XVIII
THE PILOT OF PORT CREEK
The sun, low in the west, was sinking behind a heavy cloudbank, which,to nautical eyes, portended fog at sea.
A mariner, far out in the Channel, in a small boat, was shading his eyeswith his hand and gazing towards the south-western horizon.
The lad--he was not more than eighteen--was calculated to attractattention. He was of fine physique. His hair shone like burnished gold.His eyes were deep blue, clear, and bright. A marked firmness was abouthis mouth and chin; and when he seized the oars and rowed to counteractthe boat's leeway caused by the tide, the grip of his hands was as thatof a vice.
He was the pilot of Port Creek--no official title, but one given him bya lawless set of men amongst whom, for many years, his lot had beencast.
Astern, faint and indistinct, loomed the low-lying coast-line. One couldonly judge it to be a wild, inhospitable shore.
The sun disappeared, and the shades of night began to fall. Suddenly theclouds parted, and a ray of sunshine shot obliquely down towards thesouth-west.
The pilot immediately muttered: "That's well!"
The bright ray had struck the dark sails of a lugger, and in her he hadrecognised the craft he had come out to pilot to a fateful destination.
Smartly he ran up a small lugsail, and set his boat's head towards thestranger. She was black hulled, and with a rakish rig that gave her theappearance of being a fast sailer.
At the critical moment, when it appeared the lugger was about to cut himdown, the pilot suddenly ported helm, and ran his boat under thelugger's side. Smartly he lowered his sail and fastened on the vesselwith his boathook.
"Heave a rope!" called he. "I'm coming on board."
"And who are you?" asked a swarthy man, who had been watching from thelugger's bows.
"I bring a message to your captain."
"Catch, then!" and a coil of rope went curling through the air.
The pilot deftly caught it, and hitched the end to the bow of his boat.
"Carry it astern, and make fast!" ordered he, like one accustomed tocommand. "She'll tow till I want her."
The boat dropped astern, but the pilot nimbly boarded the lugger.
A powerful man in reefer jacket, sou'-wester, and sea-boots greeted himwith--
"You seem pretty free with strangers, my lad."
The pilot held out a piece of paper. The captain took it and read--
"_It is by our order and for the good of the cause that the bearer isauthorised to act._"
The signature was a rude hieroglyphic. The captain's manner immediatelyshowed that he recognised it, and respected it.
"Am I to understand that you take command?"
The pilot bowed, and tendered a second paper. The captain read--
"_Should the bearer fail to accomplish that which he has undertaken, itwill be for the captain of the_ 'Swift' _to see that he gives no furthertrouble._"
A wicked gleam came into the captain's eyes.
"If you fail in that which you are instructed to do--and which I knownothing of at present--this is your death-warrant?"
"It is."
"Then see you fail not."
"Rely on it, I shall not fail!"
The words were spoken in such cold, deliberate tones that the captain--aman who boasted he knew not fear--shivered as though from the touch ofan icy hand.
"What are your orders?" presently asked the captain, eyeing him keenly.
"To pilot the lugger to the head of Port Creek, where friends await hercargo. The old landings are played out; but who would suspect a luggerto effect a run in the creek _after dark_?"
"No human hand could steer that course!"
"Yet I am here."
"The thing is impossible!"
"The tide flows at midnight. My orders are to go in with the rising tideand bring you out on the ebb, that you may make a good offing beforedawn."
"It cannot be done! I'll not have the risk----"
"You have your commands, I my orders," coldly interrupted the pilot.
"Then I'll execute mine to the letter!"
"And I--we shall see."
He bent low over the binnacle, afterwards glancing swiftly shoreward.
"Keep her away a couple of points. We'll come about presently and fetchthe creek on the other tack, just after dark, and with the tide halfmade."
Long and intently the captain studied the boy's fearless face. Then hebegan to recall an almost forgotten memory.
"Boy," said he suddenly, "you remind me of some one I have known."
The pilot's gaze remained as steady as his own, but there was a slightexpression of cynicism playing about his mouth.
"Ay!" continued the captain, seeming to speak his thoughts aloud. "Theeyes are the same, just as they looked that night when I---- Bah!"recovering himself. "What a fool I am! This new venture unmans me."
The pilot did not seem to hear, but his eyes seemed to glow with agreen sheen, as the gathering gloom obscured his face. A violent emotionwas possessing him.
"Boy!" again cried the captain, "you interest me. How comes it that oneso young holds so responsible a position in the cause?"
"By past services have I been judged."
"Come, tell me the story."
"As you will."
"You will find me a ready listener."
"Be it so; but not yet. Now set the course north-west. A single lighthere at the binnacle, and no other to show from anywhere on board. Assoon as we are in the creek, see that the sails are smartly trimmed tomy order. There'll be little time to spare."
The captain passed the word, and began to moodily pace the deck. He hadnever thought to question the genuineness of the two papers. There stoodthe pilot, his life forfeited by any failure tending to bring disasterupon the lugger; and it was a good guarantee.
Anon the captain glanced at the pale, set face of the pilot, on whichthe diffused light from the binnacle lantern feebly shone. For thesecond time that evening the captain shivered, and without being able todefine the cause. He felt strangely ill at ease. Accustomed to daringventures, the present seemed sheer recklessness. Who was this determinedboy? Why did his presence bring back a fateful memory of the past?
The darkness deepened, and was further intensified by the cold, greyfog. The wind was light, but a steady up-Channel draught. The lugger wascreeping in under mainsail and jib, her other sails being furled.
The pilot took over the helm, and ordered the man he relieved to goforward. At the same time the captain came and stood by the binnacle.
"What is our position?" shortly asked he.
"We are within the creek," replied the pilot. "Hark! Don't you hear thegrinding of the shingle away over the port bow? As soon as the soundcomes from windward we'll have her on the port tack, and thus we'llclear Boulder Ledge."
"It sounds fair sailing; but I liken it to going blindly into a trap,"retorted the captain.
"Haul on the main-sheet! Steady, forward, with the jib!" And the pilotstarboarded his helm.
Again the captain shivered. Who was this, who held death so lightly? Hisown gloomy forebodings came upon him with redoubled force. What mannerof pilot was this, to whom night was as day?
"Boy!" he cried shortly, "why are you here?"
"You read my orders."
"Yes; but----"
Again the pilot caused an interruption by shifting helm.
"Who are you?" hoarsely cried the captain.
"Well, sixteen years ago to-night--steady, cap'n!" for the man hadstaggered as though from the effect of a mortal blow.
"Avast! Who and what are you?" The captain's voice was deep andmenacing.
"The pilot of Port Creek. I have no other name--at least, it suits me toforget it."
"What was your father?"
"A mariner."
"His name?"
"Wait!" and the pilot luffed till the sails shook. A peculiar vibrationpassed throughout the lugger's timbers, and her way was gently arrested.
"We're aground! You have failed!" cried the captain, and drew a pistolfrom his belt.
"Wait!" And again the pilot spoke in cold, disdainful tones. One mighthave counted a hundred. It was terrible suspense. The captain's fingerwas toying with the trigger of his pistol. The pilot stood immovable,the disdainful smile deepening upon his lips. "Ease off the main-sheet!"cried he, as he turned his ear to windward. There came a stronger puffof wind, a bigger wave rolled up under the lugger's stern, she lifted,and immediately glided forward--free!
"You lost your reckoning, my lad!" cried the captain.
"A slight error of judgment. The tide has made somewhat less than Ianticipated."
"What is our position?"
"We scraped on the Sandstone Ledge," grimly. "'Twas a close shave--forme!"
"And did you doubt----"
"No. But put up your pistol and I'll get on with my story--unless you'drather not listen."
"No, no! Go on!"
The pilot stood steady at the helm, his eyes fixed on the binnacle, eachmovement of the compass-needle a sign for his ready hands to obey. Anona concise order to shift a sail fell from his lips, for in spite of hisinterrupted conversation with the captain his every action showed atrained alertness.
Again he took up the thread of his story--
"'Twas my father's death made me--what I am." The pause was ominous. "Hewas one of us--a smuggler."
"Ah!"
"A run had been planned----"
"I----"
"My father was young and daring. To him was entrusted the mostventuresome part of the night's work. But I am anticipating. He had arival--a man who sought my mother. But she was true to my father."
"I remember----"
"Steady, cap'n! You may have known him--perchance he was once yourfriend?"
"No, no!" hoarsely. "He--I----"
A bright light suddenly flashed through the fog, and from right ahead.
"A signal?" cried the captain.
"From a friend," and the pilot ported helm. "'Tis a dangerous spothereabouts, so nothing has been left to chance. We're now abreast ofGreen Point. Steady, lads, for the next tack!"
Shortly another light flashed right upon the lugger's bows. The pilotjammed over the helm to starboard. There was a slight shock, andsomething grated along the lugger's side.
"All clear now, cap'n; but 'twas a narrow go. We grazed Rudder Rock! Thefool stationed there with the light flashed it a full minute too late!"
"Boy, you must have dealings with----"
"Steady, cap'n! Your nerves are unstrung. Perhaps the conclusion of mystory 'll steady them. Well, the venture that was planned was no lessthan to take the goods in under Black Rock, and have them hauled up theface of the cliff. In the end 'twas safely done--to all but my father.He had been lowered down to fasten on the bales. Those who were out thatnight came back saying he had fallen from the cliff. They recovered hisbody the next day, and they found the piece of rope around the mangledcorpse had been cut."
"Ay, by the rocks."
"No, no! A poor fellow who witnessed the act was shot by the hand thatcut the rope; but he lived long enough to tell my mother the truth."
"Or a parcel of lies."
"Dying men don't lie, cap'n! I was born that same night. Yearsafterwards, when I was old enough to understand--when my mother was onher deathbed--she told me the story; and my last word to her was apromise to hunt down my father's murderer."
"And you have failed!" cried the captain.
"Let go the anchor!" cried the pilot. "See, cap'n, I'll bring her headup into the wind, and she'll ride with her sails set. Off with thehatches, my lads!"
A bright light flashed three times from left to right. The pilot tookthe lantern and waved responsive signals.
"All's well!" cried he. "Cap'n, you will see to the getting up of thegoods."
Taken off his guard, the captain stepped to the hatchway, gave a feworders, and seemed to recollect something. But the binnacle light wasout, and the pilot had disappeared! The captain caught at the rope bywhich his boat had been towing astern. It came in without resistance; ithad been cut!
"We are betrayed!" cried the captain. "Hark! Friends or foes!" as anumber of boats came quickly alongside.
"Surrender in the King's name!" was the response.
* * * * *
The desperate encounter that ensued is written in the history of thoselawless times. Suffice it that the captain and his crew paid the fullpenalty of their many crimes.
The pilot, having fulfilled his vow, was no more seen upon that part ofthe coast. To have remained would have been to forfeit his life, forthe betrayed smugglers had many friends.
But the old chronicles from which I have compiled this story go on tosay that he secured a berth in the navy, and years afterwards trod thequarter-deck of a man-of-war.
_Richard Clay & Sons, Limited, London and Bungay._
ADVERTISEMENTS
The Boy's Library of Adventure & Heroism.
_An attractive series of books for boys, well printed and illustrated,and handsomely bound._
_Large crown 8vo, cloth, full gilt, 3s. 6d. per volume._
+THE GOLDSMITH OF CHEPE. A Tale of the Plague Year.+ By TOM BEVAN, Authorof 'A Hero in Wolf-Skin.' With eight illustrations by J. JELLICOE. Largecrown 8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
An exciting and interesting story of the time of the Great Plague of 1665; it recites the many adventures through which the hero passed in London, and later in Dorsetshire, where a number of sensational encounters with smugglers and pirates are described. Mr. Bevan knows how to win the attention of boys, and this story will be found to be written in his happiest vein.
+FOR QUEEN AND EMPEROR. A Story of Valour and Adventure.+ By ERNESTPROTHEROE, Author of 'Myddleton's Treasure,' 'From Scapegrace to Hero,'&c. With coloured frontispiece and title-page, and eight otherillustrations by J. FINNEMORE, R.I. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
The days of the early Britons always have a fascination for youthful readers, and this story is well calculated to sustain their interest. The struggles against the Roman invader supply the hero with the earlier adventures in the story; but after a time the scene changes to Rome, and then to Palestine in the days of the fall of Jerusalem. Whilst passing from one moving scene to another, the reader learns a good deal as to conditions of life under review; but the information so conveyed is never obtrusive, and never diverts attention from the outstanding scenes and figures in this splendid romance.
+THE CRUISE OF THE 'GOLDEN FLEECE.' A Story of Adventure in the Days ofPhilip and Mary.+ By SARDIUS HANCOCK. With coloured frontispiece andeight other illustrations by J. FINNEMORE, R.I. Large crown 8vo, clothgilt, 3s. 6d.
This is a stirring story of the days of Queen Mary, and is full of exciting adventure. It opens with the ill-fated expedition led by Sir Thomas Wyatt. Philip St. Ledger, one of Wyatt's followers, falls in love with Barbara Lillingworth, and is shipped on board the 'Golden Fleece' by his rival, to get him out of the way. Then follow many adventures in the West Indies, where the rivals meet. There are battles at sea and on the land, both in the West Indies and in the Netherlands, where Philip's rival tries to effect his death and ruin, finally invoking the aid of the Inquisition.
LONDON: THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.
* * * * *
The Boy's Library of Adventure & Heroism.
+THAT BOY OF FRASER'S.+ By ERNEST PROTHEROE, Author of 'For Queen andEmperor,' 'St. Merville's Scholarship Boys,' &c. With colouredfrontispiece and eight other illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. Large crown8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
A vigorous and vivid story of boy life in a London slum. The young hero will win the sympathy and regard of every reader. His courage, his love for his mother and sister, his faithfulness to his trust, make the story of his family fortunes irresistibly attractive to boy rea
ders.
_The School Guardian_ says: 'An excellent prize-book for boys, and one which they would thoroughly enjoy.'
_The British Weekly_ says: 'A clever story of pluck and manliness on the part of a little boy.'
+A COLLEGIAN IN KHAKI.+ By WILLIAM JOHNSTON, with four colouredillustrations by ERNEST PRATER, and coloured title-page. Large crown8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
The doings of Charlie Winter, expelled from college for misconduct, form a story abounding in adventure. Ashamed to return home, he enlists and is sent to South Africa, and is taken prisoner at an early stage. Escaping from Pretoria, he takes part in many battles and forms a member of the Ladysmith relief force. Warned by his early fall, he redeems his character and wins the Victoria Cross.
_The Yorkshire Post_ says: 'It is a rattling good story, which will appeal strongly to boys.'
_The English Churchman_ says: 'The story is full of interest for boys.'
+WITH RIFLE AND KUKRI.+ By FREDERICK P. GIBBON, Author of 'Comrades UnderCanvas,' 'The Disputed V.C.,' &c. With four coloured illustrations by J.FINNEMORE, R.I., and coloured title-page. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt,3s. 6d.
Boys who love stories of plucky deeds will find 'With Rifle and Kukri' altogether to their taste. The heroic deeds called forth by England's 'little wars' along the Indian frontier--the dashing exploits of the Gurkhas and others of our native allies--the coolness with which the handful of Englishmen in India met the outbreak of the Great Mutiny--all these are narrated in stirring language by an author whose local knowledge is extensive and exact.
LONDON: THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.
* * * * *
The Boy's Library of Adventure & Heroism.
+MELTONIANS ALL!+ By F. COWLEY WHITEHOUSE. With three colouredillustrations by J. FINNEMORE, R.I. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
A capital boy's book, giving a stirring account of life in a great public school. All three heroes of the tale are very attractive to the reader, while the touch of tragedy describing the noble self-sacrifice of one of them further deepens the interest of this lively story.
_The Daily Mail_ says: 'A thoroughly healthy school story, which touches neither too lightly nor too heavily upon the responsibilities of boyhood.'
_The Globe_ says: 'A splendid schoolboy's story, in which pluck, honesty and steadfastness are winners every time.'
_The English Churchman_ says: 'A very well written story-book for boys, dealing with school life in a lively style.'
+MYDDLETON'S TREASURE.+ By ERNEST PROTHEROE, Author of 'That Boy ofFraser's,' 'Bob Marchant's Scholarship,' &c. With three colouredillustrations by J. MACFARLANE. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
Entering the railway service, Jasper Myddleton worked his way up to the footplate only for the past to rise up against him and cause his dismissal. But his grit and dogged pertinacity carried him safely through various adventures at sea and in Central Africa. He discovered the 'Real King Solomon's Mines,' but in 'Kiddy,' a little girl-friend, he found the greatest treasure of all. The plot is particularly attractive, and the reader will follow Myddleton's vigorous, moving career with sustained interest.
+THE BAYMOUTH SCOUTS.+ By TOM BEVAN, Author of 'The Goldsmith of Chepe,''A Trooper of the Finns,' &c. With four coloured illustrations by GORDONBROWNE. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
This is a story of the days of Napoleon, and his threatened invasion of England. Two boys are kidnapped and carried to France, from where, after many adventures, they escape and return to England, bringing with them a lady and her daughter, who had been ruined by the Revolution. It is especially suited for Boy Scouts.
LONDON: THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.
* * * * *
STORIES FOR BOYS.
By TALBOT BAINES REED.
_The name of Talbot Baines Reed will always be associated withfascinating, healthy stories for boys, dealing with public school life,and early business careers. No writer has been able more skilfully togive his characters a real personality, or to portray more faithfullytheir failures, sharp struggles and final successes._
+THE ADVENTURES OF A THREE-GUINEA WATCH.+
With Seven Full-page and Sixteen other Illustrations in the Text. Largecrown 8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
A straightforward story of school-life, and of the duties and temptations of young men entering upon the work of life. The kind of book to rejoice the heart of the boy who gets it as a Christmas or Birthday present.
+THE COCK HOUSE AT FELLSGARTH. A Public School Story.+
With Seven Full-page Illustrations by Alfred Pearse. Large crown 8vo,cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
A splendid story of school life. The rollicking fun of the juniors, the rivalry among the seniors, the school elections, the football match, are told in such a forcible manner that the tale will prove a source of delight to all boys--young and old.
+THE FIFTH FORM AT ST. DOMINIC'S. A Public School Story.+
With Seven Full-page and Eight other Illustrations in the Text. Largecrown 8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
A lively story, abounding in stirring incident and in humorous descriptions. A thoroughly healthy tale to place in the hands of a boy. It ought to become popular both as a gift and prize book.
+A DOG WITH A BAD NAME.+
With Seven Full-page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. Large crown 8vo,cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
The story of a big ungainly youth who seemed fated to be misunderstood and to be made the butt of his comrades. His trials at school, and as a tutor, and the unsympathetic treatment by his guardian are delightfully told.
THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY, LONDON.
* * * * *
STORIES FOR BOYS.
By TALBOT BAINES REED.
+ROGER INGLETON, MINOR.+
With Seven Full-page Illustrations by J. FINNEMORE, R.I. Large crown8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
_The Guardian_ says:--"Mr. Talbot Baines Reed knows how to tell a story, and he does himself justice in 'Roger Ingleton, Minor,' in which he makes an excellent book out of the return of a long-lost half-brother who had gone out alone into the world, many years previously, after a bitter quarrel with his father. The discovery of the missing brother is not accomplished without many exciting incidents, out of which Mr. Reed weaves his plot."
_The Aberdeen Free Press_ says:--"This story has a modern atmosphere. The plot is very skilfully constructed and the interest is maintained up to the last page."
+SIR LUDAR: A Story of the Days of the Great Queen Bess.+
With Eleven Full-page Illustrations. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 3s.6d.
_The Guardian_ says:--"This stirring tale, which is played in the days of Queen Elizabeth, and tells of the wonderful adventures of a sturdy prentice-lad who contrived to crowd into a few years as much danger and fighting and hairbreadth escapes as would have lasted an army of ordinary folk for their whole lives. It is a capital book for boys which those who begin reading will have to finish. Mr. Pearse's illustrations, too, are very good."
_The Aberdeen Free Press_ says:--"This is a stirring tale of adventure with plenty of fighting."
+PARKHURST BOYS, and other Stories of School Life.+
With Seven Full-page and many other Illustrations. Large crown 8vo,cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
In this volume are brought together a large number of the miscellaneous stories written from time to time for the _Boy's Own Paper_ by Talbot Baines Reed. The collection is prefaced by an appreciation of Mr. Reed as boy and man, and it contains some of his best work and his brightest wit. There are seven sketches of life at Parkhurst School; eleven character delineations of "Boys
we have known"--such as "The Bully," "The Sneak"; twelve representations of "Boys of English History"; and seven other short stories of boy life and interest.
THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY, LONDON.
* * * * *
The Boy's Own Series.
_A Series of Books for Boys by well-known Writers, containing Stories ofSchool Life, Adventures on Sea and Land, Stories of Old England, &c.Well illustrated, handsomely bound, cloth gilt, large crown 8vo, 2s.6d._
+BOB MARCHANT'S SCHOLARSHIP.+ By ERNEST PROTHEROE. With sevenillustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
_The School Guardian_ says: 'A very readable tale with plenty of "go" in it.'
_The Manchester Courier_ says: 'An attractive story of schoolboy life.'
_The Spectator_ says: 'Here we have a story of adventure, the scene of action being what is called the educational ladder. Bob Marchant wins a scholarship ... which takes him to Orville College, a first-grade school.... The subject is worth treating, and should not be less interesting than the perils by flood and field which commonly form the themes of these stories.'
+THE HEROISM OF LANCELOT.+ By JEANIE FERRY. With three colouredillustrations. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
This book will be read with eager interest and profit by all boys and girls. The author has produced quite a number of beautiful characters, and some the reverse of beautiful. Lancelot is undoubtedly the hero, and a splendid one, too, but there are several heroines who run him close in the race of unselfishness and purity of character. Boys will vote the book 'jolly' and 'stunning,' and unconsciously they will have themselves imbibed a wholesome draught from a carefully written and good story.
+JACK SAFFORD: A Tale of the East Coast.+ By WILLIAM WEBSTER. With threecoloured illustrations by ERNEST PRATER. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt,2s. 6d.
A breezy boy's book of adventures in the North Sea. It will be sure to interest lads who are leaving school, and are wondering what the future holds in store for them. Honesty, bravery, and a readiness to seize opportunities for advancement are upheld in this well-written story.
_The British Weekly_ says: 'The book is full of adventure, and is most readable.'
_The Liverpool Daily Post_ says: 'A story of adventure on sea and land, which boys will read with avidity, for Jack, among other things, had to find the way out of a very awkward predicament.'
LONDON: THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.
* * * * *
The Boy's Own Series.
+FROM SLUM TO QUARTER-DECK.+ By GORDON STABLES, M.D., R.N., Author of'Wild Life in Sunny Lands,' 'The Voyage of the "Blue Vega,"' &c. Withsix illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
The hero of Dr. Gordon Stables' new work is a London boy about whose origin there is a mystery, which is skilfully dealt with and satisfactorily solved. A story of the sea, which the author's many admirers will be eager to read.
_The Record_ says: 'It is a bright and breezy volume, and will please boys immensely.'
_The Schoolmaster_ says: 'This is a good rattling story of a street arab who has a series of interesting and exciting adventures.'
_The United Methodist_ says: 'Real stirring adventures are sprung upon us in such unique fashion that we hesitate to give prospective readers an inkling as to their sequence.'
+ALLAN ADAIR; or, Here and There in Many Lands.+ By GORDON STABLES, M.D.,R.N., Author of 'In the Land of the Lion and the Ostrich.' With colouredfrontispiece and title-page. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
_The Examiner_ says: 'Allan Adair, the only son of his widowed mother, distinguishes himself as a lad in helping to save a vessel in distress, and in return is offered a berth by the owners in one of their ships. Of course he accepts, and a life of world-wide travel and incident is the result. Among many exciting episodes may be mentioned shooting "rattlers" in the Sierras, encounters with narwhals and bears in the Arctic regions, a hairbreadth escape on the terrible ice-river of Spitzbergen, and adventures among the savages of Patagonia.'
+GALLANT SIR JOHN.+ By SARDIUS HANCOCK, Author of 'The Cruise of theGolden Fleece,' &c. With three coloured illustrations by J. FINNEMORE,R.I. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
'Gallant Sir John' is a stirring, exciting tale of the days when Henry V. was gaining successive victories in France. At the same time Wyckliffe's Bible was being circulated by the Lollards, who were being hounded to exile, outlawry and death by the priests of Rome. Once begun this story will hold the reader to the end, for he will be taken into the very heart of those troublous times, and will witness many a thrilling scene.
LONDON: THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.
* * * * *
THE BOY'S OWN SERIES.
+THE SHELL-HUNTERS: Their Wild Adventures by Land and Sea.+
By GORDON STABLES, author of "Allan Adair," etc. Illustrated. Largecrown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
This is one of Dr. Gordon Stables' stories of adventure. A middle-aged man and a couple of boys make a voyage of discovery in the South Seas. The tale is full of exciting incidents and hairbreadth escapes so dear to the heart of all boys; and it has the advantage of being cleverly illustrated by ALFRED PEARSE.
+HAROLD, THE BOY EARL. A Story of Old England.+
By J. F. HODGETTS, author of "Kormak the Viking," etc. Illustrated.Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
+ILDERIM, THE AFGHAN. A Tale of the Indian Border.+
By DAVID KER. Illustrated. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
David Ker, the author of "The Lonely Island," has here written a stirring and highly imaginative tale of India and the North-West Frontier. The heroes are men of high character, and a bright, healthy moral tone is maintained throughout.
+ADVENTURES IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC.+
By ONE WHO WAS BORN THERE, author of "Annie Carr," etc. Illustrated.Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
_The Guardian_ says:--"The pictures of the South Sea Islanders are evidently drawn from life, and the accounts of the kidnappers, both cannibal and slave-hunting, are well told and full of grim interest."
_The Methodist Times_ says:--"The book is a true record of the adventures of the son of a South Sea Island Missionary. The writer begins at the beginning--at his earliest whippings--and goes on through escapades by land and sea. He narrowly escapes poisoning by _carea_ and is in an awful tornado. Perils by famine, by murder, by heathen superstition, by sharks, by pestilence, by white slave-traders, bring before the reader vividly, life as it is in the savage islands of the South."
THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY, LONDON.
* * * * *
THE BOY'S OWN SERIES.
+UNTRUE TO HIS TRUST; or, Plotters and Patriots.+
By HENRY JOHNSON, author of "Turf and Table," "A Book of Heroes," etc.With Five Illustrations. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
_The Times_ says:--"A tale that is well-conceived and interesting."
_The Sheffield Independent_ says:--"A piece of masterly historical painting."
_The British Weekly_ says:--"A well written and readable book that conveys a great deal of instruction. The period of Charles II. has been very carefully studied."
+THE VOYAGE OF THE STORMY PETREL.+
By W. C. METCALF. With Three Illustrations by LANCELOT SPEED. Largecrown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
_The Glasgow Herald_ says:--"Possesses all the qualities which young readers for whom it is intended can best appreciate. These are narrow escapes and strange experiences, and adventures full of excitement both on land and sea. The volume has some exciting
illustrations."
_The English Churchman_ says:--"A good story of adventure."
_The Liverpool Courier_ says:--"This is a stirring tale of an adventurous voyage in which exciting incidents follow one another in rapid succession."
+DUCK-LAKE. Stories of the Canadian Backwoods.+
By E. RYERSON YOUNG, With Seven Illustrations by J. MACFARLANE. Largecrown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
_The Sheffield Daily Independent_ says:--"It is a spirited story of the Canadian backwoods, in three sections. The characters include Canadian settlers and North American Indians. A number of well-drawn illustrations assist the young reader to realise the physical type of the people who move in the story."
_The Dundee Courier_ says:--"A sectional story of the Canadian backwoods and admirably told. The bush life of the settlers is pictured with a graphic pen, and there are a number of sensational episodes, a bear hunt among the number."
THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY, LONDON.
* * * * *
THE BOY'S OWN SERIES.
+THE SETTLERS OF KAROSSA CREEK, and Other Stories of Australian BushLife.+
By LOUIS BECKE, author of "Tom Wallis," "Wild Life in the Southern Seas," etc., etc. With Three Illustrations by J. FINNEMORE, R.I. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
"The Settlers of Karossa Creek" is a rattling yarn which proves conclusively that the right hand of Louis Becke has not lost its cunning. It is a book that all healthy-minded boys will revel in, full of stirring adventures relating to the bush life of Australia and the islands of the Pacific. "The Settlers of Karossa Creek" will stir the blood of every lad and stimulate the impulses to patience, endurance, brave daring, and true knightliness. The health-giving fragrance of the sea and the free, glad, open life of new lands are in it from first page to last.
+THE SPECIMEN HUNTERS.+
By J. MACDONALD OXLEY, B.A., author of "North Overland with Franklin,""Archie Mackenzie." Illustrated. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 2s. 6d.
Mr. Macdonald Oxley, who knows so well how to tell a story of adventure and peril--here takes his young heroes out to India and the Far East, with a learned Professor whose duty it is to obtain specimens of beasts and birds. Their ramblings and the Professor's tasks bring them into a succession of highly critical situations, in which their lives are often in extreme peril. The qualities of self-control, manliness and courage are in constant demand. Boys and girls--more especially those with a taste for travel and natural history--should find the book "irresistible."
+THE ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY.+
By E. C. KENYON. With Four Illustrations. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt,2s. 6d.
A story of adventure during the great Civil War, when King Charles I. and his Parliament resorted to the arbitrament of the sword to decide who should have the mastery. The hero is a Roundhead, and the heroine is a charming young person, whose hand a hard-hearted guardian seeks to dispose of in a manner to which her heart consents not. The author is not carried into any excess of partisanship, though his sympathies are obvious, and we can confidently recommend the story as a very good specimen of grand historical romance. The air resounds to the clashing of swords--so to say--but the love element occupies the place of supreme interest throughout, and will hold the interest of the reader without fail.
THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY, LONDON.
* * * * *
STORIES FOR BOYS.
+THROUGH FIRE and THROUGH WATER. A Story of Adventure and Peril.+
By T. S. MILLINGTON, author of "Straight to the Mark," etc. With SixteenIllustrations. Large crown 8vo, 2s.
_The School Guardian_ says:--"To boys who like plenty in their books and that of a decidedly stirring order, 'Through Fire and Through Water' may be highly commended. Jack Smith's ambition to be a sailor and how it was finally gratified notwithstanding the obstacles that intervene, his capture by Algerian pirates, and his subsequent rescue.... The story never flags for a moment; it goes with a swing from start to finish."
_The Story of Chalmers' Adventurous Life told for Boys._
+TAMATE: The Life and Adventures of a Christian Hero.+
By RICHARD LOVETT, M.A., author of "James Chalmers: his Autobiographyand Letters," etc. With Two Maps and Fifteen Illustrations by J.FINNEMORE, R.I., printed in double tone ink. "Christian Heroes" Series,No. 1. Large crown 8vo, Cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
_The Christian Leader_ says:--"The story of the great New Guinea missionary and explorer cannot be told too often. Here it is told to boys, and it will be strange indeed if it does not at once prove a real success. James Chalmers was as brave a man as ever lived. His exploits and hairbreadth escapes were legion, and it is practically a series of these that are narrated in the present volume, with all the rapidity and spirit that the boyish temper loves. The writer has to some extent made use of the materials already drawn up for his biography, but he has had access also to letters and diaries hitherto unpublished, and from these vivid pages we gain a clearer idea than ever of his hero. A lion-hearted soul! The boy reader will find him irresistible."
+CONDEMNED TO THE GALLEYS. The Adventures of a French Protestant.+
By JEAN MARTEILHE. With Seven Illustrations by E. Barnard Lintott."Christian Heroes" Series, No. 2. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d.
_The Expository Times_ says:--"Let the boy who wants authentic history and excitement combined read 'Condemned to the Galleys,' by Jean Marteilhe."
_The Northern Whig_ says:--"It is a most interesting and reliable work, giving a story which reads like the most fascinating fiction, but is really the genuine history of the sufferings and adventures of a young Protestant."
THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY, LONDON.
* * * * *
Every Boy's Bookshelf.
_A New Series of Eighteenpenny Stories for Boys, full of stirringadventure. Each with two illustrations in colours and coloured medallionon cover. Large crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 1s. 6d._
+SKYLARK: His Deeds and Adventures.+ By M. GENESTE. With two colouredillustrations by W. E. WIGFULL. Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 1s. 6d.
Skylark, so named from his propensity for 'larking' and practical joking, is not only a favourite at school on account of his sunny disposition, but a real influence for good because of the uniform 'straightness' of his conduct. His adventures include a fire at the school, in which he nearly perishes, and being kidnapped and carried off to France, having stumbled on evidence tending to identify the authors of a burglary. Altogether the book is full of incident.
+CAVE PERILOUS: A Tale of the Bread Riots.+ By L. T. MEADE. With twocoloured illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 1s. 6d.
A very brightly written tale, full of incident and adventure, of English life nearly a century ago.
_The Scotsman_ says: 'A spirited and interesting tale of adventure in which a boy and girl, shut up in a wild cave, but sustained by a sturdy piety, contrive not only to extricate themselves, but to discover and recover a lost parent who had been kidnapped. It is written with a catching vivacity, and is sure to be a favourite with young readers.'
+THE TURQUOISE RING.+ By IDA LEMON. With two coloured illustrations. Crown8vo, cloth gilt, 1s. 6d.
A brightly written story that will hold the boy reader's attention all through. It is full of incident, and is told with the author's well-known skill.
+OLD SCHOOLFELLOWS AND WHAT BECAME OF THEM.+ With two colouredillustrations by J. H. VALDA. Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 1s. 6d.
A book that will delight both old and new schoolfellows. A number of old schoolfellows find themselves established not far from each other, and form a soci
ety for relating their own adventures and the adventures of schoolmates known to them. The stories are capitally told, and in the Captain's Story, the Lawyer's Story, the Doctor's Story, &c., &c., we are given striking examples of what the boy may become if he starts with the right motives. Also several disastrous failures give necessary warnings against laxity of conduct and morals.
LONDON: THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.
Thank you for reading books on BookFrom.Net Share this book with friends