Part 6

A sudden inspiration seized me. "I'm going to signal to Harry!" I cried. "If he sees it, he'll come, and perhaps bring help with him."

"Hurry!" he shouted back, and I started for the barn. The distance was short. As I reached it, I glanced over to Harry's. There were some white spots on his barn. He was signalling, and of course could see my signal. Excitedly I placed the flags in 1, 2, 3, 4, and without waiting for an answer, tore back across the fields to the fire. It was gaining rapidly. In a large circle, a dozen rods across, it advanced toward the buildings on one hand, and swept toward the woods on the other. We could only hope to hinder its progress until help should arrive.

Fifteen minutes of desperate struggle, and then, with a ringing cheer, Harry and his father dashed upon the scene. Their arrival infused me with new courage; and four pairs of hands and four willing hearts at length conquered the flame, two rods from the woods!

My father sank down upon a rock, and as he wiped the perspiration from his smutty face, he said:

"There, boys, your signalling has saved the prettiest timber lot in the town of Hardwick! I shall not forget it!"

For the way in which the father proved his gratitude, and what resulted, and a great deal more which is delightful reading, I must refer you to the book; for I have already taken too much space.

PANSY.

ARTISTIC FAC-SIMILE REPRODUCTIONS OF ORIGINAL PICTURES.

DESIRING to bring within reach of all homes Pictures of real charm and real art value, we began, October 1st, the publication of a series of superb fac-simile reproductions of the finest original pictures belonging to the WIDE AWAKE magazine.

This collection of water colors, oil paintings, and line drawings, gathered during the past ten years, includes fine examples of eminent American and foreign artists: Walter Shirlaw, Mary Hallock Foote, Wm. T. Smedley, Howard Pyle, Henry Bacon, Jessie Curtis Shepherd, Harry Fenn, F. S. Church, Chas. S. Reinhart, Miss L. B. Humphrey, F. Childe Hassam, E. H. Garrett, F. H. Lungren, H. Bolton Jones, St. John Harper, Miss Kate Greenaway, George Foster Barnes, Hy. Sandham, and others.

And while the skill of foremost engravers has enabled us to give in the magazine many beautiful engravings from these originals, the mechanical limitations of the graver, and of the steam press, render these "counterfeit presentments," at their best, but disappointing attempts, to those who have seen the originals with their greater delicacy and richness and strength. The real touch of the artist's brush, the finer subtler atmosphere, the full beauty and significance, and the technical excellence, is missing--and it is these features that are retained in these fac-similes.

The method of reproduction employed is the new photogravure process of the Lewis Co., which in result is only equalled by the famous work of Goupil & Cie of Paris. Each impression is on the finest India paper, imported expressly for this purpose, and backed by the best American plate paper, size 12×15 inches. Only a limited number of hand proofs will be made. Ordinary black inks are not employed, but special pigments of various beautiful tones, the tone for each picture being that best suited to emphasize its peculiar sentiment.

These beautiful fac-simile reproductions are equally adapted for portfolios or for framing. They are issued under the name of

Along with the unfailing and refined pleasure a portfolio of these beautiful pictures will give, attention is called to their educational value to young art students, and to all young people, as the photogravure process preserves each artist's peculiar technique, showing how the drawing is really made, something that engraving largely obliterates.

_The_ WIDE AWAKE ART PRINTS _are issued on the first and fifteenth of each month, and are regularly announced in the magazine._

=SPECIAL.=

Keeping in view the interests of our readers, we have decided not to place the Art Prints in the hands of agents or the general trade. In this way our patrons are saved the retailers' and jobbers' profits, so that while these beautiful works of art, if placed in the picture stores, would bear a retail price of $3.00 to $10.00, we are able to furnish them to our readers and patrons at a

UNIFORM NET PRICE OF ONLY FIFTY CENTS EACH.

Orders for half-yearly sets of twelve will be received at $5.50 in advance; and for yearly sets of twenty-four at $10.00 in advance. All pictures are sent in pasteboard rolls, postpaid. Half-yearly and yearly subscribers will receive each monthly pair in one roll. Portfolios, suitable for holding twenty-four or less, will be supplied, postpaid, for 75 cts.

=NOW READY=:

OCT. 1. "=Little Brown Maiden.=" KATE GREENAWAY.

The sweetest and quaintest of Miss Greenaway's creations. The original watercolor was purchased in her London studio by Mr. Lothrop, and is perhaps the only original painting by Kate Greenaway in America.

OCT. 15. "=On Nantucket Shore.=" F. CHILDE HASSAM.

A wood engraving from this sea-beach picture was the frontispiece to the September Wide Awake. In a boy's room it would be a delightful reminder of vacation days.

NOV. 1. "=In Grandmother's Garden.=" WM. T. SMEDLEY.

This is a picture of the time when mother was a little girl, and walked with grandmother in the dear old lady's garden.

NOV. 15. "=The Dream Pedler.=" EDMUND H. GARRETT.

Every nursery should have this picture of the captivating Dream Peddler, standing on the crescent moon and with his bell crying his dreams for sale.

DEC. 1. "=Morning.=" F. H. LUNGREN.

DEC. 15. "=Evening.=" F. H. LUNGREN.

These are companion pictures--the beautiful ideal figures set, the one in the clear azure of a breezy morning, the other in the moonlight mystery of evening.

Address all orders to D. LOTHROP & CO., Publishers, Boston. Mass., U. S. A.

THE PANSY SOCIETY

P. S.

THE motto of the Society is "Pansies for Thoughts." What kind of thoughts? Oh, sweet, good, pure, unselfish, hopeful thoughts, such as Pansies, beautiful Pansies ought to inspire.

Now "who may join?"

Every boy and girl who takes the PANSY, and is willing to promise to try to overcome his or her faults, to encourage every good impulse, to try to conquer some hard lesson at school, to do anything that shows a disposition to help the cause of right in the world. Any one who will say from the heart: "I promise to try each day to do some kind act, or to say some kind word that shall help somebody;" honest effort will be accepted as much as if success were gained.

This promise must be dated, and will be copied into the "P. S." roll-book.

The most important of all to remember is our whisper motto: "I will do it for Jesus' sake."

"FOR JESUS' SAKE."

Whatever He will own, the "P. S." will be proud and glad to copy on its roll-book.

Then you must write a letter to Pansy (Mrs. G. R. Alden, Cincinnati, O.), saying that you thus pledge yourself, and you will become a member of the Pansy Society, and receive a badge.

Now, about the badges.

The officer's is of satin, trimmed with gilt fringe, and has a gilt pin to fasten the badge to the dress or coat. In the centre is a pansy in colors--above it the words, _Pansy Society_, and beneath it, _Pansies for Thoughts_.

The badge for members will be the same as the officer's, with the exception of having no fringe and a silver pin.

And the PANSY will help. As it has always been glad to encourage those who are struggling up toward the light, so now it reaches forth its helping hand to those little ones who will rally bravely around it, to the work, of putting down the evil, and the support of all things good and beautiful.

So many of you have little brothers and sisters who want to join the P. S., and who of course do not need an extra copy of the paper, that we have concluded to receive all such, letting them pay ten cents each for their badges, if they wish them. Understand! If you are a subscriber to THE PANSY, and have a badge, and have a little sister who would like a badge, write at her dictation a little letter to Pansy, taking the pledge, telling of some habit which she means to try to break, and enclosing twelve cents in two-cent stamps, ten to pay for the badge, and two to pay the postage for sending it. Her name will be enrolled as if she were a subscriber. The same advice applies of course to little brothers. Send your letters to MRS. G. R. ALDEN, Chapel Street, Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, O.

It is also asked:--

What makes an officer of the Pansy Society?

You are to endeavor to organize a club of as many members as you can. Each one forming such a Club or Society will receive the Officer's badge, and become President of the same. The local Society may contain as many members as can be secured.

Then, of course, you will plan for your Society; how often it shall be called together, and what your rules shall be; whether you will sing, or visit, or work, or have a literary society, or read a book. The only thing you call on the members to positively promise is that each will try to overcome some bad habit, and will take for the whisper motto the words--

"FOR JESUS' SAKE."

Each member of the "P. S." is invited to write to the editor, Mrs. G. R. Alden (Pansy), Cincinnati, O., how far the trial has proved a success, how many temptations have been resisted, how much progress in any direction has been made, etc., feeling sure of encouragement and loving help.

THE PANSY has extra pages each month under the heading, "The Pansy Corner," in which Pansy holds monthly talks with her correspondents. There is ample space in the corner devoted to interesting items connected with the Pansy Society; also letters from its members.

Mrs. Alden would also be pleased to know how the members are getting on--what they are reading, studying, talking about, etc., and whether the badges are helping them to keep their pledges.

THE HOUSEHOLD LIBRARY.

The Choicest Works of Popular Authors in a cheap and substantial Form.

D. Lothrop & Co. desire to call your attention to their new =HOUSEHOLD LIBRARY= to be issued monthly at the low price of =fifty cents a volume, $5.00 a year=. The works to be issued in this library will be uniformly of a high standard and may well come under that class of literature styled "home fiction," a literature, that, while free from the flashy, sensational effect of much of the fiction of to-day, is, nevertheless, brilliant in style, fresh and strong in action, and of absorbing interest. It is a class that all the young folks, as well as the fathers and mothers and older brothers and sisters, may read with profit as well as great pleasure.

The first volume in the =HOUSEHOLD LIBRARY=, was issued Nov. 15th.

=THE PETTIBONE NAME, by Margaret Sidney=, author of _The Five Little Peppers_, etc.

It is a delightful story of New England life and manners, sparkling in style, bright and effective in incident, and of intense interest. There has been no recent figure in American fiction more clearly or skilfully drawn than Miss Judith Pettibone. Most of the characters of the book are such as may be met with in any New England village.

The second volume of the =HOUSEHOLD LIBRARY= is

=MY GIRLS. By Lida A. Churchill.=

A story of four ambitious girls. Their struggles to realize their ambitions and their trials and successes, make a story of intense interest.

The third volume will be =WITHIN THE SHADOW, by Dorothy Holroyd=.

"The most successful book of the year." "The plot is ingenious, yet not improbable, the character drawing strong and vigorous, the story throughout one of brilliancy and power." "The book cannot help making a sensation."--_Boston Transcript._

(_In Preparation._)

=FAR FROM HOME.= From the German of Johannes Van Derval. Translated by =Kathrine Hamilton=.

A fascinating story of life and travel in foreign lands.

=GRANDMOTHER NORMANDY. By the author of Silent Tom.=

The story is fascinatingly told. The character of Grandmother Normandy, stern, relentless and unforgiving, almost to the last, is strongly drawn, and the author has shown much skill in the construction of the story.

LOTHROP'S YOUNG FOLKS' LIBRARY.

Nothing at once so good and cheap is anywhere to be found. Each volume has 300 to 500 pages, clear type, and illustrated by popular American authors. Price 25 cents. Postpaid.

=1. TIP LEWIS AND HIS LAMP, by Pansy.=

=2. MARGIE'S MISSION, by Marie Oliver.=

=3. KITTY KENT'S TROUBLES, by Julia A. Eastman.=

=4. MRS. HURD'S NIECE, by Ella Farman Pratt, Editor of Wide Awake.=

=5. EVENING REST, by J. L. Pratt.=

=6. THE TRIPLE "E," by the author of Yensie Walton.=

=7. SHINING HOURS, by a brilliant author.=

=8. THE OLD STONE HOUSE, by Anne March (Constance Fennimore Woolson.)=

=9. BATTLES LOST AND WON, by George E. Merrill. A story of schoolboy life.=

=10. THE JUDGE'S SONS, by Mrs. E. D. Kendall.=

=11. SHELL COVE, by Rev. Z. A. Mudge. A story of the seashore and of the sea.=

=12. LUTE FALCONER, by the author of "Andy Luttrell." A story of rare interest.=

These twelve volumes constitute the first year's series.

The twelve volumes announced below constitute the second year's series.

=13. FABRICS, by the author of "Finished, or Not." It inculcates a lesson of loving and living for others.=

=14. THE PRINCE AND THE PAGE, by Miss C. M. Yonge. A story of the last Crusade.=

=15. MYRA SHERWOOD'S CROSS, AND HOW SHE BORE IT.=

=16. THIS ONE THING I DO, by Mrs. A. E. Porter.=

=17. SO AS BY FIRE, by Margaret Sidney.=

=18. OLD SCHOOLFELLOWS, AND WHAT BECAME OF THEM.=

=19. ROSE AND MILLIE, by the author of "Hester's Happy Summer."=

=20. VEIL ON THE HEART (The), by Miss L. L. Phelps. Issued Nov. 15th.=

=21. THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE, by the author of "The New Commandment." Issued Dec. 15.=

=22. FROM NIGHT TO LIGHT, by E. E. Brown. A beautiful and thrilling story of Bible times.=

=23. SURE; or, IT PAYS. It ministers naturally to what is highest in social morals and vital in religion. To be issued Feb. 15.=

=24. SISTER ELEANOR'S BROOD, by Mrs. S. B. Phelps. It has a fascination in its purity of tone and moral sentiment.=

WHAT THE PRESS SAY OF US.

It would require much more space than we have at command to quote all the kind and flattering things the press has said of the publications of D. Lothrop & Co. And it is matter of just pride to the publishers to feel that every word of it is deserved. Below are appended some of these opinions from standard critical sources:

=Five Little Peppers and How They Grew.= (MARGARET SIDNEY.) A charming little story of the home life of a poor but happy family, whose members, from the mother to the youngest child, are full of the spirit of helpfulness and of love for each other.--_New England Farmer._

The affection, happiness and goodwill prevailing among the members of the humble family living in the "little brown house," as narrated by the author of this charming volume, cannot but have a beneficial influence on the disposition of every little reader.--_Chicago Evening Journal._

_Five Little Peppers and How They Grew_ is a good title, and no mistake, and Margaret Sidney has made a thoroughly readable and instructive story of which it is the name.--_Boston Congregationalist._

Of all books for juvenile readers which crowd the counters of dealers this season, not one possesses more of these peculiar qualities which go to make up a perfect story. It ought for the lesson it teaches, to be in the hands of every boy and girl in the country. It is finely illustrated and bound in handsome form, and it will find prominent place among the higher class of juvenile presentation books the coming holiday season.--_Boston Transcript._

A capital story for young readers.--_Eastern Argus._

=Magna Charta Stories.= A real bright and healthy little volume, showing excellent taste and judgment on the part of the editor and compiler.--_Philadelphia Times._

These stories will, we doubt not, be found stimulative of a love of history, which is the chief design of the author. It contains a great deal in a small compass.--_Cincinnati Farmer._

The style of each narrative is picturesque and easy, and all may read these pages with pleasure and profit.--_Christian Advocate._

=Boy Life in the United States Navy.= This is a right wholesome story of a Maine boy who enlisted for service on the United States training ships. The book gives a clear and full account of the rules, usages, and course of study and discipline in this department of the naval service. It depicts in a lively way life on a man-of-war and contains much information regarding other lands. Boys are sure to read such a book as this, and to read this book can have no influence but for good.--_Maine Sunday-School Reporter._

The entire account is a very interesting one, but we are especially pleased with the information imparted as to the character of instruction given the boys entering the United States naval training service. In this book that is so fully explained that every reader need have no question to ask in relation thereto. It tells just how far one can receive promotion in this line of the service. It is a very interesting book and one with which boys will be especially delighted.--_Boston Sports and Pastimes._

Very graphically told, and the boy who reads it gets a clear and actual idea what a boy must go through on board a man-of-war before he can graduate as an "able-bodied seaman." The writer shows a thorough acquaintance with everything on board ship, even to the minutest details.--_Cape Ann Advertiser._

Told in a manner to enlist the sympathy and admiration of all boys, who, however, learn from the book that the life of a sailor is not all sunshine.--_Brattleboro' Household._

=How We are Governed.= (ANNA LAURENS DAWES.) Although this book is written in a simple and explicit manner intended for the comprehension of young people, many who are not young would be greatly benefited by studying it. In short it is a political history, thorough and complete in its way, and one which should be read by every voter who is not already acquainted with the details of government.--_Cleveland Leader._

It would be an excellent text-book for our high schools and academies, as well as a very useful and attractive addition to the family library. It will refresh the mind of any reader, however experienced he may be, and add to the clearness of his comprehension of the present processes of government, to read this comprehensive and admirable treatise.--_Zion's Herald._

The specific merits of the book are the clear way in which the underlying principles upon which our government is founded are kept in view in explaining its form and laws, and the simplicity and familiar phraseology in which this information is conveyed. Young people--and old ones, too--can learn from Miss Dawes' book what it means to be an American.--_St. Paul Pioneer and Press._

The whole style of the author is simple and helpful, and the book ought to be welcome everywhere and preserved for frequent reconsideration. It is especially commended to young people and such as have not read the professional writers on the same subject.--_Boston Beacon._

=Wild Flowers and Where They Grow.= (AMANDA B. HARRIS.) Just the book that every young person, or old person, too, for that matter, who is interested in wild flowers, should have in hand. It is not a text-book, neither is it an essay about flowers, but it is a bouquet itself, with bits of description, and the very information that one wants. Miss Harris's style is fascinating, and there is a freshness in this book of the dew and the wind of springtime.--_Chicago Advance._

It is a real pleasure to accompany Miss Harris in her rambles through fields and woods, where wild flowers grow, and the pleasure is heightened by the faithful illustrations contributed by Miss Humphrey.--_Chicago Journal._

=China.= (R. H. DOUGLAS.) A good book, which cannot fail to do much good, as it is eminently suitable for popular circulation. The work is particularly well written, amply illustrated, and remarkably accurate. It ought to dispel forever the idle illusion that China is a barbarous country.--_Boston Beacon._

Like every book that comes from the press of D. Lothrop & Co. it is of a high order, paper and print superior, and a neat as well as useful addition to the library.--_Elmira_ (N. Y.) _Husbandman._

=Alaska.= (MISS R. SCIDMORE.) A well written and exceedingly interesting volume. Miss Scidmore's descriptions of the various places she visited and the curious things she saw are vivid and picturesque, and one can learn more of both from her pages than from all the official reports that have been published. It is a book that ought to have a wide popularity. It is well illustrated and contains a map reduced from the last general chart of Alaska published by the Coast Survey.--_Lancaster_ (Ohio) _Gazette._

The author has a bright and pleasant style, and has the advantage of describing regions which are little known and ill understood. There are numerous illustrations.--_Boston Journal._

A pleasant book, well suited for popular circulation and a people's library; thoroughly entertaining as well as instructive.--_Boston Beacon._

=Dean Stanley with the Children.= The beautiful book now in hand will make a good many children and young people familiar with the name and work of the good Dean of Westminster.--_Chicago Standard._

The sermons here given are full of exquisite tenderness, and form admirable models for discourses of like character. Canon Farrar says that there was not one sermon ever preached by Dean Stanley which did not contain at least some one bright, and fresh, and rememberable thing. Mrs. Humphrey's sketch not only gives us an excellent idea of the man himself, but also tells us many interesting things about the great English public schools.--_Zion's Herald._

In this charming book the author makes us feel the presence of that character so dear to all who know him--Arthur Stanley, Dean of Westminster. Even from his gentle childhood his life was devoted to Christian truth and Christian history, and this volume with its information concerning the illustrious dead, who lies in Westminster, and its sermons to children is one that every Christian mother will delight to read with her boys.--_Springfield_ (Ill.) _Register._

An admirable gift book for young people is Mrs. Humphrey's volume entitled Dean Stanley with the Children.--_Boston Advertiser._

The book has a singularly beautiful moral influence which commends it to parents.--_Boston Globe._

Every mother will be glad to add this little book to the children's library, for the record it contains of the life of a strong and noble character.--_New Bedford Standard._

It is in every sense a timely as well as excellent contribution to biographical literature.--_Cleveland Leader._

Mrs. Humphrey's book _Dean Stanley with the Children_, is a book so winsome that old and young readers cannot fail to find it fascinating.--_Boston Traveller._