” b ‘sorry that there had been any misunderstanding in the matter| “ ‘Then Til be hanged if I don’t’ see you through,” eo at. all. i F ‘Ralph, shaking Dick’s hand warmly. “You and I have lwe BY: “Hervey was not found that night, but several important ar-| been chums, old boy, and/I’m not going to desert you ame ests. had been’ made; and in consideration of this fact Topp|| matter where you go!” sleased, and a safe iopiigta! ‘given him and his friends / As the two boys exchanged a warm grip, the eccentri ic sz: rubbed his eyes, turned away and muttered to himself: ban i dikes « came from Mr, Fisher, who} “There’s a. couple of warm-hearted, good-natured, affectio very best recommendations i the world, ate, brave, fearless. young fools, but hang me_ if the; s ed it as his opinion that they had be made the | make me go with ’ em if I don’t look out for my; | “Weill, well. You can rely on it as the truth, i against an that di- catch me going up North again,” muttered Topp, as h rery evident, that Her had “Sn at the bot- forward; “and yet thi only thing I do regret is t er charges were Cats , and now feared to mak set ‘at ‘sub collar that confounded sharp of a Jack Hervey when I ood chance, ‘and choke the nonsense out of him! yhere fo BY. the way, our readers will no doubt be -wond w took heir has conan, of Hervey, Ww e
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f IN THE‘ ICE. © We will state, then, at once, that the man was still alive, having adroitly escaped from the Russian police spies, and made his way out of that inhospitable country. By pretending»to be heart and soul with the Nihilists, and _assisting them to get rid of one or two unimportant. govern- ment officials, he had obtained their confidence, and had suc- ceeded in getting a considerable sum of money as well. It had all along been his intention to betray them to the police, and obtain more money thereby as a reward, but the sudden accusation of Topp, made only for the sake of stopping the man, and not because he really thought it to be true, had considerably altered his plans. The finding of his cloak would be strong evidence against him, and now he felt that he was in danger from both enemies and friends. He had quickly made his way under the bridge to a secret passage, opening close to one of the piers and leading through a sewer to the house of.a prominent Nihilist, where he had secured a disguise and at once decamped. He traveled day and night without stopping until he had crossed the German frontier, and then made his way into France more leisurely. At last he found himself in Viadiand, but, having indulged in excesses of all kinds, was without a penny, and was forced to look about him. Having no doubt but that Dick and his friends had been un- able to leave St. Petérsburg on account of the evil reports he ‘had circulated concerning them, he had no fear of meeting them, and considered that the best thing he could do was to re- turn to America, change his name again, and live secure from “punishment for his crimes, oat He could go as a sailor, and he was in Liverpool one day, _ Jooking for a ship, when he chanced to see Topp coming out of an ale-house. He determined, therefore, to get away as quickly as possi- ble, and, having procured a few shillings by working on the docks, bought some food, and contrived to stow himself away in the hold of a steamer about to sail for the United States. Unknown to him, however, he had gone aboard the identical eamer on which our friends had taken passage, and yet there were three of four others sailing at about the same time which he might have chosen, He knew not that fate had ordained this, knew not that the _ justice which he had so long defied was at last to be meted out _ to him. ry And yet so it was, and the villait’ ’s evil career was fast ea ing to a close. He knew how long it would take the ship to clear the land, and, therefore, when his provisions had all been exhausted, he - Showed himself, trusting to the generosity of the captain to be allowed to work his passage to America. ' The instant he had been discovered an officer had been in- ~ formed, and the latter at once went forward to question the _ stowaway, put him to work if he was willing, and lock him up on a bread and water diet if hé refused duty. It so happened that, when Topp went forward after leaving his companidns, he saw a crowd collected around one of the bfficers, and, being curious to know what was going on, pushed 3 ‘his way through the crowd, regardless of the toes he Suk pico _ Upon or the elbows he jostled. Reaching the centre of the little assembly, he uttered a | Sudden ery of astonishment. - _ There, not ten feet from him, angwering the officer’s ques- tions, was the man who had escaped him in St. Petersburg, 4nd whom he’had come to regard as dead. “Jack Hervey himself!” . As. he uttered these words, which the stowaway heard, he re ng arerers aie pore the ma by the throat. yj a A ieesy i a. 31 S$. $$ Hervey turned pale, and attempted to shake off his as- sailant. ’ “This man is an escaped murderer!—a deserter, too!” eried Topp, excitedly. “So, so, Master Hervey, you thought you had fixed us, did you? Well, I ain’t telling no lies, and it’s you that’ll be fixed now.” i “Let go of me!” cried the man, struggling fiercely, and try- ing to draw a sheath-knife, which he wore in the leather belt around his waist. “Do you know this man, Mr. Topp?” asked the officer, seizing Hervey’s arm. “IT do. He was boatswain on the Hope, exploring steamer, the same as all our party was on.” At this moment the two boys, attracted by the commotion, came up. “He killed the captain and the ice pilot,” continued Topp excitedly, “and, on the retreat, tried to do away with Master Dick a dozen times. He has confessed his crimes more’n once, and gloried in ’em.” “Hervey!” cried both Dick and Ralph in a breath. “Yes!” Hissed the man, still struggling, “I have been cheated. of my revenge, but at least you shall not have the satisfaction of seeing me brought ito justice, as you call ite Then, by a sudden violent effort, he suddenly wrenched him- self free from those who held him, drew his knife, and, with a fierce laugh, plunged it again and again into-his breast, and fell with a heavy sound on the deck. . He had been chosen by fate as the instrument of his own punishment, and had added self-murder to his many crimes. He had died as he had lived, hardened and unrepentant, and no one regretted his end. When the sailors lifted him up he was quite dead, having died immediately upon falling to the deck. The body was buried ‘in thé sea, without honors, the facts in the case being entered upon the log, the ship cont#huing her yoyage as though nothing had happened. In course of time our party reached home, and Dick and Ralph rejoined their friends. Topp adhered to his resolution not to go to sea again, and became a cook in a restaurant, where he remains to this day, and is as truthful as when our readers knew him. Dr. Davids resumed the practice of medicine, and Dick has not yet tempted him to break his promise, for the reason that our hero has not; as yet, come into command of a vessel of his own, Both he and Ralph have made one or two trips to the Arctic since their return from the Hope expedition, and although the North Pole has not yet been discovered, both boys’ are still alive and well. Let us trust that they will ube remain so, and that ‘never be again will they be called upon to endure such hardships and © go through such dangers as menaced them during those mem- orable two years IN THE Ice. j £HH END. f° Read the next number (107) of “Pluck and Luck, 2 ene: titled “ARNOLD’S SHADOW; OR, THE TRATTOR’S ~ NEMESIS,” by General Jas. A. Gordon. . SPECIAL NOTICE: All*back numbers of this Weekly are always in print. If you cannot obtain them from any newsdealer, send the price.in money or postage stamps by mail to FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 24. UNION SQUARE, NEW YORK, and igs. ee you order es return mail. 5 tare wg as,
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HERE’S A NEW ONE)! The Best Weekly Published. : nore cre oo 9 Pi “THREE CHUMS.” —— A Weekly Story of the Adventures of Two Boys and a Girl. These stories are Written around the lives of two boys and a git! who are thrown togeth | by fate, and form a compact to stick by each other through thick: and thin, and’ ‘be AS every case “ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL.” ASK YOUR NEWSDEALER FOR A ¥ ‘ COPY. Three Chums at School; or, All for One and One for All. Three Chums’ Return; or; Back at School. Three Chums at Féotball; or, Hot Times on the “Gridiron.” Three Chums Defeated; or, Ben Bright’s Unlucky Accident. Three Chums Aroused; or, Squaring Accounts with Sea- bright. Three Chums’ Triumph; or, Winning the Championship. Three Chums Accused; or, The Burning of Raymond Acad- emy. ‘Three Chums at Work: ot, Getting Ready for the Road. bey Preece Chums’ ” poecess: or, The First Production of the ' Play . ‘ Three Chums’ Bree: or, Playing in Ben’s Own Town. Three Chums’ fe; or; The Reappearance of MgMaster. Three Chums’ Rivals: or, Almost the Same Play. THree Chums’ Danger; or, Playing to the Moonshiners. _ Three Chums’ Despair; or, Lost in the Mammoth Cave. iy ‘ ae Union one. .- FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, Three Chums’ Great Race; or, Bound to be on Time. Three Chums in Luck; or, Making Money Fast. Three Chums’ Lark; -or, Playing in the Backwoods. Three Chums’ Risk; or, Playing for Texas Cowboys. he \fhree Chums’ Scare; or, Dorothy’s Wonderful Dream. |, ‘Three Chums in Denver; or, Pleasing the Westerners. Three Chums’ Courage; or, Playing in the Mines. Three Chums’ Terrible Trip; or, Exploring Death Valley. Three Chums Robbed; or, Tracking the Stolen Grip. Three Chums’ Nerve; or, Playing at the Golden Gate. Three Chunis Captured; or, Dorothy Held for Ransom. Three Chums’ Great “Find”; or, The Secret of bes Cliff Dwellers. , Three Chums Home Again; or, The Return to Sctiadh Thrée Chums’ Hard Fight; or, The Draw with Saree Three Chums’ Resolve; or, Bound to Have Some Sport.. Three Chums’ Reputation; or, Making Themselves Know Three Chums’ “Fun”; or, Beating a “Swell Head” Nine ., Wwew ork. :
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THE STAGE. 4i. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOKE €.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the | No amateur minstrels is complete without } famous end men. zonderful little book. } 42, THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPEAKER.— | ining a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch | yrish. Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amuge- and amateur shows. 45. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE JOKE BOOK.—Something new and very instructive. Every 1ould obtain this book, as it,contains full instructions for or- ng an amateur minstrel troupe. f 65. MULDOON’S JOKES.—This is one of the most original ‘ooks ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It “1s a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, etc., of j .e Muldoon, the great wit, humorist and practical joker of Every boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should @ i COPY immediately. 9. HOW TO BECOMBE AN ACTOR.—Containing com- .. structions how to make up for various characters on the cogether with the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter, . Artist and Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKH BOOK.—Containing the lat- xes, anecdotes and funny stories of this world-renowned and ) popular German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome j cover containing a half-tone photo of the author. J HOUSEKEEPING. i6. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing structions for constructing a window garden either in town ‘ ntry, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful k . at home, 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructiye books Pyking ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meat ‘ame and oysters; ‘also pies, puddings, cakes and all) 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSE.—It contains information for ody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments, - >“g, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. " ELECTRICAL. -..6. HOW TO MAKE AND USE BELECTRICITY.—A de- © +) of:the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism ; ‘ir with full instructions for making Electric Toys, Batteries, F ’y George Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty il- » ons. ) 4 HOW TO MAKH BLECTRICAL MACHINES.—Con- “ ¢ full directions for making electrical machines, induction » dynamos, and many noyel toys to be worked by electricity. '. A. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated. ,467. HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a ollection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, _ tr with illustrations. By A. Anderson. ENTERTAINMENT. . 8 HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST. By Harry edy. The secret given away. very intelligent boy reading ook of instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multi- every night with his wonderful imitations), can master the and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is the test book ever published, and there’s millions (of fun) in it. o. 20. HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A yaluable little book just published. A complete compendium ames, sports, card diversions, comic recitations, et¢., suitable savior or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the er than any book published. ~ 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little sontaining the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, ummon, wane dominoes, ete. 36. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all , ding conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches itty sayings. > +52. HOW TO PLAY CARDS,—A complete and handy little giving the rules and full directions for playing Buchre, Crib- " paste, Pore aes facet Sancho, Draw Poker, tion Pitch, ours and many other popular games of cards. o. 66. HOW TO DO PUZZLUS.—Containing vine three hun- | interesting puzzles and conundrums with key to same. A Maeno Mully illustrated. By A. Anderson. - xe * ty ETIQUETTE. 0. 18. HOW TO DO IT: OR, BOOK OF ETIQUETTH.—It great life secret, and one that every young man desires to know ba ; There’s happiness in it. 3. HOW TO BEVAVE.—Containing the rules and eti- of good society and ‘the easiest and most approved methods . é aring to good advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church the drawing-room. ; DECLAMATION. ' ++ 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS. aining the most popular selections in use, comprising Dutch French dialect, Yankee and Irish dialect pieces, together . (any standard readings. . The most complete book of the kind ever pub- | | and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular PRICE 10 CENTS EACH, OR 3 FOR 25 CEN'BS. ne: Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New No. 31. HOW TO BECOME 3PHAKHR.—Containing four teen illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to become a good speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also containing gems from all the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the mos: simple and concise manner possible. . No. 49. HOW TO DEBATE.—Giving rules for conducting d= bates, outlines for debates, questions for discussion, and the bea” sources for procuring information on the questions given. SOCIETY. No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles'of flirtation ax” fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods ®: handkerchief, fan, gloye, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it com tains a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which {c interesting to everybody, both old. and young. You cannot be happy, without one. No. 4. HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsoza: little book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instrue tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ballroom and at parties ay to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular squas ances. No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide te -\ova courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules: and etiqueta to be observed, with many curious and interesting things not gers erally known. No. 17. HOW TO DRHSS.—Containing full instruction im Gc art of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving “ix selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up. No. 18. HOW TO BECOMHB BHBAUTIFUL--One of ae brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world. Byerybody wishes to know how to become. beautiful, both male an¢! female. The secret is simple, and almost costless. ‘Read this how” and be convinced how to become beautiful. BIRDS AND ANIMALS. _ No. 7. HOW TO KHHP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated ‘amt: ‘containing full instructions for the management and training of tc canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, . paroquet. me ete, No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AN RABBITS.—A useful and instructive book. Handsomely ‘ilu trated. By Ira Drofraw. No. 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Including biag on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds. Also how to cure skins. Copiously illustrated, By J. Harringtes Keene. f No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.-—-& vals: able book, giving instructions in_ collecting, preparing, mountiny and preserving birds, animals and insects, ; No. 54, HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PHTS.—Giving com< plete information as to the manner and method of raising, keeping, taming, breeding and managing all kinds of pets; also giving fai) instructions for making cages, etc. Fully explained by twenty eight illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kia: ever published. « MISCELLANEOUS. : No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A usefu) andi is: structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also 8x periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, #0 directions for making fireworks, colored fires and gas balloon«: This book cannot be equaled. No. 14. HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A complete handbook fe. making all kinds of candy, ice cream, syrups, essences, etc. etc. — No. 19. FRANK TOUSEY’S UNITED STATES DISTANG TABLES, POCKET COMPANION AND GUIDE.—Giving tho official distances on all the railroads of the United States am¢! Canada. Also table of distances by water to foreign ports, hac’ fares in the principal cities, reports of the census, ete., etc., makiny” it one of the most complete and handy books published. No. 38. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.---& wot derful book, containing useful and practical information in. thar treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to #veity pally. Abounding in useful and effective recipes for genera! com: plaints. ' : No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.--Goa: taining valuable information regarding the collecting and arrungin’, of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated. No. 58. HOW TO BE A DETECTIVE.—By Old King Bra the world-known detective. In which he lays down some valuabic and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventure” and experiences of well-known detectives. _ No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER.—ontaia< ing useful information regarding the Camera and hew to work it; also how to make Photographic Magie Lantern Slides and othe: A i eae Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De W. Abney. ; No. 62, HOW TO BECOMH A WEST POINT MILITARS CADET.—Containing full explanations how: to gain admittance course of Study, Examinations, Duties, Staff of ‘Officers, Pow: xuard, Police Regulations, Fire Department, and ali a boy shouls know to be a Cadet. Compiled and written by Lu Senareng, autho. of “How to Become a Naval Cadet.” k No, 63. HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADHT.—Complete im: structions of how to gain admission to the mapolis Naval Academy. Also Be the course of instruction, description of grounds and buildings, historical sketch, and everything a bos; should know to become an officer in the Unite tates Navy. iled and written by Lu Senarens, author of “How to est Point Military Cadet.” ¥ = ea
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LATEST ISSUES: 90 The Bradys and the Mad Doctor; or, The Haunted Mill in the Marsh. 91 The Bradys on the Rail; or, A Mystery of the Lightnihg Empress. 92 The Bradys and the Spy; or, Working Against the Police Depart- ment. 93 Lhe Bradys’ Deep Deal; or, Hand-in-Glove with Crime. 94 The Bradys in a Snare; io ” The Worst Case of All. 95 The Bradys Beyond Their ‘Depth ; or, The Great Swamp Mystery. 96 The Bradys’ Hopeless Case; or, Against Plain Mvidence. 97 The Bradys at the Helm; or, the Mystery of the River Steamer. 98 The Bradys in Washington; or, Working for the President. 99 The Bradys Duped; or, The Cunning Work of Clever Crooks. 100 The Bradys in Maine; or, Solving the Great Camp Mystery. 101 The Bradys on the Great Lakes; or, Tracking the Canada Gang. 102 The Bradys in Montana; or, The Great Copper Mine Case. 103 The Bradys Hemmed In; or, ‘heir Case in Arizona. 104 The Bradys at Sea; or, A Hot Chase Over the Ocean. 105 The Girl from London; or, The Bradys After a Confidence Queen. 106 The Bradys Among the Chinamen; or, The Yellow Fiends of the Opium Joints. 107 aks Bradys and the Pretty Shop Girl; or, The Grand Street Mystery. 198 The Bradys and the Gypsies; or, Chasing the Child Stealers. 199 ee ys and the Wrong Man; or, The Story of a Strange stake 110 The Pradys Petrayed ; or,.In the Hands of a Traitor. 111 The Bradys and Their Doubles; or, A Strange Tangle of Crime. 112 ihe real ri in the Everglades; or, The Strange Case of a Summer Touris 3 The Bradys Desed; or, The Hardest Gang in New York. 4 The Bradys in High Life ; or, The Great Age ae HE 5 The Bradys Amour Thieves ; or, Hot Work in the 6 The Bradys and the Sharpers ; or, In Darkest New York. 7 The Bradys and the Bandits; or, Hunting for a Lost Boy. 8 The Bradys in Central Park; or, The Mystery of the Mall. 9 The Bradys on their Muscle; or, Shadowing the Red Hook Gang. (7 The Bradys’ Opium Joint Case ; or, Exposing the Chinese Crooks, 21 The Bradys’ Girl Decoy ; or, Rounding Jp the Wast-Side Crooks. 22 The Bradys Under Fire; or, Tracking a Gang of Outlaws. 128 The Bradys at the Beach; or, The Mystery of the Bath House. a24 po oo ys and the Lost Gold Mine; or, Hot Work Among the ‘owbo; 125 The hae ls and the Missing Girl; or, A Clew Found in the Dark. 126 The Bradys and the Banker; or, Phe Mystery of a Treasure Vault. | 127 Bi Bradys and the Boy Acrobat ; or, Tracing up a Theatrical | ‘ase. 128 The Bradys and Bad Man Smith; or, The Gang of Black Bar. 129 The Bradys and the Veiled Girl; or, Piping the Tombs Mystery. 130 ge pier and the Deadshot Gang; or, Lively Work on the __ Frontier. 131 an Bradys with a Circus; or, On the Road with the Wild Beast amers. 132 The Bradys in Wyoming; or, Tracking the Mountain Men. 133 The Bradys at Coney Island: or, Trapping the Sea-sideCrooks. 134 The Bradys and the Road Agents; or, The Great Deadwood Case. aS eeAeys and the Bank Clerk; or, Tracing a Lost Money ‘ ackage ; “186 The Bradys on the Race Track: or, Beating the Sharpers. 137 ok Bradys in the Chinese Quarter; or, The Queen of the Opium iends. 138 The Bradys and the Counterfeiters; or, Wild Adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 139 The Bradys in the Dens of New York; or, Working on the John Street Mystery. 140 The Bradys anid. ‘the Rail Road Thieves: or, The Mystery of the Midnight Train. 141 The Bradys after the Pickpockets; or, Keen Work in the Shop- ving District. 142 The Bradys and the Broker; or. The Plot to Steal a Fortune. 148 The Bradys as Reporters: or, Working for a Newspaper. 444 The Bradys and the Lost Ranche; or, The Strange Case in Texas. FRAN K Peepers, Publisher, 146 eae Bradys and Buneo Bill; or, ork. 147 The: eran and the Customs Inspectors. 148 ae iy cual and the Bank Mystery; or, The Search for a Sto illion 149 The pare ot “1 158 bo 161 aes “inradys and the House of Mystery ; or, S ‘Dark’ Nig Ve 162 The Bradys’ Winning Game; or, Playing Against the Gamblers The Bradys and the 6 The Bradys and the phe Bradys and the Bradys at Cripple Creek; or, Knocking out the “Bad Men. 150 The Bradys and the» Harbor Gang; or, Sharp Work after Dar’ 151 The Bradys in Five Points; or, 152 Fan Toy, the Opium Queen; or, The Bradys and the Chin Smugglers. pers. Thieves. The Chinatown. Reds. 59 The Bradys and the Hotel Crooks; 160 The Bradys and the Wharf Rats; 53 The Bradys’ Boy P 54 The Bradys in the Bradys and the a Female Detective; or, Leagued with tb Typewriter ; RET SERVICE OLD AND YOUNG KING BRADY, DETECTIVES. PRICE 5 CTS. 32 PAGES. COLORED COVERS. ISSUED WEEKL 145 The Bradys and the Signal Boy; or, the Great Train Robber, ; The Cleverest Crook in Nev The Skeleton in the Cellar. il; or, Sifting Strange Nvidence. ws of Death; or, Trapping the Wire Tapj or, Bandit King: Drug Slaves; Anarchist Queen; or, Running’ Down t { 163 The Bradys and the Mail Thieves: Bradys‘ and the Boatmen; 164 The Ri 165 The Bradys owery. hor iT ver, after the Grafters 168 The eh and the Factory Girl; En 169 ae ee Tradys and Blonde Bill; or, The Diamond Thieves of Maide ani 170 The Ridaad and the Opium Ring: Grand Circuit : 171 The Bradys on the Warness Gang. 172, The raya ie a the Black Doctor; or, The Secret 173 rhe 174 The 175 The 176 The The 178 The it az9 183 ae Bradys tna the Boston Banker; or, Hustling for Millions in thi 184 sage Bradys on Blizzard Island: or, Tracking the Gold Thieves 0° ©: >A ome. ee 5 The Bradys in the Black Hills; or, Their Case in North Dak 186 The Bradys and “Faro F rank’ > or, a Hot Case in the Gold Mi The Bradys a ‘Trisec Bradys os Bradys Bradys Bradys Bradys » Bradys town. 180 The Bradys Mortune-Teller. 181 The Bradys ~ Gang. Be 182 The Bra the Girl in Grey; or, the Juggler; or, and the in Badtown in the Klondike ; on the Hast Side: and the “Highbinders” tee The Bradys and the “Rube” turn mail, POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, ne York. Dear Str—Enclosed find.....cents for which please send me: .... copies of WORK AND WIN, i ep eS. op Bt wt Ree Ean Eclat ae NL) To IEE ay na gM suite id eS 4 Ala wow» » ells oar Son ee SER VOID OE Gey soo i pea as Dee ey hs w= 2 ee LIBERO BOYS OF "16, TON tes, A Be Aaa ROE ri eg. 0 Tonment) Hand Books, Nos) ii... ac. eT ates at atin segs kee -- Street Ratatat eps ~ wee and “Silent Sam” and the “Bonanza” Moonshiners ; :. or, The Fight for a Gold Mine, or, Ferreting Out the Go Crooked Work in ; or, The Hot lea and the Serpent Ring; or, The Strange Casi or, Tracking the Confidence Men: 188 The Bradys as Firemen; or, ira icine a Gang of Incendiaries. 189 The Bradys in the Oil Country; or, The Mystery of the Giant Guehe) 140 The Bradys and the Blind Beggar; or, The Worst Crook of ali. ee The Bradys and the Bank Breakers; or, Working the Thugs of Chicag 192 ise Bradys and the Seven Skulls; or, The Clew That Was Found ie t arn. 193 The Bradys in Mexico; or, The Search for the Aztec Treasure Housd. 194 The Bradys at Black Run; or, Trailing the Coiners of Candle Creek. For sale by all newsdealers. or sent postpaid on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, by 24 Union Square, New York eee oe oe eee or, Out with a Variety 3 or. foe eee Las. State. or, The Mystery of Reom 44y or, Lively Work in the Hea or, The Man in the Brg, or, ie ‘Teadys, and Miss Brown; or, The Mysterious Cc ciety or, The Yellow Danous” ‘ ie The Office Boy's Secret or, Chasing the ee The Clew Found a : or, The Mystery’ in thew abe so 166 ae eae and the Cross-Roads Gang; or, tne Great Case , The Secret of the Poison i or, The Clew in Chinato: ; or, Tracking the Deaf and Dan: King; or, Fighting the Fakirs Ul IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out ani in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you ee we will send them to yo sb AS ° or. Tracking the Light The Queen of Away Down in Tenn