 |
Godfrey found that his early meal had in no way abated his appetite. The breakfast was an excellent one, but he confined himself to bread and butter, and thought he had never tasted anything so good in his life. He learned that his host was an importer of goods of all kinds, and did the principal trade at Vadsoe, besides supplying all the villages on the fiord.
"If you had been here a few days earlier," he said, "you would have found a countryman of yours, a Mr. Clarke, who almost monopolizes the whaling trade here. He owns three steamers, and has a great melting-down establishment. I myself send great quantities of cod to Hamburg by steamer. Most of the boats here work for me."
After breakfast Godfrey gave his host a sketch of his adventures.
"It has been a wonderful journey," his host said when he concluded. "I have heard of one or two cases where men have made their way to Archangel, and thence by land to our frontier, but I never heard of anyone attempting it by sea before. It was a perilous journey indeed, and required a knowledge of canoeing, which no Russian prisoner would be likely to have. Then you were certainly fortunate in having a companion with you who was at home with those Ostjaks. Still, as you brought him with you for that purpose, that was forethought rather than luck."
"Which is the first port at which the steamer will stop that I can send a telegram from?"
The merchant laughed. "If you go down-stairs into the office, and go through the door to your left hand, you will find yourself in a telegraph office."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. We have had the telegraph here for some little time."
Godfrey rushed down-stairs, and sent off a telegram as follows:—
"Have just arrived here. Made my escape from prison at Kara, in Siberia. Seventeen months on the way. Am in first-rate health. Start to-morrow by steamer to Hamburg. Hope all are well. Have plenty of money."
He directed it to his father's office, so that the news might be broken gradually to his mother. In the afternoon the answer came:—
"Thank God for His mercies. All well. I shall cross to Hamburg to meet you."
While Godfrey was being made much of by the merchant and his family, and, indeed, by many of their acquaintances, who, upon hearing the news, came in to see him and inquire into the wonderful voyage, Luka was no less a centre of attraction to the fishermen, and was so generously treated that long before it became dark he was obliged to be assisted, in a state of inebriation, to a pallet that had been prepared for him. Godfrey was annoyed when he heard it; "but," as his host said, "after being eighteen months, and, for aught I know, eighteen months before that, without touching liquor, very little would be likely to produce an effect upon him. I daresay it is his talking as much as the spirit that has turned his head; besides, you know, the lower class of Russians and Tartars are all fond of spirits."
"I shall not be angry with him in the morning," Godfrey said, "because I do think that it is pardonable; but I shall talk seriously to him about it, and tell him that if he is coming home to England with me he must give up spirits. He has done without them so long that it can't be any hardship."
"What are you going to do with him?"
"I have not the most remote idea," Godfrey laughed. "If he likes to return to his people I daresay my father would be able, through the Russian embassy, to get a pardon for him and permission to go back; but I don't think he has any notion of that. He lost his parents when he was a child, and I never heard him express the slightest desire to go back again. He has attached himself to me heart and soul, and I think looks upon it as a settled thing that he will be always with me. I don't know in what capacity, still, I suppose, something will be found for him."
The steamer was to start at nine o'clock on the following morning, and by that hour Godfrey, Luka, and Jack were on board and the canoe carefully stowed on deck. Both had obtained a complete fit-out from the merchant's stores, and although Godfrey's garments would scarcely have passed muster in London, they did very well for the voyage. Luka was greatly amused at his own appearance in European garb, though Godfrey thought he looked much better in his Ostjak costume.
"We will rig him out fresh when I get him home," he said to the merchant. "I don't know what he looks like now in that greatcoat and billycock hat."
The merchant stayed on board until the last moment. As soon as he got into his boat the paddles began to revolve and the steamer started on her way. She was ten days on her voyage, ascending many of the fiords, landing or taking on board cargo or passengers.
Godfrey enjoyed the voyage greatly. The scenery was magnificent, and eagerly as he desired to be at home, he was almost sorry when the end approached. It had been so strange to have nothing to do but to sit and watch the shore, to eat and to sleep. Luka had been very penitent over his little excess at Vadsoe, and had solemnly promised Godfrey to abstain from spirits in future; and he, too, enjoyed the voyage in his way, eating enormously, and drinking vast quantities of tea and coffee. Godfrey had sent off one or two telegrams from the ports at which he touched, so that his father might be able to judge when the ship was likely to arrive; and when one morning early the vessel steamed up to the wharf at Hamburg Godfrey saw him waiting there. It was a joyful meeting indeed, and it was not until they were alone together at an hotel, Luka being left down-stairs in charge of the canoe, that they were enabled to begin to talk.
"Did you know what had become of me, father?"
"Yes, my boy. Petrovytch telegraphed to me that you had been missing three days, and I at once went over to St. Petersburg. He thought that you had fallen into bad hands, and had been murdered and thrown into the Neva; but remembering that you had got into that silly scrape before with the police, I thought it possible that, coming, as your absence did, directly after the affair at the Winter Palace, suspicion had fallen on you again. I went to the head of the police; he declined to give me any information. Then I set the embassy at work, and they found out that you had been arrested with some desperate Nihilists. At last they obtained a sight of the records of the court-martial before which you had been tried, and told me that the case was so strong against you that nothing could be done; indeed, had it not been for your youth, and the fact that you were a British subject, you would certainly have been executed. I tried everything, but I found it absolutely useless. The embassy recommended me to let the matter drop for the present, and in time, perhaps, when the Nihilist scare passed off, it might be possible to interest some minister or other in your favour and obtain a reversion of your sentence. Then a few months later came the assassination of the Czar, and, of course, that rendered it more hopeless than ever, and all we could hope for was, that in the course of years we might again move in the matter. Of course it has been a terrible business for us all. But we won't talk about that now. Thank God it is over, and that you have returned to us. But what madness, Godfrey, to mix yourself up with these people!"
"Indeed, father, I was perfectly innocent, though I cannot blame the court-martial for finding me guilty." And he then gave his father the details of his connection with the two Nihilists Akim Soushiloff and Petroff Stepanoff, and of the circumstances of his arrest in their room.
"I am very glad to hear that, Godfrey. Not that it makes any actual matter now, but because, after the warning I had given you to avoid the society of any people holding extreme opinions, it seemed to me you must have showed an incredible amount of wilfulness and folly in getting yourself mixed up with these desperate conspirators. I am heartily glad to find that I was mistaken, and that, except as regards that foolish business at the theatre, you have really not been to blame in the matter, and have been altogether a victim of circumstances. Now, tell me how you got away. And first, who is that queer-looking little fellow with your canoe?"
"He is my comrade and friend, father. He escaped from prison with me, and is devoted to me; but for him I should have had no chance whatever of making my way through all the difficulties of the journey." And he then gave his father an outline of their adventures from the time of their leaving Kara.
When he had finished, Mr. Bullen went down-stairs and saw Luka, and shook hands with him heartily, telling him in Russian that he had heard from Godfrey how much he owed to him, and assuring him that he need have no fear for the future.
Two days later the party arrived at home. There is no occasion to say anything as to the joy of that meeting. The three years of hardship and roughing it had converted the careless school-boy into a powerful young fellow. His spirits were as high and he was as full of fun as of old; but the experience he had gone through had strengthened his character, had given him self-reliance and confidence, and had, as his father and mother soon saw, had a very beneficial effect in forming his character.
Two or three days after his arrival Godfrey wrote to Mikail. It was a very guarded letter, because he knew that it would be opened by the prison authorities, but it thanked him for the kindness he had shown to him while in prison, and expressed a hope that, now that he would have obtained partial freedom, and would be united to his wife, he would succeed and prosper. He inclosed a five-hundred-rouble note from his father as a present in return for the kindness he had shown him, and he also inclosed a directed envelope, so that he could acknowledge the receipt of the letter.
An answer written by the priest of the village—for Mikail was unable to write—came at the end of five months. It was expressed in the most grateful terms. He had been released four months after Godfrey left, and the governor had, as a reward for his good conduct, allowed him to work for a farmer instead of in the mines. He said that he was perfectly happy, and that, as he should now be able to purchase a small farm for himself, he should be sure to do well. "I have a boy," he said, "who was born three months ago; we have christened him Godfrey, in memory of the night when you saved my life at the risk of your own."
Luka was for some time a difficulty. He absolutely refused to return to Russia, and was for a time established as doorkeeper at the office, but in the spring after Godfrey's return the latter took him down with him to a house Mr. Bullen had just purchased near Richmond. Luka was so delighted with the country that he was established there, and became a sort of general factotum, assisting in the garden, stables, or house, wherever he could make himself useful, and being in special charge of a sailing boat that Godfrey keeps on the river. He had picked up a good deal of English from Godfrey on their travels, and soon came to speak it fairly, and being regarded as a friend by all the family, he is in every way perfectly contented with his lot. Four years after Godfrey's return, a clerk one day came into the office with the news that a gentleman wished to speak to him, and Godfrey was astounded at the entry of Alexis.
"I have come," the Russian said. "You told me to come, and I have done so."
"I am delighted to see you, Alexis. I had thought of you as married and settled among the Buriats."
"I did marry," Alexis said; "but three years afterwards I lost my wife. What was I to do? I could not remain all my life a wandering shepherd, afraid ever to enter a town or to speak with a civilized being; so I sold my flocks and herds. You know my wife owned a third of those of the Buriat. He was a rich man and bought most of them, and for the rest I found other purchasers. Then he negotiated for me with one of the tea merchants, and I managed to go as a driver with one of his caravans to Pekin."
"And what do you mean to do, Alexis? I can still keep my promise, and make a berth for you here in the office."
"I thank you, my friend," Alexis said; "but I shall return to my profession. I am a doctor, you know, and have my Russian diplomas. I shall learn your language, and study in your hospitals for a time; then I shall set up here. I believe you have many Russians in your poorer districts; and as, besides, I speak German, I should be able to obtain a sufficient practice. Moreover, I have brought with me orders on a bank here for five thousand pounds, which I paid into their branch at Hong-Kong. I will get you to invest that for me, and you will see that it will give me an income sufficient for all my wants."
Alexis carried out his plans, and has now a large although not very remunerative practice among the Russian and German colony in the East End of London. He married the daughter of a clergyman there, and remains fast friends with Godfrey, who has now set up an establishment of his own, of which Luka is major-domo, and special guardian and playmate to Godfrey's little boys.
Godfrey has not returned to Russia, but is his father's right hand in the London business; at the same time he is free to visit St. Petersburg did he wish to do so, as Mr. Bullen drew up a full statement of his case, and this having been forwarded by the Russian ambassador, with a strong recommendation on his part, a reversal of the sentence of the court-martial was obtained, and a full pardon granted to him. It is not probable, however, that he will again set foot on Russian soil, his experiences as a prisoner in Siberia having been, as he says, ample for a lifetime.
THE END.
* * * * *
"English boys owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Henty."—Athenaeum.
Blackie & Son's Illustrated Story Books
HISTORICAL TALES BY
G. A. HENTY
— With Kitchener in the Soudan: A Tale of Atbara and Omdurman. With 10 Illustrations by W. RAINEY, R.I., and 3 Maps. 6s.
In carrying out various special missions with which he is entrusted the hero displays so much dash and enterprise that he soon attains an exceptionally high rank for his age. In all the operations he takes a distinguished part, and adventure follows so close on adventure that the end of the story is reached all too soon.
"Mr. Henty has collected a vast amount of information about the reconquest of the Soudan, and he succeeds in impressing it upon his reader's mind at the very time when he is interesting him most."—Literary World.
— With the British Legion: A story of the Carlist Wars. With 10 Illustrations by WAL PAGET. 6s.
The hero joins the British Legion, which was raised by Sir de Lacy Evans to support the cause of Queen Christina and the infant Queen Isabella, and as soon as he sets foot on Spanish soil his adventures begin. Arthur is one of Mr. Henty's most brilliant heroes, and the tale of his experiences is thrilling and breathless from first to last.
"It is a rattling story told with verve and spirit."—Pall Mall Gazette.
— The Treasure of the Incas: A Tale of Adventure in Peru. With 8 Illustrations by WAL PAGET, and a Map. 5s.
The heroes of this powerful story go to Peru to look for the treasure which the Incas hid when the Spaniards invaded the country. Their task is both arduous and dangerous, but though they are often disappointed, their courage and perseverance are at last amply rewarded.
"The interest never flags for one moment, and the story is told with vigour." —World.
* * * * *
STORIES BY G. A. HENTY
G. A. HENTY
— With Roberts to Pretoria: A Tale of the South African War. With 12 Illustrations by WILLIAM RAINEY, R.I., and a Map. 6s.
The hero takes part in the series of battles that end in the disaster at Magersfontein, is captured and imprisoned in the race-course at Pretoria, but escapes in time to fight at Paardeberg and march with the victorious army to Bloemfontein. He rides with Colonel Mahon's column to the relief of Mafeking, and accomplishes the return journey with such despatch as to be able to join in the triumphant advance to Pretoria.
"In this story of the South African war Mr. Henty proves once more his incontestable pre-eminence as a writer for boys."—Standard.
— Both Sides the Border: A Tale of Hotspur and Glendower. With 12 page Illustrations by RALPH PEACOCK. 6s.
The hero casts in his lot with the Percys, and becomes esquire to Sir Henry, the gallant Hotspur. He is sent on several dangerous and important missions in which he acquits himself with great valour.
"With boys the story should rank among Mr. Henty's best."—Standard.
"A vivid picture of that strange past ... when England and Scotland ... were torn by faction and civil war."—Onward.
— Through Russian Snows: or, Napoleon's Retreat from Moscow. With 8 page Illustrations by W. H. OVEREND. 5s.
Julian Wyatt becomes, quite innocently, mixed up with smugglers, who carry him to France, and hand him over as a prisoner to the French. He subsequently regains his freedom by joining Napoleon's army in the campaign against Russia.
"The story of the campaign is very graphically told."—St. James's Gazette.
"One of Mr. Henty's best books, which will be hailed with joy by his many eager readers."—Journal of Education.
"Is full of life and action."—Journal of Education.
— Out with Garibaldi: A Story of the Liberation of Italy. With 8 page Illustrations by W. RAINEY, R.I., and two Maps. 5s.
Mr. Henty makes the liberation of Italy by Garibaldi the groundwork of an exciting tale of adventure. The hero is an English lad who joins the expedition and takes a prominent part in the extraordinary series of operations that ended in the fall of the Neapolitan kingdom.
"A first-rate story of stirring deeds."—Daily Chronicle.
"Full of hard fighting, gallant rescues, and narrow escapes."—Graphic.
* * * * *
BLACKIE'S STORY BOOKS FOR BOYS
G. A. HENTY
— At the Point of the Bayonet: A Tale of the Mahratta War. With 12 Illustrations by WAL PAGET, and 2 Maps. 6s.
Harry Lindsay is carried off to the hills and brought up as a Mahratta. At the age of sixteen he becomes an officer in the service of the Mahratta prince at Poona, and afterwards receives a commission in the army of the East India Company. His courage and enterprise are rewarded by quick promotion, and at the end of the war he sails for England, where he succeeds in establishing his right to the family estates.
"A brisk, dashing narrative."—Bookman.
— Under Wellington's Command: A Tale of the Peninsular War. With 12 page Illustrations by WAL PAGET. 6s.
In this stirring romance Mr. Henty gives us the further adventures of Terence O'Connor, the hero of With Moore at Corunna. We are told how, in alliance with a small force of Spanish guerrillas, the gallant regiment of Portuguese levies commanded by Terence keeps the whole of the French army in check at a critical period of the war, rendering invaluable service to the Iron Duke and his handful of British troops.
"An admirable exposition of Mr. Henty's masterly method of combining instruction with amusement."—World.
— To Herat and Cabul: A Story of the First Afghan War. With 8 full-page Illustrations by C. M. SHELDON, and Map. 5s.
The hero takes a distinguished part in the defence of Herat, and subsequently obtains invaluable information for the British army during the first Afghan war. He is fortunately spared the horrors of the retreat from Cabul, and shares in the series of operations by which that most disastrous blunder was retrieved.
"We can heartily commend it to boys, old and young."—Spectator.
— With Cochrane the Dauntless: A Tale of his Exploits. With 12 page Illustrations by W. H. MARGETSON. 6s.
It would be hard to find, even in sensational fiction, a more daring leader than Lord Cochrane, or a career which supplies so many thrilling exploits. The manner in which, almost single-handed, he scattered the French fleet in the Basque Roads is one of the greatest feats in English naval history.
"As rousing and interesting a book as boys could wish for."—Saturday Review.
"This tale we specially recommend."—St. James's Gazette.
* * * * *
STORIES BY G. A. HENTY
G. A. HENTY
— Redskin and Cow-Boy: A Tale of the Western Plains. With 12 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. 6s.
Hugh Tunstall accompanies a frontiersman on a hunting expedition on the Plains, and then seeks employment as a cow-boy on a cattle ranch. His experiences during a "round up" present in picturesque form the toilsome, exciting, adventurous life of a cow-boy; while the perils of a frontier settlement are vividly set forth. Subsequently, the hero joins a wagon-team, and the interest is sustained in a fight with, and capture of, brigands.
"A strong interest of open-air life and movement pervades the whole book."—Scotsman.
— With Buller in Natal: or, A Born Leader. With 10 page Illustrations by W. RAINEY, R.I., and a Map. 6s.
The heroic story of the relief of Ladysmith forms the theme of one of the most powerful romances that have come from Mr. Henty's pen. When the war breaks out, the hero, Chris King, and his friends band themselves together under the title of the Maritzburg Scouts. From first to last the boy scouts are constantly engaged in perilous and exciting enterprises, from which they always emerge triumphant, thanks to their own skill and courage, and the dash and ingenuity of their leader.
"Just the sort of book to inspire an enterprising boy."—Army and Navy Gazette.
— By England's Aid: or, The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585-1604). With 10 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE, and 4 Maps. 6s.
Two English lads go to Holland in the service of one of "the fighting Veres". After many adventures one of the lads finds himself on board a Spanish ship at the defeat of the Armada, and escapes from Spain only to fall into the hands of the Corsairs. He is successful, however, in getting back to Spain, and regains his native country after the capture of Cadiz.
"Boys know and love Mr. Henty's books of adventure, and will welcome his tale of the freeing of the Netherlands."—Athenaeum.
— Condemned as a Nihilist: A Story of Escape from Siberia. With 8 page Illustrations by WAL PAGET. 5s.
Godfrey Bullen, a young Englishman resident in St. Petersburg, becomes involved in various political plots, resulting in his seizure and exile to Siberia. After an unsuccessful attempt to escape, he gives himself up to the Russian authorities. Eventually he escapes, and reaches home, having safely accomplished a perilous journey which lasts nearly two years.
"The escape from Siberia is well told and the description of prison life is very graphic."—Academy.
* * * * *
G. A. HENTY
— Maori and Settler: A Story of the New Zealand War with 8 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. 5s.
The Renshaws lose their property and emigrate to New Zealand. Wilfrid, a strong, self-reliant lad, is the mainstay of the household. The odds seem hopelessly against the party, but they succeed in establishing themselves happily in one of the pleasantest of the New Zealand valleys.
"A book which all young people, but especially boys, will read with avidity."—Athenaeum.
— Beric the Briton: A Story of the Roman Invasion of Britain. With 12 page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON. 6s.
Beric is a boy-chief of a British tribe which takes a prominent part in the insurrection under Boadicea: and after the defeat of that heroic queen he continues the struggle in the fen-country. Ultimately Beric is defeated and carried captive to Rome, where he succeeds in saving a Christian maid by slaying a lion in the arena, and is rewarded by being made the personal protector of Nero. Finally, he escapes and returns to Britain, where he becomes a wise ruler of his own people.
"He is a hero of the most attractive kind.... One of the most spirited and well-imagined stories Mr. Henty has written."—Saturday Review.
"His conflict with a lion in the arena is a thrilling chapter."—School Board Chronicle.
"Full of every form of heroism and pluck."—Christian World.
— The Dash for Khartoum: A Tale of the Nile Expedition. With 10 page Illustrations by JOHN SCHOeNBERG and J. NASH. 6s.
In the record of recent British history there is no more captivating page for boys than the story of the Nile campaign, and the attempt to rescue General Gordon. For, in the difficulties which the expedition encountered, and in the perils which it overpassed, are found all the excitement of romance, as well as the fascination which belongs to real events.
"The Dash for Khartoum is your ideal boys' book."—Tablet.
"It is literally true that the narrative never flags a moment."—Academy.
"The Dash for Khartoum will be appreciated even by those who don't ordinarily care a dash for anything."—Punch.
— With Wolfe in Canada: or, The Winning of a Continent. With 12 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 6s.
Mr. Henty tells the story of the struggle between Britain and France for supremacy on the North American continent. The fall of Quebec decided that the Anglo-Saxon race should predominate in the New World; that Britain, and not France, should take the lead among the nations.
"A moving tale of military exploit and thrilling adventure."—Daily News.
* * * * *
G. A. HENTY
— Held Fast for England: A Tale of the Siege of Gibraltar. With 8 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 5s.
The story deals with one of the most memorable sieges in history. The hero, a young Englishman resident in Gibraltar, takes a brave and worthy part in the long defence, and we learn with what bravery, resourcefulness, and tenacity the Rock was held for England.
"There is no cessation of exciting incident throughout the story."—Athenaeum.
— In the Irish Brigade: A Tale of War in Flanders and Spain. With 12 page Illustrations by CHARLES M. SHELDON. 6s.
The hero is a young officer in the Irish Brigade, which for many years after the siege of Limerick formed the backbone of the French army. He goes through many stirring adventures, successfully carries out dangerous missions in Spain, saves a large portion of the French army at Oudenarde, and even has the audacity to kidnap the Prime Minister of England.
"A stirring book of military adventure."—Scotsman.
— At Agincourt: A Tale of the White Hoods of Paris. With 12 page Illustrations by WAL PAGET. 6s.
Sir Eustace de Villeroy, in journeying from Hampshire to his castle in France, made young Guy Aylmer one of his escort. Soon thereafter the castle was attacked, and the English youth displayed such valour that his liege-lord made him commander of a special mission to Paris. This he accomplished, returning in time to take part in the campaign against the French which ended in the glorious victory for England at Agincourt.
"Cannot fail to commend itself to boys of all ages."—Manchester Courier.
— A Final Reckoning: A Tale of Bush Life in Australia. With 8 page Illustrations by W. B. WOLLEN. 5s.
The hero, a young Englishman, emigrates to Australia, where he gets employment as an officer in the mounted police. A few years of active work gain him promotion to a captaincy. In that post he greatly distinguishes himself, and finally leaves the service and settles down as a squatter.
"A stirring story capitally told."—Guardian.
* * * * *
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Blackie & Son's
Story Books for Boys
G. MANVILLE FENN
Dick o' the Fens: A Romance of the Great East Swamp. With 12 page Illustrations by FRANK DADD. 6s.
Dick o' the Fens and Tom o'Grimsey are the sons of a squire and a farmer living in Lincolnshire. Many sketches of their shooting and fishing experiences are related, while the record of the fenmen's stealthy resistance to the great draining scheme is full of keen interest. The ambushes and shots in the mist and dark, and the long-baffled attempts to trace the lurking foe, are described with Mr. Fenn's wonted skill.
"Mr. Fenn has here very nearly attained perfection. Life in the Fens in the old ante-drainage days is admirably reproduced. We have not of late come across a historical fiction, whether intended for boys or for men, which deserves to be so heartily praised as regards plot, incidents, and spirit. It is its author's masterpiece as yet."—Spectator.
— Nat the Naturalist: A Boy's Adventures in the Eastern Seas. With 8 page Pictures by GORDON BROWNE. 5s.
The boy Nat and his uncle go on a voyage to the islands of the Eastern seas to seek specimens in natural history, and their adventures there are full of interest and excitement. The descriptions of Mr. Ebony, their black comrade, and of the scenes of savage life sparkle with genuine humour.
"This book encourages independence of character, develops resource, and teaches a boy to keep his eyes open."—Saturday Review.
— The Golden Magnet: A Tale of the Land of the Incas. With 12 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 3s.
The tale is of a romantic youth, who leaves home to seek his fortune in South America. He is accompanied by a faithful companion, who, in the capacity both of comrade and henchman, does true service, and shows the dogged courage of an English lad during their strange adventures.
"There could be no more welcome present for a boy. There is not a dull page, and many will be read with breathless interest."—Journal of Education.
* * * * *
Dr. GORDON STABLES, R.N.
In the Great White Land: A Tale of the Antarctic Ocean. With 6 Illustrations by J. A. WALTON. 3s. 6d.
This is a most fascinating story from beginning to end. It is a true picture of what daring healthful British men and boys can do, written by an author whose name is a household word wherever the English language is spoken. All is described with a master's hand, and the plot is just such as boys love.
"The narrative goes with a swing and a dash from start to finish."—Public Opinion.
ERNEST GLANVILLE
The Diamond Seekers: A Story of Adventure in South Africa. With 8 Illustrations by WILLIAM RAINEY, R.I. 6s.
The discovery of the plan of the diamond mine, the dangers incurred in reaching the wild, remote spot in an armoured wagon, and the many incidents of farm and veldt life, are vividly described by an author who knows the country well.
"We have seldom seen a better story for boys."—Guardian.
Capt. F. S. BRERETON, R.A.M.C.
One of the Fighting Scouts: A Tale of Guerrilla Warfare in South Africa. With 8 Illustrations by STANLEY L. WOOD, and a Map. 5s.
This story deals with the guerrilla aspect of the Boer War, and shows how George Ransome is compelled to leave his father's farm and take service with the British. He is given the command of a band of scouts as a reward for gallantry, and with these he punishes certain rebels for a piece of rascality, and successfully attacks Botha's commando. Thanks to his knowledge of the veldt he is of signal service to his country, and even outwits the redoubtable De Wet.
"Altogether an unusually good story."—Yorkshire Post.
— Under the Spangled Banner: A Tale of the Spanish-American War. With 8 Illustrations by PAUL HARDY. 5s.
Hal Marchant is in Cuba before the commencement of hostilities. A Spaniard who has been frustrated in an attempt to rob Hal's employer attacks the hacienda and is defeated, but turns the tables by denouncing Hal as a spy. The hero makes good his escape from Santiago, and afterwards fights for America both on land and at sea. The story gives a vivid and at the same time accurate account of this memorable struggle.
"Just the kind of book that a boy would delight in."—Schoolmaster.
FREDERICK HARRISON
The Boys of Wynport College. With 6 Illustrations by HAROLD COPPING. 3s. New Edition.
The hero and his chums differ as widely in character as in personal appearance. We have Patrick O'Fflahertie, the good-natured Irish boy; Jack Brookes, the irrepressible humorist; Davie Jackson, the true-hearted little lad, on whose haps and mishaps the plot to a great extent turns; and the hero himself, who finds in his experiences at Wynport College a wholesome corrective of a somewhat lax home training.
"A book which no well-regulated school-boy should be without."—Whitehall Review.
LEON GOLSCHMANN
Boy Crusoes: A Story of the Siberian Forest. Adapted from the Russian by LEON GOLSCHMANN.
With 6 page Illustrations by J. FINNEMORE, R.I. 3s. 6d.
Two Russian lads are so deeply impressed by reading Robinson Crusoe that they run away from home. They lose their way in a huge trackless forest, and for two years are kept busy hunting for food, fighting against wolves and other enemies, and labouring to increase their comforts, before they are rescued.
"This is a story after a boy's own heart."—Nottingham Guardian.
MEREDITH FLETCHER
Every Inch a Briton: A School Story. With 6 page Illustrations by SYDNEY COWELL. 3s. 6d.
This story is written from the point of view of an ordinary boy, who gives an animated account of a young public-schoolboy's life. No moral is drawn; yet the story indicates a kind of training that goes to promote veracity, endurance, and enterprise; and of each of several of the characters it might be truly said, he is worthy to be called, "Every Inch a Briton".
"In Every Inch a Briton Mr. Meredith Fletcher has scored a success."—Manchester Guardian.
EDGAR PICKERING
In Press-Gang Days. With 4 illustrations by W. S. STACEY. 2s. 6d. New Edition.
In this story Harry Waring is caught by the Press-gang and carried on board His Majesty's ship Sandwich. He takes part in the mutiny of the Nore, and shares in some hard fighting on board the Phoenix. He is with Nelson, also, at the storming of Santa Cruz, and the battle of the Nile.
"It is of Marryat, that friend of our boyhood, we think as we read this delightful story; for it is not only a story of adventure, with incidents well-conceived and arranged, but the characters are interesting and well-distinguished."—Academy.
FRED SMITH
The Boyhood of a Naturalist. With 6 page Illustrations. 3s. 6d. New Edition.
Few lovers of Nature have given to the world a series of recollections so entertaining, so vigorous, and so instinct with life as these delightful reminiscences. The author takes the reader with him in the rambles in which he spent the happiest hours of his boyhood, a humble observer of the myriad forms of life in field and copse, by stream and hedgerow.
"We cannot too highly recommend the book to all readers."—Guardian.
The World of Animal Life. Edited by FRED SMITH. Profusely Illustrated with Engravings after F. SPECHT and other eminent artists. 5s.
The aim of The World of Animal Life is to give in non-scientific language an account of those inhabitants of the land, sea, and sky with whose names we are all familiar, but concerning whose manner of life the majority of us have only the haziest conceptions.
"An admirable volume for the young mind enquiring after Nature."—Birmingham Gazette.
EDGAR PICKERING
An Old-Time Yarn: Adventures in the West Indies and Mexico with Hawkins and Drake. With 6 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. 3s. 6d.
The hero sails from Plymouth in the flagship of Master John Hawkins. Divers are the perils through which he passes. Chief of these are the destruction of the English ships by the treacherous Spaniards, the fight round the burning vessels, the journey of the prisoners to the city of Mexico, the horrors of the Inquisition, and the final escape to England.
"An excellent story of adventure.... The book is thoroughly to be recommended."—Guardian.
CLIVE PHILLIPPS-WOLLEY
Gold, Gold in Cariboo: A Story of Adventure in British Columbia. With 4 Illustrations by G. C. HINDLEY. 2s. 6d. New Edition.
Ned Corbett, a young Englishman, and his companion set out with a pack-train in order to obtain gold on the upper reaches of the Fraser River. After innumerable adventures, and a life-and-death struggle with the Arctic weather of that wild region, they find the secret gold-mines for which they have toilsomely searched.
"It would be difficult to say too much in favour of Gold, Gold in Cariboo. We have seldom read a more exciting tale of wild mining adventure in a singularly inaccessible country. There is a capital plot, and the interest is sustained to the last page."—The Times.
ROBERT LEIGHTON
The Golden Galleon. With 6 Illustrations by W. RAINEY, R.I. 3s. New Edition.
Gilbert Oglander, and his friend, Timothy Trollope, join in Lord Thomas Howard's expedition to intercept the Spanish treasure-fleet from the West Indies, and are on board The Revenge in the memorable fight between that one little man-of-war and fifty-three great galleons of Spain. After the battle come storm and shipwreck, and the lads, having drifted for days, find refuge on board a derelict galleon, whence they are rescued and brought home to England.
"A well-constructed and lively historical romance."—Spectator.
S. BARING-GOULD
Grettir the Outlaw: A Story of Iceland in the days of the Vikings. With 6 page Illustrations by M. ZENO DIEMER. 3s.
A narrative of adventure of the most romantic kind. No boy will be able to withstand the magic of such scenes as the fight of Grettir with the twelve bearserks, the wrestle with Karr the Old in the chamber of the dead, the combat with the spirit of Glam the thrall, and the defence of the dying Grettir by his younger brother.
"Has a freshness, a freedom, a sense of sun and wind and the open air, which make it irresistible."—National Observer.
C. J. CUTCLIFFE HYNE
The Captured Cruiser: or, Two Years from Land. With 6 page Illustrations by F. BRANGWYN. 3s. 6d.
The central incidents deal with the capture, during the war between Chili and Peru, of an armed cruiser. The heroes and their companions break from prison in Valparaiso, board this warship in the night, overpower the watch, escape to sea under the fire of the forts, and finally, after marvellous adventures, lose the cruiser among the icebergs near Cape Horn.
"The two lads and the two skippers are admirably drawn. Mr. Hyne has now secured a position in the first rank of writers of fiction for boys."—Spectator.
— Stimson's Reef: With 4 page Illustrations by W. S. STACEY. 2s. 6d.
This is the extended log of a cutter which sailed from the Clyde to the Amazon in search of a gold reef. It relates how they discovered the buccaneer's treasure in the Spanish Main, fought the Indians, turned aside the river Jamary by blasting, and so laid bare the gold of Stimson's Reef.
"Few stories come within hailing distance of Stimson's Reef in startling incidents and hairbreadth 'scapes. It may almost vie with Mr. R. L. Stevenson's Treasure Island."—Guardian.
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R. STEAD
Grit will Tell: The Adventures of a Barge-boy. With 4 Illustrations by D. CARLETON SMYTH. Cloth, 2s. 6d.
A lad whose name has been lost amidst early buffetings by hard fortune suffers many hardships at the hands of a bargeman, his master, and runs away. The various adventures and experiences with which he meets on the road to success, the bear-hunt in which he takes part, and the battle at which he acts as war correspondent, form a story of absorbing interest and after a boy's own heart.
"A thoroughly wholesome and attractive book."—Graphic.
HARRY COLLINGWOOD
The Pirate Island. With 6 page Illustrations by C. J. STANILAND and J. R. WELLS. 3s. New Edition.
By a deed of true gallantry the hero's whole destiny is changed, and, going to sea, he forms one of a party who, after being burned out of their ship in the South Pacific, are picked up by a pirate brig and taken to the "Pirate Island". After many thrilling adventures, they ultimately succeed in effecting their escape.
"A capital story of the sea; indeed in our opinion the author is superior in some respects as a marine novelist to the better-known Mr. Clark Russell."—Times.
FLORENCE COOMBE
Boys of the Priory School. With 4 page Illustrations by HAROLD COPPING. 2s. 6d.
The interest centres in the relations of Raymond and Hal Wentworth, and the process by which Raymond, the hero of the school, learns that in the person of his ridiculed cousin there beats a heart more heroic than his own.
"It is an excellent work of its class, cleverly illustrated with 'real boys' by Mr. Harold Copping."—Literature.
JOHN C. HUTCHESON
Afloat at Last: A Sailor Boy's Log. With 6 page Illustrations by W. H. OVEREND. 3s. 6d.
From the stowing of the vessel in the Thames to her recovery from the Pratas Reef on which she is stranded, everything is described with the accuracy of perfect practical knowledge of ships and sailors; and the incidents of the story range from the broad humours of the fo'c's'le to the perils of flight from, and fight with, the pirates of the China Seas.
"As healthy and breezy a book as one could wish."—Academy.
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Blackie & Son's
Story Books for Girls
ETHEL F. HEDDLE
A Mystery of St. Rule's. With 8 Illustrations by G. DEMAIN HAMMOND, R.I. 6s. Illustrated Edition.
"The author has been amazingly successful in keeping her secret almost to the end. Yet the mystery attending a stolen diamond of great value is so skilfully handled that several perfectly innocent persons seem all but hopelessly identified with the disappearance of the gem. Cleverly, however, as this aspect of the story has been managed, it has other sources of strength."—Scotsman.
"The chief interest ... lies in the fascinating young adventuress, who finds a temporary nest in the old professor's family, and wins all hearts in St. Rule's by her beauty and her sweetness."—Morning Leader.
"Into the dignified atmosphere of a northerly academic town Miss Ethel Heddle introduces a coil of events worthy of Wilkie Collins."—Manchester Guardian.
KATHARINE TYNAN
A Girl of Galway. With 8 full-page Illustrations by JOHN H. BACON. 6s.
When Bertha Grace is on the threshold of young womanhood, she goes to stay with her grandfather in Ireland, with the trust from her mother of reconciling him and his son, Bertha's father. Bertha finds her grandfather a recluse and a miser, and in the hands of an underling, who is his evil genius. How she keeps faith with her mother and finds her own fate, through many strange adventures, is the subject of the story.
"Full of the poetic charm we are accustomed to find in the works of that gifted writer."—World.
CAROLINE AUSTIN
Cousin Geoffrey and I. With 6 full-page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON. 3s.
The only daughter of a country gentleman finds herself unprovided for at her father's death, and for some time lives as a dependant upon her kinsman. Life is saved from being unbearable to her by her young cousin Geoffrey, who at length meets with a serious accident for which she is held responsible. She makes a brave attempt to earn her own livelihood, until a startling event brings her cousin Geoffrey and herself together again.
"Miss Austin's story is bright, clever, and well developed."—Saturday Review.
ELLINOR DAVENPORT ADAMS
A Queen among Girls. With 6 Illustrations by HAROLD COPPING. Cloth, 3s. 6d.
Augusta Pembroke is the head of her school, the favourite of her teachers and fellow-pupils, who are attracted by her fearless and independent nature and her queenly bearing. She dreams of a distinguished professional career; but the course of her life is changed suddenly by pity for her timid little brother Adrian, the victim of his guardian-uncle's harshness. The story describes the daring means adopted by Augusta for Adrian's relief.
"An interesting and well-written narrative, in which humour and a keen eye for character unite to produce a book happily adapted for modern maidens."—Globe.
— A Girl of To-Day. With 6 page Illustrations by G. D. HAMMOND, R.I. 3s. 6d.
"What are Altruists?" humbly asks a small boy. "They are only people who try to help others," replies the Girl of To-Day. To help their poorer neighbours, the boys and girls of Woodend band themselves together into the Society of Altruists. That they have plenty of fun is seen in the shopping expedition and in the successful Christmas entertainment.
"It is a spirited story. The characters are true to nature and carefully developed. Such a book as this is exactly what is needed to give a school-girl an interest in the development of character."—Educational Times.
FRANCES ARMSTRONG
A Girl's Loyalty. With 6 Illustrations by JOHN H. BACON. Cloth, 3s. 6d. New Edition.
When she was still but a child, Helen Grant received from her grandfather, on his death-bed, a secret message. The brief words remained fast in her memory, and dominated her whole career. She was loyal to her trust, however, and to her friends in the hour of their need. For the girl was possessed of that quick courage which leaps up in a shy nature when evil-doers have to be unmasked, and wrongs made right.
"The one book for girls that stands out this year is Miss Frances Armstrong's A Girl's Loyalty."—Review of Reviews.
G. NORWAY
A True Cornish Maid. With 6 page Illustrations by J. FINNEMORE. 3s. 6d.
The heroine of the tale is sister to a young fellow who gets into trouble in landing a contraband cargo on the Cornish coast. In his extremity the girl stands by her brother bravely, and by means of her daring scheme he manages to escape.
"The success of the year has fallen, we think, to Mrs. Norway, whose True Cornish Maid is really an admirable piece of work."—Review of Reviews.
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ROSA MULHOLLAND (LADY GILBERT)
The Girls of Banshee Castle. With 6 Illustrations by JOHN H. BACON. Cloth, 3s. 6d. New Edition.
Three girls, with an old governess, migrate from Kensington to the West of Ireland. Belonging as they do to "the ould family", the girls are made heartily welcome in the cabins of the peasantry, where they learn many weird and curious tales from the folk-lore of the district. An interesting plot runs through the narrative, but the charm of the story lies in its happy mingling of Irish humour and pathos.
"Is told with grace, and brightened by a knowledge of Irish folk-lore, making it a perfect present for a girl in her teens."—Truth.
— Gianetta: A Girl's Story of Herself. With 6 full-page Illustrations by LOCKHART BOGLE. 3s.
The story of a changeling who is suddenly transferred to the position of a rich English heiress. She develops into a good and accomplished woman, and has gained too much love and devotion to be a sufferer by the surrender of her estates.
ANNIE E. ARMSTRONG
Violet Vereker's Vanity. With 6 full-page Illustrations by G. DEMAIN HAMMOND, R.I. 3s. 6d.
The heroine was an excellent girl in most respects. But she had one small weakness, which expressed itself in a snobbish dislike of her neighbours, the Sugdens, whose social position she deemed beneath her own. In the end, however, the girl acknowledged her folly, with results which are sure to delight the reader.
"A book for girls that we can heartily recommend, for it is bright, sensible, and with a right tone of thought and feeling."—Sheffield Independent.
ALICE CORKRAN
Margery Merton's Girlhood. With 6 full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 3s. 6d.
The experiences of an orphan girl who in infancy is left by her father an officer in India—to the care of an elderly aunt residing near Paris. The accounts of the various persons who have an after influence on the story are singularly vivid.
"Margery Merton's Girlhood is a piece of true literature, as dainty as it is delicate, and as sweet as it is simple."—Woman's World.
ELIZA F. POLLARD
For the Red Rose. With 4 Illustrations by JAMES DURDEN. 2s. 6d.
A gipsy finds a little girl in the forest of Wimbourne, after the sacking of the castle by the Yorkists. He carries her to the camp and she is adopted by the tribe. The story tells how, when some years later Margaret of Anjou and her son are wrecked on the coast of England, the gipsy girl follows the fortunes of the exiled queen, and by what curious chain of events her own origin is discovered.
"This is a good story, and of special interest to lovers of historical romance."—Court Circular.
MRS. E. J. LYSAGHT
Brother and Sister: With 6 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 3s. 6d.
A story showing, by the narrative of the vicissitudes and struggles of a family which has "come down in the world", and of the brave endeavours of its two younger members, how the pressure of adversity is mitigated by domestic affection, mutual confidence, and hopeful honest effort.
"A pretty story, and well told. The plot is cleverly constructed, and the moral is excellent."—Athenaeum.
ANNE BEALE
The Heiress of Courtleroy. With 8 full-page Illustrations by T. C. H. CASTLE. 5s.
Mimica, the heroine, comes to England as an orphan, and is coldly received by her uncle. The girl has a brave nature, however, and succeeds in saving the estate from ruin and in reclaiming her uncle from the misanthropical disregard of his duties as a landlord.
"One of the very best of girl's books we have seen."—Sheffield Telegraph.
SARAH TYTLER
A Loyal Little Maid. With 4 page Illustrations by PAUL HARDY. 2s. 6d.
This pretty story is founded on a romantic episode of Mar's rebellion. A little girl has information which concerns the safety of her father in hiding, and this she firmly refuses to divulge to a king's officer. She is lodged in the Tolbooth, where she finds a boy champion, whom in future years she rescues in Paris from the lettre de cachet which would bury him in the Bastille.
"Has evidently been a pleasure to write, and makes very enjoyable reading."—Literature.
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GERALDINE MOCKLER
The Four Miss Whittingtons: A Story for Girls. With 8 full-page Illustrations by CHARLES M. SHELDON. 5s.
This story tells how four sisters, left alone in the world, went to London to seek their fortunes. They had between them L400, and this they resolved to spend on training themselves for the different careers for which they were severally most fitted. On their limited means this was hard work, but their courageous experiment was on the whole very successful.
"A story of endeavour, industry, and independence of spirit."—World.
ALICE STRONACH
A Newnham Friendship. With 6 full-page Illustrations by HAROLD COPPING. 3s. 6d.
A sympathetic description of life at Newnham College. After the tripos excitements, some of the students leave their dream-world of study and talk of "cocoas" and debates and athletics to begin their work in the real world. Men students play their part in the story, and in the closing chapters it is suggested that marriage has its place in a girl graduate's life.
"Foremost among all the gift-books suitable for school-girls this season stands Miss Alice Stronach's A Newnham Friendship."—Daily Graphic.
BESSIE MARCHANT
The Secret of the Everglades. With 4 Illustrations by A. A. DIXON. 2s. 6d.
The father of the Osneys is supposed to have been killed whilst trapping in the Everglades of Florida. The family organize a series of expeditions to search for their father; but the secret of the swamp is hard to solve, and the end of the book is reached before the mystery is made clear.
"A fresh and original story of incident and adventure in the mysterious Florida swamps. An excellent and engrossing story."—St. James's Gazette.
— Three Girls on a Ranch: A Story of New Mexico. With 4 page Illustrations by W. E. WEBSTER. 2s. 6d.
The Lovell family emigrate from England to New Mexico, where they settle on a ranch. Mr. Lovell is delicate and unfit for farming, but the three eldest girls take upon themselves the burden of working the ranch. They have adventures of a perilous kind, and the story of their mishaps and how they overcame them is throughout both exciting and stimulating.
"A story with a fresh, bright theme, well handled."—Nottingham Guardian.
"A rousing book for young people."—Queen.
MRS. HENRY CLARKE
The Fairclough Family. With 6 Illustrations by G. D. HAMMOND, R.I. Cloth, 3s. 6d.
It was matter for amazement when Ronald Hammersley fell in love with Kathy Fairclough, who was considered a blue-stocking, instead of with her younger sister Nell, whom Mrs. Hammersley had chosen for him. Why Mrs. Hammersley desired her wealthy stepson to marry one of Dr. Fairclough's penniless daughters was a secret. How the secret became known, and nearly wrecked the happiness of Kathy and Ronald, is told in the story. But all ends well, and to the sound of marriage bells.
"One of those stories which all girls enjoy."—World.
J. M. CALLWELL
A Little Irish Girl. Illustrated by H. COPPING. 2s. 6d.
An orphaned family inherit a small property on the coast of Clare. The two youngest members of the party have some thrilling adventures in their western home. They encounter seals, smugglers, and a ghost, and lastly, by most startling means, they succeed in restoring their eldest brother to his rightful place as heir to the ancestral estates.
"Sure to prove of thrilling interest to both boys and girls."—Literary World.
E. EVERETT-GREEN
Miriam's Ambition. With illustrations. 2s. 6d.
Miriam's ambition is to make someone happy, and her endeavour carries with it a train of incident, solving a mystery which had thrown a shadow over several lives. A charming foil to her grave elder sister is to be found in Miss Babs, a small coquette of five, whose humorous child-talk is so attractive.
"Miss Everett-Green's children are real British boys and girls, not small men and women. Babs is a charming little one."—Liverpool Mercury.
EMMA LESLIE
Gytha's Message: A Tale of Saxon England. With Illustrations. 2s. 6d.
We get a glimpse of the stirring events taking place at that period; and both boys and girls will delight to read of the home life of Hilda and Gytha, and of the brave deeds of the impulsive Gurth and the faithful Leofric.
"This is a charmingly told story. It is the sort of book that all girls and some boys like, and can only get good from."—Journal of Education.
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Blackie & Son's
Finely Illustrated Books for Children
STEWART ORR—JOHN BRYMER
Two Merry Mariners. Pictures by STEWART ORR; Verses by JOHN BRYMER. Cover design and 24 pages in full colour. Picture boards, cloth back, 6s.
This delightful volume tells in picture and verse how Dick and his friend the Hare sailed to the Downy Isle, the adventures they met with in that strange country, their encounter with the Dragon, and their remarkable voyage home. Mr. Orr exhibits in these designs a rare combination of humorous invention with brilliant draughtsmanship and command of colour, and the author supports him with a series of racy verses.
"The illustrations are masterpieces of drollery."—Manchester Courier.
"The verses are very funny and original."—World.
JOHN HASSALL—CLIFTON BINGHAM
Six and Twenty Boys and Girls. Pictures by JOHN HASSALL; Verses by CLIFTON BINGHAM. 25 pages in full colour, and 24 pages of letterpress. Picture boards, 9 inches by 11-1/4 inches, cloth back, 3s. 6d.; also cloth elegant, 5s.
Most of us know some at least of the little girls and boys portrayed by Mr. Hassall in this amusing picture-book. As depicted with Mr. Hassall's inimitable skill, and described in humorous verse by Mr. Bingham, they may challenge comparison with the classic Struwwelpeter. Each picture is not only attractive and amusing in itself, but furnishes a hint of virtues to be imitated or faults to be avoided.
"Exactly hits the mark."—Scotsman.
"A most original picture-book."—World.
MRS. PERCY DEARMER
Roundabout Rhymes. With 20 full-page Illustrations in colour by Mrs. PERCY DEARMER. Imperial 8vo, cloth extra, 2s. 6d.
A charming volume of verses and colour pictures for little folk—rhymes and pictures about most of the everyday events of nursery life.
"The best verses written for children since Stevenson's Child's Garden."—The Guardian.
STEWART ORR—JOHN BRYMER
Gammon and Spinach: Pictures by STEWART ORR. Verses by JOHN BRYMER. Cover design and 24 pages in Full Colour. Picture boards, cloth back, 6s.
In Gammon and Spinach Mr. Stewart Orr has produced a picture-book unique of its kind. Nothing could be more droll than the situations in which he represents the frog, the pig, the mouse, the elephant, and the other well-known characters who appear in his pages. Little folk will find in these pictures a source of endless delight, and the artistic skill which they display will have a special appeal to children of an older growth.
"Merry and handsome enough to make thousands of friends among little folk, what with its original verses and its amusing pictures."—Literary World.
"The book should attain a wide popularity in the nursery."—Morning Post.
H. B. NEILSON—JOHN BRYMER
Games and Gambols. Illustrated by HARRY B. NEILSON; with Verses by JOHN BRYMER. 26 pages in colour, and 24 pages of letterpress. Picture boards, 9 inches by 11-1/4 inches, cloth back, 2s. 6d.; also cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.
Mr. Neilson surpasses himself in these irresistible colour pictures representing the animal world at play. The great test match between the Lions and the Kangaroos, Mrs. Mouse's Ping-Pong Party, Mr. Bruin playing Golf, Towser's Bicycle Tour, and the Kittens v. Bunnies Football Match, are a few among the many droll subjects illustrated in this amusing and original series.
"Mr. Neilson has a positive genius for making animals comic."—Academy.
"Children will revel in his work."—Daily Graphic.
FRED SMITH
The Animal Book. A Natural History for Little Folk. With a Coloured Frontispiece and 34 full-page Illustrations by F. SPECHT. Crown quarto, 11-1/4 inches by 9-1/2 inches, picture boards, cloth back, 2s. 6d.
This book consists of a series of bright and instructive sketches of the better-known wild beasts, describing their appearance, character and habits, and the position they hold in the animal kingdom. The text is printed in a large, clear type, and is admirably illustrated with powerful, realistic pictures of the various creatures in their native state by that eminent animal artist F. Specht.
"A work of the greatest value to the young."—Eastern Morning News.
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OUR DARLING'S FIRST BOOK
Bright Pictures and Easy Lessons for Little Folk.
Quarto, 10-1/8 inches by 7-3/4 inches, picture boards, 1s.; cloth, gilt edges, 2s.
An interesting and instructive picture lesson-book for very little folk. Beginning with an illustrated alphabet of large letters, the little reader goes forward by easy stages to word-making, reading, counting, writing, and finally to the most popular nursery rhymes and tales.
"The very perfection of a child's alphabet and spelling-book."—St. James's Budget.
ELLINOR DAVENPORT ADAMS
Those Twins!
With a Frontispiece and 28 Illustrations by S. B. PEARSE. Cloth elegant, 2s. 6d.
Two little rogues are the twins, Horatio and Tommy; but loyal-hearted and generous to boot, and determined to resist the stern decree of their aunt that they shall forsake the company of their scapegrace grown-up cousin Algy. So they deliberately set to work to "reform" the scapegrace; and succeed so well that he wins back the love of his aunt, and delights the twins by earning a V. C. in South Africa.
"A merry story for young and old."—World.
A. B. ROMNEY
Little Village Folk.
With 37 Illustrations by ROBERT HOPE. 2s. 6d.
A series of delightful stories of Irish village children. Miss Romney opens up a new field in these beautiful little tales, which have the twofold charm of humour and poetic feeling.
"A story-book that will be welcomed wherever it makes its way."—Literary World.
MY NEW STORY-BOOK
Stories, Verses, and Pictures for the Little Ones. 290 pages, of which 48 are in colour. Cloth, 2s. 6d.
A treasury of entertainment for the nursery. The contents are extremely varied both as regards the text and the illustrations, and carefully designed to meet the tastes of the little ones. The many bright colour pictures will be in themselves a never-failing source of delight.
"A fascinating little volume, well filled with stories and quaint and pretty illustrations."—Guardian.
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STORIES BY GEORGE MAC DONALD
(NEW AND UNIFORM EDITION)
A Rough Shaking. With 12 page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.
Clare, the hero of the story, is a boy whose mother is killed at his side by the fall of a church during an earthquake. The kindly clergyman and his wife, who adopt him, die while he is still very young, and he is thrown upon the world a second time. The narrative of his wanderings is full of interest and novelty, the boy's unswerving honesty and his passion for children and animals leading him into all sorts of adventures. He works on a farm, supports a baby in an old deserted house, finds employment in a menagerie, becomes a bank clerk, is kidnapped, and ultimately discovers his father on board the ship to which he has been conveyed.
At the Back of the North Wind. With 75 Illustrations by ARTHUR HUGHES, and a Frontispiece by LAURENCE HOUSMAN. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.
"In At the Back of the North Wind we stand with one foot in fairyland and one on common earth. The story is thoroughly original, full of fancy and pathos."—The Times.
Ranald Bannerman's Boyhood. With 36 Illustrations by ARTHUR HUGHES. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.
"Dr. Mac Donald has a real understanding of boy nature, and he has in consequence written a capital story, judged from their stand-point, with a true ring all through which ensures its success."—The Spectator.
The Princess and the Goblin. With 30 Illustrations by ARTHUR HUGHES, and a Frontispiece by LAURENCE HOUSMAN. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.
In the sphere of fantasy George Mac Donald has very few equals, and his rare touch of many aspects of life invariably gives to his stories a deeper meaning of the highest value. His Princess and Goblin exemplifies both gifts. A fine thread of allegory runs through the narrative of the adventures of the young miner, who, amongst other marvellous experiences, finds his way into the caverns of the gnomes, and achieves a final victory over them.
The Princess and Curdie. With Frontispiece and 30 Illustrations by HELEN STRATTON. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3s. 6d.
A sequel to The Princess and the Goblin, tracing the history of the young miner and the princess after the return of the latter to her father's court, where more terrible foes have to be encountered than the grotesque earth-dwellers.
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NEW "GRADUATED" SERIES
With coloured frontispiece and black-and-white illustrations
No child of six or seven should have any difficulty in reading and understanding unaided the pretty stories in the 6d. series. In the 9d. series the language used is slightly more advanced, but is well within the capacity of children of seven and upwards, while the 1s. series is designed for little folk of somewhat greater attainments. If the stories are read to and not by children, it will be found that the 6d. 9d. and 1s. series are equally suitable for little folk of all ages.
"GRADUATED" STORIES AT A SHILLING
Holidays at Sunnycroft. By Annie S. Swan. New Edition. At Lathom's Siege. By Sarah Tytler. Fleckie. By Bessie Marchant. Elsie Wins. By Ellinor Davenport Adams Bears and Dacoits. By G. A. Henty. Crusoes of the Frozen North. By Dr. Gordon Stables. A Saxon Maid. By Eliza F. Pollard. Uncle Bob. By Meredith Fletcher. Jack of Both Sides. By Florence Coombe. Do Your Duty! By G. A. Henty. Terry. By Rosa Mulholland (Lady Gilbert).
"GRADUATED" STORIES AT NINEPENCE
Gipsy Dick. By Mrs. Henry Clarke. Two to One. By Florence Coombe. Cherrythorpe Fair. By Mabel Mackness. Little Greycoat. By Ellinor Davenport Adams. Tommy's Trek. By Bessie Marchant. That Boy Jim. By Mrs. Henry Clarke. The Adventures of Carlo. By Katharine Tynan. The Shoeblack's Cat. By W. L. Rooper. Three Troublesome Monkeys. By A. B. Romney. The Little Red Purse. By Jennie Chappell.
"GRADUATED" STORIES AT SIXPENCE
Hi-Tum, Ti-Tum, and Scrub. By Jennie Chappell. Edie's Adventures. By Geraldine Mockler. Two Little Crusoes. By A. B. Romney. The Lost Doll. By Jennie Chappell. Bunny and Furry. By Geraldine Mockler. Bravest of All. By Mabel Mackness. Winnie's White Frock. By Jennie Chappell. Lost Toby. By M. S. Haycraft. A Boy Cousin. By Geraldine Mockler. Travels of Fuzz and Buzz. By Geraldine Mockler. Teddy's Adventures. By Mrs. Henry Clarke.
NEW CHILDREN'S PICTURE-BOOKS
Each of these books contains many full-page and other illustrations, a number of which are in colour. The text is printed in bold type, and comprises bright and humorous stories and rhymes, specially written for the purpose.
IN DOORS AND OUT STORY-BOOK TIME
Each contains 38 colour pages, over 40 full-page black-and-white Illustrations, and a large number of Vignettes. Quarto, 10-1/8 inches by 7-3/4 inches, picture boards, 2s. 6d. each; cloth, gilt edges, 3s. 6d. each.
TWO SHILLING SERIES
Quarto, 10-1/8 inches by 7-3/4 inches
Faithful Friends. My Book of Nursery Stories. My Very Best Book Arm-chair Stories. My Very Own Picture-Book. Cosy Corner Stories. Our Darling's First Book
Twenty pages in colour. Cloth, gilt edges, 2s.; picture boards, 1s.
EIGHTEENPENNY SERIES
Cloth, 5-1/2 inches by 6-7/8 inches
My Pretty Picture-Book. Sunbeams.
SIXPENNY SERIES
Quarto, 10-1/8 inches by 7-3/4 inches
Bow-Wow Picture-Book. Cats and Kits. Friends at the Farm. Once upon a Time. Long, Long Ago. Fairy Tales for Little Folk. Smiles and Dimples. Little Bright-Eyes. For Kittie and Me. As Nice as Nice Can Be. Round the Mulberry Bush. Little Rosebud. For My Little Darling. For Dolly and Me. My Own Story-Book. Play-time Pictures. Bed-time Stories. For Little Chicks.
The cover and seven pages in colour. Picture boards.
ONE SHILLING SCRIPTURE SERIES
Picture boards. Quarto, 10-1/8 inches by 7-3/4 inches
Stories from the Life of Christ
Twenty pages in colour. Picture boards, 1s.; cloth, gilt edges, 2s.
SIXPENNY SCRIPTURE SERIES
Glad Tidings The Good Shepherd Gentle Jesus
* * * * *
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as possible, including obsolete and variant spellings. Obvious typographical errors in punctuation (misplaced quotes and the like) have been fixed. Corrections [in brackets] in the text are noted below:
Inconsistent spelling?:
Irkutsk (throughout) and Irkoutsk (pages 92, 94)
Yuruks (page 287) and Yuraks (pages 220, 309)
Mesentzeff (page 62) and Mezentsoff (page 66)
Moskow (page 62), although Moscow elsewhere
page 32: added quote
"He is released from his suffering," Katia said solemnly. "Anything else, Akim?["]
page 35: added quote
as he entered. ["]It is a foolish business altogether, but if
page 41: typo corrected
"That is more cheerful by a long way," Godfrey said to himself as the man, who had mantained[maintained] absolute silence on
page 46: added quote
of being mixed up in the most remote way with politics, your best friends will shun you like the plague.["]
page 61: extra quote removed
grave. Nothing was said until the servant, having handed round the dishes, left the room.["]
page 69: typo corrected
Ireland. There are the Guards in London, but the populalation[population] is so large that you might go a week without seeing
page 117: added quote
political prisoners now. We might be honest peasants if it were not for these confounded heads of hair.["]
page 122: typo corrected
"we should have been down on the Selinga[Selenga] to-morrow, and we had calculated
page 132: extra quote removed
lifting the eyelid. "He is coming round now," he said at last.["] A few more passes and the child drowsily opened
page 198: added hyphen
On the fourth day they saw a small farm[-]house lying not far from the edge of the wood.
page 240: added hyphen
fishing, keeping holes broken in the ice and catching fish by torch[-]light. The men walked with the sledges, which only
page 250: typo corrected
"The isvostchiks[Isvostchiks] are often frozen in St. Petersburg in
page 276: added comma
"It may be either a fox or a bear," Luka said[,] making his way farther back into the hut, and returning with his
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