Pluck And Luck (no. 506) (1908 02 12)
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Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second-Class Matter at the New York Post Office, November 7, 1898, by Frank Tousey. No. 506. NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 12, 1908. Price 5 Cents. Sy ALAA tS w SONY RAY Xv S! \\ y : $ pe N z i : 5 mG a Bie nna ee Watching his chance, Rube mounted the mule. The negro sprang up behind him and called to the horse: “Come heah, sah!” The horse dashed forward, nearly knocking the Redcoat down, and came alongside of the mule. Rube put spurs to the mule and away he dashed.
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’ farmhouse. PLUCK AND LUCK ~ Stories of Adventure: Issued bowl mat Subscri 50 per year. bridceiniy 2 tags. Tien? bring No. 506. ' according to act of Congress, in the year 1908, in the Congress, Washington, D. rant Frank Tousey, Publisher, 24 Union LIN is NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 12, 1908. Entered as Second-Class oe Aaa New Ay N. ¥., Post Office, he Libraria Se honk. wid PRICE 5 CENTS. RATTLING RUBE OR, The Jolly Young Scout and Spy (A STORY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.) BY GEN’L JAMES A. GORDON. CHAPTER I. THE OLD TORY’AND HIS DAUGHTER. During the war for independence there stood on the south bank of the James river, a few miles below Richmond, a large All around it were well-tilled acres of rich land. The over-flowing barn, to say nothing of the comforts in the house, evinced the presence of a skilled farmer. There was nothing of a careless, slip-shod nature to be seen about the place, The wagons and gear were always in good repair, and the stock looked sleep and fat. Old David Boswerth was considered one of the best, as ' well as richest farmers along the James river. With a force of over one hundred slaves to till his land, his crop of wheat, corn, and tobacco was large, and at Richmond he found a ‘ready market for, anything he desired to sell. It was but natural that a man like Farmer Bosworth should have some influence among his neighbors, and such was the case. But his popularity, at the time of which we write, was sadly on the wane, ; Never at any time a real patriot, he had, a year previous to the opening of our story, declared in favor of the king, and pr onounced the war a wicked rebellion. Of course, after that, his patriot neighbors shunned him, and} those who did not were suspected of sharing his views to a greater, -or less degree. There, were not a few, however, who did agree with His and his position, after it became known, drew them to him in a close intimacy. The Bosworth family was composed of pusher wife, and three children. ‘ The eldest was a son, Eugene Bosworth, who was just two- and-twenty years old at the opening of our story, which he- gins in January, 1781—a brave, handsome, young man, tall, straight, and athletic., He was a captain under Lord Corn- _wallis, then engaged in” the inte iach against Groene Sevt in the Carolinas. ; Teaders will lose. their aa Cu with lustrous black eyes, Taven tresses and pearly teeth—a queenly beauty in form and features. She was two years | ‘| younger than her brother, and two older than her sister Myr- f tis. Of a very different type of i goalie was Myrtis. She was short and fair, with laughing blue eyes and pale golden hair. Yet she was none the:less beautiful. Had she cayed to she could be a dangerous rival to her more regal- looking sister. ee But they were not only> sisters, but the best of friends, aids loved each other as such. On the night of January 3, 1781, the Bosworth family was seated before the glowing lwenye in the sitting-room of the farm- house. ) It was a very cold night. “ The wind howled around the house like a weird auc causing the two sisters to clasp each ohare hands, as if to” seek mutual protection there. “This is an awful night for the soldiers who are exposed LoVe to the cold, ” remarked Mrs. Bosworth, to her husband, who — sat on the opposite side of the wide hearth, smoking a pipe. F . “Yes, indeed,” he replied, “and many a poor man will lose his life from exposure. It is a wicked, very wicked war our j people are waging against the good king.” iE “Yes, so it is,” sighed the mother, “and I hope and pray — that it may end before our dear boy falls a victim to it.” - he “Ah! that’s what makes me feel so bitter against the rebels,” sis and the old farmer shook the ashes from his pipe with a sort of angry energy. “Our only son is forced to expose himself, to i death in a thousand shapes, all because there is a wicked Te- % bellion in the land. But it won’t last much Jonger. The king’ s troops will triumph, and treason be piesa ast aa to be;” “Will the rebels be st aaiia when: the war sad: father ¥ Myrtis asked, looking up with an innocent expression on h sweet face. “Of course they will. When did aati ever fail to ‘pant rebels if she got hold of. them? Yes, Washington and all es
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exclaimed: her father. -ish law.” / “her father. z RATTLING RUBE. a * ; ; . mn - 3 . “Then I hope the king will not triumph,” said Mabel, speak- | the two sisters clung to each other’s hand as if seeking mutual ing for the first time on the subject. “Mabel!” gasped her father, utterly Botettaiads “Daughter!” exclaimed Mrs, Bosworth, dropping her knit- ting in her lap, and gazing over*her spectacles at her eldest daughter. “Ave you tainted with treason, too?” her father demanded. *No, father, I am not tainted with treason,” Mabel replied, “but I am not one who believes that the king can do no wrong.” “Well, on my soul! on That is on the very edge of treason! “You don’t think the king has done wrong, do you?” “Yes, father, I do,” she firmly replied. Old David Bosworth was amazed. He glared at his Peauultat daughter in almost speechless surprise, ft was the first time he had ever heard. her utter a senti- ment that savored of disloyalty to the king. “The king can do no wrong,” said her father, when he re- gained his speech, “That’s one of the strong points of Brit- f “My dear ‘tain. 6, said Mabel, “that is) the weakest point you could make, even when talking to an idiot, which you are not,” and she smiled as she spoke, as if she believed she had knock- -ed her venerable progenitor out completely. “Why, daughter, you are half repel, to say the least!” gasped “Why, it’s an axiom of British law that the king can do no wrong, and wise men made the laws of England.” “father, the king is human, like any other man, and his+ tory teems with incidents where kings and queens were mur- derers and tyrants. King George did wrong in not heeding _the remonstrances of the colonies, and the result is war. I “half-stupefied amazement. have been thinking a great deal lately, and have come to the conclusion that eer of this crtiel war does not lie all, on One side.” The father and mother of the young lady glared at her in ‘They had never given her any ‘eredit for taking the least interest in politics, as they had never heard her say anything about the merits of the quarrel in her own, between the king and the colonies. “Myrtis, my child,” said the father, firning to his younger | daughter, “are you a rebel, too?” “No, father; neither is sister one,” replied Myfrtis. thinks our people are not to blame altogether.” Mabel smiled, and pressed her sister’s hand, which she held ~ “Don’t be uneasy, father,” she said, laughing. “T am not soi to run away to join bi brepatmie his and fight neues uty brother.” _ © A frown gathered.on the old man’s brow, and it was easy _ to. see that he was displeased, | - But Mabel Bosworth was not the girl to be frightened by a frown, She could not repress a smile, as she looked up at the cloud on her father’s face. “Where did you get your nebel ideas from, daughter?” the Fe old man asked, after a pause of several minutes. i _ | For answer the swe Ses girl tapped her forehead with her te finger, and said: “tere, father, where a little common sense is still left.” cking at the front door’ “was heard, he sprang up and went tan to. open the huapeh “She | Virginia soil,” ae a much for the ardent old ee and he was protection. CHAPTER II, z “RATTLING | RUBE, ” Mr, Bosworth opened the front door of his hospitable home and looked out into the dim starlight of that cold ges night. To his surprise he saw a young man standing on ae thresh- old, clad in a greatcoat, such as Meg used by the country -peo- ple in that section in those days, “Come in,” he said to the newcomer, throwing the door wide open. “Come in to the fire. It’s a very cold night, sir.” “Ah, you may well say that, Mr. Bosworth,” said the’young man, as he stepped inside and advanced toward the great heap of glowing coals.in the broad, old-fashioned fireplace. Then he caught a glimpse of the mother and two daughters, and doffing his hat, he made a bow that charmed them with its easy gracefulness. “Pardon my intrusion, ladies,” he said, bowing again to each of them. “These are times when sudden visits may ‘be expected, and——” “Your name is Reuben Rattling, is it not?” nhs old farmer asked, interrupting him, after scrutinizing him closely for a. moment or two. 9 ¢ ‘ ; * “Yes, sir—that’s my name,” he replied, turning and bowing: to the father, hat in hand. “I thought so,”-was the curt rejoinder. “To what are we indebted for the honor of your visit to-night?” _ There was a cold stiffness in the old man’s air and tones, which plainly showed that he was not pleased by any means. , “Tam on thy way to Richmond,” replied Rattling, “to carry the news that Benedict Arnold, the traitor, is coming up the — river with a large force, and——” “Ah, say you so? Is it true?” exclaimed Davia Bosworth, greatly excited cover the news, - “Ves, sir, it is trae, for I have seen them myself, They will reach here to-morrow morning. 2 “Thank God!” muttered the old at! which the young man pretended not to hear; “T thought it my duty to stop at every house on the road. and give the alarm,” Rattling’ ick “and that's: why i hie knocked at your door. ‘: *Yes—yes—you did right. I am glad you did 80. When do you say they will be here?” l& little after sunrise, I should say—seeing there’s nothing — to stop ‘em.” “Ah!” and the ‘old Tory rubbed his hanes with delete: “How many soldiers do you think he has with him?” = | “About two thousand, I think—mostly Tories,’ replied the young man, “and they are the worst set that ever set ase on. “Tut—tut, young man! “I know I am. ‘When you see them land and begin plunder- ing and burning as they do, you will be prejudiced, too.” “But when the law punishes treason, you should be Seal diced against the traitors, not against the law.” “That’s sound doctrine, sir,” said Rattling. undertakes to crush Justice, I can’t help lending her a helping hand. | Justice is always right, which can’t be said of law. ake The old Tory was cornered, and his eldest daughter $a ft and gave a smile that caused him, to® frown | and say: : ptt You ‘are prejuateed: bartapa” I ae “But hes Pee ie r 1) a t f
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serve the de vil like a faithful sinner a icng time, you ‘Christian | people urge me to revolt and make war on him, and-———” Mabel burst into a silvery Jaugh, and said: “Father, you see there are two sides to every question. Please allow me to ask Mr. Rattling if he would like a cup. of ‘coffee. He has had g cold ride to-night.” - “An!” said the young man, turning and bowing to her, “in _peace or war woman remains the same faithful friend te man.” “At any rate,” said Mabel, laughing pleasantly, “the war has not made me forget the rules of hospitality. Will you be seated, sir, and——” The sudden rush of horses’ feet on the hard, frozen ground outside caused all five to glance quickly around at each other. Then the horses stopped at the gate, and the voices of men were heard approaching the house. A few moments later loud knocks on the door were heard, © The farmer opened it, and three men stood on the threshold. Without waiting to be invited to enter, they dashed in and looked around at the inmates with inquiring glances. “Have you heard the news?” one of them asked, turning to the old farmer. t “Yes—-I hear that the king’s troops are coming up the river.” “So they are, and that traitor Arnold is burning the houses of all the patriots on both banks,” 3 “That is one of the évils of war the rebels did not wee: on when they rebelled against the king.” “Oh, it’s a game that both sides can play. We know you to be a Tory, David Bosworth.” s “I am loyal to my king, if that is what you anos the far- “mer said. “Yes, that’s what we mean. You are a acini’ man, and ‘acs lieve it is right to burn down the homes of the patriots. We will give you a taste of that kind of warfare,” and with that the man sprang forward to the hearth, and snatched up a burning brand from the fire. The other two started to follow his example, when young. Rattling quickly drew a brace of pistols and earerps two of them, : “Stop where you are! ” he sternly ordered. “Move a hand or foot and I'll fire!” - The two men stood like statues, glaring at the black Hates of the pistols. ‘ “T am a patriot,” said the young man, “and have been nearly four years fighting the enemies of my country. But I make ne war on women and old men. If you burn the house to-night, it will be after you have disposed of me, Such work will do for Tories and redcoais, but men who fight for liberty and jus- tice ought to be ashamed of it!” “Tt’s Rattling Rube, as I live!” gasped one of the mén; rec- ognizing the young man for the first time, . “Yes—they call. me Ratiling Rube,” he said, “and if you go to doing any dirty work round here Yl weno your bones quicker than a flash of lightning.” “Why, don’t you know the traitor is’ ues “the nod of every patriot along the river?” one of the men asked. “Yes; I know it full well, and we all condemn it as the work of fiends. We are patriots, not devils!” yoo “But it’s the only way io make ’em stop it.” ‘ “No, sir. It will not justify them im what they do. “These ladies will not be turned out into the cold to-night. Go back to your ‘horses, and hasten to Richmond. We will make a stand there for the defense of the city.” ‘The men made no tmovemient to. 80, cand eae Rube ‘hiss- ed: 535 Pe Ih a a a _ “If you don’t leave at once I will Stale * Bes next moment, as if ashamed of her impulsiveness, she blushed — red as a rose, and ran back into the kitchen. x ‘Myrtis was timid as a young fawn,’ but she thought ier ought to thank the young patriot for what he had done, and so she turned to him and said: — §We thank you ever so ee at silico ade am tid you are’ a rebel.” : Se Rube laughed right out. , ES we “Thank you for the compliment, yoting lady. When Ilook down the river and see the heavens illumined by the light of dwellings set on fire by the king’s troops, I thank God Tama bs rebel! Ah, here comes my coffee! ” B Mabel brought it in herself, and placed it on a table. te the middle of the room, «ss thousand thanks, Miss Bosworth,” said Rube, as he. took m up the delicious beverage auf sipped it. “I assure you we get ay i He drank the coffee, ‘lS agaist thanking them he powed himself out, mounted his horse and dashed away toward Rich 7 mand, oe + ot. > “ee \ ‘CHAPTER pers sh | RAPTEING RUBE AND THE MAIDEN’S HORSE. |
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Hvery house whose owner was believed to be a patriot was burnt to the ground, and everything of value about the farm ‘ destroyed. It was a day of terror to the patriots, who fled toward Rich- mond to escape worse treatment at the hands of the enemy. Rattling Rube urged his horse at the top of his speed, and / hastened on to warn the citizens: of the city of their danger. The three men who had gone on ahead of them were simply flying from danger themselves, and so they did not make di- rect for the city, as they should have done. On the contrary, they went out of the way to stop at several places, where they spent several hours of precious time. Our hero, however, had been a scout for three years, and knew what his duty was under such circumstances; hence he lost no time, after leaving the Bosworths, in getting to the eity. ; The first man he met on entering the city was a solitary watchman, to whom he told the news. The watchman spread the story as fast as he could, and our hero hastened on to military headquarters to make his report. In less than an hour’s time the whole population had heard the news, and the most intense excitement prevailed. The deep-seated hatred of the people against Bendict Arnold, the traitor, filled their minds with the idea that the dislike was mutual, and that he would be as merciless in his hate as Aue redskin was ever known to be. - Of course, the small military force then in the city was at once marshaled for its defense. In the meantime other patriots came in from below with} bloodcurdling tales of fiendish barbarity experienced at the hands of the invaders. A little after sunrise the commandant of the post—a cool, _ calculating man, who never lost his head in moments of great excitement—called our hero into his private office and said to him: fe ru “Mr. Ratling, you seem to be the only man who has not been frightened by this invasion.” “T have seen too many such to be easily frightened, sir,” said Rube. j F “So I suppose., Now, I want a cool-headed man like you to go back down the river and see just how many men the traitor |. : has with him, how they are armed, and what they purpose ‘doing, Will you go?” “Yes, sir,” was the prompt cate of the brave young man. “Very, well. Do you need anything before starting?” / “No, sir.” ; “When can you start?” “Right now, sir.” we _ “That’s the right kind of talk. I will bid you good-by and ‘wish you Godspeed,” and the officer arose and extended his ’ Tight hand to him, 4 Rube shook his hand, and then left the house to go at once to) > his duty. Mya He had his horse, and in a little while he was on his way down the river, keeping on the south side. As he progressed he met scores of patriots flying from the enemy. | - (“They will murder you,” said one patriot to him as he came L by. “Better go back.” _ “No danger,” said our hero, “as I am not going to let ’em get their, hands on me.” ‘ \ “Hello, Rube!” cried a patriot who knew him. “You are ahi oing the wrong way.” : t “No, I am nines the right way,” he replied. “The enemy down this way.” “The thunder you say! You are not going to meet the whole aaa ae, fae yout”. 5 , yey eval & and whispered ie) ena RATTLING RUBE. a “Yes, that’s just what I am going to do,” was the quiet reply. “Well, somebody ought to lock you up.” “Oh, that’s not the way to do in times like these,” said — Rube. “Suppose everybody were to run away whenever the enemy came, how would Washington drive them out of the country?” “But you are not going to fight ’em?” “J don’t know. If I get a chance to shoot that traitor I’ll do it, if Iam shot down the next moment myself.” Others coming up our hero passed on, anxious to get down near the enemy as soon as possible. When he arrived in the vicinity of the Bosworth farm he found the enemy plundering and burning in every direction. The Bosworth house was not reduced to ashes simply be- 8 the arch-traitor had taken up temporary headquarters there, ‘ But the farm was plundered of everything of value. The stock was run off, the tobacco stored was captured, and the provisions consumed. Old David Bosworth, in a terrible rage, appealed to Arnold for protection. “I am a loyal man, general,” he said, “and my only son is an officer in the king’s army under Lord Cornwallis. I demand ; protection for my property.” : ' “You shall have it, sir,” said Arnold. “I didn’t know your property was suffering,” and he immediately sent an officer to put a stop to the devastation that was going on. But the mischief had been done; the farm was stripped of | ‘almost everything of value. Mabel Bosworth had gone out to the barn with the deter- i mination of saving her favorite horse at all hazards. She found a Tory in the red uniform of Britain on his back. “You shall not take my horse, sir,” she said, in very deter- mined tones.. “My father is loyal to the king, and his property ought to be protected.” “But you say this is your ROMS said the Tory. loyal, too?” She looked hard at him for a minute or two, and said: “When I see such creatures as you in that uniform, my alle- giance to the king gets very weak.” “Ha, ha, ha!” laughed a jolly, hearty voice behind her. “That is a hard slap, comrade!’ Get down and leave the lady her horse. Our cause will suffer if we plunder friend and foe alike. Come with me, and I will lead you to a rebel’s house, where we can get more than we can carry off.” i Mabel turned round quickly to see who the speaker was, and “Are you “was amazed at seeing Rattling Rube standing close behind her in a very dilapidated garb, holding a mule by the bit. “Who are you?” the Tory demanded, glaring at the ragged youth. “I’m a rank pizen loyal man,” was the reply. RU pees. “Why don’t you join us, then?” ( “T will—right away—an’ do the pesky repels mischiet ¢ enough to last ’em a lifetime. Miss. Bosworth here aaa rm a rank pizen loyal king’s man.” I : “Yes,” said Mabel very promptly, blushing red as a rose. “There’ s none more loyal than he.” “Well, that’s all right,” said the Tory. “Pm otia to. have | sk this horse and that nigger to look after him. He'll make the — best charger in the army,” and the red-coated villain desig- BS nated the horse Mabel claimed and the black who had feeble attended to him. : Pa a 3 leave the lady’s horse here,” suggested Rube. - Or; re “and I am going to have him. i The negro had. the bridle. of the ‘horse in his 1
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RATTLING RUBE. “Will the horse follow you?” “Yes, sah.” “Then spring up behind me on the mule when [ mount and call to the horse.” “Yes, sah.” ; By this time there were but three redcoats in the barnyard. Watching his chance, Rube mounted the mule. The negro sprang up behind him and called to the horse: “Come heah, sah!” The horse dashed forward, nearly knocking the redcoat down, and came alongside of the mule. Rube put spurs to the mule, and away he dashed through the open gate. The redcoats tried to stop him, but he went through them like a thunderbolt, followed by the faithful horse, and sped away up the road like a whirlwind. CHAPTER IV. 4 ARNOLD MEETS HIS MATCH, Cnce outside the gate, our hero plunged a huge pair of diabolical spurs into the sides of the mule with such force as to make him believe that nothing but an instantaneous sea rapid flight could save him from utter destruction. F That obstreperous animal laid his ears back on his attenu- ated neck, and gave a vicious twirl of his tail. Then his heels flew out like streaks of lightning, and the next moment he was away like the wind. The whoop of the redeoats in the barnyard, however, had served to give the alarm to those outside. They saw the mule coming with his double load on his back, and the splendid animal at his side coming at full speed, and could not refrain from an explosion of laughter. The double load on his back, the terrible spurs, and the shouts of the redcoats had utterly demoralized the son of a donkey. But a nameless terror had also taken possession of his muleship, which’ created in him a longing desire to run a race with a streak of forked lightning. “Halt—halt—halt!” A half dozen redcoats blocked the roadway, and presented six bristling bayonets to bar further progress. “God save the king! ” eried Rube, for the purpose of discon- _ eerting the redcoats. “Look out, dar!” yelled the negro at the top of his voice, as. he saw the glistening bayonets turned toward the mule, “We'se -ercomin’! ” The mule came toward the redeoats with such impetuosity that they saw he would land on their’ bayonet points, and on them also if they stood their ground. : When hearing Rube shout “God save the king,” they came to the conclusion that he was a loyal manjon an nf Aegan mule, and sprang aside to let him pass. As he flew past them, the mule threw out both usin in this mad hope of destroying those terrible spurs at one kick, and landed one on the shoulder of one of the redcoats. The man was knocked out of active service for a month, and the mule went on his way as if ‘he intended to ‘make the circuit of the globe on time with the sun. ~ In another moment he was out of sight up the road. “Why didn’t you stop him?” demanded one of the Pores in the barnyard. “Couldn’t without shooting him,” was the reply. “Why didn’t you shoot him?” f “Shoot a loyal man!” fail in peas he is a rebel.” | the indignant Mabel Bosworth. a “He is a rebel, and has gone off with the best horse in Vir- ginia.” “Whew! Why didn’t you shoot him, then? You were in there with him.” “He was too quick for me. through so many of, you.” “Well, we thought he was a loyal man, and didn’t want to I thought he could never get ‘shoot him. _ Are you sure he is a rebel?” The Tory appealed to turned around'and gave Mabel Bos- worth a look. “Wasn’t he a rebel?” he asked, “How do I know, sir? Rebel or not, I would rather he hava my horse than such brutes as you all seem to be.” “On my soul!” exclaimed a burly sergeant, “she is a rebel, too, of the rankest kind.” “My father is well known in all this part of the country as a true, loyal king’s man,” she said, flashing her eyes: indignantly. “But if he remains one after this visit of the king’s troops, he will deserve to be stripped of everything he has in the world.” “Don’t you know that it’s the duty of all loyal men to con- tribute all they can to promote the good cause?” the sergeant asked. t “Yes; but I didn’t know it was the duty of the king’s troops to plunder friend and foe alike. No, sir—up to this hour I was loyal at heart—but now I can go down on my knees and pray that God will enable the rebels to’ drive the king’s army out of America. They are a band of base villains, led by one of the blackest renegades that ever disgraced the uniform of a Christian nation!” ; Mabel Bosworth was grandly beautiful as she rose % the: ‘full height and hurled defiance at the cowardly wretches. )She was ‘astonished that she heard no reply to her hot words. a she gazed around at them she noticed that they were look- ing at someone directly ‘behind her, Turning quickly, she found herself face to face with a mats in the uniform of a British general. i ‘ ‘His keen eyes were riveted on her flushed face, But she was not one to quail before any earthly, power or rank. of the soldiers nearby. “She is the daughter of the owner of this eee if believe, general,” replied the soldier, ; “Is that so?” he asked, turning to Mabel. “Yes, sir. Mr. Bosworth is my father. yet he has been plundered as if he were an enemy to the king.” “That has been stopped,” said the traitor, for it was Benedict Arnold himself, He is a loyal man;. EA “Who is this young lady?” the general asked, turning to one “T see it has, since nothing remains to be aitvopihtol, iy she rn replied, sarcastically. “You do not understand the ‘nature of war, young lady.” ae «No, sir; not when it is-waged by brutes,” and with that she . drew her skirts more closely about her, aca attempted 9 pass him and return to the house, “You had better put a curb on your tongue, miss,” said the He traitor, very sternly, as he stepped aside to let her pass. “Renegades must not presume to advise respectable oe ple,” she retorted, as she passed. Arnold flushed to the temples, and would ‘have wbliea in language equally severe, had not an incident occurred to. veal, ; his attention in another direction. That incident was one that ocurred quite often during th war, but in this case it had.more than usual significance. ; It was simply. the whistling of a bullet close, by, ‘the ear ¢ Meee The icone turned pale as: death: as. he heard ‘it, i!» ee
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6 fought under the American flag he was regarded by both armies as a brave, reckless, daring officer. But he knew with what intense hatred he was now regarded by the patriots, and with what satisfaction they would wel- come the news of his death.. He knew that thousands would eagerly seek to avenge the great wrong he had done his coun- try; hence the whistle of a single bullet close to his head, when there were no others flying about, denoted the presence of an implacable avenger somewhere in his immdiate vicinity. Pale as a sheet, instead of answering the denunciation of} Mabel Bosworth, the traitor turned to some of the soldiers, and said: “Charge that piece of woods, and kill.any man found in there!” A dozen redcoats under the sergeant dashed forward toward the woods, and in a couple of minutes were out of sight. The traiter turned, and walked slowly back into the house, whither Mabel had preceded him, Old Dayid Bosworth met him at the door. “Do you know your daughter is a rebel, sir?” Arnold asked of the old Tory, as he stepped into the house. “No, sir; I did not know it.” “Well, she is. She denounces the king and all his follow- ers.” _ “My God!” gasped the old farmer, “She must be mad!” “She was very mad about the conduet,of my men, and gave ‘me a piece of her mind in language not in the least compli- mentary.” ‘ ; ', “Mabel! Mabel!” called David Bosworth, in loud tones, "come here! id Mabel heard him in another room, and came out and stood by his side. i ' * “Daughter, you have done wrong. ‘You have insulted the general of the king’s army, and must apologize to him, Tell -him you did not mean it!” “Apologize to him—g traitor and renegade?” indignantly ex. claimed the high-spirited young maiden. “And do you thus insult me, my father?” David Bosworth was nearly paralyzed by her words and an- gry looks. For a minute or two he was utterly speechless. ~ “Daughter! daughter!” he stammered. _ “Enough, father,” she said, interrupting him. “I will retire,” and ere a word could be said to prevent, she had left the room, and left her father and the arch-traitor alone together. Arnold was utterly crushed in spirit, for the contemptu- “ous flaSh of the maiden’s eyes told, but too plainly that his name would thus be execrated in all ages. 7 eek ie CHAPTER V. RATIEING RUBE IN PERID, _ As he dashed through the little knot of redcoats in the road, ier the mule, with the negro mounted behind him, Rattling Rube expected to hear bullets. whistlirig about. his ears. To his utter astonishment not’a shot was fired at him. His ery of “God save the king!” had. saved him instead, and the moment he was out of range he could not refrain from indulging in‘a chuckle of gleeful satisfaction. _“Yah—yah, massa!” laughed ‘the negro hehind him, “we’se i done got clar ob dem sojers, ghuah.” mA “Yes; they could have shot us,. but they, didn’t. “They are as big fools as rascals.” ory “Dat’s er. fac’, marse. ‘Dey didn’t ait vane saicl hoss z hi you Delong to Mr, Bosworth?” RATTLING | down right before her eyes. | lovely maiden as by the arch-traitor himself, - | Arnold” will teal the vengeance of fer paivista: ‘of Al ‘self. = country, a man who hi RUBE. perro NEE TEN NTT INET 4 “Yes, sah, I longs to Marse David.” “Miss Mabel loves her horse, does she not?” “De Lor’ bless yer, marse!” exclaimed the negro, “Miss Ma bel lubs dat hoss like all creation, an’ de hess lubs her, too.” “What's the horse’s name?” She calls him Breeze, sah.” “Ah! He’s a very fast horse, then, is he?” } “Yes, sah—run like de wind.” “What's your name?” “Pete, sah.” “You have been attending to the horse?” “Yes, sah.” “That’s all right. You can attend to him yet, and lll gia to you.. I am a friend of Miss Mabel’s, and intend to see that » she shall have her horse again. Do you know me?” “Yes, sah—dey all knédw Marse Rube Rattling.” “All tight, Pete. You may get down now and take charge of Breeze and this mule.” “Yes, sah,” and the negro slid to the ground-and took charge of the horse. Rube dismounted also, and turned the mule over to Pete. / “Now, Pete,” he said, ‘I am going to go back down there and see what those rascally redcoats are up to,” “De Lor’ sabe us, marse! Dey'll shoot yer, shuah,” : “Yes, if they get, the charice, but I won’t let ’em do that, You go into the swamp,’ up the river, where the creek comes, in, and hide in there with the horse and mule, and wait till T come. I won't be gone longer than! I can’ help.” ; “Yes, sah,” and Pete led the horse and mule away, dates the young man to pursue his way hack down the road: in’ the direction of the Bosworth farm. ; “T would like to gét a chance to draw a bead on’ that traitor,” said Rube to himself, as he turned into the woods. “It would — do the cause more good than a big victory. The rascal lee j to be shot down on sight.” j pirat Creeping through the woods, Rube mmade his way to a hollow log, where he stopped and cautiously looked around. Seeing no one in sight, he stooped and ran his hand into. an. opening in the log, and drew forth a, rifle and ‘powder-horn. » / irs my faithful friend,” he said, as he examined the weap- , “I am always safe when we are together. We will look | edicts now, and see if there is any work to be done.” Shouldéring his rifle, he put out) for the Bosworth farm, and in a little while was back in the edge of the woods near the barn, whence he had but a half hour hefore escaped with Ma- bel’s. horse and the negro Pete. To go beyond the limits. of the: wood at tial time was to, Ks tempt fate. A phe Our hero. saw Mabel standing near the Sai talking to one y m in the uniform of a, British general, and was a Buseien to ise a who it was. _ “Why, that must be Arnold himself! ” he ee exclaimed, — as he glared at the man. “I have a mind to shoot bim down as he stands there. America, will be avenged and Rattling Rube will he known as the man who did it. But I won't. shoot him I will wait till she it away. - What a beautiful girl she is!” As he stood there glaring out; from the clump of pane that: concealed him from view, Rube was as much engrossed by the But he held his finger on the trigger of his faithful His std to fire at any moment. “Ai Rube was nervous, and his hand trembled in spite oth He was about to ‘shoot down } 0
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RATTLING RUBE. ricbearponttea triot army. It is not to be wondered at that his hand did trem-~ ble under the ‘circumstances, Suddenly he saw Mabel Bosworth tim: away trom, the traitor, and gO in the direction of the house. He saw Arnold look sternly after her, as if about to speak te’ her, Now was the moimeak He raised his rifle, took a quick hn and pulled the trigger. The bullet sped within an inch of Benedict Arnold’s ear, “Good Lord!” gasped Rube, “I’ve missed him. When I could have shot.a sparrow’s head off at that distance!” He heard the traitor give the order to the sergeant ‘to charge the wood, and kill whoeyer he found there. Quick as a flash he turned and ran back into the woods as fast as his heels could carry him. i The sergeant, at the head of his men, rushed forward, ‘and in { another minute the redcoats were in the woods, ready to send bullets after him the moment they caught sight of him. Just as he was about to pass out of the woods on the further side, Rube saw a party of redcoats coming from an opposite direction. Quick as a flash he saw he was in danger of get- ting between two fires, and that the discovery of his presence would be the signal for his death. f 4 What to do was a problem for a moment or two, and then he turned and darted away toward the log where he had once concealed his rifle, \ Into that he crept with the agility of a rabbit, and there he lay at full length, listening to his pursuers. j They came by the log—some’of them sat on it and looked all about. They had not seen him—no one had seen him. They had. only heard the report of his rifle. They were not woodsmen enough to follow his trail to the log. In fact, they did not even see it; and so, as they sat there /on the log, they wondered what had become of the man who had shot at the general. Rube beard them talking, and knew that his presence in the log was not suspected. Suddenly, however, a horror seized upon him, A peculiar sensation in his nose told him that he was about to sheeze. ; He tried to suppress it. The mote he tried the more it wouldn’t be suppr essed, and so it came With an explosion that startled the redcoats. = See ] CHAPTER ' VI. CAPTURED. q On hearing the ‘sneeze inside the log the paageaale sprang to their feet, and glared at each other. “He’s in the log!” exclaimed one.. : The sergeant examined the entrance to the Benes of the on and saw the trail very plainly. — “So you are in there, are you?” he called to our Tete. “Yes, of course I’ am,” replied Rube, who saw that it was no use to keep silent and have a bayonet shee in at him. “Well, spose you come out.” “Thank you, I believe I will,” he answered, si he left his rifle in the log and crawled out, feet foremost. “An, I have seen you before!” exclaimed the aaa the - moment he saw Rube’s face, “Yes, we’ve et before,” said Rube. : sergeant?” : ‘The sergeant “laughetl in spite of himself. “Who are you?”. he asked. nos de “My. n me is Rattling.” “How have you been, 0 es like a fawn in the direction of the little party ‘which had ‘Rube Jin charge. a “What did you run off with that horse for?” | “To save it for Miss Bosworth.” , “But the king?” F ey “Oh, come how! The king didn’t want him. No use saying he did. Besides, I would rather please my sweetheart’ than | .|the king. His Gracious Majesty. 1akes no notice of a poor man like me, and his sweetheart does.” The sergeant and all his comrades laughed heartity at ihe frank confession of the prisoner. pea “What did you come back here in thede woods for?” Rube looked hard at him, and winked knowingly. “Guess you've never been in love with a pretty girl, ger- geant,” he said, at whith the others roared again, “Where’s your rifle?” the sergeant asked. “Haven't got one,” was the gee reply. “You haven't, eh?” “No, Did you see me with one: Wien I went off with ae Paes and mule?” “No,” said the sergeant, who was really, puzzled at not find- ing him. “Look in the log for a rifle,” he finally said to one of his men, One of the redcoats crawled into the log and felt around with his hands. Rube knew that if the rifle were found his: ‘death would be a question of but a few minutes. But he kept a quiet, pleasant face, and saw the man come-out without the rifle. “Nothing in there, sergeant,” said the soldier, who had in some way ai as to miss the gun in the darkness of the hol-- low. “Then you dian’ tt fire the shot we heard just now?” said the ig sergeant, turning to the prisoner. “No; A: nigger fired it.” The sergeant and all the redcoats were: amazed. “How do you know that?” S “IT cheard the shot, and then saw a nigger: streaking it ; through the woods over there, * and he poe? in the Sadie : whence the shot had come.’ The shot had created an intense excitement among the red- coats, and they were naturally eager to get hold of the one . who had fired it. But Rube’s story, told with such am air of — ‘sincerity, had its effect on the sergeant, and convinced him that the prisoner was not the guilty one. “You must go with us,” he said to Rube, and then he ordered two of his mento march him down to the house, while he and a few others continued the search for the negro, Rube thanked his stars that his rifle had not been found, as” it would have been an accusing instrument to bring about his death. He was marched down io the house, where the general and his staff gazed at him with angry frowns. : “Why is this man brought here?” Arnold demanded of the guards. > “The sergeant sent him, general,” replied one of the men, fete the arch-traitor. “Take him away, and tell the sergeant to remember his or- ie ders.” on The two guards faced about, and marched the prisoner bak toward the woods. : Mabel Bosworth was at the window at the pacar and. over= heard'the stern words of Arnold. She recollected what he had said to the cergeant—"o shoot. j any man found in the woods.” B. “Oh, heavens! ” she muttered, her face growing aeaihiy. pale ‘ as she spoke, “It is he—that brave young Rating. ate: ets 5 are going to murder him!” ; She did not stop. to think, but Hen out of he tetise and ran 4 rts? Bg a ‘The feeling that. prompted cher. impulsive i was new to. her, but she did hot stop
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4 RATTLING RUBE.) «> woods, she asked: / “What are you going to do with him? He is a loyal man.” “We are going to turn him over to the sergeant, miss,” said one of the guard, “who has orders from the general,” Just then the sergeant came back from his unsuccessful search for the mythical negro. : “General Arnold sends us to you with this prisoner, ser- _ \geant,” said the guard, “and bid me say to you to ‘remember your orders.’ ” The sergeant turned pale, and asked: “Did General Arnold say that?” “Yes, sergeant.” “Then, sir, I must obey orders. You are to be shot.” _ “What for?” Rube very coolly: asked. j “Because the general orders it.” “But that. is——”, “The first duty of a soldier is to obey orders,” said the ser- geant. “To disobey in this case might cause me to be shot in less than an hour.” “But had you been there to explain to the general, he would not have given such an order,” said Rube. “That may be so, but I have no discretion in the matter. Corporal, take four men and step back twelve paces.” The corporal obeyed promptly, and in another minute the four men were facing our hero with muskets in their hands, ready to fire at the word of command. : Mabel Bosworth was horror-stricken at what, was about to take place. Rube was calm and cool, with but a slight pallor on his bronzed face. “Soldiers!” she cried, suddenly regaining her voice, “this is a cruel murder, that will disgrace the king’s cause throughout the civilized world!” ~~ “You must not interfere in this thing, miss,” said the ser- geant. “War means death and desolation. Ready, corporal! st) Ready, aim——” ; “No—no!” shrieked Mabel, rushing forward and covering - Rube with her body. “He shall not perish thus!” - ’ CHAPTER. VII. ' THE ESCAPE. ‘The sudden movement of Mabel Bosworth disconcerted the soldiers. ° They lowered their muskets and stared in ‘profound d amazement at both her and the sergeant.; The sergeant was not less surprised than they, and he forgot to scold canons for _ not firing on the beautiful, daring girl. 5 ’ ( But if the redcoats ‘were astonished, Rube was astounded. yy et He was the most surprised of all, and for a moment or ave e knew not what to say. | “They shall not shoot you!” she said, as she Rey arms around his neck. » “Miss Bosworth,” said Rube, “you cannot save me. They are fiends sent to wreak vengeance on me for my devotion to “my country. Your conduct touches my heart, and I will die regretting that. we. did not meet earlier. Leave me to my fate, or you may he subjected to bad ‘treatment at their hands,” «No, no! They shall not murder you this way.” “Miss,” said the sergeant, coming. up to where they were tanding, “it is useless to interfere thus with the orders of the eneral. : , 10, = me, aba You must go away.” I will not leave sme Bi a cried. : 2 loot of BpOON. instead i ! Overtaking the guard just as they were re-entering the | She turned and faced him like a tigress at bay. : “Touch me at your peril!” she cried, her lustrous black Oe flashing like diamonds, The corporal reached forth his hand to seize her, when the keen crack of a rifle was heard in the woods on the right, and the next moment he clutched wildly at space and fell in a heap at her feet. The effect was’ electrical. “There are rebels in these woods,” cried the dateednt: turn- ing to his men. “Prepare to defend yourselvese.” Crack! came another shot, and one of the redcoats bit the dust. “Charge!” cried the sergeant, who was really a brave fel- low. The soldiers charged in the direction of the ee whence the two shots had come. The sergeant was at their head. The prisoner for the moment was forgotten. He was left alone with the brave girl who had saved him. “Fly! fly!” she cried to him. | { “You have saved my life,” said Rube, throwing his arms — around her waist and pressing her to his heart. “Did you not save us all last night?” she asked, and then cg she again urged him to fly, Pressing his lips to hers for a moment, he said: “You shall have the life you have saved. I will come again,” and with that he darted away. “Saved! saved!” she murmured, and pressing a hand over her heart to still its wild throbbing, she leaned against a tree for support. ; y (4 She felt weak and faintish. But she summoned all her strength to her aid, and regained control of herself. y The redcoats, angered at the death of two of their suraberh: rushed madly through the woods. But they found no one. , Suddenly the sergeant bethought nee of the prisoner, “The prisoner!” he cried, “secure the prisoner.” They made a rush back to the spot where they acer hoes aaa “e alone with the maiden. There they found ‘only the girl. ye a “Where is the prisoner?” the sergeant fiercely demanded of her. ; Fe “Gone,” she ve ahiBe ; . “Quick! Search the woods!” exclaimed the sergeant. 3 snot hin down! | Don’t take him alive!” The men dispersed Bionipily, and searched eagerly’ for the daring young rebel. é ee Only the sergeant remained with the girl. “You have brought trouble on yourself, miss,” he said to. her. “Your lover has escaped, but the general will inflict some awful punishment on you for what you have done.” © | “He is not my lover,” she said. “T have no lover. He saved ae out lives last night, when the rebels were flying from below, and ber I have Saved his. General Arnold, sued do_ his “worst, 71 do not fear him. I defy him!” _ “I am sorry to hear you, talk so, miss, ” the sergeant said, “ ‘a8 SiS it will go hard with you and your people.” f ; “It can go no harder than it has already gone,” * she cemtied’ ss . When the soldiers returned they Pages that they had seen ; a nothing of the prisoner, } a “Then he has made his escape. Take chanes of this young ee woman and march her to the house. . at eee make: my report a General Arnold.” ty eae The soldiers. placed. themselves on “etter side of her a | started to march. ip She walked along as cote. |
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RATTLING RUBE. | Arrived at the house, the sergeant went in to see and report to the general. “The general has just left,” said one of the staff, as the ser- geant made inquiry for the general, “Where? Which way?” the sergeant asked, ndw greatly ex- cited with fears for himself. “Toward Richmond. What do you want?” “T have a prisoner here who——” “Where?” and the young staff-officer looked around as if in search of a prisoner. ; “This young woman here.” “What! Why, that is the daughter of our host!” “Phat is true, captain,” said the sergeant. “But she aided a prisoner we had to escppe, and——” “And you arrested her?” “Yes, captain.” The young staff-officer, who was a great admirer of twa Bez} turned to Mabel, and added: “What have you been nce Miss Bosworth, to ccuse your arrest?” “T simply interfered to save the life of a friend,” Bee reuied “They were going to shoot him, when I threw myself between him and his would-be murderers. A moment later they were fired on from the bushes, and in the excitement a the moment he made his escape. That’s all I did.” The captain turned to the sergeant, and said: “The enemy in the bushes were the ones to arrest, and not this lady. You may leave her here and join your command.” “Thank you, captain,” said Mabel. “You are the only just man I have seen in that uniform to-day.” The sergeant was only too glad to get out of the scrape that’ way. ‘ : He left the house quickly, and made his way along the river road toward ,the city. Mabel was surrounded by her parents and sister, and eagerly. _questioned as to her adventure with the soldiers. “What have you done, my child?” her father asked. “I hope you have done nothing to bring the wrath of the general down on us.” “T don’t know if I have, father,” she answered. I have done right, and that is enough.” She then related the story of Rube’s escape from certain death, and her subsequent arrest. “You did right—he saved us last night,” said Myrtis, her sister. “But it was such an adventure!” and si young girl threw Her arms around her, \ “T know that CHAPTER VIII. _ THE sPY IN THE CAMP. When Rattling Rube dashed away through the woods after having been saved from certain death by the interposition of the old Tory’s daughter, he made all haste to get out of the way of the redcoats. , They had gone mostly in one direction— the one they naturally supposed he would go under the cir- cumstances. He went in the opposite direction, and was soon out of their way. a i » But he was not destined to get off Waltolth a struggle, for one of the redcoats had wandered off to that part of the woods, and was looking around, when he discovered our hero. _ Quick as a flash he raised his musket and aimed at him, | \ _ Fortunately the powder flashed in the pan without explod+ ing the gun, and before he could baie it Rate “ae Fi sad See him.» 4 A y iit zi bere sime yn a2 | her some day, if I see her again.” ‘ment he makes, said. dos ‘them a beh matachtet." i tees Grasping him by the throat, he forced him to si? the mus- ket to defend himself, That was just what Rube. wanted, He threw the Tory from him and seized the musket. “Help! Help!” yelled the redecoat, as Rube rushed upon him. / That was his’ last, cry. The next moment ‘the eSeaa was | thrust through his breast, and he sank down at the “feet of his conqueror in the agonies of a horrible death. In a few minutes Ruhe had gained a piece of timber, where i he felt that he would be safe from the enemy for the time. _ There he remained for upwards of an hour, after which time he crept back into the woods for the purpose of recovering his rifle and pistols. “It was lucky they did not find them,” he said, as he crawl- ed/into the log. They would have shot me on the spot here had they done so. I’m in good luck to-day, anyhow. Miss Bos- worth just took my breath away, by her conduct. Lord! what a brave, beautiful woman she is! Ig 1 dared to, I—I—but it won’t do; I must not love where I can’t win. She saved’ my life in return for. my saving her home the night before. I wonder who fired the shots that laid out the corporal and the other redcoat? That’s a mystery I would like to solve. Maybe Miss Bosworth may know something about it. I will ask He came out of the log and crept away through the bushes, keeping well out of sight as he did so. Out on the main road he saw the redeoats marching toward Richmond, and then he thought of the mission he had been sent on by the commandant of the patriot forces in the city. Pb must hasten back to the city,” he said, “and let the col- onel know what I have seen.” He then made a detour to the right, and got in ahnad of the enemy. . Seizing a horse which he found running loose, with ioctl | stains on the saddle, he mounted and ‘set off for capieae 43 at the top: of his speed. Reaching the city, he found the greatest skotieen bee preyail- ing, and the military authorities in no end of trouble. The combined forces of the patriots in and around the city did not amount to more than one-half the force of the enemy. The commandant was a cool-headed man, who strove hard to hold his own, but the terror created by the name of Arnold the traitor seemed to pervade the whole population. Many soldiers became demoralized, but it was more on account of the superiority of numbers on the part of the enemy than otherwise. “Rattling,” said the commandant to our hero, “go out ne z: : keep the enemy in. sight—keeping me posted as to every move- — couriers; send me word every hour,if possible.” Rube’ lost no time in getting his men. They were brave, daring fellows, well armed and mounted, who were balan 40) get a shot at the arch-traitor himself. ; fia In a couple of hours he was’on his way down the river -egaln - at the head of his little band of scouts. of course, they did. not go far before night came on, a Ai darkness enshrouded the movements of redeoats and mae ey alike. sar “We must work our way down the river by the a of their campfires, ” said Rube to his comrades. ¢ ; Rube made his way along the river road till he ae in- sight of the enemy's campfires. rata he halted aid, ais: mounted his men. : tee “The others come with me. 1 think we may bi pian You may take a dozen men with you as cig
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a 10 | ad RATTLING RUBE. ( With ten men he paatiod across an old field and gained the}ing. Wvyery soldier round the vaiasare saluted him. and wait- _ oo tment sate inert vanoutrnuyscubnieere wien tagenaten rear of the camp. ed in respectful silence for him to speak. The enemy well knew there was no force strong enough to “Is Sergeant Renfroe here?” asked the officer, looking oppose him in an open fight, hence he was not over-vigilant in | around, camp, “J am he, colonel,” replied the sergeant; saluting the officer. Sentinels were out, but so many Tories in citizen’s dress “Come with me; I want you.” were allowed to mingle with the soldiers that it was an easy The sergeant turned and followed the officer away in the matter for our hero and his men to get in among them. darkness. But he did not choose that but one should do so, and that They passed within a ee feet of Rattling Rube. Just be- one was himself. yond him was a large oak tree, under which they halted. “T am going over there,” he said to his comrades, “and sea| Quick as a flash Rube darted forward and secreted himself what news I can pick up.? behind the tree. In a few minutes he had glided away in the dark, and left} The two men did not see him, nor even suspect his pregence the scouts to wait for his return. there. “Sergeant,” said the colonel, in Py fe tone of voice, “you had a young lady as prisoner this morning, did you not?” “Yes, colonel.” “Why did you arrest her?” “Because she Aided a rebel prisoger to escape me. a “How did she do that?” The sergeant related the story of the scene in the woods that morning when Rube made his escape, ending by saying: ~ OA captain of the general’s staff ordered me to release her, and I did so.” “Yes, I was present, and know you were not to blame. She is undoubtedly a rank rebel through her love for that man whose escape she planned.” % “But her people are loyal.” arc “Yes, no doubt of that. Now, I have a plan to capture that fellow, who is, I hear, a daring rebel scout and spy, and at the same time force her to return to her allegiance to the cause of the king. You must take a dozen men, or more, if necessary, , and go down to the house and arrest her. Take her to,the old — farmhouse a mile below her home, on the right-hand side of the road, ane keep her there until I come. Do you understand ; Under any other circumstances it would have been.quite dif- ficult for him to get into the camp. But it was well known that there was no force in all Virginia at that time that dared to face the arch-traitor in battle, and hence discipline was relaxed. The promiscuous plundering that was alloyed also demoralized all discipline. - Rube was quick to perceive the state of affairs, and passed from one group to another, keeping well in the dark, and lis- _tened to much that was said. Suddenly he ran across the sergeant who had held him as a prisoner that morning. He knew the sergeant’s voice, and so was on his guard as to his own voice. .; ‘ The redcoat was talking to a ae of his comrades about the attempt of the rebels to kill the general that mornihg down at the Bosworth farm. x “It was a strange thing,” he said, “about that fellow we found in a hollow log. We found no weapons on him or with _ him, and yet I believe he was the chap who fired the shot,” and then he repeated the stoty as the reader has already read . ; ; ; me?” _ “Rattling|” repeated a Tory in a red ‘coat. “What-that! iy... colonel, think I do,” said the sergeant. “But what ~ gee Ratiling Rube! 2 ; explanation shall I give?” i ; “Who.is Rattling Rube?” demanded the sergeant. “None. save that you are obeying orders.” ( at “The rankest rebel in Virginia, and the most daring scout in their service.” | - ‘ : “Thunderation!” gasped the sergeant. “Then he was the man who fired that shot! 4 : “Of course he was.” on 5 “And he was saved from being | shot by old Brawicuehia preity daughter, I believe the Bosworths are all rebels.” i “Oh, no,” said another. “Dayid Bosworth is loyal: His son ~Engene is a captain with Lord. Cornwallis.” j “Well, his daughter is rebel clear through. She called the general a a renegade and traitor to his face.” ; ©). “She did?” i “Yes; and said that our conduct had made. her Sale the The sergeant saluted the colonel and went away. The. officer sauntered off in another direction.’ ; “Ah!” hissed Rube between his set teeth, as he walked away — from the tree. “You are more anxious to serve your own base ends than to serve the king! You wish to get her in your power, and then force: her to purchase her freedom with her ae honor, By the God that lives; I will save her and punish you, + if I perish the moment after!” - pistes he Bey The young scout lost no time in getting hack. 0 his com- rades, who were waiting for him. ~ a Bey “Come,” he said. “We will capture some game tocnteMt that — will make the rascals wince.” : & : He led them down below the Bosworth farm, and there wait- nk “name of the king.” ed in the bushes for the coming of the sergeant and his men. That was news to our hero.’ , Whilst waiting there Rube went over to the house and iy ied Te was more than pléased at the news that'Mabel was really )to get a chance to see Mabel alone, : ay in sympathy with the patriots. That he had been instrumental} He saw her sitting near her mother before the glowing log “rin saving her favorite horse he was glad, of, and resolved to! fire, whilst her father conversed: with them about the wicked- see if he could not gather news of the enemy’s plans through | ness of the rebellion, But there was no chance for ‘him ‘to's ere ; if speak with her, as he, did not desire that the: rest of the’ fam~ i f : ily should see him on the prendses. : st PERA srt That he might shave the chance; to. catch tie British offider, } \ CHAPTER IX, _| Rube concluded to let the sergeant take her to the ‘place se-. Als } i mean lected, and then rescue her. Then he would wait for the vil- _ RUBE MAKES A’ CAPTURE, : lain and give him the reception he deserved. ; Going back to his men, he explained to them a plan Ss Having heard the: sergeant’s story, Rube was about to turn .They agreed to them, and then set out to the place. of rendez. away and pay a Visit to the Bost yorth farm, when an officer in| yous. Scarcely had they left ‘the farmhouse than Sergeant brilliant Pay hiatal 2 ‘to Cy vine: fence, he ‘was stand- Renfroe and seven 1 men appe red and. ines ac
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RATTLING RUBE: The old farmer himself opened the door, and the sergeant stepped boldly in. Mabel recognized him at the first glance. “Miss,” he said, “I have been sent to take you to head- quarters.” Bs ; “What am I wanted for?” Mabel asked of the sergeant. “T suppose the general wishes to ask you some questions about the man whose escape you effected this morning,” was the evasive reply. “Well, I know very little about him, save that he is a brave young man who Ipee not: bear allegiance to the king,” she |. said. “Iam not authorized to ask you any questions myself,” re- ‘women, instead of— Hark! that’s the colonel! marked the sergeant. force?” “Tt will be uaeicas for me to resist,” she said. “Will you go quietly, or must. I use “General Arnold could have sent one of his staff here to get the infor-} mation without subjecting me to this outrage.” “My daughter, I will go with you!” cried her mother. “No use, madam,” said the sergeant. bothered by any other prisoners, She will be returned under guard as soon as the general has finished his business with her.” “Can’t you Sis me to accompany her?” her father asked. “No, sir.” “We must submit, I suppose: But it is an outrage I don’t think a British officer would be guilty of.” , The sergeant understood his meaning as a cut at Arnold, but did no¢ correct him by saying that it was a British officer who gave the order for her arrest, Mabel put on her bonnet and shawl and said: “T am ready.” Myrtis and her mother threw themselves into each other's arms and burst into tears. “Remember, father,” said Mabel to her father, ee said the king could do no wrong. This is the king’s work,” Her sareasm cut the old Tory to the heart, and he made ho reply. Out, in the yard she was placed on a horse, and the party rode away down thé river. Mabel knew that Arnold had gone on toward Richmond, and that his headquarters were somewhere in that direction. “You are not taking me to General Arnold’s quarters,” she said, turning to the sergeant. “Tam simply obeying orders, miss,” the sergeant replied. | “Yes, I am prepared for any outrage. This is an invasion “of demons, and the result will be that all the loyal hnairs will side with the rebels when you leave.” The sergeant made.no reply to her comments, and in a little | while they meathed the old farmhouse where they had been ordered to take her. \ “You are to remain here. until further orders, or the general comes,” said the nergeanty as he dismounted and assisted her to alight. They led her into the house, when the sergeant ordered one f of his men to strike a light. ‘ Ce eho moment the light blazed up the serseane looked around the room, and was almost paralyzed at what he saw. At the rear end of the room he saw Rattling Rube and ten men covering his party with their rifles. . ; i _*Do you sutrender, sergeant?” Rube demanded. “It would be useless to resist,” was the reply. “Yes, I think it would. Just lay down phe arms and Bola, _ your hands up.” — _ The redcoats obeyed. = os ens ribet: z “We don’t wish to be. Then one of the patriots very aie guineas uD: the arms | should not peril your life that way, Mr. Rattling. parse | plying i her with a smile. “Halt!” cried Rube, “Wait just a minute or two.” When the arms were removed and the a gas ae secured, Rube turned to her and said: —. , “You are free, Miss Bosworth.” ; She sprang forward and caught his hand in’ both ‘aie “Oh, you have saved me!” she cvied, looking into his face with all the intensity of her soul. | “I would have given my life to save you,” earnest tones. “Ah, I am happy now! I have no more fears. I am in the © hands of honorable men—not brutes.” “Yes, We aye men,” said Rube, “and we defend and protect — . Stand where’ you are, redcoats, and if you give the alarm you are dead men.” \ The sound of horses’ feet on the road was heard, and in a little while it ceased. Then a man’s footsteps were heard ap” proaching the door. The next moment the British officer en- t¢red: and “was greeted by the black papi of ten patriot rifles. he said in low, . CHAPTER X. ' THE MIDNIGHT DUEL, ; The dumfounded officer glared at the rifles like one in a trance, He turned ashen-hued in the face, and made a moye- ment toward the door. Rattling Rube pressed the muzzle of his rifle against his breast. “Balt!” he sternly cried. “Who—are—you?” the officer asked in a stammering way. “We are men,” SneN Steet Rube, “Rebels?” “Yes—rebels against such as you and your king, who make — war on helpless women. Sergeant, bind this man.” _ The sergeant stepped forward and produced a strong cord. “I am a prisoner of war,” said the officer, drawing back. “You have no right to bind me.” “You are not a prisoner of ‘war, ntlienat ” said Rube. “What am I, then?” “A scoundrel, caught in the commission of a evime,” was the quiet reply. The colonel flushed ad in ine face and said: “I am in your power. You can insult’ me to your Res content, and I Gannot resent it.” Be “Would you resent it if you could, colonel?” mibd aaibsd. “Yes, and punish the insulter as he deserved.” “T do not believe you. You are a coward. You dare not face aman on equal terms, I was under that tree in your camp to~ night, and heard you give the sergeant the order to RECESY, this lady and bring her here.” “You are a spy, then!” SS ae > “Yes, but not a scoundrel like you. I hastened to ‘prepare hese for your reception. You are my prisoner, You ought to be_ i hanged, like the villain you are. If I turn you over to the aus thorities you will be treated better than you deserve. If you will fight me in single combat, jad vanquish me, you may go. back to your command as you ‘came—a free man.” FY “What do you wish to fight with?” the prisoner asked. “You may chooge the weapons yourself,” was the reply. “Ah! Fortune is kind. I will make choice of the sword. “Very well. You need not bind him, sergeant.” “No—no!” exclaimed Mabel, turning pale as death. 4 4 “There is little peril to me in ane chpe eave, suid Rube,
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‘sword in his hand, 12 RATTLING RUBE. “There will be no risk about it, Miss Bosworth. I will pun- ish him as he deserves. Get me that sword, sergeant.” ' “No—no! You shall not!” and she flew at the sergeant and tried to snatch the sword from: his hand. “Miss Bosworth,” said Rube, and he interfered and got the ‘“you must not interfere -in this thing, I am going to punish yonder villain or die in the attempt. If I have any favor in your eyes, stand aside and not cause me to be branded as a coward. I have challenged him and must fight him.” ; She gazed at) him with an intensity of expression in her eyes that told volumes. Her soul was im her eyes. : “But if you should fall?” she tremblingly asked. then?” \“Think of me as one who died in your detoiite: . She drew back to the further end of the room and said nothing more, Her lips were compressed as if she was making a mighty effort to control herself. The two men—now hating each other as only two such men could hate—took positions and crossed swords. “Look out for yourself, villain!” cried Rube, as he crossed swords with him. The Briton scorned to make reply. He made several passes at the young patriot. They were parried with a skill that amazed him. - The contemptuous smile left his face, and a er im scowl took’ its place, Round and round they went, their eyes glaring, and their hard breathing: was heard by everyone in the room, _ Mabel Bosworth held her hands clasped tightly over her heart, as if to still its wild throbbing, and gazed with bated “What _bréath on the deadly combat. _ Suddenly the Briton forced the fighting, and Rube was » driven across the room almost against the wall. “Oh, Heaven, save my ercanalias cried Mabel, in.a trem- bling voice. Quick as a flash Rube iaas a terrible lunge, and his sword point came out under the left shoulder blade of the Briton. The officer dropped his sword and staggered backward, falling to the floor so heavily as to break ie point of the weapon that had pierced him, With a glad cry Mabel hats forward and threw han arms around Rube’s neck. * “Saved—saved!” she ea and the next moment, as if “ashamed of her impetuous action, she turned away and buried her face in her hands. The next moment the young scout turned to his men and ‘said: “We must march the prisoners to the north side of the river. Leave the dead where he is. Come, Miss Mabel, let me . conduct you back to your parents, I know they are uneasy | * about you,” and he led her out of the house into the starlight. y a ae beast - One of the men haying brought the horse on which she had “Widden, Rube placed her in the saddle and then mounted his - own. After whispering a few words with the sergeant who had | charge of the prisoners, he turned and rode away, with the daughter of the proud old Tory, moe Bosworth, by his side. a 5 Be , t OHAPTRR XI, combat she had just witnessed, wondering what she should, do to reward him. Events had transpired so rapidly in the past two or three days that she was partially bewildered and at a loss to know the feelings of her own heart. During the two days just passed she had not been able to get the young patriot scout out of her thoughts. She was thinking of him and his gallant conduct all the time. .And now be had again given her fresh food for thought. He had saved her from a fate worse than death itself. “We must ride faster,” said Rube, in low, but respectful tones, “or we may be interfered with by more of the villains,” and he laid his hand on the bridle rein to lead her horse the better in the dark, “And that would jeopardize you again,” she said. “That matters not,” he returned. “I think only of your safety. A soldier is in jeopardy always when near the enemy.” ““Generous hero! God bless you, Rube Ratiling!” she im- pulsively exclaimed. “And God bless you, Mabel) Bosworth!” he returned. “Y could die a thousand times for you, and count each death a joy!” “Oh, heavens, what a heart! Do you love me, Rube?” “Better than my own soul!” he answered in low, earnest — tones. “Thank Heaven, my love is returned!” “What! you love me?” “Yes, my hero, with all my heart! Me He spurred his horse to her side. His arm reached round her waist, and, by a strength made stronger by love, ‘he lifted her out of the saddle and transferred her to his own horse, holding her firmly in front of him, ; How he pressed her to his heart. How he covered her face with burning kisses,’ with fe ahe twinkling stars as witnesses. i { What floods of joy swept over their souls. \ “T am in rebellion against my king,” said Rube, “but my ‘heart is true to my queen,” and be aepled his pledge with, another kiss. “And to you, my hero-king, my heats will be always true,” } she returned, with a fervid caress, At will not doubt you, my queen. You are igs and ects 3 less, and I know you will be true. I will now have a Neher’ heart than ever, for. a piaieieet fills my soul that never rate it before.” “You have never nes another, then?” she asked, “No; you are my first and only love, my Mabel.” | “Nor have I ever seen one I could love till I loved you, my hero, Your brave conduct and nobleness of heart won my love ‘in spite of all my prejudices against your cause.” “Ah! you love my cause, too?” “Yes; I hate the king and his cause. Hark! T “hear horses? footsteps.” is “Yes, someone comes this way,” said Rube. “We will dodge into the woods and wait till they pass.” Quickly turning his horse’s head to the left, our ‘hero urged him forward, and in another moment they were ‘safely in the woods. In a few moments the troopers—for such they were shad arrived nearly opposite the spot where our hero and heroine had found shelter. sent down the'road on some purpose, and it was plain hat the men were not at all pleased with, this. night Service, for Shey: ‘| complained of the cold and darkness. THE LOVERS. The | ‘two rode some distance in ithe darkness of the night without Nila a word. rags was: sinking of the grand “By my soul, Mabel!” exclaimed Rube in a whisper to the /maiden he held so close to his heart, “there ar not above a score of them in that party!” 7” ; *Well, what ‘of that?) Would you rashly al lel “No—not alon — in your: defense, but ae cee They were a company of troopers % i : ‘I Gee i. mM ; : oe wie ;
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RATTLING RUBE. score of brave men just on the other side of the river. Come! I will kiss you good-night at your door and then to my work.” With that he put spurs to his horse and dashed out of the woods into the road. The gallant steed flew like the wind, notwithstanding his double burden, and in ten minutes the Bosworth farmhouse came into view through the gloom of the night. printing a loving kiss on her lips, and then sprang into the saddle again. Just as the scout dashed away the door opened and Mabel was caught in. her father’s armis. “My daughter—my daughter!” cried old David Bosworth. “Thank Heaven, you have returned alive!” The mother and sister, neither of whom had retired, rushed to her side with glad shouts of joy, She told her story in a very few words, to the utter amaze- ment of her father. “The king: will never countenance such outrages!” he: ex~ claimed in his wrath. “I will lay the case before Sir Henry Clinton and demand protection.” “The king takes no care to punish his men for crimes com= mitted in an enemy’s country,” said Mabel. “It is the charac- ter of his followers, Why not renounce your allegiance to the——” “God forbid!” easoet the old Tory. treason! ”, “It is no treason, father, e defend yourself and property against. robbers such as they. Rube Rattling, the rebel, again rescued me and slew the officer with his own hand. What do ‘we not owe to that daring young patriot!” “Oh, sister!” exclaimed the gentle Myrtis, “he is a real hero, isn’t he?” - “Yes—every inch a hero,” said Mabel, as her eyes flashed. “You should have seen. him cross swords with the officer and fight him to the death.” “Did you see the fight?” “Yes, and kissed him when he triumphed.” “Daughter! Did you so far forget yourself?” “Yes, father; I kissed theeman who saved my life and honor, and when he returned the caress I gave him two more as “IT cannot commit quickly as I could,” and the brave girl looked her father full’ in the face as she spoke. The old man was shocked and ast hs amazed. They stared at her in silence for several minutes. Myrtis, her gentle; loving Sister, came and placed her arm around her waist. “You love him, do you not, sister?” Myrtis asked. “Yes, and he loves me. comes to claim me,” and Mabel turned and kissed her gentle sister as she made the happy confession. At the door he folded her once more to his heart, im- 13 twinkled, and the tall, leafless trees on either side of the road - added to the gloom of the night. But he cared not for dark- ness or starlight. He knew his way,.and hastened with ali speed to reach his destination. At last he struck a smiall road that turned toward the river, and plunged along under the gloomy shadows of the trees at a breakneck speed till he came to a log cabin. There wagga dim light in the cabin. Throwing himBelf out of the saddlé, Rube struck a smart blow on the door of the cabin with the butt of his pistol. A man came forward, and, without opening the door, asked: “Who is it?” “It’s me—Rube Rattling,” was the reply of the scout. the door, Robinson.” “De Lor’ gorramity!” exclaimed a negro’s wands within; “dat’s Marse Rube, suah!” “Is that you, Pete?” asked Rube, while the old man was try~ ing to undo the fastening of the door, “Yes, sah—dis heah’s me, sah!” replied the negro, just as the door opened. , “What is it, Rube?” old Robinson asked, as the scout stood before him. “T want to leave my horse here and go over the river without a minute’s loss of time,” was the reply. “Yhen you can go back with Pete..-He has, just come in, and wants to go over,” said Robinson. “There’ Ss. small boat below — the ferry-boat tied to a tree. Here’s. the key,” and he gave Pete ‘the key ‘to the lock that held the boat chained to the . shore. \ ry" Pete ran out and soon had the boat ready. He gave a low whistle as a signal for Rube to join him, i The scout soon putin his~ appearance, and said: “Now, Pete, put me across as fast as you can.” “Yes, sah,” replied the black, plying the oar with tremen- dous energy. “Where are you going on the other side, Pete?? Rube asked, when they were about half way over. “I’se gwine fo’ ter git outen de way ob dem sogers, sah.” “What have you done with your young mistress’ horse?” “Hid jim in de swamp, sah.” “But you are leaving him there all alone.” “Yes, sah, but I’se ergwine back dar in de mornin’.” “Wouldn’t you rather go with me, Pete?” i “Yes, sah!” Mar: “Well, I’m going over here after some friends, and then we — are going back again. You ‘shall have a gun and uaa US a& i “Open I am going to be his whenever he | little help to-night.” Pete chuckled with great glee. He had never shot a gun tn’: all his life, and the thought that he would be allowed to do so “Oh, my daughter!” groaned the old man, dropping into a|pleased him wonderfully, and he pulled at the oar with all. chair and burying his face in his hands. ‘a good-for-nothing! ” \ “Good-for-nothing!” cried Mabel, her eyes blazing with in- ‘dignation, head, and I owe him my life! | j “You are indebted to him for the root over your | No braver hero ever lived than | “he, and I am more proud of him than of my own brother, we wears the infamous uniform of the tyrant! ier ? CHAPTER XI. | THE SCOUT AT WORK, HEN { |coming to Robinson’s ferry at once—-Rube Rattling.” “And he a rebel— | his might. They struck the north bank of the river, and then | Rube turned to Pete and said: . “Do you knpw all the farmers over on this side?” ees : a “Yes, sah—all ob dem,” was the reply of the black. “Can you carry a sedi to a few of them for me?” Mi} “Yes, sah!” Away Rube took a pencil and wrote ona ses of sea’ bite abrhete small memorandum: “Any friend of Liberty who sees this will help the cause b a “There,” he said, giving the bit of paper to Pete. “Go to al | the houses of those you know to be friends to Washington's cause and show that to the men. As the time is short, ye 1 can Cae take the ones ergaeie: to this spot. You must, pi
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». you can with the others. 14 RATTBING REBEL of a deer. Rube gazed after him till he disappeared in the | gloom of the night, and then started off in another direction. He had gone but a half mile when he came to a farmhouse, > before which paced a sentinel. “Rattling Rube!” exclaimed the astonished guard.. “What brings you over the river to-night?” ' “Urgent business,” was the reply. “Yes,“and the prisoners, too.” “Well, the hope that we can strike another bloW and add to the list of prisoners brings me over. Call the sergeant— quick!” f The sergeant came quickly at the call of the guard,.and was surprised to meet the scout, with whom he had parted on the south side of tle river but two or three hours before. To him Rube explained the cause of his presence there at that hour. “Bind your prisoners so that two men can guard them,” he said to the sergeant, “and hurry down to the ferry as quick as I will have a score of others there inside an hour, and then we will be strong enough to capture or kill the whole company of dragoons.” At the appointed time twenty-five men, all armed to the teeth, appeared at the ferry. “Are our friends within?” _ The negro Pete had done his work well, and our hero thank- | “ed him in terms that made him feel as happy as a bird. “Now row over and get the flathoat, Pete,” ordered Rube, and the faithful black, accompanied by two white men, entered the small boat and rowed across the river. There they took possession of the big flatboat, which was used for the purpose € of carrying teams over the stream, and poled it across wie north side, “The patriots crowded on it, anti in a few minutes were land- ed safely on the south side, where Rube gave quick orders, which were as. quickly obeyed. : " They marched over to the main road, and there took up a! “position in the woods whence they could sweep the highway. er. CHAPTER XIII. TUE DEEDS OF A NIGHT. When he left his command to ride down to the ola farm- ~ house, the British officer gave a captain of dragoons orders to report to him there, with his company, in two hours. ‘ The colonel then set out, and met with the fate that overtook : : him: at, the hands of Rattling Rube. Two hours later the captain of dragoons jedi ‘up to the old farmhouse at the head of his men, and dismounted, 4 “his colonel lying in a pool of blood. A careful examination revealed the fact that a n&amber of] men had been in the house, The discovery served to give a} feeling of uneasiness to the entire command. “Sergeant,” said the captain, “make a litter at once. a The captain and. the sergeant opened the door and entered. There was a faint light in the old house from the smoldering ty embers on the hearth, by the aid of which the dead bedy of the ‘British colonel was: discovered lying where it had fallen. “Good Heaven!” gasped the captain, as he saw the form of “He has been murdered! ” We must carry the body back to the camp. We must noi. stay. bere any. longer than is necessary.” __As-soon as the litter was ready, the dead body was placed eon, and the order to return was given. The captain of | ragoons then formed the troopers as a ‘guard to the re- ns, peciee a portion: in the fray and the balance asa | asleép, to dream of both love and war. i sas “Ready, men! fire!” and the next moment a sheet of flame lined the roadside, and the advanced guard fell ere to the earth as one man. The captain was appalled at the terrible donintat ion of the yolley, and for a moment or two was too much stunned to have the presence of mind to give an intelligible order. But if such was the effect on the captain, the men were still more demoralized. The redcoats had no means of knowing whether the bushes concealed a score or five times that number of foes; hence, every moment of suspense but added to the demoralization the first volley had started, “Kill the wretches!” cried Rube; and then, just as the pa- triots were about to send another volley into the ranks, the redeoats broke and fled likesso many terror-stricken sheep. | The patriots at once proceeded to gather up the arms of the fallen redcoats, and, with a few of the horses found unhurt, made all haste to get on the north side of the river. The ferry flatboat carried them all over at one trip, and every man went to his home, except those who were in charge of the prisoners that had been captured previous to this last encounter, “Take the prisoners to Colonel. Longworth in Richmond,” said Rube to the sergeant, “and give him the information I gave you.” “You are not going over?” the sergeant asked. ~ “Oh, no. Pete and me will stay here and see what the enemy will do.” : The patriot scout then parted with his friends on the river bank and made his way back toward the main road. © The negro, Pete, was the happiest tempered individual our hero had ever seen, and, because he belonged to Mabel Bos- worth, he resolved to keep him with him’ until the enemy left that part of the country, when he would send him back to her. “Now, Pete,” said he to the darky, “do you know where we can get a bit of sleep without freezing to death?” “Yes, sah, I does.” “Where?” 3i' “Tn old marsa’s barn, sah.” “Why, there’s nothing there to sleep on ev the bare Anon.2 894 Pete chuckled. ‘ Note “Dem sogers didn’t. git all‘de hay, marsa,” he said. “Can We get up there wie being Seah | “Yes, sah.” ; nf “Come on, then,” and he led the way, followed Hy ‘the faith- ful negro, who was: elated beyond measure at the idea of being | a soldier. When they reached the barn Pete led the way into — it by means of a Secret passage, made by sliding a plank out of place. Once ihside, the plank was pushed back in its sinew and the two climbed up into the loft, where a goodly quantity of hay was found. Into this our hero crept, ald soon- ‘fe CHAPTDR. XIV. ties ae UNWEL COME BEDFELLOWS. fi How long he slept he knew ey but es was awakened- by & hearing a number of men’ ‘climbing up into the lott, and mee a few others in the hay alongside of him.’ Utterly amazed he listened, and heard- enough of their con- Yersation to learn a ages were a party of ibe ‘ ‘
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UN RATTLING RUBE. quiet and wait for a favorable opportunity to oe his escape shown into the room, where the scout let him into the secret from such unwelcome companionship. An hour later every trooper Was snoring away until the loft of the barn seemed to be a den of discordant spirits. Rube slowly arose from the bed of hay and cautiously made his way, down the rude ladder onto the lower floor. “Dat’s you, Marsa Rube?” he heard a voice close by his side ask. “Yes,” answered Rube, recognizing Pete’s voice. sThe faithful darky, fearing the redcoats ~ould kill him if they caught him, had crept. down from the loft as soon as they came up, and had waited for the scout. He knew that Rube would come down as soon as he could safely do so. “Come, let’s get the horses and sage said Rube, as he caught the negro by the arm. ~ Without uttering a word Pete led the way out, and in an- other minute they had. scaled the fence and were making for the woods in the rear of the lot. They entered the woods, and cut across toward another barn belonging to another farmer, There they éntered the loft and laid downto finish sine nap which had been interrupted. \ When Rube awoke the sun was high up in the heavens. But he was greatly refreshed, and felt both able and willing to again give the enemy another blow. When he came out of the barn he was seen by the owner, a sturdy farmer, who was a patriot to the core. He welcomed Rube warmly, and invited them into the house for breakfast. ; Rube and Pete were each given all they could eat, and when they were through they prepared to leave. _ Suddenly Rube turned to the patriot farmer and said: “Can you aid me any way in getting up a disguise so no one will know me as Rube Rattling?” ~The patriot looked hard at him 4 few minutes, and then said: “IT don’t know. I have a lot of old clothes, and——” “That will do. I haye a beard and wig that will help me along some.” : “Come in here, then, You shall see for yourself,” and he led the way into a bedroom, where he showed him all his old clothes. \ The farmer was nearly the same size as our hero, and so} there was little trouble about the fit,of the clothes. While he was getting himself up ina disguise Rube discoy- ered an old fiddle in the room. “Ah!” he ejaculated, as his gaze alta on the musical in- strument, “can you be induced to part with that violin for a few days?” i “Yes,” was the reply. “We have no use for it, as our son, who used to play on it, is in the army.” “T will return it,” said Rube. “It will be of use to me and the cause.” F ' “Then take it.” 1 ; Rube took the violin and tuned it te toa bisimatiy ies tone. “J am going to be a strolling fiddler,” he said, and to show the patriot farmer what he could do with the age he commenced drawing the bow.” ef The farmer and his entire family made him play tor’ more than an hour, and ‘never heard such ane fees in their lives. Pete came from the kitchen, where he had beh Eee with |. the other servants, and hung | around the door, completely car- | ‘ ture us.” ried away with the soul-inspiring music. He listened in rapt silence for some time, and then, as if|> : utterly unable to keep still, began todance. The other negroes | joined in with him ,and in a few. minutes every man, woman “and child of them was dancing with might and main. After an hour's exercise with the violin, our hero stopped | sent: for Bee and that darky was | i. d daid the violin aside. He we will by no means have a very easy time in our Era? « ROT ra aE of the disguise. “We are going out as 5 aerailiate fiddlers, “he said. “I will play and you will dance. My name will be Jack Smith—Marse Jack—while we are out with the fiddie. Do you bieehi ant “Yes, Marse Jack.” “Come on, then,” and they left the house together. CHAPTER XV. IN THE ENEMY’S- CAMP, . Both Rube and Pete left their guns behind them when they left the farmhouse. But they were not unarmed. Both carried pistols well concealed about their persons, and were ready at any moment to draw and defend themselves. Out on the main road the scout turned toward Richmond, knowing that in that direction lay the army of the great arch- traitor. On every side he could see the smoke of burning houses, which the Tories and British were consigning to the flames. By and by they met a detachment of redcoats which was guarding the road, The death of the colonel and a dozen men. the night before had made them a little more cautious. “Who are you?” one of the guards asked, . “My name is Jack Smith,” he replied. ei came here to play the violin for the’ king's men.” The men believed him, and in a little while he was weleomed to the campfire, where he tuned up his violin and played “God _ Save the King,” and other national airs of England. The sol- diers were more than pleased. They were delighted, and in- sisted on his sharing their rations with them, and playing fae f them that evening. “Pete, you nigger!” he called to the imp of darkyess shia had come with him, “show the good king’s soldiers how you can throw your heels.” Pete needed no second sivtiatons With a broad gett: that displayed a vast array of ivory he began to dance. His grotesque enthusiasm was too much for the risibles of the redcoats, and roars of laughter followed every movement of his heels. Pete never danced with such vigor before in all his life, and at the end of an hour he was completely fagged out and stopped. Then some of the redcoats took a hand at it, -_ the; fun was kept up till a late hour. Just before our hero was about to leave the eevee ‘a courier dashed*up and threw himself from his horse. He a evidently ridden hard and fast from some point. ; His presence created some little excitement among the group of officers about headquarters, and many were anxious to know: what news he had brought. i - While he was closeted with Arnold the group of daiades aie. cussed the situation among themselves. ‘Now and then a word _ would reach our hero’s ears that was as good as a whole Rape: to him, \ ‘A “Ah!” ejaculated one who had got the news. “What do on: fet think it is?” N53 (4 ‘ “Why keep us in suspense?” er asked. “What is it?” "4 \erne young Frenchman, pi haters has. been sent to cap- “He is young, put a brave, skillful officer,” reriired: officer. with a. gray mustache, as he saw several of his young companions laughing, “and if he has a good force to back him _ Another courier came; up and ‘dismounted, and |
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16 -RATTLING RUBE. A. few moment later a tall young man, in the uniform of a) eae as the two sisters sprang forward and clasped their British captain, rede up and dismounted. loving arms around his neck. Our hero looked at him in a way'that evinced his desire ta}. “How they loved their brave, handsome brother! How proud locate him and his business at that particular moment. The|he was of his beautiful sisters! j , young officer returned his gaze in a manner that made Rube The parents, hearing the noise of the reception, ran in from feel ill at ease. But the patriot scout was not the one to show |the dining-room and added a glad welcome. They had not by his face what was passing in his brain. seen their son since,more thania year agone, To see him | After'a few moments the young captain spoke to a staff offt- now safe and well, after having passed through the storm of cer, and expressed a desire to be conducted to the presence of | Southern battles, filled their hearts with great joy. ' General Arnold. He was led into the house, and as he disap-| “This is a most unexpected pleasure, my son,” said the peared Pete began a series of signs and grimaces to attract |father, after the reception had quieted down. “What has Rube’s attention. Rube saw that something was wrong, and | brought you to our home at this time, when we thought you so rose to his feet to go away. Danger menaced-him, but from | far away?” } which direction he did not know. “Do you think I would stay away from home when I oath come back with safety, father?” he asked, glancing from one to the other of his beloved parents. “The moment I heard that the king’s troops were here I applied to his lordship for leave to pay you a me I have ridden day and night—and here I am.” / “God bless you, my son!” exclaimed the happy mother. “You have grown such a big, strong man, and you have not*been hurt?” “No, mother, and I have been in some terrible battles down in the Carolinas. The rebels are as defiant as ever. They come out of the swamps, strike a, blow, and then yanish again.” “Will the king’s armies finally triumph, my son?” the old p man asked. . CHAPTER XVI. ; “How can you doubt it, father? But what. makes you so ~ pale, Mabel?” and the young ie are glanced uneasily at his beautiful sister. “Am I pale?” Mabel asked with a start. “I am not ill, Tam sure.” 5 ( “Oh, she had such an adventure last night, brother,” ex- claimed Myrtis. ' “She ‘was arrested by the king's soldiers, and. “Give us one more tune?” an officer asked, “T have played ail I know,” was the reply. Pete shook his head, and then slipped away in the darkness. “Play one over again, then,” suggested another. _ Snap! went one of the strings of the violin. - Rube had purposely broken it with his left, hand. “There! You see I.can play no more to-night,” he said, and then he started to follow in the direction Pete had gone, “Arrest that fiddler!” cried a stern yoice, as the young cap- tain who had just arrived emerged from. Arneld’s quarters. » “He is a rebel spy!” , +, atte: a \ THE TORY CAPTAIN’S RETURN HOME, The next day after her gallant rescue, Mabel Bosworth was sitting by the window. ; “Oh, it’s horrible—this war!” she murmured to herself, as | she sat there and gazed yacdntly at the frost-work on th Lae He window-giass. “Men meet in deadly conflict, and rend each “Arrested! And BY, ROL RINE 6 eo etonet eed (eae eo tain, ' other like wild beasts.: Brave men fall on either side, and he pap ona? dumfounded amazement. ue ‘may fall—the best and bravest of themall. Oh, Heavens, if he Yes; and she was rescued by a rebel, who killed the © evi Sie i should fall!” and she gave a shudder, followed by a gasp, that who caused the Arrest. 4 caused Myrtis.to look up from her work and ask: Picsy Heaven’s name what ister it all about?” “What ails you, sister? You are not like yourself this morn- T think it was all a mistake,” said the father, quickly, fear- pet fon 62? ing that Mabel would shoek her brother by her patriotic de- i nunciation of the king’s cause. | + Mabel turned and looked at her beautiful sister in some sur- 3 J “ 2 MM 9” as ‘prise.’ The interruption had recalled her to herself, and But se slbeeainbaady sje aed ‘ge ct eas Kea. ie ce aa “Tt was in this wise,” said the old man. “When General ; ee iB j He Baie ees ae ies dats Arnold reached here with his troops, he did not know that jwe ar RE currences o oF were loyal to the king, and so much mischief was done ere [ night.” ¥, ’ iat “Yes,” said Myrtis, sympathetically daking up fer cenit could make him understand that we were not rebels. Mabel BS js ‘ was so indignant that she spoke sharply before the general, | i ate Wh taal ai sheaae sigan “I don’t see how you pen Aa and denounced the king and his cause. It all etiw out of \ | stood there. and gazed at, the horrible scene. I Bheuld Devs 5 a theatetarica ia fallen’ in’ a dead: faint.” Ce re mid ha’ ah é - “Tam sure you would,” remarkéd Mahel.. “But I am made of Ah, sieter, votr should not Mave spoken ge baeeia shk said her ? brother. “There. are so few loyal men in this section that th m B Ww. ' N tee “stronger stuff than you, it seems. But it was terrible! Ot for they were not to blame for the mistake. ,The good ‘king me i } worlds would I go through it again!” ‘ make a handsome reparation for our losses.” “The sound of a horse’s feet on the frozen hehe ned During the day the young officer visited the negro cabin to caused them to instantly pause and gaze at each other. shake hands with the slaves. The simple-minded negroes _ _. ) The horse stopped in front of the gate, and a silence of a 7 crowded, around him with demonstrations of welcome. % minute followed. Then came a loud, authoritative knock on’ “Where is Pete?” he asked of one of the black men, al ‘the door, a ; “Dat nigger done gone an’ runned away wid Rattlin’ Rube, ee » The: fear that a new danger facceertt ‘her sister caused Myr- ! ps j sah! " was the reply. “An’ he tuk Miss Mabel’s. hogs wid Ae if ‘tis to throw herself in Mabel’s arms. os Suddenly the door was opened, and a tall, handsome-looxing { young man, in the uniform of a British be heh ig into ; the room, Mabel was the ‘first to| see e him, and a glad ery of: 'B anent : “Oh, those rebels will do anything. They ought to be hung!’ ioe When he returned to the house, he asked his father about — Pete, and learned that he had indeed gone off with, /Rattling Rube. But so anxious was the old man to keep Mabel’ i ‘for the brave scout a secret from the son that he made | explanations, and the subject » was dropped, 6h oe erm ‘Thus: 7 was: Vegi when. the aha captai ‘port: ea ne: ” Durst from her lips. Sister “Myrtis!” cried, the aloe ¢ young
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that evening, he recognized Pete dancing to Rube’s fiddling. He giared at Rube, and saw that he was disguised. Pete got away after trying to warn Rube of his danger. As the scout started to follow, he was denounced as a spy, : CHAPTER XVII. THE CAPTURE AND ESCAPE, Rube well knew that capture meant sure death to him. Drawing his pistols, he fired two shots into the surging mass of redcoats. He hoped that in the confusion that would fol- low he would beable to escape in the darkness, When he fired he wheeled and dashed away in the darkness. Ere he ran ten paces he came in violent contact with three men—all stalwart soldiers. One of the men clasped his arms, around him. Rube made a desperate effort and released him- self. The mam sought to grasp him again.’ Rube brought the heavy horse-pistol down on his head with a crushing effect, and he sank to the earth with a groan. Then the others madera rush to detain him. In q moment he was caught by a half dozen all at once. j » With a hoarse growl] he clutched the throat of one of those who held him. The yictim’s breath was shut off instantane- ously. They all went down together, and when the spy was secured his beard and wig were gone. But his grip on the throat of the redcoat was not relaxed, The soldier was dead. The man with the crushed skull was dying, and one of the two who had been shot was gasping in the throes of death. The scout and spy had done fearful work, But he was now held firmly by a dozen hands—a helpless prisoner. The most intense excitement prevailed in the camp as the captive was led back to the spot where, but a few ¥ ‘iy martial! ‘ With a strength born of, supreme» Waaderabinh | our. hee 3 minutes previous, he had been amusing the soldiers, , He was led into the house. Two stalwart redcoats*held him on, either side. . j if Benedict Arnold was standing before a glowing wood fire, warming himself. *room, where they stood face to face. The arch-traitor scowled at him, Rube looked him. straight in the eyes, and never flinched. “Both were men of indomitable courage. , “You are a spy!” said the traitor, in low, hissing tones. “And you,” came from Rube’s lips, “what are you?” Benedict Arnold turned pale and red by turns., » The question went home to him, and he knew. that the very members of his n ilitary staff felt the full force of it. But he did not delay his reply. —, td “T am General Arnold, of his faipors service,”. he said, “and it is my duty to appoint a court-martial to try your ease at once,” and then he turned to the officers around him and | named five of them to sit as judges in the case, Y “Proceed at once, gentlemen,” he ordered, “We ike ode at sunrise.’ Ps “Traitor!” hissed Rube, through’ his elenched teeth! “Die! the death of a dog!” and making a tiger-like spring, he clutch-. ed him by the throat with his right hand. 5 ~The traitor staggered back almost into the fire, gasping for breath, The next instant the desperate patriot was torn away f -by main force, and the life of his victim was saved. Captain Bosworth wag the fitst to seize him. f ' When Arnold was released he hoarsely exclaimed: y “Take him out and hang him! Never mind about the eae Hang him at once!” He dealt the young officer a blow on a heap on: the floor. ane with | is wrenched himself free. his ear that laid hi: in RATTLING RUBE. ‘Rube was halted in the middle of the]. their oA neighbors knew anything about it. When ae us patriot leader. | ih y tH) mighty bound, he sprang through a window, sending a shower ofjshattered glass in every direction. ae pear ; There was no light on that side of the house. Hence the pistol shots that were fired at him’ from the window were — |aimed’ blindly, : ' In the darkness he dodged into a clump of bushes. Then he sped forward into the woods and toward the river. A great hullabaloo was raised, and hundreds of Ifoldiers searched the woods. He could not be.found in such darkness. ~ The moment he reached the river he plunged in. The water was icy cold, and full of floating cakes of ice, but with good fortune he finally managed to reach the opposite shore. Rube hardly had strength enough to crawl] up out)of the water. He was’ nearly frozen. But the cold night winds of January were even colder than the rushing waters of the river. His dripping garments were quickly frozen, and his teeth chattered as if an ague convulsed, him. By the most violent exertions for ten minutes or more, he succeeded in getting up a circulation of blood again. Then he moved off direct from the river, till he struck a rail fence - which inclosed a field. Beyond that field he knew the road lay. Once jn the road, he could exercise himself and make — rapid progress toward a shelter that would Hy gladly given him by a well-known patriot. t He lost no time in crossing the field and gaihing the road. He had barely reached it when he met three patriots who were watching for a band of Tories who were going to try and join Arnold. They recognized and welcomed Him cordially. “Come along,” said one of the patriots. “Tl soon\have you warm enough,” — After leaving the roadside they went over a little hill, and down into a sort of gorge, where stood a double, log cabin, sur- rounded by a dense forest growth. “Here we are!” said the man, pushing open the door and stepping inside. 4 A glance within showed our hero more than a score op ate "i armed men, and a huge roaring fire on the wide hearth. They hailed him with delight and grasped his hand as he- stepped over the threshold. “Come to the fire, man! Tell us about it!” He soon told his ‘story, and the terrible recital made their. F blood tingle. In a little while his clothing was dry, and, bar- — ring the bruises he had received from violent contact with floating ice, he felt as well as ever. About two hours after Rube’s arrival at the cabin in the for- : est, one of the guard came running in, acd : “Quick! They are coming,” Rube was quickly supplied with a track of istnie’ and they, left the hut and crept through the dark forest toward the road. * “There they come!” ‘whispered the patriot leader. Be ready, but don’t fire till I give the order. If we can take them 7 without a shot we must do 80.” The small band of Tories: some twenty-five or more in n number, came along the road some time after midnight. ‘They Mites were making for the ferry, some three or four miles below, in ‘ where they expected to cross, and thus join the enemy. before ™ Why, how came you in the river? | | il Ae ever seen service. ~ i u “Throw down your arms or you are dead ment” “We gistvoridee” ” cried the ae wretches, throw their arms. “Don’t shoot! ? ..fi\0 “We won't, fire Spite you resist,” “said nb petsot 1
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18, “Fall back ten paces from your guns. There! Halt! Stand where you are now.” b The patriots ran out into the road, and took possession of the arms that had been thrown down. Then they secured the prisoners, and marched them down to the cabin in the woods. ‘The prisoners were the worst frightened men their captors had ever seen. They expected they would all be hanged or shot for their attempt to join*‘the king’s standard, on account of the terribly bitter feeling eaused by the ble of Arnold on Virginia soil. Rube drew out of their leader the fact that a party of dra- goons were to meet them at the ferry, and escort them to the British camp. The news electrified him. He called the patriot leader aside, and hurriedly told him what he had just learned. ' “Now, we ought to go down there,” he said, “and meet those dragoons. When they least expect it we can kill or capture the whole, company. What say you?” The leader shook his head. He lacked Rube’s enterprise and daring. ; ; “Give me twenty men, then, and I will do it.” ‘ “That will leave me nine. men.” “Enough to guard your prisoners.” “Take .’em if they will go.” In half an-hour twenty brave, determined patriots Were on ‘their way to the ferry, with Rattling Rube at their head. > — CHAPTER XVIII. RUBE PLAYS A GAME AND WINS. } “On his way down to the ferry Rube explained: to his com- rades what his plans were. “The redcoats will think we are tte Tory friends they were sent down to meet. We will pretend to be Tories, and march along with them till we reach the main road.. Then when you hear me say ‘We are not traitors,’ every one of you must turn and shoot down a redcoat. Do you understand me?” “Yes,” they all responded. © “I will be talking as we walk along,.and will bring in those _.. words just when I think we have reached the best place for the attack. If every man does his duty we will kill twenty _and capture the balance. But if there are too many for us; I will call out “To the woods!’ after the first fire. Then we can I] meet in the woods below Mackin’s barn. Do all of you understand me?” ( \ “Ves,” they replied. } “Very well. Let every man look after the redcoat nearest to him. We are almost there now. Keep quiet, and Bee be i < Me and ears opem” . ~~ s “They had now but a short distance to go. Up one hill and ddwn the other side, and they would be at;the river. “There’s'a light on the other side,” remarked one of the men, as they reached the top of the hill. : “Yes, and the redcoats are there waiting for us,” said Rube, _ ag he reeognized the red uniforms of’ Britain by. the fire-light, _ even at that distance, . When they reached the river bank they stopped and quietly | : Raaveien the scene on the other side. They wanted to see how many they would have to encounter when the tug of war came. : ; «There are about sane of Stew: ” said Rube, fh a Jpittaper: “We can dispose of half! of them at the first fire, and settle the HAETUING AUER f | here, ” saiq, the young ‘captains “The rebels have said sO. many — Rube then called out: “Halloo, there! ” As his voice was heard on “He other side, a commotion among the redcoats by the fire was noticed. “Hallo!” came back across the river. “Who are you?” “We are king’s men. Send the ferryboat over,” answered Rube. “How many are you?” “Twenty-one.” “We will send the boat over.” / Th a littlé while old Robinson began to pull his ole flatboat across the stream. Rube knew the old ferryman was a stanch patriot, But he had. to keep quiet and not take sides with either party in an open manner. Yet he never neglected an 6pportunity to aid- the cause of Washington when he could secretly do so. Robinson never dreamed but what he was going over after _ a party of Tories. So, when the flatboat touched the other © shore, he; was knocked almost out of breath, big id ee Rube came-on board and asked: “How many are over there, old man?” “Rube Rattling!” gasped the old ferryman, staring at the scout as if he were a ghost. s “. : “Yes; this is me, old man,” said fae very quietly. “And you are not dead?” ne “No; I don’t think Iam. Why do $5: “ask?” “Because the redcoats over there all say you were drowned in the river to-night.” me “Well, we'll give them something else to say before morn- g,” remarked Rube. eat \The old flatboat moved slowly across the stream with its score of brave sons of Liberty, and in a little while reached the other side. i When it struck the shore three or.four British officers met the patriots, and congratulated them on having gotten safely away from their rebel neighbors. { : “We had better make haste-back to camp,” said one of the — officers. “Come, we must be off. Take charge of these men, Captain Bosworth, and I will look after my own command.” And the officer turned to a tall young officer by his side as gin P spoke. ie it “Thanks, major,” said the captain. “Wo will follow ‘on your heels.” On hearing the name of Captain Bosworth, our hevo was knocked all in a heap. He was the brother of Mabel Bosworth. ' —the woman’ he loved better than his own soul. 4 “Wall in, men! ” ordered the young captain. “You know how to march like soldiers, do you not?” “Yes,” answered Rube, as he placed himself at the head a ae his men. As he did so he whispered to the one behing him: “Mell ’em to leave Captain Bosworth to me.” The men passed the word, and in less than two cae ee! hey ali had it. Then they moved up the tale and’the medecaip AAS ed them in the march toward the main road. As they. moved along, Rube began a conversation ak Cape \tain Bosworth, on the state of the country, oe the. Hits Be successes of the king’s arms. mage “T think General Arnold will break the spirit of wabaulie hard things about him. that he has’ no merey in his soul fob hi them. Why, a daring spy was found in the | eamp to-night and taken before him. The general appointed a court-martial to try him. As the guards were about to remove him he sprang xe at the general, ¢lutched him by the throat, and would hay ie ‘strangled him then and there had he not been torn away yy ‘other half with our pistols before they) can get over. the shock. force. Then he sprang erie a pee gel and ran do hat say you? Will you follow me?” ace on,” was: the dauntless. hid a os
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RATTLING RUBE, “Tt would be remarkable if he did,” quietly remarked Rube. “Yes, Indeed. bank. This country is full of daring, desperate traitors.” “Yes, that’s so, captain, but we are not traitors!” Crack! crack! er-r-r-ack! Twenty rifles rang out their death-knells, and twenty Britons went down on the hard-frozen ground. The others were so dumfounded that they made no movement toward defense, and in another moment each had the muzzle of a pistol clapped to his. head, and|the command: “Surrender!” hissed in his ears, 5 “Great God!” gasped Captain Bosworth, as Rube planted the muzzle of his pistol against his breast. “Who are you?” “Tam Rube Rattling,” was the reply, “who was not drown- ed after choking that arch-traitor. Do you surrender?” “Yes.” “Sensible. men.” The redcoats were disarmed in a trice, and Rube ordere his men to march back toward the river. “You are leaving wounded men behind to perish with: ‘oid; sir;” said Captain Bosworth to our hero, “That's true, captain,” replied Rube;; “but I think the safety ‘The fools are not all dead. Secure their arms, of ourselves should be consulted first, and our enemies next.”|: “But you might detail two or three men to look after them. The,king’s officers will treat them properly.” “Our experience has taught us that British officers never treat their enemies like human beings. I shall not ask one of these men to run the risk of falling into the hands of their cruel enemy.” “T think you are Unjust in your opinion of us, Mr. Rattling,” remarked Captain*Bosworth. “T may be, captain, but my experience is at ie bottom of it. However, if you will give me your word of honor that you will not fight against, us pntil regularly exchanged, you sane. go back and Icok after the wounded.” “I will do it. There’s my hand, sir,” and the young officer grasped Rube’s hand and shook it warmly. EAN “Very well, captain. You may go back now. I would not “He is the Roun rebel in Yi sor ” he! declared, and must I am quite sure he never reached the other| be hunted down, and——” “But he spared your life, brother,” said Mabel, her eyes brightening, and the rich glow mounting her cheeks. “So he. did, and that’s what puzzles me. He is brave and reckless to a degree.” “He is the man who saved sister aiahh before last, brother," said: Myrtis, Captain Bosworth started and gazed at. Mabel. The tell-tale blood betrayed her secret, and the gallant oe officer turned ashen-hued as he saw it. CHAPTER XIX, THE TERRORS oF A NIGHT, The discovery of his sister’s secret came like a thunderbolt to young Captain Bosworth. ; “Sister,” he said, in husky tones, “you love that man?” “Yes, with all my heart and soul,” she replied; “and he is. ‘worthy of all the love I can give him.” “He is a rebel—a, traitor to his king!” exclaimed the brother indignantly; “He vis a patriot! » she aan eee: “defending his country. against a tyrant. Did it never occur to you, brother, that in being loyal to your king you were a traitor to your country? The man who fights against his country is a/ traitor, ie sooner or later will be dealt with as such. Brother, you are ‘fighting against your country,” and with that shot Mabel re- ~harm a hair of your head for all the world,” and then peas -turned*away and hurried along toward the ferry. _ Self alone, “this must be some horrible dream? a mile or two from here. help. Just be patient till I return,” and with that the captai “Good Heaven!” groaned Captain Bosworth, on finding him- That fellow alive, and at the head of such a daring band in less than three hours after plunging into the. river! ‘Oh, it must be a dream! It cannot surely be real!” } He pressed his hand to hig forehead, and glared around and) up at the silent stars, The groans of five wounded men caused him to tarn to ai: “My poor fellows,” he said, in anguished«tones, “this is a terrible blow.. It was a cowardly attack. They never gave us a chante to defend ourselves.” mate . ‘ “No, captain,” said one of the wounded. Sat wouldn’ t mind it if I could have given a shot in return. But u fear I am done for.” ! “IT hope not,” said the young officer, turned and van off up the road as fast as his heels could carry him. he was born, and made such a noise at ‘the door na she woke ; up every soul in the house. 6 Old David Bosworth recognized his son’s voice, and opened: the door fer him. Mabel and Myrtis, hearing the disturbance n the house, had arisen and dressed themselves. ' They lost no ue in seeking the a of their: yee wie bgt about “My father ites but. I will run up to the house and get |, In due time he reached the old homestead where 4 tired to her room, followed by her sister. She was terribly agitated. So were her parents, They gave their son the story of Mabei’s acquaintance with Rube ‘Rat-— tling; of how he saved the house from destruction—how he saved her horse; how she saved his life when he was about ta ‘be shot—and last, but not least, how he in turn saved her life and honor, . . “He is brave and daring,” the father added, “and we are—” “No one can doubt. his courage,” said the captain. “But he is a rebel, and has so poisoned her mind that she, too, talks treason, Oh, I would rather have died in batile than live to see and hear what I have seen and heard to-night! But he shall never marry her whilo I live!” and the captain gave em- phasis to his words by gestures that attested the strength of his feelings in the matter. “T will seek him out artd ae him . as I would a viper! ! ah The captain then wrote a nate to the general, and gave it to a negro with orders to take it to the British camp at once. Then a wagon was made ready with clean straw in it for the wounded men, and a jug of water and rum added... aera “Drive as fast as you can,” Captain Bosworth said to the darky driver, and. soon the wagon. was rumbling over the frozen ground at a tremendous rate. that one of the five wounded men had breathed his dasha Only four remained ‘alive. These were tenderly lifted, AB and placed on the straw in the wagon, and then they REN A slowly off up the road, leaving the dead where they had fallen. vi Thoy had nearly reached the Bosworth farm when they- heard : the roar of a cavalry rush ahead ‘of them, and two or three minutes later Major Lansing dashed up at the head of three, hundred dragoons. : “Do you know which way. the ‘rebels went, captain?” the major asked, When they reached the spot where the t@trible tragedy had taken place they found
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‘the boat. ay 20 RATTLING ROBE. SS ARIAT AAT FO ITER OE TTD WE AL ETT. derly, take charge of the wounded and convey them to camp. Forward, dragoons! ” ' Captain Bosworth sprang into the saddle and led-the head- long charge down the road. The major and the dragoons came thundering along at his heels. A detail had been ordered to bury the dead soldiers, the rest hurrying on. Old Robinson was in his cabin by the river bank when ‘the major knocked on the door. Robinson came to the door and recognized Captain Bosworth. He knew him well from boy- hood. “Robinson,” said the young captain to the old ferryman, “you knew Rube Rattling’s game to-night.” ; “No, captain, I did not,” said the old man. “I did not even know he was in that party.’ He kept back in the crowd, and never spoke a word to me.” “Come,” cried the major, “get your boat ready to take us over. How many horses can you carry over at one trip?” “About twenty.” “That will take time. Be in a hurry, or it may-be the worse for you!” . z Robinson hastened to obey the order, for he knew: that the " officers were not. in a humor to be trifled with. _ young captain. not be able to make it.” Then twenty men carefully led their horses into the flat, and held them there whilst the old ferryman began pulling across. The boat was worked by means of a rope that was stretched from shore to shore, and fastened to trees on either side. By : pulling” on the rope the float- boat was propelled across the stream. therefore, quite dark. It was just before the’ beginning of dawn, and was, It was impossible to see even half-way across the’ river. Huge cakes of ice kept grinding against “It is too heavy for me, sir,” Without waiting for orders three or four men seized hold of the rope and began to pull against the current and floating ice. Suddenly the rope parted over on the bank they were ap- proaching, and two of the men who held on to it were pulled overboard. Quick as a flash the floating ice crushed them ‘under the boat. An exclamation of anger burst from old Rob- inson. ~ “The rope has parted, sir!” he cried, turning) to the major ; and Captain Bosworth. field of- ice-cakes. i “This is a crime!” angrily eketagriet the major, “and I will ‘hold you responsible for it, ferryman!” % Lah “Have you lost your grip on it?” the major asked. “Yes, sir.” “You ought to be shot! Why did you not hold on to it?” “Because I didn’t wish to be dragged overboard, sir.” “Two men were dragged over!” cried several at once. ° “What's to be done?” ithe’ major asked. all?” “No, sir, the channel.” “Why not use your poles now?” Captain ‘Bosworth’ asked. - “Because they are not long enough. The@iver is very even L eve; as you well know.” “The heavily laden Hat heat Apated down the river amid a ’ - Robinson made no reply. He was deeply troubled. “It is growing lighter, major,” said Captain Bosworth. “We see sufficiently well'in another hour to enable us to work way to the land.” Tao binge was the aut reply. Ak our Fields” ae said Robinson at last, to the} “Unless some of your men help me, we will “Can we get over at. I have two, poles on board. We may reach the} _ ghore when we float far. enopeh down the river to set out of there the boat would get caught in an eddy of deep water and be whirled around, ens against the ice as if deStruction was taking place. The somber twilight of dawn finally gave way to the gray of the coming day, and found the flat-boat several miles down the river, floating with the current. A sharp bend in the stream sent the boat whirling round and round in an eddy till it struck a snag. A corner was carried under by the current, and in another moment the score of men and horses were struggling for life in the mass of broken ice and water. It was a terrible scene. Yells and imprecations filled the air, as men and beasts struggled in the water. Only half of them escaped, though the shore’ was but fifty feet away. The officers and ten men got safely ashore, more dead than alive, only to find themselves seized by a band of patriots, against whom they could make no resistance. 4 CHAPTER XX. RUBE AND HIS PRISONER. “Great God!” exclaimed Major Bikins, on finding himself — a prisoner after the perils of the night. “Why did I not perish in the river?” “Because a man born to be hanged will never be drownst, major,” replied a cheery voice behind him, Captain Bosworth wheeled around to look at the fies He recognized the voice. | ry “Captain Bosworth!” cried Rube, as much astounded as - other. “You here? You have violated your parole!” torted the captain. v4 “T am a regular soldier in the Continental Army,” wate Rube, “and as such have the right to parole any prisoner I may cap- ture. But whether I have the right or not, you gave me your word of honor, as a soldier, that you would not take up arms, again until regularly exchanged.” — x “T did not regard anything as binding under the ictrentn-| : stances that threw me into your hands last’ night," if was the haughty reply of the young officer. Major Elkins just then turned to Rube, and sua iid “Is it in your power to afford us a fire to dry DORN a by? We are actually freezing.” ; ’ i “Yes, major,” said Rube. have a fire at once.” There was an immense pile of driftwood near the scene of the disaster. Rube otdered his men to set it on firel ys They did so, and while it was gradually blazing up yh a: conflagration our hero, Snpereenect by the prisoners, ee ed to old Robinson: ' “Rube Rattling!” he exclaimed, in dumfounded amazement: aes “You had no right to parole me or any other soldier,” Yess m “You are a eed soldier. We will : “T will pretend to be anéry with you, and fies believe that Z you are a regular old loyal Tory. You must lean that. way. ~ “I understand,‘ said the old ferryman, giving him a knowing wink. Ina little while our hero began to abuse the Sia doa for aiding the British in pursuing him. ' “We are your neighbors and friends,” hes said, “and yet yo do not hesitate to aid the redcoats: against us.” a own. 1 the ferry,” said the old man,. Sand my busines: is to . Here and |. “Be very hard on me, and I'll be yery much scared.”
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“Yes; and if I had not cut your rope last night you would soon have had a whole troop of horse thundering at our heels.” “The deuce! Did you cut that rope, Rube Rattling?” the old man exclaimed. “Yes, of course I did; and then we followed you through the woods, guided by your voices.” “You haye destroyed my ferry,” said the old ferryman, “and taken the bread out of my mouth.” “Better lose your bread, old man, than have a tyrant triumph over the liberties of your country,” remarked Rube. “So you cut- that rope, did you?” Major Elkins asked, turn- ing to Rube, after the latter had finished speaking with old Robinson. “Yes; I knew your people would pursue us, and so waited at the river for you. Was it not the proper thing for a soldier to do under the circumstances?” The major made no answer. As soon as the clothes of the prisoners ‘were dry, Rube began to make preparations to convey them to a place of safety, where he could turn them over to some superior officer. Late that afternoon they met scouts from Lafayette’s com- mand—which Had been sent to look after Arnold and capture him if possible. To them Rube delivered the prisoners and a ‘portion of their guard, together with a detailed report of the situation up to that hour. “Give this to the general,” he said to one of the scouts, hand- ing him a sealed packet. “I will go back and watch the enemy, and report again. Tell the general that Colonel Thayer will tell him all about me if he does not know me.” The scout took the packet and went On in charge of the \ prisoners. On leaving the prisoners in charge of the scouts, Rube ais. pered to one of them: “If you can manage to let apthia Bosworth escape, do so. It will do no harm.” ‘The scout agreed, and then Rube Ea his way to the house of a friend, where he obtained a@ warm meal and a hight’s lodging. On the morrow he struck out for the river, intending to g0 over. to the south side. He was about five ‘miles from the river, trudging along the road, when he espied Pete, the negro, coming toward him. The darky had a broad grin on his face.as he approached. He explained to Rube that when he had escaped he had made his way back to the Bosworth’s, but Miss Mabel had told him to £0 and find Rube and stay with him. Rube’s heart throbbed with a wild joy at this evidence of the love and devotion of Mabel. He knew she was dauntless and true, but this little act showed to what length she would go for him. Pete told him of the family rumpus the young captain ‘kicked up when he learned that Mabel was a rank rebel, and engaged to be married to the scout. “Dem Britishers is all gwine erway ober dar,” said Pete, after a pause of several minutes. “Gone away! Have they moved away from the change” “Yes, an’ dey went like dey was in er mighty big hurry.” ' “That's good news!” exclaimed Rube. “The presence of the young marquis has done that. We may catch the great traitor after all!” Pete listened to the comments of the ara and answered _ his questions as best he could. ae “How did you get across the river, Pete?” Rube asked, “I'se done gone an’ stole a boat,” was the reply. Rube resolved to make Pete lead the way back to the river’ ( _ and cross to the south side. Pete found the canoe where he had a) concealed it, and together they crossed over to the other side, _ But not wishing to let ‘the fact that hé was on that. side of 1. iver | be reek to. anytie: but Mabel Boowor he kept. RATTLING RUBE, newcomer threw her aside and faced Rube, hissing: concealed in the woods till the shadows of night would afford him some protection. When the stars came out, he sent Pete to the house to in- form Mabel that he was near by. “Teli her I will come to the house if she thinks best,” sald he, “or to the barn, if she wishes to keep it secret. Do you understand me, Pete?” ‘ “Yes, sah,” and Pete hurried off, Mabel was sitting before the fire with her knitting, thinking of her lover and the implacable hate of her brother toward him, when one of the house servants passed her’ chair and gently touched her on the shoulder, A minute later she arose and followed the girl into another room. “What is it, Becky?” she asked. } “Dat nigger Pete done come,” answered Becky, in low tones. Mabel started, as if an electric shock had touched her. ' “Where is he?” she demanded. “Out in de yard.” Mabel. flew out into the yard and ran up caatat the faithful black. In a moment she had her lover's message. “Tell him to come boldly up to the house and knock as the © front door,” she said. “I will open it for him.” Pete hurried away, and Mabel returned to the house, her - heart in a wild flutter. Seating herself by the fire again, she quietly waited and listened. Suddenly she heard footsteps, and the next moment a vigorous rap on the door. Quick as a flash she sprang up and flew to open the door. “Oh, Reuben, my hero!” she cried, and then was clasped in his strong arms in a passionate embrace. ' A half-smothered exclamation escaped old David Bosworth’s lips aS he beheld the daring scout once more under his roof. Mrs. Bosworth said not a word, but looked uneasily at her husband. Myrtis went forward and gave her hand to the © scout. She could not forget that he had saved Mabel’s life and _ honor. But the old Tory was implacable, and the sight of his daughter’s arms around the scout’s neck infuriated him: “Why do you come here?” he asked, trying to keep cool and not, blaze forth with the venom that was in him, “To see her who saved my life, sir,” Mabel’s hand. “I forbid you my house, sir. my threshold again. You are a rebel and sneaking murderer! " “Your gray hairs protect you, sir, or I would berms you take — Hy back those words.” \ } Leave my house, sir!” and the ola man fairy “Never. blazed with wrath. “Wait, Reuben,” said Mabel, ae face white as a sheet, “wean get together a few things, and I will go with you, ibis: you ‘ go I will go, and——” ° “My daughter—my child!” cried Mrs. Bosworth, sporadic : forward and throwing her arms around. Mabel’s neck., Pi ace shall not leave me thus! No, no, no!” The door flew open and a man dashed in. “Oh, brother!” screamed Myrtis, flying to his arms. rhs “Ah, traitors we meet again!” ' CHAPTER XXI. \ BATTLING RUBE IN HOT QUARTERS, The reader will recollect that when Rattling Rubé tuned bis prisoners over to Lafayette’s scouts he whispered to one that ‘ he would like to have Captain Bosworth | make 6 his escape, ‘bee rain ‘they reac 16d b cagubiae wit him, The | ‘Never dare set foot across : “The said Rube, holding to
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92 RATTLIN G RUBE: Fe knew that Rube had some good reason for such action, and therefore resolved to afford the captain an opportunity to get away. s The prisoner was most anxious to escape, as he knew he had made himself liable for violating his parole. He therefore lost no time in looking about for a favorable chance. It soon occurred. YI “ He slipped away into a clump of, bushes which they were passing through, and disappeared without being perceived. Once free, he made quick time in getting away from the daa- gerous locality. But he kept well in the woods all day, fearing to venture out lest his uniform should betray him. to’ the patriots. ; But when the mantle of night enveloped the forest he stole forth and made his way to the river. There he hunted along the banks till he found a canoe concealed under the willows. In that he crossed over to the south side, and hastened to his parent’s home, He was amazed at seeing Rube there, and glared at» him with all the concentrated hate of his nature. “We meet again!” he hissed through his: clenched teeth. “But I am unarmed! ” é “It makes no difference, Captain Bosworth,” coolly, know.” “Wor that very reason I would fight vay ve ile death, traitor and sneak that,you are!” “Captain Bosworth, you knowl am no traitor; you know I am neither a sneak nor a coward, as you have twice been my prisoner within forty-eight hours. You also know that you are no match for me in a fight, and——” “Liar! braggart! coward!” cried the young «fiicer, beside himself with rage. “You dare not meet me! You dare not eross swords with me!” : Rube merely smiled.» gira was pale and speechless with fear, 28. was her moth- . But Mabel was blazing with indignation at bonwitig. her eae so mercilessly abused. “Brother,” she exclaimed, “you. are a cowardly ingrate! This man saved the roof over our heads. He saved my life and honor by slaying my would-be destroyer who wore that * qniform. Yet you. pursue ‘him with. your hate-you, a traitor ,to your country!” “No—no—it’s you, Mabel, ho. ee disgrace upon, our family by your conduct! king! If he will not fight me f will brand him as a cowareé before the world!” and with that he sprang forward and _ slapped Rube in the face. ‘ : te “Now will you fight! » he cried. f Rube started as if an electric shock had struck -him. ‘The next moment he sprang /at the young captain and dealt him a "blow that stretched him. senseless at his feet, “All three women. uttered screams of terror. With an impreeation on his lips David Bosworth sprang forward) to his.son’s eo raising a heavy oaken chair high above his head. — With a wild ery Mabel sprang -forward, caught the chair and clung to it. “No—no, father!” she screamed. him! ” cre he does I will kill him,” said Rube, in a a quiet, de- termined tone that even the irate old man drew back in terror. - *T have proved myself your friend when you needed friends, David Bosworth. I was prepared, for Mabel’s sake, to endure ; said Rube, very “TY would not fight you for reasons you, perhaps, ” he “You shall not aeehiea ows—that, T cannot endure. ‘I would da ag a Heo is.a rebel and a traitor to his the taunts and insults you could heap, upon. me; but mot ven now it can be. peace be-. ‘But if you or yours seek, to uauibe: violence I ie he a £ Z 2 = SE Se i Se a A noise at the front door caused all to look im that direc- tion, The negroes who had crowded around on hearing the shrieks and screams of the mother and daughter now scattered, ‘as if a new danger threatened. The next moment a dozen patriot scouts rushed into the house and seized Captain Bosworth. His British uniform and rank made his captors hilarious, “Hang him! He is a traitor! All Tories are traitors! Our houses have been burned to the ground and our people mur- dered by Benedict Arnold and his Tory followers. Hang him! Hang him!” “Oh, my poor boy—my poor eds re oid his poe throw- ing herself in his arms. “This is a Tory family!” cried one of the patriots. “David Bosworth is a traitor! The traitor Arnold spared his house. and burned ours. Let’s burn him out!” = bis “Yes, burn him out! Hello, here’s Rattling Rube! How are you, Rube? The traitor is moving up the river. - Lafayette U is after him. We'll hang him if we catch him!” All of them had heard of Rube, the scout and spy. Three or four of the party knew him. They crowded around him and shook his hand. ; “What are you doing gui Rube?” the leader of the patriots asked. “IT came ‘to pay a visit is this young lady—Miss Bosworth,” the scout replied, pointing to Mabel at his side. “Does she live here?” “Yes, this is her home.” “Sorry for that. We are going to burn the house.” ' “1 beg your pardon—the house will not be burned.” “Why not?” “Because Miss Bosworth is a true patriot, pan the rest of her family are loyalists.” “How is that?” “She is to be my wife. Lavine me, she loves my cause, will fight for her-and her home.” “So will\I, by gum!” exclaimed a young man td the party. “There’s my hand on that!” and We extended his brawny hand to the scout. “So will -—and I—and 1!” cried a dozen others, for Rube’s sweetheart!” ‘ ‘The cheers were given with a henittlas ie that caused Mabel. toblush and smile by turns. Then they shook hands with — her, and assured ‘her of their good’ ‘will and friendship: “You will spare my brother, will you not?” she asked. “We will simply keep him a prisoner till he is esrb 3) No harm shall come to him from that.” uF Then they led the prisoner: forth, and left Rulig still with 2; Mabel and her people, ; ; é i “Hurral Le #5 j ’ ‘ BE i eer : i CHAPTER XXII. | ” t / } S RUBE WINS IN THE FAMILY Row, Mrs: Bosworth, on sdeing her son led away a prisoner, burst into tears and sank down into a chair. f : “Don’t cry, mamma, » cried Myrtis, het own ids streaming’ down her face. “He will not hea prisoner long. Mr. Rattling — can get him released. He Bows not bear him any. ill-will—do i you, Mr. Rattling?” x Bp erst ile By, “None in the least,” replied. our hero. a ‘ EG alba ohana “And you have saved our home again. Oh, I thank you’ ever _ 80 much!” and Myrtis grasped his ee and icone it in a generous, stayin sites pe e y
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RATTLING RUBE. “And you won't’ leave us, Mabel, will. you?” Myrtis asked. “Yes, unless father consents to:receive Reuben as J wish. I am going to be his wife, even if I never see one of my Own kin again,” Old David Bosworth loved his proud, beautiful, self-willed daughter, and had not the heart to resist her longer. He looked her in the face and asked: “You would leave us for that man?” ; “Yes, father. I love him. He is braye, true and loyal, and worthy of my love and your respect. Why. Will you seek to wreck my happiness? You cannot love me and yet hate the man I love!” ; “Stay, stay—both of you!” choked with emotion, A glad ery from mother and aausiters: and the eek moment they were locked’ in each other’s arms, weeping for very joy. “Mr, Bosworth,” said Rube, extending his Hand to the old Tory, “while i war against the king, there is no bitterness in my heart against you or your son.” David Bosworth took the proffered hand and pressed it, but did not utter a word. He seemed afraid to,trust his voice. But the moment they had clasped hands Mabel, with another glad ery, threw her arms around her parent's neck and kissed . hint. “How happy you have made me!” was all she said, but that was enough. The old man pressed her to his heart and wept like q child. Rube snatched a kiss from her tips and bolted out of tho house, as if a sudden. emergency had arisen that called him forth. Out in the yard Pete awaited him, like the faithful ‘darky he was. His young mistress had bidden him follow and serve the daring scout, and naught but death could deter him. Rube started off up the road toward ‘Richmond, Pete close at his heels. Ere midnight came the brave scout found out which direc- tion the enemy had taken. He saw the light of burning houses’ _ in the distance away on the right. Arnold had crossed the river just below the city, and went sweeping around like a living torch, bent on complete destruc- tion. i _The road to Richmond being thus clear, the scout hastened forward, and soon entered the city. He found that his con- stant reports, sent in by couriers, had kept the commandant so well informed of the movements of the enemy that not q single mistake had been made. a: General Lafayette is coming by quick marches,” said the ‘commandant to the scout. “You must go and meet him, and: place these dispatches in his hand,” and with that he gave him a packet, which Rube thrust into the bosom of his coat. “You must take a horse, hasten down the river, cross’ the nor th side and pass the enemy on his right. You can reach’ the general quicker by that route. You will find good Bb Bales ready for you as soon as you are ready to’ start.” In ten minutes they were riding at full tilt down the river ; Toad, the scout in advance, paul / On the way down, they stopped, and secured the favorite: horse of Mabel. A farmer, on the edge of the swamp, had looked after him, and was rewarded by the scout. It was a little after daylight when they reached the nad worth, plantation. Mabel was soundly sleeping. Rube lef. her said the stern old man, his yoice horse in the stable and a message of love for her, and then : sped away on his mission, with black Pete thundering at his tae ' CHAPTER XXIII. bar Se . CAPTURED’ AGAIN, — “There being no Saige now at See v erny, one hero Xs |man is Rube Rattling, the notorious rebel scout and spy, of e | was a prisoner either in Richmond, or in ‘Lafayette's camp. ‘ get across. But once on the other’ side, he put spurs 46; his horse and rode like John Gilpin. Mile after mile was passed, and white flecks of eae Basen to fly from his horse. Suddenly two men sprang out into the middle of the rout leveled rifles at his head, and called a hdit: “Where are you going so fast?” one of them demanded. vo Attensa doctor, "he said. “My mother is very sick.” “Who is your mother?” one asked, “Good Heavens, what a Lorne ee my father’s wife.” Both men looked hard at him a moment or two and tien at each other. The next moment they burst into a roar of JTageh- ter, “Tt won’t do, ae man,” said the taller of the two men, shaking his head.~ “You are our ‘prisoner. Get down off that horse.” “What right see you 4o inter——” . “The right of war! Get down, or you'll get a bullet through your head.” ; . The very emphatic tone of the man, coupled with the fact that his rifle was pointed so as to back his words, induced our hero to dismount. ~ “Now, who are you and where are you going?” was demand- ed of him as*soon as his feet touched the pidipae “Tam a patriot,” he answered. “And & spy!” hastily ejaculated the other. — “How can I be a spy when I am not in the lines of either army?” ; > ‘ “What is your name?” “Williams, ” “Where do you live?” “Over on James river.” “Where are you going?” “T don’t know. That depends on where you take me.” _ “You think you will be taken somewhere, then, do you?” “Yes, of course. The fools are ‘not all dead yet.” “That's true; but’ We are thinning them out some. - They marched him into the woods, where, on making a sig- nal, they were joined by others from thé dense forest further hack. Ina few moments Rube saw that he had fallen into the hands of qa body of Tories. ; “Wait till the captain comes up,” said one, as a saentleies = to search him was made by one of the men. “Here comes the captain!” cried another, as a man in the uniform of a British captain came through the bushes. N Rube glanced at the officer and started. He’ was Captain’ Bosworth. ; i “Ha!” ejaculated the young captain, as he yecognized the prisoner. “I have got you at last, you traitor.” -“T see you have the mark of my hand on your face yet,” eafd Rube, very coolly, “when : knocked eae down for calling . Why, she is my mother— |me a traitor.” , “You will not any more knocking down. Comrades, this whom you have heard so much.” ° A murmur of surprise was heard all round the prisoner, and. f | the Tories crowded forward to get a good look athim. “They had all heard of him and his daring exploits, and % i ¥ knew that he had done much toward frustrating’ their plans ine Ne AS 3 ‘ Rube was greatly puzzled at seeing Captain’ Bos- He thought he the past. worth there in command of a band of ‘Tories. “Tt was lucky that I was rescued by a party ‘of king's “men |last night,” said the captain to. vee ae now we can ‘sete ' jour differences forever,” 4 “No, if said Rube, Tooking him fant in
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24 the chance to defend myself against you. worth. You are a coward and poltroon!” I know you, Bos- Bosworth would have sprung upon him, but Rube was not| hands, hound, and so he dared not get within, striking distance of him. ; “You shall die the death you deserve—that of a traitor and |the rope from his neck. spy. I have seen you in ‘disguise in the British camp. You are also a negro-thief—there stands a negro who belongs to my | ders.” father,” and he pointed to Pete; who stood by trembling for his life. “Hang him! Hang him!” cried the Tories, now wrought up to the highest pitch of excitement. “Yes, you can hang me,” said Rube, very coolly, “and'I can’t help myself. But you men ought to understand the cause of his hate toward me, and——” “Oh, they care nothing for that,” said Bosworth, interrupt- ing him. Then, turning to the men he added: “He wanted to marry my sister. to have a traitor come into it. Hang him, and you will con- fer a favor on us asi well as a blessing on the country.” “Yes—yes—hang him!” and they at once seized him for the| “but I dare not disobey orders, Ki purpose of executing their vengeance, A rope was quickly produced and placed around his neck, whilst his hands were tied behind him. , Captain Bosworth glared at him with a malignity that sur- prised Rube. There was an expression of fiendish joy in his face and eyes. “T am not afraid to aie, a Rube said, looking him full in the} executioner, That’s all.” face. “J have but one regret. That is that I have twice spared your life when you were my prisoner.” “But I never asked you to spare me, did 1?” '“No-—nor do I. Pete will tell your sister how. 1 died at your hands. I do not envy you your lease of life.” i “I will tell her all about it myself. She will learn to detest your memory before the worms have finished their meal on your carcass. String him up, men! Let him die the aren of neactraitor! : _ They led him alittle’ further into the woods, and halted under a gigantic oak. i One end of the rope was thrown over a limb, and a half-| hangs all such, the better for her cause.” | 4 dozen men seized it to draw him up. “Surrender!” — A strong, manly voice thundered forth the command, and, on looking around, the startled Tories found themselves sur- rounded by at least half a hundred patriots, with leveled rifles, “Surrender, or we fire!” “Don’t shoot! of them, throwing down their arms. They had been so intent on witnessing the terrible, crime | victim. they were bent on perpetrating that they did not see the ap- proach, of the patriots. An officer in the whiform of the Continence! army came for-| up, sergeant.” iy ward and asked of Rube: erat “Who are you, and what does this mean?” “Tam Rube Rattling, a patriot scout,” he replied. “T was on “my way with dispatches for General Lafayette, ‘when these | cer. hen captured me, an hour ago.” » “And they were going to hang you?” — ' “Yes, I think they were.” “TE looks like it,” and turning to Bosworth, the officer asked: ground, Rattling Rube turned away with a shudder, saying: “And were you going to permit the rea Bosworth made no reply. He ‘was in a terrible tight place. The patriot officer had a very determined air about ‘him, and pee I give La a the Fone. i 1 looked as if he meant serious business. aoe, around inne neck and ue it on this redcoat.” AE AR RATTLING RUBE. The whole family -objects| to him. He stepped forward and threw the noose over his neck. We surrender!” cried out nearly | every man the scout’s hand. é | “Mr, Rattling,” said the Continental officer, “take that rope of shegtutuie! " ‘8 ae 1 a need not do “My hands are tied.” , A patriot sprang forward and cut the cords that bound his “Now you can do it.” “I don’t wish to hang him,’sir,” said Rube, as he removed “But I do!” retorted the selees: “Your duty is to obey or- CHAPTER XXIV. DEATH OF CAPTAIN BOSWORTH, Rube glared at the brother of Mabel Bosworth and shud- dered. He dreaded the consequences of obeying the order of the patriot officer. Yet he knew that to disobey meant death “You dare not do it!” gasped Bosworth, “T have no desire to do it, on Mabel’s aos ” replied Rube, “You can save me!” y “No; I cannot.” + “You will try?” ‘sal “No.” : : poee Neary “You will!” * a “J will not, But I will-ask to be excused from being your | They had spoken in whispers, so that not a aes “had been a! overheard by the patriots. “What is he saying?” the patriot officer asked. “Begeing me ‘to plead with you for him.” “And you refused?” “T did.” 5 “Right. Nothing can save him. String him up!” “J am an officer in the British army!” exclaimed Bosworth. “You dare not hang me!” " “You shall haye the same treatment you were going to give to your prisoner just now. Up with him, The sooner America “Captain,” said Rube to the patriot officer, alemotnie ‘ae to his side, “I beg to be excused from hanging that man.” i “Why so? Ee would have hanged you.” shag Ph Rube leaned forward and whispered in the offider’s ear: “His sister is to be my wife.” © 2) “Ah! I will excuse. you! 2: exclaimed the captain, grasping _ Then, turning fy: a i meillente he ordered him to run up the ‘Bosworth dropped to his knees and begged. for his life, i “What!, A British Onter on his knees to a rebel! ses him | “Merey! merey!” seredmed the prisoner, . army, and——” “We have no use for such as you,” returned the patriot oft- “Run-him up, sergeant!” The sergeant motioned to several others, and ih a moment fi a half dozen men were tugging at the rope. As the body of the implacable young man swung et of the | i “T will ve your “T am sorry you did not spare him, captain. cme 13 “J never spare such men,” was the reply. “Wheneve 4 ‘eatch men who have hanged any of our. sgh or base tO
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: politeness for which he was famous. RATTLING RUBE. not only did not have anything to do with it, but that you actually tried to save him.” “Thanks, captain, but I fear it will do no good,” and the brave scout turned away with a mournful shake of the head. The body was left hanging to the limb when the patriots ‘moved away, as a warning to Tories that hanging was a game that two could play at. Once more free our hero proceeded on his way with his dis- | + patches. tain that enabled him to find Lafayette with but little trouble. He received information from the young patriot cap- The gallant young marquis received him with that urbane The dispatches greatly pleased him, and, after he had carefully perused them, he questioned Rube about the topography of the country, the strength of the enemy, and the resources of the patriots. Rube’s replies showed that he was well posted, and the young general at once engaged him as his scout in his cam- paign against Benedict Arnold. “Above all things we desire to capture that arch-traitor,” said Lafayette, in a private conversation with Rube, “and if I can get together a certain number of men within thirty days I shall have great hope of success.” “IT have already had him by the throat,” said Rube. “Eh? Had him by the throat?”. “Yes, general, and gave his'throat the tightest squeeze he ever felt, I guess,” and then the scout related the story of his adventure in Arnold’s camp and his remarkable escape. Lafayette was amazed. ; “Such heroism and endurance must ‘be rewarded,” he ex- claimed, in real French enthusiasm. “I make you captain: His Excellency will, confirm my choice, and your commission shall be forthcoming. You shall have command of the scouts.” Rube was so surprised that for a moment or two he our say nothing in reply, ‘ “Organize your command af once; Captain Rattling,” said the marquis, bowing to him. “Your Excellency,” stammered Rube, the moment he regain- ed bis speech, “I do not deserve this.” ~ began to organize a company of one hundred scouts. “Indeed you do, my friend. It is a mistake that you have not had a commission and a command long before this. You shall have one hundred men just a soon aS you can collect them.” Rube did not know that a few words in the dispatches he had brought had been the real cause of his promotion. He thanked the marquis and retired. By degrees he got used to the change in, his fortunes, and Scores of brave, daring young fellows volunteered to join pins when they heard. the story of his adventures. In a week’s time he had his command organized and ready for the field. Pete was to be his body-servant and.go wherever he went, and a happier darky was never seen than he, “Captain Rattling,” said the marquis one day, “the fleet is come to the mouth of James. river to cut off Arnold’s retreat back to New York. The people are arming for the struggle. Take your men and hang close on his flanks, striking when- ever you can, and send in couriers every day.” Such an order’ was just what the daring young patriot was waiting for. In a new uniform, which the’ general had pro- -cured for him, he sprang into the saddle, and hepnia a away at the head of this men. \ A few hours’ ride brought him. to the vcthity of Arnold’s ‘camp. The enemy had been marching, and burnihg, and pil- - laging all day. Their campfires for the night had just. been ; made, and not one of the ae suspected ca presence of. en iitehbuetaauy }dred men around. the house ‘flying. Long: before: they jee. from their. surprise and C0: i, gery furious charge startled them. The next moment: the: patriots were upon them, sabering right and left. The very daring of the attack was the safety of the assail- ants, Not dreaming that one hundred men would dare attack five» times that number, caused that wing of the camp to fly in disorder.. They rushed over on the center, and rallied a thousand strong. But in another minute the patriots had disappeared on theg other side of the camp, without the loss of a single man. Over a score of the enemy had been killed or wounded, and the rage of their officers was unbounded. CHAPTER XXV. ARNOLD’S NARROW. ESCAPE. The: incident of the furious charge through a portion of their camp made the enemy more’ cautious, . Strong guards were so ait as to render such a feat im- possible again. There were few better soldiers than the great traitor, ni no one knew that fact better than Captain Ratiling himself. He drew off his men to a secure place, and sét careful scouts to watch any movements the enemy might make. The French fleet had started from Rhode Island to cut off his retreat back to New York. He knew that Washington was laying a snare to catch him. Sir Henry Clinton saw the storm gathering, and sent the British fleet to head off the French men-of-war. The French fieet were worsted at Graney Island, and re- turned. The British fleet then landed Colonel Phillips with two thousand men to reinforce Arnold. That accession increased his available force to over three thousand five hundred men—too strong entirely for the little army under the marquis. ) But Lafayette presented such a bold front, and hung so. Aides on Arnold’s flanks, that Lord Cornwallis, whom Greene had driven from the Carolinas, hastened to Virginia to take com- mand. Thus the raid of Netala. and the desperate attempt to capture him, hastened the concentration of both Washington and Cornwallis’ armies in eastern Virginia. The campaign was to be the climax of the war, for it was to end at Yorktown, on the banks of York river. But before the two main armies concentrated in Virginia, months of marches, retreats, and running fights were to take place. By order of Lafayette our hero kept close by the en- emy, ahd gave him a blow whenever a chance afforded. Whichever way Arnold went, there the indomitable scouts confronted. Whenever a party of Tories and British made a dash to burn a house or pillage a barn, the scouts were sure to make a charge and leave some of them dead on the ground. One day Captain Rattling, still more widely known now as” “Rattling Rube,” received information from a negro that Arnold was stopping at a farmhouse for the night, just pda ‘ Chickahominy Creek, His staff was with him, and a considerable body geared" whilst the main body of his army lay nearly a half mile nie of the house. “Ts a Patina to do,” said Rube to his Heutenantas J “put Iam going to try it.” 5 “Try what?” his officers asked. 4 “To either kill or capture Arnold. He is in the boease: et) House over the creek there. We can make a dash and Bet pate may result in our weanienee one of them said. AS “No danger of that, ” he replied. , “There's about one hun- A sudden dash will send ‘them |
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26 They waited until about midnight, and then made a detour of some five or six miles, so as to come upon the enemy from the south side. With a negro guide who knew every inch of the locality, our hero led his brave fellows silently toward the camp of the eeping host. “Dar’s de house,” said the negro, when they came in sight of the farm-house in which Arnold and his staff lay sleeping. The line of sentinels extended a considerable distance from the house, and ere the patriots were aware of their exact loca- tion they were prompily challenged. Rube was somewhat surprised, But he gave the order to charge, and the scouts dashed for- ward like an avalanche, The sentinels discharged their muskets, and gave the alarm, The surprised redcoats sprang to arms, but the gallant scouts were upon them, sabering right and left. “To the house—surround the house!” cried Rube, stentorian tones. : , But his men were in the midst of the dumfounded redcoats, who knew not which way to run. They were pushed back against the house, into which they burst, still hoarsely shout- ing, whilst the patriots were. cutting rightand left with a ter- tible energy. At the first alarm, Benedict Arnold sprang out of bed and hurried on his clothes. | Just as he was emerging from his room, his own | men, hard pressed by the scouts, rushed into the house. The next mo- ment, bare-headed and minus his pistols; he was driven helter- skelter into the back yard. There a dozen mounted patriots were cutting right and left, trying to stem the current of retreat, He eseaped baying his head laid open by dodging under a horse's belly, and hastened at the top of his speed towar d the main body of his army. ~' “Thinking they had the arch-traitor hemmed up in the house, the patriots resolutely cut their way in and searched every room. : : “Foiled!” roared: Rube,. ' Men, ere it is too late!” The patriots sprang into saddle again, and, at the command of their gallant leader, dashed away down the road. ‘They had not left a moment too soon, : ' In fact, they came near delaying a minute too long. : The impetuous Arnold knew for what pur pose the dash had _ been made, and his soul ached to wreak a terrible NOnsaEagS _ on the daring scouts. He knew that, Rube was the same man who had throttled him down.on the James River, and would give half his com - mand to ¢apture him, Nez 0 F on, men!” he cried, his voice hoarse with rage. hundred pounds to him who br ings down that fellow! y in “He has escaped!) Come away, “One _, But Rube had the start of the three hundred dragobns, and _, Yaised such a cloud of dust that the pursuers. dared not get too’ * far into it. After a dash of a couple of miles, the dragoons re- turned, without having killed or captured a single scout. o * CHAPTER XXXVI. CONCLUSION. ws The dash was so audacious, and came so near proving his we ‘déstruction, that Benedict: Arnold never again dared sleep any- _ where ‘ut in the very heart of his camp. _. The American commander was te) pleased at the affair that Rube was made a major, and given. command of a ‘battalion. The. troubles kept gathering, and the great traitor began hig etreat toward the mouth of J ames river, He dare, not remain 716 ger, with even the force under him, but. embarked on board the English fleet and sailed for New York. Rose siib t ; RATTLING RUBE, |ica,. The news flew like wildfire all over the land, striking ter- * ean ror emer ee f : : j I ePeRAIe ec es lRDnE AEN oh ie ea eet cane A a oe OEE But the effort to capture him was now turned toward the main army under Cornwallis. Washington had suddenly made a break for Virginia. The French fleet had madé another, and this time a successful effort to get into York river, and thus cut off the British fleet from interfering. Sir Henry Clinton, in command in New York, sought in vain to overtake Washington. He returned to the eity, and tried to draw the patriot commander-in-chief from his ‘purpose by sending Arnold on a raid into Connecticut, But the sagacious chief was not.to be diverted from his purpose. When Lord Cornwallis laid down his arms at Yorktown, Rube was at the head of qa regiment of brave Virginians. The surrender was the breaking up of British effort in Amer- ror in the hearts of the Tories and joy to the patriots, Rube was sent off up the river with his regiment to look after the marauding bands of Tories in that section. He met with no opposition, and in a week he was encamped at Robin- son’s Berry, a few miles below-the Bosworth plantation, Since the death of her brother Mabel Bosworth had not seen Rattling Rube. The exigencies of the service had pre-— vented him from visiting her. He was not sure that she would forgive him for not saving her brother's life. — Now that he Was:again in the vicinity of her home, he re- solved to pay her a visit and learn his fate at her hands. As he approached the old homestead, he saw evidence of the} devastating march of the hated redcoats. The house had not — been destroyed, but the barn and fences had, and so a dismal — air pervaded everything about the place. 2 Riding up to the front of the house he dismounted, and was proceeding toward the door when it opened wide, and Mabel flew forth to meet him. i \ “My hero—my love-—my heart,” she cried, “they said you would not return to me!” ‘He clasped her to his heart and rained kisses all over her face, i oe “My soul’s idol!” he exclaimed. “I am come to owe at your: — feet., My heart is yours till death. ‘Will you receive it?” “Yes—a thousand times yes! ” ; Bie She led him into the house, where her stern old father sat brooding in his chair. The old man was changed almost. he- i yond recognition. His face had wrinkled, and his hair was'as ihe white as snow, ; “Rube Battling, where ig my boy?” the old man ‘dematided, “He has fallen in the war, like many thousands of other: “4 brave men,” was the reply. “I have come to ‘be as a son to mi you, Will you receive me as such?” i “Yes,” said. the heartbroken father, as tears coursed down his wrinkled face, ; : “A more dutiful ‘son than I will be no man ever nae said Side Rube, And so,he was, ee He married Mabel, and made the old lamellar bloom again. like a garden, taking care of her parents till they died. Myrtis married and lived near to them, both sisters raising a family Me of happy children, to whom they recounted the epee Otis bound Rube,”. the scout. THE END. ag Read “pH DOOMED OITY; or, THE HIDDEN FOE or : PLUMMERDALE,” by Howard Austin, which will be the next number (507) of “Pluck and ‘Laick,” Bee ee ee a en Pe ot aan ae ee Lee =. Pee Ry a i A rf Pd SPECIAL NOTICH: All back umeete of this ireckbe are always i in print. If you cannot obtain them from an newsdealer, send the price in money. or postage stamps bs mail to FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 24 UN. SQUARE, NEW YORK, and you. will receive the « you order by: return mail,
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PLUCK AND LUCK.’ yea Davina hawiicen ree paonepee eee SSS SEIT ARNDT EAT FS Sy TON Sit Pl kK Mencius, such knowledge owas lost. If the reforming Emperor U C a n U CK. Shih-Huang-Ti had only succeeded in getting all the Confucian classics burned, mathematies might perhaps have had a NEW ¢ chance. The disastrous war with Japan in 1895 was a serious EW YORK, FEBRUARY i; ie shock to the old Chinese system of education, but even after . that the high offidials of the government still clung to the Confucian classics and refused to take the advice of their Terms to Subscribers. : }conquerors with regard to a reform in educational methods. One Copy One Seats foie iene Seen : : OUR COMIC COLUMN. — Postage Free. * Sees How TO Senp Monry. By At our risk, send P, O. Money Order, Check, or Registered Letter; re- Teacher—Is there any. connecting link between the animal mittances in any other way are at your risk. We accept Postage and the vegetable kingdom? Bright Pupil—Yes, mum; there's Stamps the same as cash. When sending silver wrap the coin in a hash. 3 separate piece of paper to avoid eutting the envelope, Woite your. a name and address plainly. Address letiers to # | Prank Tousey, Publisher, 24 Union Sq., New York. || “Sereechern was a barker in a circus once, wasn’t he?” ; é “ves.” “When did he give up this line os continuous talk?” T N ‘ae he married.” HINGS OF I TEREST. “Did you ever notice how Miss Talkley’s tongue travels %3 | When she once gets started?” “J should say I did! Tt fairly Lord Walsingham shares with Lord de Grey the honor of | Skids.” : : being the finest shot in Britain. He is probably the only man ; in the ‘world who can, and does, shoot wasps on the wing. Jiggers—Well, how do you like living in a flat? Jaggers— This, of course, requires a marvelous eye and the steadiest of | Great! Splendid! Jiggers—But you haven’t as much room as hands. The weapon with which Lord Walsingham performs | You had in your house. peserres iets just it—no room this wonderful feat isa miniature rifle which was specially for my, wife’s relatives. ‘ constructed for him. Rivers—Don’t you get tired of hearing Weéerius always tell- ing his wonderful stories of adventure in the first person? Brooks—I don’t mind that so much as his always telling them to the first person—he happens to meet. i Few people, even physicians themselves, seem to know the principal reason why medical. science condemns the use of feather beds in winter as well as in summer,” said a New York physician recently. “It is because feather beds are highly hygroscopic—a rather formidable ward, but one mean- ing simply that feathers! readily absorb and condense moisture. The body is constantly throwing off waste matter through the skin and the lungs. The feathers in the bed will absorb this waste matter ag readily as it will simple atmospheric moisture. The feathers retain the waste matter during the day when the bed is cold~-even when it is aired, unless also warmed by sunshine during the time it is exposed to the air. At night when the body of the sleeper warms the bed the , ; 4 feathers renew their hygroscopie action, and throw off the A little eity boy and his sister Dorothy were taken to the waste matter absorbed the night before. The susceptible body | country for the first time. The two children were happy as of the sléeper is soon surrounded by a dense and highly | the day was long. In the late afternoon they watched the Z poisonous asmosphere, the accumulative effect of which can- |¢OWs come home, heard with delight the tinkling cow-bells, “not help but be very injurious. The skin, like the lungs, is | and the little boy even went to the barns to see the milking — continually breathing, and is very sensitive to external in- |'done. At supper, just as Dorothy was lifting her glass id her ~ fluences. Hence arises the need for air baths as well ag for | rosy lips, the boy cried out: “Oh, Dotty, don’t! You mustn’t water baths. The entire body should be exposed to fresh air | drink that milk. It’s not fit to drink. It came outi of | a cow; every day for as long a time as you can make possible, and T saw it!” ; os all heds should be’ thoroughly ventilated.” : ef A BAe ea ae - On a hot day the members, of a lunch club were gathered - George okie has a very interesting article ‘in the | together at the little restaurant where they met. Hiverybody — current number of the Outlook from which we take the follow- ;. WS listless, owing to the heat. Fogd charmed them not. One — ing: No serious attempt was made to teach mathematics in | Of the party, after scorning soup and waving away fish, put - Chinese schools until after the war with Japan. At the public | his feelings into words. “Wouldn't it be pleasant,” he said, — -examinations for the degree of B. A. in the province of Shan- | “!f we could just gather’ around a table on hot days and sit tung in 1892 the following arithmetical problem was set be- | £or an hour or so without eating anything? Why don’t people” fore the candidates: “If 8,000 quintals of rice are transported | €Ver do that?” “They do,” remarked another member, “in at 18 cents per quintal, and if the freight money be paid in’ saloons,” ' : rer rice at $2.50-per quintal, how much rice will be expended forges : the freight?” Out of 10, 00 candidates for the degree of B. A. A regular Mr. Malaprop recently. came home from hia fibut’ only one attempied to solve this simple problem, and that one | visit to Europe. ‘He grew enthusiastic about Rome. “It was. , failed. And yet there was in existence before the birth of | fine,” he declared, “to go into them churches over there and Confucius, 4 treatise on mathematics whose nine sections con- | See the old tombs—cigarophagusses, they call ’em. And, then tained. 246 problems ‘in plane mensuration, mensuration — of | the Sixteen Chapel is great, and as for the Vaccination, whi ee: proportion, alligation, equations, and _ trigonometry. the Pope lives, well!” But his stock of compliments gay hina therefore, had mathematical knowledge ir more than two when he got to the subject of beggars. Sire always anda half millenniums ago; but when education was r restri d them pennies, Be. said, shames you see, I didn’t the moral reek es pla ooks of “Con! yy Mes y; A lady famed for her skill in cooking was entertaining a. number of her friends at tea. Everything on the table was much admired, but the excellence of the sponge cake was es- pecially the subject of remark. “Oh!” exclaimed one of the guests, “it is so beautifully soft and light! Do tell me where you got the recipe.” “I am very glad;” replied the hostess, “that ‘you find it so soft and light. I made it out of my own head.”
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98 PLUCK AND LUCK. SAM’S SCHOOL. What He Taught and what He Learned There By PAUL BRADDON. “Hurrah, mother! I’ve got my school, and now I can go to college after all.” Thus cried Sam Stickney as he burst into his mother’s little cottage one evening in June, his face all aglow with excitement. Sam was a smart young fellow of seventeen, tall and strong for his age, the only support of his widowed mother, and a boy full of ambition and high hopes. The widow smiled at her son’s enthusiasm, and while she busied herself with the preparations for supper, said: “Ts it the same one that you saw advertised, Sam?” “Yes, mother, and I lost no time in seeing the committee and putting in an application. No one else had applied, and as I passed a satisfactory examination they gave me the school, and I am to open it on Monday.” “Do you think you will succeed as a schoolmaster, my boy?” asked the widow, anxiously. “Why not? Plenty of young fellows at. college take schools to push them ahead. I know enough, for they’re all boys and young ones.” é “There is much to learn as well as tb teach, in keeping a school, Sam,” said his mother, “To govern well one must have learned to obey, in the first place.” “Well, I never was a hard case at school, that I know,” - Jaughed Sam. “Just think of it, though! This school, with the money I have saved up, will take me through the first year at college, and take care of you besides. Then next summer I -ean get another school, and——” “There, there, Sam, no more of your plans now. Come and eat your supper. I know that you have a good appetite, and talking will only increase it.” Sam and his mother lived on the outskirts of a large manu- facturing town, of which’ the greater part of the inhabitants worked in factories and big shops, very few devoting them-. selves to mercantile or professional pursuits. ; It was Sam’s ambition to go to college, and enter one of _ the professions, his education, up to this time, having been -eonducted with that aim in view. ‘Two years before, however, when Sam had graduated from thé preparatory school, and expected to enter the college in the succeeding fall, his father had died very suddenly, leay- ing his affairs considerably involved. It had always been supposed that Mr. Stickney was well off, if not rich, but on his death it was discovered that there was a large mortgage on his property, and that he had besides given a note for a considerable sum to Simon Hardy, the holder of ; the: mortgage! 2 } “sam sure your father told me he had paid off the mort- _ gage, Sam,” said the widow. “He ba speaking of it only the day before he died.” ; # “Then we must find the receipt iand the canceled mortgage, mother,” answered the boy. No such papers could'be found among Mr. Stickney’s papers, fe very straightened circumstances. Her entire fortune consisted of three hundred dollars, the ‘lh , d\more. mbany, of which _ however, and after the funeral the widow found herself in ne mortgaged for twenty-five hundred, and her own per-| onal property, which, it sold, would scarcely bring three hun- | being taller and stronger than himself. re was her’ ia lite: insurance, to be ‘dure, but the |e are: generally termed the better wlases sx Fool ack one of ‘the. a claim- | trouble geek ad #eiig Pio ed that there was some irregularity in the papers, and refused to pay the claim without an investigation. Sam’s prospects received a considerable check, son it be- gan to look as though the boy’s cherished jhopes of a college education would be blighted. “Yl tell you what I will do, mother,” he said, cheerily; “I'll go into the woollen mill for a year or so, save up enough to keep you, and then try and get a year at least in college. After that we can see what will happen.” “By that time our prospects ought to be brighter, Sam. . Do you think you could stand the work? It is very hard.” “Yes, mother. I must stand it. A year or two won’t make much difference, and I can keep up my studies in the mean- time.” ‘ “Tt is very singular that your father should have left his affairs in such confusion,” Mused the widow. “He was usu- — ally so very methodical.” “It does appear odd,” muttered Sam, “but no doubt things will come out all right.” ; ; They did not improve, however, for in a month Simon Hardy presented a mortgage and asked for his interest and aa fOr 4 the interest on the note. if The insurance company also postponed a settlement, and things looked very bad for the widow and her son. a, Sam had gone into the mill and was doing fairly well, so that he was able to give the money lender What he asked and — so put him off for another six months. The outlook was not very pleasant, however, for it was. easy to see that it would take nearly all of Sam’s earnings to pay the interest on the, note and mortgage, and leave him very ae! little as a nest egg. ; “J shall have to call upon your grandfather, I fear, Sam, » said the widow one day, when matters looked bluer than ever. “I must do it for your sake, if not for my own.” “You must not!” said Sam, in a determined tone. “Your father cast you off when you married because he thought my father was beneath ‘you. During all the time my father lived : Mr. Howard held no communication with us, and now that ie, father is dead I will receive nothing from him. It would be ut acknowledging that he was right and that we were yarconids ‘ “But you are his rightful heir, Sam,” “There is my cousin Jack, mother. He is your brother’s : son, and has as good a claim as I.” “at ad “Yes, but there ought to be enough for you both.” “Well, I will never ask for my share,” said Sam, decidedly. “ “J would rather work myself to skin and bone. However, if To fail and give out I will ask help for you, but not for myself. — Only in case I give out, however.” © : \ i So Sam worked in the mill for two years, and nibehi gel ‘By He, untiring industry to save up considerable money, his mother : adding to their little store by taking a lodger, by doing plain sowing, and by Jetting out the ground behind their cottage to - a market. gardener, the’ arrangement being advantageous to. Bi both parties. x Finally Sam saw an advertisement for a young man to teach > a summer school for boys in a neighboring town, and, as. the s work in the mill was very light at this time, he determined to — apply for the school. ei He did so and succeeded, much to his delight, for the pay ue was very good, and his hopes seemed now about to be realized, On the following Monday Sam presented himself in. the 5; ‘school, and faced his prospective pupils. f 2 There were twenty or thirty of them, and they ran Gory. a the age of six or eight up to his own, some of tite biti boy: The boys seemed an unruly lot, though belonging to. 8
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- got to go. PLUCK “AND LUCK. , 4 J The majority of the boys were as large as himself, and one or two were larger and even older, and of the sort who needed “a firm, strong hand to hold them in check In the forenoon Sam found out what his pupils knew, put them into classes, arranged hours for recitations, gave out les- sons, and tried to put things into shape for the term. In the afternoon he heard the smaller boys recite, laid down a few simple rules for the guidance of the school, and finally dismissed his charges with a short speech, asking them all to be on hand the next day, and expressing the hope that the school might be a prosperous one. ' Then he went-to his boarding-house, wrote a long letter to his mother, and spent the rest of the day.in studying the les- sons for the next day so as to be able to answer all knotty points that might arise. The next morning the scholars were all on hand bright and early; before their teacher, in fact, and, though Sam did not know it, something was in the wind. Presently a boy, larger and stronger atc the rest, came in and said: = # “This is all nonsense, fellows. Do you know who we've got to teach us? A park lib hand, that’s what! A low pentony & Se from Millville.” “He can’t teach us then, Jack,” eried one of the boys excit- edly. ‘ “Of course he can’t. Look at him! Can he li¢ék me, do you, think? I guess not. If he can I’ll give up, but if he can’t he’s That’s what I’ve asked you all to come early Be I’m going to teach this factory boor a lesson.” Meanwhile Sam had arrived, during the confusion, and found ei the door locked against ‘him. | There was another in the rear, however, which the boys had forgotten, and by this Sam entered, dppearing suddenly in the midst of the unruly scholars. \ “Ah, having a little sport, boys?” he said, good-naturedly, though he colored. “I must, ask you, however, not to play in the school-room, but to confine your sports to the lawn out- +) side.” “You ain’t -the boss here,” said Jack, coming forward and towering nearly a head above Sam. “We don’t have no factory eubs to teach us.” “Ah, and who may you be?” iced Buin, for he had not seen _ the bully on the previous day. - “Pm myself, and you've got to fight me if you’re going to, teach school here, my boy. You haven’t got brains enough ‘nor musele enough to teach a kid, and we don’t want no pov- erty-stricken RaRLOEY boys loving: it over us. Do you under- stand?” Sam turned white, and bit his lip to’ eohapel composure. He i stepped forward, and said quietly: “You want me to teach you manners, do you? Such as you only learn through your physical feelings. Put yourself on guard. Let no one stir. Tam going to fight this bully, since ’ | that is what he most desires.” rl “Come on,” said Jack, defiantly, and the battle began. - Sam’s factory life had strengthened his muscles, and, besides | p> that, he had always been an adept in all athletic sports when | -} at school, and had nét forgotten them. Jack Howard, whom Sam easily recognized by his features. ‘and by his knowledge of his own affairs, as his cousin, soon felt the weight of Sam’s blows, and went down on the hard a floor. He arose and doggedly resumed the combat, the noe ‘ looking on in great excitement. Again Sam knocked his man_ down, and this time Jaak did not feel inclined to get up immediately. | pee ie i py) “Get up!” said Sam, sternly, and Jack, utterly cowed, arose. al : “That will do now. Go to your seats, all | of you, We en No further allusion was made to the trouble, and the lessons | went on quietly and in order, the boys all feeling that Sam . was their master. At noon, just before dismissing the boys, Sam called Jack up and said: _ “Jack Howard, I want you to apologize for your impertinent }language to me, and your insubordination this morning.” “I won't do it,” growled Jack. “I'll leave the school first.” “Let it be so, then,” said Sam, “and let us see no more of ‘you. Boys, I did not come here to teach fighting, but I trust that you are satisfied that Iam not deficient in that art. 1 want no more of it, however. [I am here to learn as well as to teach, to learn forbearance and patience, and to teach you not only your lessons, but to be young gentlemen as well. The school is dismissed. Master Jack, I will inform your grang- father that you are expelled from this school at once unless you apologize.” “Don’t care if you do,” muttered Jack, doggedly. “The school is dismissed,” said Sam, and the boys filed out . in good order, Jack being the last to leave. _ After that there was no trouble, and as Jack Howard dia not return the other boys did not care to receive the same punish- ment he had received, by any acts of insubordination. : That evening Sam was surprised by a visit from his grand- father, whom he had never seen, but whom he knew by having seen his portrait at home. “Sam,” said the old man, “allow me to tell you that you have taught me a lesson in your school, though I have not heer. to it. You. have learned to resent an insult promptly; you | have taught ime that I have wronged you and yours all your life. Will you forgive me?” “It is not for me to condemn eal grandfather,” said Sam. “Your conscience must do that.” @ “I am going to make amends,” said the old man... “I have wronged your mother and yourself. You are a noble fellow, and as much above that loutish grandson Jack of mine as the | sky is above the sea. I have learned of the disturbance to- ; day, having come here unexpectedly, and I must say that you have acted nobly, while Jack has shown himself the bully I have always been told he was.” “T cannot allow him igs the school, ” said Sam. ate influ- ence is bad.” “Give up the school and bring your mother to live with ‘us, Sam.” “T have enpazéd to teach the ‘school, ” answered Sam, “and — must go on with it. If my mother can forget the past, ate may accept your offer, but I cannot, i “Well, think it over,” said Mr. Howard, as he abruptly tens his leave. Sam saw no more of: him, and the school went on as arranged, Sam and the boys coming to an understanding, and everything going on under ‘the brightest auspices, Just before the close, in the early fall, several things hem, Mie pened in startling succession. First, Simon Hardy was fatally tahied in a railroad ha! dent, and, before he died, confessed that Mr. Stickney had paid | him in full the day before he died, but that the papers had not been made over, and there being no evidence, Hardy had been wicked enough to claim that he hadn’t been paid. He also con- fessed that he ‘had prevented the insurance money from being paid in order to Keep the aibeaati ae in his Povey and at bi 1 ob- tain all she owned, _ : ‘Restitution was made, and ee came’ the side death « old Mr. Howard, leaving a will by which the bulk of his prop- erty was. left to his Waughter “in trust for Sam and ons a pittance to his” grandson Jack. me 5 The latter went to sea and was ost ‘in a storm, eae so S Ss and itis mother were rich at last, our. hero could go to college, ge, his m ra iled Bo 1 then ork no. more, and fo ortune sin hool, | 7 if %
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_ These Books Tell You Everything! t _4 COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA! aes Hach book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper,in clear type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrat Most of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that child can thorough! y understand them, Look over the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the aahieme mentioned. THESE BOOKS ARE FOR SALH BY ALL NOW SDE ALERS OR WILL BH SENT BY MAIL TO A CENTS EACH, OR ANY THREE BOOKS FOR T AS MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N. FROM THIS OFFICE ON REGHIPT OF PRICE; TEN CENTS. POSTAGH STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME 4 BATE RLY: MESMERISM. No. 81. HOW TO MESMERIZE.—Containing the most ap- proved methods of mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds of diseases by animal megoetism, or, magnetic healing. By Prof, Leo Hugo Koch, A, C. §., author of “How to Hypnotize,” ete. PALMISTRY- No. 82. HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—-Containing the most ap- proved methods of reading the lines on the hand, “together with a full explanation of their meaning. Also explaining phrenology, and the key for telling character by the bumps on the Sheed: By Leo Hugo Koch, A, ©. S. Fully illustrated. HYPNOTISM. No. 83, 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. SPORTING. No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH—The most complete hunting ‘and fishing guide ever published. It contains, full in- structions about guns, hunting dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, together with descriptions of game and fish. No, 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully illustrated. Every boy should Know how to row and sail a boat. Full instructions are given in this little book, together with in- structions on swimming and riding, companion sports to boating. No. 47. HOW TO BRHAK, RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSE.— A complete treatise on the horse. Describing the most useful horses for business, the best horses for the road ; also valuable recipes for diseases peculiar to the horse. No, 48. HOW TO BUILD AND SAIL CANOHS—-A handy _ book for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes and the most popular manner of gailing them. Wully ilustrated, Peat C. Stansfield Hicks. FORTUNE TELLING. No. L NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM ROOK.— \Centiining the great oracle of human destiny; also the true mean- © ing of ES any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, and curious games of cards. A complete book. No, 23. HOW TO EXPLAIN DRHAMS.—Hverybody 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. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES,—Hveryone 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 lines of the hand, ‘or the secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future events by aid of moles, marks, sears, etc, Illustrated, By A. Anderson. ATH LETIC. Sirs, 6 HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE.—Giving full in- struction for tae use of dumb bells, Indian clubs, pawallel bars,, horizontal bars and various other methods of developing a good, healthy muscie; cohtaining over sixty illustrations. Hvyery boy can become strong and healthy by following the instructions contained ‘in this little boo No. 10. row TO BOX.—The art of self-defense made easy. Containing over thirty illustrations of guards, blows,'dnd the disfer- ‘ent positions ‘of.a good boxer. Every boy should obtain one of these useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how to box’ without an instructor, No. 25. HOW TO BECOME A GYMNAST-£ Containing full Bi Supt rietions for all kinds of gymnastic sports and athletic exercises. _ Embracing thirty-five illustrations. ial co and useful book. ie ore ay the use of the broadsword; also instruction i in archery. escribed with twenty-one prac ical illustrations, eiving Lad best ‘Positions in fencing. A complete book, ihe TRICKS WITH CARDS. | ntaining | bod 13 of card tricks Bie ey haute ahaa 3 of (eee meh) Mciatt-of i By Professor W. Macdonald. HOW TO FHNCH Containing full instruction for |" No. 72: HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Ene bracing all of the latest and most deceptive card tricks, with il- ae ns By_ A, Anderson. HOW TO DO FORTY TRIOKS WITH CARDS.— einaines deceptive Card Tricks as performed by leading conjurors and magicians.. Arranged for home amusement, Fully illustrated. MAGIC. ia No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of m agic and : card tricks, containing full instruction on all the leading car tricks ; of the day, also the most popular magical i/lusions as performed by our leading magicians ; every boy should obtain a copy of this book, as it will both oar e and instruct. : No. 22: HOW TO DO SHCOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sight — explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Bxplaining how's; 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. grandest assgrtment of magical illusions ever placed before the’ public. Also tricks with cards, incantations, ete, No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TR OKS Containing over one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. gt 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. ae yin- ae ee secret of second sight. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson, 70. HOW TO MAKB MAGIC -TOYS Containing full | directions for ine Magic Toys and devices of many kinds. By A. ge ae illustrated, No. 73. W «PO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Showing many lata tricks h figures and the magic of numbers. By 4 nee Fully illustrated. No. HOW TO BECOME A CONJUROR. — eobewEe tricks Bt Dominos, Dice, Cups fad pales Hats, ete. Embracing © thirty-six ee ee By A. A No. 78. HOW TO DO Pen exer ART.—Con taining a : plete description ot the mysteries of Magic a Sleight of ae together with many wonderful experiments. yA, And on. Illustrated. +! pated iy No. 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR.— Pee should know how inventions originated. ‘This book explains th all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, ma Be sm, Puflicr pneumatics, mechanies, ete. The most instructive she No. 56. HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEER. iL Oeut dining fal instructions how to proceed in order to become a. ainda om gineer; also directions for building a model loco: otive ; toge! with a full description of everything an engineer should know. — No, 57, HOW TO MAKE MUSIOAL } INSTRUMENTS directions. how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zither, Adolian Harp, X “y] phone and other musical instruments; together with a brief de- ; seription of nearly every musical instrument used in ancient | modern times. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon §.: Bitzgeral for twenty years bandmaster of the Royal: Bengal Marines. No. 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIG LANTERN —Contain a ree pion of the lantern, together with its history and in enti Also full directions for a Bey. and for painting slides. “Hanson illustrated. By John Alle ; Bite ih fae. a Rished bo McHANICAL, TRICKS® ae complete instructions for performing over six ec. ¢ By 4. Anderson. Pully ara 4 4 han Ww TO WRITH ae cecil alt EM ee app on ge L f taining f es pit ae also tuati rules for pune’
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—aS=s=saeaanauaaoaoeooooaooaoaoaoaeeeeoooaaaaollSSo—————————E————————————— eg THE STAGE, (te ee No. 41. THY BOYS OF NEW YORK BND MEN'S JOKE ' ons, giving the different positions requisite BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the re speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also Ape thay ie from most famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without | @!! the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the most this wonderful little book. simple and concise manner possible. No. 42, THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPHAKER,—| No 20. HOW TQ DEBATE Giving ruiés for conducting de. Containing a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro,’ Dutch | bates, outlines for debates, questions for discussion, and the bess and Irisk. Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing*for home amuse- | 89U¢es for procuring information on the questions given. mio. 48, TUE BOSS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE SOCIETY No. 45, TE s oy ay Bhd: hat et ; AND JOKW BOOK.—Something new and very instructive. ae No, 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation are ‘ boy should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for or- | £4!!¥ explained by this little book. Besides the various methods ganizing an amateur minstrel troupe. handkerchief, fan, gloye, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it con- No. 65. MULDOON’S JOKHS.—This is one of the most original | iS @ full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is joke books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It ee aaa! 2 fe everybody, both eld and young. You cannot be happy contains a large collection, of songs, jokes, conundrums, ete. of} ° P ‘ , ; / Terrence Muldoon, the great-wit, humorist, and Tpantiont joker of | ,. No. 4. HOW TO DANCH is the title of a new and handsome the day. Every boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should little book just issued by. Frank Tousey. It contains full instrue- iSbisin copy immediately: tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in Mabey iapet and at parties, BY 0. 79. HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—Oohtaining com- bed te dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular square plete instructions how to make up for various characters on the ‘nh OF ; stage; together with the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter, No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to ova, Scenic Artist and Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager. | Courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette No. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKH BOOK—Oontaining the lat- oe gael ey with many curious and interesting things not gen- est jokes, anecdotes and funny stories of this world-renowned and a q 3 js ‘ : ever popular German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome} 4°; 14 HOW TO DRESS,—Containing full instruction in the colored cover containing a half-tone photo of the author, art of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving the sleeions of colors, material, and how to have them made up. HOUSEKEEPING. * o 18. HOW: TO BECOME BHAUTIFUL.—One of the . brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the wor No, 16. HOW TO KEBP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Oontaining | Wyerybody wishes to know how to become beautiful, both male an full al peyions ior spnsiructps 2 ee garden oihel te ny de female. The secret is simple, and almost costless. Read this / or country, and the most approved methods for raising beauti i i flowers at home. The most complete book of the kind ever pub- and-be copyinesd how-to become bewatiful, lished. BIRDS AND ANIMALS. _No. 80. HOW TO. COOK.—One of the most instructive books : 'DS.— ; on cooking evel published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, ae Ary a hee ee ears peers meee ai ‘Mtusogeted, oa fish, game, and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of | canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, paroauet, parrot, ete. pastry, and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular No. 39. HOW TOR AISE DOGS, POULTR Pp GHONS AND cooks, ir r No, 87. HOW TO KEEP HOUSH.—It contains information for] tiated My Tie Deviant, instructive book, Handsomely iling everybody, boys, girls, men and women ;.it will teach you how to] “ No,'40, HOW TO MAKE) AND SET TRAPS.—Inciuding hints - make almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments. 5 i brackets, cemenis, Acolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. | Aa re Ce ee Cprioodie Timeeea ee gone | ELECTRICAL. AMO 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS—A / No.. 46. HOW ‘TO MAKA AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A de- valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, mounting seription of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism ; | a4 preserving birds, animals and insects ig together with full instructions for making Hlectric Toys, Batteries, No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MAN AGH PETS.—Giving com: ; rer ga Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty il- plete information ue to the manner and method of raising, ‘kee ‘ : ; aming, breeding, and managing a ° ts; al q sce BOW TO MAT BLOT RICA eee ce (duverccam tie ae cages, etc. Fully explained by twenty-eight coils, dynamos, and many novel toys to be worked by electricity. published making it the most complete book of the Kind over : MISCELLANEOUS. By BR. A. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated. . No. 67. HOW TO DO ELHCTRICAL TRICGKS.—Containing a : f ; Wo. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful and ine structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also 3 is large collection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, : periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and di- together with illustrations. By A. Anderson. 3 ‘ENTERTAINMENT. - | rections for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. This book cannot be equa ; No. 9. wCOME JENTRILOQUIST.— ualed. a 069, MO EO SACOM Ven ee a No, i“ HOW "LO MAKE CANDY.—A complete hand-book for i caress if antl ae pi |b sPioate : at i one making all kinds of candy, Ice-cream, syrups,.es te. et _ ‘this book of instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multi- inds s 1ce- essences, ete. ete, ' tudes every night with ii wandetidl imitations), can master the}, No. ‘HOW TO BECOME AN AUTHOR.—Contatning a : -art, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It isthe |information regarding choice of subjects, the use of words and the gteatest book ever published, and there’s millions (of fun) in it. {manner of preparing and submitting manuscript. Also containing ’ No. 20. HOW TO DPNTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY,—A |valuable information as to the neatness, legibility and general com- % very yaluable little ie just seek A Syaaiete Sry ads ta of manuscript, essential to a successful author. By Prince - of games, sports, card diversions, comie recitations, ete., suitable |Hilan. =f : pa aarion or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the] — No. 88. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A won- ; derful book, containig useful and practical information in the | treatment ‘of ordinary diseasey and ailments common to every ae Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general com- plaints. ‘ > ; ~~ Ne. 55. HOW, TO COLLECT STAMPS, AND COINS.-—Con- taining valuable information regarding the collecting and arranging — of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated. dem: $e No. BB. HOW TO BE A DINTECTIVH.—By Old King Brady, _ the world-known detective. In which he lays down some valuable - and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventures and experiences of well-known detectives. ‘ bt, |. No. 60, HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER.—Contain- dred interesting ing useful information regarding the Camera ‘and how to work it; complete book. bie how to a ree er a Heed AL Slides Ea S Ste t R ransparencies. Handsomely illustrated. aptain W. De.’ : ETIQUETTE. / eAbnes. J mains ees. ' ‘9 4 . |} Abney. ‘ 7 Nae No. 18. HOW TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF HTIQUETTE.—It! No. & “TOW TO BECOME A WEST POINT MILITARY “is a great life secret, and one that every young man desires to know | CADHT.—._ taining full explanations how to gain admittance, all about. There’s happiness in it. a ‘ course of Study, Examinations, Duties, Staff of Officers, Post “No. 33. HOW TO BEHAVE.—Containing the rules and etiquette | Guard, Police Regulations, Wire- Department, and all a boy should — good socicty and the easiest and most approved methods of ap-| know to be a Cadet. ‘Compiled and written by Lu Senarens, author ing to good advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church, and of “How to Become a_Naval Cadet.” ; PID ia aN. f the drawing-room. ee: No. 68. HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADET.—Complete i : Th ‘ _. | structions of -how to, gain admission to the Annapolis Naval DECLAMATION. Academy. Also containing the course of instruction, descriptic | of grounds and buildings, historical sketch, and everything ‘| should know to become an officer in the United States Nay | piled and written by Lu Senarens, West Point Military Cadet, o> ret Siig R 3 FOR 25 CENTS, money than any book published. 41) Ge No. 85. HOW TO PLAY GAMBES.—A complete and useful little book, containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, ‘backgammon, croquet. dominoes, ete. i LA ok ; 36. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all i 4 Union Square,
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mw Latest Issues oa “WSECRET SERVICE” ; 5; OLp 4NpD Youne Kine Brapy, Dericrives CoLoRED Covers. 32 Paams. Prick 5 CEnts. 466 The Bradys’ \Chureh Clock Clew; or, The Man in the| 470 The Bradys and the Black Giant; or, The Secrets of Steel Cage. “Little Syria. ‘ 467 The Bradys and the Six Skeletons; or, The Underground | 471 The Bradys and Little Chin Chin; or, Exposing an Opie ‘House on the Hudson. Gang. | 468 The Bradys and the Chinese Fire Fiends; or, Breaking ; 472 The Bradys after the Bank Street Bunch; or, Bids) up. j Up a Secret Band. the Dock Rats, 469 The Bradys and the Stolen Bonds; or, A Tangled Case! 473 The Bradys and the Boston Beats; or, The Secrets of the from Boston. | old Manor House. “FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY” — CONTAINING STORIES oF Boys Wo Make Money. Cotorep Covers. ; 382 PAaGss, | RRIOK 5 Sues 111 Jack Merry’s Grit; or, Making a Man of Himself. 118 Bound to Get Rich; or, How. a Wall Street Boy Made 112 A Golden Shower; or, The Boy Banker of Wall Street. Money. fuigiet 118 Making a Record; or, The Pluck of a Working Boy. eae 119 Friendless Frank; or, The Boy Who Became Famous. 114 A Wight for Money; or, From School to Wall Street. 120 A $30,000 Tip; or, The Young Weazel of Wall Street. 115 Stranded Out West; or, The Boy Who Found a Silver | 191 Plucky Bob; or, The Boy Who Won Success. By Mine. 122 From Newsboy to Banker; or, Rob Lake’s Rise in Wall 116 Ben Bassford’s Luck; or, Working on Wall stret Tips. Street. 117 A Young Gold King; or,,The Treasure of ‘the Secret 123 A Golden Stake; ot, The Treasure of the Indies. pha ; § Caves. 124 A Grip on the Market; or, A Hot Time in io Street. . FON IDE} AWAKE | WEEKLY” ae “i? ~Convarntne Stories oF Boy Firemen, : Wea sicin Covers. 32 PAGEs, Price 5 Cutts, Be ? 7h 81 Young Wide Awako Over a Volcano; or, The Trick of the | 92 Young Wide: rake Daring Dive; or, Hot Work at- a ie an Mad Chemist. Mill Fire.’ Me: , 88 Young Wide Awake and the Frozen Hydrant; or Fire-|93 Young Wide Awake Beating the Flames; or, The Fite at ‘+ \.9(* Fighting in a Blizzard. , the Gas Works. i 89 Young Wide Awake’s Well-Won Medal; or, “Winning Fire: |94 Young Wide Awake’s. 8 Battle for Life; or, faalt a Forlorn thy Department Honors. Hope. 90 Young Wide Awake’s Call for Help; fo iene off from His |95 Young Wide Awake’s Defiance; OF The Brava Deed on 4 - Comrades. » Record. -'91 Young Wide Awake at the Firémen’ s Ball; or, Parading in }'96 Young Wide Awake and the Hose Slashers; or, Scaling a a Salat oh the Face of Death. n Wall of Fire, , ; For sale by all pewsdealers, or Will be sent to any address on a of Price, 5 cents per copy, ini mance ov pontaus Bente) by | ‘FRANE TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N. x IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS > Cot our | Weeklies and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and. fill pili) the e following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the weeklies you Want, and we will send them to you. by _ eretur’ | mail. POSTAGH cient TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. ; ‘ big ning TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. ae Reet aur wane rc aah ae Dear Str—Enelosed Hands tres cents for which please send me: ; Pe 5: Z eres “copies: of WORK AND WIN, Nos.. - “ WIDE AWAKE WEEKLY, Adi “ WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos ai ee pM as BOYS OF 16, Nos.. ae hivg¢
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. . . od “y 32 PAGES Contains All Sorts of Stories Beautifully Colored Covers PRICE 5 CENTS ey LATEST ISSUES: 468 zhg ree que “Columbus”; or, Abandoned in the Ice. By 434 From Engineer to President; or, Working His Way Up. By Jas. | yg9 Ramone tie Ganuhoee or; A’ Yankee - + ia ROAEnRa Aen atin? 485 Iucky Luke; or, A Bright Boy's Career in Wall Street. By H. K Richard R. Montgomery. ; ae ge UShcblatoca: g 8 y’ - “| 470 The Quaker Boy Spy; or, General Washington's Best Aide. A 436 The Prince of the Prairie; or, The Boy Who Owned it All. By| ,_, pean hes oe her Lae very on, A ee nme Ph = abe An Old Scout. , ; On. the Road With a Variet By Allan Arnold. 437 phe be iach PS aaa Odes y 472 The Board of Trade Boys; or, The Young Grain Speculators of * 438 Tom Barry of Barrington; or, The Hero of No. 4. By Ex-Fire- ane eens: pie en pea By Ee ae Chief Warden. 7 aunted ; or, e Curse 0. oO iy) 3K. acklefor 439 The Spy of Spuyten Duyvil; or, The Boy With a Charmed Life.| 474 A Sawdust Prince; or, The Boy Bareback Rider. By Bertons* By Gen. Jas. A. Gordon wx 1, pertrew. ? , 440 Two Yankee Boys Among the Kaflirs; or, The Search for King 475 F "= oe Se en da Son. (A True Temperance Story.) Solomon’s Mines. By Allyn Draper * * 4 Torld’ By H 476 The Marked Moccasin; or, Pandy Ellis’ Pard. By An Old Scout.’ Be FOF gala aed cota the World's End. By Howard | 476 Liberty Hose; or, The Pride of Plattsville. By Wx-Fire-Chiet - " : arden. > rire er rete ages i igepal! ory aang ie Sh ae 478 Among the Sun Worshipers; or, Two New York Boys in Peru. 443 Jack Dacre's Dollar, And How “He Made it Grow. By H. K.| 479 pot¥cu steve, The Prince of the Rall, By Jas, C. Merritt Shackleford. ifs a ee : ter eee 444 he Boy Fire King; or, Barnum’s Brightest Star. By Berton sa ae HK Shuckictoed, +08 The Boy “Whe Broke oa as s ertrew. = 481 Chums; or, The Leaders of Glendale Academy. By Allyn Draper. 445 hn ee ere tie Warden And How He Won His| 439 The Little Swamp, Box, A Tale of General Marion’ and. His Aen) cf igigeie the eee mr ee ee Seven 488 Newsboy Nick; or, ‘The Boy with a Hidden Million, By Howard sles, ‘a os ilson. in. 447 The Rise of iE adie Dunn; or, The Boy With a Silver Tongue.; 484 N North Pole Nat: or, The Secret of the Frozen Deep. By Capt. » By Allap Arnold. _ Thos. H. Wilson. 448 Little Lariat, The Boy Wyld Horse Hunter ; or, The Dashing | 485 Beare thes icoemr sa al or, The Ghostly Riders of the Forest. Rider of the Staked Plains. By An Ol cout. Pr’ 449 ake Boy Railroad King; or, Working His Way to the Top. By| 486 Tee SG Shot: or, The Pride of the Trappers. sh! An Old as. C. Merritt. Scou 450 Loyal to the Last: or. Fighting for the Stars and Stripes. By | 487 ipa he Be at Bootblack ; or, The Secret of a Boy's Life, Gen’l. James A. Gordon. y an no stli Walt, T : Spy. A St 451 Dick Decker, the Brave Young Fireman. By Ex-Fire-Chief War- 488 bi he Bee ee pien POR eh oe ee 5 ‘ 452 Buffalo Charlie, the Young Hunter. (A True Story of the West.) 480 The Boy Maroons’ 02, /Cast Any se ae n cout rm" 2 : 4 Noecis . ‘ 453 The ‘Two Boy Brokers ; or, From Messenger Boys to Millionaires. ma ee an The | Heronof (reystone Nes 5) aan etire anker, ; Wi A 454 Under the Turban; or, A Yankee Boy's Trip to Mecca. By 491 is ee isto of the Bowery; or, The Boy Slaves of New York. 1] raper 5 , 455 Little Lou, the Pride of the Continental Army. By Gen’l. Jas. A, | 49? a ee or, A New York Boy in thesHavy... Pyar ae Gordon 493 The Little Unknown; or, The Young Hero of the Reign of Terror, By ~ 456 The Bo be Sorgen or, The Pluck and Luck of Harry Graham. Allan Arnold, if By H. Shackleford. 494 Jack Quick: or, The Boy Engineer. By Jas. C. Merritt. 457 Railroad Ratsh: the Boy Engineer. By Jas. C. Merritt. 495 Lost in the Great Basin; or, The Wonderful Underground City. By An 458 The Boy Pilot of Lake Michigan. By Capt. Thos. H, Wilson. Old Scout. 459 That Boy pera, 8; is or, The Luck of a Lad in Wall Street. |496 From Bootblack to Senator; or, Bound to Make his Way. By Howard By H. K. Shackleford. Austin. J 460 Lost in the Blizzard; or, The Snow-Bound School Boys. By|497 The Seven Tigers of the Mountains; or, All for Love and Glory. By Howard Austin. Richard R. Montgomery. 461 Driven Ashore in Lost Latitudes; or, The Strange Story of the |498 Slippery Steve; or, The Cunning Spy of the Revolution. (4 Story or . ; By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson he American Revolution). By General Jus. A. Gordon Skeleton Island. y p Ss. son. 462 The Boss of the Messenger Boys; or, Born to Good Luck. By | 499 et oy to Sea; or, Lost Among a Strange Race, By Capt. Thos. H. timc Mie bi Blan 2 6 500 The Boy Volunteers; or, The Boss Fire Company of the Town. By Ex- + PLUCK 467 ay | The Irish Rip Van Winkle; or, The Wild Man of the Round Tower. By Allyn Draper. Lost at the Pole; or, The Secret of the Arctic Circle. Bertrew. Rupert of Roanoke; or, The Boy Rangers of the American Revo- lution. By Gen’l. James A. Gordon. ieartveende Castle ; or, The Home of the Lost Explorers. By Allan rno The Boy Prospectors; or, The Trail of the Club-Foot Bear. By An Old Scout. — By Berton AND Cror Gort csc sco ooo _ a om wr oO LUCK Fire-Chief Warden. The Swamp Doctor; or, The Man Witch. By Allyn Draper. The Rival Ronda: or, From Engineer to President. By Jas. C. Merritt. The Boy Editor; or, The Struggles of a Brave Orphan. By Howard Austin. Kit Carson, The King of the Scouts. By An Old Scout. Lost Among the Slave Hunters; or, An American Boy's Adventures in Africa. By Richard R. Bho teoments Rattling Rube; or, The Jolly Young Scout and Spy. By Gen’l Jas. A Gordon. (A’ Story of the American Revolution.) For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, in money or postage stamps, by FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Weeklies and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the weeklies you want and we will send them to you by return mail. Dear Str—Enclosed find. . Nos. ce “ WIDE AWAKE WEEKLY, WILD WEST WEEKLY, THE LIBERTY BOYS OF ’%6, Nos..... PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos..7 SECRET SERVICE, Nos....... P