THE BOY TRAILER AT WORK.
It needed no second look to convince Mason that it was the giant's canoe his eyes beheld, nor did he stop to examine the moving object more closely.
Having arranged his course of action long before, he now stepped quietly into the water, and when it reached as high as his neck, began swimming out.
So dexterous were the movements of the boy trailer, whose cause Custer had taken up so readily, and might have carried out but for his untimely death, that no sound resulted from his locomotion through the water, beyond that which even the most suspicious of mortals would take to be the swishing of the wind-driven wavelets.
When the canoe came even with the spot on which he had stood before entering the water, Mason was directly in front of it.
As only his head remained above the water and the giant's direction was directed further on, it was not strange that Red Goliath failed to discover anything suspicious just at the prow of his canoe.
The boat glided past, and Mason's hand sought the ring he had hunted up previously.
Luckily he found it, and in this way managed to keep alongside of the boat, just behind the giant.
Red Goliath stood up like a statue, and for such he might indeed have been taken but for the regular pendulum motion of his arms, as the paddle was shifted from side to side, in order that the momentum caused by the current might be materially aided by long silent sweeps.
Adele sat in the bow, motionless.
Young Mason's heart gave a great throb of sympathy when he heard what sounded suspiciously like a sob from the girl.
His sister had been stolen from her home in New Orleans by Hoskins and this giant, and like a sleuth-hound this boy had followed on the trail, tracking the fugitives from one border town to another on their northward course, and yet always coming too late.
He had met Custer years before, and had been a friend of the yellow-haired cavalry leader, so when he found the general in these regions, the latter at once took up his cause, and sent out scouts to discover where Hoskins and his fair girl captive were.
These men, experienced as they were, failed to accomplish their end.
It was Mason himself, by his indefatigable efforts, who first discovered Sitting Bull's village, and reported the fact to the general, who was already heading in that direction, aiming for the Little Big Horn.
The boy also declared that Hoskins was with the Indians, which fact Custer was prone to believe.
After this Mason vanished, nor did he make his appearance until the doomed command was riding down the bluffs into the ambuscade.
How the latter proved fatal to the gallant troops is already known.
The wily Sioux allowed them to come on, pretending to give way, until the men were fairly in the trap, when they closed about them in a solid mass.
After this explanation, which I hold as due to the reader, I will resume the thread of my narrative where it was dropped.
The canoe passed down the stream for several miles in this way.
It may seem strange that Red Goliath, shrewd as he has shown himself to be, should risk so much in passing the Indian village after arousing the inhabitants by creating such an alarm, but the fact was, he proved to be one of those cunning fellows who believe that under the existing circumstances the safest place is that nearest the seat of action.
In spite of the danger that seemed to encompass him, the giant passed by without an alarm.
Soon the firing on the right shore could be heard, and this became louder as they drew nearer, until they were abreast of the scene of Reno's obstinate defense.
Passing by, the giant continued on its way down the river, until Mason began to wonder whether it would ever stop, his poor arm feeling the effects of the long pull.
Red Goliath had another object in view while taking this route, besides that already mentioned.
There was a cave in the hills below the village which he intended to occupy; for, although Adele was in his hands, only half of the mission which he had been intrusted with by the duelist was accomplished.
The boy yet remained, and although the words he had heard Hoskins boastfully utter had created a suspicion in his mind that Mason had fallen with Custer's command, he intended remaining in the vicinity until this could be proven by searching the battle-field.
Shortly after passing the bluffs where Reno was battling with overwhelming numbers of crafty foemen, the giant made a sudden sweep with the paddle, and turned the prow toward the shore.
As the boat struck, he sprang out and pulled it into a clump of bushes, which, with the reeds growing near the bank, proved an effectual hiding-place. Adele still sat motionless.
The giant addressed her, for the first time since starting on his water voyage, and Mason could see her tremble at the sound of his rough voice, as if it meant something of horror.
"Come, gal, we leave the creek here. There's a snug little hiding-place I intend taking you to, where there'll be no chance of discovery. Now that you're in my power again, I don't intend losing sight of you. You're in somebody's way, therefore you have to be removed. It depends on yourself how this is to be done. Two ways are open: one, by carrying you off to some foreign land; t'other, leaving you to the mercy of the forest beasts," and the unfeeling giant laughed to himself.
"And they would prove more merciful than such a monster as you," declared Adele, as she stepped from the unsteady boat and faced Red Goliath. How her eyes shone, as they flashed out the scorn born of her soul!
"Bravo! I see the little gal hain't lost her spirit yet. I acknowledge the corn without hesitation; hain't got such a thing as a heart; never had, either. Remember how I used to delight in pinching the wings of butterflies, and running pins through 'em when I was a little boy—which, considering my present size, was a long time ago. So you see, gal, I must be what they call a modern monstrosity, a man without a heart. However, I can say this hain't my doing. I only wanted to get a ransom from your mother; but this other fellow must step into the pie."
"Do you think I can't tell who you mean? It is a fit idea to originate with such a man as Luke Camden," said the girl, in scornful tones.
Red Goliath started, and when he spoke his voice was as gruff as ever.
"Remember, I mention no names. Now, gal, we'll be going. Give me your hand."
Adele drew back with a shudder of horror; willingly she would never touch it.
"I will walk beside you in plain view," she said.
"All right," growled the giant, who could not but notice the shudder and knew its import, and he looked at his hand as if half believing that he would see the red marks that had so often dyed it.
"All right, my gal; but remember no tricks, or as sure as there is life in the air we breathe, I shall shoot you down;" and as if to enforce this horrible threat, he whipped out a revolver.
Side by side, the man and his intended victim walked through the woods. When speaking of his method of traveling, stalked would be a better word, for he covered three or four feet with every step, so that Adele was compelled to almost run in order to keep up with him.
Neither of them saw the water-drenched form that flitted from tree to tree in their rear.
Half a mile, perhaps, was covered.
Mason, on several occasions, thought he heard a noise in his rear, as though the trailer himself was being trailed; but his attention being almost fully occupied in front, it soon passed from his mind.
The hills were reached at length, and the ascent commenced.
Before five minutes had passed Red Goliath came to a pause.
Before them a black orifice yawned in the rocks. The giant made Adele enter first, and himself followed after, as if afraid lest she should give him the slip after all.
Another moment and they stood in a cavern some twenty feet square, the dimensions of which could be seen by the star-light that found ingress through the large cracks above.
In spite of his protestations as to not harming her, there were dark thoughts in the mind of the giant.
Bloody deeds were every-day affairs with him; the girl stood in his way; therefore she must be removed.
Why he had not done the deed before I cannot say.
Perhaps, in the beginning his plan was different; and, once in the canoe, the outcry she would make might draw a cordon of enemies around him.
Red Goliath replaced his revolver and drew his knife, running his finger along the edge in a deliberate way.
His eyes gleamed like those of a snake, and appeared to fascinate the girl.
Not a word did the giant utter, but his actions needed no explanation.
He took a step towards Adele.
She sank on her knees terribly frightened at the savage monster's move.
The little hands were clasped and wrung despairingly, but they might just as well have appealed to a man of stone.
As the long blade was raised the light glittered along the steel.
"Be merciful, as you expect to receive mercy," moaned Adele.
The giant did not expect any mercy; at least his actions betokened as much, for, as if he had not heard her at all, he continued to advance.
Another step and he would be upon her.
She seemed to shrink even closer to the rocky floor, and seeing no hope in that ferocious countenance, covered her eyes with her hands to shut out the dread sight.
Unknown to himself, Red Goliath was sealing his own doom.
As the knife quivered in the air, and was just about to descend, Mason's voice rang out through the cavern.
A MAN WHO NEVER BROOKED AN INSULT.
Once within the rifle pits, Pandy Ellis drew his breath more easily, for the present danger was over.
The first person he met was garbed as an officer, and this man, although brave as a lion, proved to be an arrogant fellow in this time of danger.
"Whar kin I see Major Reno?" asked the ranger, laying his hand on the arm of the officer, a familiarity he seemed to resent, for he shook it off as he turned haughtily toward the other.
"What are you doing here, fellow, when all brave men are at work?"
Pandy smiled a little.
He entertained a curious feeling toward the army.
In one way he felt a contempt for them, and then again he almost reverenced everything pertaining to the great governmental system.
"Because I've jest come in; crawled among the reds. Been wid Custer, an' by ther Lord Harry, seen ther general an' every man wiped out," said Pandy.
"Look here, fellow; what canard is this?" demanded the officer.
The ranger overlooked the insulting speech; for he knew that what he said was astounding news.
His tone was dignified when he repeated it, however.
"I said Custer, Cooke, Gates, Keogh and every man of 'em had gone under."
"It is impossible, man alive; there is something behind this. Look here, fellow, do you know what we do with spies?" A vague notion had entered the officer's head that this might be a ruse of the enemy to force Reno to surrender.
Pandy's eyes flashed fire; here was something he could not stand.
"Do ye know what I would do wid such cusses as you? Wal, sir, I'd jist snap ye atween my fingers like a pipe-stem, bust me ef I wudn't," said Pandy, grimly.
"And this to me!" exclaimed the officer, in such a tragic voice, that had Pandy ever read Scott's works he would have been reminded of Marmion and the noble earl, Lord Douglas. "Who the devil are you, sir, may I inquire?"
It was evident that the man in authority had taken the ranger for one of the regular scouts belonging to the expedition, until his thoughts ranged on something worse.
"What am I? A free ranger; man who never took an insult in his life from red or white. Who am I? I reckon I'm a man, sir, which is more than kin be sed o' you. My name? I never was ashamed of it. If ye'll go an' let Major Reno know what I told you, an' say ter him that Pandy Ellis sent ye, thar'll be no more sed about the matter."
The soldier leaned forward, and peered at the thin face of this leathern-clad warrior. Pandy stood like a rock, and their eyes met.
"It's him; curse me if I haven't put my foot into it;" and, wheeling about, the officer strode away, his sword jingling musically when it came in contact with the spur that adorned his heels. He never reported to Major Reno, as a ball laid him low not three minutes afterward.
Pandy Ellis was a curious fellow, taciturn, one might call him. Although he fought through the night side by side with the cavalrymen, he never once mentioned a word of what he had seen, supposing the officer had reported to Reno, and that the major did not communicate the news to hismen for fear of disheartening them. His duty had been done in this respect, and he was satisfied, although, of course, the ranger could not help wondering why he was not called upon to give a full report of the awful battle.
The night passed in those rifle pits, with death hovering close by, and seizing upon a comrade every little while, will never be forgotten by those who have survived the dread ordeal.
Again and again did the Indians attempt to force their position, only to fall back in confusion from the defense offered by those valorous sons of the republic who fought on with the black shadow hovering above them and the bullets, commanding their position, rattling about their ears.
It was a moment to be remembered until time shall be no more.
Morning broke at last, but did not materially change their prospects; for what was a benefit to them proved the same to their foes; each side could now make their bullets tell.
Brave men fell during the day—men whose records in the memory of their fellow-soldiers will doubtless be their only monuments.
Pandy fought through it all like a hero.
It was familiar business to the veteran ranger; and it might be noticed that every time he fired (which was frequently) he cut a fresh little notch on the handle of his tomahawk.
Pandy Ellis was the first man to avenge the death of Custer and his men.
As the day wore on, even the most cheerful began to grow discouraged.
Surrounded by tireless enemies thirsting for their blood; without water to quench the fierce longing that commenced to prey upon them; and no signs of aid from either Custer or Terry, their case was indeed becoming desperate.
It was late in the afternoon of the 26th of June, that keen-eyed Pandy Ellis discovered that the Indians' village had vanished, so far as lodges and people were concerned.
This gave him grounds for hope, which feeling was soon communicated to the rest of the devoted band.
It was evident that Terry or else Gibbon, perhaps, had arrived, and that the Indians were ready for retreat, although they intended holding Reno under their thumbs as long as possible.
Word must be sent, or by some oversight the remnant of the gallant Seventh might be left to perish on the field, and those rifle pits become their graves.
Pandy Ellis at once volunteered to accomplish this duty.
How he ever managed to dash through the redskins and live, will probably ever remain a mystery, but he did it.
A bullet touched his arm, three more cut his clothing, and, at the last instant, the cavalry horse he rode was shot from under him; but in spite of all this, the brave ranger carried the news to General Terry.
As the soldiers advanced the Indians retired, and the remnant of the Seventh Cavalry was saved.
Sleep seemed very sweet to those tired heroes that night; that much I can vouch for.
"Hold!" Mason shouted this word as if he possessed the fire of a Forest or an Edwin Booth.
Involuntarily the giant became motionless. It was only for a few seconds, however, and the deadly knife would have descended after all.
A pistol crack rang out with startling distinctness, awakening the echoes of this subterranean place. The boy trailer had fired; his prey had been tracked down, and the closing scene of the tragedy drew near.
Red Goliath dropped his blade with a howl, and clapped his hand up to his left shoulder, where the lodging-place of the bullet could be seen by the blood that wet his flannel shirt.
Two inches from his heart; not a bad shot, considering the excitement consequent upon the termination of the chase, and the dim light afforded by the cracks above, and yet it came very near costing the boy his life.
After shooting, in his eagerness to prevent the monster from doing Adele any harm in his dying moments (thinking his shot fatal), Mason sprang forward and presented his revolver.
It was a bad move on his part. Although agile beyond all calculation, his excitement made him less cautious than was his custom.
Red Goliath gave a singular cry when the boy appeared, for he recognized him at once, even though the young gentleman he had seen in New Orleans was now clad in the fanciful garb of a hunter.
In spite of his astonishment, the man did not lose his presence of mind an iota.
He saw the leveled revolver, and gave it a knock that sent the weapon spinning to the other end of the cavern, and the next instant the boy was clasped by the giant's one useful arm.
Once in that grasp, Mason's struggles were those of an infant, and he was soon thrown upon his back. A heavy knee upon his chest held him down, and he was compelled to see the giant reach over and, with his left arm, pick up the long knife.
Then eye glared at eye.
Mason's did not flinch at the blood-shot orbs that were fastened upon him.
He saw that blade ascend, but beyond a slight shudder it did not seem to affect him.
Red Goliath now realized what a climax affairs had reached, and he could not forego the temptation to tantalize the boy before dispatching him.
"There you lie, my little man, and there you're going to lie forever. Thought to get the best of me, did you? Aha! Red Goliath has passed through the jaws of death too often to give in to a mere stripling. The fates work in my favor. Hoskins found out what it meant to meddle with such a dangerous customer; now I'm going to give you a taste. Say your prayers, young man, for your seconds are numbered on this earth."
Higher rose the blade, as the giant gathered strength for a mighty stroke.
Yet the boy's eyes did not quiver, but remained fastened on those of his enemy. A minute would seem an eternity at such a time.
Red Goliath was purposely delaying his blow, to make the death agony more potent; but he hesitated too long.
A hand that could grip like a vise caught the upraised arm, and the giant looked up to find himself face to face with Chevalier Bolly Wherrit.
WHAT FATE HAS ORDAINED.
Adele had for ancestors, on her father's side of the house, valiant Frenchmen, and she inherited some of their courage.
Red Goliath had paid no attention to her after Mason so suddenly appeared upon the scene of action, and in this disregard he proved his complete ignorance of the young girl's bravery.
When she saw the one she loved so well in the power of this rough assassin, all fear fled for the time being from her heart, and she was brave.
While she alone had been threatened Adele could not help being terror-stricken, but now the case was quite altered.
The revolver that had been knocked from Mason's hand (General Custer's revolver) lay near the young girl. Her eyes had followed its course through the air mechanically, and as she realized what power lay in the little weapon, her eyes flashed. She sprang forward and picked it up.
Just at this instant a man clad in a buckskin, and whose face bore the impress of nature's nobleman, stepped into view. He held up a hand toward Adele, as if telling her to remain a passive spectator, and she, willing to trust her cause in such hands, suffered the revolver that had been raised with so determined a purpose to fall to her side.
One bound, like that of a panther, served to bring Bolly Wherrit in a position where he could enter into the game. As his iron hand came down upon the brawny arm of the giant Hercules, the latter looked up with a startled look. It was his last word upon earth, the curse he uttered; for the ranger buried his knife in that broad chest, with the force of an avenger, and threw the dying monster upon the rocky floor. Mason sprang up and took Adele away to the other end of the cavern, in order that she might not witness what a terrible thing death was.
I shall not dwell upon the convulsive movements of the stricken giant.
Twice he essayed to pull out a revolver, but each time Bolly kicked his arm; and thus foiled of his devilish purpose, the savage man died, foaming at the mouth.
Bolly stood contemplating the body with folded arms.
There was something fascinating, and at the same time repulsive, in the bulky form lying so quiet in the arms of death, and the gray-haired ranger shook his head as he turned away.
"It run agin the grain, that blow did, but 'twar either his life or yers, and I took the choice. He was a fine man in shape, but a devil in mind. Wal, it's the fate o' us all; and the only wonder air how ye've 'scaped so long. Young feller, I reckon az how yer name must be Mason Pierrepont?" said the ranger.
"It is, sir, and to whom are we indebted for this great service," said the boy, clasping an arm tighter around Adele than the circumstances seemed to warrant, seeing that she was only an adopted daughter of his mother.
His words contained a dignity that compelled Bolly to respect him.
"Bolly Wherrit air my name, tho' that ain't o' much consequence. Yer mother engaged me to come arter the leetle gal yonder. Unfortunately I war taken prisoner, but escaped during the fight yesterday. Kin ye tell me anything about it?"
Mason graphically, but concisely, gave an account of Custer's annihilation, at which the old ranger stood aghast, and it was several moments before he recovered.
"Heavens! but thet war orful. Arter that I'm death on the reds. And ye say my chum Pandy Ellis war in it? If they've rubbed out—but no; sech a thing air impossible; Pandy couldn't die so easy. Custer kilt Black Sculley wid his last shot, did he? Then thar's another boarder jest gone. But poor Custer, an' Cooke, handsome Cooke, and Yates, wid whom I've bunked many's the time. Poor boys, it's a bad piece o' bizness, but ef they've kilt my Pandy Ellis, then the world won't be big enuff ter hide ole Sitting Bull an' his chiefs from Bolly Wherrit's rifle;" and the set teeth proclaimed every word meant as it was uttered.
By comparing notes, Mason and the ranger came to a good understanding, and realized the situation of affairs across the river pretty accurately.
It was while they were debating as to their future course, that an alarm occurred in the shape of the sudden appearance of an Indian, who had stumbled upon the cave by accident, as his surprise would seem to indicate.
The prairie ranger proved too quick for the red American, however, and hurling himself upon the Indian, he brought him to the ground.
Here he was speedily secured, with Mason's assistance, and rolled into a corner for safe-keeping.
Fearing lest more of these unwelcome guests should make their appearance, Bolly took his station in the passage leading to the cavern, and there remained all night, while Mason and Adele slept within, or at least made a pretense of sleeping.
But the darkness passed away without any alarm, and daylight found them in the same order, only that all signs of the dead giant had strangely vanished from the cavern, in which mystery Bolly was a participant.
Leaving the others, the ranger went out on a scout, and came back in an hour or so with the news that the remainder of the cavalry were intrenched among the hills on the other side of the river, and battling with the Sioux.
Bolly also brought with him the choice portion of a deer he had shot.
It took but a short time to gather fuel, and soon the olfactories of our friends were greeted by the delicious aroma of roasting venison.
Breakfast dispatched, the situation was discussed again, and at the end of the council it was decided best to remain where they were, and await the movement of the troops.
Mason being acquainted with Custer's intended plans of operation, knew that Terry might be expected, and it might be safer for them to leave in the care of the soldiers, for the vicinity seemed swarming with Indians.
Thus the day passed.
In the evening Bolly took another scout, and witnessed the arrival of General Terry's men.
He was soon with the heroes who had fought so long under Major Reno, and almost the first person he ran across was his chum.
It would have done a philosopher good to have witnessed the meeting between these great-hearted men, each of whom feared the other was dead.
A pressure of the hand that spoke volumes was followed by the expressive glance.
Words fail on such an occasion to convey the idea that other things can tell.
Bolly did not wait to see any of the officers, although many of them were known to him, but rushed his chum to the other side of the river, where he made him acquainted with Mason and Adele.
That night the quartette of friends spent in the cave, enjoying themselves with yarns and good cheer.
In the morning, Bolly proposed a start, urged by the young girl's desire to see home, and the agony of that lady mother in the Southern city, whose tears had accomplished what money alone could never have done.
After reaching Laramie, rapid transit was obtained, and, before many days passed by, the city of New Orleans was reached.
Madame Pierrepont fulfilled all her promises to Bolly, and still thinks that everything she owns would be inadequate to recompense him for saving her dear son and adopted daughter.
I have grave suspicions (aroused by some of young Mason's warmbrotherlyactions) that thetime is not far distant when his wealthy mother will receive pretty Adele as her own daughter, but perhaps they are too young as yet for more than surmises on my part.
Pandy Ellis and his partner started for the field of action again, and by the time this reaches the reader's eye, they will doubtless be at the side of impetuous Major Burt or some other of Cooke's gallant officers.
On their way we lose sight of these princes of the prairies, but let us hope it will not be forever.
Alas! poor Custer!
His memory will ever be green in the memory of his fellow-soldiers.
The whole country mourns his loss, and well they may, for a more dashing, chivalrous, valiant cavalry chief never led his men to battle, and though willful at times, his other qualities completely hid this fault.
Who among us can stand forth, and pointing to himself, say, "Look at me, and take a lesson. I am faultless?" Not one, I am sure.
And with Custer fell the flower of the army; noble men whose names shall ever be cherished by all lovers of the good and brave.
That Pandy Ellis was their first real avenger the reader already knows.
Whether retribution shall overtake Sitting Bull and his warriors, or not, time alone will tell.
As to the movements of the troops under Terry, also those under Cooke, the reader can glean fresher news from the daily papers than I can give.
At present it seems that the Northwest will be the scene of a bloody Indian war which can only terminate with the extermination of the warriors engaged.
As to Pedro Sanchez, he has recovered from the wounds received at the hands of his former companion, Red Goliath, but trembles whenever left alone, for he has in some way heard of the terrible oath sworn by Pandy Ellis to have his life; and if there is one man in the world whom the French Spaniard fears it is the veteran trapper chief.
From the limited papers at my command I have drawn this tale out of the terrible death-ride still so fresh in the public mind, and now that Custer has gone to join his brave fellow-officers in the spirit world, I hope all his faults, such as they were, may be overlooked, and due reverence shown for the name of our missing hero.
[THE END.]
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HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving complete information as to the manner and method of raising, keeping, taming, breeding and managing all kinds of pets. Also giving full instructions for making cages, nests, etc. Fully explained by 28 handsome illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kind ever published. Price 10 cents. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730.
HOW TO BECOME RICH.—This wonderful book, "How to Become Rich," presents you with the example and life experience of some of the most noted and wealthy men in the world, including the self-made men of our country. The book is edited by one of the most successful men of the present age, whose own example is in itself guide enough for those who aspire to fame and money. The book will give you the secret. Price 10 cents. For sale by newsmen and booksellers, or send price to Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York, and it will be mailed to you, post paid.
HOW TO TELL FORTUNES.—Every one is desirous of knowing what their future life will bring forth, whether happiness or misery, wealth or poverty. You can tell by a glance at this little book. Buy one and be convinced. Tell your own fortune. Tell the fortunes of your friends. Price 10 cents. Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730.
HOW TO DO IT.—It is a great life secret, and one that every young man desires to know all about. Frank Tousey publishes a book that tells you all about it. Send 10 cents and get it. There's happiness in it. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. P. O. Box 2730.
HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsome little book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instructions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, how to dress, and full directions for calling off in all the popular square dances. The price is 10 cents, for sale by newsdealers, or sent from this office on receipt of price, postage free. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. P. O. Box 2730.
ON THE STAGE; OR, HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—A valuable book for amateurs, containing all the information desired by beginners in the profession, also NEGRO ACTS, IRISH ACTS, DUTCH ACTS, DIALOGUES, SPEECHES, SONGS, JOKES, ETC., ETC. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent from this office on receipt of price, 15 cents. Address Frank Tousey, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. P. O. Box 2730.
HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST.—By Harry Kennedy. The secret given away. Every intelligent boy reading this book of instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multitudes every night with his wonderful imitations), can master the art, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is thegreatest bookever published, and there'smillions(of fun)in it. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST. For sale by all newsdealers, price 10 cents; or send price to the office ofThe Boys of New York, and receive a copy by return mail. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. P. O. Box 2730.
HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE—Giving full instruction for the use of dumb-bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, horizontal bars, and various other methods of developing a good, healthy muscle; containing over sixty illustrations. Every boy can become strong and healthy by following the instructions contained in this little book. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of 10 cents. Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730.
The Life and Death of Jesse JamesIS PUBLISHED IN——Number 76——OFThe Boys of New York Pocket Library.
This is the only authentic and true biography of this noted outlaw, giving a full account of his life from the time he was born until he met his death at the hands of Robert Ford.
PRICE 5 CENTS.
Frank James the AvengerIS PUBLISHED IN——Number 81——OFThe Boys of New York Pocket Library,
Giving the full accounts of Frank James' vain attempts to avenge the death of his brother Jesse.
PRICE 5 CENTS.
FRANK JAMES' SURRENDERIS PUBLISHED IN——Number 105——OFThe Boys of New York Pocket Library,
Giving a full and truthful account of this notorious outlaw's surrender to the hands of Justice.
PRICE 5 CENTS.
THEJames Boys' Series of AdventuresCONTAINED INTHE WIDE AWAKE LIBRARY.
PRICE 5 CENTS.
Every book complete in itself, and full of startling and exciting scenes. Read the following list of the names and numbers of the books already published. For sale by all newsdealers.
Any of the above books are for sale by every newsdealer in the United States and Canada, or they will be sent to your address, post-paid, on receipt of 5 cents. Address
FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher,Box 2730.34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York.
Added table of contents.
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Retained inconsistent spellings in dialect (e.g. "yallar-haired" vs. "yaller-haired").
Retained some inconsistent hyphenation (e.g. "red-skin" vs. "redskin").
Page 2, changed period to question mark after "fight fur her cubs?"
Page 3, added missing apostrophe to "thar's" in "thar's eggscitin' times comin'." Corrected "Indion" to "Indian" in "through the Indian camp." Changed "Scully" to "Sculley" for consistency with later appearances.
Page 4, corrected "entertained suspicious" to "entertained suspicions;" "on the drags" to "on the crags;" and "had accidentally became" to "had accidentally become." Corrected "Bowle" to "Bowie."
Page 5, changed "cry of a participant" to "eye of a participant." Changed "powder-begrimmed" to "powder-begrimed." Corrected "Wherritt" to "Wherrit" ("Bolly Wherrit proved too willing").
Page 6, removed duplicate "a" from "battle and not a massacre." Changed comma to period after "all sorts of plunder." Added missing "r" to "I can and do affirm."
Page 7, added missing period after "sumpin important." Corrected "detestion" to "detestation." Changed "world" to "word" in "that word 'gal.'"
Page 8, corrected "cautiousty" to "cautiously" ("slowly and cautiously"). Corrected "firs" to "furs" ("pile of furs lay just within").
Page 9, corrected "disiinguished" to "distinguished" ("slain his distinguished foeman"). Added missing apostrophe to "Pedro's hands failed to do their duty." Corrected "miscreat" to "miscreant" ("flattening the miscreant").
Page 10, corrected "puled" to "pulled" ("Bolly pulled it out again").
Page 11, changed "know" to "known" ("is already known"). Added missing apostrophe to "think I can't tell." Corrected "semed" to "seemed" ("familiarity he seemed to resent"). Corrected "uuder" to "under" ("every man of 'em had gone under").
Page 12, changed "gripe" to "grip" in "grip like a vise." Corrected period to question mark in "Kin ye tell me anything about it?" Corrected "situaiion" to "situation" ("situation was discussed again").