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It was bitterly cold, and while Frank and whoever at the time sat beside him on the front seat kept reasonably warm, being directly behind the hard-working motor, the others frequently got out, to run along for a quarter or half a mile to limber up their stiffened joints and get their blood in circulation again.
One of their greatest difficulties came when, more than three-fourths the distance to their destination, and at one of the narrowest points along the road, they met the large truck bearing back toward camp the company of engineers.
The wireless tractor was chugging along under a heavy strain, but the other truck was coming down the steep grade under the compression of its engine, to accelerate the use of the brakes. And with the little warning they had, the two drivers brought their big machines to a stop less than ten feet apart.
It was impossible for the truck containing the engineers to back up. And the first widening in the road over which the wireless men had come was fully a quarter of a mile behind. There was no other course than for Frank to reverse, and, with a man on either side of the tractor in the rear, directing every slight turn of the wheel, to go back to that point.
Once the engine stalled, making the stability of the whole weight of the heavy tractor depend upon the brakes. Frank grabbed the emergency, and jammed it on with all his strength, but not before the machine had gained a momentum which made it a question for a few thrilling seconds whether or not the brakes would grip and hold it.
As they finally rounded the turn which gave them the brief space of wider road, and the engineers' truck passed by, the men waving each other a cheery farewell, the boys from Brighton gave a sigh of relief.
When they reached what they decided should be their destination, almost at the end of the road and in a dense bit of wooded section which would obscure them from enemy observers, they brought their tractor to a stop. With pick and shovel they began building an earthen oven, in which they might cook their food, and from which they might keep reasonably comfortable, without being seen.
A light snow began to fall, and, mess over, the lads decided to retire for the night. Before doing so, however, they set up the mast and aerials and made the connection to the storage battery. It was agreed that they should sit up in two-hour shifts, to be ready to receive any message that possibly might come, but it was arranged that the other four should divide this duty, allowing Frank, who had driven the truck over the entire trip, a full night's sleep.
So the night passed, with the lads taking turns at the lonely vigil. The snow continued, the wind increased almost to a gale, and the temperature dropped still lower.
Fully eight inches of snow lay upon the ground when gray daylight came and Slim, the last man on watch, awakened the others. The storm was diminishing, but still they could see only a few yards distant from the tractor.
"Guess I'll warm up chopping some wood," said Joe, as he took an axe and left the others still dressing.
In half an hour he had brought in enough to cook the breakfast and last half the day, and while Slim acted as cook, Jerry started out to fell more saplings.
Before noon the clouds broke, the sun came out, and its reflection from the pure white glistening snow was almost blinding.
"A snowball fight," suggested Jerry, and the others took up the idea as a boon to dispel the monotony of their isolation.
With the lieutenant "umpiring" from the little wireless room of the tractor, Joe and Frank "stood" Jerry and Slim, and from a distance of a hundred feet apart the battle began.
One of Frank's well-aimed missiles caught Slim squarely in the mouth, just as he was calling out some challenging remark, and from the window of his post Lieutenant Mackinson laughingly shouted: "Strike one!"
Slim, spitting and blowing out the icy pastry, gathered all his strength to hurl a ball back at Frank. But he "wound up," as baseball pitchers call that curving swinging of the arm just before the ball is thrown, with such vigor that he lost his balance. His feet went up into the air and he came down ker-plunk! but the snowball left his hand with what proved to be unerring aim.
Joe, letting out a howl of laughter at Slim's accident, caught the tightly packed wad of snow right in the ear. He turned his back to the "enemy," and, leaning forward, began pounding the other side of his head to dislodge the snow.
Of a sudden he straightened up, uttering an exclamation of surprise.
"Lieutenant!" he shouted. "Look here!"
The lieutenant jumped out of the tractor, and the others followed him on the run to where Joe and Frank were gazing off down into the opposite valley.
Two, perhaps three, miles away, a winding, twisting line of black against the snow was pushing its way laboriously around the mountain base.
"Germans!" exclaimed Lieutenant Mackinson. "Wait until I get my field glasses, but do not stand where they might see you with theirs."
From positions within the clump of trees the lads watched the line spread out and slowly but surely forge its way ahead. The lieutenant returned with his glasses.
"At least ten thousand of them," he announced at last, after gazing down at them for fully a minute. "And nobody knows how many more behind. We must notify the camp at once."
He ran back to the tractor, followed by all but Jerry, who remained to observe the enemy's further movements.
In two or three minutes the wireless operator at headquarters signaled back for them to go on with the message.
"About ten thousand enemy troops proceeding through eight inches snow, bound northwest around eastern base of mountain," Lieutenant Mackinson's message ran. "Am observing and will report progress. Any orders?"
In another five minutes the wireless clicked back: "Are any of enemy flanking mountain on south?"
Jerry, who at that moment entered the tractor, informed them that the Germans had divided into two diverging lines, apparently for that very purpose.
There was a considerable pause after this was flashed to headquarters. Meanwhile Jerry had gone back to his post of observation, accompanied by Frank and Slim.
"How many big guns?" was the next query from the commanding officer of the American forces in the sector.
Joe rushed out to where the other three were standing, and from them returned with the information that already they had counted seven headed toward the north, and five being hauled toward a place where they might round the southern base of the mountain.
This news was sent through space to the American army; and the lads who were the silent witnesses to what the enemy had intended and fully expected should be a secret movement, waited in silence for further developments.
"Can you get back over the same road with tractor?" was the next message that came, and Lieutenant Mackinson called for the more expert judgment of Frank Hoskins before answering.
"We can try it," said Frank in a rather doubtful tone, "but it's risky business. It will be as much as we can do to follow the road, and we can't hope to see the ruts and bumps. The worst part of it is, though, that the tractor is so heavy it may not hold the road. However, we can try."
The lieutenant repeated the gist of this to headquarters, and the message came back: "Better try."
But by the time this decision was reached the fire in the earthen oven had almost entirely died out, and the engine of the tractor, which had been drawn up to it, had become so cold that they had to build another fire, to get hot water to put into the radiator, before they could get it started.
And then the perilous journey began.
With Frank at the wheel, and running the engine only in low gear, as compression against gaining speed, the lieutenant and Joe trotted ahead, one on either side of the road, to indicate the course of the crude highway.
Jerry and Slim, inside the big truck, were doing their best to hold things in place as they rocked and jolted over the deep ruts and gullies.
It must have been this series of terrible jars that finally splashed grease and oil in on the brake bands. Whatever the cause, it suddenly became apparent at one of the steepest and sharpest turns in the whole route that the brakes were not holding.
"Look out!" Frank shouted to Joe and the lieutenant ahead, as he realized the truck was getting beyond his control. "Better jump!" he advised Jerry and Slim, standing just behind him.
As Lieutenant Mackinson and Joe ran to either side of the road, the tractor slid by them at increasing speed. Slim and Jerry, following Frank's bidding, leaped from the rear and landed unharmed in a snow-bank.
"Run her into the side of the mountain," shouted Lieutenant Mackinson, and that was exactly what Frank was doing. It was the only possible way of saving the tractor from gathering more and more momentum, and, finally beyond all control, leaving the road and hurtling down the steep slope.
With all his strength Frank swung the wheel so as to turn the right side of the car at an angle up the mountain wall that flanked the road. In this position the machine was still traveling along with great force when it struck a thick abutting ledge of rock.
There was a sudden jolt, a sharp crack, and Frank was hurtled forward head first into the snow.
When they had brushed him off and made certain that he was uninjured, except for an awful jarring up, they began an examination of the machine.
The right front wheel had been crushed to splinters, the axle was bent, and the machine was wedged so far under a split edge of the granite as to be, for the time at least, totally useless.
"Better go back to where we were first," Lieutenant Mackinson said at last. "We'll take the pack-set with us, and we can probably advise headquarters of our predicament with that, and also inform them of the progress of the enemy movement."
Wearily they turned about, each man loaded down with the necessities that they had to take with them from the wrecked tractor. It was nearing night when they reached the apex of the mountain again, and their first desire was to see whether the Germans had entirely passed around the mountain.
So far as they could see they had!
But the Boches had done more than that. Their heavy guns were being sent around either side of the base of the mountain, each quota being part of a good-sized army. But they were sending another strong detachment up and over the mountain itself!
And the first section of it was less than a mile below, spreading out in such a way that while a part of it would come over the top, other parts would go around either side, and they would be fan-like in shape, forming a virtual comb in the search for any enemies who might be lurking there.
"The pack-set!" ordered the lieutenant. In a very short time it was set up, and Jerry was grinding the crank to generate power while the officer flashed out the headquarters call.
In a moment a message began to come: "J-X. J-X. J-X. J-X."
Lieutenant Mackinson nervously began tapping the key again, but the only reply was the insistent call for J-X, which was the code call for themselves.
"No use," said the young officer at last. "We can catch them, with their stronger range, but we haven't radius enough to send to them."
"Those troops cannot reach here until after dark," said Slim.
"No," Lieutenant Mackinson acknowledged, "but they are in such numbers that we could not hope to keep our identity or presence hidden, and they are getting around the mountain quicker than we could get down and beyond their line."
"It looks as though we were hemmed in," said Frank Hoskins in an even tone.
"Yes," agreed Jerry, "and in a tight place."
CHAPTER XVII
THE LIEUTENANT'S INVENTION
While the others speculated upon various means of escape, and in turn found every one of their suggestions useless, Lieutenant Mackinson had remained silent and in deep thought. Finally, his countenance showing that he had arrived at a conclusion, he turned to the others.
"Come with me," he said simply, "it is the only way."
"Where are you going?" Joe asked quickly.
"Back to the tractor," the lieutenant replied. "Hurry! We still have time, but none to waste."
"But we can't repair the tractor," Frank argued.
"No, we can't," Lieutenant Mackinson admitted, "but we may do something even better than that."
"What?" queried all the lads at once.
"Come with me and we'll see what can be done."
And without granting them any further information then, Lieutenant Mackinson swung his share of the burdens to his shoulder and started down the rough mountain road, the others following, and likewise bearing the various necessities which, only a short time before, they had labored so industriously to carry up the mountain.
As they neared the point where they had left the wrecked machine the young officer turned to Joe, who was nearest to him.
"Do you remember," he asked, "seeing that wire of the old telegraph line just about a hundred yards below where we ran the truck into the wall?"
"I saw it," Joe admitted, "but I didn't pay any further attention to it."
The others had come up within hearing distance.
"Well," the lieutenant responded, "if you had traced its course you would have seen that it is swung from this mountain to the one directly to the south, just at the point where the valley between narrows down to little more than a deep ravine."
"But it doesn't run into our lines," Frank objected again.
"That's true," Lieutenant Mackinson admitted again, "but it may serve our purposes just the same."
"How?" Slim asked entreatingly. "Tell us what your plan is, Lieutenant."
"No," replied the young officer in teasing tones, "I don't want to raise your hopes until I determine whether it can be accomplished."
And he plodded on toward the tractor, refusing to answer another question. Indeed, it is doubtful if he heard them, for he was busy with some important mental calculations—problems that required his engineering knowledge and ability, and that had directly to do with the personal safety of every man in the party.
"What tools have we here?" he asked of Frank Hoskins, as they arrived at the wrecked wireless tractor.
Frank opened up a tool chest that showed a great variety of implements in almost every size and shape.
"Good," said the lieutenant, as he looked up from where he was rummaging in another part of the car. "Here, Jerry," he commanded, "let me have that mallet and cold chisel and then help me rip a couple of these boards off the floor."
He had laid aside a large pulley wheel, several nuts and bolts and some heavy copper wire. With the aid of the mystified Jerry he tore two stout boards up from the floor of the tractor.
"Now we've got to work rapidly, fellows," he said, "for it will soon be dark, and we don't want to attract attention to ourselves by making a light.
"Here is what I am going to try to do: That wire is strung really from mountain to mountain, running down a slight grade from where it is fastened here to where it is tied up over there. I don't know how strong it is, or how securely it is fastened at the other end, but I'm going to find out.
"You've all seen those trolley-like boxes that run on wires in department stores, with which the clerk sends your money to the cashier's desk, and the cashier returns the change? Well, I'm going to construct something on the same principle, only I want to make it strong enough to carry my weight.
"If I can do that, and the wire holds, the incline is sufficient to carry a passenger to the other mountain without any propelling power. I'll try it first, and carry with me one end of this reel of copper wire. If I get over all right I'll attach the wire to the little oar and you fellows can haul it back for the next passenger, and so on until all of us are over."
Slim looked dubious. "How thick is that wire?" he demanded anxiously.
"You know Slim's a trifle heavy," Jerry reminded the lieutenant.
"Well," said Slim in a serious tone, "I'd rather fall into the hands of the Germans, and have some chance for my life, than spatter myself all over the bottom of that ravine."
While this conversation was going on, Lieutenant Mackinson was boring a hole about two inches in from each of the four comers of one of the planks taken from the floor of the truck.
"This ought to do for a seat," he said, as he began running pieces of the heavy copper wire, of equal length, through each of the holes.
He then laid this part of the work aside for a moment and began filing off one end of the riveted axle that held the pulley wheel in its frame. When he had knocked this axle out he tried one of the bolts and found that it fitted almost exactly, and that the wheel ran freely upon it.
"Have to have that wheel off to put the thing on the telegraph wire," he explained, as he began securely fastening the copper wires into the bottom of the pulley frame.
Completed, the thing looked for all the world like a miniature trapeze seat.
"Now," he said, slipping a wrench into his pocket, and buckling on his legs a pair of spurs such as all linemen use to climb a smooth pole, "I'm going to take this up that telegraph pole with me and fasten this thing on the wire. Then it's 'All aboard for the opposite mountain.'
"If I get over all right I'll give one flash of my light. If I don't—well, don't try the wire route."
Without wasting another second he dug one spur into the pole and started climbing upward, dragging his improvised car with him, together with the loose end of the reel of copper wire.
By this time it was pitch dark, and they could feel, rather than see, that he was tightening the bolt which hung the apparatus on the wire. The lads had placed a heavy stick through the reel, and two of them held either end of it.
"Let it run free," the lieutenant told them. "And don't forget the signal. I'm ready. Good-by!"
There was a sudden jerk on the reel and the wire began to unwind quickly. It literally spun round on the stout stick which they were holding. They just got a glimpse of the courageous lieutenant sailing off through space, a thousand feet above the bottom of the ravine.
The unwinding wire gave an added spurt, and then, pressure being released from it, it began to slow down.
"He's either on the other side, or lost the wire," said Slim, his nervousness showing in his voice.
Every eye was glued to the opposite mountain.
"Look!" almost shouted Jerry. "He's safe!"
Sure enough, the light had flashed out once in the blackness of the night, and then as suddenly disappeared.
The boys began hauling in on the copper wire, winding it again on the reel.
"Who's next?" asked Frank, as the last of the cable was being re-wound.
"Eenie, meenie, minie, mo," Jerry began to count out, when Joe suddenly interrupted.
By ten feet of heavy twine Lieutenant Mackinson had tied the spurs to the car so that they would dangle within reach of the lads on the ground. Attached to them was a note, which read:
"Easy landing on soft slope. Let Slim come next before wire is weakened, because he is the heaviest. All can make it safely."
And so Slim, not entirely assured, and breathing somewhat heavily as he contemplated the distance he had to fall if the telegraph wire should break, was the next to climb a-straddle the crude "air-line" trolley, on its second trip to the opposite mountain.
In a few moments the light flashed out again and then disappeared, while Joe, Jerry and Frank hauled in on the cable to which the car was attached.
By mutual agreement it was arranged that Frank should be the next to go over, after which they would send the portable wireless, followed by Jerry, and finally Joe.
Lads of less courage never would have attempted such a perilous escape, but they made it without a single mishap. It was not until Joe, the last of the party, was just coming to a stop in the outstretched arms of his friends, that the Germans below, and on what was now the opposite mountain, seemed to sense something going on—or perhaps had seen the mysterious blinking of the flashlight—and let go a distant and futile volley of shots.
"No use, Boche," called the lieutenant mockingly, "we're out of your range. And now, having escaped you, we'll see what we can do to harass you."
Saying which he began opening up the pack-set wireless, while two of the others set up the umbrella antenna.
Lieutenant Mackinson began tapping off the headquarters call. It might have been the slightly nearer position they were in, or, so far as they knew, headquarters might have moved meanwhile, but in a very short time the operator there was responding.
The young officer gave an accurate account of the operations of the Germans, and particularly of their artillery. Headquarters thanked them, told them to stay until morning where they were, and then ask for further orders.
In less than half an hour the boom of heavy guns from the westward told them that they had given their information in time.
American artillery was dropping a rain of shells into the cuts in the mountain through which the Germans had to emerge with their guns to do any damage! Their whole plan, so carefully carried out, had been defeated!
CHAPTER XVIII
SLIM GOODWIN A PRISONER
"If I had a good rifle I could 'pot' half a dozen of them from here," said Jerry the following morning as he and the rest, standing back among the trees of the mountain in which they had sought safety, watched two long, converging lines of German soldiers marching back in the direction whence they had come on the preceding day.
"And we owe them that much for that nice, nifty little night trapeze act we had to do through space on their account," added Slim.
"Not to mention the wrecked tractor," put in Frank.
"Well," spoke Lieutenant Mackinson, calling them to the business of the day, "I guess we can make a report to headquarters now—and a good one, too."
With which he opened up the wireless and began repeating the call letters.
When headquarters had responded, the lieutenant gave them the glad tidings of the Boche retreat. That done, he proceeded to give the details of the wrecking of the tractor and of their escape to the second mountain.
"Ought to be aviators," the operator at headquarters came back at him on his own account, and then added: "Wait for orders."
These came a few minutes later.
"Divide as follows: Lieutenant and two men return here; other two go forward at safe distance with portable, and report to-night."
Lieutenant Mackinson read them the message.
"Well," he asked, "which two are to accompany me back, and which two are to stay on the heels of the Boches?"
"I've got a scent like a deerhound," averred Slim.
"And I was born to be a scout," declared Jerry.
"You two spoke first," announced the lieutenant pleasantly, "so I guess that shall be your end of it, if that's what you want."
"Fine!" exclaimed Jerry and Slim in unison.
"Anyway," added the lieutenant, "I guess there'll be enough serious work for the rest of us when we get back. For instance," winking at the others, "there's that smashed tractor, Frank, that you will have to explain."
"Not so long as you were in charge of the party," Hoskins retorted quickly. And Lieutenant Mackinson, unable to determine whether the remark was a facetious evasion of responsibility or an indirect compliment to himself, on the ground that no act of his would be questioned, pursued his bantering no further.
"I guess," he said, "that Joe, Frank and I had better start back at once. You two will have to wait here some time before you can begin trailing that army. I'm sorry we can't stay with you, but I feel that we ought to report back as soon as possible."
And so the three of them began the preparations for their return, while Jerry and Slim watched and studied the movements of the regiments they were to follow.
"They seem to be pretty well tired out," said Slim at last. "Guess they didn't have any sleep at all last night."
"We're going to find it pretty heavy tramping through that snow, too," Jerry answered. "And with the wireless and rations we'll be carrying a hefty weight."
"Well, boys; we're off," announced Lieutenant Mackinson, and the separating parties shook hands all around. "Take care of yourselves," he admonished, "and we'll look for you back by to-morrow."
The officer, Joe and Frank started off on their long tramp back to camp, and Jerry and Slim watched them until they were out of sight.
"That looks like the last regiment of the Germans going over the opposite hill there, too," said Jerry, as they turned to observe the enemy army. "We can start in a short while."
And in half an hour, Jerry carrying the heavy pack-set and Slim toting the equally weighty rations and incidentals, they set off on the Boches' trail.
Out in the open, and especially in the mountains, distances are deceptive. Jerry and Slim learned this when they had been traveling for two hours, and the point where they had seen the last German disappear over a hilltop seemed as far away as when they started.
"Ever travel along in a train at night watching the moon, and notice how it seemed to move right along with you?" asked Jerry.
"Lots of times," answered Slim, as he puffed along, "Why?"
"Well, that's the way that hill seems to be traveling along, always keeping the same distance ahead of us."
"I've heard of armies 'taking' a fort, or a city, or a trench," said Slim. "Do you suppose those Germans are 'taking' that young mountain along with them?"
"Seems so to me," said Jerry, coming to a halt to shift the heavy pack-set to the other hand.
As a matter of fact, early evening—a cold, biting winter evening—was settling about them when they finally climbed to the crest of that hill to cautiously "see what they could see."
Far beyond the slope ahead of them, in the dim dusk, they could discern a mass of men, evidently halted for the night.
"That's their rear guard," announced Jerry, with the field glasses to his eyes. "I can even make out their sentries."
Slim took a look and agreed. "Hadn't we better report?" he asked.
"I think we ought to make this bunch of trees here our position, and then scout ahead a little first," said Jerry.
"All right," Slim agreed. "Which one of us shall go?"
"Let's toss."
They did, and it fell to the lad who had claimed to have the scent of a deerhound to go out and reconnoitre, while the "natural-born scout" remained behind.
Divesting himself of all his burdens but his revolver and ammunition belt, Slim started off. Leaving Jerry to arrange their effects, he gave that young man a real shock when he silently returned five minutes later unheard by Jerry, and, standing only half a dozen feet behind him, blurted out:
"Forgot my field glasses."
Jerry whirled around as though he had been shot. "Why don't you sneak up and try to frighten a fellow to death?" he demanded.
"Sorry," Slim apologized. "Thought you heard me coming."
"I believe you did it on purpose," Jerry growled, as the other youth again started off.
"I'll send in my card first next time," was Slim's parting remark.
"Well, be sure to make yourself known," retorted Jerry, "or I might mistake you for a Boche and send in a bullet."
Slim's laugh floated back and he disappeared down a ravine through which he was making for a higher point of observation further on.
Ten minutes elapsed and there was no sign of Slim. When a quarter of an hour had passed Jerry began to get worried. Had his friend perhaps fallen and injured himself? Had he lost his way? A dozen fears came into Jerry's mind, and at the end of another five minutes he decided that it was time to take some measure to learn the whereabouts of Slim.
Softly, but with great carrying force, he gave the well-known "Whip-poor-will."
The answer was the same that Slim himself had received that night in No Man's Land when the wounded and unconscious Rawle lay bleeding beside him—nothing but absolute silence.
A great dread that he could not have defined gripped Jerry's heart. Something had happened to Slim; there was no doubt about that. What was it? Injury? Death? Capture?
Again Jerry gave their mutual Brighton signal: "Whip-poor-will."
"He can't be entirely out of hearing," he argued. "There's some reason why he doesn't answer." It was fast growing dark. Sliding the pack-set and their other paraphernalia into a little gully which he easily could identify later, but where it would be entirely hidden from the view of anyone else who might chance upon the scene, Jerry set out in search of his friend.
It was a difficult task that he set himself, for he knew no more than the general direction that Slim had taken. But remembering that his chum had started off down the ravine, and that his purpose was to reach a higher hill a quarter of a mile away, Jerry took that route, too.
Two or three times as he stumbled along he snatched out his pocket searchlight and was about to use it, when some sixth sense, plus the mystery of Slim's absence, prevailed upon him to take his chances in the darkness.
Coming out of the ravine, he turned to the left and, by a steep incline, reached a ledge that seemed to be a natural pathway to one of the higher peaks.
Suddenly the heart within him seemed to stop beating.
Somewhere ahead of him, but seemingly upon a lower level of ground, men were talking! And they were talking in German!
As though a bullet had struck him, Jerry dropped forward upon the ground. Grasping the outstretched roots of a tree, he pulled himself up within its heavy black shadow. There, scarcely daring to breathe for fear of attracting attention, he lay and listened.
He thanked Brighton then for his understanding of the German language.
Slim Goodwin was a prisoner, and those men—how many there were of them he could not tell—were questioning him! Slim was pretending not to understand.
Jerry's brain worked rapidly. There was no use of his returning to the wireless and attempting to summon help that way, for even if aid was sent it would be hours before it could arrive, and, presuming that the rescuers could find the spot, there was every likelihood that the Germans would have departed with their prisoner before that time. No, assuredly, if Slim was to be rescued, he, Jerry, must do it. But how?
As he lay there thinking, he heard the one who seemed to be the officer in charge order another man to build a fire. As it crackled and began to blaze up, the reflection of the flame gave Jerry their exact location. Also it formed a curtain of light against which it would have been easy for him to have seen any Boche sentinel or outpost, had there been one between him and them.
Assuring himself that there was not, he crept cautiously forward, foot by foot, until he was at the edge of the shelf of rock and could gaze almost directly down upon them. The fire gave good illumination. There was a young German lieutenant and four of his men. A short distance away, in the shelter of some trees, five horses were tethered.
Slim finally had consented to talk—if what he was doing could be called talking. And in what was purposely the most miserably broken German imaginable, he was telling them that he got separated from his unit several days ago (which was true), and that he had been wandering about that part of the country for the last couple of days (which also was true), and that he did not know where he was (which likewise was the truth).
While this was going on Jerry had scribbled upon a piece of paper: "Am near. Look lively if they sleep." This he wrapped around a small stone. For a moment all the Germans turned toward the fire, where one of the men was preparing supper. In that instant Jerry tossed the message straight at Slim's feet.
Slim gave a little start, recovered himself immediately, stooped over, and, pretending to wash his hands in the snow, unwrapped and hastily read the note, and then trampled it into the ground. When one of the Germans turned suddenly, he was innocently drying his hands.
CHAPTER XIX
TURNING THE TABLES
To Jerry, lying there half frozen, stiff in every joint and scarcely daring to move for fear of making some sound that might not only divulge his presence and result in his own capture, but also prevent the escape of Slim, it seemed that never did it take men so long to eat a meal.
And as they ate, his own appetite became ravenous. The cruelest punishment of all was to lie there half starved and hear them vulgarly smacking their lips over the warmed-up remains of a chicken undoubtedly filched from a countryside barnyard.
But at last, after what seemed to Jerry to have been hours of feasting, they did finish. With a derisive laugh the German lieutenant gathered all the bones from every other tin plate and shoved them, with mock courtesy, toward Slim.
The latter was biding his time, and, his courage increased by knowledge that his friend was close by, refused to get angry. He merely waved the plate aside.
Their stomachs filled, the Germans almost immediately began to think about sleep. In truth, they all looked as though they had been up all of the night before, as probably they had. One of them, a mere youth certainly not yet out of his teens and the youngest in the party, yawned. The lieutenant saw it, and in a fit of apparently unreasonable anger said, in his native tongue:
"So! You want to serve notice that you desire to sleep? Very well, you shall do sentinel duty—and all night. And mind that you do not sleep!"
A pitiful look came over the boy's face, but without a word he saluted and departed to the circle of outer shadows to take up his long and tedious vigil.
Jerry felt genuinely sorry for him, but he sincerely hoped that the officer would not change his mind or relent. He knew the youth could not possibly stay awake the whole night through.
Half an hour later the other four Germans were conducting a spirited rivalry in snoring, and Slim, also, to all appearances, was fast asleep.
Not daring to move, Jerry kept his eyes constantly upon the young sentry. Frequently he yawned. Once or twice he stopped uncertainly before a stump and seemed about to sit down, then started on again around his monotonous beat. But his step was wavering, his eyes were heavy, and Jerry knew it was only a question of time—a comparatively short time—when nature would conquer, and the sentinel, too, would sleep.
Had he been able to bring himself to it, he could have shot the sentry and killed the others as they slept, before they could even have reached for their weapons. But he could not do that.
Better the other way, he told himself, even though it carried a greater risk.
And finally his own vigil was rewarded. The sentinel placed two or three more pieces of wood upon the fire, stood for a few moments within its genial warmth, looked dully at the others so soundly sleeping, and then crossed to the stump and sat down.
His rifle was on the ground beside him. His elbows rested upon his knees, and his chin in his hands. Presently his lids drooped and closed. His head, and then his whole body, sagged forward. He wakened with a start and changed his place to another tree more within the shadows. There he was able to lean back in a more comfortable position, and soon his heavy, even breathing assured Jerry that nature had, indeed, won.
Softly, without so much as a sound, he rose to his hands and knees. He tossed a pebble, which hit Slim upon the hand. The latter turned his head ever so slightly and gazed fixedly in Jerry's direction. Finally his decided wink indicated that he had made out the form of his friend.
Still upon all fours, and feeling every inch of the way, Jerry retraced his steps over the ledge. Quietly he slid down to the lower level and took a wide circle about the little camp, finally closing in near to where the sleeping sentry sat. Deftly and silently he pulled the latter's gun from where it lay beside him. This he carried over to near where the horses were corralled. Slim now was watching his every move, but awaited Jerry's signal before he stirred.
Jerry then returned, and, so gently that the sentry never made a movement, lifted his loaded revolver from its holster. With this he tiptoed to Slim, placed the weapon in his hand and with a gesture bade him rise.
They were now masters of the situation, but Jerry did not want to take any chances. Two of the Germans were lying in such a position that he could get their revolvers, also. They did not carry rifles. This he accomplished after having stationed Slim in the shadows at such a point of vantage that he could cover all of the Boches, should they awaken.
One of the additional guns he gave to Slim; the other he kept himself. Thus doubly armed, they stepped over to the sleeping sentry, and while Slim pointed his two guns at the others, to prevent any hostilities upon their part, should they rouse, Jerry shook and awakened the bewildered sentry.
As he faced the two revolvers, and the changed situation suddenly dawned upon him, the young German's expression was pathetic. Apparently he was too stunned to speak a word. Jerry motioned him to take a position just behind the sleepers, which he did.
With Slim standing beside him, and their four revolvers pointed menacingly at the Germans, Jerry kicked the lieutenant upon the sole of his boot. The latter roused angrily and was about to give vent to his feelings when he looked into the barrels of the automatics. His exclamation was one of complete chagrin.
Slim stepped over and extracted his revolver, which he dropped into his own pocket. By the same process the other armed Boche was awakened, and in the same way he was disarmed. Then, with his foot, Jerry jabbed the remaining two back to consciousness.
"You are our prisoners," Jerry informed them, in their own language. "One hostile move from any one of you and you will be shot."
Forming them into pairs, and purposely leaving the sentinel as the single one of the party and in the lead, Jerry ordered them to walk toward where the horses were tethered.
He made two of the men put saddles and bridles upon the animals, and then compelled them to mount as they were paired—the lieutenant and one of his men upon one of the horses, two others upon another, the sentry alone upon another, but carrying a good supply of rations—while Slim and he each had an animal to carry themselves, the wireless and other paraphernalia when they should pick that up.
Thus, with hardly a dozen words having been spoken, they came through the ravine and at forced speed struck out across the level ground toward the mountain from which Jerry and Slim had come that morning.
"You!" the lieutenant hissed between his teeth at the sentinel as they came side by side. "What were you doing when this second American arrived? Asleep, eh?"
"I came up behind him. He never had a chance, for I did not make a sound," Jerry interposed in German, before the young Boche could make even an involuntary admission.
As they approached the base of the mountain where they had parted from Lieutenant Mackinson, Joe, and Frank early that day, the moon reached its zenith, and its beams, reflected upon the white ground, made the night almost as light as day.
Two hours later they were upon the identical spot from which they had wirelessed headquarters in the morning. It was midnight now as two of the Germans, working under Jerry's orders while Slim kept a weather eye on the others, set up the pack-set.
Jerry worked the key half a dozen times and then got an almost immediate response. The first query after he had identified himself was:
"This is Joe; where are you?"
"Just got back to where we left you this morning," Jerry ticked off into the air. "Bringing in a German lieutenant and four of his men as prisoners. Should arrive by daylight, as we have horses."
"Great," was Joe's radio response. "Have letter from Brighton and fine news. Will make your report."
And the pack-set was put back in its compact case, and, paired off as before, the journey was resumed.
"Say," said Jerry, as they urged their horses down the side of the mountain leading to fairly level ground all the way into camp, "I'm hungry enough to eat dog meat, but I guess we can hold out now until we reach our lines."
"Yes, I suppose so," Slim answered. "But how'd you like to have some sausage, and some plum pudding, and——"
"Don't," pleaded Jerry. "The idea is too much. My stomach is accusing me of gross carelessness now."
"Wonder what's in that letter from Brighton, and who wrote it?" said Sum, glad to change the subject and forget his own hunger.
"Can't imagine, but my own curiosity has been as to whether the fine news Joe mentioned comes from there or refers to something at headquarters."
And so, sore, tired and hungry, but happy withal, they continued on. The moon waned and set, and tradition proved itself—it became darkest just before dawn.
"Wait!" said Jerry, just at this stage of the journey, and he jumped from his horse to recover something that he had seen the German lieutenant drop.
It proved to be a packet of papers, bearing the official German army seal.
"Ah-ha!" Jerry cried, riding up to the officer and thrusting the documents out before him. "So you thought to get rid of them, eh? Well, we'll just take these along to headquarters, too. They may contain something of interest to our commanders. Yes?"
The lieutenant gave an ugly, menacing grunt, but refused to say a word.
Daylight came, and with it a clear view of the American lines. A quarter of an hour later they saw two horsemen coming toward them. Slim examined them carefully with his glasses.
"The lieutenant and Frank," he announced. "Guess Joe's still on duty."
And Joe was. He was just relaying to the commander of the American forces in France orders forwarded from London, and they were of the greatest import to the three boys from Brighton.
CHAPTER XX
THE GREAT NEWS
"Well, Sergeants, how are you?" Lieutenant Mackinson greeted them, as he and Frank came galloping up and swerved their horses around.
"Corporals, you mean, Lieutenant," Jerry corrected.
"No, I thought I meant sergeants," the lieutenant repeated. "In fact, I'm quite sure I did."
"What do you mean?" Slim demanded eagerly, for the moment forgetting all about their prisoners of war.
"Just what I said—sergeants," said Lieutenant Mackinson, smiling.
"Have we—Do you—" Jerry stopped to begin all over again, and the young officer interrupted him.
"I suppose it's a little like telling secrets out of school," he said, "but then, after all, it isn't any secret, for the news was out yesterday afternoon. A lot of promotions were announced. Frank's been made a corporal, and you boys—Joe, too—advanced to sergeant."
It was fully a minute before either lad could express himself, and the lieutenant and Corporal Hoskins took a full measure of enjoyment out of their apparent happy gratification.
"Lieutenant—" Slim began.
"Captain, if you please," Mr. Mackinson corrected amiably. "You see, I was in the list, too."
Slim and Jerry simultaneously brought their horses to a halt while they came to a full military salute.
As they approached Major Jones' headquarters with their prisoners, Captain Mackinson turned another way and Corporal Hoskins dropped back.
Briefly, and without undue emphasis upon their own hardships or courage or common sense, they gave the details of their activities since they had left, and of the capture of Slim and the subsequent taking of his captors.
"You have done well, exceptionally well," the major responded. "In consequence whereof it gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have been advanced to the rank of sergeant. In that respect I might remind you that the next step is to a commission, and that merit and courage will take a man to any command in the United States army. It is the only standard of advancement, and there is no other instrument of preferment. I am happy to know that you young men have started so well. You two, and the friend who also was advanced to sergeant with you, have brilliant futures before you."
They were saluting, preliminary to departure, when the major added:
"You will report to General Young, division commander, at ten o'clock."
A little bewildered by the salutes of those privates who knew of their promotions, even though they did not yet wear upon their sleeves the two stripes indicating their advance to corporals, Jerry and Slim hurried toward the wash spigots, preliminary to an assault upon the mess tent.
There they met Joe, who had just come off duty as night wireless operator at headquarters. They shook hands, and then Slim demanded to know about that letter from Brighton.
"It was from our old friend, the telegrapher, Philip Burton," said Joe, "and it was written about three weeks ago."
"That's pretty quick delivery," said Slim. "What did he have to say?"
"Well, it seems they've had reports there of some of our experiences coming over, and Mr. Burton says some of the finest things."
"Good old Burton!" mused Jerry. "He always did credit us with being a lot better and brighter and more capable than we really were."
"Yes, and we owe him a lot," added Slim, "for he was really responsible in the first place for our getting here. If it hadn't been for what he taught us about telegraphy we'd never be sergeants now."
"That's right," said Joe. "Fellows, Mr. Burton's getting pretty well along now. He'll be an old man before very long. I wish we three could do something to really show him our appreciation of what he's been to us."
"We will," Jerry said. "We will. Let's make a promise to each other on that."
And with this good resolution made, they started for the mess tent.
The first fifteen minutes they gave over unstintedly to appeasing healthy and long-deferred appetites, and then Slim suddenly remembered Major Jones' final instructions.
"Wonder what we have to report at General Young's headquarters at ten o'clock for?" he queried. "I'm nearly dead for sleep myself."
"So am I," said Jerry.
Both of them caught Joe's averted smile.
"What's it for, do you know?" Jerry demanded.
"Well, fellows, I think I do," Joe answered. "But I only learned it over the wireless—and that's information gained in a professional way, you know, and therefore secret. So don't ask me to tell you. In another hour we'll go over. You know I've been summoned, too."
"No!" ejaculated Jerry. "Well, that's fine. But you'll be going over to learn something that you already know, while we'll be getting some real news, whatever it is."
"That's right," said Joe. "And maybe it will be real news."
Jerry and Slim both spent the intervening hour on their cots, and when Joe came to awaken them he found them snoring most unmusically.
"What do you think?" he demanded, as soon as they were wide enough awake to realize what he was saying. "That German lieutenant that you brought in had papers on him that showed the whole plan of the German campaign in this sector for a month ahead. You boys made a great capture."
At exactly ten o'clock they presented themselves to General Young's orderly, and a moment later were ushered into the presence of the supreme commander of that section of the American front.
"Young men," the general began bluntly, without other formalities, "you have signally distinguished yourselves for judgment, foresight, and courage from the moment of your enlistment, it might be said. I have before me your records, beginning from the time of your discovery of the spy at work in the waters near the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
"Congress has just passed a bill, and the President has signed it, providing for the higher military education of certain worthy young men in the army and navy, entirely at the expense of the government. Fortunately for the military service, these selections have been entirely removed from the realm of politics and are left to the commanders in the army and navy.
"At this school, which in many respects is similar to the Military Academy at West Point and the Naval Academy at Annapolis, young men will be thoroughly instructed in the specialized branches of military science.
"I am offering you three young men such appointments. I am doing so solely upon your records and upon my own confidence that you will make good to the country that offers you this opportunity. Will you accept?"
If someone had suddenly set off a bomb under the three boys from Brighton they hardly could have been more surprised.
"I don't know how to thank you," Joe stammered.
"I'll do my utmost to prove worth it," promised Jerry.
"It shall be my highest ambition," said Slim.
"Good!" said General Young, rising and shaking each lad by the hand. "I was confident that you would accept, and here are the appointments already made out."
He gave to each lad a large envelope, stamped with the army seal.
"Transportation has been arranged for you to leave here to-night," General Young concluded. "You will sail from England for the United States day after to-morrow. I wish you every success. I would be very glad to hear from you occasionally, and to know of the progress you are making. Good-by!"
It would be difficult to describe the ecstacies of delight in which Joe, Jerry and Slim left the quarters of General Young to impart the knowledge of their great good fortune to Captain Mackinson.
That warm friend listened to them until he could not keep his countenance straight any longer.
"I forgot to tell you," he said, "that I am to go back there, also, as an instructor."
"Isn't that luck!" exclaimed Slim, expressing the sentiment of the other two. "That just about makes it perfect."
* * * * *
So we leave the boys from Brighton—Joe and Jerry and Slim—leave them upon the threshold of the broader careers which merit has won them, and bid them carry always with them our very best wishes in their aspirations which we know ever will be onward and upward.
THE END
* * * * *
Critics uniformly agree that parents can safely place in the hands of boys and girls any book written by Edward S. Ellis
The "FLYING BOYS" Series
By EDWARD S. ELLIS
Author of the Renowned "Deerfoot" Books, and 100 other famous volumes for young people
During his trip abroad last summer, Mr. Ellis became intensely interested in aeroplane and airship flying in France, and this new series from his pen is the visible result of what he would call a "vacation." He has made a study of the science and art of aeronautics, and these books will give boys just the information they want about this marvelous triumph of man.
First Volume: THE FLYING BOYS IN THE SKY Second Volume: THE FLYING BOYS TO THE RESCUE
The stories are timely and full of interest and stirring events. Handsomely illustrated and with appropriate cover design.
Price..........Per volume, 75 cents. Postpaid.
* * * * *
This series will appeal to up-to-date American Girls. The subsequent volumes will carry the Ranch Girls through numerous ups and downs of fortune and adventures in America and Europe
THE "RANCH GIRLS" SERIES IS A NEW LINE OF BOOKS FOR GIRLS
THE RANCH GIRLS AT RAINBOW LODGE
By MARGARET VANDERCOOK
This first volume of the new RANCH GIRLS SERIES, will stir up the envy of all girl readers to a life of healthy exercise and honest helpfulness. The Ranch Girls undertake the management of a large ranch in a western state, and after many difficulties make it pay and give them a good living. They are jolly, healthy, attractive girls, who have the best kind of a time, and the young readers will enjoy the book as much as any of them. The first volume of the Ranch Girls Series will be followed by other titles carrying the Ranch Girls through numerous ups and downs of fortune and adventures in America and Europe. Attractive cover design. Excellent paper. Illustrated. 12mo.
Cloth.....Price, Per volume, 75 cents. Postpaid
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A PENNANT-WINNER IN BOYS' BOOKS!
Hugh S. Fullerton's Great Books
The Jimmy Kirkland Series of Baseball Stories
By HUGH S. FULLERTON
America's Greatest Baseball Writer. Author of "Touching Second," Etc.
Combining his literary skill with his unsurpassed knowledge of baseball from every angle—especially from a boy's angle—Mr. Fullerton has written a new seres of baseball stories for boys, which will be seized with devouring interest by every youthful admirer of the game. While the narrative is predominant in these books, Mr. Fullerton has encompassed a large amount of practical baseball instruction for boys; and, what is of greater value, he has shown the importance of manliness, sportsmanship and clean living to any boy who desires to excel in baseball or any other sport. These books are bound to sell wherever they are seen by boys or parents. Handsomely illustrated and bound. 12mo. Cloth. New and original cover design.
JIMMY KIRKLAND OF THE SHASTA BOYS' TEAM JIMMY KIRKLAND OF THE CASCADE COLLEGE TEAM JIMMY KIRKLAND AND A PLOT FOR A PENNANT
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The Big Series of Boys' Books for 1918
THE BRIGHTON BOYS SERIES
By Lieutenant James R. Driscoll
An entirely new series of Boys' Books which have their setting in the Great War and deal with patriotism, heroism and adventure that should make a strong appeal to American boys. The volumes average 250 pages and contain four illustrations each.
The BRIGHTON BOYS in the TRENCHES The BRIGHTON BOYS with the SUBMARINE FLEET The BRIGHTON BOYS in the FLYING CORPS The BRIGHTON BOYS in the RADIO SERVICE The BRIGHTON BOYS with the BATTLE FLEET
12mo. Price per volume, 75 cents
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The American Boy Series
By Edward S. Ellis
Books of stirring interest that are founded upon and written around facts in American History and American romantic achievement.
Each of the Series have Special Cover Designs
ALAMO SERIES
The Three Arrows Remember the Alamo
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Alden, the Pony Express Rider Alden Among the Indians
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An American King The Cromwell of Virginia The Last Emperor of the Old Dominion
LAUNCH BOYS SERIES
Launch Boys' Cruise in the Deerfoot Launch Boys' Adventures in Northern Waters
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Off the Reservation Trailing Geronimo The Round Up
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The Flying Boys in the Sky The Flying Boys to the Rescue
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Captain of the Camp Catamount Camp
12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, 45 cents
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THE NORTH POLE SERIES
By Prof. Edwin J. Houston
Dr. Houston has spent a lifetime in teaching boys the principles of physical and scientific phenomena and knows how to talk and write for them in a way that is most attractive. In the reading of these stories the most accurate scientific information will be absorbed.
HANDSOMELY BOUND
The volumes, 12mo. in size, are bound in Extra English Cloth and are attractively stamped in colors and full gold titles. Sold separately or in sets, boxed.
THE SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE THE DISCOVERY OF THE NORTH POLE CAST AWAY AT THE NORTH POLE
3 Titles Price per volume, $1.00
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Harry Castlemon's Books for Boys
NEW POPULAR EDITION
This series comprises thirty titles of the best stories ever written by Harry Castlemon. But few of these titles have ever been published in low-priced editions, many of them are copyright titles which will not be found in any other publisher's list. We now offer them in this new low-priced edition. The books are printed on an excellent quality of paper, and have an entirely new and handsome cover design, with new style colored inlay on front cover, and stamped in ink. 12mo. Cloth. 30 titles.
Buried Treasure Carl, the Trailer Floating Treasure, The Frank, the Young Naturalist Frank Among the Rancheros Frank Before Vicksburg Frank in the Mountains Frank in the Woods Frank on a Gunboat Frank on Don Carlos' Rancho Frank on the Lower Mississippi Frank on the Prairie Haunted Mine, The Houseboat Boys, The Mail Carrier Marcy, The Refugee Missing Pocketbook, The Mystery of the Lost River Canyon, The Oscar in Africa Rebellion in Dixie Rod and Gun Club Rodney, the Overseer Rodney, the Partisan Steel Horse Ten-Ton Cutter, The Tom Newcomb Two Ways of Becoming a Hunter White Beaver, The
THE VOLUMES IN THIS SERIES COMPRISE SOME OF THE BEST WRITINGS OF THIS POPULAR AUTHOR
Price per volume, .75 cents
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Universally APPROVED BOOKS for Boys
A collection of books by well known authors that have been generally approved by competent critics and library committees as safe books for young people.
WORLD FAMOUS BOOKS FOR BOYS
JACK HAZARD SERIES By J. T. Trowbridge Price $1.25 per volume
Jack Hazard and His Fortunes A Chance for Himself Doing His Best Fast Friends The Young Surveyor Lawrence's Adventures
FRANK NELSON SERIES By Harry Castlemon Price 75 cents per volume
Snowed Up Frank in the Forecastle The Boy Traders
SPORTSMAN CLUB SERIES By Harry Castlemon Price 75 cents per volume
The Sportsman Club in the Saddle The Sportsman Club Afloat The Sportsman Club Among the Trappers
ROUGHING IT SERIES By Harry Castlemon Price 75 cents per volume
George in Camp George at the Fort George at the Wheel
ROD AND GUN CLUB SERIES By Harry Castlemon Price 75 cents per volume
Don Gordon's Shooting Box Red and Gun Club The Young Wild Fowler
DEERFOOT SERIES By Edward S. Ellis Price 75 cents per volume
Hunters of the Ozark Camp in the Mountains The Last War Trail
NEW DEERFOOT SERIES By Edward S. Ellis Price 75 cents per volume
Deerfoot in the Forest Deerfoot in the Mountains Deerfoot on the Prairie
BOY PIONEER SERIES By Edward S. Ellis Price 75 cents per volume
Ned in the Blockhouse Ned on the River Ned in the Woods
LOG CABIN SERIES By Edward S. Ellis Price 75 cents per volume
Lost Trail Camp Fire and Wigwam Footprints in the Forest
RAGGED DICK SERIES By Horatio Alger Price 75 cents per volume
Ragged Dick Fame and Fortune Mark, the Match Boy Rough and Ready Ben, the Luggage Boy Rufus and Rose
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EDWARD S. ELLIS'
Pioneer Series of Books for Boys
Edward S. Ellis has been constantly growing in favor as an author of Boys' Books, and he now has admirers in all parts of the world. His stories are largely founded on history, and portray stirring adventures of daring American boys on the prairies, mountains, forest and stream.
We are now enabled to offer this series of low-priced books, which have until recently been published only in editions at double the price. They are all copyright titles, and will not be found in any other publisher's list. The books are printed on an excellent quality of paper, and have an entirely new and appropriate cover design. 12mo. Cloth 30 Titles.
Across Texas Brave Tom Cabin in the Clearin Dorsey, the Young Adventurer Fighting Phil Four Boys Great Cattle Trail Honest Ned Hunt of the White Elephant Iron Heart Lena Wingo, the Mohawk Lost in the Forbidden Land Lucky Ned Mountain Star On the Trail of the Moose Plucky Dick Queen of the Clouds Righting the Wrong River and Jungle River Fugitives Secret of Coffin Island Shod with Silence Teddy and Towser Through Forest and Fire Two Boys in Wyoming Unlucky Tib Upside Down Up the Forked River Wilderness Fugitives Wyoming
THE VOLUMES IN THIS SERIES COMPRISE SOME OF THE BEST WRITINGS OF THIS POPULAR AUTHOR
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* * * * *
Two New Books by Dr. Winfield Scott Hall
Dr. Hall's "SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE" is recognized as the only work of the kind written by an accepted authority and more satisfactorily covers the important subject completely than any other book. Appeals have been made to him to prepare books that treated the subject separately from the standpoint of the boy or girl by those who prefer placing books in the hands of young people treating the side of the question that concerns them individually. These new books have been prepared to meet this demand.
Youth and its Problems THE SEX LIFE OF A MAN By WINFIELD SCOTT HALL, PH.D., M.D.
Member Medical Faculty, Northwestern University, Fellow American Academy of Medicine, Fellow American Association for the Advancement of Science.
To the youth who hopes for vigorous aggressive young manhood; to the young man who aspires to virile adult manhood this volume is dedicated.
Cloth—12mo. 248 pages. Price $1.00 Net
Girlhood and its Problems THE SEX LIFE OF WOMAN By WINFIELD SCOTT HALL, PH.D., M.D.
in co-operation with JEANETTE WINTER HALL
Author of Primer on Physiology, etc.
That the young woman may find here an answer to her unexpressed questions is the purpose of this book.
Cloth—12mo. 210 pages. Price $1.00 Net
In the preparation of these two books the object of the author is to make it evident to readers that wholesome information clearly and simply imparted is a very great help to boys and girls, guiding them unerringly along the path of right living, which leads to that goal which all hope to reach—SUCCESS and HAPPINESS.
* * * * *
The Big Series of Boys' Books for 1918
THE BRIGHTON BOYS SERIES
By Lieutenant James R. Driscoll
An entirely new series of Boys' Books which have their setting in the Great War and deal with patriotism, heroism and adventure that should make a strong appeal to American boys. The volumes average 250 pages and contain four illustrations each.
The BRIGHTON BOYS in the TRENCHES The BRIGHTON BOYS with the SUBMARINE FLEET The BRIGHTON BOYS in the FLYING CORPS The BRIGHTON BOYS in the RADIO SERVICE The BRIGHTON BOYS with the BATTLE FLEET
12mo. Price per volume, 75 cents
THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PUBLISHERS Winston Building—Philadelphia
* * * * *
Eclipse Series of the Lowest Price Alger Books
This low-priced series of books comprises the most popular stories ever written by Horatio Alger, Jr. As compared with other low-priced editions it will be found that the books in this series are better printed, on better paper, and better bound than similar books in any competing line. Each volume is handsomely and durably bound in cloth with new style colored-inlay, assorted designs, and stamped in three colors of ink. New and attractive colored jackets. 12mo. Cloth. 40 Titles.
Adrift in the City Andy Grant's Pluck Ben's Nugget Bob Burton Bound to Rise Boy's Fortune, A Chester Rand Digging for Gold Do and Dare Facing the World Frank and Fearless Frank Hunter's Peril Frank's Campaign Helping Himself Herbert Carter's Legacy In a New World Jack's Ward Jed, the Poorhouse Boy Lester's Luck Luck and Pluck Luke Walton Only an Irish Boy Paul Prescott's Charge Paul, the Peddler Phil, the Fiddler Ragged Dick Rupert's Ambition Shifting for Himself Sink or Swim Strong and Steady Struggling Upward Tattered Tom Telegraph Boy, The Victor Vane Wait and Hope Walter Sherwood's Probation Young Bank Messenger, The Young Circus Rider Young Miner, The Young Salesman, The
Price per volume, .60 cents
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Winston's De Luxe Series of Juvenile Classics
This series has been made with a view to cultivating in youthful readers a love for the beautiful and best in books. In contents, in illustrations and in binding, these books satisfy every requirement, and will afford a degree of permanent pleasure far beyond the possibilities of ordinary juvenile books. Size of each volume when closed, 7-1/4 x 9-1/2 inches. Rich cloth binding, stamped in gold, with beautiful colored inlay.
Myths and Legends Of All Nations
By LOGAN MARSHALL
A book to win the heart of every child. Famous stories from Greek mythology and the legendary literature of Germany, England, Spain, Iceland, Scandinavia, Denmark, France, Russia, Bohemia, Servia, Italy and Poland—stories in which children, and men and women, too, have delighted through the centuries. They are told in simple, graphic style and each one is illustrated with a beautiful color plate. The work has considerable educational value, since an understanding of the many stories here set forth is necessary to our own literature and civilization. 24 full-page color plates. 320 pages.
Tales From Shakespeare By CHARLES and MARY LAMB
A superb edition of these famous tales has been prepared in similar style to "Fairy Tales of All Nations." Each of the twenty tales is illustrated with a magnificent color plate by a celebrated artist. It is one of the finest books ever published for children, telling them in simple language, which is as nearly like that of Shakespeare as possible, the stories of the great plays. The subjects for the illustrations were posed in costumes of the nation and time in which each story is set and are unrivaled in rich color, lively drawing and dramatic interest. 320 pages. 20 full-page color plates.
Fairy Tales Of All Nations By LOGAN MARSHALL
The most beautiful book of fairy tales ever published. Thirty superb colored plates are the most prominent feature of this new, copyrighted book. These plates are absolutely new and portray the times and customs of the subjects they illustrate. The subjects were posed in costumes of the nation and time in which each story is set, and are unrivaled in rich color, lively drawing and dramatic interest. The text is original and interesting in that the famous fairy tales are taken from the folklore and literature of a dozen principal countries, thus giving the book its name. Many old favorites and numerous interesting stories from far away lands, which most children have never heard, are brought together in this charming book. 8vo. 314 pages.
Rhymes Of Happy Childhood By MRS. ANDREW ROSS FILLEBROWN
A handsome holiday book of homely verses beautifully illustrated with nearly 100 color plates and drawings in black and red. Verses that sing the irrepressible joy of children in their home and play life, many that touch the heart closely with their mother love, and some not without pathos, have been made into a very handsome volume. Gilt top, uncut leaves.
Price per volume, $2.00
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* * * * *
NEW EDITION OF ALGER'S GREATEST SET OF BOOKS
THE FAMOUS RAGGED DICK SERIES
New Type-Set Plates Made in 1910
In response to a demand for a popular-priced edition of this series of books—the most famous set ever written by Horatio Alger, Jr.—this edition has been prepared.
Each volume is set in large, new type, printed on an excellent quality of paper, and bound in uniform style, having an entirely new and appropriate cover design, with heavy gold stamp.
As is well known, the books in this series are copyrighted, and consequently none of them will be found in any other publisher's list.
RAGGED DICK SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 6 vols.
RAGGED DICK FAME AND FORTUNE MARK, THE MATCH BOY ROUGH AND READY BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY RUFUS AND ROSE
Each set is packed in a handsome box
12mo. Cloth Sold only in sets Price per set, $6.00. Postpaid
* * * * *
RECOMMENDED BY REAR ADMIRAL MELVILLE, WHO COMMANDED THREE EXPEDITIONS TO THE ARCTIC REGIONS
THE NEW POPULAR SCIENCE SERIES By Prof. Edwin J. Houston
THE NORTH POLE SERIES. By Prof. Edwin J. Houston. This is an entirely new series, which opens a new field in Juvenile Literature. Dr. Houston has spent a lifetime in teaching boys the principles of physical and scientific phenomena and knows how to talk and write for them in a way that is most attractive. In the reading of these stories the most accurate scientific information will be absorbed.
THE SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE THE DISCOVERY OF THE NORTH POLE CAST AWAY AT THE NORTH POLE
Handsomely bound. The volumes, 12mo. in size, are bound in Extra English Cloth, and are attractively stamped in colors and full gold titles. Sold separately or in sets, boxed.
Price $1.00 per volume. Postpaid
THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PUBLISHERS Winston Building—Philadelphia
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GREAT PICTURES AS MORAL TEACHERS
By HENRY E. JACKSON
A Recognition of the Value of Pictures in Teaching
The author has selected twenty of the world's great pictures and sculptures and interpreted the meaning which the artist intended to convey.
People are awakening more and more to the value of works of art in teaching. They are regaining a truer perspective and saner judgment in regard to them. That pictures are of great value in teaching certain forms of knowledge is not now questioned; on the contrary, it is approved and practiced. In view of this, the need arises for careful selection and education of the popular taste. The present work is intended to meet this need. The author has chosen his subjects with great care and adopted as his interpretation the consensus of opinion among great critics.
The subject is treated in a manner to interest not only students of religious history and movements, but those viewing it from a purely artistic standpoint. The work contains twenty fine half-tone engravings made from authorized photographs of the original paintings and sculptures.
Price $1.50
THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PUBLISHERS Philadelphia, Pa.
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WINSTON'S POPULAR FICTION
Comprising twenty-four books published at $1.25 and $1.50 per volume, and until recently sold only in the original editions. Now offered for the first time in popular priced editions. All are bound in extra cloth with appropriate cover designs, and standard 12mo. in size.
24 Titles Price per volume, 75 cents
BABCOCK (WILLIAM HENRY)—Kent Fort Manor. A romance in the nineteenth century on the Isle of Kent near Baltimore, where in the earlier days Puritans, Jesuits, Indians and Sea Rovers came and went. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
BARTON (GEORGE)—Adventures of the World's Greatest Detectives. The most famous cases of the great Sleuths of England, America, France, Russia, realistically told, with biographical sketches of each detective. Fully illustrated. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
BLANKMAN (EDGAR G.)—Deacon Babbitt. A story of Northern New York State, pronounced by some critics superior to "David Harum." 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
CLARK (CHARLES HEBER)—(Max Adeler)—The Quakeress. A charming story which has had great success in the original edition, and listed among the six best selling novels. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
—Captain Bluitt, A Tale of Old Turley. Humorous fiction in this well-known author's happiest style. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
—Out of the Hurly Burly, or Life in an Odd Corner. A delightfully entertaining piece of humor, with numerous illustrations, including the original work by A. B. Frost, and other illustrations. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
—In Happy Hollow. The amusing story of how A. J. Pelican boomed the little town of Happy Hollow. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
EDWARDS (LOUISE BETTS)—The Tu Tze's Tower. One of the best novels of Chinese and Tibetan Life. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
GERARD (DOROTHEA)—Sawdust, A Polish Romance. The scene of this readable tale the Carpathian Timberlands in Poland. The author is a favorite English writer. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
GIBBS (GEORGE)—In Search of Mademoiselle. The struggle between the Spanish and French Colonists in Florida furnish an interesting historical background for this stirring story. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
GOLDSMITH (MILTON)—A Victim of Conscience. A mental struggle between Judaism and Christianity of a Jew who thinks he is guilty of a crime, makes a dramatic plot. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
ILIOWIZI (HENRY)—The Archierey of Samara. A semi-historic romance of Russian Life. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
ILIOWIZI (HENRY) —In the Pale. Stories and Legends of Jews in Russia. Containing "Czar Nicholas I and Sir Moses Montefiore," "The Czar in Rothschild's Castle," and "The Legend of the Ten Lost Tribes," and other tales. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
MOORE (JOHN TROTWOOD)—The Bishop of Cottontown. One of the best selling novels published in recent years and now for the first time sold at a popular price. An absorbing story of Southern life in a Cotton Mill town, intense with passion, pathos and humor. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
—A Summer Hymnal. A Tennessee romance. One of the prettiest love stories ever written. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
—Ole Mistis, and other Songs and Stories from Tennessee. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
NORRIS (W. E.)—An Embarrasing Orphan. The orphaned daughter of a wealthy African mine owner, causes her staid English Guardian no end of anxiety. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
PEMBERTON (MAX)—The Show Girl. A new novel, by the author of many popular stories, describing the adventures of a young art student in Paris and elsewhere. It is thought to be the most entertaining book written by this author. 12mo. Cloth, Illustrated 75 cents
PENDLETON (LOUIS)—A Forest Drama. A Tale of the Canadian wilds of unusual strength. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
PETERSON (HENRY)—Dulcibel. A Tale of Old Salem in the Witchcraft days, with a charming love story: historically an informing book. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
—Pemberton, or One Hundred Years Ago. Washington, Andre, Arnold and other prominent figures of the Revolution take part in the story, which is probably the best historical romance of Philadelphia. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
STODDARD (ELIZABETH)—(Mrs. Richard Henry Stoddard).—Two Men. "Jason began life in Crest with ten dollars, two suits of cloths, several shirts, two books, a pin cushion and the temperance lecture." 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
—Temple House. A powerful story of life in a little seaport town—romantic and often impassioned. 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
—The Morgesons. This was the first of Mrs. Stoddard's Novels, and Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote to the author:—"As genuine and life-like as anything that pen and ink can do." 12mo. Cloth 75 cents
THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PUBLISHERS Winston Building—Philadelphia
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NOTABLE NOVELS AND GIFT BOOKS OF VERSE By John Trotwood Moore
JACK BALLINGTON, FORESTER
The story concerns the fortunes of Jack Ballington, who, on account of his apparent lack of fighting qualities, seems to be in danger of losing his material heritage and the girl he loves, but in the stirring crisis he measures up to the traditions of his forefathers.""""""""'
"Will captivate by its humor, set all the heart strings to vibrating by its pathos, flood one's being in the great surge of patriotism ... a story that vastly enriches American fiction."—Albany Times-Union.
12mo. Cloth. 341 pages
Price $1.20 Net. Postage 13 cents
THE BISHOP OF COTTONTOWN A Story Of The Tennessee Valley
Love, pathos and real humor run through the book In delightful measure. Over all is shed the light of the "Old Bishop," endearing himself to every reader by his gentleness, his strength and his uncynical knowledge of the world which he finds so good to live in. 31 editions have already been sold.
12mo. Cloth. 606 pages Price $1.50 Postpaid
UNCLE WASH: HIS STORIES
A book of stories centering about the character of "Uncle Wash," which even in the brief time since its publication has achieved a large and notable success among all classes of readers. Many editions have already been sold.
"One of the few great books."—Rochester Union and Advertiser. "A mine of humor and pathos."—Omaha World-Herald.
12mo. Cloth. 329 pages Price $1.50 Postpaid
A SUMMER HYMNAL A Romance Of Tennessee
The story of Edward Ballington and his love affairs with two delightful girls in charming contrast, forms the plot of this captivating love story, On the threads of this narrative is woven the story of a blind man who meets the catastrophe of sudden darkness in a spirit of bravery, sweetness and resignation which commands the love and respect of every reader.
12mo. Cloth. 332 paces Price $1.25 Postpaid
SONGS AND STORIES FROM TENNESSEE
In truth. Mr. Moore, in this collection of songs and stories of Dixie Land, has created a work that will live long in the traditions of the South and longer in the hearts of his readers. One has only to read "Ole Mistis," the first story in this collection, to feel the power of Mr. Moore's genius. It is at once the finest story of a horse race ever written, a powerful love story and most touchingly pathetic narrative of the faith and devotion of a little slave.
12mo. Cloth. 358 pages Price $1.25 Postpaid
THE OLD COTTON GIN
The "Old Cotton Gin" breathes the passionate patriotism of the South, her dearest sentiments, her pathos and regrets, her splendid progress and her triumphant future. This poem is a popular favorite throughout the South, and has been adopted officially in some states. The author is one of her truest sons. All the pages of the book are decorated with original drawings, including seven exceedingly fine full-page illustrations.
Bound in Imported Silk Cloth. Size 6-1/2 x 9-1/2 inches Price $1.00 Net. Postage 10 cents
ALL OF THE ABOVE BOOKS ARE HANDSOMELY ILLUSTRATED BY WELL-KNOWN ARTISTS
THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PUBLISHERS Winston Building—Philadelphia
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MISCELLANEOUS JUVENILE BOOKS
BANGS (JOHN KENDRICK)—Andiron Tales. The story of a Little Boy's Dream—his wonderful adventures in the Clouds—written in Mr. Bangs' happiest vein, and handsomely illustrated with colored drawings by Dwiggins. Octavo. Cloth $1.25
—Molly and the Unwiseman. A Humorous Story for Children. 12mo. Cloth $1.25
BUTTERWORTH (HEZEKIAH)—A Heroine of the Wilderness. A Girl's Book telling the romance of the mother of Lincoln. 12mo. Cloth $1.00
DIMMICK (RUTH CROSBY)—The Bogie Man. The story in verse of a little boy who met the Bogie Man, and had many surprising adventures with him; and found him not such a bad fellow after all. 34 Drawings. 72 pages. Octavo. Boards with colored cover $0.65
FILLEBROWN (R. H. M.)—Rhymes of Happy Childhood. A handsome holiday book of homely verses beautifully illustrated with color plates, and drawings in black and red. Colored inlay, gilt top. New Edition 1911. Flat 8vo. Cloth $2.00
HOFFMAN (DR. HENRY)—Slovenly Peter. Original Edition. This celebrated work has amused children probably more than any other juvenile book. It contains the quaint hand colored pictures, and is printed on extra quality of paper and durably bound. Quarto. Cloth $1.00
HUGHES (THOMAS)—Tom Brown's School-days at Rugby. New edition with 22 illustrations. 12mo. Cloth $1.00
LAMB (CHARLES AND MARY)—Tales from Shakespeare. Edited with an introduction by The Rev. Alfred Ainger, M.A. New Edition with 20 illustrations. 12mo. Cloth $1.00
MOTHER'S PRIMER. Printed from large clear type, contains alphabet and edifying and entertaining stories for children. 12mo. Paper covers Per dozen $0.50
TANNENFORST (URSULA)—Heroines of a School-Room. A sequel to The Thistles of Mount Cedar. An interesting story of interesting girls. Illustrated. 12mo. Cloth $1.25 —The Thistles of Mount Cedar. A story of a Girls' Fraternity. A well-told story for Girls. Illustrated. 12mo. Cloth $1.25
TAYLOR (JANE)—Original Poems for Infant Minds. 16mo. Cloth $1.00
WOOD (REV. J. G.)—Popular Natural History. The most popular book on Birds, Beasts and Reptiles ever written. Fully illustrated. 8vo. Cloth $1.00
THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PUBLISHERS Winston Building—Philadelphia
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CHARLES ASBURY STEPHENS
This author wrote his "Camping Out Series" at the very height of his mental and physical powers.
"We do not wonder at the popularity of these books; there is a freshness and variety about them, and am enthusiasm in the description of sport and adventure, which even the older folk can hardly fail to share."—Worcester Spy.
"The author of the Camping Out Series is entitled to rank as decidedly at the head of what may be called boys' literature."—Buffalo Courier.
CAMPING OUT SERIES By C. A. Stephens
All books in this series are 12mo., with eight full-page illustrations. Cloth, extra, 75 cents.
Camping Out. As Recorded by "Kit."
"This book is bright, breezy, wholesome, instructive, and stands above the ordinary boys' books of the day by a whole head and shoulders."—The Christian Register, Boston.
Left on Labrador; or, The Cruise of the Schooner Yacht "Curlew." As Recorded by "Wash."
"The perils of the voyagers, the narrow escapes, their strange expedients, and the fun and jollity when danger had passed, will make boys even unconscious of hunger."—New Bedford Mercury.
Off to the Geysers; or, The Young Yachters in Iceland. As Recorded by "Wade."
"It is difficult to believe that Wade and Raed and Kit and Wash were not live boys, sailing up Hudson Straits, and reigning temporarily over an Esquimaux tribe."—The Independent, New York.
Lynx Hunting. From Notes by the Author of "Camping Out."
"Of first quality as a boys' book, and fit to take its place beside the best."—Richmond Enquirer.
Fox Hunting. As Recorded by "Raed."
"The most spirited and entertaining book that has as yet appeared. It overflows with incident, and is characterized by dash and brilliancy throughout."—Boston Gazette.
On the Amazon; or, The Cruise of the "Rambler." As Recorded by "Wash."
"Gives vivid pictures of Brazilian adventure and scenery."—Buffalo Courier.
Sent Postpaid on Receipt of Price
THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PUBLISHERS Winston Building—Philadelphia
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