CHAPTER VIII.

THE OLD PIT.

Alfred’s father had returned home, and had written to him saying that they were all coming to see him on the following day. It was not many miles from Darlton to the old city where Alfred was. He had done all his work well, and both Mr. Harmer and Dr. Phillips had praised him for his industry and attention.

Mr. Cottenham, unknown to the boys, had told Mr. Harmer that Cox had bought an arithmetic book and key with the answers, and the master had promised to look carefully over his sums in future. Cox thought himself very cunning, and used to do about one sum in three wrong, so that his master might not suspect him. But boys forget that, however clever they may think themselves, masters have eyes, and also have been boys themselves, and know what tricks are done in school.

For several mornings Mr. Harmer did not look carefully over Cox’s sums, but merely asked him to read out the answers. A day came, however, on which the boys were given a holiday after services in the cathedral, and Mr. Harmer felt certain that Cox would have all his sums quite correct, in order that he might not be kept in. As usual, he was simply asked to read out the answers. Cox did so; they were all correct, as Mr. Harmer had expected.

“Bring your book here,” he said.

Cox brought up his arithmetic book.

“No, Cox,” he said, “I wish to see your exercise book, with the working of the sums.”

“I haven’t put quite all the working down, sir,” stammered Cox, turning very red. “I did the sums first on a piece of paper at home, and then threw it away.”

“Bring up your book.”

Cox brought it. The sums were commenced all right, and the answer was correct also, but there were several mistakes in the working which could not possibly have produced the results put down.

“It is very extraordinary, Cox, how you could get such an answer from that working.”

“Please, sir, I copied the sums in the book in a hurry, perhaps I made some mistakes.”

“Perhaps! Come now, tell me the truth. Have you a book with answers?”

“No, sir.”

“You have never bought such a book?”

“No, sir, never.”

“You did not go into Mr. Thrupp’s a fortnight ago and buy one?”

“No, sir,” replied Cox hesitatingly.

“How can you stand there, Cox, and tell me such a deliberate falsehood? If you do not at once speak the truth, I will take you to the dean. I have seen Mr. Thrupp, who knows you, and he said you did buy a copy. Mr. Thrupp also told me that you bought a similar book last term. I have not the slightest doubt now that you put that leaf of answers into Davidson’s book, or, at least, that it belonged to you.”

Cox did not reply.

“Now, Cox, listen to me. Either you will answer my questions truthfully, or I will take you this very minute to the dean. Did you put that page in Davidson’s book?”

“No, sir.”

“Do you know who did put it there?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Who was it?”

Cox was silent.

“Are you going to answer me, or do you prefer to go to the dean?”

This decided Cox.

“It was Herbert King, sir, who put it in the book.”

“King, I am ashamed of you! A boy of your age to do such a paltry trick!”

“Please, sir, I only did it for a joke.”

“A joke! A joke is only a joke when both sides can laugh. It was a mean, despicable trick to do, and Davidson might have been unjustly punished for it. You are leaving at the end of this term, King, or I should feel very much inclined to send you to the dean. I shall cane you both now before the whole school as a warning to others, and a just punishment to yourselves.”

Mr. Harmer was as good as his word, and the two boys returned to their places not only in pain, but in humiliation. King felt the disgrace even more keenly than his companion, for he was the biggest boy in the school.

All the class had of course stopped work and looked on, many of them in fear, as Mr. Harmer was very rarely as angry as they saw him that morning. When the lessons and services were over, Cox and King slunk away by themselves.

Alfred had arranged to meet his two friends about half a mile beyond the old pit. He did not accompany them, as he was going to write a letter to his father, and it took Alfred much longer to write such a letter than Walter and Steve would care to wait. He had arranged, therefore, to join them at the place at which they usually fished. The two boys had gone in a boat, but Alfred was to take a short cut across the fields in order that he might not lose too much time.

The letter was written and posted, and away Alfred ran to find his chums. He was as happy as a boy could be at the prospect of meeting all his family again, and he was also very glad that his innocence was proved. When he was passing near the old pit which Mr. Harmer had forbidden the boys to visit, he saw King and Cox playing together, or rather trying to amuse themselves. King threw his cap at Cox, and, missing him, it fell down the pit.

“That serves you right,” exclaimed Cox, laughing at King. “Now you’ve lost your cap.”

“No, I haven’t. I shall climb down and get it. It isn’t deep. I have been down several times before.”

The pit was not apparently very deep, owing to the sides having fallen in after some very heavy rains. There was a rude fence round the mouth of it, formed by lashing scaffold poles together. These the boys used to untie, knot the pieces of cord together, and let each other down. One pit in the vicinity had lately been flooded, and in the bottom of this old one there was some water.

“Herbert,” said Cox, “your cap won’t be much improved by that muddy water.”

“We can wash it in the river afterwards,” replied King. “Come and lend me a hand, and we will soon get these pieces of rope off and tied together.”

“I wonder how much water there is at the bottom!” said Cox, looking down at the dark muddy water.

“Only a few inches. I know the depth of the pit when it is dry, and I can see there isn’t much difference in it. You had better go down, but I will if you are afraid. I don’t think you are strong enough to help me up again, are you?”

“I don’t know,” replied Cox, looking very doubtfully at the water.

“Don’t be in such a funk,” exclaimed King, “or I shall tie the rope round one of these posts and let myself down.”

“I am not in a funk,” said Cox. “I will go down when we get these pieces tied together. This rope is a bit rotten, isn’t it?”

“No, it’s all right. It has borne my weight, and so I am sure it will yours.”

Cox did not seem at all in a hurry to commence the descent, which was perhaps some thirty or forty feet.

“There goes young sneak,” he exclaimed, as he saw Alfred running across the other side of the field. “Stop him.”

As soon as Alfred heard this, he ran as fast as he could, but King soon overtook him.

“Herbert,” called out Cox, “let’s make him go down and fetch your cap. He’s fond of sneaking, so that will give him something to talk about.”

“All right, Harry,” replied King, “a jolly fine idea that! Now, little sneak, you are going down that pit to fetch up my cap, do you hear?”

“Yes,” replied Alfred, “I hear.”

“Do you mean to say you don’t intend to go down there?”

“Yes, I do,” replied Alfred firmly.

“Supposing I say I will make you, what then?”

Alfred did not reply.

“If you won’t go after his cap, perhaps you will after your own,” exclaimed Cox, taking Alfred’s cap and throwing it down the pit.

King laughed. Alfred remained still, without attempting to move. King shook him roughly.

“Now, look here,” he said. “You are going down to fetch those caps quietly, or we shall tie this rope round you and drop you down, whether you like it or not.”

“I tell you I sha’n’t go,” replied Alfred, “and if you don’t leave me alone, I’ll kick you.”

“Then clear off, little sneak,” exclaimed King angrily, and shaking him violently. “Come, Harry, and get my cap, and leave his there until called for.”

Cox would have liked to refuse, as Alfred had done, only he feared the jeers of his chum. So he allowed himself to be bound with the cord, while the other end was secured to a post. King intended to lower him gradually. Alfred remained where he was, simply looking on.

“Harry,” said King, “you must steady yourself against the side as you go down, and when you climb up again, dig your feet well into the loose earth.”

“Is this tied tightly?” asked Cox, who was very nervous.

“Yes, that’s all right. Come, are you ready?” cried King.

Cox approached the mouth, and Alfred then came nearer and watched them. They seemed to have forgotten his presence for the time. Slowly Cox began to descend; King, being a strong boy, let the rope slide gradually. Alfred went to the very edge of the pit and saw Cox going slowly lower and lower.

Suddenly King’s feet slipped and he loosened his hold of the rope. Cox fell some feet with a jerk, when the cord snapped, and a loud splash was heard.

Pale with fear, both King and Alfred gazed down and saw that Cox had disappeared beneath the water. In a few seconds--which seemed hours--his head appeared above the surface.

“Help! help!” he screamed, and again disappeared.

King stood still, paralysed with fear.

In a moment Alfred had grasped the rope and descended rapidly, blistering his hands as he did so.

He had reached the water. Cox had risen again almost senseless. He grasped him by his jacket and held him with one hand, while he clutched the rope with the other.

“King,” he cried, “I can’t hold him long. Get some help at once! My arm is breaking!”

King was aroused by his cry, and looked wildly around. The rope was too rotten for him to dare to descend. There was no one to help them. Suddenly he seized one of the poles which formed the fence.

“Davidson, I will drop down one of these poles! Look out! Hang on to it when it is in the water.”

The pole reached the water with a splash, and as it did so, the upper end struck Alfred’s head a violent blow which almost stunned him. Away rushed King for help.

Alfred could feel the blood trickling down his face from the wound he had received. He felt faint and giddy, and his arms seemed to have lost all sense of feeling. He tried to cry out, but his tongue seemed to cleave to his mouth. He knew he could not hold on much longer, and if he let his school-fellow go, he must be drowned. All this flashed through his mind in an instant. His feet touched something. It was the pole, which was floating almost upright. He rested one foot on it, and it gradually sank, but after it had sunk about a foot he felt it was firmer, and he thought it must be resting on the bottom of the pit.

The poles were each some twenty feet long, and his heart sank when he realized that there was that depth of water. He was able now, by putting both feet on the end of the pole, to rest himself a little, but he was obliged also to keep Cox’s head up above the water. He wondered if Cox were dead. His face was white and his eyes were closed. Would no one ever come?

He dared not loosen his hold either of the rope or of his school-fellow. He felt faint! He could not see distinctly! Everything was fading away!

Suddenly the pole slipped a few inches. This roused him again. He determined that he would not let his burden go, come what might.

“Hold on, Davidson,” cried out King. “Mr. Cottenham is here with a stout rope.”

Alfred clung desperately to the rope and to Harry Cox, who was still unconscious, the dead weight of his burden nearly dragging his arms but of their sockets. At last, looking up, he saw a dark figure descending. Could he hold on a few seconds more? Again everything became dim; he thought he heard a noise, and then he became unconscious.

Mr. Cottenham had brought two long pieces of rope, which he had fastened to two posts; by one he descended, and the second he had ready to put round one of the boys. Walter Parker and Steve Gray had come with him, and together with King they awaited the signal to haul up. Just as he reached Alfred, the boy’s eyes seemed fixed, and then they closed, and with a sigh he fell into the chemist’s stout arms. He grasped both of the boys with his free arm, and then, getting a footing on the sunken pole, he managed to fasten the cord round Alfred, and shouted to the boys above to pull away.

In a few minutes he saw Alfred landed safely, and again they lowered the rope. With less difficulty he secured it round Harry Cox, and as soon as he saw him fairly up, he climbed up himself.

Harry Cox’s eyes were open, and he stared wildly round. Mr. Cottenham, after bandaging Alfred’s head, seized Cox in his arms, while Walter took Alfred, and they walked as rapidly as possible towards the cottage hospital, which was not very far distant.

In a few minutes both boys were put to bed and attended by the doctor.

“A narrow escape this,” he said to Mr. Cottenham, who was assisting him in restoring animation to the boys.

Cox soon recovered, and gazed about vacantly, and then asked where he was.

“You must not talk now,” said the doctor; “lie still.”

It was some time before Alfred recovered. When he opened his eyes he saw the kind face of Mr. Cottenham at his side. He felt a burning heat in his throbbing temples, and when he tried to speak he could not utter a word.

The doctor gave him some medicine, and he soon fell asleep, with dreams of falling over precipices and down pits.

* * * * *

King, with Walter and Steve, waited about for two hours before Mr. Cottenham returned to tell them that Alfred was better.

“You had better go and tell Mr. Harmer what has happened,” he said to Walter.

“Do you think, sir, that they will die?” inquired King, with an anxious look on his now pale face.

“I hope not,” replied Mr. Cottenham. “They are progressing as well as can be expected. If you call on me as you go to school to-morrow morning, I will let you know how they are. Do you know Alfred Davidson’s home address, Steve?”

“Yes, sir,” he replied, giving it.

“I will write to his mother at once.”

“Is Alfred dangerously ill?” asked Walter.

“The doctor hopes for the best, but there is cause for anxiety. He will come to my place for his weekly chat and smoke, and so I shall hear the latest tidings to-night, and early to-morrow I shall come up here and see how the boys are. I think Cox will soon be well again, but with Alfred it will be a longer affair.”

Very early the next morning King was waiting at Mr. Cottenham’s to hear how they were. He had hardly slept a wink all night. He knew that he had been the cause of the accident; and if Alfred should die--! He shuddered at the thought.

Both Walter and Steve were out early, and found King still waiting outside Mr. Cottenham’s. At last the chemist appeared.

“How is Davidson, sir?” inquired King earnestly.

“Cox is much better, and in a couple of days will probably be quite well,” replied Mr. Cottenham.

“How is Alfred, sir?” asked Walter.

“I have just telegraphed for his mother to come at once.”

“Is he worse, sir?” inquired Walter. King was too anxious to speak.

“I am afraid he is,” replied Mr. Cottenham shortly. “Come again after dinner and I will let you know any further news of him.”

* * * * *

As Mr. Cottenham had said, Cox was sufficiently well in two days to be removed to his own home. The strain on Alfred’s system, added to the blow on his head, caused a dangerous illness; but, thanks to his youth and naturally good constitution, assisted by the close attention of a kind nurse and skilful doctor, he did recover. His mother had come, and soon afterwards his father also arrived, and when Alfred was out of danger, his joy may readily be imagined at seeing both of his parents at his bedside. Later in the day his sister came, and his good friend Mr. Cottenham.

As he got better, the doctor said that he might, in a few days, be removed to his home for a change.

“Alfie,” said his mother, “we have a lot of good news for you. Your father has been appointed to a good position at Eastport, so that he will not be obliged to go any more voyages; and the directors have given him a hundred pounds for his services in that great storm.”

“Mother, I am so happy now!” he exclaimed. “I should like to see Mr. Cottenham again. I have never thanked him for saving my life. If he had not come, I am sure I could not have held on any longer.”

When Alfred returned to the school after his holiday at home, he was told to come at five o’clock, after the service, to the cathedral library. No one had said a word to him of what was intended, and great was his surprise when he saw the large room crowded with people. Walter and Steve took charge of him. All the choir were there, and the clergy as well. Mr. Cottenham occupied a place on the platform, and the dean delivered a short address on the gallant rescue of a school-fellow by Alfred Davidson.

“Alfred,” said Walter, “you have to go up and receive a medal. The dean has called out your name.”

Scarcely knowing what he was doing, Alfred went up to the platform, and amid the loud cheers of his fellow-choristers and the applause of others, the dean’s daughter presented him with a medal.

When the dean afterwards made reference to the timely assistance of Mr. Cottenham, the applause was scarcely less than that which Alfred had received. After the presentation was over, all the choir-boys were invited by Mr. Cottenham to tea in his garden. And it was a tea! One of the boys asked him if he had been to India to fetch the delicacies. There is one little incident more to be recorded. While all the boys were seated at the table, King and Cox got out of their seats and came to Alfred.

“Davidson,” said King, in a voice choked with emotion, “Harry Cox and I want to give you this. I can’t make a speech like the dean, but I hope you won’t refuse it.”

It was a silver watch, engraved on the inside with Alfred’s name, the date, and these words, “For a gallant rescue at the risk of his own life”.

It may be doubted whether their united means would have secured so expensive a present if Mr. Cottenham had not heard of their intention. The choir-boys subscribed for the chain, and the organist, Dr. Phillips, gave Alfred a very handsome book.

This gallant rescue is still treasured among the annals of the choir-school of St. Bede’s.

“English boys owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Henty.”--_Athenæum._

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--Won by the Sword: A Tale of the Thirty Years’ War. 6_s._

“As fascinating as ever came from Mr. Henty’s pen.”--_Westminster Gazette._

--In the Irish Brigade: A Tale of War in Flanders and Spain. 6_s._

“A stirring book of military adventure.”--_Scotsman._

--At Agincourt: A Tale of the White Hoods of Paris. 6_s._

“Cannot fail to commend itself to boys of all ages.”--_Manchester Courier._

Blackie & Son’s

Story Books for Boys

LARGE CROWN 8VO, CLOTH EXTRA. ILLUSTRATED

Capt. F. S. BRERETON

The Hero of Panama: A Tale of the Great Canal. Illustrated by W. RAINEY, R.I. Olivine edges, 6_s._

--Under the Chinese Dragon: A Tale of Mongolia. Illustrated by CHARLES M. SHELDON. Olivine edges, 5_s._

--Tom Stapleton, the Boy Scout: With a commendation by LIEUT.-GENERAL SIR R. S. S. BADEN-POWELL, and illustrated with coloured frontispiece and in black-and-white by GORDON BROWNE, R.I. 3_s._ 6_d._

“A rousing piece of story-telling.”--_Westminster Gazette._

--The Great Aeroplane: A Thrilling Tale of Adventure. 6_s._

“The story is a bracing one.”--_Outlook._

--Indian and Scout: A Tale of the Gold Rush to California. 5_s._

“A dashing narrative of the best quality.”--_British Weekly._

--A Hero of Sedan: A Tale of the Franco-Prussian War. 6_s._

“The exciting events of the book are developed in a manly spirit and healthy tone.”--_Academy._

--John Bargreave’s Gold: A Tale of Adventure in the Caribbean. 5_s._

“The book is full of breathless happenings.”--_Daily Graphic._

--How Canada was Won: A Tale of Wolfe and Quebec. 6_s._

“Will make the strongest appeal to the juvenile fancy.”--_Outlook._

--Roughriders of the Pampas: A Tale of Ranch Life in South America. 5_s._

“The interest is unflagging throughout the well-written tale.”--_World._

--With Wolseley to Kumasi: A Story of the First Ashanti War. 6_s._

“Boys will want nothing better.”--_Daily Graphic._

--Jones of the 64th: A Tale of the Battles of Assaye and Laswaree. 5_s._

“The story is full of dash and spirit.”--_Birmingham Post._

--Roger the Bold: A Tale of the Conquest of Mexico. 6_s._

“The tale forms lively reading, the fighting being especially good.”--_Athenæum._

--With Roberts to Candahar: A Tale of the Third Afghan War. 5_s._

“A very tried author, who improves with each book he writes, is Captain F. S. Brereton.”--_Academy._

--A Soldier of Japan: A Tale of the Russo-Japanese War. 5_s._

“The pages bristle with hairbreadth escapes and gallantry.”--_Graphic._

--Foes of the Red Cockade: A Story of the French Revolution. 6_s._

“A stirring picture of a fearful time.”--_World._

--With the Dyaks of Borneo: A Tale of the Head Hunters. 6_s._

“Young readers must be hard to please if _With the Dyaks_ does not suit them.”--_Spectator._

--A Hero of Lucknow: A Tale of the Indian Mutiny. 5_s._

“Full of action and picturesque adventure.”--_British Weekly._

--A Knight of St. John: A Tale of the Siege of Malta. _New Edition._ 3_s._ 6_d._

“Would enthral any boy reader.”--_World._

--In the Grip of the Mullah: A Tale of Somaliland. _New Edition._ 3_s._ 6_d._

“A more spirited tale could not be wished for.”--_British Weekly._

--With Rifle and Bayonet: A Story of the Boer War. _New Edition._ 3_s._ 6_d._

--A Gallant Grenadier: A Story of the Crimean War. _New Edition._ 3_s._ 6_d._

--One of the Fighting Scouts. _New Edition._ 3_s._ 6_d._

--The Dragon of Pekin. _New Edition._ 3_s._ 6_d._

--With Shield and Assegai. 3_s._ 6_d._

SIR HARRY JOHNSTON, G.C.M.G., K.C.B.

Pioneers in West Africa. With 8 coloured illustrations by the author, and maps and other illustrations in black-and-white. Demy 8vo, cloth extra, 6_s._

--Pioneers in Canada. With 8 coloured illustrations by E. Wallcousins, and maps and other illustrations in black-and-white. Demy 8vo, cloth extra, 6_s._

These two volumes are the first of a series, the object of which is to provide reading of “real adventures” of those pioneers who have helped to lay the foundations of the British Empire. The story is truthfully told in a picture of splendid colouring, and with great accuracy.

ALEXANDER MACDONALD

Through the Heart of Tibet: A Tale of a Secret Mission to Lhasa. 6_s._

“A rattling story.”--_British Weekly._

--The White Trail: A Story of the Early Days of Klondike. 6_s._

“Should satisfy any boy’s mental appetite.”--_Outlook._

--The Pearl Seekers: A Story of Adventure in the Southern Seas. 6_s._

“This is the kind of story a boy will want to read at a sitting.”--_Schoolmaster._

--The Invisible Island: A Story of the Far North of Queensland. 5_s._

“A well-told story.”--_World._

--The Quest of the Black Opals: A Story of Adventure in the Heart of Australia. 5_s._

“An admirable tale.”--_Westminster Gazette._

--The Lost Explorers: A Story of the Trackless Desert. 6_s._

“As vivid a narrative as any boy could wish to read.”--_Daily Graphic._

HARRY COLLINGWOOD

A Middy of the King: A Romance of the Old British Navy. Illustrated by E. S. HODGSON. Olivine edges, 5_s._

--The Adventures of Dick Maitland: A Tale of Unknown Africa. Illustrated by ALEC BALL. Olivine edges, 3_s._ 6_d._

--A Middy of the Slave Squadron: A West African Story. 5_s._

“An up-to-date sea story.”--_Truth._

--Overdue: or, The Strange Story of a Missing Ship. 3_s._ 6_d._

“A story of thrilling interest.”--_British Weekly._

--The Cruise of the Thetis: A Tale of the Cuban Insurrection. 5_s._

“A good, stirring book.”--_Times._

STAFF SURGEON T. T. JEANS, R.N.

On Foreign Service: or, The Santa Cruz Revolution. Illustrated by W. RAINEY, R.I. 6_s._

“It is a rousing good yarn.”--_Athenæum._

--Ford of H.M.S. Vigilant: A Tale of Adventure in the Chusan Archipelago. 5_s._

“A distinctly good story.”--_Naval and Military Record._

--Mr. Midshipman Glover, R.N.: A Tale of the Royal Navy of To-day. 5_s._

“Full of exciting adventures and gallant fighting.”--_Truth._

HERBERT STRANG

The Adventures of Harry Rochester: A Story of the Days of Marlborough and Eugene. 6_s._

“One of the best stories of a military and historical type we have seen for many a day.”--_Athenæum._

--Boys of the Light Brigade: A Story of Spain and the Peninsular War. 6_s._

Professor Oman (Chichele Professor of Modern History at Oxford, and author of _A History of the Peninsular War_) writes: “I can’t tell you what a pleasure and rarity it is to the specialist to find a tale on the history of his own period in which the details are all right ... accept thanks from a historian for having got historical accuracy combined with your fine romantic adventures.”

--Brown of Moukden: A Story of the Russo-Japanese War. 5_s._

“The book will hold boy readers spellbound.”--_Church Times._

--Tom Burnaby: A Story of Uganda and the Great Congo Forest. 5_s._

“A delightful story of African adventure.”--_Spectator._

--Kobo: A Story of the Russo-Japanese War. 5_s._

“For vibrant actuality there is nothing to come up to Mr. Strang’s Kobo.”--_Academy._

ROBERT M. MACDONALD

The Rival Treasure Hunters: A Tale of the Debatable Frontier of British Guiana. 6_s._

“A story which every schoolboy would probably describe as ‘simply ripping’.”--_Daily Graphic._

--The Great White Chief: A Story of Adventure in Unknown New Guinea. 6_s._

“A rattling story told with spirit and vigour.”--_British Weekly._

DAVID KER

Under the Flag of France: A Tale of Bertrand du Guesclin. 5_s._

“Full of vigour and movement.”--British Weekly.

--Among the Dark Mountains: or, Cast away in Sumatra. 3_s._ 6_d._

“A glorious tale of adventure.”--_Educational News._

ERNEST GLANVILLE

The Diamond Seekers: A Story of Adventure in South Africa. 6_s._

“We have seldom seen a better story for boys.”--_Guardian._

--In Search of the Okapi: A Story of Adventure in Central Africa. 6_s._

“An admirable story.”--_Daily Chronicle._

MEREDITH FLETCHER

Every Inch a Briton: A School Story. 3_s._ 6_d._

“Mr. Meredith Fletcher has scored a success.”--_Manchester Guardian._

--Jefferson Junior: A School Story. 3_s._ 6_d._

“A comical yarn.”--_Yorkshire Daily Observer._

FREDERICK P. GIBBON

The Disputed V.C. A Tale of the Indian Mutiny. 3_s._

“A good, stirring tale, well told.”--_Graphic._

G. MANVILLE FENN

The Boys at Menhardoc: A Story of Cornish Nets and Mines. 3_s._

“The story is well worth reading.”--_British Weekly._

--Bunyip Land: Among the Blackfellows in New Guinea. 3_s._

“One of the best tales of adventure produced by any living writer.”--_Daily Chronicle._

--In the King’s Name. 3_s._ 6_d._

“This is, we think, the best of all Mr. Fenn’s productions.”--_Daily News._

--Dick o’ the Fens: A Romance of the Great East Swamp. 3_s._ 6_d._

“We conscientiously believe that boys will find it capital reading.”--_Times._

Dr. GORDON STABLES, R.N.

The Naval Cadet: A Story of Adventure on Land and Sea. 3_s._ 6_d._

“An interesting travellers’ tale, with plenty of fun and incident in it.”--_Spectator._

--For Life and Liberty: A Tale of the Civil War in America. 3_s._

“The story is lively and spirited.”--_Times._

--To Greenland and the Pole: A Story of the Arctic Regions. 3_s._

“One of the best books Dr. Stables has ever written.”--_Truth._

FRED SMITH

The World of Animal Life. A Natural History for Little Folk. With eight full-page coloured Illustrations and numerous black-and-white Illustrations. Crown 4to, 11-1/4 inches by 9-1/2 inches. Handsome cloth cover. Gilt top, 5_s._

“An admirable volume.”--_Birmingham Gazette._

A. J. CHURCH

Lords of the World: A Tale of the Fall of Carthage and Corinth. 3_s._ 6_d._

“As a boys’ book, _Lords of the World_ deserves a hearty welcome.”--_Spectator._

G. I. WHITHAM

The Nameless Prince: A Tale of Plantagenet Days. Illustrated by CHARLES M. SHELDON. 2_s._ 6_d._

--The Red Knight: A Tale of the Days of King Edward III. Illustrated. 2_s._ 6_d._

“It holds the imagination from beginning to end.”--_British Weekly._

ESCOTT LYNN

When Lion-Heart was King: A Tale of Robin Hood and Merry Sherwood. 3_s._ 6_d._

“A lively tale.”--_Birmingham Post._

WILLIAM BECK

Hawkwood the Brave: A Tale of Mediæval Italy. 3_s._ 6_d._

“A good story for boys.”--_Literary World._

DOROTHEA MOORE

God’s Bairn: A Story of the Fen Country. 3_s._ 6_d._

“An excellent tale, most dainty in execution and fortunate in subject.”--_Globe._

--The Luck of Ledge Point: A Tale of 1805. 2_s._ 6_d._

“We thoroughly recommend it as a giftbook.”--_Schoolmaster._

WALTER C. RHOADES

For the Sake of His Chum: A School Story. 3_s._ 6_d._

“There is a breeziness about the book which is sure to commend it.”--_Athenæum._

--Two Scapegraces: A School Story. 3_s._ 6_d._

“A school story of high merit.”--_Liverpool Mercury._

PAUL DANBY

The Red Army Book. With many Illustrations in colour and in black-and-white. 6_s._

“Every boy would glory in the keeping and reading of such a prize.”--_Daily Telegraph._

J. CUTHBERT HADDEN

The Nelson Navy Book. With many Illustrations in colour and in black-and-white. 6_s._

“A stirring, heartening tale, bold and bracing as the sea itself.”--_Standard._

PERCY F. WESTERMAN

The Quest of the Golden Hope: A Seventeenth century Story of Adventure. Illustrated by FRANK WILES. 2_s._ 6_d._

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:

Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_.

Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.