Pluck And Luck (no. 220) (1902 08 20)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
COMPLETE a | IES OF ADVENTURE. y No. 220. NEW YORK, AUGUST 20, 1902. Price 5 Cents. _ ~< an nN AK SS he two abt human form rowed away, leaving Tom and Mike, bound hand and foot, to be ed to death slowly, as the raft upon which they stood fell with the tide.
Page 2
“These Books Tell You Byerythi A COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA! - e in clear type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrated cover, ‘ ects treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that any Look over the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the subjects Bach book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper, Most of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subj child can thoroughly undecstand them. mentioned. Gres wee - SEI heh 3 aber PEG ‘ i ote - THESE BOOKS ARE FOR.SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR WILL BE SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ADDRESS FROM THIS OF VICE ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, TEN CENTS BACH, OR ANY THREE GENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. NY BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N.Y. SPORTING. No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete hunting and fishing guide ever published. structions about guns, hunting dogs, traps, trapping together with descriptions of game and fish. No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully {Mustrated. Every boy should know how to row and sail a boat. ull instructions are given in this little book, together with in- structions on swimming and riding, companion sports to boating. No. 47%. HOW TO BREAK, RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSH.— A complete treatise on the horse. ‘Describing the most useful horses for business, the best horses for the-road; also valuable recipes for diseases pecaliar to the horse. No. 48. HOW TO BULLD AND SAIL CANOES.—A handy pook for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes and the most popular manner of sailing them. Fully illustrated. By ©. Stansfield Hicks. it. HYPNOTISM. No. 81. HOW TO HYPNOTIZE.—Containing valuable and in- structive information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also explaining the most approved methods which are employed by the leading hypnotists of the world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.S. FORTUNE TELLING. No. 1. NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM BOOK.— Containing the great oracle of human destiny; also the true mean- ing of almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, and curious games of cards. A complete book. . No. 23. HOW TO HXPLAIN DREAMS.—Bverybody dreams, from the little child to the aged man and woman. This little book gives the explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky and unlucky days, and ‘““Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate, No. 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES.—Bveryone is desirous of knowing what his future life will, bring forth, whether happiness or misery, wealth or poverty. . You‘can tell by a glance at this little book. Buy one and be convinced. Tell your own fortune. Tell the fortune of your friends. No. 76. HOW. TO 'TELL FORTUNES BY THE HAND.— Containing rules for telling fortunes by the aid of the lines of the hand, or the secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future events by aid of moles, marks, sears, ete. A. Anderson. ; ATHLETIC. No. 6. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETEH.—Giving full in- gtruction for the use of dumb bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, horizontal bars and various other methods of developing a good, healthy muscle; containing over sixty illustrations. Myery boy can become strong and-healthy by following the instructions contained in this little book. No. 10. HOW TO BOX.—The art of self-defense made easy. Containing over thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the ditfer- ‘ent positions of a good-boxer. Wyery boy should obtain one of these useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how to.box without an instructor. h No. 25. HOW TO BECOME A GYMNAST.—Containing full instructions for all kinds of gymnastic sports and athleti¢e exercises, Embracing thirty-five illustrations. A handy and useful book. Be No. 34. HOW ‘TO FENCH.—Containing: full instruction for fencing and the use of the broadsword; also instruction in archery. _ Described with twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the best positions in fencing. A complete book. TRICKS WITH CARDS. ~ No. 51. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing explanations of the general principles of sleight-of-hand applicable to ecard tricks; of card tricks with ordinary cards, and not requiring sleight-of-hand; of tricks involving sleight-of-hand, or the use of specially prepared cards. By Professor Haffner. With illustra- tions. No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Em- bracing all of the latest and most deceptive card tricks, with il- lustrations. By A. Anderson. ‘ __No..77. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.— Containing deceptive Card Tricks as performed by leading conjurors ‘and magicians. Arranged for home amusement. and fishing, Illustrated. By By Professor W. Macdonald. | | a ape (Continued on page 3 of cover.) ke ; . 4, eit MAGIC. No, 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and It contains full in-| card tricks} containing full instruction on all the leading ¢ard tricks of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed by our leading magicians: every boy should obtain a copy of this book, as it will both amuse and instruct. No. 22. HOW TO DO SHCOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sight explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining sow the secret dialogues were carried on between the magician and the boy on the stage; also giving all the codes and signals. The only authentic explanation of second sight. No. 43. HOW TO BECOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing the stands assortment of magical illusions ‘ever placed before the public. No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS.—-Containing over one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals, By A. Anderson. Handsomely illustrated. __No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing over fifty of the latest and best tricks used by magicians. Also contain- ing the secret of second sight. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson. No. 70. HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—Containing full directions for making Magic Toys and devices of many kinds. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. : No. 73. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBDRS.—Showing many curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers, By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. No. 75. HOW TO BECOME A CONJUROR. — Containing tricks with Dominos, Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, ete. WEmbracing thirty-six illustrations. By A. Anderson. No. 78. HOW TO DO THE BLACK ART.—Containing a _com- plete description of the mysteries of Magic and Sleight of Hand, together with many wonderful experiments. By A. Anderson, Illustrated. : MECHANICAL. No. 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR.—Every boy should know how inventions originated. This book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, optics, ab pega mechanics, ete., ete. ished. ; No. 56. HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEER.—Containing full — instructions how to proceed in order to become a locomotive en- gineer; also directions for building a model locomotive; together with a full description of everything an engineer should know. No..57. HOW TO MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.—Full 3 directions how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zither, ASolian Harp, Xylo- — phone and other musical instruments; together with a brief de- scription of nearly every musical instrument used in ancient or — modern times. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon S. Fitzgerald, for twenty years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines. tid No. 59: HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTERN.—Containing a description of the lantern, together with its history and invention. — ‘Also full directions for its use and for painting slides. Handsomely — illustrated. By John Allen. he era No. 71. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRICKS.—Contai mg complete instructions for pecrenaioy over sixty Mechanical Tricks. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrate LETTER WRITING. uakeg-? No. 11. HOW TO WRITH LOVE-LETTERS.—A most com- plete little book, containing full directions for writing love-lettors, and ree to use them; also giving specimen letters for both young and 0 No. . . - complete instructions for writing letters to ladies on all subjects ; also letters of introduction, notes and requests. ile No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO GENTLEMEN.— Containing full directions for writing to gentlemen on all subjects ; a ‘also giving sample letters for instruction. No. 53. HOW TO WRITE. LETTORS.—A _ wonderful little hook: telling you how to write to your sweetheart, your father, mother, sister, brother, employer; and, in fact, everybody and any- body you wish to write to. Hyvery young man and every young lady in the land should have this book. , No. 74 HOW TO WRITE LETTERS CORRECTLY.—Con- taining full instructions for writing letters on almost any subject ; also rules Also fricks with cards. incantations, ete. ry The most instructive book pub- — d. , , o's {2. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO LADIEDS.—Giving — for punctuation and composition; together with specimen — Fully illustrated. ‘ letters. Panignehy
Page 3
PLUCK AND LUCK. Complete Stories of Adventure. Fesued Gilet Subscription $2.50 per year. Bntered as Second Class Matter at the New He N. ate Office, ovember 7, 1898. Entered according to Act sf Congress, in the year 1902 by Frank Tousey, 24 Union of Congress, Washington, D. C., # No. 220. ‘NEW YORK, AUGUST 20, 1902. in the office of the Square, New York. Price 5 Cents. THROUGH THICK AND THIN: OR, DOOR BOYS ABROAD. By HOWARD AUSTIN. CHAPTER I. ‘ MURDER. THE CRY OF ; | It was a dreary night. Thick, murky clouds hung like a funeral pall over the city of New York. A slow, steady rain was falling, through which dimly shone the lamps, throwing a fitful glare over the wet, gleaming pave- ments of the deserted streets. The occupants of Mr. Augustus “Mortimer’s residence on Fifth Avenue had long since retired to their rooms, and the -house was as silent as the grave. The clocks had scarcely ceased striking the midnight hour j when a door on one of the upper floors was noiselessly opened. A young man of about nineteen years of age, with keen, foxy- -looking eyes and heavy under-jaw, thrust out his head and listened intently. After several minutes had elapsed he fastened a black crape mask over his face, stepped into the hallway and atgle softly down. the stairs. Feeling his way along the balusters and walls, for it was dark as Erebus, until he reached the door of a room on the ‘first floor at the back of the Bey he paused, held his breath, oe listened. _ Nothing broke the profound silence except the faintly heard : ‘ticking of a clock. The masked man inserted a pair of outsiders, or hollow nippers in the key- hole, grasped the end of the key, unlocked ‘the door and pushed it open, i Putting his head into the chamber the man fixed his eyes on a bed, where, by the dim light of the gas, which was turned _ down, the form of Mr. Mortimer, who was slumbering soundly, was” discernible. ot) is ‘ie Drawing a key from his pocket kis masked man moved cau- tiously across the room, knelt before a safe, which stood in a recess, and unlocked it. The bolt, as it shot back, made a sharp, clicking noise, the sleeper stirred uneasily, and the robber cowered on the floor, scarcely daring to breathe. ~ But Mr. Mortimer, after turning on ae side, lay still, and his regular breathing indicated that he slept soundly. The masked man pulled open the door of the safe and eagerly commenced to examine its contents. “Ha!” he muttered, under his breath, as he seized a roll of greenbacks and thrust it into his pocket, “here are some of the stamps, but not half of them, I am sure.” Package after package was taken out, merely glanced at and paper was found, which on being opened proved to be a large amount. in bank notes. ; “Ah!” chuckled the robber, “I _have them at last! } “And, villain, I have you!” éxelaimed Mr. Mortimer, no, — awakened by the rustling of the papers; had slipped out of bed, | crept up behind the robber and seized him by the shoulder. Uttering a startled exclamation the masked man dropped — the package, sprang to his feet, turned, caught Mr. Mortimer ; by the throat, drew a long, keen dagger, and hissed: “Breathe but a whisper and I’ll cut your heart out! see Striking the robber a quick blow in the face, Mr. sortbhar 4: ‘wrenched himself loose, Bprane to the PA turned on the — gas and shouted: ; ree Sea a “Murder—murder—murder! ” ae For a moment the robber seemed uncertain whether to fly or renew the attack, when his mask, which had been loosened bag the blow he received, fell off. This incident, simple as it was in itself, seemed to. com- pietely paralyze the robber and Mr. Mortimer. They both stood motionless as statues, ae Tet even fixed on each ae ee. } } a ie aid on the floor until at length a parcel done up in brown ih? rt a
Page 4
2 THROUGH THICK AND THIN. The countenance of the robber expressed fear and des-|had been aroused by the report of the pistol, made his ap- peration—the desperation of a trapped ,wolf—while a look of | pearance. horrified surprise swept over Mr. Mortimer’s face, Cutting short the man’s exclamations of astonishment, Tom “My God!” he exclaimed. “Saul Harris, wretched” bok ordered him to assist in placing Mr, Mortimer on the bed and _ would you murder your benefactor?” then run ior a doctor, There was an ominous gleam in Saul’s eyes as he ground When Tom stooped to help raise the indendible man ee “his teeth together, and muttered: ; the floor, Saul made a quick step to one side, reached an open “T did not mean to harm you, out you have brought it on | window, swung himself out, dropped to the ground, ran to yourself.” the back of the yard, scaled the fence, fled across a vacant lot Sayin= wuich he sprang on Mr. Mortimer, forced him back | and disappeared in the darkness. against the wall and struck full at his breast with the dagger. Tom saw Saul jump out of the window, but made no done The imperiled man, twisting himself to one side, avoided the | to stop him, and muttered to himself: blow, the dagger struck against the wainscot and was shivered “Tt is best so.” ; : to pieces. Mr. Mortimer had regained ¢onsciousness when the doctor But Saul was not to be thus baulked of his purpose; he| arrived, who examined him, announéed that his injuries were _ocked his fingers around Mr. Moartimer’s. throat and en-| not dangerous, administered’ a wearing a and de- ,ieavored to throttle him, parted.” ‘ In vain Mr, Mortimer tried to cry out or tear loose from| “You saved my life; Tom,” sata Mr. wii ey when they the grasp which was choking the life out of him. were left alone, “and T’ll not forget ih rate Saul’s long fingers gripped and kneaded into the throat of “T am glad I arrived in time, sir.” i the helpless man, and he pressed his hands against it until “T was so near gone that when you pulled the rascal away the muscles stood out like whipcords from the knuckles. I fainted: How did you happen to come? Did you hear me ~ Not for an instant was the deadly grip relaxed, but the} halloo?” ( ‘sinewy hands clutched the throat still more fiercely at each “T had been asleep some time when I awakened suddenly, abortive throe, with the impression on my mind that some one had cried Mr. Mortimer gasped for breath, his face grew livid, his | murder; not knowing whether it was a dream or not, I came tongue protruded, and his eyes started out from their sockets. | downstairs to see /if there was anything wrong going on,” The awiul struggle went cn almost in silence, for no sound “What became éf Saul Harris?” was heard save the labored breathing of Saul, and smothered “He made his escape; 1 thought it best to let him g0, but moans of intense agony from Mr. Mortimer. determined that if you were seriously injured to hunt him Saul had almost accomplished his hellish purpose, for Mr.} down if it took me a lifetime to do it.” A, Mortimer was at his last gasp, when a lithe, active-looking “You did right, my boy. Thank God that Viinge are no- youth of about eighteen years of age, with bold, clear-cut | worse!” replied Mr. Mortimer, and immediately fell asleep: features and bright, hazel eyes, stepped into the room. Tom replaced the package of money and papers, locked the He realized the situation at a glance; with one bound he | sate, and stretched himself on a sofa, intending to keep watch — reached the would-be murderer, seized him by the collar, | during the remainder of the night. jerked him loose from his victim and threw him to one side But strong excitement knocks a man up almost as much as ; so violently that coming in contact with a table it was over- hard work, and he insensibly dropped into a doze. . | . ‘turned and he fell over it. From which he started wide awake, and saw Mr. Mortimer | Mr. Mortimer, on being released, sank in a senseless heap standing in the middle of the floor, with his eyes wide, open, — on the floor. but evidently sound asleep. ra Saul Harris, gathered himself wp slowly and stood upon his Knowing that it was dangerous to awaken a somnambulist | BA feet; his face ‘was distorted by pain ‘and rage; his. eyes gleamed | suddenly, Tom was uncertain what to do, P o with immeasurable hatred, and he looked the very incarnation Mr. Mortimer rubbed one hand over another and exclaimed aun OF murder. |in a horror-struck tone. | iy Spi “So,” he growled, iaanen, « you have crossed my path again, “Blood—blood! Will these stains never come out? - Hark! ah To Gale, but I’ wipe out old scores now, if I swing for it!” | Some one is coming; quick, I must wash my hands or all is) And suiting the action to the word he whipped out a revolver, | lost!” rk oo) leveled it at the head of Tom, who was only a few feet distant, Whereupon he walked to a apres ei asks basin, turned on and \pulled the trigger. the water and put his hands under the stream. Quick ag lightning Tom krlocked up the muzzle of the pistol; The cola fluid coming) in contact with his hands awakened - » the ball passed over his head; he closed with Saul, TenOad him; he gave ‘a start, turned around, saw Tom and said: — ae _ the weapon from his hand and hurled him crashing eoftinst the “Halloo! T must have been walking in my sleep. Did I say Pm wall. 5 anything?” ; ny The shock, though severe, did not take the fight out. of “You said something about seed your hands,” stammhered ae: j Saul, Nerved by desperation and bitter hatred, he ran his hand| Tom, who was so astonished that he Bcatgely. knew. what. he into his coat-pocket, grasped a slung-shot and drew himself | was saying. } together, half crouchii , like a savage animal about to spring,| “Ah!” said Mr, Mortimer, with a sigh of relief. “Neyer men- But ‘Tom covered him with the pistol and said: tion this eircumstance, Tom; people might talk, you, _ know, “Te you don’t want your brains scattered over the wall you and I do not wish to be thought odd.” ~ tae ; had better keep still,” ' ; _Thereupon he lay down and was soon asleep again. th be Though naturally erjel and. ferocious, and by no means with- Mr. Mortimer had the reputation of being one ‘of the “most 5 out animal courage, Saul Harris quailed: before the prospect of honorable and) high-toned ‘men in the city, and the words ie certain death; he remained motionless, glaring around him in which he uttered while talking in his sleep, indicating ‘that © Arapotent rage. é at some time he had committed a horrible crime, mAs fag ded ‘Without taking his eye off of the baffled villain, Tom knelt | Tom that he could think of nothing else. eve hoe by “Mr. Mortimer, felt his heart and found that it was pig ad _ While he was rane abo t this matter his attentio steadily but faintly. one ein kk OBE ‘ ‘moment a pat v aressed halt awake Rereaats who i “Ww: ~ i 4 i a
Page 5
“SHROUGH THICK AND THIN. revolver and walked toward the “windows as he approached it a man’s hcid slowly arose abpye ‘the still, / Startled, but undismayed, Tom presented his pistol and said: “Who are you? Speak quick or you are a dead man!” CHAPTER II. h AN ESCAPE AND A VILLAINOUS PLOT. . Tom Gale and Saul Harris were cousins, and nephews of Mr. Mortimer, a rich old bachelor, who five years prior to) the time at which this story commences, took the two boys to live with him, intending to educate and give them a start in life. Tom was a high-spirited, manly fellow, devoted to and excelling in all kinds of athletic sports; his love of fun was constantly getting him into some kind of a scrape, but he usually came out right side up, and he never went back on a friend or avoided an enemy. Saul Harris was of an entirely different character. Under a sanctimonious demeanor, he coricealed a erafty, piano and cruel disposition. Such was his consummate hypocrisy, that eatcluugee by the knowledge that there was an unusually large sum of money in the house—he tried to rob and afterward to murder his uncle, the latter never suspected his true character. Tom Gale, who had several times thwarted Saul’s raseally schemes and thereby incurred his undying hatred, understood him better, but did not dream of the depth of his depravity. For he was a double-dyed villain, in league with rogues and Cesperadoes, and familiar with their haunts. When Saul reached the street after escaping from his uncle’ P house he ran smack into the arms of a policeman, who fONe : him ‘and asked: “What are you running for?” “Tm going after a doctor,” replied Saul, struggling to re- lease himself. . “Keep quiet or Pll club you!” said Ve officer. “Who fired that ‘pistol?” “Tt went off accidentally and my uncle is hurt. I wish you “would not stop me.” “Who is your uncle?” ‘ “Mr. Mortimer.” : “What were you doing in this’ vacant lot?” “¥ came out of the back door and across the lot; it is the nearest way.” . “That’s a @ttle too thin.” ~ 4 “Tt is the truth. Me “T don’ t see it; T’ll stay with you until you get a doctor, and then see you home.” “Very good; but you need not choke me to ‘Goat: » “Tl let loose your collar, but don’t you try any little game on me, it won’t work.” ' “Oh, you need not be afraid of my trying to run away,” re=| ; plied Saul, who, however, immediately set his wits to work to devise some way to get rid of his unwelcome companion. - .. “Here is a doctor’s office,” said tthe eee ahi they had walked about a block. \ —*Dowish to, get Dr. Thompson,” replied Saul,’ who, ay order be to gain time for reflection, mentioned a physician living on | Thirty-fourth Street, some eight or ten squares away. “Well, push ahead, then. You don’t, seem to be in such a | big hurry as you were; your uncle cannot be much hurt,” re- ~ marked the officer, suspiciously. “No; ‘he is only slightly wounded in the hand, e andl Sip ‘Saul, ‘quickening his pace. | the open window, they cautiously sealed the fence, found a a large room with a low ceiling. — 2% _ Rendered almost frantic by ‘the idea of being arrested, Saul in the extreme, and pervaded by a damp, mouldy ogee _ | fetid, offensive odor. Aa Seis hee ta or On reaching Dr. Thompson’s residence he went to the door, fumbled about a little while and then said: he oe. “T can’t ring the | ‘bell; I wish you, ‘would try it, you are stronger than I am,” then ahi a to one side he stealthily drew his slung-shot, a The policeman stepped up to the door, and as he placed his | band on the bell-pull Saul. struck him a ‘furious ‘blow on the back of the head with the glung-shot and knocked him down. Then springing out on the sidewalk Saul took to his heels, and, owing to the darkness, was almost instantly out, of sight. But for his hat, which deadened the force of the blow, the policeman’s skull would have been fractured; as it was, he was only partly ‘stunned. Staggering to his feet he drew his revolver and commenced firing in the ‘direction Steere ee heard the igalectet of the fugitive. The report of the pistol was hate by a ‘vohiladnaee who rapped on the pavement with his ciub, and ran toward ‘the sound of the firing. In order to escape the bullets and avoid coming in contact with the approaching officers, Saul dodged under a truck. that stood by the sidewalk, erept out on the’ other side, crossed the street on his tip-toes without being discovered, and continued ‘his flight in the same noiseless manner, The policeman who, was struck, being too much dazed to : recognize the roundsman’s voice when he hailed, continued to shoot;, supposing that he had some desperado to deal with the officer drew his pistol and returned the fire. , Thanks to the darkness, neither of them was hit, and after : emptying their reyolvers they managed to make themselves known to each other. After holding a consultation, as it was evidently useless, to try and find Saul, the two policemen detc:mined to investigate affairs at Mr. Mortimer’s, On arriving at his residence, seeing a light iiecann from step-ladder in the yard, and the roundsman, ascending to reconnoitre, found himself confronted by the yawning, muzzle . of Tom Gale’s pistol, as related at the conclusion of the last chapter. i The officer lost no time in explaining 1 who he was od the ; object of his visit. as Tom told him that a doctor had givcady visited. Mr. Morti- "Re mer, but under the pretence of not wishing to disturb his slumbers, declined to enter into any explanation of what had : happened; so the policemen retired but little wiset than they * were when they came. Sie After getting away from the policeman, Saul hurried’ ia glancing back over his shoulders from time to time, and listen- — ‘ing to ascertain if he was followed. There was no sound of pursuit, and after ademas Lipo eral blocks he breathed freer, but did not slacken his pace until he was on the east side of the city below Grand Street. He was now in one of the worst quarters. of New York, a eens perfect nursery and stronghold of ‘squalor poverty, debauchery eeu and crime, but he seemed to be familiar eh his surroundings. ‘Striking into a narrow street which ran toward the river, ; he pursued his course with many windings and turnings pe he paused in front of a tumble-down rookery. : Upon the front of the building was a sign bearing the half- bie effaced inscription, “The Home Harbor,” SRB R INCRE f that it was a house of entertainment. - First glancing around to’ see that there was no. Seticainl tS in sight, Saul descended four or five peers pee and entered The place was a rum shop of the lowest desoription, althy
Page 6
4 THROUGH THICK AND THIN. — Late as it was, several rough, dirty men and slatternly, “For a thousand I'll assist you to settle this matter, then brazen-faced women were seated on stools at small tables, eat- | take you where you'll be safe from arrest, and make enough ing, drinking or smoking. money to live like a prince until your old uncle kicks the A man with fiery red face, thickly spotted with rum blos-| bucket.” ' soms, and who had the close-cropped, bullet head of a prize- “Bxplain yourself. ” fighter, sat behind the counter. “Day after to-morrow I sail as first mate of the Harpy, a Merely nodding to this forttaneGoutax person, and re-| swift, heavily armed vessed, with a crew of a hundred dare- ceiving in return an abortive attempt at a wink, Saul pushed | devils. We need a little money to finish settling the ship’s open a door to the left of the counter and passed through a] bills; give me the thousand dollars and you shall go with us room littered with rubbish of all kinds, into a long, narrow | as supercargo, and share in the enterprise.” ; corridor. “Where are you going, and what do you propose to do?” Proceeding to the end of this he turned abruptly to the “Our destination and object will be kept secret till we are right into a recess or alcove, about eight feet deep, and struck | in blue water; but if you knew everything, you would jump at on the wall at the farther end of it in a peculiar manner, — the chance.” The wall instantly sank into the floor, leaving an opening It looked like taking a leap in the dark, but Saul believed through which Saul stepped, and the wall immediately re-} that.Ortega possessed the virtue of truthfulness, if no other, sumed its former position. so after a moment’s hesitation he said: _, Saul now found himself in a plainly furnished room, con- “Tll-accept your offer.” fronted by a keen-eyed man, who greeted him with: “All right,” answered Ortega; “now what is the best way “Halloo, my kid! What’s the racket?” ‘ «| to get at Tom Gale? We have no time to lose.” “Nothing particular,” replied Saul. “I wish to see Juan “He is captain of a baseball club, which is preparing to Ortega.” : : play some match game day after to-morrow; they will be prac- “Tl send him down,” answered the man, leaving the room. ! ticing near the bay shore, just below Fort Hamilton,” On being left alone Saul drew out the roll of greenbacks he “Then we will have plain sailing; disguise yourself, hire had secured and rapidly counted ‘them; they amounted to} some roughs, take them down to the ball ground, kick up a ‘something over twenty-three hundred dollars, 2, BEneipally in} muss, and while it is going on, put a bullet in Tom Gale.” one hundred dollar bills. “But how will I get away? I may be captured.” | The house that Saul was now in was a hiding place for the “Never fear: Pll be on hand when you bring your man most notorious and desperate criminals in New York; its| down. I'll step up, throw open my coat, display a detective’s - numerous entrances and exits were concealed so artfully that; shield, take you into custody, end bring you to a place his its character had never been discovered by the police.) safety.” hath In a few minutes the man Saul inquired for éntered the “What | if I fail?” room. “Then Bon arrest both of 3 you, hai you down to where He was a dark, swarthy man, with huge Sie, slightly | some of our crew will be waiting with a boat, and carry you Se bowed legs, blue-black hair and whiskers. In character be! off to the Harpy. She is lying in the lower bay. Once on™ was crafty, cruel and savage. He had been a pirate, and lat-| board we can do what we please with Tom Gale; and before y terly a robber and burglar. the authorities get wind of the matter we will be out at sea. i He and Saul Harris met like old acquaintances; entering a After some further discussion the plan was agreed to. private room, the door of which Ortega locked, they were soon |; Saul took a room and the two villains retired to rest. engaged in an earnest conversation, which was carried on in . whispers, for they both believed that “walls have ears.” Sti After briefly recounting’ what had happened at the Mortimer mansion, and his sigitn with me policeman, Saul can- 5 ; CHAPTER IIL. . tinued: : “JT secured a little over two thousand dollars, but left A DIABOLICAL DEED. more than four times that amount behind; T had the bundle Phas of notes in my hand, but dropped it when the old man caught! The next morning Mr. Mortimer, with the exception of a ‘hold of my shoulder; however, I would have soon disposed of little soreness about the throat, was none the orse for the him and brought it off if that scoundrel, Tom Gale, had not | Murderous assault that was made on him. interfered.” @ Wishing to keep the occurrence out of the papers, and being euthat. do you ‘intend to do?” asked Ortega. constantly annoyed by reporters who had got wind ot Rue) iy “I'll have to leave the city, but before I go I mean to get | flair, he wept down to his cottage at Long Branch. i - even with Tom Gale, and I want your assistance.” Tom Gale Stayed at home, as the Red Cross Baseball Club, - “Want him beaten?” of which he was captain, was i, a to play several ere “Noj” replied Saul, grinding his teeth, “7 want isin Killed! * » | during the week. - ihe “Whew!” whistled Ortega, “you are down on him!” The next day, as Tom was hurrying down to the boat to join _\ “I have good cause to be down on him; furthermore, if he his club, who were going. to Fort Hamilton, he was met. on bie Vives he will keep me out of a late fortune.” the street by Mike Malone, one of the members of the club, Se ow?” and his firmest friend. we “The will of my grandfather, Las whom my ‘anche in- Mike was a stout, active, red-headed Irish boy, ab ut nine- - herited his fortune, prohibits him from bequeathing the prop-j} teen years old. He was shrewd, Shs of fun, and Pluck to the ie erty to any one outside of the family; he is too old to marry. | back-bone. ; J Tom Gale and myself are his only relatives. After what has} “Halloo, Tom,” he said, “Dye been waitin’ for yer.” x occurred to-night my uncle will be disposed to leave every “What’s up, Mike?” asked Tom. dollar to Tom; but if he’s out of the way nothing. can pre-| “The devil would ‘ave been to pay, an’ no pitch hot, but for Tan vent me from getting the property.” a blessed accidint.” se 4 HY rN «Then T advise you to put Mr. Thomas Gale out of the| “What do you mean?” RR ae eee ore way at once. What will you give me to help do the job?” _ “Sure an’ I wint into a saloon . san light me cigar, Five hundred dollars. a ites ‘ Ngee hy ea should, be phere, oat ut Bill Smith an’ a dozen’ of his. a’
Page 7
THROUGH THICK AND THIN. pourin’ down the whisky, though it’s sildom they’ve a cint to bless themsilves with, an’ a braggin’ that they wor goin’ to ther fort an’ clane out ther Red Crosses.” “The mischief! I wish I had known of this a little. sooner.” “It’s all right, my boy; I jist spoke to siven or eight of me frien’s of the O. K. Club—hard hitters iv’ry one of thim—an’ sure they are goin’ down with us.” Sure enough, wnen Tom and Mike got to the ferry-house they found the other members of the Red Cross nine amicably conversing with Mike’s friends, who were a hearty, sgt ready looking set of boys. A boat was in the slip, and in a few minutes the Gane were on their way to Fort Hamilton. Before reaching their destination it was agreed that Mike’s friends should avoid the appearance of being with the Red Cross Club, but keep close enqugh to them to take a hand if a fight was commenced. When the Red Crosses got off of the boat they were met by the Hackmatacks, a nine that had agreed\ to meet and prac- tice with them. ¢ The two clubs at once moved off to the ball ground, fol- lowed by Mike’s friends; and Saul Harris, disguised by a big, false beard, accompanied by Bill Smith and his gang of roughs. Tom won the toss, sent the Hackmatacks to the bat, and the game commenced. Much to Saul’s disgust, Ortega, who had Faeiaiad upon havy- ‘ing the thousand dollars that morning, was not on the ground. Afraid to make a moye without him, Satl walked down \to- ward the bay shore to look for Ortega, after cautioning Bill Smith not to create any disturbance during his absence. But there was great animosity existing between Bill Smith’s gang and Mike's friends, and the two crowds hardly ever met -'without having a difficulty. So Saul had not been gone but a Pe minutes before the roughs, who were well primed with liquor, and much the strongest in numbers, made a furious onslaught ‘on their old enemies. Mike’s boys fought bravely, but were clearly overmatched. The Red Crosses, however, were wide awake; they sailed in with their bats and put a different face on the affair, and “heads” on Bill ‘Smith’s gang in the twinkling of an eye. Saul, who had discovered Ortega approaching, seeing the fight going on, clapped his hand on his pistol, ready to use it at a moment’s warning, and ran toward the crowd. Before he reached it, however, his hired roughs took to their heels, and he was met by Mike-Malone, who, regarding him as one of the gang, gave him a clip across the face with a bat and. knocked him down. Scrambling to his feet, Saul hurried back to meet onteen: ' as for. the roughs, they were so badly demoralized that they started for New York. Bidding two men who accompanied him remain where. thee “were, Ortega turned aside with Saul into a thicket that} /skirted the, ball ground. The pr ecipitancy of the roughs completely upset the plan ‘of the two villains, for the idea of arresting Tom Gale under the circumstances was too absurd to be bo esdaea aged eyen by a bogus ‘detective. » Or at least so averred Ortega” who had alt along Heats de- ik termined to make Saul shoulder as much of the risk and ive _ responsibility as “possible. . “Pll tell you what it is,” said the wily rascal, “the best plan is for you to pick a quarrel with Tom Gale, yourself, and shoot him. ote “Phat won’t work, iy replied ial wiping away the blood that. flowed from | his nose; “before I could say a word to him an a me, with ‘Smith’s gang.” « Whereupon the sailors threw themselves on Tom and Mik e ee “Then you will have to hang around until you get a chance to pop him. Ill be on. hand with my men and bring you off safe,” : “But you promised to artest him if I failed.” “So I will, but there must be some shooting or fighting ‘while I am present, to furnish a pretext for doing so.” Saul did not fancy the part he had to play at all, but he; determined to go ahead rather than throw away the thousand dollars which he had paid out. Concealing himself in the thicket he waited for an oppor- tunity to carry out his murderous design. Finally the game of ball was ended, the Red Crosses beating the Hackmatacks by a score of seven to three. Then after a short rest some of the members of the two clubs began to amuse themselves by pitching and Rages the ball about. _ Some one happening to throw a ball high in the air, Tom Gale and several others ran together in a bunch to secure it. : The group, when they paused with uplifted hands to. catch the descending ball, were not more than ten steps from Saul. This was the very chance that he had waited for; leveling his pistol at Tom’s head Saul pulled the trigger. There was a flash and a report, and down Tom went. : But he was not hurt, though he escaped very narrowly, for the ball ¢ut through his hair, just grazitfg his skin. Startled by the suddenness of the affair he tripped on a pebble and fell. As he touched the ground his hand came in contact with a bat; seizing it he leaped to his feet and dashed into the thicket, followed by the other boys. Saul had:put up, his pistol and turned to fly; finding him- self closely pressed he again drew his weapon, but before he could use it, with a stroke of his\bat, Tom sent it flying into the bushes and dealt the villain a ephine blow on the head, which sent him down like a’ shot. At this moment Ortega came running up and yelling out: “I am a detective, and clubs are trumps!” aimed a furious. blow at Tom’s head with a bludgeon. \ “But bats are better! ” shouted Mike, parrying the blow and striking“ Ortega a swinging blow on the side of the head, sent i him to grass. ‘a Ortega’s two men now came running up, eipciad with sticks, and displaying policemen’s shields on their breasts.: None of the boys wished to have a conflict with officers, so they cried to Tom and. Mike, the Sty te ones ‘who had struck Bets blow, to run for it. , The two boys ner no second bidding, but were off like | deers.” > MA Ortega, who was used to hard knocks, was on his feet in an instant, and with his two men started in pursuit. ? Saul, who was afraid of being left to the tender mercies: ‘of the other boys, staggered to his feet and labored along in the : rear. « 4 ‘Away they went, helter-skelter, Tom and Mike sradually drawing away from their pursuers, Unfortunately they ran toward the bay. shore, at as ‘they’ approached four sailors, who were loitering about a ship’s Ss ‘ boat, Ortega shouted:. ‘e “Stop those boys!” ‘who, after a fierce struggle, were overpowered. eh | As soon as Ortega came up they were securely bound and ef gagged, placed in the boat, carried out to the Harpy, which es ; was near at hand, hoisted on board, thrust into i fore-_ AS castle, and the door tastened. on the outside. F A short. time afterwards Captain. Butler, corathanias Harpy, came on boata , The ship was at once got. under gis the crowd would beat me half to death, Se their bats; they | came to: anchor in nine fathoms of water. is A _ About an ho si
Page 8
eo 3 THROUGH THICK ae on THIN. both in a savage humor, for their heads were ate swollen j whiskers, which up to this time had disguised ae and look- and very painful, were pacing the deck’ together. At some distance from the ship there was standing in the ing Tom\Gale in the face, said, with a devilish chuckle: “Hal ha! Tom Gale, now I leave you to die—to die a dog’s. edge of the water an upright beam, with a transverse piece at | death and by inches!” the top. It was all that remained of the tide-gauge which formerly stood there. Saul pointed to it, and said: “T would go away satisfied if Tom Gale was hanging to _ that post.” “Not a bad idea,” erowied Ortega; “to-night we will take the -two kids off in the dingy and crise them up, one at each end of the cross-piece.” d In the meantime Tom and Mike, suffering terribly from the lightness with which they were bound, and unable to exchange a word, were lying on the floor in the forecastle, wondering “what! was to be done with them. A little after dark some sailors came into the forecastle, delzea Tom and Mike by their collars, dragged them on deck and tumbled them into a boat alongside, in which Ortega es! Saul were already seated, who at once rowed away. * Ortega was too shrewd a villain not to prefer pulling, him- elf, to: letting any of the crew witness the deed which he “was about to commit. “Get back as quick as you can!” shouted the captain. are hove short, and the wind is rising.” “Aye, aye, sir!” replied Ortega, Bendre to the oars, while ‘Saul steered. In a few minutes the beam loomed up between them and. the dim light of the sky. ¥ p On reaching it they found a small raft, probably pelOneine to. some ‘fisherman, moored to the upright post, so that it eould rise and fall with the tide. The boat was made fast to” the raft and Tom and a dragged out on it. - Two small, strong ropes were taken from the boat, nooses ‘i quickly made on one end of each and Slipped over Tom’s and Mike's ‘heads. Then seizing the “he of the ropes Ortega threw them over the cross-piece at the top of the post, so that they hung down: within reach. / it the hearts of Tom and Mike quailed—and well they imight, when the Angel of Death was hovering just over their if heads—their faces did not show it, Unable to speak, they bid each other a@ mute farewell with their eyes. Taking hold of the end of the rope that was Roosed around 'Tom’s neck, Ortega ‘said: -- ““Olap on here and let us run ‘him up!” Ae “Hold!” cried Saul.. “You said it was high water, did © you not?” Z ; _ “Yes. he : H oot “How high does the tide rise?” < “There is a new. moon to- night, and it is a spring-tide, which rises five feet at’ Sandy Hook. # 4 “We + ‘ «Phen instead of pulling them up let us t tie the ends of - the ropes and leave them to die leisurely.” “Better finish the job at once, , What is the use of Aeeyeati “anything to chatice?” : “There is no risk, and I want t Toni Gale to die a lingering 5 death, If he had a hundred lives weer would not satisfy may a “vengeance. i 5 } Just as you please, then; it is your funeral,” replied Or- Gate - teg al “who proceeded to firmly * knot the ends to the bights of the ropes about two feet above the heads of Tom and Mike. - “Hyerything ship-shape, “now,” he said, when he had fin- ed the, job; “let us be off. I haye allowed them a little slack,” 50 that. they will have time to say their prayers.” j he two eold- blooded villains stepped into the Boat: and rtega, ‘seizing | the oars, shoved 15 14 a rence Sey ‘Giving way to his ‘nian’s axe, long drawn out, and intensified a hundréd ‘fold. ‘sockets, their hands clutched, their’ limbs paralyzed and a cold ae oe Spottt, Bes pulled of | the And the two fiends in human form rowed away, leaving Tom and Mike, bound hand and foot and gagged, with halters | around their necks, to be choked to death, slowly, as the raft upon which they stood fell with the tide. ‘CHAPTER IV. SAVED—THE VAMPIRE OF THE OCEAN. When Saul and Ortega returned to the Harpy the anchor was weighed, the sails set and the vessel stood out to seal A.more desperate condition than that in ‘which Tom Jae. Mike were left; can searcely be imagined. They were perfectly helpless, unable. to either cry out for help or do anything whatever to avoid the death that stared them in the face. Pe rates, And such a death!’ They would, as Saul atl literally. die by inches—yet if a blood- stained murderer, who expiates his crime, on the gallows, fails to have his neck broken by the drop, and struggles a few minutes, the whole country rings with the barbarity of the execution, Situated as they were, Tom and Mike thought the! sudden death would be a priceless boon. Yet when the tide commenced going out and the raft dritted against the upright beam with a shock that came near throw-. igs ing them from their feet, the instinct of self-preservation made them use every effort possible to avoid the beep oeie ih and ’ keep the grim monster at bay. im — When the water fell sufficiently to let the raft down iow: “ie og ‘enough to pull the halters taut, and’ drew the nooses tight around the necks of Tom and Mike, they began ‘to suffer nie ribly. v Beis As the raft rose and fell with the. ‘waves the two boys were alternately ~ choked, | ne allowed a moment. fpr imperfect, i respiration. nf rey, Oh, the agony éf ‘those interminable intervals; between ‘ breath and breath! Eee amin Only those, who have had to remain passive, while their lives trembled as it were in a balance, can form ‘an idea of the immeasurable expansion of time, ‘when its progress a marked by the shadow of death. x Tom and Mike endared the ‘tortures of the rack—the thrill- ing apprehensions of those who bare their hecks to the heads- 57. % ¥ Shuddering, choking, gasping for breath, with their hair 9 standing upright on their heads, their eyes starting out of their: sweat oozing out of every - pore of their. bodies they stood Re every moment expecting the death which oe hic) ee, Re with them, as a cat: plays with a mouse. But all things must have an end. Lower and lower fell the tide. Tighter and tighter the ropes were drawn. ; Until at length’ the raft arose on a wave, fell anit it, and — went so low that Tom and Mike were left dangling in mid-air at the ends of the halters. But it was only for a monient that they” hung suspended. i The nails which held the transverse of timber, rusted long years of exposure ‘to the moist sea air, were not stron enough to support the additions Wome thrown on them, Z. they broke, xe
Page 9
THROUGH HICK SND WAIN, Fe eee Tom and Mike fell headlong in an insensible condition on the. raft, which, released from its fastenings, drifted away in the darkness toward the open sea. During the night the raft was carried by the tide putaide of Sandy Hook, And it was nearly sundown, the day after their miraculous escape from death by hanging, before Tom and Mike were rescued from their perilous position on the Bae by the’ crew of the ship Clinton, of New York. During all this time the two boys had remained in a halt- stupefied condition, and it was some hours after they were picked up before they recovered sufficiently to converse in- telligibly. After hearing their story Captain Parker, the skipper of the: Clinton, informed thém that the Clinton was bound to Cal- cutta, India, and that just before she sailed two of the own- er’s sons, who had been shipped as apprentices, deserted, leaving their kits on board. In conclusion Captain Parker said: . “T can probably put you two young men on a homeward- bound vessel, but I am a little short-handed and would like to have you take the places of the deserters, and make the trip with me.” “Sure, an’ ther cap’n’s been the manes of ae our lives,” said Mike, “an’ we'll go to ther ind of ther woruld with him, won'tewe, Tom?” — . “Gertainly,” replied Tom, home by some ship or other, and let our friends know where we are.” So the matter was settled. Ca The kits of the two deserters, and the second cabin, which had been fitted up for their accommodation, were turned ove: “to Tom and Mike, who at once proceeded to examine the con- | tents of the chests, and found an abundance of nice clothing, which fitted them almost as well as if it had been made for them. “Be jabers, but this is bully!” said Mike, dancing a Hoots after they had dressed themselves in natty suits of sailor’s clothes.. “You are right,” replied Tom, singing: “A life on the ocean wave, ‘And a home on the rolling deep. ” “T say, ‘Tom, an’ phat was the raison ‘shat Saul Harris, who, barrin’ he is yer cousin, is a bla’g’ard, was weer killin’ us?” “Oh, he hates me because he thinks I stand in his ay he and his companions did not think it safe, to let you go when you knew where I had been carried.” * “Ther cowld-blooded vill’in! But I’ll be.afther gettin’ aven with him.” ee ue “And so will I.” “Then we'll stick to each other on that.” ““Yes, and everything else.” x “Shake! ” a And they shook hands. Tom and Mike were not put on duty until next day, wile} with the exception of a little stiffness, they felt as Well as ever. A Captain Parker, finding them to be intelligent and gentle- ; manly, ‘treated them very kindly, and as they never shirked their work and were civil and ee Oe soon became “popular with the crew. es “The voyage ‘to ob or at least to the Bay of Bengals owas uneventful 5 “if he wants us; we can write next day. before attempting to pass the niioliodtondad sand- heads that surround the entrance of the river. The Clinton was actordingly. brought to anchor off. the island of Sangor, on which the unfortunate ‘Munro had nis head taken off by a tiger, many years ago. The island abounds in game, and Captain Parker had the cutter lowered, took Tom and Mike and a man to mind the boat, and started toward ig. abe intending to do a little hunting. , The whole party were armed with | repeating rifles and ee captain, Tom and Mike each ‘carried a revolver. As they were rowing along a huge creature with enormous . hat-like wings or fins, measuring twenty odd feet from tip — to tip, reared a portion of its body out of the water, close Ce the boat, and then plunged down with a splash. “The devil!” ejaculated Mike. “Not quite,” replied the captain, springing up and seizing ‘a three-pronged harpoon, attached to a small coil of rope, the other end of which was fastened to the bow of the boat, “but it is a devil-fish, or vampire of the oeean.” He had scarcely ceased speaking when the devil-fish arose again only a few feet distant. Up went the captain’s: arm, the harpoon whistled through’ the air and the ‘barbed points were buried deep in the back - of the monster. The next instant Captain Parker measured his length. on the bottom of the boat, which shot forward almost from barn his feet, y On feeling the harpoon.the devil-fish darted off like light- ning, dragging the boat after him. " Away dashed the frightened monster with the boat, around which the water hissed and foamed, tearing along in his wake. , “He cannot keep on at this rate long without coming to the top of the water,” said Captain Parker, “and then je can settle him with the rifles.” But the devil-fish showed no signs of tiring; it continued its flight with unabated speed, in a straight line, until it was within a few hundred yards of the mainland. Then, after tacking about here and there among the 1d sand islands, it started toward the open sea. , ' This change of direction caused the boat, which was going. at a high rate of speed, to strike upon a sand bar with such” violence that: the keel was deeply embedded in the yielding bi ‘substance and stuck fast. ~ 3 : But this did not stop the devil-fish for an instant; it, kept — on its way, snapping the rope attached to the harpoon as it it had been packthread. if The moment the rope broke the devil-fish, as if Senitifie’® in its eseape, threw itself out of the water high into the air. past Quick as a flash Tom’s rifle was at i i shoulder and poured — forth its deadly contents. ’ Down plunged ‘the devil-fish, but ditiodt immediately re- appeared on the surface of the sea with the blood gushing from a wound in its head. Hanis Hither and thither dashed the stricken monster, dyeing t le water with its blood and lashing the sea into foam with its” ‘powerful wings, until finally it turned on its back and with ‘¢ quivering fins and tail, sunk slowly out of sight. « “That was a quick shot and a good one,” said the captain to Tom; “the ball pierced the devil-fish’s’ brain or wee ‘would not have killed him.” iS . The tide was falling and the boat was 80 0 fast oan ‘that all ‘hopes of setting it off until high water was aband ned oe | In a short time the water fell so low that the capt be the two boys: were able to reach the mainland almost a é. above which, here & and thete “rose eocoannt an ie
Page 10
8 : ' THROUGH THICK AND THIN. “we must stay together and keep our wits about us, for we]’ may encounter a tiger, snake or centipede at any moment.” They moved forward cautiously, forcing their way through _the bamboos until they reached the edge of a comparatively open sbace, when they heard a deep, surly growl just in front of them. The whole party stopped as suddenly as if they had been paralyzed by that dreadful sound. “By heavens, it is a tiger!” said Captain Parker, cocking his rifle. “Stand firm, boys, and be ready to fire if he charges; it is our only chance—if we try to go back we are dead men.” CHAPTER V. THE TIGER AT BAY—WRECK OF THE “CLINTON.” There is something inexpressibly startling in encountering the tiger, that blood-thirsty and terrible tyrant of the jungle, in his native wilds. ; But Tom and Mike stood firm, with their fingers on the trig- /. gers of their rifles, ready to use them at a moment’s notice. A tiger, without it is a confirmed man-eater, will rarely ever attack a man in the daytime, except under peculiar cir- cumstances, and Captain Parker was in ea baat that the animal would sneak away. But in this he was disappointed, for another. growl was heard, followed by that switching of the tail which indicates a disposition to charge. “He intends to fight,” said the captain, in a low voice; “fire the instant you see him, and remember there is life or death - in every shot.” A low, rustling sound was heard, as if the tiger was creeping through the tall grass to get near enough to make bis fatal spring. It was a moment of terrible suspense, and every one’s nerves were strung up to the highest pitch. - \ Just as the rustling sound ceased Tom caught sight of the ‘ "tiger as it crouched to spring; quick as lightning he raised . his rifle and fired, lhe Uttering a roar, so terrific that the boldest trembled, the stricken monster sprang with a tremendous bound through the air, and fell at their feet, writhing in the agonies of death. At the same instant a native who had lain concealed by . the long grass only a few feet distant, and over whom the tiger had bounded, sprang to his feet, uttering startled ex- ‘clamations of astonishment. |_ “Tom, you are a hero!” said Captain Pughcar: wringing his hand. “In all probability that shot saved our lives.”+ “Be jabers, an’ it was a narrow escape entirely!” said Mike. . 3 “It is the man-eater,” said the native, looking at the dying Er tiger. “May dogs defile his father’s beard! .He had crept close to me as I slept in the grass, and if the Sahibs had not come when they did, Abdallah would now be among the Houris. Say At ‘is always dangerous to einen a fallen tiger until he is dead, for ‘they have frequently been known, when apparently “expiring, to strike down ‘and kill or maim men hae life, with a blow of their tremendous paws. Abdallah, who was a tall, athletic man, a the dress of a sikaree (hunter), picked up his long matchlock gun, and,} firing it into the tiger’s head, ended his struggles. f Then squatting on ‘the ground he gravely proceeded to singe “off, the animal’s whiskers with the lighted match. i ; “What - in. the mischief. are you doing that for?” asked Tom. | Sh ia Ie did not singe his. whiskers ‘the ane of the tiger wens a’ i e ki getting | shes for. the long and arduous: journey. “I don’t care about his ghost,” replied Tom, laughing, “but 1. will pay you to take off his skin for me.” “The sahib (gentleman) has saved Abdallah’s life, and he wants no pay for serving him,” answered the native, whipping ‘out a keen, sharp-pointed knife, and proceeding to skin the tiger with great dexterity and expedition. While thus engaged, he, in response to inquiries, stated that he was the chief of a tribe of Seedees who had been nearly exterminated during the Sepoy rebellion. Captain Parker explained to Tom and Mike that the Seedees | were a mild race, who inhabit the jungles of India, and that they were of African origin, being descendants of slaves who escaped from the early Portuguese settlers. About the time that Abdallah finished skinning the tleee the heavens became overcast and the air became filled with the scent of newly wet earth, which is o sure precursor ofa tempest in the tropics. “We must make haste to the boat and get on board of the Clinton; there is going to be a storm,” said Captain Parker, | leading the way, followed by the two boys and Abdallah, who carried. the tiger’s skin. A low, moaning sound was-heard as they hurried along, but there was not a breath of air stirring. Just as the party emerged from the jungle on to the beach there was a blinding flash. of lightning, a deafening peal of thunder, and then the wind, howling like a legion of demons let loose, swept over the sea, lashing it into wild sheets of foam. ; In an instant the cutter was overturned and swept away. The sailor who was left in chatee of it, however, had BiB dently come on shore. / But the loss of the boat was quickly forgotten in the ORs: templation of a much greater calamity. The Clinton dragged her, anchor, a violent gust of wind - threw her on her beam ends, and she drifted away at the mercy of the wind and waves, and was lost bane of in the plinding storm. “Poor fellows,” said Captain Parker, “T am afraid. ibe is: ail over with then but I would give my right hand to be On; board,” / ) “Pn thinkin’ it’s a tere deal betther to be on ther’ ian about this: time,” remarked Mike. “Oh, it is safer, of course, but a captain’s place is on his’ ship, particularly when there is danger.” As there was nothing to be accomplished by remalning « ex- | posed to the tempest, the whole party accompanied Abdallah’ to his hut, which was near at hand. — | a After drying their clothes and making a scanty peak a) ee bread, broiled venison and tropical fruits, they retired to’ rest on couches made of skins, and were soon sound asleep. The storm ceased before morning, and as soon as it was light) Captain Parker led the way to the beach and every one eagerly — scanned the sea in hopes of seeing the Clinton. But not a vestige of the ship could be discovered, and the - supposition was that she had gone Caw with every soul on. board. ‘ he 3 Captain Parker at once determined to make nis way to ‘ts — Caleutta, and Abdallah agreed to act’ as. ‘guide. ‘i Calcutta is situated on the Hoogly River, BREae a bunared miles front the sea. ey But persons traveling on land have to make a wide Nistods ag to ayoid the impenetrable marshy jungles which extend for many miles: along the banks of the river. i The rest of the day was ‘spent in cooking _provis one clon 1 hes party took a “ucts } (a glo
Page 11
from the pony’s pack and started to get some of the refreshing fluid. ‘Passing along a narrow path, trodden down through the thing upon. which to’ wreak his vengeance. . bushes and long grass by wild animals, he soon reached the _ He had not gone far before he saw the pony, rush ona es low, shelving bank of a wide, shallow stream. with blind fury, struek it and sent the luckless. animal flying i As he stooped to fill the calabash a huge crocodile tibet heels” over eee sta eeem: Susie projected a trom aeatapult. a ‘its black, ‘sealy snout above the surface of the water only | a - tew yards away and started toward hi | Tom had left his revolyer and rifle under the teak. tree, ‘so he started back from the threatened danger and turned to “fy: but had not proceeded a dozen paces when a crashing ‘sound was heard, as if ome heavy | animal was forcing its| way through the, tangl _brushwood, and an immense bison ae ee : eye, and instead stunning ‘the = ih the. group of men. ‘cheek: pee tor be hati Ab = gto a “small hes ee 5
Page 12
The rest of the party scattered and took refuge behind such | jarge trees as stood near at hand. Then there was a lively time. The bull pursued the sailor around the ois behind which ; he had sheltered himself. Captain Parker, Tom and Mike took adWantage of the op- portunity to discharge their rifles at the animal, which im- médiately dashed at the eaptain, who jumped behind his tree. .Then the sailor and the two boys fired at the bull, and he turned his attention to Tom, In this way the bull. kept charging “first one and then another of the party, and receiving shot after shot, the only effect of which seemed to be to increase his fury; for the bison is so tenacious of life that if its heart or brain is not struck scarcely any humber of wounds will disable or kill it immediately. i Knowing that his position was by no means ® safe one, THROUGH THICK | AND THIN. Ags Captain Parker and his .companions stood looking at this unexpected but pleasant scene, numerous dark forms were seen flitting noiselessly through the trees. Then ‘a score of half naked savages, armed with spears, swords and knives dashed into the opening, uttering blood- curdling yells, and made a furious attack upon the people about the tents. Taken completely by aaaaee. in less time than it takes in tell it, two of the white men were down, weltering in their blood, and five or six of the Hindoo attendants were butchered. “Thugs!” yelled Abdallah, his dark eye flashing. “Charge!” shouted Captain Parker, There were only five against twenty, but no one cared for the odds. Without a momént’s hesitation the small party swept down on the others like a whirlwind. Pe Delivering a volley with their rifles, at such close range Abdallah prudently kept silent, until becoming excited he'that every shot told,.and five of the villains bit the dust, ealled out to the others to aim their shots just behind the; Captain Parker and the boys drew their revolvers and Ab- bull’s shoulders. “This attracted the bull’s attention and he rushed like an dallah his’ keen-edged sword. ~The fight.that followed was close and deadly; the crack of * avalanche against the small treein which Abdallah was, fell-| the revolvers was almost incessant, the sailor armed with a ; ing it to the ‘ground as if it had been struck by lightning. | hatehet did valiant service, while Abdallah with his SORT. Entangled among the branches, Abdallah was perfectly help- laid about him like a fiend incarnate. less. a With lowered head the bull dashéd at him—in another mo- ment he will be a mangled corpse. But Mike, who is just beyond the helpless Abdallah, with | _ the characteristic bravery of an Irishman, steps recklessly out | | i Nor did their antagonists shun the encounter or give oan j an inch; the Hindoo when aroused has no fear of death, and ~ the Thugs are the bravest and most desperate of the race, Tn a few secohds the sailor was down and Abdallah wounded. The result of the encounter seemed to tremble as it were in “in. ffont of the charging bull and fires point blank at the fore- | a balance, when another band of some twenty-five Savages ne head of the ferocious, creature. ‘The ball flattens against the thick skull of the bull, merely | “bringing him to his knees, and he is on his feet again in an Abe instant as dangerous as ever; but before he can make a single ‘torture and death,” bound Tom sends a bullet through his heart. : _ €he enormous brute plunges heavily forward, falls almost , on top of Abdallah, with a shock that makes the earth tremble, utters a deep groan and expires. “Furr ah—hurrah! he’s dead—he’s dead!” simultaneously shouted every one. Bi Abdallah extricated himself from ‘the fallen tree, unhurt, but was so much moved that lie could searcely find words to “express his’ ‘gratitude to his preservers. The assurance of his safety lifted a great weight off of the thinds of the rest, of the party, for they knew that without a guide it would’ be very difficult to make their way out of the _fungle. F To the oecicthoane of every ue the pony, with the ex- . eeption of a few bruises, was uninjured; its life was ‘saved “by the skins strapped On it, which prevented the bison’s horns _ from penetrating. : This was a pleasant surprise, indeed; for the idea of packing “the skins and provisions was anything but agreeable. — ‘Toward evening the party, refreshed by the halt, continued their “march. epee DiC Jengthening. sneadwa of the trees waneol them that it q aad time’ to prep their camp for the night, when a sudden - opening among thé trees brought them to. the edge of an open _ glade, some’ hundred yards in diameter, surrounded by teak and tamarind trees. % were: ‘several tents, . Bullocks, BESS ponies: Horses, gard a stately Men Bas were picketed near at hand. Numerous ‘Hindoos in. picturesque. deboiined were moving ‘about, or squatted on the ground, ee ‘ont, of the ers sce mute men ‘were Jonneing, ctiat- ting: " L f ‘Under the shade of an immense banyan tree, near the bari of a clear stream that wound its way through the opening, . Sa ee ‘the newcomers were friends; then finding that they were as- and the two boys examined the! ‘sailor and Noni begs: burst from the woods and rushed toward the Combatants, yell- ing and brandishing their weapons. “Die fighting!” shouted Captain Be i “Surrender means * ‘atx Tom and Mike never flinched, but Abdallah, a Fees a wil, shrill yell, sprang away from the group as if to fly. igh : CHAPTER: VIL. : a Pah: 3 mmueuteks OF THE TS ee BLACK HAG, if. The first impression of Tom and his friends was that a. dallah meant to desert them. Wet But to their astonishment Abdallah sprang toward the ap- proaching savages, who gave & shout when they. saw shim, placed himself at their heads and fell upon. the Thugs with the greatest fury. - He had recognized the ae party as friends, and fear- ing that if he remained among the struggling combatants he might be mistaken for an enemy and cut down, sprang away’ from them so that he might be known. , maith He : The Thugs, up to ‘the time they were ‘aitaskedy ‘thought Wee sailed by an overwhelming force of their most deadly enemies endeavored to escape, but were cut down to a man, No quarter was given, and the fight ended in a mass: which Captain Parker and the two could not. prevent. | It was, perhaps, best so, for ‘Thues practice murde sacred principle, and. would regard it as meritorious t to dagger into the heart of a. ey, who had saci saved or 8 their lives. iS been felled by a blow which a but did. ee senle :
Page 13
‘THROUGH THICK AND THIN. — Pi a Sd shire pode Such of the Hindoo attendants as were not killed at ing! first onset of the Thugs, had fled to the forest for safety. when he was {ndsemad that the party consisted of the ‘best men in Abdallah’s tribe, who were on a hostile expeniiten Two of the white men were covered with wounds, and; against the Thugs.- quite dead; the other was leaning against a tree, completely exhausted by the almost superhuman exertions he had put forth to defend himself from several of the Thugs, who made a determined attempt to kill him while the fight was going on. The rescued man, a keen-eyed, middle-aged, gentlemanly looking personage asked for water, and after drinking, thanked _ Captain Parker and the two boys for their timely aid, fue inquired where they were from. After being informed on these points, and of the occurrences which/led to their opportune arrival, he said: “J, like yourselves, ami’an American; my name is Clark; by profession I'am a physician, but have spent most of my life in traveling and exploring. ; “Intending to penetrate into the interior of Africa, I de-| termined to take with me some tame elephants and a party of hunters from India. “To procure these I came to Calcutta, where my vessel, the ‘Falcon, now lies moored. “Blephants and mahouts were readily proctired in Calcutta, but I was informed that good, reliable hunters could only be found in the country; as I wished to see the men before en- gaging them, I came to look them up myself. Captain Bostock, commander of the Falcon, and my traveling companion, Mr. Russell, accompanied me; poor fellows, they dare lying dead before you. ‘a Tn’ conclusion, Dr;,Clark said: “Captain Parker, if your vessel is lost I will offer you the command of the Falcon, ea te os gallant young friends wigh for some adventures, and will join the expedition, I will = “try and make it both pleasant and profitable for them.” The captain, Tom and Mike thanked him, and the doctor suggested that, as it was too late to,move the camp, some disposition be made of the corpses at once, for speedy burial of the dead is the safety of the living in India. The little glade which a short time before looked so smil- ing and peaceful in the bright sunshine, now presented a ghastly. spectacle, ; Two white men and six of the Hindoo servants lay welter- ing in their blood near the tents, while here and there, just as they were killed by the first volley, fell fighting, or were overtaken and cut down in their retreat, were the bodies. of twenty Thugs, contorted in ey conceivable position ad the agonies of death. “The Hindoo attendants who fled to the forest, havind with some difficulty been recalled, they were set to digging graves, - As soon as they completed their task the bodies of Captain Bostock, Mr. Russell and the attendants who were slain were} ‘committed to the earth. ae ; f “As for the dead Thugs, the Seedees threw them into the jungle, where the wild dogs, wolves and jackalls were heard all through the night, snarling and fighting as thee the the bodies to pieces and feasted on ‘them. When Abdallah found ont that Dr. Clark wished to engage} | China,’ ” replied the doctor; "you observe, has some teeth ‘to show if fighting a623 necessa hunters, he at once “offered to go with him to Africa, and oe said that he could procure all the men that were wanted. ‘He also stated that his father, previous to his_ capture ‘and sale as a slave, was king, of the Bechuana tribe known as the Bataw, which signifies “they of the lion,” and that the tribe - would be his firm friends if he went back to Africa. Dr. Clark, knowing the Seedees were the bravest and best _ hunters in India, engaged him at once ‘and authorized him’ to employ: bw eney Ee, good (erste ( iain Parker formally placed in command. The day was now fast drawing to a close. A ea breeze sprang up, and at times the ery of wild creatures beginning 107 stir in the jingle was heard. _ ‘Firewood was collected, and other piapemiene made ‘tor the night. — Abdallah took occasion to inform. Tom and Mike, privately, after binding them to secrecy, that his father had left a large | treastire concealed in Africa, which he expected to ‘recover, in which eVent he intended to eh yd them both rich for having. | saved his life. The short twilight of the tropics was followed by intense darkness; supper was eaten, a guard posted, with inistrue- tions to. keep the fires going, and the rest of the party. te- tired to rest. Fatigued by the march and the exciting scenes they ‘bad gone through, Tom and Mike, who occupied a tent together, after a little conversation, half in jest, half in earnest, about the fortunes Abdallah proposed to give them, fell asleep and slumbered soundly, though the howl of the wolf, the sharp : bark of the jackal and the sullen roar of the tiger rang out with startling distinctness near at hand. y At daylight the next morning the camp was astir, enti! was eaten, tents struck, baggage packed, and the party started for Caleutta. Captain Parker and the eo ite were mounted on horses furnished by Doctor Clark. Abdallah’s luggage was placed on one of the pullocks, and. he rode his pony; the rest of the natives sa oe In five days they reached Calcutta, , Captain Parker went to the office of the. United State Gone ) and ascertained that the Clinton was driven ashore and went 3 to pieces during the storm, and all on board were lost. Captain Parker at once notified Doctor Clark’ that he ‘would accept the command of the Falcon. The captain’s determination decided Tom and Mike, who had more than half made’ up their minds to Bo with the doc peaihe tor, anyway. } That afternoon Doctor Clark, Captain Parker and the two. ae boys took a boat to go to the Falcon, which was lying in es upper part of Garden Reach. “There she is!” cried the doctor, pointing’ +o a vessel moor- éd in the stream. “Is not she a beauty? She sits on the water like a duck. (ide i Ape The Falcon was indeed a handsome aig) She was clipper built, and the copper on her sharp bows and beautiful . run, shone like purnished gold, ae | ieee They were soon on her flush and level deck, and found that she was heavily armed, carrying sixteen twenty-four pound — ron carronades, eight of a Side, four thirty-two ‘pounders as. bow. and stern chasers, ‘and a Etats asd eitod gun, mounted on a, pivot amidships. ca “Why, she is a regular war vessel! ” said Captain Parker, “She was built and armed for the ‘Opium Trade ith “she sails like a witch, and, : ; dé The crew, consisting | of fifty fine, active-looking men, ‘were mustered, informed of the death of Captain Bostock, a ard The. vessel remained several days ‘longer, dunia whi ‘Tom and. Mike. saw everything worthy of note in Calentta, “The City of Palaces. ioe ets length everything was on board, and the Falcon dropped 2 Dogly to the sea a é h
Page 14
12 THROUGH THICK AND! THIN. Parker, who was formerly a captain in the United States navy, The order was obeyed and the men, who were instructed rigorously drilled the men at the guns and in handling the: not to show themselves, were grouped, some around the guns, ship, the Falcon arrived at Cape Town and came to anchor, with their jackets off and ecutlasses girded on, while others— __ in the harbor. the small-arm men—were lying on the deck, concealed by the _ Here the ship remained three days, during which acclimated | quarters, with loaded muskets in their hands. horses and various other things were purchased. The two vessels neared each other; the pirate was swarming Everything having been stowed away, the anchor was| with men, with boarding-pike and cutlass in hand; they were ’ weighed and the vessel started up the westrn coast of Africa. | crowded at quarters, on the forecastle and poop, until there — About eight days afterward the Falcon was gliding along | scarcely appeared to be standing room. under easy sail in sight of land, when a man in the’ main- When within half-musket shot the pirate abandoned the’ top sang out: : ’ idea of boarding and put his helm to port, with the intention of “Sail ho!” passing under the stern of the Falcon, and raking her. ; “Where away?” asked Captain Parker, who was on the quar- To prevent this the Falcon was luffed up sharp in the | ter-deck with Doctor Clark and Tom Gale. wind, and her broadside and a volley of small arms poured “Broad on the weather-bow.” into the crowded mass on the pirate’s deck, mowing them “What does she look like?” down like grass. i : “Can't rightly say, sir; she i8 too far off.” ' —Dhe effect of the broadside was terrific; the decks were con- ' “Spears,-jump forward and see what you can make of her | vérted into a very shambles, while the blood gushed and from the foreyard,” gurgled through her souppers and ran down her sides in At the ery of a sail, Mike, Abdallah and many others came] horrible streams. on deck. A miugled sound of cries, groans and curses arose, and far ~ The man in the main-top again sang out: aboye it and more prolonged was heard a. piercing yell, and ~ “She is a large schooner, on the same:tack; I can see her] then a long, ‘melancholy howl. fee plainly.” “Slaves on board! I’ know that sound well!” muttered And almost immediately Ben Spears, the boatswain, hailed | poctor Clark, ; ; paw eh ce the foreyard: “The strange sail is bearing up, sir.” The broadside was promptly returned, but in the con- ; Ah right, ay. pan come down; 1 eam. make “Her-ouy fem | fusion of the moment the guns were ot iba well and very (the deck, now. little damage was done. - “What-do you think she is?” asked Doctor Clark, after the *Dowa with the dla salen ee come *round,” said Cap- captain had taken a long look at the vessel through his glass. teh aaaiear: sis “T cannot tell; she does not look like a cruiser, and if she | wat |' The Falcon stood right across the stern of the pirationl is not, her motions are suspicious; we cannot be too cautious | 4m these waters. Tom, order the drummer to beat to quarters.” | Vessel, within thirty yards of her spanker-boom, and roked ad her with a perfect storm of shot from the pivot-gun and ~ As goon as the sharp, quick roll of the drum was heard, officers and men sprang to their proper places as promptly and iarboard broadside, to which she could. only pans with her -/ * with as little confusion as there would have been.on a man- | '¥ Sterm-chasers and small arms, : Stra a ‘ But the pirate soon drew out from under the fire, wore | ve ship : : j f and endeavored to lay aboard of the Falcon. ENG X The guns were cast loose, and. shotted, ready to be run out, But she’was kept away, and £hie-twd nensels ran along, si ay if “yin sapacha handled, boarding-pikes unlashed, and small arms), side, exchanging murderous broadsides, at pistol-shot dis- — onded and placed in the racks. tance, until they wére so completely enveloped ina dense iy Pree es the Saleen, Nosead srOe he et eee put ah cloud of smoke that their positions were only indicated by the : ' mysterious stranger showed no colors. She came bowling dashes. of the kung: along under a crowd of sail, as if she had been an albatross 3 a over the surface of the sea. The fire of the pirate gradually slackened, ana then wba i 4 “She certainly means mischief,” ‘said Captain Parker Ms altogether; the Falcon drew ahead, ceased firing and’ lay-to. vai Tom, who, with Mike and Abdallah, had been doing good Doctor Clark, who approached him, accompanied by Tom, Mike and Abdallah, all of them having cutlasses buckled service with their rifles, approached | ‘Captain Parker and asked: ines Beet cis ie aa around their waists, and rifles in their hands. } “Why do you not open fire on her?” asked the doctor. “Do you think she has struck her colors?” | “I wish them to show their hands first. Forecastle there! | “I cannot say,” was the reply; “we will sedan? until the ‘Mr, Spears, is the boat gun loaded?” smoke’ lifts, and then we shall see. de, j “Aye, aye, sir!” The smoke cleared away a little and the pirate was. seen, “Then throw a shot across her bow!” standing in toward the shore; the Falcon followed, pee ig ‘Bang went the gun, and the shot ricochetted along the| Shot into her with her pivot gun and bow chasers. water about a cable’s length ahead of the approaching vessel. |» The pirate was apparently running into dedinuerionta long, | "The smoke had scarcely cleared away when a round ball iow line of reefs, over which the breakers dashed and ene lay directly in her course, about a mile from shore. Pits Weatlew ang, ~~ shot up to the head of her main-mast; the lanyard was jerked and ‘the next instant the black flag fluttered in the ‘breeze. “Ho will be lost; I expect to see her dae ssubeed moment," ‘ i said Doctor Clark. G fant But Captain Parker shook his head ee replied: “That fellow. ‘knows what he is about.” The vessel dashed into the ‘breakers, and Sh an tide were flashing all around ‘ner. : if "Those on the Falcon held their: ce and darcilaes “She: strikes! Yest No, she has eared them!” | ‘CHAPTER VIIL iio vessel bore straight down on the ‘Waleon, evi- ; intending to lay her aboard. hs , fet 2: ar the shot in each of th sons i th water ‘beyond and into, the hea island from | ai
Page 15
a THROUGH THICKS AND THIN. 2 an 13 with the exception of the tops of her masts, by the island in| fore-part of the cabin, seated himself, took a cigar from a front. “What shall we do now, Doctor Clark?” asked Captain Parker. “I do not like to leave the fellow, and weuld not care to risk the Falcon in the breakers.” “Board her in the boat, by all means,” promptly replied the doctor. ; “Just my idea exactly, but as it is likely to be pretty sharp work I preferred to have thevsuggestion come from you. Boarders, away!” The ropes rattled through the davit blocks and three boats splashed into the water; the men were told off and entered them, armed with pistols and cutlasses. : ; ‘Tom Gale, who was accompanied by Mike and Abdallah, commanded one, Captain Parker another, and the second mate of the Falcon the third. “Give way, my lads, and keep behind the island as long as possible,” said the captain. Following the course which had*been pursued by the pirates the reef was passed without difficulty; as the boats rounded the end of the island a gun loaded with grape-shot was fired at them, but fortunately was not depressed sufficiently, and the"¢harge passed over their heads. “Give way, men, with a will!” The boats dashed up on either side of the vessel hooked on, and the men, led by Tom, Captain Parker and the mate, scrambled up the sides, jumped on deck and engaged in a furious hand-to-hand fight with a villainous+looking set of desperadoes, armed with knives, boardiig-pikes and cutlasses. The men soon became so mixed that it was difficult to strike a blow without the risk of cutting down a friend. But under the determined lead of Captain Parker, Tom and Mike, who acted like heroes, the crew of the Falcon Erpduaity, forced the pirates back. The pirate captain, a tall, swarthy man, with a sash around his waist and a red fez cap on his head, fought desperately, encouraging his men, until a sudden rush separated him from them when Tom sprang forward with the bound of a tiger and attacked him fiercely. Tom was a fine swordsman, but soon found that he had met his’ equal. For some time they cut, thrust and parried, without either gaining any advantage, when the foot of the pirate slipped in the blood with which the deck was drenched, and before he could recover himself ‘Tom brought him to his knees with a terrific cut on the head, which would have split his skull if the thick felt of his cap had not in some measure deadened the force of the blow. ; As it was he was stunned and dropped his sword. “Surrender!” said) Tom, “or you are a dead man!” Quick as lightning the pirate drew a pistol from his belt, "aed full. at Tom’s head, the ball just grazing his cheek, | darted back and disappeared down the companionway, closely pursued by Tom. Mike, who had witnessed the conclusion of the combat, followed close behind. The pirate entered his cabin, and betane Tom could erent him, closed,and locked the door. Without pausing to parley, Tom and Mike broke it ‘open and entered. « “The fore-part was divided from the aft-part of the cabin by a bulkhead; in it was a door, fastened on the other side, tg which the pirate captain, with a long, keen dagger in his _hand, was attempting to force. “Drop that knife, you villain! ” shouted Tom, covering him ey with, a, pistol. — ‘ fi. Het threw the dagger on the floor, and, saying, A entiwiti: am your Delson es: do with me as yn ua a tiaecar to the} “punch on the table, lit it and began to smoke. The sound of the conffict on deck ceased, the pirates hay- ing been killed, disabled or captured. Captain Parker ‘and a ieigiitiost of his men came trooping into the cabin. “The vessel is ours, Tom,” said the captain. Before any reply could be made the pirate captain stopped and touched with the live coal on his cigar what looked like the end of a small rope, projecting through the bulkhead at the front end of the cabin; there was a slight flash and a sparkle, and it disappeared, leaving a strong scent of burning powder. In an instant Tom had the pirate by the throat with one hand, drew a pistol with the other and yelled: “What is that, you rascal?” The pirate, who was nearly throttled by the grasp, turned toward him, and his face, over which the blood from his wounded head was slowly trickling lit up with a glare of fiendish malignity, as he hissed out: : “I have fired the magazine and in less than three minutes ~ we will all be blown into eternity!” “T will not go in company with such a scoundrel as. you are!” answered Tom as he pressed the trigger of his pistol; tien dashing the pirate from him with his brains blown out, a quivering corpse, he shouted: “To the boats, men!” But they needed no bidding, and were already tumbling up cn deck. Tom and Mike, being the furthest from the cabin door, were the last to reach it; they were just passing through it when from the aft cabin there rang out a long, piercing shriek, such as can only issue from the lips of a woman in extreme peril. — Tom, followed by Mike, rushed ecg to the door and shaking it, said: “Open the door, quick; we are friends.” “The bolt is bent and will not slide,” replied a voice ean” the inside. *Stand out of the way, then; now, Mike!” And the two hurled themselyes against the door with such force that it was dashed from its hinges, and they were car- ried forward into the cabin by the- impetus. An exquisitely beautiful girl, robed in white, with her long, gelden hair streaming over her shoulders in wild confusion. Ly clasping a child to her breast, threw herself at Tom’s feet, ex- claiming in tones of abject terror: i é “Save us! Save us from the pirate!” a Another young woman, quite small and very pretty, was lying on a sofa in a dead faint. : It was no time for ceremony. Tom took the child on one arm and placing the other around the fair suppliant, carried, rather than supported her on deck. a : Mike picked up the insensible little fairy and followed. The reseue of the women did not take more than a minute, — ‘but when Mike reached the deck he saw the boats nearly BRS men pulling as if they would crack their sinews in their ; eagerness | to escape the impending danger. ay put the child down on the deck ‘and stood BuPpOrtRE his’ female companion. oe “Overboard with ye! Jump overboard! Sure, it’s our only - chance!” shouted Mike, rushing toward the side of the vessel. _ But Tom barred his way, and, as he wried to Base, sald a: a ‘voice of thunder: — “Hold! > on your life, look!” and potabed to the we ~ Mike: gave one glance a recoiled « as Bie his sight ha blasted. a i “Mer riited den wotiet A hundred yards off, darting away in different directions, the iis Tom, who had run to the gangway, seeing that he was left, x
Page 16
v 14 AND THIN. Saree THROUGH THICK " mentarily expected to plow up, was beneath their feet, and! safe distance, were lying on their oars expecins to. see the a the sea avound the vessel was red with blood and alive with | vessel blown up. ae Shoals of huge, ferocious sharks, who lashed the water fata When they saw the stars and stripes. they set up.a. Shank crimson foam, as they tore to pieces the dead men who. had} that mmade the welkin ring, rowed back to the vessel and came fallen, or been thrown overboard, and struggled and fought | on board. 3 ‘ an for the fragments. CHAPTER IX. IN THE JAWS OF DEATH. ~ ‘It seemed as if no help could come from man, and that there * was little time to make’ their peace with God. - Most men, under the circumstances,. would have abandoned themselves to despair. But Tom was not a boy to remain idle when there was the _ ghost of a chance to do anything. _ Releasing his hold on the girl, who immediately fell on her knees and commenced praying, he darted down below. Mike placed his insensible burden on the deck and followed. | He had no idea what Tom’s object. was, but. meant to stick ' . to him under all circumstances. ‘ Tom hurried to the magazine, and, finding the door open, ~ stepped in. - springing over the body of a man who lay in-his way: Tom i ‘clapped his foot on the lighted end of the rope. Yes Then grasping the rope with his hand he jerked’ the other}. end of it out of a@ hole through which it was thrust into, a ‘barrel of powder. | { soe rs fe At that moment Mike made his AupeeraneS at the door of the magazine. z oy * Tnick!” said Tom; “bring a bucket of water.” Ff , Mike rushed on deck, seized ‘one of the buckets with a rope “attached, ‘used for drawing water to wash the deck with, threw } 98 _\ it over the side, drew it up, full, and” was back to the nisee nay in the twinkling of an eye. » nef ee “Pour the water over this fuse, ” said Tom, “snd around my ; foot. fe _ Mike complied, and then ‘Towi said: “Thank God, we are safe!” Mike clasped’ his hand and wrung tte? “Por: nearly a minute neither of them vag their feelings _ were too deep for words. x os hes long. eae ; - fast; if it had been “a ‘little quicker I would have been too late.” “Ts red with blood, an’ that’s the rayson. ther fire didn’t rache » ther powther.” — eed examination revealed tthe fact that the head of the * man who lay dead on the floor. had been taken off by a cannon- make it burn slowly. { But for this accident and. Tom’s mrenigt: action, the pirate up the vessel. 12 i Se eck. and found that the girl Mike had brought, 0 out of the j ae had regained consciousness. : on as they had assured Wire two females ‘of taein safet ‘The sparkling of the ignited tuse- -rope caught nis * eye; ! nee luck to. thim,” ; of the ship; it was” ‘Yemoved, Bnd she was pecciatie®: aN Ae “Sure, an’ there was no. toime to ’splane,” said Mike, picking : up the ¥emnant of the fuse-rope, which ‘was tee than two. feet | : No, id replied Tom, “it was a close. shave; the fuse felt damp / y when I ‘caught hold of 9 and it did not. seem to burn very: " board; after some consultation itawas determined to pr eed Aes ball, and his blood had dampened ie aaa sufficiently to’ they ran into a-bay and:came to: ben ptain would have succeeded in his diabolical attempt to blow } if er. Joeking the door of the magazine: Tom’ and Mike’ went Tom explained what ae happened, and they gave hes cheers for him. After complimenting the two boys and congratulating them: er upon their safety, Captain Parker said: “We tumbled into the boats promiscnously me ‘aia not know you were left behind until it was too-late to return; as — things turned out, however, it was very fortunate that you ~ remained on board.” | he The men were at once set to work splicing the ete and plugging the shot holes in the vessel, while Captain Parker, Tom and Mike, after conducting the girls back to their anbit examined the prize. ~ i “Mikes” said Tom, as he looked at the dead pirate captain, ‘f * “I think I have eee. this man before to-day.” - “Be jabbers an’ ye may well say so, ” replied Mike. “| re ; mimber him meself, now, by the token that he’s ther 4 who tould Saul Harris an’, ther other villain ‘to be quick: we len they went ter hang us, and get back to ther ship.” 1% : ; “You. are right; I wonder, where Saul and his companion are? I did not see either of them in the fight. ed “It’s more than ‘loikely that ey stayed in New ‘York “Very probably they did.” i 5, Wel ea : Yom and Mike were mistaken as to’the wheheabontar of Se and Ortega, but they were right about Captain Butler. ra A piece of blackened canvas was found nailed over the name the Harpy. ; The ship was well stocked “with pels pee and ammunitior ‘and there was a large quantity of different kinds of, goods on: ‘board, indicating that several vessels had been: plundered. in the hold upward of a hundred negro men were found shackled. a : Their irons were knocked off, ‘and Abdallah, on speaking 2 them, found that they nearly all pereneed to thesia ‘of which ) his father was once king. ; pe The delight of the mene on - beitig gee t: th evineed at meeting the son of their. old king. In a few. hours the shot holes were B pRnEES. oe pretty well patched up. aa BNL The anchor was weighed, Sa ils Say and. the: ; ried out to where’ the Falcon was. lying-to. ins Doctor Clark, who had remained on the: Falcon, the coast to the first. place that afforded a good ncho Be; give the two ships _ a thorough overhauling. | Leaving T¢m,_ Mike and. enough men und second mate on the Harpy to _mavigate cher; Ga and the doctor returned to the Falcon. eLip The two vessels sailed along near ‘aden: began. to set in, with every Indication of ba ne sige Ww ather,
Page 17
When the tide arose the tempest was at its height, and eas sight was awful. it was impossible to stand on deck without aiheiae to the rigging. The bursts of wind came almost with the force of cannon shot, and a driving rain smote with the keenness of hail. A low, grating noise mingled with the roar of the breakers; the vessel was moving in spite of the anchor and cable. There was a moment of breathless suspense, and then there burst forth a ery of terror and despair. “She is dragging her anchor! We are lost—we are lost!” The anchor caught again, but a violent plunge of the ship. snapped the cable and the storm had the Harpy at its mercy. The sea was White with its own dashings, and every moun- tain surge that swept to the shore was edged with light. As the Harpy was driving onward with fearful speed, through the,/sea of phosphorus and foam, a huge corposant formed on the héad of the main-mast and shed a ghastly, ‘unnatural light over the helpless vessel. The roar of the breakers became nearer and more distinct avery moment. Then there was a violent crash and the ship staggered as if smitten by some unearthly power below. Then the ship was hurled forward with threefold violence, the breakers dashing over her and lifting her up and again dashing her down with such fury that it seemed impossible for her to hold together a moment. But. she continued to forge onward, and after a few minutes ceased to strike the bottom! ~“*Heave the lead!” was the cry: It was done; ‘and the leadsman sang out: “Hight fathoms, clay bottom!” “Tet go the anchor.” ; One of, the bow anchors was dropped; it held, ae the Harpy swung around with her head to the wind, — The Harpy had evidently forged over a bar of some kind into a position where she was to some degree protected from the wind, though the waves ran so high that. fey occasionally broke over her. The well was sounded and it was found that notwithstanding the tremendous ponding she had received the vessel was not leaking. : “Weare comparatively safe,” said Tom, who, with Mike, had remained on deck. “I wish I knew that the Falcon was M . as well off.” «Heaven. preserve us or we are lost!” ejaculated Mike. ‘The crew uttered yells of terror and ran about the iti . ag if bereft of reason. A. flash of lightning showed the Falcon with : a lurid distinct- ness infinitely clearer than day as she arose on the crest of a huge billow and came dashing down like an avalanche on the Harpy. —_—_ CHAPTER x. ALMOST KUN DOWN—THE nnsquED MAIDEN. The vivid flash of lightning which showed the Palbon bear ing down on them, was followed by intense darkness. ves ; Unable to! do anything to avert the destruction that threat- ened them, Tom and Mike awaited their fate in breathless ‘suspense. And mow above the peepee of the storm was heard oe - rush and roar of the water around the bow of the cere as. _ she dashed onward with the speed of a race horse. t "Then there was a deafening crash and a ' terrible: anise that threw every one prostrate, ans i ‘ “The | ‘Harpy, “wrembling: cor leat, heeled c over ¢ THROUGH THICK AND “THIN. Sy : ‘the two girls, who, after thanking them; retired to rest in /} touch. Captain Parker and Doctor Clark came on board of the Harpy so far that the waves éd her deck from stem to stern, while her shivered yards and broken rigging nation down like hail. : { For a moment or two it seemed as if the ship a capsize then she righted and rode’on an even keel. — Everything’ was in the wildest confusion on ee and it was dangerous to be on deck, for the furious wind made the parted rigging thrash about like gigantic whips. | ; 4 “All hands to clear the wreck!” was the cry, and bee men r set to Work with a will. + It was soon discovered that a portion of the rail had been © carried away, some of the yards broken off and the rigging badly damaged, otherwise the Harpy was uninjured.’ Soon after the collision the Falcon, which was very little injured by ‘it, came to anchor. There was no more lightning, for the storm Had begun to subside, so those on the Falcon did not epi whether the Harpy had been run down or not, * The fiash of lightning that showed those on board the BarEy thejr danger, saved them. The bottom of the bay where the two vessels anchored was hard rock, upon which the anchors would not take hold.” _ At the height of the storm, when there was high- Barca? the Falcon commenced to drag her anchor. The ship was so completely embayed that there was no chance to claw off, and there was feet prospect of her going ‘ on a dangerous lee-shore. Regarding the loss of the vessel as inevitable; Captain Parker, being a prudent commander. and thorough sailor, immediately proceeded to do everything ge dae ae save the lives of the crew. — The main and mizzen masts were cut away, the bi slip- ped, and the Falcon run right before the wind and waves, with all the canvas that possibly could be set,/and on toward the part of the shore which the lightning showed to be the lowest. — Owing to her ‘being lightened by the cutting away of the 73 masts, and the momentum which she gained by running before the wind under sail, the Falcon forged over the bar wits much less bumping than the Harpy received. ~~ Ham On discovering that he was about to run the’ latter vessel down, Captain Parker sang out: “Port the helm; ” and short ‘as the distance was between the two ships the Falcon changed’ her course enough to make their contact deen pian some though the shock was severe, This could not have been Acaaeealanied jais the positions of the vessels been different, but the Harpy was riding with’ her) head to the wind, aud the Falcon was Si seth 7 be- — fore it. As soon as Tom and Mike were iatigies that the Harpy: wale” safe, they went down to the ¢abin and quieted the “fears of the inner cabin. Tom and Mike took hokeaalen of the eonit ‘cabin, nye ps they did not know what had become of the Falcon, they were too anxious about thelr: friends on board of ais to anil oe cA The two boys were on idee long before’ it sradhitghd ‘peer ing anxiously syed the ‘gloom bg hones of pamigiaiicd th ship. f 5 ary Da When day broke, to their eae ait chev saw the ‘Falcon lying at anegor only a few hundred yards: away. se tas A few minutes later one ot her boats was lowered dail ‘They. were received at the gangway by Tom ‘and Mike. After: mutual congratulations upon their safety, and some “tale ie about the oceurrences hg the. night, ae baie an to examine the ship. ek 180 While thus: engaged one of the satiors ee tha ak Swear? 5 fast was mete, patra ee Ae Se
Page 18
16 : THROUGH THICK AND THIN. t they found a luxurious repast which had been prepared from the pirate’s abundant supplies. Before sitting down to the table, Tom, after consulting Doctor Clark, knocked at the door of the inner cabin and inyited the two girls to join them at breakfast. The invitation was accepted, and in a few minutes the girls made their appearance, bringing the little boy with them. They were a littlé timid at first,.but the kind and courteous manner in which they were treated soon put them at their ease. After breakfast Doctor Clark said: ‘*My dear young ladies, we would be pleased to know whom we have the honor of entertaining, and how you happened to fall into the hands of the pirates?” The girl that Tom carried on deck the day before replied: “My name is Marie. I am the daughter of Count Robert de Castlemain, of Normandy, France. This is my cousin, Louise Ashton, and the little boy is my brother, Orlando.” “Mademoiselle, you speak English with great purity,” said Captain Parker. “My mother is an American,” Cousin Louise. “About six months ago,” continued Marie, “my grandfather died, and my father succeeded to the title and estates of the family. “As soon as my father could arrange his affairs he had his yacht, the L’Orient, fitted out for a long voyage, employed a strong crew and sailed for Africa, bringing. his family and Cousin Louise with him. “His object was to have a thorough search made for my Uncle Henri, who some years ago’ came to this country and had never been heard of afterward. “We reached Africa without accident, and coasted along the shore, stopping at various places, sent parties into the interior, and tried to get some intelligence about Uncle Henri in every way we could think of. ; “But we were unsuccessful, and about ten days ago the vdelit was captured by the pirates on the Harpy. “They kept the American flag flying until they were so close that we could not escape. ‘Then they came on the L’Orient in such numbers the most of our crew were soon killed and my father and the rest of his men overpowered. “Immediately after the capture of the yacht the two vessels -. were run in close to the shore, and anchored. “Father and the other men were heavily ironed and thrust down into the hold. “Mother, Cousin Louise, Orlando and myself were allowed to stay in the cabin, but Captain Butler, commander of the . Harpy, Ortega, his first mate and a young man named Harris, whe ‘seemed to have no command, but was intimate with R Ortega, were constantly intruding on us and. were very offen- sive and insulting. “The pirates spent a week trading with the natives, who ' came to the shore in great numbers, but very few of whom ‘were allowed to come on the vessels. , “Then father, mother and the captured sailors were sent -. on shore and delivered to the sdvages. “Louise and myself begged that we might go with them, but the pirates jeered at our prayers, brought us, with little - Orlando, on board of the Harpy, and confined us.in the ds ke cabin. A replied Marie, “and so is “That afternoon Captain Butler and Ortega had an fee ye i dispute in the main cabin. _ “Threre are cracks in the partition and we could see and hear everything that transpired. ‘ _ *The captain and Ortega: both wished to marry me in. order a to secure my father’ (- fortune; - and each eee to divide the broperty, bach the other. eae * But neither of them was willing to trust the other; Ortega was equally as determined as the captain, and words ran so high that we thought they would come to blows. “After wrangling a while, Ortega said: “Let Saul Harris marry the girl, leave her with you, go to | Hrance, carrying proofs of his marriage and of the death of , her parents, sell the property and return with the money. 1’ll go with him and he dare not play me false,’ “To this proposition the captain finally agreed. Harris was called down into the cabin and eagerly promised to do what was required of him. “Some papers were drawn up and signed and all the details of their horrible plan. discussed. “Saul Harris, though quite young, seemed to be the most cold-blooded and Heartless, for he even suggested that he should carry the corpses of my dear parents with him to france, to prove that they were dead. “Oh! wasn’t it terrible?” asked Marie, giving way to he feelings and burying her tearful face in her hands. “Horrible—horrible—horrible indeed! ” ejaculated her dopey interested listeners. ee “It was devilish!” said Doctor Clark, SiG atee “The utter heartlessness of a villain who deliberately proposed to use the remains of his murdered victims wi perpetrate a fraud ~~ is almost beyond conception.” “J wonder that you’ did not die with iottor when you heard their diabolica) plot,” said Captaim Parker. Tom and Mike did not make any remarks, but their flash- ing eyes, compressed lips and clenched hands gave evidence of the burning indignation that filled their breasts. After weeping silently a few minutes Marie continued: “At first I felt as if my heart was turned to ice, and I was deathly sick and faint. Then I went to’ the lockers and search-* ed until I found a dagger; I concealed it in my dress and grew calmer; for I had determined to sheath the weapon in’ my heart before I would be forced into that odious) marriage... “Ortega said that to guard against any trouble in Frarice the marriage ceremony must be performed by an ordained _ priest, and also by a regularly appointed civil officer. “So it was determined to touch at some small port where — there were no war vessels or, forts, inveigle a counsel and — + priest on board, force them to perform the ceremony and give the necessary certificates, then make away with them. — ery “As my consent was not considered to be of any importance — i: whatever, nothing was said to me about their plans, and the . next day Ortega, Harris and a part of ie pian went off on ei the .L’Orient. Fd be “The day following, the Harpy ‘sailed 4 in the same ditéetion, me “On our knees, ‘Cousin. ‘Louise and myself besought Captain i Butler to send us back to my parents, and assured him t! at “my father would gladly give up all of his’ piso tak ae our lives ‘were Ss spared. \ Sea “Captain Butler replied that father ad mother would be ies executed by the savages, and that we need not dream OL <a escaping, for if there was any prospect of our doing So he would kill us with his own hands. ‘ \ “Just as he finished’ speaking your ship was reported to be- in sight; supposing her to be an unarmed merchant vessel, the pirates made preparations to capture her. 43) “Louise and myself shut ourselyes up in the atter-cabin and fastened the door on the insise.: You are aware of what Firs happened afterward.” ; 5 ie The two girls had‘ Theasansel “deeply Ae and highly ex- cited during this recital, $0 after assuring them of his pro- ‘ tection and promising: that everything possible should be done to rescue Count de Castlemain and the other captives, Doctor Clark left them to regain their composure, and went o de acgsumnatted Lite ap i i d ‘ £ fee * ‘
Page 19
CHAPTER XI. THE BATTLE ON THE BLUFY—HAND 10 HAND. When they came on deck the sun had cleared the mist away, and the night of terror was succeeded by a bright, beautiful day. The ships were in a broad river, whose banks were clothed with luxuriant, tropical vegetation, among which birds of the | gayest plumage were perpetually glancing, while troops of monkeys were chasing each other through the branches or ' feeding on the fruit and nuts. To the south the land was low and leyel, but a short dis- tance from the northern shore there was a precipitous, rocky - mountain, a spur of which terminated abruptly at the water’s edge, opposite the Falcon, in a bluff several hundred feet high. As no one had discovered the mouth of the river the after- noon before, when the ships came to anchor in the bay, Cap- tain Parker ordered the crew into the jolly boat and accom- panied by Tom and Mike, went to examine the entrance of the stream. After rowing a short distance their further progress was stopped by a sand bar, which entirely closed the mouth of the river. “We are in a nice box,” shut in.” “T don’t understand how vessels drawing as much water as the Falcon and Harpy could pass over that bar,” said Tom. “The explanation is very simple; it was flood tide, an im- mense quantity of water was driven into the bay by the gale, and the bar was not as high when we passed over it as it is now, for it was evidently formed in some degree at least by the storm.” : At that moment the sharp, rattling sound of small arms was heard, followed by the report of several heavy guns. _ “Give way, men!” shouted Captain Parker. “The vessels are attacked!” “The men strained at the oars till the stout ash bent_like blades of tempered steel, and the boat darted through the water, swift as an arrow, A strong party, sheltered among the thick timber on the bluff opposite the Falcon, were sweeping her deck with a perfect storm of balls and arrows. } The men on board had fired several carronades at their as- sailants; but finding that the pieces could not be elevated . sufficiently to do any damage, were now returning the fire with ‘small arms. . But those on the bluff, having the advantage of position, - and being well protected by rocks and the dense growth of trees, were evidently more than a match for the crew of the Falcon. Apparently, no shots were aimed at the Harpy, which, was ~~ several hundred yards nearer to the bar. “Pull to the Harpy!” ordered Captain Parker, «who took in the state of affairs at a glance. _ The boat dashed alongside of her and sad men lay on their oars. “Tom,” said the captain, hervedne “T wish you to take . Abdallah and twelve of the men off the Harpy, land, make a rush, and try to distract the attention of those rascals, while I go ashore to attack them with the crew of the Falcon. You will have to commence the fight, but I’ll be in at the death!” “Cap’n,” said Mike, “sure, an’ I’d like ter go wid Tom.” “Certainly; up with you both. I must be off.” j Tom and Mike sprang on board of the Harpy, and the nest "with Captain Parker dashed off for the Falcon. | said the captain; “we are completely ~ Abdallah ~~ reinainna: on board the Merny to keep oraer! THROUGH ahaa AND ba ena one to stand before him. if: . 17 among the rescued negroes, and he met the two boys as they came up the side. “Will any of your colored erin fight?” asked Tom. “*AN of them,” replied Abdallah; “they are warriors.” “Good! Assemble them on deck at once; we have to land and drive those fellows from the bluff.” r Thirty of the negroes understood the use of firearms, They were each given a musket, the rest were armed with boarding- pikes and cutlasses. Tom, Mike, Abdallah and the sailors were each armed with two revolvers and a cutlass. While the men were getting ready Tom had a tub of strong grog made and gave each of them a large drink. It required two trips of the boats to land the party, but as the distance was short, and, fortunately, the smoke of the firing floated along the face of the water, they were not ob- served. When the men were mustered on the shore Tom found that he had a very respectable force. In addition to Mike and Abdallah, there were twelve sailors and ninety-six negroes. + ayer The ascent of the bluff.on the side they were was a Seat slope, covered with trees. Tom instructed the men to move forward quietly but swiftly, and fall on the enemy as soon as they were in sight. Mike was placed in command. on the right, Abdallah on the left, and Tom led the centre. “Are you ready?” asked Tom. “Ready!” replied Mike and Abdallah. “March!” and away they went. Creeping up the slope through the trees noiseléds as ser- pents, Tom and his band eame upon the right arse a large party of white men and savages. They were so intently engaged in pouring a Sspuseunane fire upon the men who were exposed on the Faleon while lower- ing the boats, that Tom was within ten paces of them before he was discovered. : “ire!” shouted Tom. And his men poured in a volley, close and deadly. “Charge!” eried Tom, leading the way, followed by the men, — who uttered a yell and rushed forward-—furious, ravenous for — blood. Some of the negroes ‘used their bayonets, but most of them | clubbed their muskets. 4 a J A powder pall enveloped Tom, Mike and the sailors, but the roar of their revolvers told how they were at work. | When the charges in their pistols were exhausted they drew their cutlasses and gave the’ enemy cold ‘steel, which was not so noisy, but equally as deadly. The men on the bluff, though taken completely by surprise, outnumbered their assailants and made a determined stand. — Tom, Mike and Abdallah were ever in advance of their men, cheering them on by word and deed. The melee was hot and terrible; never WHE there a fight ag more rapid or desperate. is During the heat of. the action Tom found. himself con- fronted, by Ortega; the recognition was muttal, and Lane sprang toward each other eagerly. “Villain, I have you now!” cried Tom as they jecdeee swords. - “Tll make crow’s meat of your carcass,” replied Ortega, with’ an oath, 4 “Take that!” said Tom, as with a dexterous cut he laid Ortega’s cheek open from forehead to chin. Furious with rage, Ortega showered his blows like | and his cuts and thrusts followed. each other with such ‘light- : ning zabiaiy and force that it seemed, impossible for | ) NEE but Tom's coolness, ene ‘swordsmanship ‘and we 1 ke
Page 20
7 phe? 18 af THROUGH THICK AND THIN. } extreme agility saved him from being thrust through or cut| “Since hearing Marie’s stety i am more anxious to get ei down. of him. than ever.” =i But there was no wavering in the steady light that burned “So am I. Tom, d’ye moind what we said on ther Clinton?” in Tom’s bright eyes, and never a tremor on his stern, set “I do, and hold to it.” e554 face as without giving back an inch he avoided or parried “An’ I; sure, an’ we'll stick together.” the trenchant blade of his gigantic adversary and paid him| “Now and forever, through thick and thin!” ay back with interest in his own coin. At that moment Captain Parker and ‘his men nae their. is In the appearance and demeanor of the two there was some- | appearance. es thing irresistibly suggestive of a fight between a savage bull Intending to attack the enemy in the rear the captain mated is and a clean-limbed, -thoroughbred terrier. with his men om the opposite side of the’ bluff. from. esi a Nor was it long before the brawny, black- prowed: Ortega | Tom ascended. ; ee. gnashed his teeth in impotent rage as he was forced. to admit But the ground was:so rough as broken ‘that the: Bee that in the slender youth before him he had met a foeman} had to make a considerable detour, and when he reached he: _ more than worthy of his steel, scene of action the fight was over. ) For in less than three minutes he was wounded as many Nof was he fortunate enough to tntercépé the fugitives, for a times, while Tom was untouched, they saw him coming ashore, and being ——: with. ‘the 4 Seeing that his men began to waver and give back, Ortega, | ground, -easily eluded him. es , concentrating all of his immense strength, aimed a blow at Captain Parker was somewhat chagrined at peliia, too late Tom’s head, which, had it taken effect as intended, would | to participate in the encounter, but he was’ glad of Tom and — have cloven him to the chin. Mike’s success, and delighted to find that they were both safe. Tom threw up his sword to guard his head, and the. de- He praised them» highly for the gallant manner in which — scending blade was turned aside. they had acted, and said that their victory was something to Bt) But the stroke was given with so much force that Tom’s'| be proud of the longest day of their lives, = ‘sword was shivered to pieces. ; Quite a number of Tom’s men, principally negroes, were With a hoarse cry of triumph Ortega sprang forward with | killed or wounded. After the latter were cared for, . Captain. his sword raised to repeat the blow. Parker and the two boys walked over the ground where the” But quick as thought Tom’ hurled the heavy hilt of his| combat took place, sword at Ortega’s head. It struck him between.the eyes with When passing a. thick clump of bushes they heard .a. accep such violence that he staggered back, stunned, and) was im-| groan, and turned aside to find the person who uttered it, < / mediately borne away by some of his followers, They found one of the white men belonging to the a E With the fall of Ortega ended everything like organized re-| who were driven from the bluff. He had been;shot ‘through sistance, though there were a number of artreast encounters | the thigh while RESPSS HORE and crawled into the bushes for afterward. concealment. te The negroes broke first, and afterward the white men. Expecting death if he was discovered, the man had kept” x As long as there was any chance of overtaking the fugitives | Silent, until, weakened by loss of blood, ‘the pain of his wound ” they were pursued and eut down mercilessly. wrung from him the groan which led to his discovery. sy _ Over fifty were slain. The almost impenetrable nature of the| The wounded man, though s¢verely hurt and very ‘faint, was undergrowth alone saved the remainder of-the fugitives. still dangerous, for he thrust a pistol in Tom’s face and : ; pulled the trigger when the latter was eas over io to. see where he was hurt. . { y Fortunately ‘the MAB OD) snapped, otherwise, Tom would have been instantly killed. \ 4 Tom wrenched ihe pistol from the fellow and prodeeded to tie up his wound as coolly as if has 3 had happened. ne oy 3 a ‘2 » ~ mA Taras CHAPTER XII. = SAUL HARRIS—ON THE EVE OF A DEATH-GRAPPLE. : Suc 1 “Who- -0-0-0-p! Ho-o-0-o-ray!” shouted Mike, when the pur- suit was over, waving his cutlass, which was dripping with plood from hilt to point over his head. “Tom, we’ve bate thim inter smithereens!” _ “Yes, pretty hot time, was a not?” replied Tom. “Are you | grinding his teeth together said: ee “You villain, if you do not want your brains pigs eee. you ~, all right?” Wfhees . had better answer my questions.” me “Sound as a dollar, barrin’ a pete or two in me clothes; an’| Cowed by the yawning muzzle of the pistol the x ma hised: you, Tom?” (ij, out that he would dojas he was bidden. “Not a scratch.” “Bully! An’ who d’ye think I saw, tho’?” °| eep nat big-bearded fellow that helped hang us. I don’t know _his name; we met and he came very near Hatting an end to me. ” y “Who are you and where do you “belong?” bied Po! “Tam a sailor, and one of the crew of the Harpy fe 5 “How did you happen to arere us without. first f ding out who we were?” — , ; Tee i 3 “We saw the two ships sion in the bay ‘saad afte tte hi “Ther mischief! ‘Thin, both of ther villains wor ete, for| noon, and Juan Ortega, our mate, made out with his: gla "by ther howly poker I wor spakin’ of Saul Harris.” ah that the Harpy was captured | ‘and we wanted to get her back. _ “When did you see him?” ry f “It was Ortega’s hie that, CaF ‘the ian aia “it?” 33 “Whee ther commincement of ther fight, an’ by ther HOWEES: MeV ess? ; 14H + of : ap he run like blazes at ther first fire!” ’ “To whom were lie Count de Castleman and “the oth “1d like to’ ‘meet Tim prisoners delivered?” eter fea fs “Wouldn't Ty tho’! - Ther whole | gang ay thim wor ‘patra: “To Monka, King of the Behogns.” Seely IES us, so 1 jist sint a bullet afther him, an’, bedad, from ther way | “What did he intend, to do with: them?” he grabbed at the tail av his coat I’m thinkin’ it’s not very “Burn them < asa sacrifice, aisy he'll, be ‘failin’ when he takes a sate to nist 2 himself. “ | “Where is Mo nO} $
Page 21
~ about. itl” 2) : 4 { ¥ _ The men that had been left in charge of the ship were all on. deck, and one of them obeyed the order instantly. “at his town, some days’ journey north of here. The negroes with us were his warriors; they marched through the country, - but we came down the coast in the L’Orient.” “What was the object of your expedition?” “To. plunder villages and capture slaves.” “Where is the L’Orient?” “She is——” . The sentence was never completed; the man fainted away, and in a few minutes died from the loss of blood. 4 Boom—-boom-—boem! went three heavy guns in quick suc- _ cession. “To the boats, men! The ships are attacked!” shouted Quickly ordering Abdallah to remain on the bluff with the wounded, and such of the negroes as there was not room for in the beats, Tom dashed down the slope, followed by Mike and the rest of his men. They reached ‘their boats in a few smi tines: tumbled in and shoved off. The river, some six or seven yards above the disor was black with canoes filled with armed savages, who were pad- “f dling toward the vessels. “Give way for your lives, men!” said Tom. Falcon!” Tom decided on this course because he saw at a glance that the first attack must necessarily be made on the Falcon, and believed that if the savages were beaten off in their attempt “Pull for the ; .~ to capture her they ‘would not try to board the Harpy. Flushed with, their late victory, and eager to meet the new onemy, his men made the boats fairly fly over the water. “As the boats approached the Falcon Tom said: . “This boat’s. crew will keep. their places; the rest of. you got on board as quickly as you can.” When they came alongside of the ship Tom hailed: .“Faleon—ahoy! Throw us the end of a hawser and be lively Ben Spears, the boatswain,.who was in Tom’s boat, caught : ‘the erd of the hawser as it fell. — The Ff ‘alcon had swung around when the storm ceased, and i was now riding with her head up stream. _ “Pull-ahead, men!” ordered Tom. to the cable.” “Shiver my timbers!” said secant: “you are right, sir, and I’m a blockhead, not to have remembered that the ship bola | “Spears, betid the hawser. - not be fought to advaintage if we did not have a spring on 2 the cable.” The main body of savages’ moved forward very slowly, Ce _ others were constantly joining them. THROUGH THICK AND THIN. - spring on the cable our heavy’ guns would es isis nigh useless.” Quickly and clearly Gaptain Bigees issued his orders and his well-trained crew executed them almost as soon as uttered. In an incredibly short space of time the boats were hoisted ‘and the hawser carried aft and the ship brought around so that | her larboard broadside bore on the ee foe, guns loaded and the véssel ready for action. — Apparently all of the canoes that were mabe had now joined them and the sdvages came sweepilig down, dark and threatening as a thunder-cloud. 3 Captain Parker, darting away, followed by his men. > same at— ses ‘ _ “By Jove!” said Tom, “the very skies aré raining enemies |, von i to-day!” CHAPTER XIII. # Mike In THE JAWS ads A LION. “We SheNt Hane ‘atier “the hodte tad euliblied the ship the sav- ae. ages commenced their attack. The battle was a long and fierce one, and resulted in the killing of a great swaps of savages. But finally they were driven off. The next day Doctor Clark had tents and damp. utensils taken ashore and the whole party occupied them. In the afternoon Tom started on a short tour of the island, and had proceeded but a short distance when was sud- denly confronted by ‘a large, hairy creature, wate like a man. Tom raised his rifle and was going to fite when the creature opened his motith and spoke in plain English: “Do not fire; Iam a friend. Praise God! I again look ei a person from civilization!” “Do you live here?” “For some years I have been able to drag out a miserable : existence here.” “Would you like to accompany me “pack to our evans “Such is my wish, monsieur.” i “Very well. We will return immediately.” They set out, and when they reached the oh the inst. person they saw was Marie, and at sight of her the mat whom Tom had brought back to camp with him grew very much excited, and exclaimed: “Ig it possible that I behold ‘Bettie a, Castlemain?” “Bettie is my mother’s name,” she replied; Marie. Do, you know my mother?” “You are the very image of your thother as she. ae Hhien I last beheld her, and for a moment f forgot the years that have passed ‘since. that time. I am your Unele Henri.” “my name is e “Father, mother and myself came to “Africa to seartk for a bar you; would to God they were here td meét you now.” “Your father and mothei, do they yet live?” EES es “Alas! I know not and seardely dare hope that they do, ia »-as Spears began to attach the hawser to the cable they let | parents. _fiy-a shower of arrows. i Henri de Castlemdin listened intelttiy 8 the dobtetive, and es Most. of them, however, fell’short; bit as some of the sav-| then inquired what month, and day of the iionth it ane after ages continued to paddle, while the others used. their bows, } receiving the desired information he sdidy ee the arrows soon began to whistle around the boat thick as| \ “I have long ago ceased to keep any accourt of dts,“ _ hail, and two of the crew were wounded before Spears was ners up, Marie: if yotir parents have not died froth hatural | _\ through. causes they aré yet alive. I once lived with the tribe wno Es “Steady, men, steady!” said Tom, who never flinched, and | have them captive, and know their habits and custonis: well, . the sailors, catching his spirit, behaved like heroes. They. only offer up human sacrifices, at stated periods, ‘and — _* “Allright!” said Spears, 2 “Pull, men; send her through the water! ” shionted Tom. ‘The men bent to the oars; the boat darted ees to the | { prisoners may be rescued.’ ih Oe ; 7 ONS ‘The sim had now set: -sttpper’ was ‘announced <r atten it aa Was eaten ec one no, "ont rey Rage around a lar ? Pes, and. ee Center ae her side. ; % fe i “ee a : pis my re But about a dozen canoes had approached so near that i answered Marie, who then told abot the capitate: e her before the next occasion upon which they will do: so artives ae a, :
Page 22
20 THROUGH THICK AND THIN. He was about to comply when one of the sentinels fired and immediately afterward a gigantic figure, the upper part of which was of a light color, and the lower part dark, rushed from among the trees, tumbled into the fire, sent the brands flying in every direction and left everything in total darkness. Those that were around the saat -fire scattered in every di- rection. The ,creature that extinguished the fire. could be heard pitching and tumbling about, uttering roars that sounded like muffled thunder, and from. time to time it seemed as if the trees were violently struck with some wooden object. Those who were around were afraid to fire lest they might hit some of their friends in the dark. After some minutes of suspense and uncertainty, lights were procured and the cause of the disturbance discovered to be a full-grown male gorilla, with his body and arms tightly - wedged into /a molasses barrel. Doctor Clark forbade every one from firing, and ordered some of the sailors to secure the animal, which they readily did, as it was so confined that it was well nigh powerless. It was Doctor Clark’s custom to collect curiosities of all kinds, and he was delighted at securing the gorilla, which he said was the only full-grown one that had ever been captured ‘alive and unhurt. The barrel, which had been nearly emptied on shipboard, was brought ashore with other supplies: after the molasses was used up the top was removed so that the sugar deposited in the barrel could be taken out and the empty vessel rolled out of the encampment. The gorilla, while prowling around, came across the barrel, and, being like all of its species, fond of sweet things, at- tempted to lick the inside of the cask and got fastened in’ it. ) The animal, while endeavoring to extricate himself, alarmed the sentinel, who fired. ; Frightened by the repoft of the gun, and unable to see, the gorilla rushed madly forward until he tripped and fell into, the fire, which he extinguished by his frantic efforts to regain his “feet and escape, After the excitement caused by this incident had subsided, Henri de Castlemain was again requested to relate his ad- ventures, which he did as follows: 4 “TI am the youngest son of Count Christian de Castlemain, of Normandy, who was one of the wealthiest and proudest in France. My parents had only two children, my brother ‘Robert and myself. When our education was completed and we were respectively twenty-one and twenty years of age, it was determined that we should travel. After visiting the countries of the Old World we went to the U nited States, and there something oceurred which colored the whole of our future lives. “My brother fell in Jove with Miss Bettie Baltzelitz, the belie of Baltimore, married her without communicating with his parents, fand a few days afterward we sailed for France, Having good reason to believé that our father would be very much offended at the step he had taken, my brother stopped in Paris and I went home to break the intelligence to our parents. My father was so much enraged when he heard of the marriage that he swore he would at once take legal steps to disinherit my brother and make me his heir’ and successor. ; j “Knowing that it was useless to expostulate with my father I took the only means open to me te prevent him from carry- ing out his intention. I entered the es joined a party. of es missionaries and a few days afterward sailed for Africa, leav- ing* letters addressed to my parents and brother, informing ‘| them of what I had done. bia ; “After a long but uneventful voyage we Yahded on the iat ay ‘of Africa, and after wandering, about. a while, established | ‘told many’ horrible tales about it, and their terror yurselves at Banjoce, the principal town of the Bahogas (they|_ 2 e lieve all white. men to be great hunters and ‘magicians, 80 ec Monka, king of the Banogas, treated us very well at first, though we afterward found out that he was a bloodthirsty 1% and treacherous savage. : “The town of Banjoce is situated on the dae ofa large — plain, a portion of whith ‘is cultivated by the tribe, and their ; cattle graze upon the rest. To the north of the town and overshadowing it is a mountain, towering to a height of some two thousand feet; its summit is inaccessible, save by a nar- Fe row and precipitous pathway, leading up its side in a zig-zag course, On every other side there are pretipices which can- not be scaled by the foot of man: The top of the mountain is a plateau containing about five hundred acres covered with luxuriant vegetation, and on it is a small lake, fed es springs, which gush forth from among the rocks.” e “Did, the lake ever go dry?” inquired Abdallah, who = le. tened to this part of the narrative with intense interest, p! “Never,” replied Henri de Castlemain; “the natives t superstition that if it did so their tribe would he destroyed \ But why do ‘you ask?” 2 is “Because the town and mountain formerly belonged. tojmy father’s tribe and we believe that our future will be greatly affected by the condition of the lake.” — This remark of Abdallah’s excited a good deal of curfosity, but he declined to give any explanation, ms Henri de Castle- main resumed his narrative. ot “On the top of the mountain the natives ei their He age and stored their provisions; during the maska_ (wet) | and in time of war, they took everything ‘up to the + and lived there; for so great is the natural strength of th place that a handful of men could hold it against a host. “To the south of the mountain,, distant, only about hal mile, rises another, which is voleanic and occasionally ‘Be ; 3 forth smoke, flame and melted lava, (RC a “The natives call this: mountain. Hory ‘Mountain, that ie Devil’s Mountain, and regard it with superstitious dread; t eruption was extreme. After We had been with the Bai about six years there was a terrible drought, which éonti for a long time: Everything in the way of vegetatio: Wi re dried up by the intense heat, the crops would not gro ; the tribe was reduced to ‘great extremity for want of The wizards and rain-makers, who are bitterly oppost missionaries, took advantage of the opportunity to in the minds of the natives against US | “One day when I was returning from a. siditaty ‘atin pedition, I was met by a man whose life I had once saved, y told me that my companions had been put to death, and a were then out looking for me,. While he was speaking T number of warriors stealthily approaching; I ‘fled: for m y. With extreme difficulty I escaped from my savage pursu pee finally concealed maeet on Ye mpaatae where Mor their nests among the rocks: on. the serenity ‘of th nT nog the young in and rons nsw — cormorant fish for. then. cis “This is done by putting rings are which effectually prevents them from wallowing were forced to bring their supper me with all he mest that T “i needed; and nuts as ¢
Page 23
/ encounters with wild animals my life has been uneventful. I had long since abandoned all hope of returning to civilized | life, and to-day is the first time I have gazed on the face of a ‘white man for ten years,” “You have indeed had a strange experience, ” said Captain of the eagles.” brother and his compahions?” inquired Doctor Clark, - “I advise you to take every available man you can muster, and move at once,” replied Henri de Castlemain. “I can guide you, and if we are cautious we may surprise the savages before they can take refuge in their stronghold on the mountain.” “No time shall be lost,” answered Doctor Clark; “we will immediately prepare to march.” oe After a little more conversation about the savages, and - difficulties of the proposed expedition, the party separated for the night. : _ ‘As Tom and Mike were going to their tent a huge lion, utter- ing an appalling roar, sprang out of a patch of high grass, ats Mike, and dashed into a thicket with him before any pore could interfere. : » Determining to rescue his friend or perish with him, Tom ; drew his revolver and without a moment’s hesitation rushed into the bushes, where the ferocious animal could be heard * growling savagely as if it were tearing its victim to pieces. ? CHAPTER XIV. LUT OF NEB LION’S JAWS—THE EXPEDITION STARTS. “ ‘Tom had only advanced a few steps into the bushes when he saw the eyes;of the lion glowing like balls of fire. . It was too dark to distinguish objects on the ground, and . bin hesitated about shooting, for he thought ut was as]. — good'a chance of hitting Mike as the lion, _ Some one hurled a piece of blazing wood into the thicket, and by its light Tom saw the lion crouch as if to spring on him. : i A gh light—a light! ; ‘Tom. RS He had searcely ceased speaking when there was a “pright / flash, ‘a sharp report, a deep growl, and then a gasping, bub- "bling sound was heard ag of an animal stifling in its own . blood. “Ha! Who fired that shot?” of Be jabers an’ it was meself!” shouted Mike, in the dark- For God's dey 5 bring a light! ts yelled 1a { : a breath clane out av me body.” . The unexpected but welcome sound of Mike’s voice was an- swered by his friends with a cheer. “Phere was a general rush into the bushes, and s the light of some torches which had now been brought, Mike was dis- | covered lying flat upon his nae wae, the dead Hon on. top of him. He was quickly, Bersinaton from his unpleasant: position, and Tom, grasping his hand, exclaimed: _ *Mike, old fellow, I was afraid I would never see you alive again’ are you hutt much?” ‘coat and examined his shoulder, which was found to be 80 ewhat bruised, but neither the skin nor any of the bones | ee “You wi st be an old one or you Mes not have escaped 80 easily. ‘ oye e lion’s with a ‘stiok and showed Pushed a th THROUGH THICK AND THIN. Parker, “and I think you may very properly be called the king | “What plan do you recommend for ‘the rescue of your) “Sire, an’ me left shoulder is bit off entirely,” replied Mike. : , “Let me see it,” said Doctor Clark, who helped Mike get off be all right ina day or 80; the. ifon F oe that. the aoetar was right about the animal's age, for in had - only four huge, blunt, yellow fangs left. “It was, nevertheless, a very narrow escape,” remarked Captain Parker; “you were lucky in. having "your pistol and c presence of mind to use it.” “When he grabbed me,” replied Mike, “iy took me off, for all the woruld as a cat does a mouse, I thought to meself that he’d ate me alive in no time; whin ther baste got into ther bushes he squatted on top av me an’ took me neck an’ ther lower part av me ‘face in his mouth, but just as I felt his teeth a-closin’ ei me, some one kim crashin’ into ther thicket an’——” “That was Tom,” said the atlas interrupting him. “An’ it’s me life’ he saved by comin’,” replied Mike; “or as 1 was saying, ther lion let go his howlt, raised off av me an’ crouched as if he wor goin’ ter jump; thin I remimbered me pistol, clapped it against ther baste where I felt his heart batin’, an’ fired, when down he dhropped on top ay me, aot it was into a jelly I thought I wor mashed.” ° The lion was skinned, his carcass thrown outside of the en- campment, and every one, except the guard,/retired to. rest. The next morning preparations. were commenced for the expedition to rescue Count de Castlemain and his companions, ' Some of Abdallah’s friends, who were rescued when the Harpy ‘was captured, were sent into the interior to solere the warriors of their tribe and to employ porters. An abundance of goods suitable for presents to chiefs, ‘and to trade with the natives, were found on board of the Harpy. By advice of Henri de.Castlemain a large quantity of these things were selected to be used in propitiating the tribes through whose territory it would be necessary to pass. While the men, under the direction of the inferior officers, were engaged in putting up the provisions, ‘ete.,. ‘Doctor Clark and Captain Parker took observations and consulted books and charts to ascertain what river the ships were mie ‘They finally determined that it was the river Cunene, about the existence of which there has been much dispute. ; Many years ago a French frigate discovered the e youchure of a magnificent river between the ‘seventeenth and ightenth degrees of south latitude. Other vessels were sent out to ex- plore it and to ascertain its course, but strange to say ‘a searched for it in vain. Subsequently the masters of several’ merchant vessels re- - ported that they had seen the mouth of the river, but their _ statements were doubted. Henri de Castlemain said that the entrance of the river had been open several times while he was living on the mountain, and the natives believed that when its mouth was closed by sand banks the water found its way to the sea by a subter- -raneous course, ness, “an’ it’s dead I’ve killed’ him, but he’s: mashin’ Aner But Dr. Clark was of the opinion that when the river was | dammed up by the sand, that the water flowed back through the branches of thé stream and was lost in. the desert ‘sands, or emptied into i low, flat lakes in the interior of te country. ae Dr. Clark’s ‘siinpdatt jon about the river was afterward : as- ' certained to be correct, and as will be seen in the course of this narrative it was fortunate for the joisaevel ts that such — was the case. - “iy The leopards of the air had done Henri cA Custbadain such ‘good service that he returned to: the mountain top, removed the rings from their necks and let. them all go, with the @x- ception of rite which were. secured for a Clark’s -col- lection, ‘ Barly in the fctnrae of the third day, after. preparations for the march had been commenced, Tom, Mike and Abdallah 7 with some bd oes Tact went up poe river to shoot hippo
Page 24
92 There were an abundance of these huge animals in the river, ‘and in a few hours ten of them were killed, towed down and moored to the low, re i) bank a short distance above the camp. In the afternoon Abdallah’s messengers returned with Univo, King of the Batans, accompanied by over four hundred warriors and some two hundred men and women to act as porters. Rage: The Batan warriors were a wild-looking but splendid set of men, armed with Wieaelenise bows, shields, knobkerries and knives. Umvo, their king, a’ man of gigantic stature, was at first suspicious that Abdalla designed to supersede him, but as soon as his mind was disabused of this idea they rubbed their noses together and became very friendly. As for the warriors and porters, Abdallah won their hearts completely, when, by Dr: Clark’s direction, he led them to where the hippopotamuses were lying in the shallow water and told them to help themselves. Then ensued an indescribable scene of confusion, The sav- ages rushed into the water and commenced hacking and cut- ting the animals with assegais, knives and hatchets, hallooing, : yelling, shoving and fighting until the huge hippopotamuses were cut up and every atom of the flesh appropriated. Fires were at once kindled and the savages commenced feast- ing, and kept it up nearly all night. ’ The sailors had worked like beavers, but so many things were found to be done at the last moment that the expedition did not start until the next afternoon. Young as he was, Tom had given such proofs of possessing mature judgment, strategic ability and unflinching courage, that he was placed in command, while Mike was given the second rank. ‘ - Abdallah and Umvo commanded the Seedees and negro war- viors, but received their orders from Tom. Dr. Clark accompanied the expedition as surgeon anc. gen- ral adviser. ; Captain Parker would hate commanded, but the preserva- tion of the ships.was of such vital importance that the cap- tain reluctantly admitted that he had better remain with them. Little Orlando was left with him. But Marie de Castlemain was so anxious about her parents that Doctor Clark, after much persuasion, consented that she 5 and Louise Ashton might accompany the expedition. Two of the horses procured at the Cape of Good Hope were appropriated to their use; side saddles were found among the plunder on board of the Harpy, and both of the girls -had nice riding-habits in their trunks, which were transferred to that vessel from the ‘L’Orient. * Doctor Clark and Henri de Castlemain rode on. one of the elephants which were prought from India, and there was room enough in the howdah for the two girls if they grew ‘tired of horseback riding. aye. , At length everything was dil and the little army, com- osed of sailors, Seedees, Batan warriors and portets, num- bering between “seven and eight hundred, made quite an im- ‘posing appearance when arranged on the sandy beach. a Mounted on a fiery black horse, Tom dashed along the line |) to see that everything was all right; then spurring to the _ front directed Ben Spears to unfurl the flag, and in a reek ringing voice said: “Attention! Column forward! March!” ' ‘The men cheered; the bugles sounded; salutes were fired from, the Falcon and Harpy, and before the reyerberations of eo Hine heavy guns. died away the sha of the column plunged into » the: forest and Hs ieapertiticn, As: cae on its epnerats dodged about for some time before Tom could, get near enot ‘showed THROUGH THICK: AND THIN. ; toe CHAPTER XV. - LOST IN THE DESERT. is Climbing mountains, crossing rivers and forcing their way through pathless forests, the expedition moved forward for” five days. Then they came to the edge of a desert that spread! out | ; before them liké an ocean of sand, sparkling and glancing in the torrid sunshine. Here it was determined to halt for some ‘ive to lay, in. a stock of meat. and let the men and anithals recruit their strength. For Henri de Castlemain announced that it would require three days to cross the desert, during which neither game nor water could be found. The sailors and natives had a grand hunt; an immense quane f tity of game was killed and all of the Oe were set to work — cutting the meat into ates and drying it so that hie oe: : keep. Taking advantage of the halt the Indian mahoiite captured. four elephants, three cows and an immense pull. et The female elephants soon became tractable, but the ull remained savage, and had to be constantly watched to pre- | vent him from doing damage. ‘ While the mén were engaged in preparing the meat, Tom and Mike, with the two ‘girls, made many short excursions into the grand old forest around where they were encamped. — One day when they were cantering along in the edge,of the 1 woods two large male ostriches jumped up in front ‘of them — and started off into the desert. / “Hurrah!” shouted Tom. “Let us run them down: eek) ee some plumes.” se His companions answered with a pe and the next ick : ment the whole party dashed off in pursuit of the birds. On finding that they were followed the ostriches separates l, one going off at nearly a right angle from the other; Mike and Louise Ashton pursued the former, while Tom and Marie kept on after the latter, a: Mike had only gone a short distance when his Ase put’. its foot into a hole, fell, and sent him flying like a. rocket | ovér its head. Falling on the soft sand, Mike was not hurt; he! sprang to his feet, unslung his rifle from his back and fired a shot which > bowled over the ostrich as dead as a rock e a a pe of 7 hundred and fifty yards. be 2 In thé meantime Tom and Marie were “tying a in ve suit of the other ostrich. Onward scoured the ostrich, swift as the wind, and Tom and Marie swept after him like pursuing eagles. pus The yellow sand flew from beneath the hoofs of the | as with flashing eyes, stretched necks, and open nostrils, ‘dri ing the air, they strained onward in the gtk chase, as 427 animated by the spirit of their riders. ied Mile after milé was passed at a racing pace, and - yet ¢ gigantic stride of the huge bird enabled it to maintain its lea At length just as Tom began to think of abandoning ae chase the ostrich commenced to shorten ‘its: steps and *Tom and Marie now gained rapidly on the. osttich, I ‘but i ee first to one, side and then’ ‘to the other. ie to, ‘bring it down with) his. revolver. _ As soon as thé excitement of the chase was over T proached himself for cruelty in pressing the spirited hor severely, and, in fact, their appearance rather. ‘frightene for thei hevibg flanks, tottering forelegs ane quivering
Page 25
‘THROUGH THICK AND THIN. . 4 After plucking the long feathers from the wings of tha ostrich, Tom looked. around and found that the woods were’ j) out of sight; this Would not have been the case had the desert been level, but its gurface was undulating and in some places quite rough and broken. _ In the excitement of the pursuit, while following the ostrich yin its devious course, Tom lost all idea of the direction. from _whence he came. ; % As soon as the horses were rested he and Marie mounted and ‘started to trace their way back by the animals’ hoof prints. - They had not gone far before they saw a dust-cloud a long } way in front of them. The cloud was small at first, but it soon spread along as far as the eye could see, and grew denser and denser. » Sometimes the dark, angry-looking mass rushed on with the speed of thought, sometimes it moved slowly, wreathing the sand into fantastic columns. _-. Tom reined in his horse and checked Marie’s steed; he knew that they were about to encounter the deadly whirlwind of _ the desert, and did not know how to act. i | Weighed down by an overpowering sense of their helpless- ness, he and Marie for a few moments sat mute and motionless, watching the army of sand-pillars as reg came circling on- ’ ward. ’ Then, as if actuated by the same thought, Tom and Marie I wheeled their horses and urged them into a wild gailop. - On—on dashed the panting horses, but swifter far the fierce wind, whirled the chaotic masses of sand forward. A scorching blast which preceded the moving sand first over- _ took Tom and Marie; then they heard a fierce, deafening, hissing noise as of'a torrent falling on molten metal. Ey The horses stopped as if paralyzed, and buried their noses ‘inthe loose soil. Then Tom and Marie dismounted and in- ‘s stinctively fell prostrate with their faces downward. The next moment a deluge of sand swept over them, pene- _ trating their garments, burning like sparks of fire and nearly stifling them. -- It was but little over a minute, but it seemed an eternity - before it passed. 3 fine sand had forced itself into their mouths and noses, ae . their lips felt as if they were blistered. _ The whirlwind was sweeping onward in the distance; no further danger was to be apprehended from it, but the drift- ing sand had effaced the tracks which would have served to : Suid Tom and Marie back to their friends. et the bare, burning sands unmarked by a single trace. They were lost in the desert. . Brave as he was, Tom’s heart sank within him at the pros- ~ pect before them; but he spoke cheering words to Marie, as- _Aisted her to mount, and they started off at a venture: 2 The horses had lost their fire and animation; they moved : sigue with lowering heads and drooping ears, at a snail’s pace. proceeded, in hopes of finding the ostrich, in which event ‘he intended to secure a portion of its flesh for food; but his BY: ‘search was in vain. Fs meres to have passed before. - Late in the afternoon, happening to find a oa rock, ‘which, Patindine on the edge of a declivity, cast a little shadow, Tom and Marie. dismounted and rested in the scanty shade. _ As soon as the sun had set they started again; there was no Weak and languid, Tom and Marie arose to their Nek: the. Around them on every) side stretched away to the foie Ss Tom scanned the ground closely on every side as they Nor did he see a spot, which he remem- he knew that it would not do to relax their efforts, for if some relief were not speedily procured he and Marie would both perish from absolute want, The horses were almost completely worn out and seemed ready at every step to fall down sein exhaustion, but they were made to toil on. Weak and faint with hunger and suffering from Sitehbas thirst which shrivelled their lips and parched their throats so that they could scarcely speak, Tom and Marie felt as if it would be a relief to lie down and die. But the’ brave girl never uttered a word of complaint. Tom ‘was lost in admiration at her fortitude, and reproached him- gE OSE ie ors ce ER ie cle a a a self a thousand times for exposing her to so much passes i 3 and danger. At last, after many hours of slow and ‘painful progress, Tom discerned a dark speck on the horizon; as they advanced it grew larger. It was the forest on the edge of the desert. ; The sight revived the drooping spirits of Tom and Marie, for they thought that they saw the spot, though distant, which would afford them relief. But many weary miles lay between them saad ‘the Ete for goal, and darkness overtook them ere it was reached. But still they kept on, nor did the horses evince any dis- position to stop; they seemed to feel that they were approach- inga place of safety, and made fresh efforts to reach it. After what seemed an interminable: period, the dark trees loomed up before them, and in a few minutes sey were be- neath the wide spreading branches : “Thank God—thank God! we are sph aen, éxclaimed Marie fervently. t Tom did not say anything to discourage her, but his mind was filled with forebodings that water might not be found, and if it were not, both they and the horses must soon perish. : CHAPTER XVI. MARIE IS CARRIED OFF BY A GORILLA. It was so dark in the forest that Tom thought the search for water would have to be postponed until morning. But instinet is a surer guide than reason. The horses, in- stead of stopping when the reins were dropped on their necks, diverged a little from the original direction, pricked up their ears and moved forward more briskly. In a short time ‘water, which they so much needed, was seen gleaming before them; the next minute Tom and Marie, throwing themselves from their steeds, knelt down upon its margin and quenched their thirst; the horses wading in up to their saddle-girths, drank as if they would burst themselves. After resting a little while Tom struck a match and started a fire to keep away the wild ‘animals. While gathering fuel he found lying on the ground, where it had fallen from the trees, some wild fruit called. clappers, of a kind he had several times eaten on the march. Collecting a quantity of the fruit, which wads about three times the size of an orange, and had a hard shell on the a i side, Tom and Marie made.a hearty Iunch. A ee They found themselves ina grove of noble aoe on the } ‘bank of a clear lake of considerable size. Soon after awakening, Tom saw. near at hand ; a splendia crest-peaw, or bustard;’ raising his rifle he fired; the bird, oon, but they were too anxious to sleep, and traveled all ' though severely wounded, managed to take wing, but fell near ght: by the light of the stars. | the end of a long, narrow tongue of Jand, which extended my “But as it happened, they had much better have rested, for. some distance into: the lake. ‘they moved. in a circle, and the next morning found themse ves” While looking for the bird in. the tall grass, which reached at ‘the same rotk., eine they pads rested the evening before, afar above his. head and was as sy, as tinder, ap oe imme- x
Page 26
’ And Marie, was she dead or alive? 24 that had evidently long been Bian aor, but were still ser- » viceable. At length he stumbled on the bustard, carried it to the fire, cleaned and roasted it, and he and Marie ate a hearty meal. \ Knowing that their friends would search for them, and that the. natives could follow a trail like a bloodhound, Tom de- termined to remain where they were for some days at least. He at once set to work with a hatchet, which he carried tied to his saddle, to. make a shelter of green boughs, intend- ing to thatch it with leaves. While thus engaged he caught a glimpse of a bushbuck feed- ‘ing at no great distance from him. Telling Marie to stay where she was, Tom seized at rifle and went in pursuit of the animal. The bushbuck was very shy, and Tom had to follow it and creep about among the trees for nearly two hours before he was able to shoot it. After disembowelling the buck Tom threw it across his shoulders and returned to where he had left Marie. She had disappeared. He called her, but she did not answer. He shouted at the top of his voice, but the sound died away in hollow echoes and there was no response. Seriously alarmed, Tom began to search for some trace of _ the missing’ girl. At length he saw some footprints on the sandy soil; he sup- posed that’ they were those of savages, but was struck by the immense size of the impress of the big toes. Tt at once flashed through Tom’s mind that pene had been surprised and carried off by the savages. Almost frantic with anxiety he started to follow the tracks, intending to rescue her or perish in the attempt. The trail led toward the tongue ‘of land which extended into the lake. While rapidly but carefully picking his way through the undergrowth, with every sense on the alert, Tom heard a hoarse murmuring sound, occasionally mingled with tones of voices apparently raised in anger or dispute. Cautiously pushing the bushes aside he crept forward ‘until he got a view of those from whom the noises proceeded. - Merciful heavens! what a sight met his gaze, causing his heart to grow faint within him and making him doubt for an _ instant if it was not a horrible dream, rather than reality. ‘Ih front of him towered’ an ‘immense baobab tree at least forty feet in diameter, among whose branches were some thirty gorillas, with one or two exceptions, full grown. They were in a state of the wildest excitement, moving about among the limbs and up and down the tree constantly. The cause of their excitement was at once apparent. Standing inthe entrance of a cavernous opening in the huge trunk, about a hundred and fifty feet from the ground, was an enormous gorilla, by far the largest of the troop; his left arm énecircled and supported Marie, while in his right paw he held 4 club ‘with which he repulsed the attempts of the _ other gorillas to approach his prize, keeping up at the same time an angry, growling noise. ; Tom scarcely dared fi hope that she was alive; better, he thought in his agony, would was unable to detect any. marks of violence on her arms or he nor was: there any ‘blood: visible on her dress. it be for him to put a bullet through her heart than to let her be exposed to the horrid brutality of those savage animals. Her head reclined on the huge, hairy arm of the gorilla, her long, silken hair fell in a mass of aa wren gold dows her person and over the body of the beast. -Her face was upturned - toward Tom, but her eyes were closed, and he could not tell whether she was dead or ina Swoon; he THROUGH ‘THICK ASD THIN. ‘darted from one side, made a clutch at Marie and tore away ‘mentarily obstructed by the smoke that filled. the small ‘pen: gu rilla; his tremor had departed, and nerved with: ‘the firmness | of desperation his hand -was as steady as a rock. Pam With his finger on the trigger he hesitated; for he thought that if the gorilla should’ be killed and tumbled from his dizzy elevation, the fall would be fatal to Marie; or might he not miss his aim and slay her, or perhaps merely wound the gorilla, who would tear her to pieces in his rage. as hile he thus deliberated the gorillas on the limbs, em- boldened by their numbers and enraged by the repeated re- pulses they had met with, seemed determined to simultane- , ously assai] the one having possession of Marie and rend he from him, They surrounded the opening in which he jaan on. ‘oe side, and, reaching with their long arms, endeavored to seiz the coveted object and pluck her from her possessor. - Thus beset and encumbered: by her weight, Marie’s capto bestirred himself with wondrous activity and quickness, bh: club gwept around in rapid circles and for a time kept fey assailants at a respectful distance. At length one of the gorillas, taking Bs of a momen when the attention of the large one was attracted by another, a large piece of her dress, with which he ran, hair . £ the tree. ; The gorilla that held Marie was terribly enraged; ‘the. Littl tuft of hair on his head was erect and bristling, his fiery eyes Rhos Ciel angty gleams, he aneted his flerce-looking teeth iN sounded like..thunder. ; The contest continued for some minutes—ages: has. sogmea 10 Tom—then the large. gorilla, beside himself with rage, threw away his club and slid his paw toward Marie’s neck,. evi dentiy determined to destroy the unconscious cause pte annoyance, One grasp of those nervous fingers. ‘and Bie thumb, and the poor girl would be no more. ; ¥" Quick as the animal’s motion was it was not as auton a Tom’s comprehending the fell intent. He presen: the uses of his. rifle. There was a flash, a ante benoit and Tom’s view was. ‘i ing in the foliage through which he fired. When att cleared away Marie, and) the gorilla fig her, yk vanished, _ CHAPTER Val. C2. oor Riis er TOM KILLS fe TROOP, OF oes: AND FINDS — A dead silence followed the report of Tom's gt The noisy erie of the gorillas were hushed se had been petrified. But where were Marie and her apearts . Nor was it at all likely that the ane ; b was, could have passed around’ the ‘tree or. ascended Ab Sc ekeg ow himself among the Be ote sa) oe the short tim
Page 27
THROUGH. THICK “AND THIN. his horrid teeth. There was agony beyond mention in the “covering from their surprise they uttered hoarse roars and ‘their fiery little eyes royed about everywhere in search of ‘the cause of. the interruption. _ In the meantime Tom had slipped another cartridge into his breech-loading rifle; he took aim at a male gorilla which stood erect on the stump of a limb, and sent a bullet through his heart; the animal made a convulsive leap and came crashing “down, spattering the limbs with his blood. ~ The shot discovered Tom to the gorillas; uttering cries of. rage they commenced to descend the tree with great celerity. - Only pausing Jong enough to fire one more shot, which- brought down another gorilla, Tom retreated and by. chance “went toward the lake. _ The gorillas followed him and almost before he knew it Tom found himself upon the tongue of land extending into the lake, and his pursuers were closing in upon him. ¥ ~ Facing about, Tom threw his rifle to his shoulder and bowled : over the foremost gorilla; the rest of the troop assuming erect attitudes, advanced toward him walking upon their hind feet and beating upon their broad breasts with their fists, produc- ing a noise like that of bass drums. A more horrible-looking ‘drum corps could not be imagined. i /But Tom, had no idea of waiting until the savage animals “were near enough to spring on him; the moment-after he - fired” he turned and plunged into the tall, dry grass, which. “reached far above his head. As he tore along the loud rustling of the grass aes him » hat the gorillas were rapidly gaining on him. He strained every nerve and ‘at length reached the canoe ! . which he had found, that morning, pushed it into the water, | _ jumped injand shoved off just in time to avoid a gorilla that | burst through the grass, and made a grab at the boat as it hands and knees, carefully feeling his way. parted from the shore. wom then hastened Bark to the ‘bana ee paeed at the foot of it and listened. No sound was heard save the miiepering ‘of the wind ee the forest. F As Tom = looking up, a jarge arqp ‘of as fell on his face. Scanning the tree closely to see Succ it came from, he saw a thin stream of the same crimson fluid flowing out of the) opening in the trunk and trickling down on the rough, gray bark. Tom now began to rack his brains. 25 devise some way of ascending the tree. The first idea that occurred to him was to cut steps with his hatchet in the bark which he knew, on a baobab tree of that size, was from twelve to fourteen inches thick. But while walking around the tree and examining it care- fully he found on the other side of the immense trunk some wooden pegs which had been driven into the a bark so as to form a rude kind of ladder.._ . The pegs were evidently very ‘old and heen to pie signs of decay, but Tom, without a moment's hesitation, began to ascend, leaving his rifle on the ground, for he did not. think it advisable to carry any unnecessary weight. The pegs were not placed one above another in a perpen: dicular line, but went around the tree in a spiral direction. Cautiously and with considerable difficulty, climbing the frail ladder, Tom at last found himself at the entrance of the © opening in the trunk of the tree, where the gorilla stood hold- ing Marie when he was shot. Tom looked into the aperture, but it was so dark inside that he could not see anything. t He felt for his matches, but the box was not in his pocket, and he supposed that he had dropped it while setting fire to j the grass. First making sure that ‘his pistol and knife 1 were Ba for immediate use, Tom crept“into the hole and advanced on his A few feet from the entrance of the opening it was” dark as pe The angry roars that the animal uttered at seeing his prey | midnight and silent as the tomb.’ > escape, ‘speedily collected the others around him. After advancing cover an almost level surface for some four : “They followed Tom along the shore, but did not attempt to | yay ds, Tom’s head came in contact with some object that felt overtake him by swimming, for the gorilla does not take to | hairy. ; the water willingly. ‘ Quick as lightning Tom drew his revolver and knife, SO as Paddling down to the end of the point of land Tom shot! to be ready if attacked, for he did not know but what the around it and. tben being concealed from the gorillas ‘by the gorilla might seize him the next instant. tall grass, pulled swiftly for the mainland. > There were a few moments of breathless suspense, but _ On reaching it he jumped out of the canoe, jerked out his | nothing stirred, and then Tom, placing his knife between his match-box, passed rapidly aeross the tongne of land where’! tecth and holding his pistol ready to fire at a moment's it joined the shore, and fired the grass in a dozen places. A stiff breeze was blowing toward the lake and the grass was dry as tinder; almost instantaneously the blaze shot up, : ‘ten—fitteen—twenty feet high. and driven by the wind, swept ; own, upon the doomed oa x roaring whirlwind at flame. “At once there rose so wild a yell, As all the fiends from heaven that fell, pb tape Seed pealed the banner-cry of hell!” v4 sehaicee in as little tine as it tang to tell of it the fire ached the na of the land and died out for want of fuel. 3ut in that brief period the flames did their work completely. re tongue of land lately covered with a dense mass of vegeta- - tio on was swept bare as the palm” of your: hand, and the troop F rillas, overtaken ‘by, the’ fierce fire, were all destroyed ex~ 5, three, which being near the water’s edge, sprang coe the Y % k e and endeavored to escape by swimming. 5 ie! afe ce) | Tet ther would no. doubt have Mesenlet but. Tom ‘aia | fi a rd « ‘them i notice, felt the object his hand had encountered. Tt was one of the gorilla’s feet; Tom pulled ih but the animal did not move; he was evidently dead. © ; Being now relieved of all apprehension of danger from the gorilla, Tom replaced the knife and pistol in his belt” and, felt about for Marie, He found her lying by the side, of the en ‘encircled by ‘one of the dead monster" s huge arms. She did not answer when Tom spoke, and his ‘sense of touch told him that her face and dress were wet with blood. is ‘Great God!” he exclaimed, “she must be dead!’ » 1 ’ : CHAPTER XVIII. LA STRANGE HOUSE—THD srbsrontt vistror—srracxep BY SAVAGES. .
Page 28
26 THROUGH THICK AND? DTHIN, “Certainly; but in the meantime we must eat 80 ru go down S and cook some venison.” Tom descended the tree, carrying two calabashes with Him, ~ built a fire, sharpened a stick at both ends, on one of which he spitted a quarter of the bush-buck and stuck the other in the ground near the fire. dae : While the meat was roasting Tom filled the calabashes with water, and Marie drew them up with the vine and emptied — them into the earthenware vessels until they and the gourds were all full. ; ie After the meat was cooked Marie drew it up; then Tom sig ascended, hauled up the rest of the bush-buck and hung 1b: on one of the pegs near the entrance of the aperture. Tom and Marie then seated themselves in the entrance ‘of theif strange dwelling and eat their dinner. And they both thought that the meal, simple as it was, but seasoned by a sense of safety, was far sweeter than any | delicacy they had ever tasted. After dinner Tom went down to the ground and collected i large bundle of dry grass, out of which he made a couch for isa Marie in the chamber and one for himself near the entrance A short time after he completed this the ‘Sun set and th air became vocal with the cries of nightbirds and the bar of wild animals. _ Fora iene time Tom and Marie sat talking and looking oa ; on the starlit sky and dark woods. | They felt as if they were cut off from the world, put ‘dia not feel lonely, for they were conscious vee mee: we the world to each other.’ ; Yet there were no words to that effect spoken, for irresistit as Tom felt drawn to his fair companion, he was too generous and considerate to,make a declaration of love to a _ while she was dependent on him for protection. Att length Marie retired and Tom latd down at the ontiuné of the opening, but he could not sleep, and after a while hh heard-a scratching noise on the outside of the tree. i He stuck his head out and the green, fiery eyes of a large animal, which was not more than a yard below, glared into. his Whipping out his pistol Tom bese tot it oo. wie head of : the intruder and fired. Uttering a terrific roar the animal sprang from the trunk of the tree far out into the air and fell, striking +t the eat, with a loud crash. 3 “What is it—what is the matter?” cried “Marie, who we awakened by the report of the pistol. his breast told him that he loved her with all the strength of his strong, ardent nature. ‘But Tom was emphatically a boy of action, and in AOR disposed to yield to grief or despondency. With some difficulty he unclasped the gorilla’s arm from around Marie, and carried her to the entrance of the opening where it was light. Her dress was saturated with blood, and one side of her face was bloody, but Tom could not find any wound. He felt her heart and to his intense joy and surprise found that it was beating faintly, it was true; but unmistakably beating. Hope sprang anew in Tom’s Bdsonk Holding Marie in his arms he chafed her hands and forehead, and at length she ut- tered a deep sigh and opened her eyes. There was a Seared look on her face at first, but it dis- appeared when she saw who was holding her. “Don't be afraid, Marie,” said Tom, “you are safe.”, “Thank God!” she ejaculated. “Do you suffer much?” “Suffer? Oh, no; I do not feel.any pain.” “Is it possible? Are you hurt at all?” “J don’t know, but I think not,” she said, withdrawing herself from Tom’s arms and sitting up. “See, I can sit up very well, though [ ‘feel quite weak and faint.” _, “Then T had better get you some water, but I hardly know how I am to bring it up the tree.” ' “Tp the tree; what do you mean?” | “Didn’t you know that you were up in a tree? Look out.” Marie did so and shrank back, asking: “Why, how did I get up here?” ' “The gorilla brought you up.” “Was it/a gorilla?” “Yes; how did he happen to catch you?” . “T was sitting by a tree, looking at some flowers I had gathered when a great hairy creature sprang out of the bushes and seized me; then I must have fainted, for I do not remember anything that snus a ae I became conscious that you were holding me.’ poten 1 OWOULE like to see if there is anything alive in this hol- low, before 1 go after the water,” said Tom, searching in his pocket for matches. He found the box, which had emenes down in the ee of his coat. Striking a light whe and Marie went back to where the dead gorilla was. The hairy monster lay. extended at full length: “ah a pool of his own blood; he was-shot through the head and had evi- dently staggered back and fallen dead. \ Tom had scarcely noticed these facts when “the match ‘burned out; he struck another and by its light discovered that they were ina room which had been hollowed out in the tree by the hand of man. Some splinters of resinous wood lay ‘piled against the wall on the floor; lighting one of them, which made an excellent torch, Tom and Marie examined the strange chamber. It was of an irregular oval. shape, about eleven feet long and eight wide; it had evidently been used as a habitation, for the floor was littered with bones and several old calabashes,. and two or three rude earthenware vessels were scattered about. } “This vis” a strange place for any. one to live in,” said Maris, “J think this would be a safe place to stay in if there was a _ door.” : _ “J’ll contrive a way to close the entrance,” replied Tom. “But how will I ever get down?” ; “Ob, there will be no trouble about. that, but you had} better remain a) here until our friends come. ad cy Se “Do you tnink. the ey fiat A us?” ; ei) his face. He looked out ree saw a ius 1edpard iyi gs aly near foot of ‘the tree, and the next moment caught sight. or fifty savages, with bows in their ariel advane ig tI the forest. They were evidently following the trail made by the is and when they stopped at ‘the foot of the tree and be i that they were some ea the Batans: in search of h to them. The savages looked up, saw him, and the ae instant d their bows, and let fly a shower of arrows, Tae To: escaped by leaping back nimbly. ‘ ‘The arrows continued to aie info. the ope ‘minutes and Ba ceased.
Page 29
heard anything; then he caught sight of the top of a woolly _ head and immediately drew a bead on it. Slowly the head arose above the bottom of the entrance ~ until the brutal face of a savage was revealed; then Tom SS pressed the trigger of his rifle. poontnas Space, sounded like thunder, and the sa*age, with va bullet hole through his brain, went whirling down from the - diay elevation. CHAPTER XIX, iif IN THE SMORE—A DEFEAT—STARTLING NEWS. Bverything was perfectly quiet for nearly an hour, so Tom “stent toward the entrance on his hands and knees to recon- ~noitre.. Looking down he saw Abdallah with some of his men in hot pursuit of the savages, while Mike and a number of the fi Seedees were already engaged in scattering and extinguish- "ing a fire which the sayages had started at the foot of the tree. |. ‘Mike looked up, saw him, and shouted: “Hurrah, old boy! Is it all right ye are? And where do ye - kkape ther steps?” Tom made a motion with his hand which Mike understood; he ran around the tree, climbed up the pegs and in another minute was shaking hands like mad with Tom ‘and Marie, who had now revived. \ ie -Pxplanations ‘were soon given and received. {After killing the ostrich, Mike had gone back to camp with xf Louise Ashton, and as Tom and Marie did not return, after @; waiting a few hours, he started with Abdallah and the Seedees faresearch of them. 43 They at length found the:trail, and while following it came in sight of the savages around the fire at the foot of the a baobab tree; Abdallah knew jat-@ glance what they were * about, and attacked them at once, a Abdallah soon returned” from pursuit of the savages and reported that fifteen of them were killed, but none of his _ men were hurt. |» A rude but strong Bea was made of green boughs, and in ig by means of a large vine, Marie was lowered to’the ground fi 28 safety. d After a short at during which Tom showed Mike and Abdallah the gorillas which were destroyed by: fire, and some of the Seedees: ‘skinned the leopard and large gorilla, Tom and Marie’s horses were eanent, and whey started to rejoin their friends. — | ; Abdallah had received minute directions from Dr. Clark as to t the direction in which he would march, and calculated so : well that before dark he guided the party to. where the’ ex- pedition had encamped for’ the’ night, te . The safe return of Tom and Marie caused general rejoicing, © and the story of their adventures excited: no end of wonder. ‘The expedition was now within two days’ journey of the ‘ie dich village of Monka, king of the Banogas, where Count de Castlemain and his companions were imprisoned, and “henceforth the march. was conducted with great caution, ~The men were ordered not to fire off their guns or stray from: the line; flanking parties were thrown out and a large _ number of scouts sent in advance. : Late in the afterncon of the second “ay the column war PORES RS eae My Ps me a fe joe, King Monka’s principal village. as 4 One ‘of the sailors, while dipping up some Water out of the ‘ THROUGH THICK AND THIN. There was a vivid flash of light, a report, ernie in the. "stream, ‘found a Janes | sabot in an eddy, brouglit: it to Dr. } DS ee ora 7 hy Obie Pothipe rit ical ~ “This ial fired Soke ‘one of the Falcon’s mie 6 “T recognize it,” replied the doctor, “for it is of a peculiar kind which I had made; it was brought here by the current, and not only shows that the stream is a branch of the Cunene River, but proves that I was correct in my supposition that the river flowed back toward its source when it was dammed’ up at the mouth,” ’ “You are no doubt right,” said Henri de Castlemain; “this stream flows between the mountain on which King Monka’s styonghold is and the volcano, I have observed that some- times the current van one way and sometimes the other, but could not imagine why it did so.” As soon as the camp was established it was left ti charge -of a small guard and Tom, Mike, Dr. Clark and Abdallah, with the rest of the force, moved forward under the guidance of Henri de Castlemain, to try and surprise King Monka in his village at the foot of the mountain. Advancing cautiously until they reached the edge of the plain they halted under cover of the woods, about eight hun- ‘dred yards from the village, while Tom and Dr. Glark ex- amined the place with their fieldglasses. ‘The village was of considerable magnitude, and surrounded’ by a strong stockade; there were two ae both of which were standing open. One of the gates was at the back end of the village against the foot of the mountain, the other was in front and could only be approached between two parallel lines of stockades, which extended at least two hundred yards into the plain. _ A number of savages were moving about in the village, or ascending and descending the mountain. It was an ugly-looking place to attack, and as a surprise in the daytime was out of the question, Tom would have delayed - making the assault until after dark if Henri de Castlemain had not expressed the opinion that the savages Were then engaged in moving their things and would all be up on the mountain before nightfall. So Tom at once made arrangements for the attack. He directed Abdallah to take Umva and the Batan warriors and attack the village on one side, while he with the rest of the force assailed it.on the other. As goon as the two columns were formed Tom gave the order to advance. Pee The moment they emerged from the woods the savages in, the village gave a shout and closed the gates. - Advancing at a quick step across the plain the men in the assaulting parties uttered a yell and rushed at the stockade. They were received with a well-directed volley of arrows | and assagais, which did considerable damage. An obstinate and bloody fight followed, carried on for the most part through loop holes and the interstices between the posts of the stockade. Monka had been warned of the approach of the expedition,, and had his warriors all assembled and ready for the attack. But Tom’s men stood up to their. work bravely, and he and. his party had forced thein, way through the stockade into the village, when Umyva was killed, and. the Batan watriors fled . in spite of all Abdallah could do. Then Monka, fell on Pome party with his. whole force fom beat them back by sheer force of numbers. Tom’s men, however, showed such a bold front’ that they were not pursued outside of the stockade, and they fell back ‘in good order. \ ‘Tom had scarcely reached’ the ahentsy of the woods when one of the sailors, who had been left on guard at the en- ihe} sbi PLIERS, ‘came staggering up severely wounded. “The ‘camp had ‘been captured by a band of white men nd biteriag and they’v bis ee. off the By oe ladies!” AO a, ; at a!
Page 30
Pes o® “ seine Gabi the wounded cared for, it was night. wa, war Mee determine Rae vas Rest to he done. ae 7 28 THROUGH THICK AND THIN. vee ee ee until morning, for Monka, elated by his successful defense and — CHAPTER XX. the arrival of reinforcements, would not be likely to abandon ; : the place during the night. wey SUCCESS OF THE VILLAINS—-A NOYEL BATTERING RAM, After various plans for battering down one of the gates or : ; a part of the stockade of the village were discussed, Tom said: Before the sailor could give any further particulars of the “TI think.[ can manage it, but as will have 7 be sacri- capture of the encémpmenit, he fainted from loss of blood, and! ficed.” ; Dr. Clark proceeded to bind up his wound and endeavor to: Tom then explained what he intended to do, which met with revive him. é the hearty approbation of everyone present, and he at once of The intelligence that Marie de Castiemain and Louise Ashton commenced to put his plan into execution. hy were in the hands of an enemy fell on Tom and Mike like a! With the assistance of the trained elephants and their aes thunder-clap. ers, the immense elephant Bravo was secured so bia nen, But they at once set to work to collect their somewhat seat- | could be loaded safely. tered forces, intending to march! to. the rescue without a Then his head and sides were covered with thick hide te moment’s delay. so-as to protect him as fay as possible from the bullets; a While thus engaged they caught sight of a considerable body | number of large bags filled with stones were strapped to his of men, some of whom were mounted and the rest on foot, | back; a bunch of squibs and inflammable substances was tied hurrying across the plain toward the village. ’ to his tail; he was blindfolded, and his ears plastered with ‘Tom and Mike’s glasses were at their eyes in an instant, and; mud, so that the sound of shouts or, firearms would not tur among the mounted men they saw Ortega with Marie in his | him from his course. 4 arms, and Saul Harris, who bore Louise before him. The elephant thus equipped was then led into the entrance ie This sight made Tom and Mike nearly frantic, but Ortega | of the line of stockades, which extended from the front gate OLY, and his party were already so near the village that it was! the village, and hobbled; being. unable to see or hear, he + re impossible to overtake him before hé could reach it. mained perfectly motionless. i “We'll have them out of there,” said. Tom, grinding his A greater part of the night was consumed in fixing ne: teeth, “if we have to tear, the stockade down with our teeth!” ! phant; as soon as he was ready, the men were ordered to “Be jabers, an’ that’s me hand ivery time,” assented Mike. | move forward quietly under cover of the darkness, and take In a few minutes more Ortega and his men reached the vil-| a position cloge to the village, 50 as to be ready to atta t lage, the gates of! which were thrown open to admit them, and} daylight. if closed as soon ‘as they entered. The two boys started to confer with Dr. Clark, when they met Abdallah, supported on either. side by two of the Batan warriors, while others carried branches of trees over him, “Hallo, Abdallah!” said Tom. “Are you hurt?” “No, sir,” replied Abdallah; “they are teaching me to be king.” ‘ _ “Well, this is no time for such fooling.” Abdallah dismissed his attendants and said: “Tt is the custom of the Batans, and I thought it best to humor them. Umvo is dead, and they are going to make me. their king.” | | “You were right, then, I was wrong to speak as I did. Get your men together; we have some hot work before us.” It may as well be stated here that the selection of Abdallah to succeed Umvo, made by the warriors, was cheerfully en- dorsed by the Batan tribe. _ It was now so late in the afternoon chat Tom, after pons ing with’ Doctor Clark, ordered the men to march back to camp. ( They found on, reaching it ' that much less damage had been done than they expected. f Ortega’s capture of the encampment. was in a great measure the result of accident. 5 ssi | After being defeated in his attempt to capture the ship, he had started back to King Monka’s tribe, but being without darkness was intense; then the pale oray: light ‘of morn began to pica d objects visible. scream | of rage and terror, with tail and Erate erect, ot up the ae like a thunderbolt. 4 and failshiadl into the village. : 4 The shock when he struck the gate, burst ‘apart the: b holding the rocks, and a fragment of: the splintered timber 1 the bandage off Bravo’s eyes. 73 his feet. , Most of Ortega’s men ce Monk’ 8 warriors got aslee Bravo burst into the village. ie) Most of them escaped out of the back galt: ao rT mountainside, but a. a lar rge Bae, scaled the stockad > ce ea ® ry ® — bt ro) ® =) @ a < ° fe) oF ¢ = is yon in ie) Be a oO @ B Oo = ® a uD » o- ie oes Ee things were going on inside, prudently stayed ‘ transportation, and forced to rely on hunting for food, Doctor village: at, } ; Clark's expedition, marching by another route, ie ahead of} In an ineredibly short space of time Bravo. Killed or. him. f | abled upwards of thirty men, put the rest of the defe On nearing Monka’s village, Ortego discovered the encamp-| the village to flight, and had complete possession of | i ment, overpowered the small guard, seized the two girls, the lw which for the time mene he bela gia both friend an horses, and such things as came readiest to hand, then hurried Site off, carefully avoiding the main body, of the Sf iat and ; te fo me : pill a reached the village in safety. uth é By the time that things were straightened up at the en- _ CHAPTER XXL Guards ‘were posted, supper eaten, and Dr, Clark, Tom,| _ Mike, Henri de Castlemain and Abdallah: held a council gi ae
Page 31
THROUGH THICK AND THIN. ee As soon as he entered the village, Tom had a careful search made among the ruins for Marie and Louise, but no trace of them was found, and it was afterwards ‘ascertained that they were sent up on the mountain the night before. When the search was completed Tom and Mike, accompanied) yillage to see if it was at all practicable to fight their way up the mountain. x a Bullets soon began to whistle around them so thickly that - they retired, but not before they had satisfied themselves that it was impossible to ascend the narrow and precipitous path- way in the face of a hostile force. * Leaving Abdallah with his men to guard the village, Tom, Dr. Clark, Mike and Henri de Castlemain, walked along the base of the mountain to try and discover some other route to _ the top. _ But the search was vain; they were everywhere confronted - by frowning precipices which could not be surmounted save by winged creatures. “Suppose we go over and ascend the volcano,” said Tom; “we can then take a bird’s-eye view of the mountain, and may _ discover some pathway which has escaped our observation.” “IT am certain that you will not find any practicable route,” : replied Henri de Castlemain; “but we can get a view of the R plateau on the mountain, and see what is going on up there.” “Then let us go, ‘by all bree, ” said Dr. Clark. “I want to examine the volcano, anyway.” ~. @rossing the stream in one of a’number of canoes which ~ were drawn up on the bank, they ascended with considerable difficulty the rough, fissured side of the. volcano; before reach- -ing the top a good view of the plateau on the mountain was ‘obtained. ° aN _ Every glass was Sasph cata gee ‘Airected toward it; a large “number of people were gathered together near the huts; and ; they “seemed to be holding a palaver; none of the prisoners - were visible. After a few minutes’ observation Tom and his companions _ resumed their ascent and soon reached the top of the volcano. The sight that greeted their eyes was grand and awful. re ‘Before them was the crater of the volcano, of a circular ~ shape, almost a mile in diameter, filled nearly to the brim | with molten lava, in a state of violent. ebullition, its flaming billo § tossing to and fro like the waves of a stormy sea. After the first feeling of wonder had subsided Dr. Clark np said: Net ett is dangerous to remain here; ‘there may be an eruption at any moment.” - After withdrawing from their dangerous position, the piety: mee more turned their attention to the plateau on the moun- tain, a eae The palaver was over and the savages were erecting a num- ber of posts on the edge. of the rock that overlooked the plain. ' “Oh, my poor brother! ” exclaimed Henri de Caren, deeply ‘moved, “What is the matter?” asked Dr. Clark. “The savages are preparing to burn their prisoners. 5 “My God! Then they are lost. Tom, can’t you think of some way to rescue them?” peak was just. thinking of a plan, that may succeed.” What is it?” “We have, fortunately, plénty of powder, 1 propose to put hundred pounds or so of it into one of those deep holes in e outside of the crater and fire it after dark with a slow- match. The explosion will blow out a part of the rim and let which - we will make a desperate attempt to storm the plateau.” Bravo! ” said the doctor, leading the way down the yol- o; “let us make our preparations at once.” EN OSs.) : by a number of the men, went out of the back gate of the | filled with the wildest uproar, he cried: -—_. j 1e lava escape, thus causing an artificial eruption, during : ‘When they reached ne wf ae bid ‘shw the savaged tying their captives to the padi which, being on the ‘edge of the plateau, were plainly visible from the plain. . The powder brought with the expedition was in fifty-pound bags; six of these Tom had conveyed up the volcano. and placed in a deep hole, which penetrated almost horizontally aed the rim of the crater, some hundred feet from the crest. To guard against accidents, three fuse-ropes, of sufficient length to burn thirty minutes, were then inserted in the powder and extended to the entrance of the hole, which was then filled with fragments of old lava, to increase the force of “. the explosion. Leaving Ben Spears, the boatswain, and another reliable man to fire the mine when they received a signal agreed upon, Tom returned to the village. He ordered a large camp-kettle to be filled with grease and placed on the fire and dissolved in it all of the phosphorus that Dr. Clark had in his medicine chest; the kettle and its contents, closely’ covered, were then set aside for use. After carefully inspecting the men’s arms and haying them well supplied with ammunition, there was nothing else to do, and Tom waited impatiently for night. At nine o’clock Tom had his men -smeared over with the grease in which the phosphorus was mixed, omitting their faces only; this gave them a ghastly, luminous appearance that enabled them to distinguish each other in the dark, and was well calculated to terrify their enemies. As soon as this operation was completed ‘l'om ordered three guns to be discharged as a signal to Spears to fire the mine. At the expiration of twenty minutes Spears and his com-_ panion arrived, breathless with haste and reported that they had lit. the fuse-ropes. Ten minutes passed and then there was a dull, rumbling ex- plosion,. which made the earth tremble. The side of the crater opened and the molten lava leaped forth and rushed, roaring, down the side of the volcano, a perfect. Niagara of liquid fire. Earth and sky were lit up with a blood-red pa the fiery torrent, bearing upon its bosom huge rocks, swept onward, consuming the dense forest in its path as if it were stubble, and plunged into the stream which hissed and boiled and sent up dense clouds of steam. For a brief space of time the two great elements, fire and water, fought for the mastery, but the flow of lava was so great that it quickly filled the bed of the stream with a barrier ‘against which the hissing waves surged in vain, and pushed. forward until it dashed in fiery billows against the base of | the mountain. For a short time every one was spellbound by the ‘grand Aud awful spectacle! ° Then there arose shrill cries and-lamenta-~ tions from Monka’s tribe on the plateau, who thought that the world was coming to an end, and = were about to be destroyed® . This recalled 'Tom to himself, and with a voice ‘distinctly “4 audible, as though the air had been deathly still alas of Nie “Forward, men, to victory or death!” w , CHAPTER XXII. VICTORY. “Led by Tom and Mike, the men, fished out. of. the stockade like demors emerging from the earth, and charged up the precipitous pathway. : Monka’s warriors, who were posted | at ditterent potits ‘of : vantage along the path tovoppiose an attempt to ascend, ‘think- ‘ ‘ing: that they saw. si a of hapa stined fied with feet winge
Page 32
30 THROUGH THICK AND THIN, 9 9 9 9 2307 SS oS Close after then) pressed the assailants, hoping to capture | them before they reached the plateau, or at least enter it with them pell-mell. As soon as they were collected and thelr wounds adresse steps were taken to dispose of the dead. ~ The bodies of their friends, who had fallen, were core _But in this the pursuers were disappointed, for they were} to a remote portion of the plateau and buried} but the corpses” ‘confronted at the top of the pathway by Ortega and his men. Though Tom’s men now found themselves opposed by a of the enemy were dragged to the edge of the precipice - and pitched over into the molten lava, which: instantly consumed | superior force, they did not, hesitate a moment, but with aj them. shout which drowned even the roar of the volcano, they hurled themselves on the foe. The combat was of unexarnpled desperation; both sides . fought as only. brave men will fight when they know that they must conquer or die. .. : One by one the pirates fell or were driven back, fighting, and Tom and Ortega met on the verge of the precipice, and for the first time during the fight crossed swords with each other. On the rocky battlement, in the lurid glare of the volcanoes, with the sulphurous exhalations from the lava rising around | them, they fought with the fury of men whose PesCHas pant only for revenge. The combat was brief, for they were poth so exasperated that they were more eager to strike than to guard. Ortega, in mak- ing a desperate stroke, oyer-reached himself and before he eould recover himself Tom’s sword pierced his heart. . The thrust was given with such force that the weapon did not stop until the guard gtruck against Ortega’s breast, and when the blade was withdrawn he staggered back, fell over the edge of the precipice and shot down, cleaving the air like a bird, in his headlong descent, till he eiruck, in the molten lava and disappeared forever. By this ‘time the rest of the pirates were dispatched, and Tom and Mike hurried off toward the captives, who had all this time remained tied fo: the posts, in a most deplorable state, of mind. e As Tom and Mike approached the spot where they were, a man with a lighted torch in his hand emerged from one of the huts and moved rapidly toward the captives. The two boys darted forward and Mike, who was. a little in advance, overtook the miscreant, seized him by the throat |) and dashed him to the ground just as he was about to thrust | the torch into the combustibles piled around’ Louise Ashton. Mike’s sword flashed from its scabbard, and he planted his foot on the villain’s breast the instant he touched the ground. It was Saul Harris, who, true to his cowardly and vindic- tive character, had skulked | in the huts during the fight, and when the sound of the conflict ‘ceased, stole forth to put the _ helpless prisoners to death. ‘Ben Spears, who came up at that moment, was directed to take charge of the trembling wretch, bind him hand and foot and guard him carefully. Tom and Mike at once released the DMSRHETN aa assured them of their safety. Their frantic joy at being saved from the cruel ith which stared them in the face and the rapture with which the Count de. ‘Castlemain and his wife embraced each other and the two girls, were very affecting. | : Tom, Mike and the sailors were 80 overwhelmed with thanks | and praise that the gallant fellows were seriously embarrassed. A messenger was dispatched for Dr. Clark and Henri de Castlemain, who had remained at the foot of the mountain with a few men to cover their retreat if the assault failed. They soon made their appearance, and in an instant the Count de Castlemain, and his long-lost brother. were jockte in each other’s arms. ees _ Abdallah, who, with his men, had hunted down and stain the last of the Banoga. warriors, now came up and conducted ‘the party to the house of the late King Monka; here the Castlemaing were left and every one else set about caring for the wounded. BG WLLL NE asin | the eyes of the bekolders, | tured her after a hard battle; in which a number ‘of ‘the’ pira ms Pp he Ss Many hands made tight work, put the number of the/ stain was so great that it was near morning before the tired men stretched themselves on the ground for a few hours of well- | earned repose. | Soon after sunrise every one was astir; summons were” gent te the Batan tribe to inform them of what had happened, and | Abdallah assured the women and children captured on the Plateau that they should not be harmed but taken into . tribe. He then eee every Hae to accompany hjm. to the sm: om | lake, of which Henri de Castlemain spoke when telling his | stay with Monka. : The lake had been created by building a dam across. ‘th lower end of a hollow, and thus collecting and confining t waters of several springs which gushed forth among the rocks. By Abdallah’s orders’ a part of the dam was broken! down the water poured over the edga of the plateau and . b of the lake was soon left bare. > Near its centre was a huge. boulder, which on ili moved disclosed’ a cavity in which there was a stone coffer that ‘sit men could barely lift and bring out:on level ground, © : When its lid was removed the contents of the coffer dezaled Tt was filled with bars and ¥ eB of virgin gold, precious stones in. their rough state, or ru lely polished, and many barbaric ‘ornaments. set Sane sparkling gems. f eae van us ag found ee treasure of ws he spoke iy Tetia: ae also made ‘a contract ‘with “Dr. Clark, : ‘is which © pee agreed to return to India at once with the Faleo ean i f In consequence of this contract J it became; desirable f the sepia and horses ‘at Abdallah’s village; Si ‘Dr. There was an abundance of canoes, and the ‘ibaet tome ! of Lins whites emba rked, accompanied by nie 5 Su the stream through the depths ot the sombre forest : ry | CHAPTER XXM Ag HORRIBLE FATE OF SAUL WARRIS—-HOME AGAIN. in the middle of the river which eaupee to” be ne L¢ She was in possession of the pirates, but the expedition were killed. Then the: Count’s party took. ck the next day. Saul Harris was. placed rie a ter watched over Bye Tom and Mike. a :
Page 33
This made Tom and Mike feel very gloomy over the prospect of being separated from the girls. One day, when the girls and the Count came ashore to see then, they managed to get the Count to one side and let him oat of their love for the girls. ‘The Count did not seem to be at all surprised, and, calling ‘Mike’s, he gave them his blessing and then went out of the } tent, leaving them alone. It was the intention of the Count de Castlemain to go to America, to visit his wife’s family, which she had not seen since her marriage, and he advised Tom and Mike to cancel ; their engagement with Dr. Clark and accompany him. | The doctor was very sorry, to part with the two boys, but | was too generous to refuse their request, and warmly con- ; jp siulaten them on their happy prospects. The work of putting the ships together went on rapidly, and ‘Abdallah, who was loth to part with his friends, remained to “see them off. Abdallah had brought a handsome ‘present to Captain 7 Parker, and Tom and his friends, wishing to make some re- “turn for his liberality, loaded him and his warriors down with the Harpy. ». The river continued to rise steadily but slowly, and nearly everything not in actual use on shore was carried on board of | the ships. , ‘ The large ‘gorilla, about whose capture the Treader will no “doubt. remember, was also still on shore, for sary. y ‘ "The ferocious animal was secured by a’ wire cable around | 14 THROUGH ia AND THIN. oe le es, ‘the girls and placing Marie’s hand in Tom’s, and Louise’s in presents of arms and other goods from the large supply on: { t = 3 ee his confinement Saul had enco uate: which tent was occupied by Tom and Mike, and toward it he moved, cautiously. He was soon close to the rear of the tent, and paused by the side of a tree to listen. Nothing stirred, and the silence was so profound that is deep, regular breathing, which indicated that Tom and Mike slept soundly in the tent only a few feet distant, could be distinctly heard. Saul’s revenge was almost within his grasp; all he had to do was to creep to the tent, slip under the side and bury his knife in the heart of his foe. His breath came thick, and his heart thumped against his ribs, but he did not falter; from constantly, brooding over the subject he had made up his mind that he would rather die a thousand deaths than that Tom should escape, “I'll use the revolver if the knife fails to do the job. effect ually,” he muttered, as crouching low he moved forward with a noiseless step. The next instant there rang. out on the midnight air a ery of agony, so quaverless and shrill that in a moment the whole camp was in an uproar. — Stealthy as Saul Harris was, there was a yet more stealthy animal watching him. On a large limb of the tree under which he paused, not more than eight feet above his head, the huge gorilla lay extended at full length, following his every moye- ment with its keen, fiery eyes. As long as Saul stood by the tree the gorilla remained mo- tionless, but when he started to move toward the tent the savage animal sprang down upon him and bore him to the not wish to confine him in a cage until it was sbaeliitely neces- | ground. On finding himself in the deadly grasp of the gorilla, Saul ut- tered the cry which aroused the camp. In a moment lights his“Iins, the other end of the cable being looped around a! began to flash about, and half-clad men, with such arms as i tree so that it would slip up and down on the trunk and allow! came readiest to hand, rushed toward Tom’s tent, guided: by jee gorilla to ascend to the lower limbs at pleasure. At length the ships were in a state of readiness for sea, i ae the men, who had been working like beavers, were given | i lenty of liquor to a ia holiday on shore, and plenty of liquor to drink. Fy By sundown the frolic was over and the men, pretty well jpCreanie of agony, mingled with deep, angry roars. By the flaring light of the’ torches the startled throng beheld Saul Harris in the clutches of the infuriated gorilla, which was literally rending him limb from limb. One arm, which had already been torn from its canal lay ‘worn out by dancing innumerable hornpipes and skylarking, | Wuivering. on the ground, and before any one could think, ‘retired to bed: much less do anything, the powerful animal actually wrenched At ten.o tclodk every one had gone ‘to theit quarters, except off the head of the miserable Saul, and hurled it into the midst | Harris, who had managed in some way to steal a bottle of ‘um, ‘presented it to the sailor who was guarding them, ae fhe man was already pretty. well primed with liquor, and Is devoted himself so assiduously to the botile that in less than an hour he was stretched on the ground at the entrance oft the tent, sound asleep. ‘Then Saul Harris, whose bonds had been goat’ in two by me Bd the pirates, crawled to the sailor, and after securing nD wisiy? released the pirates” held a wlpanca consultation ie as to the best means of procuring arms and ammunition, for Re they knew that if they went off unarmed’ they would probably be devoured by yoga beasts: or die a lingering death from starv- ation. oy, “stay where you are,” said. ‘oan ‘Harris: < know where to “Let roe go with you,” said one of the crew, es nt enitos: to’ his companions; | We whole heart was ‘set on _ killmg Tom Gale. they came convenient, © ‘but. first his” ene should die; and n his ins +2 desire ws jevaine No; I Sig had best go alone,” Fig Saul, Sees away in| the Harpy with ‘enough men to the man on guard. As soon as everything was quiet, Saul| of the horrified spectators. “Wire! for God’s sake, fire!” cried Dr. Clark. A rattling volley followed his words, and the savage brute fell dead upon the body of its terribly mutilated victim. Soon as an alarm was given the pirates made a rush for their liberty, but were intercepted by the sentinels around the camp, and all of them captured. To guard against any future attempt to escape, they cane? taken on board of the Harpy and heavily ironed. The next morning the remains of Saul) Harris were buried. _ Shortly afterward the lookout reported that the waters i the river had begun to creep over the DAT Z A seene of bustling activity followed, the tents were str, and everything conveyed to the ships. — % f Then Tom, Mike and- Seg rest parted with Abdaliah and went on board. Tom and Mike went with the Count and his family on the L’Orient, Doctor lark returned to the Falcon with Captain Parker, and the first mate of the latter, vessel had charge i navigate her. a (At length the pent-up waters of the river burst through ae Anchors were weighed aa the vessel, under. just, enough sail Arms: and ammunition he ‘would get, if; to make them answer their helms, went out with the flood. © As they did so Tom and Mike waved a last. adieu to ‘Ab- . reless about the | dallah, who ‘remained standing on tl its this warriors. hn ; 4 ae 2
Page 34
tS 32 THROUGH THICK © AND ‘THIN. Six days afterward they came safely to anchor at pee Town. At Cape Town the pirates were handed over to the authori- ties and subsequently executed. The Harpy was condemned as a piratical vessel captured on the high seas, and ordered to be sold for the benefit of her captors. Tom, Mike and Dr. Clark relinquished their ' ghare of the prize money to.Captain Parker and the crew of the Falcon. Tom and Mike parted with their friends, Doctor Clark and Captain Parker, at Cape Town. Doctor Clark, after complying with his contract: with Ab- dallah, penetrated into the~interior of Africa, then returned to the United States, abandoned his wandering life and de- voted himself to writing an account of his travels. Captain Parker purchased the Falcon, and with Ben Spears, her former boatswain, for his first mate, is now doing a good business in the India trade. : But to resume the regular thread of my narrative: The Falcon and L’Orient left Cape Town at ‘the same time, the former bound for Calcutta, and the latter for America. After a pleasant but uneventful voyage the L’Orient reached New York. Every one was ‘glad to get ashore once more, and Tom and Mike, after escorting the Count de Castlemain’s party to a hotel, hurried to their respective homes. They were received as if they had come back from the grave, for Mr. Augustus Mortimer, Tom’s uncle, and Mike’s father, after expending large sums in advertising and hiring detectives, without getting any ¢clew to the whereabouts of the boys, had come to the conclusion that they were dead, After Tom had given his uncle an account of his adventures, and told of Saul Harris’ horrible death, Mr. Mortimer, who was deeply affected by the recital, said: “Though you would have been justifiable in killing Saul Harris, I am glad that his blood is not on your hands, and richly as he deserted hanging I would have been sorry to have my sister’s son perish on the gallows.” “It is singular,” said Tom, “that Saul should have turned pee so badly.” i “He inherited the disposition of his father, Calvert Harris,” replied Mr. Mortimer, “who was one of the worst men that ever lived; he broke his wife’s heart and afterward deliberately took his own life, for the gt ad of having me punished as his murderer,” It contains 16 Large Pages. It is Handsomely Illustrated. eee | Mea It has Good Stories of Every Kind. : It Gives Away Valuable Promia \ it Auswers all sorts of s daakag tie in its pple swan a Coln f ‘newsdealer, send the price in money or postage stamps b y It was late at night before Tom and his uncle got through talking of the past and laying plans for the future. Mr. Mortimer was delighted at Tom’s proposed marriage; he called on the Count de Castlemain and his family next morn- ing with Tom, and found Mike and his family with them, _ The Count was very much pleased with Mr. Mortimer, and with Mr. Malone, Mike’s father, who w4s a fine old Irish gentle- taan, with good blood in his veins, and the owner of a hand- some property. 4 The Count intended to have the marriages take place at his castle in Normandy, but it was not convenient for Mr Mortimer and Mr. Malone to go abroad at the time, and they persuaded him to let the young couples be wedded in New, York. ‘ 5 ‘Tom and Mike spent iMisat of their time with Marie eee Louise, and accompanied them to Baltimore where they went with the Count and his wife to see her relatives. : After a stay of three weeks in Baltimore the party returned to New York; the trousseaux of the girls were ready, and the day which was to make Tom and Mike benedicts arrived. They were married in church and had a reception at. be Mortimer’s, r After receiving the congratulations of their friends they were driven to the Battery, embarked with the Count and his family on the -L’Orient, and were soon gliding down the bay, bot ¢ for the sunny land of France. ; Though our boys have once more gone abroad, it is ‘ouiges spend their honeymoon, and then they will return to the 1 née of their birth with their wives. j ae [tHE xEND.] > is fee Read “THE DEMON OF THE DEP; OR, ABOVE. AND BENEATH THE SHA,” by Capt., Thos. H. Wilson, which | will be the next number (221) of age and Luck.” pS are sears in print. i yoH cannot obtain them lad sae to FRANK TOUSEY, piremnagee : ne UNION
Page 35
: THE STAGE. No. 41. THR BOYS most famous end”men. this wonderful little book. and Lrish. Also end men’s jokes, ment and amateur shows. ganizing an amateur minstrel troupe. No, joke books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. obtain a copy immediately. stage; together with the duties of the Scenic Artist and Property Man. By a No. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKH B aver arreer German comedian. Sixty-four pages; Zolore: 4 HOUSEKEEPING. cover containing a half-tone photo of the author. _ owers at home. _ Hshed. : ‘m_ cooking ever published. ” sh, game and oysters; also *, s., 4 ; »rackets, cements, Aeolian harps, ELECTRICAL. : 7 ‘h rw as: ustrations, \ aining full directions for making electrical machines, induction ~ oils, dynamos, and many novel toys to be worked by electricity. A. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated. ‘arge collectién of instructive and hi together with illustrations. By A. Anderson, ENTERTAINMENT. No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST, By Harry ennedy. The secret given away. Hvery intelli this book of instructions, by a practical professor delighting multi- tudes every night with his wonderful imitations), can master the art, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is the greatest book ever published, and there’s millions (of fun). in it, No. 20. HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—-A _ very valuable little book just published. A complete compendium of games, sports, card diversions, comic recitations, etc., suitable for parlor or drawing-room entertainment, It contains more for the _ money than any book published. No. 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little ovok, containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, »sackgammon, croquet, dominoes, ete, : No. 36. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all _ rte leading conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches and witty sayings. |. No. 52. HOW TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little book, giving the rules and full directions for playing Huchre, Crib- Bae, sg rei pees, Readcss wn Sancho, Draw Poker, uetion Pitch, All Kours and many other popular games of cards. No. 66. HOW TO DO PU ZZLES.—Containing aver three hun- dred interesting ae and conundrums with key to same. A _ complete book. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson, i ETIQUETTE, _ No. 13. HOW TO DO IT: OR, BOOK OF RTIQUETTR—It _ Wa great life secret, and one that every young man desires to know _ alli about. There’s happiness in it, ; No. 33. HOW TO BEHAVE.—Containing the rules and eti- ¥ Quette of good society and the easiest and most approved methods _ of appearing to good advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church ; and in the drawing-room, DECLAMATION. - No. 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS. _ e~@ontaining the most popular selections in use, comprising Dutch @ialect, French dialect, Yankee and Irish dialect pieces, together _ iith many standard readings. “« BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the No amateur minstrels is complete without | No. 42. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPEAKER.— _ Oontaining a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch Just the thing for home amuse- No. 45. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDD AND JOKE BOOK.—Something new and yery instructive. Bvery - boy should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for or- . MULDOON’S JOKEHS.—This is one of the most pueingl t contains a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, ete., of Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist and practical joker of | the day. Hvery boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should re No. 79. HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—Containing com- _..wlete instructions how to make up for various characters on the Stage Manager, Prompter, rominent Stage Manager. OK.—Containing the lat- ast jokes, anecdotes and funny stories of this world-renowned and handsome No. 16. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing | full instructions for constructing a window garden either in town _ or country, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful l The most complete book of the kind ever pub- No, 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books It contains recipes for cooking meats, so pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of pastry, and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular > cooks. > No, 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSH.—It contains information for } sverybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to ‘make almost anything around the house, such_as parlor ornaments, and bird lime for catching birds. No. 46. HOW TO MAKH AND USH ELECTRICITY.—A de- ~“Tiption of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism ; _ «ether with full instructions for making Blectric Toys, Batteries, By George Trebel, A, M. M. D. Containing over fifty il- No, 64. HOW TO MAKW BLECTRICAL MACHINES.—Con- NA No. 67, HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a hly amusing electrical tricks, ent boy reading No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPHAKER.—Containing four me TT) 7 , leat illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOKE | 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 ey ; No. ‘49. HOW TO DEBATE.—Giving rules for conducting de: bates, outlines for debates, questions for discussion, and the hee sources for procuring information on the questions given. SOCIETY. No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation ait fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods Oi: handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it com: tains a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which ir pate to everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy, without one. . No. 4. HOW TO DANOE is the title of a new and handsom little book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instrae. tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ballroom and at partie oped to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular squaz ances. $ No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to low. courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquet to be observed, with many ‘curious and interesting things not wen: erally known. . No. 17. HOW TO DRESS.—-Containing full instruction fm Ga art of dressing and appearing well at home and abroa giving tix selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up. No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL—One of Gi- brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the worie. verybody wishes to know how to become! beautiful, both male ani female. ‘The secret is simple, and almost costless, Read this hoo and be convinced how to become beautiful. BIRDS AND ANIMALS. No. 7. HOW. TO KEEP BIRDS,—Handsomely illustrated ain’ containing full instructions for the management and training of tic canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, paroquet, parrot, ete. No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGHONS Ajo RABBITS.—A useful and instructive book. Handsomely ‘}i9ic- trated. By Ira Drofraw. : ; No. 40. HOW TO. MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Incinding hin on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds ao how to cure skins, Copiously illustrated. By J. Harringto. eene. : No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—A yalv able book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, monmntin, and preserving birds, animals and insects, No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PHTS.—Giving eon: plete information as to the manner and method of raising, keepiny, taming, breeding and managing all kindsiof pets; also giving #0). instructions for making cages, ete. Fully explained twenty eight illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kis: eyer published. MISCELLANEOUS. 4 No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A_ 2a ties structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemis ash Sy periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, an: directions for making fireworks, colored fires and gas balloon: This book cannot be equaled. ee, No, 14.'HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A complete handbook {at- making all kinds of candy, ice cream, s Tups, essences, etc. etc. No. 19. FRANK TOUSEY’S UNIT D'STATHS DISTANO TABLES, POCKET COMPANION AND- GUIDB.— Giving thy official distances on all the railroads of thei United States amé Canada, Also table of distances by water to foreign ports, hac! fares in the principal cities, reports of the census, ete., etc. maliny it one of the most complete and handy books published. No. 88, HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A wois derful book, containing useful and practical information im ti- treatment of ordinary disea8es and ailments common to even: A oer Abounding in useful and effective recipes for genera! cox plaints. No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS, AND COINS.--Gox: taining valuable information regarding the collectingjand arrungin of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated. z ; No. 58. HOW TO BE A DETHCTIVE:—By Old King Brady the world-known’ detective. In which he lays down some yaluab): and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adyenturs and experiences of well-known detectives. _ No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER.—@Gontais- ing useful information regarding the Camera and how to work it; also how to make Photographie Magic Lantern Slides and oth«. Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De Abney. ; _No. 62. HOW TO BECOME A WEST POINT MILITARY CADET.— Containing full explanations how, to gain admittance, course of Study, Examinations, Duties, Staff of Officers, Pos: Guard, Police Regulations, Fire Department, and all a boy should know to be a Cadet. Compiled and written by Lu Senarens, autho, of “Tow to Become a Naval Cadet.” No. 63. HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADET.—Complete ins structions of how to gain admission to the Annapolis Naya Academy. Also containing the course of instruction, description of grounds and buildings, historical sketch, and eve: thing a boy tee U ee a pe an io in pe kina States Na - Conr- piled and written by Lu Senarens, author’ o: ow to i West Point Military Cadet.” 4 =e PRICE 10 CENTS EACH, OR 3 FOR 25 CENTS. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York,
Page 36
Pir UC Ke A IN PP i. U0 CK. CONTAINS ALL SORTS OF STORIES. 32 PAGES. BEAUTIFULLY COLORED COVERS. 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 208 204 205 206 207 211 212 213 214 215 216 2ue 218 1220 LATEST ISSUES: 137 The Farmer's Son; or, A Young Clerk's Downfall. A Story of Country and City Life. By Howard Austin. 138 The Old Stone Jug; or, Wine, Cards and Ruin. By Jno. B. Dowd. 139 Jack Wright and His Deep Sea Monitor; or, Searching for a Ton of Gold. By “Noname.” 140 The Richest Boy inthe World; or, The. Wonderful Adventures of a Young American. By Allyn Draper. 141 The Haunted Lake. A Strange Story. By Allyn Draper. 142 In the Frozen North; or, Ten Years in the Ice. By Howard Austin. 143 Around the World on a et See A Story of Adventures in Many Lands. By Jas. C. Merrit 144 eons Captain Rock; or, The ‘irst of the White Boys. By Allyn Jraper. 145 A Sheet of Blotting Paper; or, The Adventures of a Young Inventor. By Richard R. Montgomery. 146 The Diamond Island; or, Astray in a Balloon. By Allan Arnold. 147 In the Saddle from New York to San Francisco. By Allyn Draper. 148 The Haunted Mill on the Marsh. By Howard Austin. 149 ane Soune Crusader... A True Temperance Story. By Jno. B. owd. 150 ane uke of Fire; or, The Fate of a Missing Ship. By Allan Arnold. : 151 The Witch Hunter's Ward; or, The Hunted Orphans of Salem. By Richard R. Montgomery 152 The Castaway’s Kingdom; or, A Yankee Sailor Boy’s Pluck. By cd a Thos. H. Wilson. 153 Worth a Million; or, A Boy’s Bi ht for Justice. By Allyn Draper. 154 The Drunkard’s "Warning ; or, The Fruits of the Wine Cup. By Jno. B. Dowd. 155 The Black Diver; or, Dick Sherman in the Gulf. By Allan Arnold. 156 The Haunted Belfry: or, the Mystery of the Old Church Tower. By Howard Austin 157 The’ House with Three Windows. By Richard R. Montgomery. 158 Three Old Men of the Sea; or, The Boys of Grey Rock Beach. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. 159 3,000 Years Old; or, The Lost Gold Mine of the Hatchepee Hills. By Allyn Draper. 160 Lost in the Ice. By Howard Austin. 161 The Yellow Diamond; or, Groping in the Dark. By Jas. C. Merritt. 162 The Land of Gold: or, Yankee Jack’s Adventures in Early Aus- tralia. By Richard R. Montgomery. 163 On the Plains with Buffalo Bill; or, [Two Years in the Wild West. By an Old Scout. 164 The Cavern of Fire; or, The Thrilling Adventures of Professor Hardcastle and Jack Merton. By Allyn i oot 165 big as logged; or, Lost in the Sea of Grass by “Capt. Thos. H. son 166 Jack Wright, the Boy Inventor ; or, Exploring Central Asia in His Magnetic ‘‘Hurricane.” By ‘“Noname 167 Lot its pet Sold to the Highest Bidder. By Richard R. Mont- ome 168 The Boy, Ecancelar : or, 1,000 Miles in a Canoe. By Jas. C. Merritt. 169 Captain Kidd, Jr.; or, The Treasure Hunters of Long Island. By Allan Arnold. 170 The Red Leather Bag. A Weird Story of Land and Sea. By Howard Austin. 171 ae Lone Star’; or, The Masked Riders of Texas. By Allyn Jraper, 172 A new ork Bor ont with Stanley ; or, A Journey Through Africa. Ay ; errit 173 Afloat With Captain Nemo; or, The Mystery of Whirlpool Island By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. 174 Two Boys’ Trip to an Unknown Planet. By Richard R. Mont gomery. 175 The Two Diamonds: or, A Mystery of the South African Mines By Howard Austin. 176 ee eens or, Three Years Among the Japs. By Allap rnol 177 aeay EM os) of No, Man’s Land; or, An Uncrowned King. 3y oname 178 Gun-Boat Dick: or. Death Before Dishonor. By Jas. C. Merritt 179 A Wizard of Wall! Street; or. The Career of Henry Carew, Boy }210 Banker. By H. K. Shackleford. 180 Vifty Riders in Black; or, The Ravens of Rayen [orest, By Howard Anstin. 181 The Boy Rifle Rangers; *or, Kit Carson’s Three Young Scouts. | By An Old Scout. EVERY STORY COMPLETE PRICE 5 CENTS. Washed into an Unknown World. By “Noname.” Fred Fearnaught, the Boy Commander; or, The Wolves of the Sea. By Capt. ‘Thos. H. Wilson. From Cowboy to. Congressman; or, man. By H. K. Shackleford. Sam Spark, the Brave Young [fireman ; on Hand. By Wx-Fire Chief Warden. The Poorest Boy in New York, and How He Became Rich, N. S. Wood, the Young American Actor. Jack Wright, the Boy Inventor; Treasure. By “Noname.” On Time; or, "Phe Young Engineer Rivals. An Exciting Story of Railroading in the Northwest. By Jas. C. Merritt. Red Jacket; or, The Boys of the Farmhouse Fort. By An Old | The Temptations of City Life. Scout. His First Glass of Wine; or, A ‘True Temperance Story By Jno. B. Dowd. The ‘Wonderful Cruise of the Yacht Vesta. | By Richard R. apne Where? or, The Rise of a Young Ranch- Always the First By a Sunken or, or, Hunting for The Coral City; or, Making a Million ; , A Smart Boy’s Career in Wall Street. By — Heo Shackleford.” Jack Wright and His Electric Turtle; 08 Chasing the Pirates - of the Spanish Main. By ‘‘Noname. Flyer Dave, the Boy Jockey; or, Riding the Winner. By Allyn Draper. ’ The Twenty Gray Wolves; or, Fighting A Crafty King. BY. | Howard Austin. The Palace of Gold; or, The Secret of a Lost Race. By Richard R. Montgomery. Jack Wright’s Submarine Catamaran ; or, The Phantom Ship of the Yellow Sea. By ‘Noname.” A Ethel Cristo at 18; or, From Slave to Avenger. By Allyn ~ draper, ‘ The Floating Gold Mine; or, Adrift in an Unknown Sea. By. Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. Moll Pitcher’s Boy; or, As Brave as His Mother. By Gen’) Jas. A. Gordon ; : “We.” By Richard R. Montgomery. Jack Wright and Elis Ocean Racer; or, Around the e, Wola in” 20 Days. By ‘‘Noname.” ae Boy Pioneers; or, Tracking an Indian a By' Allyn | raper. 4 Still Alarm Sam, the Daring Boy Fireman; or, Sure to Be On Hand. By Ex- ‘Fire Chief Warden. : io ae Ocean; or, Ben Bluft's Last Voyage. By Capt. Thos. — . son. ' Jack Wright and His Electric in the - Revenue Service. By ‘“Noname.” i Give Him a Chance; or, How Tom Curtis Won His Way. By Howard Austin. ae Jack and I; or, The Secrets of King Pharaoh's Caves. " Richard R. Montgomery. bay ea 5,000 Years; or, The Treasure of the Aztecs. By Allyn), raper. Jack Wright's Air and Water Cutter; or, Wonderful Adventures on the Wirvg and Afloat. By ‘“Noname.” The Broken Bottle; or, A Jolly Good Fellow. A True Temper ance Story. By Jno. B. Dowd . Slippery Ben; or, The Boy Spy of the Revolution. By Gen’ ‘as. A. Gordon. Me baie) Davy Crockett: The Hero of Silver Gulch. By Ano Old Scout. Jack Wright and His Magnetic Motor; or, The Golden City of the Sierras. By *‘Noname.” (Canoe; or, Working or, rg i: aie ee 1 re Boy Engineer; or, Bound To Do His Best. By) Jas erritt. i The Boy Money King; or, Working in Wall Street. <A Story” of a Smart New York Boy. By H. K. Shackleford. i) “LA Story of Strange Adventure. By Richard R. Mont- — gomery. Jack Wright. The Boy Inventor, and His Under- Water Ironclad; or. The ‘Treasure of the Sandy Sea. By ‘“‘Noname.” Gerald O'Grady's Grit; or, The Branded Irish Lad. By Allyn 7 er. Through Thick and Thin: or, Our Boys Abroad. By Howard nab For sale by all newsdealers. or sent postpaid on receipt of price. 5 cents per copy, by FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. ——— IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS Cut out and fill in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you by re turn mail. @ 40, 6 6.00 ek e006 POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE FRANK TOUSEY, “Publisher, 24 Union Square, Nev York. alicia CST Bane eral Se eee een Dear Str—Enclosed find... copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos................ PU C1 AN De CIS Soe) cot eae oy “ SECRET SERVICE “ “ ce “ “ Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos.... om isivetsaidiats os SPLOEL and No. seven “ THE LIBERTY BOYS OF 76, Wes. ieee Bre . SAME AS MONEY . cents for which please send me: eee ee eee er eran Pee i ot Wea ey Met cee eee e eee ore eee oho eens a ry JDO WEG 5.5. 3. 0:5)5 5s s SERTO ule thin ne aan eae