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BOYS OF THE FORT
_Or, A Young Captain's Pluck_
FLAG OF FREEDOM SERIES
By CAPTAIN RALPH BONEHILL
AUTHOR OF "THE YOUNG BANDMASTER," "WHEN SANTIAGO FELL," "A SAILOR BOYWITH DEWEY," "OFF FOR HAWAII," ETC.
GROSSET & DUNLAPPUBLISHERS NEW YORK
COPYRIGHT, 1901, BYTHE MERSHON COMPANY
DEFENDING THE FORT.]
PREFACE.
"BOYS OF THE FORT" is a complete story in itself, but forms the fifthvolume of a line of works issued under the general title of "Flag ofFreedom Series."
In penning this tale I had it in mind to acquaint my young readers withthe ins and outs of military life at one of our Western forts of to-day,showing what both officers and privates are called upon to do, and whattroubles the Indians and the bad men of that locality are still in thehabit of making. The field is one about which little has been written,although abounding in interest, and one which is worthy the attention ofall who have the proper development of our country at heart.
To some, certain scenes in this book may appear overdrawn, yet such isfar from being the case. In this wild territory there are those who havelived all their lives beyond the pale of civilization, men who grow updwarfed and crooked in mind, and who resent every effort made to bettertheir condition.
The young captain is a fine specimen of the wide-awake American armyofficer, yet he is no more brave and dashing than are thousands ofothers, officers and privates, who serve under our Flag of Freedom. Heis trained to do his duty, and he simply does it, regardless of possibleconsequences.
Once more I take this opportunity to thank my young friends for thekindness with which they have received my former stories, and Iearnestly hope this present tale merits equal commendation.
CAPTAIN RALPH BONEHILL.
_July 1, 1901._
CONTENTS.
I. BOUND FOR THE FORT
II. CAVES IN THE MOUNTAIN
III. AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION
IV. LOST IN THE FOREST
V. THE BIG BLACK BEAR
VI. DARRY MAKES A DISCOVERY
VII. AT HANK LEESON'S CABIN
VIII. THE STEALING OF THE HORSES
IX. ARRIVAL AT THE FORT
X. THE RESULT OF A SWIM
XI. SOMETHING ABOUT DRILLING
XII. DEER HUNTING
XIII. A FISH AND A SNAKE
XIV. OVER THE MOUNTAIN TOP
XV. THE RESULT OF A HURRICANE
XVI. CAPTAIN MOORE'S ADVENTURE
XVII. THREE PRISONERS
XVIII. BENSON PUTS SOME MEN IN A HOLE
XIX. ESCAPING IN THE DARKNESS
XX. SOMETHING ABOUT WHITE OX
XXI. A TRICK OF THE ENEMY
XXII. IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY
XXIII. A PANTHER IN CAMP
XXIV. THE SKIRMISH IN THE BRUSH
XXV. A LUCKY MEETING
XXVI. THE ENEMIES WITHIN THE FORT
XXVII. SIGNALS AND WHAT FOLLOWED
XXVIII. THE DEMANDS OF THE ENEMY
XXIX. OPENING OF THE BATTLE
XXX. SIGNALS IN THE DARK
XXXI. BURNING OF THE STOCKADE
XXXII. RELIEF AT LAST--CONCLUSION
List of Illustrations
DEFENDING THE FORT.
"NOW DARRY'S RIFLE SPOKE UP, AND THE BEAR WAS HIT AGAIN"
"AT LAST HE PUT THE GUNS IN THEIR HANDS AND LET THEM MARCH WITH THEPIECES."
"HE LEAPED BETWEEN THEM AND CAUGHT THEIR RIFLES."
BOYS OF THE FORT.