CHAPTER XXXIII

The Last Sunset

It was the fourth of July, 1380, and the sun was shining bright and warm on the craggy hills, and dark thickets, and quaint little hamlets of Western Auvergne, when four horseman (two of whom wore the gold spurs of knights) came at a brisk pace to a point where three roads met, and paused as if in doubt which to take.

“Methinks we cannot be far from the place now, brother Hugo,” said Alured de Claremont; “but how shall we tell which of these roads leads to it? I see no one of whom to ask our way.”

“Stay!” cried Hugo, rising in his stirrups, “meseems I spy a man at work in yon trench. What ho! good fellow! which of these ways leadeth to Chateau-Neuf de Randon?”

“Fair sirs,” said the peasant, coming up to them and bowing low, “the midmost road is your way, and ye have scarce three leagues to ride; but know ye not that the town is sieged by the armies of France, and that none may enter?”

“We go not to the town, but to the camp,” said Hugo; “men say we shall there find our old and tried friend, Messire Bertrand du Guesclin.”

“Be ye friends of Messire Bertrand?” cried the man, with a sudden glow on his hard face; “nay, then, may God bless ye every one, whoever ye be. But, alack! noble sirs, ye will find him in ill case; for his sickness gaineth on him day by day, and——”

“Sickness, say’st thou?” cried both brothers in dismay. “What ails him?”

Ere the man could reply, he started suddenly, straining his eyes past the group as if watching some coming figure, and then threw himself on his face in the dust. The wondering knights turned and saw that he had prostrated himself before an old man in the garb of a monk, whose thrown-back cowl fully revealed his face.

The hair that framed that face had turned snow-white since Alured saw it last, but the face itself still wore the same look of calm and holy sweetness; and the knight knew it as the monk knew him.

“Give me thy blessing, holy father,” said he, leaping from his horse; “I little hoped for such good hap as to see Brother Michael once more.”

“May God keep thee in all thy ways, my son,” replied the pilgrim-monk, laying his thin, trembling hand gently on the knight’s bowed head; “and thanks be to Him that the blessing which awaited thee in southern lands hath found thee at last.”

“It hath indeed, father, and good cause have I to be thankful for it. But thou art weary; mount my steed, and I will lead him.”

“I thank ye, my children,” said the old man faintly, as Alured and Hugo lifted him into the saddle, “and if ye go to the camp, I shall be right glad of your aid, for in truth I am weary, and it hath been revealed to me that there is a dying man there who needeth my ministry.”

The brothers exchanged looks, and each saw in the other’s face the sudden terror that darkened his own.

“Who is this dying man of whom thou speak’st, father?” ask Alured, with a hesitation that told how he dreaded the possible answer.

“I know not, my son; this only do I know, that he hath need of me. Mount before me, and let us on quickly.”

But hardly had they gone half a mile, when there was a clatter of hoofs behind them, and a sturdy Breton man-at-arms, evidently returning from a scouting expedition, came dashing up to them.

“What ho! fair sirs,” he called out, “have ye seen, I pray, any English soldiers marching this way?”

Hugo had just time to reply that they had not, when the soldier, catching sight of Brother Michael’s face, bowed low, and cried joyfully—

“Thank God you are here, father; you will save our Bertrand for us.”

“It is for God to save him, my son, not for me,” said the monk, the grand calm of whose face was ruffled by a sudden quiver, like the fall of a stone into a deep, still pool. “Doth his sickness, then, continue to gain on him?”

“So sorely, father,” said the rough spearman, with a tell-tale tremor in his deep voice, “that—the—physicians—say——”

Here the brave man fairly broke down.

“Let us press on, my sons,” cried Michael; “we have no time to lose.”

Nor had they, in truth, if they had known all.

The English garrison of the town had stoutly resisted Du Guesclin’s attacks, hoping to hold it till they were relieved. But of this there was little hope (the English having now been driven fairly out of the central provinces of France by Du Guesclin and his comrade, De Clisson), and at last the English commandant agreed to surrender if not relieved within six days. But during this interval Bertrand’s illness gained on him so rapidly that it was doubtful if he would live to witness the triumph he had won.

The sixth evening was fast fading into night, when Du Guesclin (whose couch had been brought into the open air at his own request) was seen to lift his head as if listening intently, and then he said faintly to those around—

“Raise me up, friends; here cometh one with whom I must speak.”

Sure enough, a few moments later (to the amazement of all present) appeared in the distance Alured de Claremont and Brother Michael, the gallant steed that bore them having kept ahead of the rest, despite its double burden. Hugo and the attendants followed, while Alured, leaping down and aiding the monk to dismount, took the dying man’s hand, and said in a tone of bitter grief—

“Bertrand du Guesclin! is it thus we meet again?”

“It was time,” replied Bertrand, with unconscious pathos; “the toil hath been long and hard, and I would fain rest. Welcome, good Brother Michael; thou wert my best friend when I began life, and meet it is thou shouldst be with me when I leave it. Welcome, noble Sir Hugo; I have lived long enough, since I have lived to see ye two together once more.”

“Captain, dost thou talk of dying?” cried the Breton man-at-arms beside Hugo, clenching his hands in desperation. “What is to become of us without thee? The world would be empty wert thou gone! Wilt thou, whom no foe ever matched, let thyself be borne down by a paltry sickness?”

“Good Thomelin,” said Bertrand, with a faint smile, “there is a champion named Death, whom none can resist, for he is sent by God. Nor think that all will be nought for this land when I am gone; for I know (though I cannot tell how) that, after my death, God shall raise ye up another and a greater champion, who shall free the land from its foes, once and for ever. Now, holy father, lend thine ear to what I have to say.”

What he said was heard by none but the monk himself; but as Brother Michael laid his thin hand in blessing on the dying warrior’s head, the old man’s face was lighted up all at once with a smile so bright and joyous, that he seemed already transfigured by the glory which is not of this world. Then his head was seen to droop, and, without a word, he sank forward till his face rested on Bertrand’s knee.

They sprang to raise him, but too late; the aged monk was dead!

“He goes before me as my guide,” said Du Guesclin, solemnly, “and great honour it is for a sinner like me to pass through the gate of death with the holiest man in France. Sir Alured, give me thy hand once more, and the blessing of a dying man go with thee. Farewell, comrades! love one another, and serve truly our lord the king; and in whatever land ye make war, bear in mind that the servants of the holy church are sacred to you, and see that ye be good and gentle to all women and children, and show great mercy to the poor!”

As the noble words were spoken, the last gleam of sunset faded from the darkening sky, and the sun of that glorious life went down along with it.

Then, amid the gloomy silence that followed, a trumpet-blast came echoing from the besieged town. Presently a growing stir was apparent in the French camp, and all stood to their arms, supposing the English to be making a sally.

But it was not so. A few moments later the ranked men-at-arms fell back to right and left as if making way for some one, and through the hushed camp came, with drooping banners and down-turned lances, the gallant English commandant and his knights, to give up the keys of the fortress to him against whom even the stubborn valour of England had striven in vain.

But when the brave Englishman saw what had come to pass, he broke from the ranks, and, kneeling by the dead man’s side, laid the keys of the town that he had defended so well in the cold hand that would never move again, and said, in a burst of honest, manly sorrow—

“Would to God I lay there in thy stead, noble Du Guesclin! for if England hath gained by thy death, all Christendom hath lost by it. Thou hast done thy work, and gone to thy rest; but thy work shall live after thee, and endure for ever and ever!”

He spoke truly. The work that Bertrand had so well begun was completed by Joan of Arc half a century later; and France’s awakened spirit made good her independence once and for ever.

Nor did her great champion lack his reward. Though his native tower has perished stock and stone, though his domains have passed to strangers, though his very dust was torn from the grave by a senseless mob in the fury of the French Revolution, his name will endure while the world lasts, crowned not only with the fame due to one who gave his life to save his oppressed country from her foes, but with the far higher glory of “the good and gentle knight that cared for the poor.”

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

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Blackie & Son’s

Illustrated Story Books

--------------

G. A. HENTY

With Clive in India: or, The Beginnings of an Empire illustrated. _New Edition._ 3_s._ 6_d._

At the period of the landing of Clive as a young writer in India the English were traders existing on sufferance of the native princes. At the close of his career they were masters of the greater part of Southern India. The author has given a full and accurate account of the events of that stirring time, and combines with his narrative a tale of daring and adventure.

“Those who know something about India will be the first to thank Mr. Henty for giving them this instructive volume to place in the hands of their children.”

—_Academy._

—Condemned as a Nihilist: A Story of Escape from Siberia. Illustrations by WAL PAGET. _New Edition._ 3_s._ 6_d._

Godfrey Bullen, a young Englishman resident in St. Petersburg, becomes involved in various political plots, resulting in his seizure and exile to Siberia. After an unsuccessful attempt to escape, he gives himself up to the Russian authorities. Eventually he escapes, and reaches home, having safely accomplished a perilous journey which lasts nearly two years.

“His narrative is more interesting than many of the tales with which the public is familiar of escape from Siberia. The escape of the hero and his faithful Tartar from the hostile Samoyedes is quite the high-water mark of the author’s achievement.”

—_National Observer._

—Under Wellington’s Command: A Tale of the Peninsular War. Illustrations by WAL PAGET. _New Edition._ 3_s._ 6_d._

In this stirring romance Mr. Henty gives us the further adventures of Terence O’Connor, the hero of _With Moore at Corunna_. We are told how, in alliance with a small force of Spanish guerrillas, the gallant regiment of Portuguese levies commanded by Terence keeps the whole of the French army in check at a critical period of the war, rendering invaluable service to the Iron Duke and his handful of British troops.

“An admirable exposition of Mr. Henty’s masterly method of combining instruction with amusement.”—_World._

—Through Three Campaigns: A Story of Chitral, the Tirah, and Ashanti. Illustrated by WAL PAGET. With 3 Maps. 6_s._

The hero of this story, the son of an officer, joins the Chitral expedition secretly as a private soldier, but the enormous difficulties which have to be overcome in the course of the march soon call forth his noble qualities, and before the end of the campaign he qualifies for a commission. His subsequent career is a series of brilliant successes. He takes part in the storming of the Dargai heights, is more than once captured by the enemy, and by a heroic sacrifice wins the V. C.

“Every true boy will enjoy this story of plucky adventure.”—_Educational News._

“Gives animation to recent history, and its confident art and abundant spirit will greatly satisfy the intelligent and spirited boy.”—_Dundee Advertiser._

—With Kitchener in the Soudan: A Tale of Atbara and Omdurman. With 10 Illustrations by W. RAINEY, R.I., and 3 Maps. 6_s._

In carrying out various special missions with which he is entrusted the hero displays so much dash and enterprise that he soon attains an exceptionally high rank for his age. In all the operations he takes a distinguished part, and adventure follows so close on adventure that the end of the story is reached all too soon.

“Mr. Henty has collected a vast amount of information about the reconquest of the Soudan, and he succeeds in impressing it upon his reader’s mind at the very time when he is interesting him most.”—_Literary World._

—With the British Legion: A Story of the Carlist Wars. With 10 Illustrations by WAL PAGET. 6_s._

The hero joins the British Legion, which was raised by Sir de Lacy Evans to support the cause of Queen Christina and the Infant Queen Isabella, and as soon as he sets foot on Spanish soil his adventures begin. Arthur is one of Mr. Henty’s most brilliant heroes, and the tale of his experiences is thrilling and breathless from first to last.

“It is a rattling story told with verve and spirit”—_Pall Mall Gazette._

—The Treasure of the Incas: A Tale of Adventure in Peru. With 8 Illustrations by WAL PAGET, and a Map. 5_s._

The heroes of this powerful story go to Peru to look for the treasure which the Incas hid when the Spaniards invaded the country. Their task is both arduous and dangerous, but though they are often disappointed, their courage and perseverance are at last amply rewarded.

“The interest never flags for one moment, and the story is told with vigour.”—_World._

—With Roberts to Pretoria: A Tale of the South African War. With 12 Illustrations by WILLIAM RAINEY, R.I., and a Map. 6_s._

The hero takes part in the series of battles that end in the disaster at Magersfontein, is captured and imprisoned in the race-course at Pretoria, but escapes in time to fight at Paardeberg and march with the victorious army to Bloemfontein. He rides with Colonel Mahon’s column to the relief of Mafeking, and accomplishes the return journey with such despatch as to be able to join in the triumphant advance to Pretoria.

“In this story of the South African war Mr. Henty proves once more his incontestable pre-eminence as a writer for boys.”—_Standard._

—The Young Carthaginian: A Story of the Times of Hannibal. Illustrated. 3_s._ 6_d._ _New Edition._

Mr. Henty has had the full advantage of much unexhausted, picturesque, and impressive material, and has thus been enabled to form a striking historic background to as exciting a story of adventure as the keenest appetite could wish.

“From first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us along as on a stream, whose current varies in direction, but never loses its force.”—_Saturday Review._

—Through Russian Snows: or, Napoleon’s Retreat from Moscow. With 8 page Illustrations by W. H. OVEREND. 5_s._

Julian Wyatt becomes, quite innocently, mixed up with smugglers, who carry him to France, and hand him over as a prisoner to the French. He subsequently regains his freedom by joining Napoleon’s army in the campaign against Russia.

“The hero is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst the story of the campaign is very graphically told.”—_St. James’s Gazette._

“One of Mr. Henty’s best books, which will be hailed with joy by his many eager readers.”—_Journal of Education._

—Both Sides the Border: A Tale of Hotspur and Glendower. Illustrations by RALPH PEACOCK. _New Edition._ 3_s._ 6_d._

A story of the wild border country at the beginning of the fifteenth century. Oswald Foster casts in his lot with the Percys, and becomes esquire to Sir Henry, the gallant Hotspur. In following his fortunes we are introduced to Douglas of Scotland, Owen Glendower, and other notable personages of this stormy period.

“Mr. Henty retains the reader’s interest throughout the story, which he tells clearly and vigorously.”—_Daily Telegraph._

—At the Point of the Bayonet: A Tale of the Mahratta War. With 12 Illustrations by WAL PAGET, and 2 Maps. 6_s._

Harry Lindsay is carried off to the hills and brought up as a Mahratta. At the age of sixteen he becomes an officer in the service of the Mahratta prince at Poona, and afterwards receives a commission in the army of the East India Company. His courage and enterprise are rewarded by quick promotion, and at the end of the war he sails for England, where he succeeds in establishing his right to the family estates.

“A brisk, dashing narrative.”—_Bookman._

—Captain Bayley’s Heir: A Tale of the Gold Fields of California. Illustrated. 3_s._ 6_d._

A frank, manly lad and his cousin are rivals in the heirship of a property. The former falls into a trap laid by the latter, and while under a false accusation of theft, leaves England for America. There he joins a small band of hunters, and is successful both as digger and trader. He acquires a small fortune, and at length returns home, rich in valuable experience.

“The portraits of Captain Bayley and the head-master of Westminster School are admirably drawn, and the adventures in California are told with that vigour which is peculiar to Mr. Henty.”—_Academy._

—To Herat and Cabul: A Story of the First Afghan War. With 8 full-page Illustrations by C. M. SHELDON, and Map. 5_s._

The hero takes a distinguished part in the defence of Herat, and subsequently obtains invaluable information for the British army during the first Afghan war. He is fortunately spared the horrors of the retreat from Cabul, and shares in the series of operations by which that most disastrous blunder was retrieved.

“We can heartily commend it to boys, old and young.”—_Spectator._

—With Cochrane the Dauntless: A Tale of his Exploits. With 12 page Illustrations by W. H. MARGETSON. 6_s._

It would be hard to find, even in sensational fiction, a more daring leader than Lord Cochrane, or a career which supplies so many thrilling exploits. The manner in which, almost single-handed, he scattered the French fleet in the Basque Roads is one of the greatest feats in English naval history.

“As rousing and interesting a book as boys could wish for.”—_Saturday Review._

“This tale we specially recommend.”—_St. James’s Gazette._

—Redskin and Cow-Boy: A Tale of the Western Plains. With 12 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. 6_s._

Hugh Tunstall accompanies a frontiersman on a hunting expedition on the Plains, and then seeks employment as a cow-boy on a cattle ranch. His experiences during a “round up” present in picturesque form the toilsome, exciting, adventurous life of a cow-boy; while the perils of a frontier settlement are vividly set forth. Subsequently, the hero joins a wagon-team, and the interest is sustained in a fight with, and capture of, brigands.

“A strong interest of open-air life and movement pervades the whole book.”—_Scotsman._

—With Buller in Natal: or, A Born Leader. 10 page Illustrations by W. RAINEY, R.I., and a Map. 6_s._

The heroic story of the relief of Ladysmith forms the theme of one of the most powerful romances that have come from Mr. Henty’s pen. When the war breaks out, the hero, Chris King, and his friends band themselves together under the title of the Maritzburg Scouts. From first to last the boy scouts are constantly engaged in perilous and exciting enterprises, from which they always emerge triumphant, thanks to their own skill and courage, and the dash and ingenuity of their leader.

“Just the sort of book to inspire an enterprising boy.”—_Army and Navy Gazette._

—By England’s Aid: or, The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585-1604) With 10 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE, and 4 Maps. 3_s._ 6_d._

Two English lads go to Holland in the service of one of “the fighting Veres”. After many adventures one of the lads finds himself on board a Spanish ship at the defeat of the Armada, and escapes from Spain only to fall into the hands of the Corsairs. He is successful, however, in getting back to Spain, and regains his native country after the capture of Cadiz.

“Boys know and love Mr. Henty’s books of adventure, and will welcome his tale of the freeing of the Netherlands.”—_Athenæum._

—The Lion of the North: A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus. Illustrated. 3_s._ 6_d._ _New Edition._

In this story Mr. Henty gives the history of the first part of the Thirty Years’ War, a struggle unprecedented in length, in the fury with which it was carried on, and in the terrible destruction and ruin which it caused. The army of the chivalrous King of Sweden, the prop of the Protestant cause, was largely composed of Scotchmen, and among these was the hero of the story. The chief interest of the tale turns on the great struggle between Gustavus and his chief opponents—Wallenstein, Tilly, and Pappenheim.

“The tale is a clever and instructive piece of history, and as boys may be trusted to read it conscientiously, they can hardly fail to be profited as well as pleased.”—_The Times._

—The Lion of St. Mark: A Tale of Venice With 6 page Illustrations. Cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

A story of Venice at a period when intrigue, crime, and bloodshed were rife. The hero, the son of an English trader, displays a fine manliness, and is successful in extricating his friends from imminent dangers. Finally he contributes to the victories of the Venetians at Porto d’Anzo and Chioggia.

“Every boy should read _The Lion of St. Mark_.”—_Saturday Review_.

—The Dragon and the Raven: or, The Days of King Alfred. With 8 page Illustrations by C. J. STANILAND. 5_s._

In this story the author gives an account of the desperate struggle between Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England. The hero, a young Saxon, takes part in all the battles fought by King Alfred, and the incidents in his career are unusually varied and exciting.

“We have nothing but praise for this story, which is excellently written, and will make the history of the period to which it relates a reality to its readers.”—_School Guardian._

—The Bravest of the Brave: or, With Peterborough in Spain. With 8 page Illustrations by H. M. PAGET. 5_s._

There are few great leaders whose life and actions have so completely fallen into oblivion as those of the Earl of Peterborough. He showed a genius for warfare which has never been surpassed. Round the fortunes of Jack Stilwell, the hero, and of Peterborough, Mr. Henty has woven a brilliant narrative of the War of the Spanish Succession (1705-6).

“The adventures of the aide-de-camp, Jack, will probably be found to be no less interesting than the marvellous operations of the General himself, in which he takes a leading part.”—_Spectator._

—For Name and Fame: or, To Cabul with Roberts. With 8 page Illustrations. 5_s._

After being wrecked and going through many stirring adventures among the Malays, the hero of this story finds his way to Calcutta, and enlists in a regiment proceeding to the Afghan Passes. He accompanies the force under General Roberts to the Peiwar Kotal, is wounded, taken prisoner, and carried to Cabul, whence he is transferred to Candahar, and takes part in the final defeat of the army of Ayoub Khan.

“The book teems with spirited scenes and stirring adventures, and the boy who reads it attentively will acquire a sound knowledge on subjects that are of vital importance to our Indian Empire.”—_School Guardian._

—Maori and Settler: A Story of the New Zealand War. With 8 page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. 5_s._

The Renshaws lose their property and emigrate to New Zealand. Wilfrid, a strong, self-reliant lad, is the mainstay of the household. The odds seem hopelessly against the party, but they succeed in establishing themselves happily in one of the pleasantest of the New Zealand valleys.

“A book which all young people, but especially boys, will read with avidity.”—_Athenæum._

—Beric the Briton: A Story of the Roman Invasion of Britain. With 12 page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON. 6_s._

Beric is a boy-chief of a British tribe which takes a prominent part in the insurrection under Boadicea: and after the defeat of that heroic queen he continues the struggle in the fen-country. Ultimately Beric is defeated and carried captive to Rome, where he succeeds in saving a Christian maid by slaying a lion in the arena, and is rewarded by being made the personal protector of Nero. Finally, he escapes and returns to Britain, where he becomes a wise ruler of his own people.

“He is a hero of the most attractive kind.... One of the most spirited and well-imagined stories Mr. Henty has written.”—_Saturday Review._

“His conflict with a lion in the arena is a thrilling chapter.”—_School Board Chronicle._

“Full of every form of heroism and pluck.”—_Christian World._

—The Dash for Khartoum: A Tale of the Nile Expedition. With 10 page Illustrations by JOHN SCHÖNBERG and J. NASH. 6_s._

In the record of recent British history there is no more captivating page for boys than the story of the Nile campaign, and the attempt to rescue General Gordon. For, in the difficulties which the expedition encountered, and in the perils which it overpassed, are found all the excitement of romance, as well as the fascination which belongs to real events.

“_The Dash for Khartoum_ is your ideal boys’ book.”—_Tablet._

“It is literally true that the narrative never flags a moment.”—_Academy._

“_The Dash for Khartoum_ will be appreciated even by those who don’t ordinarily care a dash for anything.”—_Punch._

—With Wolfe in Canada: or, The Winning of a Continent. With 12 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 6_s._

Mr. Henty tells the story of the struggle between Britain and France for supremacy on the North American continent. The fall of Quebec decided that the Anglo-Saxon race should predominate in the New World; that Britain, and not France, should take the lead among the nations.

“A moving tale of military exploit and thrilling adventure.”—_Daily News._

—Held Fast for England: A Tale of the Siege of Gibraltar. With 8 page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 5_s._

The story deals with one of the most memorable sieges in history. The hero, a young Englishman resident in Gibraltar, takes a brave and worthy part in the long defence, and we learn with what bravery, resourcefulness, and tenacity the Rock was held for England.

“There is no cessation of exciting incident throughout the story.”—_Athenæum._

—In the Irish Brigade: A Tale of War in Flanders and Spain. With 12 page Illustrations by CHARLES M. SHELDON. 6_s._

The hero is a young officer in the Irish Brigade, which for many years after the siege of Limerick formed the backbone of the French army. He goes through many stirring adventures, successfully carries out dangerous missions in Spain, saves a large portion of the French army at Oudenarde, and even has the audacity to kidnap the Prime Minister of England.

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

—At Agincourt: A Tale of the White Hoods of Paris. With 12 page Illustrations by WAL PAGET. 6_s._

Sir Eustace de Villeroy, in journeying from Hampshire to his castle in France, made young Guy Aylmer one of his escort. Soon thereafter the castle was attacked, and the English youth displayed such valour that his liege-lord made him commander of a special mission to Paris. This he accomplished, returning in time to take part in the campaign against the French which ended in the glorious victory for England at Agincourt.

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

—A Final Reckoning: A Tale of Bush Life in Australia. With 8 page Illustrations by W. B. WOLLEN. 5_s._

The hero, a young Englishman, emigrates to Australia, where he gets employment as an officer in the mounted police. A few years of active work gain him promotion to a captaincy. In that post he greatly distinguishes himself; and finally leaves the service and settles down as a squatter.

“A stirring story capitally told.”—_Guardian._

Blackie & Son’s

Story Books for Boys

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Capt. F. S. BRERETON

Roger the Bold: A Tale of the Conquest of Mexico. Illustrated by STANLEY L. WOOD. Large crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

Roger is a great fighter. He is put in charge of a wonderful disc, but a certain traitor robs him, and he finally comes as a prisoner to Mexico. The Mexicans think he is a god and offer him all their treasure if he will fight against the Spaniards. The reader will learn with bated breath of the adventures which Roger experiences, of the desperate defence which he organizes, and of his narrow escape before retreat is cut off.

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

“The author has excelled himself.”—_Outlook._

—With Roberts to Candahar: A Tale of the Third Afghan War. Illustrated by W. RAINEY, R.I. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

The tale opens at Cabul, when Sir Louis Cavagnari’s mission was being attacked by the mutinous troops of the Ameer. Major Dennisson is on a visit to Sir Louis, and, the mission being destroyed, all trace of him is lost. Alec Dennisson is due at Cabul two days later, but he is attacked, and escapes, is appointed aide-de-camp to General Roberts, and joins the punitive expedition. He comes to loggerheads with a certain Yohinda Khan, who has captives in his hands. One of these Alec believes is his father, and he determines to rescue him. His indomitable courage overcomes all difficulties, and his efforts are crowned with success.

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

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

The opening incident of this war was as great a surprise to Valentine Graham and his father as to the Russians, for their junk lay opposite Port Arthur on February 8, 1904, and in spite of their signals was heavily shelled. They are rescued by the Japanese, and, indignant at their treatment, join the Mikado’s forces. Valentine promptly takes part in a second dash upon Port Arthur, and becomes a prisoner. In time he is sent up-country with other prisoners, with whom he contrives to escape. They join a band of Hunhuse brigands, and have a desperate encounter with the Cossacks. A week later they fall in with Kuroki’s army and take part in the battle of the Yalu. Thereafter numerous adventures befall the hero, who becomes noted throughout Manchuria for dash and intrepidity.

“The pages bristle with hairbreadth escapes and gallantry, and the historical side of the tale is worked out with much accuracy and detail.”—_Graphic._

—One of the Fighting Scouts: A Tale of Guerrilla Warfare in South Africa. Illustrated by STANLEY L. WOOD. With a Map. 5_s._

This story deals with the guerrilla aspect of the Boer War, and shows how George Ransome is compelled to leave his father’s farm and take service with the British. He is given the command of a band of scouts as a reward for gallantry, and with these he punishes certain rebels for a piece of rascality, and successfully attacks Botha’s commando. He even outwits the redoubtable De Wet.

“Altogether an unusually good story.”—_Yorkshire Post._

—With the Dyaks of Borneo: A Tale of the Head Hunters. Illustrated by FRITZ BERGEN. Large crown 8vo, 6_s._

Tyler wins a commission by a gallant act, but on the way to Borneo, there to join his ship, he is set upon by a band of Malay and Dyak pirates. He escapes to land, where he becomes the leader of a tribe of head-hunting Dyaks. They march through the forests towards Sarawak, defeating the pirates _en route_. Afterwards Tyler meets with many adventures, and sees hard fighting ere he is disabled by a wound.

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

—A Hero of Lucknow: A Tale of the Indian Mutiny. Illustrated by WILLIAM RAINEY, R.I. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 5_s._

The hero takes part in the defence of Cawnpore, but by good fortune slips away before the capitulation. Soon after he becomes a prisoner of a rebel leader. He is dragged to Lucknow, where he eludes his captors and gains the defences. But his adventures have not ended. Thanks to the knowledge which he has obtained of the city he is able to carry out successfully a hazardous expedition, and eventually reaches Delhi. He takes part in the capture of that city, and then marches to the relief of Lucknow.

“Full of action and picturesque adventure. A splendid book for boys, as Captain Brereton’s always are.”—_British Weekly._

Dr. GORDON STABLES, R.N.

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

The story deals with skilöbning in the north of Scotland, deer-hunting in Norway, sealing in the Arctic, bear-stalking on the ice, the hardships of a journey across Greenland, and a voyage to the back of the North Pole.

“The adventures are actual experiences. It is one of the books of the season, and one of the best Mr. Stables has ever written.”—_Truth._

ALEXANDER MACDONALD

The Lost Explorers: A Story of Trackless Desert. Illustrated by ARTHUR H. BUCKLAND. Large crown 8vo, cloth, olivine edges, 6_s._

This is a fresh and original story by a new writer of the first rank. The heroes dig for gold, and find it too, and meet with some real bush characters; but later they set out on a wild mission into the interior in search of a mysterious mountain, near which Mackay’s former party had disappeared. They have many adventures on the way, and ultimately reach the mountain only to be attacked by a band of warriors, who, after inflicting serious loss on the party, retire into the mountain by a secret passage. The expedition force their way into the forbidden land, and there meet with many pleasant surprises. Mr. Macdonald gives his actual experiences in crossing the great Never Never Land. Seldom has such a vividly realistic tale been written for boys.

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

HARRY COLLINGWOOD

Across the Spanish Main: A Tale of the Sea in the Days of Queen Bess. Illustrated. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5_s._

This is a rattling story of the sea in the days of Queen Elizabeth. Two youths sail with Cavendish for the Indies. Their three small ships capture or destroy five Spanish frigates. In this lively encounter one of the friends becomes a prisoner, and before he escapes manages to secure a cipher revealing the hiding-place of the hoard of a notorious pirate. After some exciting adventures in Cuba, one of the heroes is marooned on a lonely island, but is rescued in time to take part in the capture of the pirate. Further adventures follow thick and fast.

“A rattling story, crammed with incident.”—_Manchester Courier._

HERBERT STRANG

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

Bob Fawcett, sent out to Japan just before the outbreak of the war to test the range-finding apparatus of the Japanese fleet, has the good fortune to do a slight service to Kobo San, the descendant of an ancient Samurai family, and high in the Government service. Bob shares in some of the most noteworthy naval actions of the war. These are, however, only the prelude to as exciting a series of adventures on land as ever boy went through. Bob is captured by Cossacks, escapes, is besieged with Kobo in a Korean temple, and after defeating the besiegers reaches the army of General Kuroki in time for the battle of the Yalu.

The _Pall Mall Gazette_ said: “Mr. Herbert Strang, whose splendid story, _Tom Burnaby_, proved so brilliantly successful, has written another that will rank as its equal for vivid interest”.

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

The hero, driven by the death of his father to seek his fortune in London, is kidnapped and carried on board a ship bound for Barbados. Escaping, he takes service with a Dutchman who is contractor to the allied forces in the Low Countries. A daring feat while on convoy duty wins him a commission in a Dutch regiment; he fights at Blenheim and comes into relations with Marlborough and Eugene. The story is packed with adventure; and there is a romantic underplot.

“In _The Adventures of Harry Rochester_ Mr. Strang has written one of the best stories of a military and historical type we have seen for many a day.”—_Athenæum._

“The story is full of vigour and movement.”—_Literary World._

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

In _Kobo_, Mr. Herbert Strang gave a picture of the war from the Japanese side. In the present book he approaches the same great subject from the Russian side. Mr. Brown is the victim of a conspiracy to connect him with the betrayal of certain military secrets to the Japanese; he suddenly disappears, and his son Jack is left friendless in Moukden. Jack’s strange adventures when caught up in the whirlpool of the war, and the means by which he ultimately traces his father’s whereabouts, are told with the same spirit and intimate knowledge of the East that made the success of _Kobo_.

“Mr. Strang’s best-known volume, _Tom Burnaby_, was a real boys’ book, and was hailed with delight by every youngster who loves a story full of daring and adventure. But Mr. Strang puts more into his books than exciting incidents well told. His facts and dates, and his descriptions of the manners and customs of the periods with which he deals, have all the merits of complete historical accuracy, so that boys who read Mr. Strang’s works have not merely the advantage of perusing enthralling and wholesome tales, but they are, unconsciously it may be, also absorbing sound and trustworthy information of the men and times about which they are reading.”—_Daily Telegraph._

“The incident of the locomotive race down the Siberian Railway is, for breathless interest, the equal of anything we know of in the whole range of juvenile fiction.... The book will hold boy readers spell-bound.”—_Church Times._

DAVID KER

Among the Dark Mountains: or, Cast away in Sumatra. Illustrated by FRANCES EWAN. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

Marmaduke Wyvil sails for Singapore, with his chum Alfred, to bring home the latter’s father, Colonel Huntley. Arriving there, they find that nothing has been heard of Huntley, and they go seeking him among the islands. Learning that he is a prisoner among the savages of Acheen, they go thither and treat for his release. The savages plot against them, and they are preparing to sell their lives as dearly as possible when the eruption of Krakatoa breaks out and enables them to escape.

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

MEREDITH FLETCHER

Every Inch a Briton: A School Story. Illustrated by SYDNEY COWELL. 3_s._ 6_d._

This story is written from the point of view of an ordinary boy, who gives an animated account of a young public-schoolboy’s life. No moral is drawn; yet the story indicates a kind of training that goes to promote veracity, endurance, and enterprise; and of each of several of the characters it might be truly said, he is worthy to be called, “Every Inch a Briton”.

“In _Every Inch a Briton_ Mr. Meredith Fletcher has scored a success.”—_Manchester Guardian._

—Jefferson Junior: A School Story. Illustrated by J. R. BURGESS. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3_s._ 6_d._

A tale of the adventures and misadventures of a pair of youngsters during their first term at a public school, written by one of them later on. The hero’s ingenious efforts to unravel a mystery “set things humming” in rather a startling fashion; but after many blunders and novel experiences all comes right at last.

“A comical yarn.... The boy who does not break out into sudden fits of uncontrollable laughter on reading it has no fun in his bones.”—_Yorkshire Daily Observer._

G. MANVILLE FENN

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

The story of an eminent botanist who ventures into the interior of New Guinea in search of new plants. Years pass away, and he does not return. He is supposed to be dead, but his wife and son refuse to believe it; and, as soon as he is old enough, young Joe goes in search of his father, accompanied by Jimmy, a native black. After many adventures they discover the lost one, a prisoner among the blacks, and bring him home in triumph.

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

—Dick o’ the Fens: A Romance of the Great East Swamp illustrated by FRANK DADD. Cloth elegant, olivine edges, 3_s._ 6_d._

A tale of boy life in the old Lincolnshire Fens. Sketches of shooting and fishing experiences are introduced in a manner which should stimulate the faculty of observation, and give a healthy love for country life; while the record of the fenman’s stealthy resistance to the great draining scheme is full of the keenest interest.

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

“We have not of late come across a historical fiction, whether intended for boys or for men, which deserves to be so heartily praised as regards plot, incidents, and spirit. It is its author’s masterpiece as yet.”—_Spectator._

FRED SMITH

The World of Animal Life. Edited by FRED SMITH. Profusely Illustrated with Engravings after F. SPECHT and other eminent artists. 5_s._

The aim of _The World of Animal Life_ is to give in non-scientific language an account of those inhabitants of the land, sea, and sky with whose names we are all familiar, but concerning whose manner of life the majority of us have only the haziest conceptions.

“An admirable volume for the young mind enquiring after Nature.”—_Birmingham Gazette._

J. CHALMERS

Fighting the Matabele: A Story of Adventure in Rhodesia. Illustrated by STANLEY L. WOOD. 3_s._

A story of the great Matabele rising in 1896. The hero and his friends are surprised by the revolted natives in the heart of the Matopo mountains, and after experiencing many stirring adventures eventually make their way back to Buluwayo. The hero subsequently joins the Africander Corps, and distinguishes himself in the operations by which the insurrection is crushed.

“The stormy times of the recent insurrection in Matabeleland are described with a piquantness which will ensure the book becoming a favourite.”—_Liverpool Courier._

A. J. CHURCH

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

Cleanor, a young Greek, whose native town has been barbarously destroyed, struggles to resist the growing power of Rome. He sees Carthage and Corinth fall, and at last owns that the Romans are better fitted than any other nation to be Lords of the World.

“As a boy’s book, _Lords of the World_ deserves a hearty welcome.”—_Spectator._

“An excellent story.”—_Daily Chronicle._

S. BARING-GOULD

Grettir the Outlaw: A Story of Iceland in the days of the Vikings. With 6 page Illustrations by M. ZENO DIEMER. 3_s._

A narrative of adventure of the most romantic kind. No boy will be able to withstand the magic of such scenes as the fight of Grettir with the twelve bearserks, the wrestle with Karr the Old in the chamber of the dead, the combat with the spirit of Glam the thrall, and the defence of the dying Grettir by his younger brother.

“Has a freshness, a freedom, a sense of sun and wind and the open air, which make it irresistible.”—_National Observer._

PAUL DANBY

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

This book includes chapters on the various branches of the regular army, and also on such attractive subjects as “Boys who have won the V.C.”, “Pets of the Regiment”, “The Colours”, “Famous War Horses”, &c. Each chapter, besides dealing generally with its subject, is full of capital anecdotes, and the book as a whole is excellently illustrated with colour and black-and-white illustrations.

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

J. CUTHBERT HADDEN

The Nelson Navy Book. With many Illustrations in colour and black-and-white. Large crown 8vo, cloth, olivine edges, 6_s._

In England’s history there is no more stirring story than that of her Navy. Mr. Hadden tells how the foundations of our vast Empire were laid by the spirit of naval adventure and the desire to explore the distant seas; and how Britain came into conflict with Dane and Dutchman, Spaniard and Frenchman, and many more, all of whom she subdued after many a stout fight detailed in these pages. The book is cast in a popular style and is thoroughly up to date.

“A stirring, heartening tale, bold and bracing as the sea itself.”—_The Standard._

“An ideal book for boys.”—_Sheffield Telegraph._

C. J. CUTCLIFFE HYNE

The Captured Cruiser: or, Two Years from Land. With 6 page Illustrations by F. BRANGWYN. 3_s._ 6_d._

The central incidents deal with the capture, during the war between Chili and Peru, of an armed cruiser. The heroes and their companions break from prison in Valparaiso, board this warship in the night, overpower the watch, escape to sea under the fire of the forts, and finally, after marvellous adventures, lose the cruiser among the icebergs near Cape Horn.

“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._

—Stimson’s Reef: With 4 page Illustrations by W. S. STACEY. 2_s._ 6_d._

This is the extended log of a cutter which sailed from the Clyde to the Amazon in search of a gold reef. It relates how they discovered the buccaneer’s treasure in the Spanish Main, fought the Indians, turned aside the River Jamary by blasting, and so laid bare the gold of _Stimson’s Reef_.

“Few stories come within hailing distance of _Stimson’s Reef_ in startling incidents and hairbreadth ’scapes. It may almost vie with Mr. R. L. Stevenson’s _Treasure Island_.”—_Guardian._

ROBERT LEIGHTON

Olaf the Glorious: A Historical Story of the Viking age, Illustrated. 3_s._

The story tells of Olaf’s romantic youth, his adventures as a viking, and his conversion to Christianity. He returns to pagan Norway, is accepted as king, and converts his people to the Christian faith. The story closes with the great battle of Svold, when Olaf, defeated, jumps overboard, and is last seen with the sunlight shining on the glittering cross upon his shield.

“Is as good as anything of the kind we have met with. Mr. Leighton more than holds his own with Rider Haggard and Baring-Gould.”—_Times._

R. STEAD

Grit will Tell: The Adventures of a Barge-boy. With 4 illustrations by D. CARLETON SMYTH. Cloth, 2_s._ 6_d._

A lad whose name has been lost amidst early buffetings by hard fortune suffers many hardships at the hands of a bargeman, his master, and runs away. The various adventures and experiences with which he meets on the road to success, the bear-hunt in which he takes part, and the battle at which he acts as war-correspondent, form a story of absorbing interest and after a boy’s own heart.

“A thoroughly wholesome and attractive book.”—_Graphic._

—Will of the Dales: A story of the times of Elizabeth and James. By R. STEAD. Illustrated by J. JELLICOE. 2_s._ 6_d._

Will, a sturdy and likeable peasant lad, goes up to London to seek his fortune. He has many exciting experiences as the result of his friendship with one of Queen Mary’s old soldiers, and his involuntary connection with the luckless “Rising in the North”, but he attains at length to wealth, influence, and honours, and becomes the founder of a noble family.

“We are able to recommend this capital boys’ book without reservation.”—_Manchester Courier._

HARRY COLLINGWOOD

The Pirate Island. With 6 illustrations by C. J. STANILAND and J. R. WELLS. 3_s._

By a deed of true gallantry the hero’s whole destiny is changed, and, going to sea, he forms one of a party who, after being burned out of their ship in the South Pacific, are picked up by a pirate brig and taken to the “Pirate Island”. After many thrilling adventures they ultimately succeed in effecting their escape.

“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.”—_Times._