Chapter 21

HOME!

"You are a nice fellow, ain't you, Edgar, to give us all this trouble," Rupert said, as he held him at arm's-length and gazed at him in the light of the fire that Yussuf had lighted.

"I see now that I made an awful ass of myself," Edgar said; "but I think you would have done the same if you had been in my place, Rupert, and had heard what I heard."

"I have no doubt I should," Rupert agreed; "it must have been an awful thing to hear. Still you must have seen by the advertisements that father did not believe the woman's story."

"I did not see the advertisements," Edgar said. "I would not look at a paper, because I thought he would advertise for me to come back, and I felt I could not do so, and it would have been harder to keep away if I had seen them. You told me they were all well at home."

This was the first question he had asked after he had mounted Rupert's camel.

"Quite well when I last heard. I wrote and told them all about you."

"Then the sergeant was found, and did not die?"

"He died the first day after we found him," Rupert said gravely. "He was insensible when we discovered him; and I should have known nothing about him if they hadn't found two letters upon him, one to me and one to father, saying that his wife's story was a lie, and that he could swear that neither of them could in any way identify either of us from the other. He recovered consciousness before he died, and signed in the presence of witnesses a deposition to the same effect. So you saw me at Korti, Edgar, and would not make yourself known? I would not have believed it of you."

"Well, you see, Rupert, I did not know at the time that the sergeant was who he was, and still believed the woman's story to be true. Besides, I had gone my own way, and did not mean to see any of you again until I had got on and could do without assistance. It seemed to me to be like asking for help, and after all that I had had under false pretences I would have rather died than do that."

"But you see it wasn't under false pretences, Edgar, and you had as much right to consider yourself father's son as I had. You must have known that from the sergeant afterwards."

"Yes, I did learn that," Edgar allowed, "but I think that made me even more disinclined than before to show myself; it would have looked as if I had come back only to put in a claim."

"You are the most pig-headed fellow I ever saw, Edgar. However, I hope you have got out of all that feeling now."

"Quite, Rupert; I am quite ready to go back with you and beg their pardon at home for all the trouble I have given them. And to think that you have run all this awful risk to find me!"

"Stuff and nonsense, Edgar! When I found that you had been carried away as a slave, as a matter of course I determined to get you out as soon as possible, just as you would have done had I been caught by them; but I could have done nothing if it hadn't been for this Arab I am travelling with. Of course he will be well paid; but still men are often tempted to be unfaithful however well they are paid;" and then he went on to tell Edgar of the arrangement that had been made with the sheik. Edgar in return gave him a short sketch of his life since they had parted at Cheltenham, and told him of the promises he had made to El Bakhat if he would take him down to one of the Red Sea ports.

"I suppose they are discussing the matter together," he said, glancing at the two Arabs, who were deep in conversation on the other side of the fire. "Well, sheik, what plan have you determined upon?"

"We both think that it will be impossible for us to travel north either to Egypt, or to Berber and thence to Suakim. They will be on the watch for us everywhere. Our best plan will be to make for Massowah."

"Well, sheik, you have heard that Ben Ibyn has agreed to deliver us at one of the ports for a handsome reward. He knows that Englishmen's words can be relied upon, and that there is no fear of his not getting the amount promised him. My brother and I agree to give you an equal sum to that which he will receive there."

"He has not told me the sum," El Bakhat said.

"Tell him the terms, Ben Ibyn," Rupert put in. "Not of course those you have already received for your expenses, but the sum that is to be paid you when you arrive at a port."

The sheik repeated the terms to El Bakhat, who at once expressed himself as perfectly satisfied with them.

"The English are rich and generous," he said. "El Bakhat will do his best to take them where they wish to go."

"Are you thinking of travelling with all this train?" Rupert asked Ben Ibyn.

"No, there is no occasion to do so. I have friends at a village on the Nile, and there my followers and their camels will remain, and El Bakhat's wife and child will remain with them also. We four will then travel on alone, taking with us Yussuf to cook for us and look after the camels. We shall separate from the others at once, as it will be much safer to travel in two small parties. There will be no fear as to their safety, as they will take my regular permit to trade, and no one will connect them in any way with El Bakhat. You and your brother will ride the heiries. I have a half-bred camel that will carry me well, although it will not compare in speed with yours. El Bakhat's camel is also a good one. If we are pursued, we have agreed that our best plan will be to turn off and find a hiding-place, and for you to push on alone. On those camels you may defy pursuit. If pushed they will travel a hundred and fifty miles a day. When you get to Massowah you will wait until we join you there. We are content to trust to your word. Still we hope that we may keep together; for although your brother now speaks Arabic so well that he could pass as a native in casual conversation, it is better that we should be together, in which case it will be we who will do the talking."

"Have you two heiries?" Edgar asked Rupert.

"They are not quite full bred. It is very rare to meet with them, and the price is extremely high; but these are nearly full bred, and can swing along as fast as a horse can trot, and keep it up for twelve hours at a stretch."

The march was resumed at midnight. The two sheiks rode ahead, Edgar and Rupert followed on the heiries, while Yussuf was mounted on one of the spare camels, and rode with the other Arab in the rear. The two brothers talked by turns, and both were surprised when the first streak of daylight appeared. The party now separated, the sheik's wife and child taking their seats on one of the camels. She took a warm farewell of Edgar.

"Amina will never forget the young white man who has lived in her tents," she said. "He is brave in war, and is a wise counsellor; he will be a great man among his own people."

"And I shall never forget you," Edgar replied, "and your kindness to the white slave. When the sheik returns from Massowah he shall bring with him tokens of my remembrance."

As soon as the party had separated the sheiks put their camels to their best speed. Yussuf had been taken up by Edgar and rode behind him, the heiries carrying the double weight with ease. At sunset they halted.

"We are now," El Bakhat said to Edgar, "beyond the reach of pursuit. We may be stopped and arrested by others, but those from El-Obeid will never see the tails of our camels."

"I wish," Edgar said as they were riding along the next morning, "that you could get rid of that wig and your dye for five minutes, Rupert, so that I could see what you really look like. You are such an awful object with that bush of hair that I do not seem to recognize you at all. It is different with me. I am only brown, while you are a sort of dirty black, and when this cloth round my head is off you really see me as I am."

"We should not have known each other by our figures. It is nearly three years since you left Cheltenham, and of course we have both widened out a lot since then. You have widened more than I have, but I have grown most."

"Yes, you are quite two inches taller than I am, Rupert. What are you--six feet?"

"About half an inch under."

"Ah! then you are just the two inches taller. I am forty, chest measurement."

"I am not more than thirty-seven, Edgar."

"Ah! I expect you will be forty before you have done, Rupert; you see neither of us is anything like his full width yet. I have had harder work than you have."

"Ah! Edgar, if we could both play in the house team now it would make a difference, wouldn't it? You remember how Skinner was always lamenting our want of weight."

"I don't think," Edgar said with a laugh, "that he has gained much in weight. He was about our size before, but he looked to me quite a little chap when I saw him on the march."

"He is tough," Rupert said; "he is like whip-cord all over; he is a capital fellow, not a bit changed. Easton has turned out first-rate; he was awfully good to me after you went away, and took no end of pains to cheer me up, had me down to his place in the holidays, and was a real friend. He is a big fellow now, and in another two or three years will make a splendid man. They will be delighted when we both turn up again. I don't think either of them thought, when they said good-bye to me, that I should ever get back. They thought the language would floor me, I think. You have got on wonderfully that way. I thought I had picked it up pretty quickly, but you jaw away as if you had been years at it."

"I have been more with them, Rupert; besides, I had picked up a little in the year I was at Cairo. You see I had nearly four months start of you, and in the life I led among them of course I had a lot more occasion to talk than you have had, always on camel back and only talking in the encampment at night. El Bakhat says that in a casual conversation now no one would notice that I was not a native. So if we do get into any mess and have to ride for it by ourselves, we shall have no difficulty in making our way across the country; but I do not see much chance of that. If we should fall in with the Mahdists your sheik can give his name and appear to be the head of the party, and as there is nothing against him I don't see why we should have any trouble."

"I daresay we shall fall in with some Mahdists," Rupert said. "I got up the maps thoroughly before I started, and specially studied the routes leading to the coast. I fancy the line we shall travel will take us down by Kassala. The Mahdists were besieging it, but I don't know whether it has fallen or not. The safest route would certainly be to go through Abyssinia, but the Arabs wouldn't like to travel that way if they could help it. There have been troubles for years between Abyssinia and the Soudan, and it is by no means certain what sort of treatment we should meet if we got there. Massowah is certainly the best place to strike for. Suakim would have been the best place in some respects, because there are lots of English there and we should have no difficulty in getting money to pay the sheiks; but after all it is only a question of a week or two's delay at the most. I have letters from my father authorizing me to draw upon him for any amount, and if we cannot get it at Massowah we shall only have to send up to the officer in command at Suakim; he would cash a draft out of the pay-chest; or if he could not do it that way, would get some merchant there to do it."

They no longer hurried, but made moderate marches, stopping only at small villages. There was no difficulty in obtaining food and shelter, as Rupert's conductor had brought on with him a sufficient store of merchandise to pay their way down to the coast. On these occasions Edgar and Rupert kept in the background looking after the camels, while Yussuf waited upon the sheiks, and afterwards cooked a meal for the two Englishmen. He did most of the talking with the poorer villagers, gossiped with them about the state of the country, the chance of peace being re-established, and retailed all sorts of wonderful stories of the doings of the Mahdists.

Both branches of the Nile were crossed in their journey, but no incident of any kind occurred until they had passed the eastern arm. They were now getting into a more dangerous country. Bodies of the Mahdi's troops going to and from Kassala, which had, they learned, at last surrendered, were encountered, and questions were asked as to where they were going and what was the object of their journey.

Upon these occasions Ben Ibyn acted as spokesman and represented that they had friends among the Hadendowah tribesmen, and wished to learn whether any trade could be opened with the coast. When within a day's march of Kassala they met a number of camels laden with spoil from that town on their way to Khartoum, accompanied by a number of foot soldiers and ten or twelve horsemen. Riding twenty or thirty yards behind the sheiks Edgar saw one of the horsemen look earnestly at El Bakhat, and then spur forward to speak to the others who were a short distance ahead.

"That fellow has recognized El Bakhat!" he exclaimed; "ride on, Rupert!"

They both shook the halters and the heiries broke into a trot.

"Ride, sheiks!" Edgar exclaimed as he came up to the others; "one of the horsemen has recognized El Bakhat."

A minute or two later they heard a shout behind them, but paid no attention.

"We have got four or five hundred yards start," Rupert said, looking back, "but the horsemen will overtake us; they can go faster than the camels for a burst. Ride, sheik," he said; "push on to the utmost. If we can get a mile away from the footmen before they come up to us we can thrash the horsemen."

The start they had obtained while the man who had recognized El Bakhat was explaining to the others who he was and how much his capture was desired at Khartoum, was invaluable to the fugitives, and the horsemen started in a body, shouting and yelling and firing their guns. The bullets whistled harmlessly round the fugitives.

"Make for that clump of trees on rising ground," Edgar said; "then spring off the camels and fight them on foot. What arms have you, Rupert?"

"I have two revolvers besides this rifle. You take one of them; we shall beat them off easily enough, they are only about two to one."

When they reached the trees they were but a hundred yards ahead and less than a mile from the caravan, which had halted when the horsemen commenced the pursuit. They leapt from their camels.

"Do you hold their bridles, Yussuf," Edgar said; "we will beat them off," and steadying his rifle against the trunk of a tree he fired at the nearest horseman, who fell instantly from the saddle.

Rupert's rifle cracked a moment later, and the two sheiks added their fire. Had the horsemen been coming up in a close body they would have gained the wood, for the leader was but fifty yards away when Edgar fired; but they were scattered, and the leaders being shot down the others wheeled their horses and galloped back towards the caravan at full speed.

"Now we will be off again," Rupert said, and in a minute they had mounted and continued their flight.

"There is no fear of the footmen overtaking us," Ben Ibyn remarked. "Our camels are not like yours, but they can trot at a good pace for forty miles. It is fortunate we had them, for they would soon have been up to them had we only had common camels. Of course we must strike off straight for Massowah now. The danger is not over; some of the horsemen will bear the news to Kassala and a troop will be sent out in pursuit of us. It is well that we have journeyed quietly and that the beasts are in good condition."

Hour after hour passed. The camels kept on with unswerving gait until long after nightfall.

"My beast smells water," Ben Ibyn said as his camel, after waving his head backwards and forwards, suddenly quickened its pace.

Another quarter of an hour they stopped at a small pool in what during the rainy season was the bed of a river, and here they halted. The camels having drunk their fill were given an ample allowance of corn from the saddle-bags, and were then picketed close at hand, while Yussuf prepared a meal for their masters.

"What is the country like that we have to traverse?" Edgar asked.

"By to-morrow night," Ben Ibyn said, "we shall have reached the mountains. We are on very high land now, and have a great descent to make to reach the coast. We must inquire the way to the pass by which the road from Kassala descends to Massowah. If we strike it without failure we shall be safe; but if we miss our way, and the horsemen from Kassala get there first, we shall be in a bad position. They will have heard of our arms and strength, and are sure to have too strong a force for us to attack. If we fail to find the road at once, our best plan would be to turn and travel north until we reach a road going down to Suakim."

"Would that one of us had travelled here before!" El Bakhat said. "If we could but have continued our journey to-night we should be safe. Upon the desert one can travel by the stars, but the ground is getting far too broken to cross at night; we should only weary our camels in vain."

"How far is it to the gorge you speak of, El Bakhat?"

"I know not for certain. Those who travel the road have told me that it is three or four days' journey with laden camels from Kassala. Our camels can easily do three days' march in one, and if we have the good fortune to strike the road near the mouth of the pass we may pass through it before dark to-morrow; but by that time they may be there from Kassala."

"Well, I suppose we must take our chances," Rupert said.

He and Edgar soon lay down and were fast asleep, but the two Arabs talked together for a long time before they followed their example. At daybreak the party were on their feet.

"We talked it over last night," Ben Ibyn said; "and we both think that it were best not to proceed. The horsemen would have reached the town with the news three hours after noon, and had they sent off at once horsemen and fast camelmen down the road to Massowah, we think that they would be at the pass before we could possibly reach it. Had we known the country and could have travelled all night, we should have been there long before them. As it is, the risk would be too great. We are already some distance north of the Massowah road, and it will not be so many days longer a journey to Suakim than to Massowah. Osman Digma is lying at Handoub and Tamai, so we cannot come down by the Berber road; but there are passes by which we can descend to the low country near Tokar. Once down there we can cross from the foot of the hills to the sea by night, and then follow the coast until we arrive at Suakim."

"I think that is the best plan, sheik," Edgar said. "A few days will make no difference, and it would be as well to avoid all risks."

Accordingly, on mounting, the camels' heads were turned to the north-east. Yussuf rode behind Rupert and Edgar by turns, so as to divide the labour between the two heiries. A few villages were passed, but the inhabitants fled into their houses or into the fields on seeing the approach of the party, the arrival of strangers meaning extortion and demands for tribute. So they journeyed for several days, until one afternoon they came to a large village, which was evidently inhabited. They alighted and knocked at the door of the principal house. No answer was at first returned, but on El Bakhat shouting that he would break down the door if it was not opened, bolts were heard to unfasten. The door opened, and an old man presented himself.

"Why did you not reply to our knocking?" El Bakhat asked angrily. "Is this your hospitality to strangers?"

"My lord must pardon me," he said submissively; "but it was but last week that a party of the Mahdi's soldiers came along here and stripped the village of all it possessed, and drove off its bullocks and sheep. Save our grain, we have nought that we can call our own."

"We do not belong to the Mahdi," Ben Ibyn said, "but are peaceful travellers. We desire only to fill our bags with grain for the animals, for which we will pay you the full value. For ourselves we need nothing, although, if you have peradventure a kid or a sheep left among you we will gladly purchase it."

"Enter, my lord," the old man replied briskly, evidently much relieved at the announcement; "all that the village still possesses is at your service."

He gave an order, and a boy brought out a basket of grain, which he emptied before the camels, while the two Arabs, Edgar, and Rupert entered the house. Ten minutes later a villager brought in a freshly-killed kid, which Yussuf, after lighting a fire in the court-yard, proceeded to cut up and cook. In the meantime the Arabs had entered into a conversation with the peasant as to the routes down to the sea. They learned that so far they had been coming in the right direction, and that some thirty miles farther they would come upon a track leading down to Tokar.

"You must look well for it," he said; "it is never greatly traversed, and since the troubles all trade has ceased, and you may well cross the track without noticing it."

"Have you any in the village who know the track?" Edgar asked.

"There are several here who have been down to Tokar, my lord."

"We will give ten yards of good cloth to one who will go and set us on the road. We will take him behind one of our camels, and as we shall start at daybreak he can be back here before nightfall. I suppose when we once find the track it will not be difficult to follow it."

"I can doubtless find a guide," the peasant said; "he can give you instructions as to the path, or he could go with you, if you choose, still further, to show you the way. I will go and find you such a man."

An active-looking young native presently arrived, and said that he was willing to be their guide to the point where the track left the high lands and entered the gorges leading down towards the sea. It was, he said, four days camels' march beyond the point where they would strike the track, and he would accompany them this distance for forty yards of cotton cloth. The bargain was struck at once, and the following morning they started, the guide riding behind Edgar.

As there was no occasion for haste, and the camels might be required to exert their utmost speed when they reached the low country, the journey was performed by three easy stages, the distances being about forty miles each day. It was well that they had a guide with them, for the track was in most places entirely obliterated.

"You cannot miss your way now," the native said at their last halting-place by some shallow wells. "This depression leads straight down to the pass. It is two days' march hence to the lower plains. When the valley at last opens on them you will be about ten miles west of Tokar."

The next morning the guide started on his return journey. The cloth had been given to him before starting, and he now carried a few pounds of grain and a small bag full of dried dates for his five days' journey back to his village.

The journey down the gorges was an arduous one. The path had been swept away by the last season's rains, and in some places where the valley narrowed to a gorge but a few yards wide, with the rocks rising sheer up hundreds of feet on either side, the bottom was filled with large blocks of stone brought down by the floods, whose highest level could be seen forty or fifty feet above them on the rocks. Occasionally it was necessary to build a sloping platform with small boulders of stones to enable the camels to get over the vast blocks that filled the space between the walls.

It took them three days of arduous labour; but the valley at last opened out, and they saw a broad expanse of country stretching before them. No one had either met or passed them on the way down; but here in the lower valley there were several flocks of sheep and goats watched over by Arab boys. These, at the sight of strangers, hastily collected their animals and drove them up the hillside, but at a shout from Ben Ibyn, saying that they were friends and would do them no harm, two of them presently came down.

On hearing that the travellers intended to camp for the night they led the way to the wells, and for three yards of cotton killed and brought in a sheep. Presently the rest of the lads came down and squatted near the fire that Yussuf had kindled, and after the party had dined were rejoiced by the present of some wheaten cakes and a portion of the cooked meat. They now became very communicative. They belonged to the Hadendowah tribe. There were three or four hundred of the dervishes at Tokar. Osman Digma had in all four or five thousand men at Handoub, and was soon going to drive the Kaffirs into the sea. Many of their tribe were with him, but others were disheartened at the long delay to carry his promise into effect. They had lost, too, a great many of their best fighting men in the battles with the Kaffirs, but no doubt when Osman Digma announced that the favourable time had arrived, all would again join him in order to have their share of the plunder of Suakim.

The next day they stopped at the wells, telling the boys that the camels were sorely wearied by their journey down the gorge, and that they needed a day's rest. In the evening as soon as the meal was over they mounted their camels, much to the surprise of the native boys, and started. Edgar could judge of the general position, for though he had not been as far as Tokar he could tell pretty well the line they should take to come down upon Trinkitat. As soon as they were fairly out of the valley the camels were put to their full speed, and in four hours the sea shining in the bright moonlight lay before them. Crossing a shallow lagoon they were upon the sandy beach.

The pace of the camels was now slackened, as it was useless to arrive at Suakim before daybreak, as they would have been liable to be shot by the sentries in the forts if they approached in the darkness. When day broke Edgar and Rupert gave a shout of joy, for three or four miles away could be seen the masts of shipping. Again the camels broke into a trot, and in half an hour they approached the forts raised to defend the town on the land side from the attacks by Osman Digma's followers. No questions were asked them, for natives belonging to friendly tribes frequently entered or left the town.

As they crossed the ground between the forts and the town they saw a party of marines marching out to relieve those who had occupied the fort at night. They reined in their camels, and Rupert addressed the officer marching at the head of the party.

"Can you tell me, sir, if Lieutenant Skinner is at Suakim at present?"

The officer was astounded at being thus addressed in pure English by a wild-looking native, and the men following him were no less astonished.

"Is it possible," the officer exclaimed, "that you are Mr. Clinton?"

"That is my name," Rupert replied.

The officer advanced and grasped his hand warmly. "I am glad indeed to see you," he said; "Skinner is my subaltern, and has often spoken to me of what he considered your hopeless journey to try to find your brother, and said that if you did get through it alive you were as likely as not to turn up here. I congratulate you indeed. Have you been successful?" and he looked doubtfully at Rupert's companions.

"Yes, thank God, I have succeeded. This is my brother Edgar."

The officer shook hands warmly with Edgar, and even the men who had heard what was said raised a shout of welcome.

"I forgot; Skinner is in the rear," the officer said; and raising his voice shouted his name.

Skinner came running up. He had been wondering what the halt was for. Edgar and Rupert had dismounted by this time and ran forward to meet him. He stopped in surprise and then recognized Rupert, whom he had already seen in his present disguise.

"Clinton!" he exclaimed with a joyous shout; "is it really you? Thank God, you have got back again, and--and--"

"And this is Edgar," Rupert put in.

For a minute or two the three stood shaking each other's hands, too excited and joyous to speak, while the soldiers cheered lustily. The captain in command came up.

"Look here, Skinner; it would be too bad to take you away from your friends now, so I will take it upon myself to give you leave off duty. I will get Thomson to stay out until to-morrow morning in your place. He won't mind when I tell him why, and you can take his turn on duty on shore next time."

Talking excitedly together they entered the town, the Arabs following on their camels and Yussuf leading the two heiries.

"The first thing to do," Skinner said, "is to get you rigged out decently. I suppose it will be some time before you can get rid of your dye, but at any rate you can get dressed like Christians; and you can get rid of that fearful wig, Rupert. I will send off a boat to my ship with a note, and they will soon send you on shore a couple of suits of clothes. Mine would be of no use; you could not get into them. This is the only hotel in the place."

"First of all we must see about these Arabs being made comfortable. Where can they put up their camels?"

"Oh! that will be all right," Skinner said; "one of the fellows here will take them under his charge."

Skinner entered and came out with a servant.

"You can put your camels in the court-yard here, El Bakhat," Edgar said after speaking to the men. "Yussuf will look after them. You had better find a lodging for yourselves. You will be more at home there than you would here. Get everything you want; you will have no difficulty in finding everything in the Arab quarter. Skinner, lend me a sovereign, will you? We have been living on barter for a long time, but they will want money here."

"This is worth five dollars," he said as he handed the money to El Bakhat; "but, ah! I forgot, Ben Ibyn knows about the value of English money. If you will come here at noon I may be able to tell you something about the money."

They then entered the hotel with Skinner.

"Get breakfast, the best you can get," Skinner ordered; "and show me to a room where there is plenty of water and towels. These are Englishmen, though you would not think so from their appearance."

The young fellows enjoyed a thorough wash, and Rupert got rid of his wig, but they had to attire themselves in their former garments for breakfast. After existing for months upon native fare the breakfast was a luxury indeed. By the time they had finished, the messenger Skinner sent off returned with two suits of clothes sent ashore by the officers of his ship, and having attired themselves in these they went with Skinner to the political officer. When he understood who they were he received them with much warmth.

"I have had letters from Captain Clinton," he said, "respecting you; saying that it was possible that you might turn up here, and requesting me to assist you in getting any bills you might draw on him cashed. I will go with you to the principal merchant here. No doubt he will do it, but if not I can manage the affair with one of the ships' paymasters."

The merchant, however, was perfectly willing to honour their draft upon their father for a thousand pounds upon the statement of the officer that he would himself guarantee its payment, and he told them that his servants should bring the money in silver to the hotel. Four hundred pounds was the amount that Ben Ibyn had been promised on delivering Rupert in safety at one of the ports, and an equal sum was to be given to El Bakhat. This left them two hundred pounds for getting to England, for Edgar had learned that his regiment had a month previously sailed for India, and he considered that under the circumstances he was perfectly justified in reporting himself at the depot at home.

The sheiks on their arrival at the hotel received with great satisfaction the bags of money containing the stipulated amount. To these were added a brace of revolvers each, being the two Rupert had carried and two they had purchased in Suakim, together with ten boxes of ammunition. Edgar also gave to El Bakhat a set of jewellery and several silk scarves for Amina.

"Now, sheik," he said, "I should like to purchase the freedom of Yussuf. What do you value him at?"

"I will give him to you," the sheik said. "You have treated me well and honourably."

"No, I will not have that, sheik; he is your property, and is a very useful slave. I will give you two hundred dollars for him."

"It is well," El Bakhat said; "he is yours."

"Now," Rupert said, "there are the two heiries; they are yours by right, Ben Ibyn, but I would fain give one to El Bakhat. I will give you three hundred dollars to forego your claim to it. I know the beast is worth more; but if you possess one of them it will suffice for your needs, and you will oblige me if you will part with the other."

"I can refuse my lord nothing," Ben Ibyn said, "and the possession of two such heiries might well draw envy and enmity upon me. I will accept his offer."

"Then the other heirie is yours, El Bakhat," Rupert said, "as a special present from me for the kindness you have shown my brother. What do you both mean to do now?"

"We have agreed to journey up the coast together and then to travel across the mountains to Assouan, and there buy camels and goods, or we may buy them here if we see bargains to suit us. Then we shall turn south. I shall go on alone to Khartoum; I know many of the Mahdi's officers, and shall by presents to them obtain a pardon for El Bakhat, and permission for him to return to his tribe. Money will do as much among the Mahdi's people as elsewhere."

"We shall see you again to-morrow, sheiks. A steamer sails in the afternoon for Suez, and we shall go in her. Come here to say good-bye to us in the morning."

When the sheiks had left Yussuf was called in, and Edgar told him that he had purchased his freedom from El Bakhat. The negro threw himself on his knees in an ecstasy of delight and poured out his thanks.

"Now, what would you like to do, Yussuf?" Edgar went on when the negro had quieted down. "I can recommend you here to some merchant as a faithful man whom he can trust, or if you would like to set up a shop here I will give you two hundred dollars with which to trade. Or I can take you up with us to Suez and give you strong letters of recommendation with which you can obtain employment there."

"No, my lord," Yussuf cried, "none of these things. I would go with you and be your servant; I will never leave you."

"But I don't want a servant, Yussuf," Edgar said. "As I have told you, I am a soldier, and soldiers do not have servants."

"Oh, that is nonsense!" Rupert put in. "You are not going on as a private soldier. You know you need not reckon upon that, Edgar. You like the fellow, and there is no doubt he would make you a faithful servant; and anyhow they could find something to do for him at home."

Edgar pointed out to Yussuf that the life would be strange to him, the climate altogether different to that to which he was accustomed, and that he would find no one who could speak his language. But Yussuf was unmoved, and entreated so earnestly to be taken that Edgar gave in, saying that after all, if he repented afterwards, he could be sent back to Egypt.

Just as this was settled a messenger entered with a telegram from Captain Clinton in answer to that they had despatched before they had sat down to breakfast announcing their safe arrival. It contained simply the words, "Thank God! Come home at once."

They went off to dinner with Skinner on board ship, and the story of their adventures excited immense interest among the officers. Skinner returned with them on shore, and remained with them until the steamer left in the afternoon. Yussuf, who had been rigged out in white trousers and jacket, a checked shirt, and straw hat, accompanying them. The two sheiks saw them off, and stood looking after them with grave regret until the steamer was far from land. At Suez Edgar and Rupert provided themselves with a stock of linen and clothing; two days later they took passage to Brindisi in a P. and O. steamer, and travelled rapidly across Europe. Their colour excited much surprise among the passengers on board the steamer, but as they had no wish to keep on telling their story they kept themselves apart, and made no acquaintances during the short voyage. Yussuf was astounded at everything he saw: the ship and her machinery, the trains, the fertile country through which they travelled, the frequent villages, and great towns. There was no stay in London. They drove across from Charing Cross to Paddington, and went down by the first train. A telegram had been despatched from Dover, and a carriage was at the station to meet them, and the servant handed Rupert a note. It contained a few words from his father, saying that he had not come to meet them, as he thought it better that they should all meet together at home. It was Edgar who received the first greeting from father, mother, and sister, while Rupert stood by, well content that his brother should on this occasion come first. It was little over a year since he had said good-bye to them, while it was more than three since Edgar had seen them, and his own greeting, though delayed for a moment, was no less warm than that of Edgar.

"Father and mother," Edgar began as soon as they turned again from Rupert, "I want to say that I feel how wrong I was--"

"Then don't say it," Captain Clinton broke in. "We won't talk about that time at all. You suffered, and we have all suffered; but good has come out of it. Thank God the matter is settled now for ever, and we know there is nothing more to be found out about it, and that there is no fear of our ever having to look at one or other of you in a different light to that with which we regard you, as our two sons, of both of whom we have every reason to be proud. There now, let us talk of other things. You have both gone through wonderful adventures, which we are burning to hear about."

"You have changed a great deal, Edgar," Mrs. Clinton said. "Of course we have seen Rupert comparatively lately; but I think that you have changed more than he has from what you both were three years ago. You look older than he does, and your figure is more set."

"He has gone through so much more," Rupert said; "he has been doing man's work for three years. I have only had a year and a half of it."

"You need not be in a hurry to look old, Rupert," Captain Clinton laughed; "that will come soon enough, and you have widened out a good deal in this last year. You had got very weedy, and I am glad to see that you are filling up.

"I have some news for you, Edgar. I saw Lord Wolseley on his return to England, and he spoke very kindly of you both, and when I got your telegram from Suakim I wrote to him again and received a very warm letter of congratulation from him in reply. He told me that he had received a most favourable report of you from your colonel, who said that your conduct had been most exemplary since you had entered the regiment, and that as you had been recommended for the Victoria Cross he had intended to recommend you for a commission as soon as you had served a qualifying time as a sergeant. But Lord Wolseley said that he thought it would be a great pity for you to lose four or five years' seniority by waiting to get your commission from the ranks, and that he had that morning spoken to the Duke of Cambridge about you, and that the latter had put your name down for a Queen's Cadetship, so that if you could pass the mere qualifying examination you could have a commission at once. There will be an examination in two months' time, and if you go up to a crammer and work hard you will be able to brush up your school work and get through; if not, of course you can go in again six months later. I am afraid you will hardly get ready in time for the first."

"I don't know, father," Rupert said; while Edgar expressed his lively satisfaction. "Edgar speaks Arabic like a native, and if he takes that up as a subject he is sure to get full marks for it, and that will help him tremendously. Of course he would have no chance of getting through if he had to go in for the competition; but something like half the number of marks are enough for the qualifying examination."

"Well, we mustn't be too sanguine," Captain Clinton said; "and eight months' quiet study won't hurt him after campaigning in Egypt for two years. By the way, Edgar, I paid in the money for you to buy out, and sent in an application in your name. These things take some little time before they are carried out, but no doubt we shall soon hear. But in the meantime you had better write at once to the officer commanding your depôt, saying that you have returned home, and asking for a month's leave of absence. You are sure to get your discharge before that is over."

Edgar remained at home for a week, spending much of his time, however, over his old school-books. Then he went up to town and worked at a crammer's until the examination came off, when, thanks in no small degree to the number of marks he obtained for his Arabic, he just managed to get the number necessary to qualify him. To his great satisfaction he was at once gazetted to a regiment as if he had been promoted from the ranks, instead of having to go through the course at Sandhurst, and thus gained several months' seniority. Three months' leave was granted him, and at the end of that time he joined his regiment, which was stationed at Malta.

No question as to which of the Clintons is the legitimate son of the captain and his wife has ever again troubled them. Edgar and Rupert know that they are equally dear to those at home, and all are happy in the knowledge that nothing henceforth can break the closeness of their tie, and that it can never be known which is the lawful heir of the estates. What is much more important to them both, neither of them can say which has the first claim on the love and affection of Captain and Mrs. Clinton, and of their sister.

THE END.

BLACKIE & SON'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

"Messrs. Blackie are essentially a firm of publishers after a boy's own heart. Their list of stories of enterprise and adventure is perhaps unrivalled."--_The Daily News_.

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"The lad who owns a complete collection of Mr. Henty's writings will have a remarkably good knowledge of the wars of the world, for all periods of history and all parts of the globe seem equally familiar to this able author."--_Graphic_.

BY G. A. HENTY.

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"Mr. Henty is one of our most successful writers of historical tales."--_Scotsman_.

St. Bartholomew's Eve: A Tale of the Huguenot Wars. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 page Illustrations by H. J. DRAPER, and a Map. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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Beric the Briton: A Story of the Roman Invasion. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

"_Beric the Briton_ is _the_ boy's book of the year."--_Observer_.

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Redskin and Cow-boy: A Tale of the Western Plains. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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The Dash for Khartoum: A Tale of the Nile Expedition. By G. A. HENTY. With 10 page Illustrations by J. SCHÖNBERG and J. NASH, and 4 Plans. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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By Right of Conquest: Or, With Cortez in Mexico. By G. A. HENTY. With 10 page Illustrations by W. S. STACEY, and 2 Maps. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

"Mr. Henty's skill has never been more convincingly displayed than in this admirable and ingenious story."--_Saturday Review_.

"_By Right of Conquest_ is the nearest approach to a perfectly successful historical tale that Mr. Henty has yet published."--_Academy_.

With Lee in Virginia: A Story of the American Civil War. By G. A. HENTY. With 10 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE, and 6 Maps. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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By Pike and Dyke: A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic. By G. A. HENTY. With 10 page Illustrations by MAYNARD BROWN, and 4 Maps. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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"Among writers of stories of adventure for boys Mr. Henty stands in the very first rank. Those who know something about India will be the most ready to thank Mr. Henty for giving them this instructive volume to place in the hands of their children."--_Academy_.

The Lion of St. Mark: A Tale of Venice in the Fourteenth Century. By G. A. HENTY. With 10 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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Under Drake's Flag: A Tale of the Spanish Main. By G. A. HENTY. Illustrated by 12 page Pictures by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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Bonnie Prince Charlie: A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. HENTY. With 10 page Illustrations by S. J. SOLOMON, and a Coloured Map. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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True to the Old Flag: A Tale of the American War of Independence. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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The Lion of the North: A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus and the Wars of Religion. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 page Pictures by J. SCHÖNBERG. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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The Young Carthaginian: A story of the Times of Hannibal. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 page Illustrations by C. J. STANILAND, R.I. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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With Wolfe in Canada: Or, The Winning of a Continent. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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In Freedom's Cause: A Story of Wallace and Bruce. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

"Mr. Henty has broken new ground as an historical novelist. His tale of the days of Wallace and Bruce is full of stirring action, and will commend itself to boys."--_Athenæum_.

Through the Fray: A Story of the Luddite Riots. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 page Illustrations by H. M. PAGET. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

"Mr. Henty inspires a love and admiration for straightforwardness, truth, and courage. This is one of the best of the many good books Mr. Henty has produced, and deserves to be classed with his _Facing Death_."--_Standard_.

Captain Bayley's Heir: A Tale of the Gold Fields of California. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 page Illustrations by H. M. PAGET. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

"A Westminster boy who makes his way in the world by hard work, good temper, and unfailing courage. The descriptions given of life are just what a healthy intelligent lad should delight in."--_St. James's Gazette_.

A Jacobite Exile: Being the Adventures of a Young Englishman in the Service of Charles XII. of Sweden. By G. A. HENTY. With 8 page Illustrations by PAUL HARDY, and a Map. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"Mr. Henty has never produced a more truly historical romance, and scarcely ever a more piquantly-written narrative. One, at least, of his battle-pieces is full of the old 'special correspondent' fire."--_The Academy_.

"Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is piled upon adventure, and at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced breathless enjoyment in a romantic story that must have taught him much at its close."--_Army and Navy Gazette_.

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Condemned as a Nihilist: A Story of Escape from Siberia. By G. A. HENTY. With 8 page Illustrations by WALTER PAGET. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"The best of this year's Henty. His narrative is more interesting than many of the tales with which the public is familiar, of escape from Siberia. Despite their superior claim to authenticity these tales are without doubt no less fictitious than Mr. Henty's, and he beats them hollow in the matter of sensations. The escape of the hero and his faithful Tartar from the Samoyedes is quite the high-water mark of this author's achievement."--_National Observer_.

Orange and Green: A Tale of the Boyne and Limerick. By G. A. HENTY. With 8 full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"An extremely spirited story, based on the struggle in Ireland, rendered memorable by the defence of 'Derry and the siege of Limerick."--_Sat. Review_.

"The narrative is free from the vice of prejudice, and ripples with life as vivacious as if what is being described were really passing before the eye.... Should be in the hands of every young student of Irish history."--_Belfast News_.

BY GEORGE MACDONALD.

A Rough Shaking. By GEORGE MACDONALD. With 12 page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

"One of Mr. MacDonald's wonderful and charming stories."--_Athenæum_.

"One of the very best books for boys that has been written. It is full of material peculiarly well adapted for the young, containing in a marked degree, the elements of all that is necessary to make up a perfect boys' book."--_Teachers' Aid_.

At the Back of the North Wind. By GEORGE MACDONALD. With 75 Illustrations by ARTHUR HUGHES. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"In _At the Back of the North Wind_ we stand with one foot in fairyland and one on common earth. The story is thoroughly original, full of fancy and pathos, and underlaid with earnest but not too obtrusive teaching"--_The Times_.

Ranald Bannerman's Boyhood. By GEORGE MACDONALD. With 36 Illustrations by ARTHUR HUGHES. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"The sympathy with boy-nature in _Ranald Bannerman's Boyhood_ is perfect. It is a beautiful picture of childhood, teaching by its impressions and suggestions all noble things."--_British Quarterly Review_.

The Princess and the Goblin. By GEORGE MACDONALD. With 33 Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Little of what is written for children has the lightness of touch and play of fancy which are characteristic of George MacDonald's fairy tales. Mr. Arthur Hughes's illustrations are all that illustrations should be."--_Manchester Guardian_.

The Princess and Curdie. By GEORGE MACDONALD. With 8 page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"There is the finest and rarest genius in this brilliant story. Upgrown people would do wisely occasionally to lay aside their newspapers and magazines to spend an hour with Curdie and the Princess."--_Sheffield Independent_.

BY J. K. H. DENNY.

The Clever Miss Follett. By J. K. H. DENNY. With 12 page Illustrations by GERTRUDE D. HAMMOND. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

"The story is well written; the dialogue is easy and unconstrained, and the intention and tone are all that could be desired."--_The Spectator_.

"The story is well constructed, and the character-drawing of the Follett family is good. Girls will like the story, for it is interesting."--_The Queen_.

"One of the most entertaining stories of the season, full of vigorous action and strong in character-painting. Elder girls will be charmed with it, and adults may read its pages with profit."--_The Teachers' Aid_.

"The story is well written; it is not goody-goody, although its moral is excellent; and it is just the book to give to girls, who will delight both in the letterpress and the twelve illustrations by Miss Hammond, who has never done better work."--_Review of Reviews_.

NEW EDITION OF THE UNIVERSE.

The Universe: Or The Infinitely Great and the Infinitely Little. A Sketch of Contrasts in Creation, and Marvels revealed and explained by Natural Science. By F. A. POUCHET, M.D. With 272 Engravings on wood, of which 55 are full-page size, and a Coloured Frontispiece. Eleventh Edition, medium 8vo, cloth elegant, gilt edges, 7_s._ 6_d._; also morocco antique, 16_s._

"We can honestly commend Professor Pouchet's book, which is admirably, as it is copiously illustrated."--_The Times_.

"Scarcely any book in French or in English is so likely to stimulate in the young an interest in the physical phenomena."--_Fortnightly Review_.

BY ROBERT LEIGHTON.

The Wreck of "The Golden Fleece:" The Story of a North Sea Fisher-boy. By ROBERT LEIGHTON. With 8 page Illustrations by FRANK BRANGWYN. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"This story should add considerably to Mr. Leighton's high reputation. Excellent in every respect, it contains every variety of incident. The plot is very cleverly devised, and the types of the North Sea sailors are capital."--_The Times_.

"If Mr. Leighton writes many more boys' books of equal merit with _The Wreck of the Golden Fleece_, more than one hitherto popular story-teller will have to look to his laurels."--_University Correspondent_.

"The whole story is told simply and movingly, and will both interest and instruct all young readers. Of the illustrations, it is enough to say that they are by Mr. Frank Brangwyn, the best modern painter of sailors."--_The Academy_.

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The Pilots of Pomona: A Story of the Orkney Islands. By ROBERT LEIGHTON. With 8 page Illustrations by JOHN LEIGHTON, and a Map. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"A story which is quite as good in its way as _Treasure Island_, and is full of adventure of a stirring yet most natural kind. Although it is primarily a boys' book, it is a real godsend to the elderly reader who likes something fresh--something touched with the romance and magic of youth."--_Glasgow Evening Times_.

"His pictures of Orcadian life and nature are charming."--_Saturday Review_.

"Few of this season's books have given us so much pleasure. It is a charming story of home-life, and takes a place among the best books for young people."--_Practical Teacher_.

The Thirsty Sword: A Story of the Norse Invasion of Scotland (1262-63). By ROBERT LEIGHTON. With 8 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE, and a Map. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"This is one of the most fascinating stories for boys that it has ever been our pleasure to read. From first to last the interest never flags. Boys will worship Kenric, who is a hero in every sense of the word."--_Schoolmaster_.

"It gives a lively idea of the wild life of the Western Islands in those rough days, reminding one not seldom of Sir Walter Scott's _Lord of the Isles_. It is full of incident and sensational adventure."--_The Guardian_.

BY GEORGE MANVILLE FENN.

"Mr. Fenn stands in the foremost rank of writers in this department."--_Daily News_.

"No one can find his way to the hearts of lads more readily than Mr. Fenn."--_Nottingham Guardian_.

Quicksilver: Or, A Boy with no Skid to his Wheel. By GEORGE MANVILLE FENN. With 10 page Illustrations by FRANK DADD. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

"_Quicksilver_ is little short of an inspiration. In it that prince of story-writers for boys--George Manville Fenn--has surpassed himself. It is an ideal book for a boy's library."--_Practical Teacher_.

"The story is capitally told, it abounds in graphic and well-described scenes, and it has an excellent and manly tone throughout."--_The Guardian_.

Dick O' the Fens: A Romance of the Great East Swamp. By G. MANVILLE FENN. With 12 page Illustrations by FRANK DADD. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

"We conscientiously believe that boys will find it capital reading. It is full of incident and mystery, and the mystery is kept up to the last moment. It is rich in effective local colouring; and it has a historical interest."--_Times_.

"Deserves to be heartily and unreservedly praised as regards plot, incidents, and spirit. It is its author's masterpiece as yet."--_Spectator_.

Devon Boys: A Tale of the North Shore. By G. MANVILLE FENN. With 12 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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The Golden Magnet: A Tale of the Land of the Incas. By G. MANVILLE FENN. Illustrated by 12 page Pictures by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

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In the King's Name: Or, The Cruise of the _Kestrel_. By G. MANVILLE FENN. Illustrated by 12 page Pictures by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

"A capital boys' story, full of incident and adventure, and told in the lively style in which Mr. Fenn is such an adept."--_Globe_.

"The best of all Mr. Fenn's productions in this field. It has the great quality of always 'moving on,' adventure following adventure in constant succession."--_Daily News_.

Nat the Naturalist: A Boy's Adventures in the Eastern Seas. By G. MANVILLE FENN. With 8 page Pictures. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"This sort of book encourages independence of character, develops resource, and teaches a boy to keep his eyes open."--_Saturday Review_.

Bunyip Land: The Story of a Wild Journey in New Guinea. By G. MANVILLE FENN. With 6 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 4_s._

"Mr. Fenn deserves the thanks of everybody for _Bunyip Land_, and we may venture to promise that a quiet week may be reckoned on whilst the youngsters have such fascinating literature provided for their evenings' amusement."--_Spectator_.

Brownsmith's Boy: A Romance in a Garden. By G. MANVILLE FENN. With 6 page Illustrations. New Edition. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Mr. Fenn's books are among the best, if not altogether the best, of the stories for boys. Mr. Fenn is at his best in _Brownsmith's Boy_."--_Pictorial World_.

See also under heading of Blackie's 3/ Series for other Books by G. MANVILLE FENN.

Grettir the Outlaw: A Story of Iceland. By S. BARING-GOULD. With 10 page Illustrations by M. ZENO DIEMER, and a Coloured Map. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

"Is the boys' book of its year. That is, of course, as much as to say that it will do for men grown as well as juniors. It is told in simple, straightforward English, as all stories should be, and it has a freshness, a freedom, a sense of sun and wind and the open air, which make it irresistible."--_National Observer_.

Two Thousand Years Ago: Or, The Adventures of a Roman Boy. By Professor A. J. CHURCH. With 12 page Illustrations by ADRIEN MARIE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

"Adventures well worth the telling. The book is extremely entertaining as well as useful, and there is a wonderful freshness in the Roman scenes and characters."--_The Times_.

The Seven Wise Scholars. By ASCOTT R. HOPE. With nearly 100 Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Cloth elegant, 5_s._

"As full of fun as a volume of _Punch_; with illustrations, more laughter-provoking than most we have seen since Leech died."--_Sheffield Independent_.

Stories of Old Renown: Tales of Knights and Heroes. By ASCOTT R. HOPE. With 100 Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"A really fascinating book worthy of its telling title. There is, we venture to say, not a dull page in the book, not a story which will not bear a second reading."--_Guardian_.

BY G. NORWAY.

A True Cornish Maid. By G. NORWAY. With 6 page Illustrations by J. FINNEMORE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"There is some excellent reading.... Mrs. Norway brings before the eyes of her readers the good Cornish folk, their speech, their manners, and their ways. _A True Cornish Maid_ deserves to be popular."--_Athenæum_.

"The incident is plentiful and exciting; the characters are drawn with no common skill. The contrast between the two girls--the rough, free-spoken Phoebe, and the refined, retiring Honor--is excellent."--_The Spectator_.

"Among girls' books the success of the year has fallen, we think, to Mrs. Norway, whose _True Cornish Maid_ is really an admirable piece of work.... The book is full of vivid and accurate local colour; it contains, too, some very clever character studies."--_Review of Reviews_.

Hussein the Hostage: Or, A Boy's Adventures in Persia. By G. NORWAY. With 8 page Illustrations by JOHN SCHÖNBERG. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"_Hussein the Hostage_ is full of originality and vigour. The characters are lifelike, there is plenty of stirring incident, the interest is sustained throughout, and every boy will enjoy following the fortunes of the hero."--_Journal of Education_.

The Loss of John Humble: What Led to It, and what Came of It. By G. NORWAY. With 8 page Illustrations by JOHN SCHÖNBERG. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"This story will place the author at once in the front rank. It is full of life and adventure. He is equally at home in his descriptions of life in Sweden and in the more stirring passages of wreck and disaster, and the interest of the story is sustained without a break from first to last."--_Standard_.

BY HARRY COLLINGWOOD.

The Pirate Island: A Story of the South Pacific. By HARRY COLLINGWOOD. With 8 page Pictures by C. J. STANILAND and J. R. WELLS. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"A capital story of the sea; indeed in our opinion the author is superior in some respects as a marine novelist to the better known Mr. Clark Russell."--_The Times_.

The Congo Rovers: A Story of the Slave Squadron. By HARRY COLLINGWOOD. With 8 page Illustrations by J. SCHÖNBERG. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"No better sea story has lately been written than the _Congo Rovers_. It is as original as any boy could desire."--_Morning Post_.

The Log of the "Flying Fish:" A Story of Aerial and Submarine Peril and Adventure. By HARRY COLLINGWOOD. With 6 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. _New and cheaper Edition_. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"The _Flying Fish_ actually surpasses all Jules Verne's creations; with incredible speed she flies through the air, skims over the surface of the water, and darts along the ocean bed. We strongly recommend our school-boy friends to possess themselves of her log."--_Athenæum_.

BY DR. GORDON STABLES.

Westward With Columbus. By GORDON STABLES, M.D., C.M. With 8 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"This is quite one of the best books for boys that we have seen this autumn. It is the duty of every British and American lad to know the story of Christopher Columbus."--_School Guardian_.

"Our author treats his subject in a dignified, historical fashion which well becomes it, and we must place Westward with Columbus among those books that all boys ought to read."--_The Spectator_.

"Will be greatly in request as a school prize. The tone is healthy, the characters are lifelike, and the narrative of the great discoverer's adventures through his chequered career is replete with incidents and sensational episodes."--_Church Review_.

'Twixt School and College: A Tale of Self-reliance. By GORDON STABLES, C.M., M.D., R.N. With 8 page Illustrations by V. PARKINSON. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"One of the best of a prolific writer's books for boys, being full of practical instructions as to keeping pets, from white mice upwards, and inculcates in a way which a little recalls Miss Edgeworth's 'Frank' the virtue of self-reliance, though the local colouring of the home of the Aberdeenshire boy is a good deal more picturesque."--_Athenæum_.

BY FRANCES ARMSTRONG.

A Fair Claimant: Being a Story for Girls. By FRANCES ARMSTRONG. With 8 page Illustrations by GERTRUDE D. HAMMOND. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"The story is a great success--one of the best tales for girls that we have seen for some time."--_London Quarterly_.

"There is a fascination about this story.... The splendid character of the heroine, together with the happy manner in which the interest is sustained to the end, combine to make this one of the most acceptable gift-books of the season."--_Church Review_.

"A story at once strong and sympathetic, a quality rightly esteemed at a high value by girl readers."--_The Quiver_.

"As a gift-book for big girls _A Fair Claimant_ is among the best new books of the kind. The story is interesting and natural, from first to last."--_Westminster Gazette_.

BY ANNE BEALE.

The Heiress of Courtleroy. By ANNE BEALE. With 8 page Illustrations by T. C. H. CASTLE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"We can speak highly of the grace with which Miss Beale relates how the young 'Heiress of Courtleroy' had such good influence over her uncle as to win him from his intensely selfish ways."--_Guardian_.

"In Le Roy we have perhaps the most striking and original creation that Miss Beale has made. He interests us to the last."--_Spectator_.

BY KIRK MUNROE.

The White Conquerors of Mexico: A Tale of Toltec and Aztec. By KIRK MUNROE. With 8 page Illustrations by W. S. STACEY. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"Mr. Munroe gives most vivid pictures of the religious and civil polity of the Aztecs, and of everyday life, as he imagines it, in the streets and market-places of the magnificent capital of Montezuma."--_The Times_.

"There are, in truth, fine scenes in this narrative and stirring deeds; heroism and self-sacrifice as well as cunning cruelty. The story runs along the true lines of the ideal story for the young."--_Educational Review_.

"The reader becomes carried away by conflicting emotions of wonder and sympathy, and feels compelled to pursue the story, which he cannot lay down. No present can be more acceptable than such a volume as this, where courage, intrepidity, resource and devotion are so pleasantly mingled. It is very fully illustrated with pictures worthy of the book."--_The Schoolmaster_.

With the Sea Kings: A Story of the Days of Lord Nelson. By F. H. WINDER. With 6 page Illustrations by W. S. STACEY. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 4_s._

"A really good story, and boys will like it."--_The Spectator_.

"Just the book to put into a boy's hands. Every chapter contains boardings, cuttings out, fighting pirates, escapes of thrilling audacity, and captures by corsairs, sufficient to turn the quietest boy's head. The story culminates in a vigorous account of the battle of Trafalgar, as seen from the _Victory_. Happy boys!"--_The Academy_.

"Is brimming over with realistic adventure. There is 'derring-do' enough here for half a dozen volumes, and there is just that spice of history in the book which adds interest to a narrative."--_Daily Chronicle_.

BY F. FRANKFORT MOORE.

Highways and High Seas: Cyril Harley's Adventures on both. By F. FRANKFORT MOORE. With 8 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"This is one of the best stories Mr. Moore has written, perhaps the very best. The exciting adventures among highwaymen and privateers are sure to attract boys."--_Spectator_.

Under Hatches: Or, Ned Woodthorpe's Adventures. By F. FRANKFORT MOORE. With 8 page Illustrations by A. FORESTIER. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"The story as a story is one that will just suit boys all the world over. The characters are well drawn and consistent; Patsy, the Irish steward, will be found especially amusing."--_Schoolmaster_.

Giannetta: A Girl's Story of Herself. By ROSA MULHOLLAND. With 8 page Illustrations by LOCKHART BOGLE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

"Giannetta is a true heroine--warm-hearted, self-sacrificing, and, as all good women nowadays are, largely touched with the enthusiasm of humanity. One of the most attractive gift-books of the season."--_The Academy_.

BY J. M. CALLWELL.

A Champion of the Faith: A Tale of Prince Hal and the Lollards. By J. M. CALLWELL. With 6 page Illustrations by HERBERT J. DRAPER. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 4_s._

"A capital specimen of a historical tale, and a well-told chapter in English life and manners in the days of Henry of Bolingbroke and his soldier-son."--_The Spectator_.

"Will not be less enjoyed than Mr. Henty's books. Sir John Oldcastle's pathetic story, and the history of his brave young squire will make every boy enjoy this lively story."--_London Quarterly_.

"The book is intensely interesting, exceedingly well written, and very well illustrated.... The character of Lord Cobham, who suffered martyrdom for the faith at the hands of his greatest friend, is beautifully drawn."--_Winter's Weekly_.

BY ALICE CORKRAN.

Meg's Friend. By ALICE CORKRAN. With 6 page Illustrations by ROBERT FOWLER. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"One of Miss Corkran's charming books for girls, narrated in that simple and picturesque style which marks the authoress as one of the first amongst writers for young people."--_The Spectator_.

Margery Merton's Girlhood. By ALICE CORKRAN. With 6 page Pictures by GORDON BROWNE. Cr. 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Another book for girls we can warmly commend. There is a delightful piquancy in the experiences and trials of a young English girl who studies painting in Paris."--_Saturday Review_.

Down the Snow Stairs: Or, From Good-night to Good-morning. By ALICE CORKRAN. With 60 Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 3_s._ 6_d._

"A fascinating wonder-book for children."--_Athenæum_.

"A gem of the first water, bearing upon every page the mark of genius. It is indeed a Little Pilgrim's Progress."--_Christian Leader_.

Gold, Gold, in Cariboo: A Story of Adventure in British Columbia. By CLIVE PHILLIPPS-WOLLEY. With 6 page Illustrations by G. C. HINDLEY. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"It would be difficult to say too much in favour of _Gold, Gold in Cariboo_. We have seldom read a more exciting tale of wild mining adventure in a singularly inaccessible country. There is a capital plot, and the interest is sustained to the last page."--_The Times_.

"Adventure? there's enough of it here, in all conscience, and the greed for gold is taken at its true worth from beginning to end. Boys who learn from it that there are lots of things in this world worth having besides gold, and even without gold, will have imbibed a lesson 'very necessary for these times,' and will have had plenty of blood-thrilling moments."--_Daily Chronicle_.

BY SARAH DOUDNEY.

Under False Colours: A Story from Two Girls' Lives. By SARAH DOUDNEY. With 6 page Illustrations by G. G. KILBURNE. _New Edition_. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 4_s._

"Sarah Doudney has no superior as a writer of high-toned stories--pure in style, original in conception, and with skilfully wrought-out plots; but we have seen nothing from her pen equal in dramatic energy to this book."--_Christian Leader_.

BY ANNIE E. ARMSTRONG.

Three Bright Girls: A Story of Chance and Mischance. By ANNIE E. ARMSTRONG. With 6 page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Among many good stories for girls this is undoubtedly one of the very best. The three girls whose portraits are so admirably painted are girls of earnest, practical, and business-like mood. Ever bright and cheerful, they influence other lives, and at last they come out of their trials and difficulties with honour to themselves and benefits to all about them."--_Teachers' Aid_.

A Very Odd Girl: or, Life at the Gabled Farm. By ANNIE E. ARMSTRONG. With 6 page Illustrations by S. T. DADD. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"The book is one we can heartily recommend, for it is not only bright and interesting, but also pure and healthy in tone and teaching."--_The Lady_.

"The doings of the heroine at the Gabled Farm are amusing in the extreme, and her escapades are always bringing her into trouble. Vera is a fine character, however, and our girls will all be the better for making her acquaintance."--_Teachers' Aid_.

BY EDGAR PICKERING.

An Old-Time Yarn: Wherein is set forth divers desperate mischances which befell Anthony Ingram and his shipmates in the West Indies and Mexico with Hawkins and Drake. By EDGAR PICKERING. Illustrated with 6 page Pictures drawn by ALFRED PEARSE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"And a very good yarn it is, with not a dull page from first to last. There is a flavour of _Westward Ho!_ in this attractive book."--_Educational Review_.

"An excellent story of adventure. Especially good is the description of Mexico and of the dungeons of the Inquisition, while Don Diego Polo is a delightful mixture of bravery and humour, and his rescue of the unfortunate prisoners is told with great spirit. The book is thoroughly to be recommended."--_Guardian_.

Silas Verney: A Tale of the Time of Charles II. By EDGAR PICKERING. With 6 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Wonderful as the adventures of Silas are, it must be admitted that they are very naturally worked out and very plausibly presented. Altogether this is an excellent story for boys."--_Saturday Review_.

BY C. J. HYNE.

The Captured Cruiser: or, Two Years from Land. By C. J. HYNE. With 6 page Illustrations by FRANK BRANGWYN. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"It is altogether a capital story, well illustrated."--_Saturday Review_.

"The two lads and the two skippers are admirably drawn. Mr. Hyne has now secured a position in the first rank of writers of fiction for boys."--_Spectator_.

Afloat at Last: A Sailor Boy's Log of his Life at Sea. By JOHN C. HUTCHESON. With 6 page Illustrations by W. H. OVEREND. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"As healthy and breezy a book as one could wish to put into the hands of a boy."--_Academy_.

"A tale of seafaring life told with fire and enthusiasm, full of spirited incident and well-drawn character."--_Observer_.

Picked Up at Sea: Or, The Gold Miners of Minturne Creek. By J. C. HUTCHESON. With 6 page Pictures. Cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"The author's success with this book is so marked that it may well encourage him to further efforts. The description of mining life in the Far West is true and accurate."--_Standard_.

Sir Walter's Ward: A Tale of the Crusades. By WILLIAM EVERARD. With 6 page Illustrations by WALTER PAGET. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"This book will prove a very acceptable present either to boys or girls. Both alike will take an interest in the career of Dodo, in spite of his unheroic name, and follow him through his numerous and exciting adventures."--_Academy_.

Brother and Sister: Or, The Trials of the Moore Family. By ELIZABETH J. LYSAGHT. With 6 page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"A pretty story, and well told. The plot is cleverly constructed, and the moral is excellent."--_Athenæum_.

The Search for the Talisman: A Story of Labrador. By HENRY FRITH. With 6 page Illustrations by J. SCHÖNBERG. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Mr. Frith's volume will be among those most read and highest valued. The adventures among seals, whales, and icebergs in Labrador will delight many a young reader."--_Pall Mall Gazette_.

Reefer and Rifleman: A Tale of the Two Services. By J. PERCY-GROVES, late 27th Inniskillings. With 6 page Illustrations by JOHN SCHÖNBERG. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"A good, old-fashioned, amphibious story of our fighting with the Frenchmen in the beginning of our century, with a fair sprinkling of fun and frolic."--_Times_.

BY CAROLINE AUSTIN.

Cousin Geoffrey and I. By CAROLINE AUSTIN. With 6 page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON. Cr. 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Miss Austin's story is bright, clever, and well developed."--_Saturday Review_.

"A powerfully written and realistic story of girl life.... The tone of the book is pure and good."--_Practical Teacher_.

Hugh Herbert's Inheritance. By CAROLINE AUSTIN. With 6 page Illustrations by C. T. GARLAND. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Will please by its simplicity, its tenderness, and its healthy interesting motive. It is admirably written."--_Scotsman_.

Storied Holidays: A Cycle of Red-letter Days. By E. S. BROOKS. With 12 page Illustrations by HOWARD PYLE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"It is a downright good book for a senior boy, and is eminently readable from first to last."--_Schoolmaster_.

Chivalric Days: Stories of Courtesy and Courage in the Olden Times. By E. S. BROOKS. With 20 Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE and other Artists. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"We have seldom come across a prettier collection of tales. These charming stories of boys and girls of olden days are no mere fictitious or imaginary sketches, but are real and actual records of their sayings and doings."--_Literary World_.

Historic Boys: Their Endeavours, their Achievements, and their Times. By E. S. BROOKS. With 12 page Illustrations by R. B. BIRCH and JOHN SCHÖNBERG. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"A wholesome book, manly in tone, its character sketches enlivened by brisk dialogue and high-class illustrations; altogether one that should incite boys to further acquaintance with those rulers of men whose careers are narrated. We advise teachers to put it on their list of prizes."--_Knowledge_.

Dr. Jolliffe's Boys: A Tale of Weston School. By LEWIS HOUGH. With 6 page Pictures. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Young people who appreciate _Tom Brown's School-days_ will find this story a worthy companion to that fascinating book. There is the same manliness of tone, truthfulness of outline, avoidance of exaggeration and caricature, and healthy morality as characterized the masterpiece of Mr. Hughes."--_Newcastle Journal_.

The Bubbling Teapot. A Wonder Story. By Mrs. L. W. CHAMPNEY. With 12 page Pictures by WALTER SATTERLEE. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Very literally a 'wonder story,' and a wild and fanciful one. Nevertheless it is made realistic enough, and there is a good deal of information to be gained from it. The steam from the magic teapot bubbles up into a girl, and the little girl, when the fancy takes her, can cry herself back into a teapot. Transformed and enchanted she makes the tour of the globe."--_The Times_.

BY JENNETT HUMPHREYS.

Laugh and Learn: The Easiest Book of Nursery Lessons and Nursery Games. By JENNETT HUMPHREYS. Profusely Illustrated. Square 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"_Laugh and Learn_ instructs and amuses; it is the very book for a wet day in the nursery, for besides solid instruction, admirably given, it contains numberless games and contrivances, with useful and amusing illustrations. The musical drill is remarkably good."--_Athenæum_.

"One of the best books of the kind imaginable, full of practical teaching in word and picture, and helping the little ones pleasantly along a right royal road to learning."--_Graphic_.

"Every mother of children should have _Laugh and Learn_, and go through with them the excellent course it contains."--_Journal of Education_.

BY MARY C. ROWSELL.

Thorndyke Manor: A Tale of Jacobite Times. By MARY C. ROWSELL. With 6 page Illustrations by L. LESLIE BROOKE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"It is a good story, with plenty of 'go' in it."--_Times_.

"Miss Rowsell has never written a more attractive book than _Thorndyke Manor_."--_Belfast News-Letter_.

Traitor or Patriot? A Tale of the Rye-House Plot. By MARY C. ROWSELL. With 6 page Pictures by C. O. MURRAY and C. J. STANILAND, R.I. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Here the Rye-House Plot serves as the groundwork for a romantic love episode, whose true characters are lifelike beings, not dry sticks as in many historical tales."--_Graphic_.

Dora: Or, A Girl without a Home. By Mrs. R. H. READ. With 6 page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

"It is no slight thing, in an age of rubbish, to get a story so pure and healthy as this."--_The Academy_.

Life's Daily Ministry: A Story of Everyday Service for Others. By Mrs. E. R. PITMAN. With 4 page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Shows exquisite touches of a master hand. She depicts in graphic outline the characteristics of the beautiful and the good in life."--_Christian Union_.

My Governess Life: Or, Earning my Living. By Mrs. E. R. PITMAN. With 4 page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._ 6_d._

"Full of sound teaching and bright examples of character."--_S.S. Chronicle_.

BLACKIE'S NEW THREE-SHILLING SERIES.

Beautifully Illustrated and Handsomely Bound.

NEW VOLUMES.

Menhardoc: A Story of Cornish Nets and Mines. By G. MANVILLE FENN. With 6 page Illustrations by C. J. STANILAND, R.I. _New Edition_. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._

"They are real living boys, with their virtues and faults. The Cornish fishermen are drawn from life, they are racy of the soil, salt with the sea-water, and they stand out from the pages in their jerseys and sea-boots all sprinkled with silvery pilchard scales."--_Spectator_.

Yussuff the Guide: Or, The Mountain Bandits. A Story of Strange Adventure in Asia Minor. By G. MANVILLE FENN. With 6 page Illustrations by J. SCHÖNBERG. _New Edition_. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._

"This story is told with such real freshness and vigour that the reader feels he is actually one of the party, sharing in the fun and facing the dangers with them."--_Pall Mall Gazette_.

Robinson Crusoe. With 100 Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. _New Edition_. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._

"One of the best issues, if not absolutely the best, of Defoe's work which has ever appeared."--_The Standard_.

Gulliver's Travels. With 100 Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. _New Edition_. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._

"Mr. Gordon Browne is, to my thinking, incomparably the most artistic, spirited, and brilliant of our illustrators of books for boys, and one of the most humorous also, as his illustrations of 'Gulliver' amply testify."--_Truth_.

Patience Wins: or, War in the Works. By GEORGE MANVILLE FENN. With 6 page Illustrations. Cr. 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._

"Mr. Fenn has never hit upon a happier plan than in writing this story of Yorkshire factory life. The whole book is all aglow with life, the scenes varying continually with kaleidoscopic rapidity."--_Pall Mall Gazette_.

Mother Carey's Chicken: Her Voyage to the Unknown Isle. By G. MANVILLE FENN. With 6 page Illustrations by A. FORESTIER. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._

"Undoubtedly one of the best Mr. Fenn has written. The incidents are of thrilling interest, while the characters are drawn with a care and completeness rarely found in a boys' book. The illustrations are exceptionally good."--_Literary World_.

The Missing Merchantman. By HARRY COLLINGWOOD. With 6 page Illustrations by W. H. OVEREND. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._

"One of the author's best sea stories. The hero is as heroic as any boy could desire, and the ending is extremely happy."--_British Weekly_.

The Rover's Secret: A Tale of the Pirate Cays and Lagoons of Cuba. By HARRY COLLINGWOOD. With 6 page Illustrations by W. C. SYMONS. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._

"_The Rover's Secret_ is by far the best sea story we have read for years, and is certain to give unalloyed pleasure to boys. The illustrations are fresh and vigorous."--_Saturday Review_.

The Wigwam and the War-path: Stories of the Red Indians. By ASCOTT R. HOPE. With 6 page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._

"Is notably good. It gives a very vivid picture of life among the Indians, which will delight the heart of many a schoolboy."--_Spectator_.

Perseverance Island: or, The Robinson Crusoe of the 19th Century. By DOUGLAS FRAZAR. With 6 page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 3_s._

"This is an interesting story, written with studied simplicity of style, much in Defoe's vein of apparent sincerity and scrupulous veracity; while for practical instruction it is even better than Robinson Crusoe."--_Illustrated London News_.

Girl Neighbours: or, The Old Fashion and the New. By SARAH TYTLER. With 6 page Illustrations by C. T. GARLAND. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._

"One of the most effective and quietly humorous of Miss Sarah Tytler's stories _Girl Neighbours_ is very healthy, very agreeable, and very well written."--_The Spectator_.

BLACKIE'S HALF-CROWN SERIES.

Illustrated by eminent Artists. In crown 8vo, cloth elegant.

Nicola: The Career of a Girl Musician. By M. CORBET-SEYMOUR. Illustrated by GERTRUDE D. HAMMOND.

"There is a great deal of quiet force and strength about the story, and a kindly and good-hearted spirit pervading the whole which makes it exceedingly pleasant reading. I can thoroughly and heartily recommend _Nicola_ as a present for girls."--_Winter's Weekly_.

"The moral tone of the story is exceptionally high, and the book would be a boon to a girl who has, or fancies she has, a career before her."--_Practical Teacher_.

A Little Handful. By HARRIET J. SCRIPPS. Illustrated by L. LESLIE BROOKE.

"A very charming picture of a bright, lovable, mischievous boy, who hails from the New World. Every page will afford extreme pleasure and amusement to all children, and those who love them."--_School Guardian_.

"He is a real type of a boy, a few of whom we have known, and do know, who, under proper guidance, help to make a nation great."--_The Schoolmaster_.

A Golden Age: A Story of Four Merry Children. By ISMAY THORN. Illustrated by GORDON BROWNE. _New Edition_.

"Ismay Thorn has a genuine love for children.... _A Golden Age_ ought to have a place of honour on the nursery shelf."--_The Athenæum_.

"This 'story of four merry children' is distinguished by its charming realization of the quaintness and oddity and merriness of children, by its romantic, almost sentimental, pathos, and by its crisp, fluent style."--_The Academy_.

A Rough Road: or, How the Boy Made a Man of Himself. By Mrs. G. LINNÆUS BANKS. Illustrated by ALFRED PEARSE.

"Mrs. Linnæus Banks has not written a better book than _A Rough Road_."--_Spectator_.

"Told with much simple force and that charm which belongs to one who has known herself what a rough road is, and how to traverse it."--_Winter's Weekly_.

The Two Dorothys: A Tale for Girls. By Mrs. HERBERT MARTIN. Illustrated by GORDON BROWNE.

"A book that will not only interest and please all girls, but will also, from its pure but unostentatious teaching, stimulate and encourage to better and higher things, youthful hopes, dreams, and ambitions."--_The Lady_.

Penelope and the Others: A Story of Five Country Children. By AMY WALTON. Illustrated by L. LESLIE BROOKE.

"This is a charming book for children. Miss Walton proves herself a perfect adept in understanding of school-room joys and sorrows, and her name ought to become a household word amongst our boys and girls."--_Christian Leader_.

A Cruise in Cloudland. By HENRY FRITH.

"A thoroughly interesting story, especially the part dealing with the siege of Plevna. There is an excellent sketch of General Skobeloff."--_St. James's Gazette_.

Marian and Dorothy. By ANNIE E. ARMSTRONG.

"This is distinctively a book for girls. It contains a bright wholesome story, with the useful morals of industry and forgiveness of injuries. The book is decidedly to be commended."--_Academy_.

Stimson's Reef: A Tale of Adventure. By C. J. HYNE.

"Few stories come within hailing distance of _Stimson's Reef_ in the matter of startling incidents and hairbreadth 'scapes. In these respects it may almost vie with Mr. R. L. Stevenson's matchless _Treasure Island_."--_Guardian_.

Gladys Anstruther. By LOUISA THOMPSON.

"It is a clever book, and some of the passages in the narrative are novel and striking in the highest degree."--_Schoolmistress_.

The Secret of the Old House. By EVELYN EVERETT-GREEN.

"Tim, the little Jacobite who asks his grandmother if she can remember Charles I., is a charming creation. So original a child as Tim must win the hearts of all who read the pleasant tale."--_Academy_.

Hal Hungerford. By J. R. HUTCHINSON, B.A.

"There is no question whatever as to the spirited manner in which the story is told; the death of the mate of the smuggler by the teeth of the dog is especially effective. Altogether, Hal Hungerford is a distinct literary success."--_Spectator_.

The Golden Weathercock. By JULIA GODDARD.

"A cleverly conceived quaint story, in which the golden cock on the church spire is the recipient of enchanting stories of enchanted people and places. Full of pretty and ingenious ideas, prettily and ingeniously written."--_Saturday Review_.

White Lilac: Or, The Queen of the May. By AMY WALTON.

"Every here and there we are reminded of Mrs. Tulliver and Sister Pullet in the quaint dialogue of the story.... Every rural parish ought to add _White Lilac_ to its library."--_Academy_.

Miriam's Ambition. By EVELYN EVERETT-GREEN.

"Miss Green's children are real British boys and girls, not small men and women. Babs is a charming little one."--_Liverpool Mercury_.

The Brig "Audacious." By ALAN COLE.

"Bright and vivacious in style, and fresh and wholesome as a breath of sea air in tone."--_Court Journal_.

The Saucy May. By HENRY FRITH.

"Mr. Frith gives a new picture of life on the ocean wave which will be acceptable to all young people."--_Sheffield Independent_.

Jasper's Conquest. By ELIZABETH J. LYSAGHT.

"One of the best boys' books of the season. It is full of stirring adventure and startling episodes, and yet conveys a splendid moral throughout."--_Schoolmaster_.

Little Lady Clare. By EVELYN EVERETT-GREEN.

"Certainly one of the prettiest, reminding us in its quaintness and tender pathos of Mrs. Ewing's delightful tales. This is quite one of the best stories Miss Green's clever pen has yet given us."--_Literary World_.

The Eversley Secrets. By EVELYN EVERETT-GREEN.

"A clever and well-told story. Roy Eversley is a very touching picture of high principle and unshrinking self-devotion in a good purpose."--_Guardian_.

The Hermit Hunter of the Wilds. By G. STABLES, R.N.

"Pirates and pumas, mutiny and merriment, a castaway and a cat, furnish the materials for a tale that will gladden the heart of many a bright boy."--_Methodist Recorder_.

Sturdy and Strong. By G. A. HENTY.

"The history of a hero of everyday life, whose love of truth, clothing of modesty, and innate pluck carry him, naturally, from poverty to affluence. He stands as a good instance of chivalry in domestic life."--_The Empire_.

Gutta Percha Willie, The Working Genius. By GEORGE MACDONALD.

"Had we space we would fain quote page after page. All we have room to say is, get it for your boys and girls to read for themselves."--_Practical Teacher_.

The War of the Axe: Or, Adventures in South Africa. By J. PERCY-GROVES.

"The story of their final escape from the Caffres is a marvellous bit of writing.... The story is well and brilliantly told."--_Literary World_.

The Lads of Little Clayton. By R. STEAD.

"A capital book for boys. They will learn from its pages what true boy courage is. They will learn further to avoid all that is petty and mean if they read the tales aright. They may be read to a class with great profit."--_Schoolmaster_.

Ten Boys who lived on the Road from Long Ago to Now. By JANE ANDREWS. With 20 Illustrations.

"The idea of this book is a very happy one, and is admirably carried out. We have followed the whole course of the work with exquisite pleasure. Teachers should find it particularly interesting and suggestive."--_Practical Teacher_.

A Waif of the Sea: Or, The Lost Found. By KATE WOOD.

"Written with tenderness and grace, the story will appeal to mothers who have felt the pain of being parted from their children, as powerfully as to the hearts and sympathies of younger readers."--_Morning Advertiser_.

Winnie's Secret: A Story of Faith and Patience. By KATE WOOD.

"One of the best story-books we have read. Girls will be charmed with the tale, and delighted that everything turns out so well."--_Schoolmaster_.

Miss Willowburn's Offer. By SARAH DOUDNEY.

"Patience Willowburn is one of Miss Doudney's best creations, and is the one personality in the story which can be said to give it the character of a book not for young ladies but for girls."--_Spectator_.

A Garland for Girls. By LOUISA M. ALCOTT.

"The _Garland_ will delight our girls, and show them how to make their lives fragrant with good deeds."--_British Weekly_.

"These little tales are the beau ideal of girls' stories."--_Christian World_.

Hetty Gray: Or, Nobody's Bairn. By ROSA MULHOLLAND.

"A charming story for young folks. Hetty is a delightful creature--piquant, tender, and true--and her varying fortunes are perfectly realistic."--WORLD.

Brothers in Arms: A Story of the Crusades. By F. BAYFORD HARRISON.

"Full of striking incident, is very fairly illustrated, and may safely be chosen as sure to prove interesting to young people of both sexes."--_Guardian_.

The Ball of Fortune: Or, Ned Somerset's Inheritance. By CHARLES PEARCE.

"A capital story for boys. It is simply and brightly written. There is plenty of incident, and the interest is sustained throughout."--_Journal of Education_.

Miss Fenwick's Failures: Or, "Peggy Pepper-Pot." By ESMÉ STUART.

"Esmé Stuart may be commended for producing a girl true to real life, who will put no nonsense into young heads."--_Graphic_.

Gytha's Message: A Tale of Saxon England. By EMMA LESLIE.

"This is a charmingly told story. It is the sort of book that all girls and some boys like, and can only get good from."--_Journal of Education_.

Jack o' Lanthorn: A Tale of Adventure. By HENRY FRITH.

"The narrative is crushed full of stirring incident, and is sure to be a prime favourite with our boys, who will be assisted by it in mastering a sufficiently exciting chapter in the history of England."--_Christian Leader_.

The Family Failing. By DARLEY DALE.

"At once an amusing and an interesting story, and a capital lesson on the value of contentedness to young and old alike."--_Aberdeen Journal_.

My Mistress the Queen: A Tale of the 17th Century. By M. A. PAULL.

"The style is pure and graceful, the presentation of manners and character has been well studied, and the story is full of interest."--_Scotsman_.

The Stories of Wasa and Menzikoff: The Deliverer of Sweden, and the Favourite of Czar Peter.

"Both are stories worth telling more than once, and it is a happy thought to have put them side by side."--_Spectator_.

Stories of the Sea in Former Days.

"Next to an original sea-tale of sustained interest come well-sketched collections of maritime peril and suffering which awaken the sympathies by the realism of fact. _Stories of the Sea_ are a very good specimen of the kind."--_The Times_.

Tales of Captivity and Exile.

"It would be difficult to place in the hands of young people a book which combines interest and instruction in a higher degree."--_Manchester Courier_.

Famous Discoveries by Sea and Land.

"Such a volume may providentially stir up some youths by the divine fire kindled by these 'great of old' to lay open other lands."--_Perth Advertiser_.

Stirring Events of History.

"The volume will fairly hold its place among those which make the smaller ways of history pleasant and attractive."--_Guardian_.

Adventures in Field, Flood, and Forest.

"The editor has beyond all question succeeded admirably. The present book cannot fail to be read with interest and advantage."--_Academy_.

BLACKIE'S TWO-SHILLING SERIES.

Illustrated by eminent Artists. In crown 8vo, cloth elegant.

_NEW VOLUMES._

Queen ff the Daffodils: A Story of High School Life. By LESLIE LAING. Illustrated by W. PARKINSON.

Raff's Ranche: A Story of Adventure among Cowboys and Indians. By F. M. HOLMES. Illustrated by PAUL HARDY.

An Unexpected Hero. By ELIZ. J. LYSAGHT.

"Among the very best of the series is, _An Unexpected Hero_. There is abundance of pleasant incident and skilful character delineation."--_Freeman's Jour_.

The Bushranger's Secret. By Mrs. HENRY CLARKE, M.A.

"One of the best stories we have had of the Australian bush, with a good plot, an action always good, and rising into dramatic intensity at times."--_Spectator_.

The White Squall. By JOHN C. HUTCHESON.

"This is a capital story. The descriptions of scenery and places, and especially of the changes of calm and tempest, are lifelike and vivid."--_Standard_.

The Wreck of the "Nancy Bell." By J. C. HUTCHESON.

"The narrative is full of excitement and interest; it cannot fail to develop resource, and encourage independence and manliness of character."--_Academy_.

The Lonely Pyramid. By J. H. YOXALL.

"It is full of wild surprises and marvels. The Pyramid alone is a fascinating invention, and the 'lost oasis of the vision on the sand' is even more delightful."--_Saturday Review_.

Bab: or, The Triumph of Unselfishness. By ISMAY THORN.

"_Bab_ is a capital story for children, who will be much amused by the picture on the cover of the worthy doll Jocasta."--_Athenæum_.

Climbing the Hill, and other Stories. By ANNIE S. SWAN.

"Miss Annie Swan's children _are_ children, and not old people masquerading in children's attire. This volume of tales is made up of just the kind of incidents of which children love to read."--_Christian Leader_.

Brave and True, and other Stories. By GREGSON GOW.

"This is one of those very few volumes which are adapted for reading aloud to children in the nursery."--_Spectator_.

The Light Princess. By GEORGE MACDONALD.

"Graceful, fantastic, delicately didactic in its playfulness, this volume is likely to give as much pleasure to the elder folk as to the younger."--_Daily News_.

Nutbrown Roger and I. By J. H. YOXALL.

"The pictures of manners is perfect, the excitement, of the healthiest kind, goes on increasing to the last. It is one of the very best and most delightful story-books of the season."--_Tablet_.

Warner's Chase: Or, The Gentle Heart. By ANNIE S. SWAN.

"In Milly Warren, the heroine, who softens the hard heart of her rich uncle, and thus unwittingly restores the family fortunes, we have a fine ideal of real womanly goodness."--_Schoolmaster_.

Sam Silvan's Sacrifice. By JESSE COLMAN.

"There is a spirit of gentleness, kindliness, and tenderness manifest in every page of this volume, which will make it an influence for good."--_Christian Union_.

Insect Ways on Summer Days in Garden, Forest, Field, and Stream. By JENNETT HUMPHREYS. With 70 Illustrations.

"This book will prove not only instructive but delightful to every child whose mind is beginning to inquire and reflect upon the wonders of nature. It is capitally illustrated and very tastefully bound."--_Academy_.

Susan. By AMY WALTON.

"A clever little story, written with some humour. The authoress shows a great deal of insight into children's feelings and motives."--_Pall Mall Gazette_.

A Pair of Clogs. By AMY WALTON.

"Decidedly interesting, and unusually true to nature. For children between nine and fourteen this book can be thoroughly commended."--_Academy_.

The Hawthorns. By AMY WALTON.

"A remarkably vivid and clever study of child-life. At this species of work Amy Walton has no superior."--_Christian Leader_.

Dorothy's Dilemma. By CAROLINE AUSTIN.

"An exceptionally well-told story, and will be warmly welcomed by children. The little heroine, Dorothy, is a charming creation."--_Court Journal_.

Marie's Home. By CAROLINE AUSTIN.

"An exquisitely told story. The heroine is as fine a type of girlhood as one could wish to set before our little British damsels of to-day."--_Christian Leader_.

A Warrior King. By J. EVELYN.

"The friendship formed between the African Prince and Adrian Englefield will remind the reader of the old story of the 'wonderful love' which existed long ago when Jonathan and David made a covenant."--_Dundee Advertiser_.

Aboard the "Atalanta." By HENRY FRITH.

"The story is very interesting and the descriptions most graphic. We doubt if any boy after reading it would be tempted to the great mistake of running away from school under almost any pretext whatever."--_Practical Teacher_.

The Penang Pirate. By JOHN C. HUTCHESON.

"A book which boys will thoroughly enjoy: rattling, adventurous, and romantic, and the stories are thoroughly healthy in tone."--_Aberdeen Journal_.

Teddy: The Story of a "Little Pickle." By JOHN C. HUTCHESON.

"He is an amusing little fellow with a rich fund of animal spirits, and when at length he goes to sea with Uncle Jack he speedily sobers down under the discipline of life."--_Saturday Review_.

A Rash Promise. By CECILIA SELBY LOWNDES.

"A carefully told story; and Meg Clifford is a delightful and natural little girl."--_Spectator_.

Linda and the Boys. By CECILIA SELBY LOWNDES.

"The book is essentially a child's book, and will be heartily appreciated by the young folk."--_The Academy_.

Swiss Stories for Children. From the German of MADAM JOHANNA SPYRI. By LUCY WHEELOCK.

"Charming stories. They are rich in local colouring, and, what is better, in genuine pathos."--_The Times_.

The Squire's Grandson: A Devonshire Story. By J. M. CALLWELL.

"The lessons of courage, filial affection, and devotion to duty on the part of the young hero cannot fail to favourably impress all young readers."--_Schoolmaster_.

Magna Charta Stories. Edited by ARTHUR GILMAN, A.M.

"A book of special excellence, which ought to be in the hands of all boys."--_Educational News_.

The Wings of Courage; AND THE CLOUD-SPINNER. Translated from the French of GEORGE SAND, by Mrs. CORKRAN.

"Mrs. Corkran has earned our gratitude by translating into readable English these two charming little stories."--_Athenæum_.

Chirp and Chatter: Or, LESSONS FROM FIELD AND TREE. By ALICE BANKS. With 54 Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE.

"We see the humbling influence of love on the haughty harvest-mouse, we are touched by the sensibility of the tender-hearted ant, and may profit by the moral of 'the disobedient maggot.' The drawings are spirited and funny."--_The Times_.

Four Little Mischiefs. By ROSA MULHOLLAND.

"Graphically written, and abounds in touches of genuine humour and innocent fun."--_Freeman_.

"A charming bright story about real children."--_Watchman_.

New Light through Old Windows. By GREGSON GOW.

"The most delightfully-written little stories one can easily find in the literature of the season. Well constructed and brightly told."--_Glasgow Herald_.

Little Tottie, and Two Other Stories. By THOMAS ARCHER.

"We can warmly commend all three stories; the book is a most alluring prize for the younger ones."--_Schoolmaster_.

Naughty Miss Bunny. By CLARA MULHOLLAND.

"This naughty child is positively delightful. Papas should not omit _Naughty Miss Bunny_ from their list of juvenile presents."--_Land and Water_.

Adventures of Mrs. Wishing-to-be. By ALICE CORKRAN.

"Simply a charming book for little girls."--_Saturday Review_.

"Just in the style and spirit to win the hearts of children."--_Daily News_.

The Joyous Story of Toto. By LAURA E. RICHARDS.

"A very delightful book for children, which deserves to find a place in every nursery."--_Lady's Pictorial_.

Our Dolly: Her Words and Ways. By MRS. R. H. READ. 2_s._

Fairy Fancy: What she Heard and Saw. By MRS. READ. 2_s._

BLACKIE'S EIGHTEENPENNY SERIES.

With Illustrations. In crown 8vo, cloth elegant.

_NEW VOLUMES._

A Soldier's Son: The Story of a Boy who Succeeded. By ANNETTE LYSTER.

Mischief and Merry-making. By ISABELLA PEARSON.

Town Mice in the Country: A Story of Holiday Adventure. By M. E. FRANCIS.

Phil and his Father. By ISMAY THORN.

Prim's Story. By L. E. TIDDEMAN.

Littlebourne Lock. By F. BAYFORD HARRISON.

Wild Meg and Wee Dickie. By MARY E. ROPES.

Grannie. By ELIZABETH J. LYSAGHT.

The Seed She Sowed. By EMMA LESLIE.

Unlucky: A Fragment of a Girl's Life. By CAROLINE AUSTIN.

Everybody's Business: or a Friend in Need. By ISMAY THORN.

Tales of Daring and Danger. By G. A. HENTY.

The Seven Golden Keys. By JAMES E. ARNOLD.

The Story of a Queen. By MARY C. ROWSELL.

Edwy: Or, Was he a Coward? By ANNETTE LYSTER.

The Battlefield Treasure. By F. BAYFORD HARRISON.

Joan's Adventures at the North Pole. By ALICE CORKRAN.

Filled with Gold. By J. PERRETT

Our General: A Story for Girls. By ELIZABETH J. LYSAGHT.

Aunt Hesba's Charge. By ELIZABETH J. LYSAGHT.

By Order of Queen Maude: A Story of Home Life. By LOUISA CROW.

The Late Miss Hollingford. By ROSA MULHOLLAND.

Our Frank. By AMY WALTON.

A Terrible Coward. By G. MANVILLE FENN.

Yarns on the Beach. By G. A. HENTY.

Tom Finch's Monkey. By J. C. HUTCHESON.

Miss Grantley's Girls, and the Stories she told them. By THOS. ARCHER.

The Pedlar and his Dog. By MARY C. ROSWELL.

Down and Up Again. By GREGSON GOW.

Madge's Mistake. By ANNIE E. ARMSTRONG.

The Troubles and Triumphs of Little Tim. By GREGSON GOW.

The Happy Lad. A Story of Peasant Life in Norway. By B. BJÖRNSON.

Into the Haven. By ANNIE S. SWAN.

A Box of Stories. Packed for Young Folk by HORACE HAPPYMAN.

The Patriot Martyr: Narratives of Female Heroism.

THE SHILLING SERIES OF JUVENILES.

Square 16mo, Illustrated, and neatly bound in cloth extra.

_NEW VOLUMES._

Brave Dorette. By JULIA GODDARD.

Piecrust Promises. By W. L. ROOPER.

Summer Fun and Frolic. By ISABELLA PEARSON.

Little Aunt Dorothy. By JENNIE CHAPPELL.

The Lost Dog, and other Stories. By ASCOTT R. HOPE.

The Rambles of Three Children. By GERALDINE MOCKLER.

A Council of Courtiers. By CORA LANGTON.

A Parliament of Pickles. By CORA LANGTON.

Sharp Tommy. By E. J. LYSAGHT.

Adventures of Nell, Eddie, and Toby. By GERALDINE MOCKLER.

Freda's Folly. By M. S. HAYCRAFT.

Philip Danford: A Story of School Life. By JULIA GODDARD.

The Youngest Princess. By JENNIE CHAPPELL.

Arthur's Temptation. By EMMA LESLIE.

A Change for the Worse. By M. HARRIET M. CAPES.

Our Two Starlings. By C. REDFORD.

Mr. Lipscombe's Apples. By JULIA GODDARD.

Gladys. By E. O'BYRNE.

A Gypsy against Her Will. By EMMA LESLIE.

The Castle on the Shore. By ISABEL HORNIBROOK.

An Emigrant Boy's Story. By ASCOTT R. HOPE.

Jock and his Friend. By CORA LANGTON.

John a'Dale. By MARY C. ROWSELL.

In the Summer Holidays. By JENNETT HUMPHREYS.

How the Strike Began. By EMMA LESLIE.

Tales from the Russian of Madame Kubalensky. By G. JENNER.

Cinderella's Cousin. By PENELOPE.

Their New Home. By A. S. FENN.

Janie's Holiday. By C. REDFORD.

A Boy Musician: or, The Young Days of Mozart.

Hatto's Tower. By M. C. ROWSELL.

Fairy Lovebairn's Favourites.

Alf Jetsam. By Mrs. GEO. CUPPLES.

The Redfords. By Mrs. G. CUPPLES.

Missy. By F. BAYFORD HARRISON.

Hidden Seed. By EMMA LESLIE.

Ursula's Aunt. By ANNIE S. FENN.

Jack's Two Sovereigns. By ANNIE S. FENN.

A Little Adventurer. By G. GOW.

Olive Mount. By ANNIE S. FENN.

Three Little Ones. By C. LANGTON.

Tom Watkin's Mistake. By EMMA LESLIE.

Two Little Brothers. By M. HARRIET M. CAPES.

The New Boy at Merriton. By JULIA GODDARD.

The Children of Haycombe. By ANNIE S. FENN.

The Cruise of the "Petrel." By F. M. HOLMES.

The Wise Princess. By M. HARRIET M. CAPES.

The Blind Boy of Dresden and his Sister.

Jon of Iceland.

Stories from Shakespeare.

Every Man in his Place.

Fireside Fairies and Flower Fancies.

To the Sea in Ships.

Jack's Victory: Stories about Dogs.

The Story of a King.

Prince Alexis: or, Old Russia.

Little Daniel: A Story of the Rhine.

Sasha the Serf: Stories of Russia.

True Stories of Foreign History.

THE NINEPENNY SERIES OF BOOKS FOR CHILDREN.

F'cap 8vo, Illustrated, and neatly bound in cloth extra.

_NEW VOLUMES._

A Little English Gentleman. By JANE DEAKIN.

The Doctor's Lass. By L. E. TIDDEMAN.

Spark and I. A Story told by a Cat. By ANNIE ARMSTRONG.

What Hilda Saw. By PENELOPE LESLIE.

Little Miss Masterful. By L. E. TIDDEMAN.

A Sprig of Honeysuckle: A Story of Epping Forest. By GEORGINA M. SQUIRE.

An Australian Childhood. By ELLEN CAMPBELL.

Kitty Carroll. By L. E. TIDDEMAN.

A Joke for a Picnic. By W. L. ROOPER.

Cross Purposes, and The Shadows. By GEORGE MACDONALD.

Patty's Ideas, and What Came of Them. By L. E. TIDDEMAN.

Daphne: A Story of Self-conquest. By E. O'BYRNE.

Lily and Rose in One. By CECILIA S. LOWNDES.

Crowded Out: or, The Story of Lil's Patience. By M. B. MANWELL.

Tom in a Tangle. By T. SPARROW.

Things will Take a Turn. By BEATRICE HARRADEN.

Max or Baby. By ISMAY THORN.

The Lost Thimble. By Mrs. MUSGRAVE.

Jack-a-Dandy. By E. J. LYSAGHT.

A Day of Adventures. By CHARLOTTE WYATT.

The Golden Plums. By FRANCIS CLARE.

The Queen of Squats. By ISABEL HORNIBROOK.

Shucks. By EMMA LESLIE.

Sylvia Brooke. By M. HARRIET M. CAPES.

The Little Cousin. By A. S. FENN.

In Cloudland. By Mrs. MUSGRAVE.

Jack and the Gypsies. By KATE WOOD.

Hans the Painter. By MARY C. ROWSELL.

Little Troublesome. By ISABEL HORNIBROOK.

My Lady May: and One Other Story. By HARRIET BOULTWOOD.

A Little Hero. By Mrs. MUSGRAVE.

Prince Jon's Pilgrimage. By JESSIE FLEMING.

Harold's Ambition: or, A Dream of Fame. By JENNIE PERRETT.

Sepperl the Drummer Boy. By MARY C. ROWSELL.

Aboard the Mersey. By Mrs. GEORGE CUPPLES.

A Blind Pupil. By ANNIE S. FENN.

Lost and Found. By Mrs. CARL ROTHER.

Fisherman Grim. By MARY C. ROWSELL.

SOMETHING FOR THE VERY LITTLE ONES.

Fully Illustrated. 64 pp., cloth. Sixpence each.

Tales Easy and Small for the Youngest of All. By J. HUMPHREYS.

Old Dick Grey and Aunt Kate's Way. By J. HUMPHREYS.

Maud's Doll and Her Walk. By J. HUMPHREYS.

In Holiday Time. By J. HUMPHREYS.

Whisk and Buzz. By Mrs. A. H. GARLICK.

Little Tales for Little Folk. By Miss W. L. ROOPER. Well Illustrated; cloth cover; price 2_d._ each.

FRED'S RUN. NORA'S DARK LOOK. ELLA'S FALL. PATTY'S WALK. HONEST DOLLY.

THE SIXPENNY SERIES FOR CHILDREN.

Neatly bound in cloth extra. Each contains 64 pages and an Illustration.

_NEW VOLUMES._

Mrs. Holland's Peaches. By PENELOPE LESLIE.

Marjory's White Rat. By PENELOPE LESLIE.

Grandmother's Forget-me-nots. By AIMÉE DAWSON.

From over the Sea. By L. E. TIDDEMAN.

The Kitchen Cat. By AMY WALTON.

The Royal Eagle. By LOUISA THOMPSON.

Two Little Mice. By Mrs. GARLICK.

A Little Man of War. By L. E. TIDDEMAN.

Lady Daisy. By CAROLINE STEWART.

Dew. By H. MARY WILSON.

Chris's Old Violin. By J. LOCKHART.

Mischievous Jack. By A. CORKRAN.

The Twins. By L. E. TIDDEMAN.

Pet's Project. By CORA LANGTON.

The Chosen Treat. By C. WYATT.

Little Neighbours. By A. S. FENN.

Jim: A Story of Child Life. By CHRISTIAN BURKE.

Little Curiosity. By J. M. CALLWELL.

Sara the Wool-gatherer. By W. L. ROOPER.

Fairy Stories: told by PENELOPE.

A New Year's Tale. By M. A. CURRIE.

Little Mop. By Mrs. CHARLES BRAY.

The Tree Cake, and other Stories. By W. L. ROOPER.

Nurse Peggy, and Little Dog Trip.

Fanny's King. By DARLEY DALE.

Wild Marsh Marigolds. By D. DALE.

Kitty's Cousin. By HANNAH B. MACKENZIE.

Cleared at Last. By JULIA GODDARD.

Little Dolly Forbes. By ANNIE S. FENN.

A Year with Nellie. By A. S. FENN.

The Little Brown Bird.

The Maid of Domremy, and other Tales.

Little Eric: a Story of Honesty.

Uncle Ben the Whaler.

The Palace of Luxury.

The Charcoal Burner.

Willy Black: A Story of Doing Right.

The Horse and his Ways.

The Shoemaker's Present.

Lights to Walk by.

The Little Merchant.

Nicholina: A Story about an Iceberg.

A SERIES OF FOURPENNY REWARD BOOKS.

Each 64 pages, 18mo, Illustrated, in Picture Boards.

A Start in Life. By J. LOCKHART.

Happy Childhood. By AIMÉE DE VENOIX DAWSON.

Dorothy's Clock. By DO.

Toddy. By L. E. TIDDEMAN.

Stories about my Dolls. By FELICIA MELANCTHON.

Stories about my Cat Timothy.

Delia's Boots. By W. L. ROOPER.

Lost on the Rocks. By R. SCOTTER.

A Kitten's Adventures. By CAROLINE STEWART.

Climbing the Hill. By ANNIE S. SWAN.

A Year at Coverley. By ANNIE S. SWAN.

Phil Foster. By J. LOCKHART.

Papa's Birthday. By W. L. ROOPER.

The Charm Fairy. By PENELOPE.

Little Tales for Little Children. By M. A. CURRIE.

Worthy of Trust. By H. B. MACKENZIE.

Brave and True. By GREGSON GOW.

Johnnie Tupper's Temptation. DO.

Maudie and Bertie.

The Children and the Water-Lily. By JULIA GODDARD.

Poor Tom Olliver. By DO.

Fritz's Experiment. By LETITIA M'LINTOCK.

Lucy's Christmas-Box.

BLACKIE & SON, LIMITED, LONDON, GLASGOW, EDINBURGH, AND DUBLIN.

End of Project Gutenberg's The Dash for Khartoum, by George Alfred Henty