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Digital Collections > Dime Novel Collection > The Liberty Boys' black band, or, Bumping the British hard
The Liberty Boys' black band, or, Bumping the British hard
L20-00094 (usfldc doi)
l20.94 (usfldc handle)
Moore, Harry
1 online resource (29 pages) 28 cm.: ;
Frank Tousey
The University of South Florida Libraries believes that the Item is in the Public Domain under the laws of the United States, but a determination was not made as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. The Item may not be in the Public Domain under the laws of other countries.
Dime novels.
History -- United States -- Revolution, 1775-1783
Liberty Boys of "76"
Dime Novel Collection
Dime novels. ( lcsh )
History -- United States -- Revolution, 1775-1783 ( lcsh )
serial ( sobekcm )
025135028 ( ALEPH )
L20-00094 ( USFLDC DOI )
l20.94 ( USFLDC Handle )
The Liberty Boys of "76"
L20-00094-n0088-1902-09-05 ( .pdf )
A Weekly Magazine containing Stories ,of the American Revolution. Issued Weekly--tBy Subscription. $2.50 per year, l!Jnte1ed as Second Class Matter at the New York Post Office, February 4, 1901. by Frank Tow&y. No. 88. NEW YORK, SEPTEHBER 5. 1902. Price 5 Cents. E T D JNG THE BRITISH HARD. I Never was there a more astonished set of men than the six redcoats, when the members of the black band stepped quickly into the room and c ove r ed them with the muskets. They stared in m u t e horror.
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Xylo struction for the use of dumb bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, phone a11d other musical instrnments; together with a brief de. horizontal bar and various other methods of developing a. good, scriptiou of nearly <''"'ry mnsi1al instrnment used in ancient ot healthy muscle: containing over sixty illustrations. Every boy can modern times. must rated. Algernon S. FitzgeralcY become strong anJ healthy by following tbe instrnctions contained for twenty years baednrnster o( the Hoyal Bengal l\Iarines. in this little book. No. 59. IIO\Y 'l'O .l\L\.KE ,\. LANTEHN.-Containin No. 10. HOW TO BOX.-The art of self-defense made easy. a description of the lantern, toitether with its history and invention Containing over thirt:r illustrations of guards, blows, andthe ditfer-Also full directions fi:ir)ts use and for painting slides. Ilandsomel) ent positions of a good boxer. Every boy should obtain one of illustrated. 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1 ) HE LIBERTY B .OYS OF '76. Weekly Magazine Containing of the American Revolution. l 88ved Weekly-B y Subscription $2.50 per year. Enter ed a,s Second Olass Matter at the New York, N. Y Post O'(fce, February 4, 1901. Entered accordino to .d.ct of Oonorfi8S, in the ye111r 1902, in the otrice af the Librarian o f O o ngreas, Washinoton, D 0., bl/ Frank Tousey, 24 Union Sqvare, Nmo Ywk. tnl No. 88. Ct! NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 5, 1902. Price 5 Cents. CHAPTER I. .A.TT.A.OKED BY INDIANS. a "Now, I wonder how I am going to get across the .,.1dve r?" : 1 i A young man of perhaps twenty years of age sat on u I he back of his horse, and gazed across the wide expanse f water confronting him. The water was that of the ic iver St. Johns, in Florida, and the time was August in ti he year 1778. The lone rider was Dick Slater, the cap j, ain of the "Li, berty Boys," who had made themselves fa ous by their bravery on the field of battle. 3 The young man was now on his way to St. Augustine or the purpose t>f trying to spy upon the British at that oint, having been sent by General Robert Howe, who had eadquarters at Savannah, Georgia. As the readers of "The Liberty Boys of '76" 1."11ow, Dick n;vas famous as a spy, and General Howe, knowing this, I ad picked upon the youth as being the one to do the work e wished done. He was :figuring on advancing down to Florida and attacking General Prevost, the British 1 ommander, and he wished to get all the information ossible before making the attempt. 1 Dick had reached the west bank of the St. Johns River, d had drawn rein, and sat there, gazing out over the ] ater, for the river was at least four miles wide. Indeed, looked more like an elongated lake than a river. 1 "Jove, I don't see how I am going to get across," said ick, and at this instant he heard the sound of hoofbeats, 1 nd looked around. sequent1y it was impossible to tell whether he was Whig or Tory by looking at him The British officer rode up close beside Dick, and nodded his head in greeting while r eining up his horse. "Good-afternoon, sir," he said, eyeing D ick sharply. "Good-afternoon," replied Dick, quietly, keeping his eyes on the redcoat. "Going to cross the rive r ?" "I wish to cross it, sir "But don't know bow to go about it, eh?" "'l'hat is about it." "Well, I am in the same boat "I don't think either of us is in a boat," smiled Dick. "If we were we could get across the river." 'rhe officer laughed. "True," he agreed. "I spoke :figuratively." "I understand." "You must be a stranger in these parts," remarked the officer. "I am sir; but I am at a loss to know how you knew it." "It is simple. If you were not a stranger you would know that there is a sort of ferry a couple of miles farther up the river." "Ah, is there ?" "Yes." "Well, I'm glad to learn that. Are you going that way?" "I am." "Then I will accompany y.ou." "Very good. Come along." The officer rode onward, and Dick kept close alongside A glance was sufficient to tell Dick that the horseman him. : as a redcoat. "My name is Morris McGraw," said the officer, pres His brilliant scarlet uniform was sufficient for that, and ently; "and I anP a captain in the king's service. Do you s he drew nearer the youth saw that the man was a mind telling me who you are?" aptain. "My name is Amos Harper." "Well, I have a bit the advantage of him, in that I know e is an enemy, while he does not know that I am one," ought the youth. "Amos Harper, eh?" "Yes." "I suppose you have no objections to telling me where Dick was dressed in ordinary citizen's clothing, and conyou are bound ;for?"
2 THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. =========================================================-==.-! "Oh, no." "Well?" "I am on my way to a plantation belonging to my un cle." "Where is this plantation?" "I don't know exactly." "You don't ?" "No." "How do you expect to find it, then?" "By hunting for it." "You know where it is, approximately, do you not?" "Well, yes; that is, I know it is on the east side of the -St. Johns River, and within twenty miles of St. Augus tine." "That isn't very definite." "Not very. But I guess I will be able to find it sooner or later." the left-hand side was the river, while more or less heavy timber. Suddenly a negro burst out from among the trees, t's came running toward the two horsemen, yelling at the1e1 of his voice. CF "Injuns, massas !" he cried. "De Injuns done b'ef' a comin', an' dey'll git us all fo' suah !" h The two reined up their horses, and waited till the Ill reached them. e's "Where are the Indians?" asked Dick. ar "Dey're comin', massa Dey's a-comin'. Yo' had ofl ter be gittin' erway frum heah mighty fas', uv yo' a0 wanter lose yo' slrulps." "But what will you do?" "I dunno. Say, massa, yo' wouldn' let er pore b\ man up ahind yo', would yo'?" "Certainly. Up with you." "Perhaps so. By the way, you know I am a British subThe negro hastened to obey, and was soon ject. Now supposing you tell me where you stand on the hind Dick. He had scarcely done so when a score subject?" "Oh, I'm a loyal king's man, too." "Are you?" "Yes." "I am glad to hear that." painted savages rushed out from among the trees, and" their eyes fell upon the white men the redskins gave ;!l terance to wild yells, and began fitting arrows to bowstrings. ) Dick and the British captain did not wait to be trea "Yes, it makes it more pleasant to be in each other's to the shower of arrows, however, but spurred their ho company to know that we agree on the matter at issue." forward at a gallop, and when the Indians discharged "So it does." arrows t.he missiles fell short. It was evident to Dick's sharp eyes, however, that the Wild yells of rage escaped the lips of the Indians, i British captain was not wholly at his ease. He kept his they brandished their bows in a threatening manner. -eyes on the youth pretty closely. He was smart enough "Oh, yell, you fiends," said the captain, grimly. "Y' 'to know that it was possible that his companion was can not hurt us-Ha! look there!" 11 -claiming to be loyal simply to deceive him, and feared that As the exclamation escaped the officer's lips, he brouE' he might find himself attacked if he did not look out. his horse to a stop, and pointed ahead. Dick had seen 1' "Where are you from, .Mr. Harper?" asked the capsame thing that had attracted the other's attention, 1tain, after a few minutes of silence. reined his horse up at the same instant. "From up in Georgia, sir." There was another party of Indians in the road in frte "Ah! And why are you going to your uncle's, if l may of them, and not a quarter of a mile away. P -ask?" "An' de woods is full ob de red skoundrels !" gasped f' "I'm going to live with him." "Oh, that's it?" -''Yes." "{Then you had no home up in Georgi ?" "No; my parents are dead, and I have just been work ing around for several years, but not long ago I got word from my uncle that if I would come down there I might have a home with him." "I see." negro. "What shall we do?" asked the captain. Dick looked back, and saw that the party behind th was coming toward them at a run, and realized that it ..f a matter of but a very few moments when the India] would have himself and companions surrounded. '] He happened to glance out into the river, and an ,ti clamation escaped his lips. "Let's swim our horses out They rode onward in silence for a few minutes. I "The island,'' he cried. At the island."
THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. 3 ght re enough, there was a small island out in the eemingly about half a mile from the shore. ees t's our only chance," said the captain. "Come." theb.eY turned aside and rode down to the water's edge, !as the Indians saw what their intended victims wertl wild yells went up from them, and they hastened ard at a run. e captain and Dick urged their horses into the water, en the animals were soon swimming toward the island. k's horse was so heavily laden, however, as to make ard work for it to swim, and Dick told the negro to "Say, massa, how did yo' know my name's Pomp?" the negro asked, rolling his eyes in amazement. "Oh, I couJd tell that by looking at you," replied Dick, soberly, and the black man evidently believed this, for he looked at Dick askance, as if more than half afraid of him. "What do you suppose will be the next move of the red skins?" asked the captain, somewhat anxiously. "Hard telling,'' said Dick. "I suppose they will try to get at us?" "Oh, yes. I look for them to swim out to the island." off and swim. "Jove! in that case it will be all up with us." hold of the horse's tail, and he will pull you 1 "Yes. I rather think they are too many for us to hope 1d t along," the youth instructed. to :fight against them with success." All right, massa," was the reply. "I done 'fraid ob The two men dismounted now, and leading their horses b Injuns, but I hain't 'fraid ob de water." up from the shore, and in among the trees, tied them. he negro slipped off the back, and caught hold Then they looked to their weapons, and returned to where he animal's tail as he went past, and was pulled along the negro stood on the sandy beach. !1 ugh the water. "Dey're comin', said Pomp, his eyes beginning e Dis yere is jes' lak slidin' down hill, er rollin' off er to roll in a way which showed that he was badly frightt' the negto declared, with a grin. ened. e .he Indians had now reached the bank 0 the river, how"Yes;they are going to swim out and kill or capture us," r, and at this instant sent a flight of arrows hurtling said Dick, quietly. ugh the air. The majority of the missiles fell short, "It looks that way, for a fact," agreed Captain McGraw. one or two struck nearby, and one grazed the negro's 1ulder, bringing forth a howl from him. 'Ouch-oh!" the negro cried. "Dem red rapskallions r done woonded me wid one ob dem arrers ob deir'n." "But we won't stay here and permit ourselves to be killed or captured," said Dick. "What shall we do to prevent it?" the captain asked. "Why, we will leave the island, and swim out into ;:he a;'Oh, it merely grazed you,'' said Dick. "You are not river. It is possible that we may be able to swim acros:i. I ft" '1' Au yo' shore ob dat, massa ?" asked the negro, anxily. and make our escape." "We nebber can do hit in de worl', massa,'' said Pomp. "Why not?" Dick asked. 'Yes; you're all right." Before Pomp could reply there was a great commotion 'I hopes so, massa. But I tole yo' it feeled jes' like er among the Indians who had started to swim out to the poker hed been stuck inter me." island; wild yells went up from them, and it was seen The Indians let :ll.y another shower 0 arrows, but all that they had turned and were going back toward tbe :f missiles fell short this time, and a Y ell of rage and disshore as fast as they could. 1pointment went up from the :fiends. "What's the trouble, anyway?" asked Dick in surprise. "We're safe for the present," said Dick. "We are out reach of their arrows." "I'm moughty glad ob hit, massa," said the negro. The horses swam onward, and presently the island was ched. Pausing on the shore, the fugitives looked back. The Indians were talking and gesticulating at a great e, and the negro shook his head. 'Dey's tellin' one anudder whut is de bes' way ter git at an' take our skulps," he said soberly. 'I guess you are right about that, Pomp," agreed Dick. '"Gators, massa !" cried Pomp. '"Gators?" inquiringly. "Alligatorn," explained the captain. "Yes, an' de 'gators hab done got one er two ob de In juns," said Pomp. "Dat whut made de res' yell an' go. bac}\." CHAPTER II. THE MASKED DOZEN. "Jove! I never thoug:at of alligators," said Dick. "Nor I," from the captain.
4 THE BOYS' BL.A.CK BAND. "Needer did I," from Pomp. "Uf I hed t'ought ob dem "That is the question I was about to ask you," smi I dunno but I'd er stayed on de main lan' an' let de Injuns Dick. git me." "I'll bet dat de Injuns air hid dere in de timber," s "It is strange that the alligators did not nab us," said Pomp. Dick. "I think it more than likely you are right," ag11 "Perhaps they did not know what to make of the horses' Dick, while the officer nodded assent. legs," said the captain. The three retired to the shade of the trees, and till "Likely that was it. Well, it is fortunate that they ing themselves down on the sand, began the s. did not attack us." ation. "Yes They did not like the looks of things, and the di "But how we goin' ter git back ter de mainlan', massion did not tend to make things look any more fai sa ?" asked Pomp. able for them. "The same way we came out to the island, Pomp." "It is hard telling how this is going to end," said "But de 'gator s' ll git us, sho' !" captain, finally, a gloomy look on his face. "Oh, I don't think so. They didn't bother us as we "You are right," agreed Dick "The redskins will came out, and I don't thin k they will bother us as we go main on watch all the rest of the day, and all night, in back." The negro shook his head "I dunno bout dat, massas," he said. "Yo' see, de 'gators done had er taste ob blood, now, an' dey be moughty anx shus fur mo'." The two white men looked grave. "There may be something in that," said Dick soberly. "You are right," agreed the captain. I. "I guess we done hab ter settle down an' stay heah till somebuddy comes an' takes us off in er boat," said Pomp. "Well, we will see how things work out," said Dick. "We no wish to go ashore while the Indians are there likelihood, and if we try to escape, and manage to do ihe alligators and get to the shore, the Indians will us up." "Dat's jes' erbout whut'll happen, sho' ez yo' bo'n !" dared Pomp. "Where do you live, Pomp?" asked Dick, presently. "On Massa Renfrow's plantation." "Where is the plantation?" '"Bout two miles frum heah "Is there any likelihood that they will miss you, send out a party to look for you ?" The negro shook his head. anyway." "I t'inks not, massa. Ole Massa Renfrow he t'ink v "No; that would be jumping from the frying-pan into uns kin take keer ob ou'sefs, an' he don't bother his h the :fire. crbout us, nohow." They stood there and watched the Indians for some time. "Not much chance for aid to come from that directi The redskins had reached the shore now, and were jabthen." bering and gesticulating at a great rate. They were evi dently greatly excited. "Not berry much chance, massa." "Well, we are safe so long as we stay on the island,! "I guess the alligators must have got one or two of we will stay here until some good chance presents its them,'J said Dick. "Yes, I think so," agreed the captain; "and I'm glad of it." "Yes, it was a fortunate thing for us." "Uf de 'gators hadn' got de Injuns de Injuns 'd er got us," said Pomp. Presently the redskins entered the timber and disap peared from sight. The three looked at one another questioningly. "What do you think?" asked the captain. "Have they gone, or have they stopped just within the edge of the or until we are forced to leave by hunger." The three were silent for awhile, and had their e bent on the shore, watching to see if they could any movement amidst the trees, to show that the dians were still there, when suddenly they were star1 by hearing a voice say: "I am sorry to disturb you, gentlemen, but as I this island, and you are trespassers, I shall have to do Hands above your heads, please." The three whirled, and looked in wondering amazem Standing within twenty feet of them were twelve IL timber, with the intention of waiting for us to come each and every one of whom had a pistol levelled. ashore?" strangers were roughly dressed, and well-armed, but
THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. trange part of the affair was that they wore half-masks ver the upp r portion of their faces. Eleven wore black asks, the tw e1f t h man wearing a yellow mask. This man was the one wi r had spoken, and he was evidently the "No." "I'm sorry, Mr. Yellowfaee." A growl escaped the lips of the man. 5 7 eader of the b .. n "See here, you are too smart, altogether," he said in a threatening tone. :> "Hello!" exclaune d Dick, coolly. "Who' are you felt/ows ?" "Do you think so?" asked Dick, with a splendid assump tion of innocent wonder. The captain said 1 tl ing, but stared in amazement. "De Masked Duzzen !'' c ried Pomp, his face paling. "The nigger has namcJ u s correctly," said he of the i ellow mask. "We are indee d t he Masked Dozen." "And who are the Masked Dozen?" asked Dick. "Oh, dey's bad men, massa," quavered Pomp. robbers an'-an'--" "Shut up, you black scoundrel roared the leader of 1the band. "What do you men by calling us robbers? I'vo a good mind to put a bullet through that woolly head of G yours." "Yes; you are so smart that you are not likely to live long." "I don't want to be so smart as that," said Dick, sob erly. "Well, if you wish to live you had better be careful how: you address me." "Well, if you will tell me your name I will address you by it," the youth said. "It is none of your business what my name is. Just shut up and keep still." "Oh, very well," replied the "Liberty Boy," calmly. "Better shoot him in the body, captain," said one of the Pomp's eyes were rolling wildly, and it was evident that others grimly. "The bullet would probably be flattened ho was expecting every instant that Dick's brains would: against that hard skull of his, the same as against the hide be blown out. f an alligator." The leader of the band now turned his attention to the "Doan shoot, massa !" cried Pomp, dropping on his British officer. knees, and holding up his hands pleadingly. "Doan shoot "Your name, captain?" he said. me. I didn' mean nothin', 'deed I didn' !;, "All right; I won't shoot you just now. But you want to be very careful what you say in the future." "I will, massa. I won't say nothin', 'deed I won't." "What do you want of us?" asked Dick. "I wan't first, to know who you are?" "My name is Amos Harper." "Where from?" "Georgia." "Where bound for?" "My uncle's plantation. "Where is it?" "Over across the river." "What's your uncle's name?" "David Williams." The man shook his head. "Morris McGraw, sir," was the reply. "Humph. Carter," to one of his men, "relieve the gentlemen of their weapons." One of the men stepped fonrard and took the white men's weapons away from them. The negro had none. "Now may we lower our hands?" asked Dick. "You may do so, captain," said the man in the yellow mask. "But as for you, Mr. Smarty, you will keep your hands in the air till I tell you to take them down." "Do you know what I think of you?" Dick, a dangerous gleam in his eyes as he looked the tellovr straight in the face. "No. What do you think of me?" in a threatening tone, "I think that you are a coward and a scoundrel!" "What's that!" roared the fellow. "Do you dare address such talk to me ?-me, the captain of the Masked "Never heard of him," he said. "Have any of you men Dozen?" ever heard of a planter over across the river by the name "Yes, I dare address such talk you, you coward! of David Williams?" he asked, addressing his companions. And I would dare talk to you the same way if you were They shook their heads as one man. the captain of the Masked Hundred, instead of only a He of the yellow mask glared at Dick suspiciously. dozen." "I don't have much faith in the truth of your story, Up came the man's pistol until it covered Dick, and young man," he said. there was a fierce and angry light shining in the eyes be"You don't?" calmly. bind the mask. To the fellow's surprise, however, tlie
6 THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. threatened youth did not quail. Instead he looked the slaught of the other without difficulty, until the mi owner of the pistol straight in the eyes, while a smile of had tired himself out with his own exertions, and thE scorn appeared on his face. the youth dealt the masked man a terrib1e blow on ti "Shoot, you coward!" Dick cried. "Shoot, and prove jaw, stretching him on the sand senseless. that I have told the truth." "Dat done beat ennything I ebber seed, 'deed hit do! It was evident that it was only by a desperate effort of murmured Pomp, his eyes rolling. the will that the man prevented himself from pulling 'l'he other masked men leaped forward, and while si trigger. He was enraged by Dick's words, but realized or seven of them seized Dick and bound his arms t< that to shoot an unarmed man would be to prove that the gether behind his back, the others went to work to brin youth had spoken the truth when he called him a coward, their leader to. for that would certainly be the act of a coward. It did not take long to do this, and presently he of tb Instead of lowering the pistol, the man simply let go of yellow mask was on his feet. He walked up and glared int it and let it drop, at the same moment leaping forward and Dick's face with eyes of fierce hatred. confronting Dick. "I'll have your heart's blood for this work of yours," h "Lower your hands and defend yourself," he hissed. "I hissed. am going to show you that I am not a coward." The youth lowered his arms promptly, while a coo smile appeared on his face. "What are you going to do?" asked coolly. "I am going to give you the worst thrashing you ever had in your life." "That might not be a very bad one, for I was never CHAPTER III. A SWIM FOR LIFE. I thrashed in my life." "Oh, you never were?" "No." "You brought it on yourself," said Dick, quietly. "That does not matter. No man ever yet struck m and lived long to boast of it." "Phew! Is that so, really?" I I "Well, you are going to get a thrashing now." "And you are going to give it to me?" The youth's tone was mocking, and it made the ma1 "I am." "All by yourself?" "Yes." "I think you will need some of your men to help you." "Bah! Are you ready?" more angry than ever. "Yes, that's so, as you will soon find out." "You are not going to kill me in cold blood?" asked; Dick. "I'm going to do worse than that." "Ready." "Worse?" "All right. Look out for yourself." "Yes. I am going to devise some method of torturE The min leaped toward Dick, and ruck out fiercely, to go with your death-something that will make yot with his fist, but as might be expected where the opponent suffer agonies of mind before the body torture begins." was one so active and skillful as Dick Slater, the blows did "You are a cowardly brute and fiend!" said Dick, scathnot land. Dick was out of the way, and almost before the ingly. man realized what had happened he received a terrible -''That's all right. Call me names, if you like. I will blow between the eyes, knocking him down, kerthump. have ample revenge on you for everything you say." Exclamations of surprise and anger escaped the lips of "I do not think it worth while wasting talk on you," rethe eleven men, and some of them made movements as torted Dick. "Just go ahead and do your worst." to take a hand in the affair, but their leader scrambled "That is what I am going to do. Now, let me see. lo his feet and waved them back. What can we do to make you suffer torture of mind?" "I will attend to his case," he said, his voice hoarse and The leader called two or three of his men to one side !rasping. "I will kill you for that, you young dog!" and held a conversation with them in low tones. Then he "You will do nothing of the kind, you old hound," rereturned, and looking at Dick with eyes of triumphant Dick, and he protected himself from the :fierce on.lfatred, said:
THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. 7 "I have decided on what shall be done with you." be waiting there to capture and scalp you, then you may "Have you?" was the reply in a calmly indifferent tone. go your way in peace." "I have." "I'm glad of that." "You won't be when you learn what we are going to do with you." "You think not?" "I am sure of it." "Thank you," said Dick, sarcastically. "Oh, you are welcome." "And let me tell you something, you scoundrel with the yellow mask," said Dick fiercely, "if it should happen that I escape death from the jaws of the alligators and capture at the hands of the Indians, then I shall make it my espe"Well, we can tell better after I know what you intend c ial business to hunt you down and make an end of you. doing with me." Do you hear?" "You wish to know?" "If you wish to tell." "Very well. We are going to make you run a gauntlet.;' "A gauntlet, eh?" "Yes." "Somewhat after the fashion set by the Indians, I supose? You and your men will stand in a double row, and I will have to run between the rows, and as I go you will thump me over the head with clubs, stick knives in.to 11e, and such things as that?" 'rhe man of the yellow mask shook his head. "No, that isn't it." "No?" in surprise. "No. That isn't the kind of gauntlet we are going to ake you run." "What kind of a gauntlet is it, then?" "The gauntlet of the alligators." Dick started, and in spite of his being possessed of erves of steel, he paled slightly. An exclamation of horror escaped the lips of Captain cGraw. "I beg of you not to do that, sir," he said. "That is oo horrible." "Hit's all up wid young massa," Pomp, yes rolling wildly. "Ha! that makes you wince!" cried the captain of the asked Dozen in triumph. "I thought it would." "Oh, yes," mockingly; "I hear." "Well, you will do well to remember what I have said, for there is a chance that I may escape, and I will tell you that no alligator will be more merciless to me than I will be to you." "Ha, ha, ha! Threatened men live long. And you may be sure that if I had the least idea that you could swim to the shore in safety I would not let you make the at tempt. No, I would shoot you dead, here and now, and make sure of it. But I am confident that no man can pos sibly swim to the shore without being seized by the alli gators, the water being full of them, and we shall stand here and watch you make futile attempts to evade the teeth of the monsters." "You are a monster yourself," said Dick, "and I think that I shall live to put you out of the way-to rid the earth of such a demon." "I have no fears of any such thing. If I am not killed till you do it, then I will die a natural "We will see." "So we will. In less "than half an hour you will be food for alligators that are even now swimming about in the vicinity of the spot where the Indians were seized a short time ago. Having had a taste of huipan blood, they will be eager for more. "Again I intercede in behalf of this young man," said Captain McGraw. "If you must take his life, do it with pistol or knife. Don't put him to dea.th in such a horrible "Well, it is enough to make a man wince, isn't it, to manner." hink of being made to undergo such an ordeal as you "This is not your affair, Captain McGraw," said the ave spoken of?" leader of the Masked Dozen coldly. "Oblige me by keeping "Oh, yes; but you are so brave that I thought perhaps still." ou would not :flinch." "Indeed?" "Yes. Well, we will not fool away any more time. Hav ng decided what to do with you we will get to work and o it. I will say, my bold young friend, that if you suceed in swimming ashore, and elude the Indians who will "I am much obliged to you, captain," said Dick. "I shall n<?t forget your kindness, and if the occasion ever comes, I shall show you that I your words in my b e half. It is useless to talk to this fiend, however. It is a waste of breath." "You are right about that," with a harsh laugh. "It is <br />
8 THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. a waste o:f breath to talk to me. I have decided, and that settles it." At the command :from their leader, the men :freed Dick's arms, and led him dovrn to the water's edge. There they released him, and drawing their pistols, covered him with them. "One, tvro, three, four--" The youth who was to take such a terrible risk did not "ait for the finish of the count, but entered the water, and began wading out at once. Slowly he waded out, getting deeper and deeper, and he was watched eagerly by Captain McGraw and Pomp and "Novr start at once," said the leader of the gang. "You the members of the Masked Dozen band. must either make the attempt to swim the gauntlet o:f the Presently Dick was out as far as he could wade. The alligators, or die here and now. I prefer .that you should water was up to his neck; the nezt step might plunge him do the former, but you can of course take your choice." in over his head, and so he let his feet come up off the The "Liberty Boy" stood at the water's edge and gazed bottom of the river and began swimming. away, across the water to the shore, nearly half a mile "Good-bye--a long, long good-bye!" called out the leader distant. He realized that it was taking a terrible risk to of the Masked Dozen, in a heartless tone. attempt to swim to the shore, but to refuse to make the "We will meet again," replied Dick. attempt was to insure his death by the bullets from the "Ha, ha, ha. I have no expectation of ever meeting you pistols, so the youth had no thought of refusing to swim again, my bold friend. I have no fears that such a thing the gauntlet. It afforded him a chance-a very, very slim will happen." one, of course, but still a chance--to escape death, and The youth made no reply, but put his whole mind on he was the youth to accept even a slim chance, when noththe work before him. He realized that he would need ing better offered. for all his coolness and presence of mind. And for that "Well, have you ?" asked the man, harshly. he was never cooler or calmer than at the present "Oh, yes," replied Dick. "I am going to attempt to mo:ment. His brain was clear, and every nerve was strung swim the gauntlet, and somehow I believe that. I shall be to the highest pitch. His every sense was on the alert, and successful in getting to the shore." ready to warn him of danger. "Bab! It is an impossibility. And even if you should As be swam through the water, slowly, carefully, and do so, the Indians will capture you and burn you at the steadily, Dick was watching all around him like a hawk, stake. It will be jumping from the frying-pan into the and at the same time bis mind was at work. He told him fire." self that it would be suicide to swim straight to the shore, "I may get ashore and escape from the Indians," said as in doing so be would, have to through the water Dick, quietly. "And if I do," in a stern, fierce tone, at the point where the Indians had been seized by the "then you will need to look out for yourself. I am a man alligators. He reasoned that the alligators would remain who always pays his debts, and I shall not rest until I near this spot, attracted by the scent of the blood of the have paid you the one I will owe you." ill-fated redskins, and he further reasoned that on this "Bah, you will not escape. If I even so much as account there would be less likelihood that the saurians thought that you had a faint chance of doing so, I would would be numerous at other points in the vicinity. not let you go, but would shoot you dead where you stand. "I think that nearly all of the alligators in the waters I know you cannot escape death from the alligators or In-hereabouts will be gathered there," Dick told "and dians, but even if you should do so I have no fear of by making a circuit, and going around that spot, I may suc-you. I have beard men utter boasts before to-day." ceed in avoiding them." "What I have said is not a boast," said Dick, "but a simSo as soon as he was a hundred yards or so from the ple statement of fact. If I escape, you will hear from me, shore, Dick changed his course, and swam away diagonal and you will rue the day that you selected me for a subject ly, going toward the shore at a point half a mile or more on which to wreak your spite." down the river. "Enough talk," cried the man with the yellow mask The members of the Masked Dozen noted this move at sternly. "Start before I count ten or die where you stand." once, and uttered exclamations. "This is terrible," said Captain McGraw to the negro, in "That :fellow is no fool," said one. an undertone. "It is too bad, too bad." "No. He is going to try to swim around the spot where "I done guess hit's all up wid Massa Harper," murmured Indians were pulled under. He.figures it that there ls Pomp in reply. where the alligators will be thickest."
THE LIBERTY BLACK BAND. 9 "And he is right about that, too." began to think that he was to escape being seen by the "Yes," agreed the leader. alligators eTerywhere around. "But there are plenty of alligators, after all. He will neTer reach the shore alive." "I don't think so, either," one replied, "but he is proving himself to be a pretty shrewd fellow." Another thing Dick did that would have made them "Jove! I hope so," he said to himself. "I would hate to have my life come to an end in such a manner. I would rather meet death at the hands of the Indians than that the alligators should get me." He was now within less than a hundred yards of the think be was a "pretty shrewd fellow," had they known shore, and was beginning to feel confident that he was 't, and that was to swim very cautiously, and as nearly to make his escape, but just then he saw one-two dark oiselessly as possible. He hoped by so doing to keep from forms swimming toward him. ttracting the attention of the alligators, as, if they heard The alligators were coming. jm splashing the water they would come in a hurry, atracted by the noise. Weighed down with his clothing as be was, it was hard ork swimming, but Dick was strong, and was an exper:: wimmer, so he had no doubt regarding bis ability to reach he shore if be escaped the jaws of the alligators. Onward be made bis way through the water, swimming t moderate speed, and making scarcely any noise. The ater was quite clear, and the youth kept a sharp lookout ll around, and b .elow him. He was on a terrible strain, for he did not know at what CHAPTER IV. THE ESCAPE. A sudden feeling of horror came oer the youth, but he shook it off, and made up bis mind to make a brave fight for bis life. oment one of the monsters, or a dozen of them, might "It is not far to the shore; perhaps I may be able to ut in an appearance. He realized, too, that if they din reach there in safety after all," he thought, and then, as ome it would be impossible for him to escape. They were the alligators were almost in reaching distance of him, he ore at home in the water than be was, and were quicker suddenly began kicking and splashing the water at a great nd would be able to grab him in spite of all he could do. rate, with the purpose of frightening them away. He continued onward, however, and eyery nerve was trung to the highest tension, and with each passing moent the youth expected to see some of the monsters put n an appearance. Onward he moved, through the water, and he was halfay to the shore and still there were no signs of the alli ators. The members of the Masked Dozen band were watching agerly, and a frown was' beginning to appear on the leadr's face. In this he was successful in a measure. The alligators were frightened to the extent that they paused and retired a short distance, but they were only biding their time and awaiting the opportunity to advance with a rush. \. The youth was well aware of the fact that his only chance for life lay in keeping up the kicking and splashing, however, and he did not cease the work for an instant, and as he kicked and splashed around he kept swimming as best he could toward the shore. 'l'he members of the Masked Dozen band saw Dick's "Can it be possibl e that the fellow is going to succeed in manceuvers, and knew what it meant, as did also the Brit reacl:ing the shore, after all?" he exclaimed "Surely ish captain and Pomp. not." "I don't think so, captain," replied one. should do so the Indians will capture him." "That's so. I forgot about the Indians "The alligators are after him," cried the man with the "And if he yellow mask. "Yes, they'll get him, you may be sure," from one of the He cannot men. I cape." "I'm afraid he is right," said Captain McGraw to him"He won't escape'the alligators, I'm thinking," said one. self. "I won't believe it till I see him step out on the shore, at "Hit's all up wid young massa, now!" muttered Pomp, any rate." watching the distant scene with wildly rolling eyes. Dick made his way through the water at a fair rate of But it wasn't "all up wid young massa" by any means. speed, and gradually drew near e r and nearer tbe shore. He Dick kept up the work of kicking and splashing around,
10 THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. and thus held the alligators at bay, and all the time he gustin e and attended to the work of spying on the British, was gradually working his way in toward the shore. I will hunt the Masked Dozen down, and br e ak up the The noise the youth made had the effect of attracting band." other alligators to the spot, however, and soon he was surOnward Dick ran, and presently he emerged from the rounded by at least a score of the monsters, all waiting timber, and found himself almost at the very doors of a for a c e ssation of the noi s e and splashing, when they would goodly-sized house. It was almost a mansion, compared to dart in and seize the swimmer. what the majority of the houses in that part of the coun Slowly but surely Dick worked his way toward the shore, try were, and the youth was somewhat surprised. and he kept up such a noise and disturbance in the water "I wonder if this can be the plantation of Colonel Ren that the alligators were afraid to try to seize him At last frow, Pomp s master?" the youth asked himself. "I he was where he could touch bottom, and he did so and soon know." 1 began walking toward the shore, and now he was enabled to make more noise and disturbance in the water than He made his way to the house, and as he stepped u on the piazza a grim-faced man of perhaps fifty yea before, and the alligators, much as they wanted to get at stepped out and confronted him. The man had keen gra him, feared to do so. The result was that he reached the eyes and gray hair, mustache and imperial, and he ey shore in safety, and stepped out on dry land unharmed. the youth critically and searchingly. And even as he did so a score of ugly snouts came sliding "Well, young man, have you been taking a bath int up out of the water, and the heads of the alligators apriver with your clothes on?" he asked, in a brisk, rathe peared to view. The youth did not fear the monsters, now, however, and he turned his thoughts upon the Indians. Were they in hiding near at hand, he wondered. If so, why )ad they not appeared? Surely they would have seen him ere this, he thought; and he began to have hopes that the redskins had taken their departure. Feeling that he would be safer there he entered the timber, and hastened away through it, keeping a sharp lookout in all directions, in order to avoid being surprised. 0As he progressed deeper and deeper into the timber without seeing anything of the redskins, however, he began to feel safer. "Perhaps I may make my escape, after all," he said to himself. "Jove, I have been fortunate, as it is, in escaping from the alligators Now, if I succeed in getting away from the Indians I shall have cause to congratulate myself on my good fortune." Onward Dick moved, keeping on the alert constantly. He scarcely thought of his wet clothing. The weather was warm, and he was not uncomfortable, save for the unpleas ant sensation made by the clothing clinging close to his form and limbs. And even as he hastened onward, even as he watched for Indians and momentarily expected that they would appear, he was thinking of how he had cheated the leader of the Masked Dozen out of his revenge. "That fellow is a great scoundrel," said the youth to himself, "and I shall try to attend to his case before I leave this part of the country. My 'Liberty Boys' will be down here in a day or two, and then, affur I have visited St. Auwhimsical manner. "Well, yes, that is about it," replied Dick, doffing liis h a and bowing. "I have been taking a swim in the rive r but I assure you it was not done voluntarily." A look of interest appeared in the man's eyes. "How was that?" he asked. "It was this way, sir. I and a friend were riding alon the road a couple of miles down the river, and suddenly w were startled by the approach of a negro, who came dashin out from among the trees shouting that the Indians we coming." "Must have been one of my niggers," said the man, "b go on." "He was right; the were coming, and I tooR t negro up behind me, and we urged our horses to a gallop, the hope that we woul-d be able to escape. But a lot of re skins appeared in the road ahead of us, and we speedil found ourselves surrounded on all sides save that on wki lay the river. There was an island a half-mile out in t stream, and so we rode into the river and swam the hors to the island, thus escaping from the Indians." "Ha! that was taking big chances. The river is full alligators." "We had proof of that when the Indians started to swi out to the island. One or two of them were pulled under the alligators, and the rest hastened to get back to t :mainland." "I should judge that they would have done so. Iams prised that they made the attempt to swim out to the isla in the first place."
1 THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. 11 "It does see:n surprising, for they must have known of the presence of the alligators." "Certainly. They knew it well." "It may be that they thought their numbers would frighten the alligators away." "Likely; but they found their. mistake." "Yes, but we reached the island in safety." "The alligators were doubtless afraid to attack the horses." and then I made so much fuss and disturbance in the water that they were afraid to attack me." "And you reached the shore in safety?" "Yes, sir." "Well, well. I would not have believed it possible that any man could swim from the island to the shore without being pulled under by the alligators." "I managed to do it, sir." "But the Indians who drove you over to the island in "I suppose so. well, we reached the island in safety, the first place? Were they not on hand to capture you?'' and saw the failure of the Indians to follow us, and were "No, sfr; at any rate I saw nothing of them." congratulating ourselves on bein$ safe, when we were sud denly confronted by a dozen men with masks on their faces." "Ha!" exclaimed the man. "Did one of the number wear a yellow mask?" "Yes. The others were all black." "Just so. That is a band that is known in these parts as the 'Masked Dozen.' "So Pomp said, and so they themselves acknowledged." "Pomp, eh? picked up?" Was that the name given by the nigger you "That is strange." "So it seems to me; I expected nothing else than I would be seized the instant I reached the shore." "Perhaps they thought that one who could swi from the island to the shore without being pulled under by the alligators was a proper person to let alone. They are very superstitious, you know." "Yes, I know that. Well, whatever may have been their reason, it acted for my benefit." "Well, I welcome you to my home, Mr. Harper, and am glad to extend to you open-handed Southern hospitality." "Thank you, Colonel Renfrow." "Yes, sir." "I thought as much. He's one of my slaves." "Then /ou must be Colonel Renfrow," said Dick. "No thanks are necessary. It is a pleasure to me. And now, if you will come, I wili show you to a room and bring you some dry clothing. I have a boy about your age and "At your service, sir; and what, if I may ask, is your size, and you shall have a suit of his. I think it will just name?" about fit you." "Amos Harper, sir." "Thanks, Colonel Renfrow." "Well, Mr. Harper, go on with your story. How comes it "My boy, Tom, is away at present," explained the col-you are here, and alone? Where is your friend, and onel, "but he will be home in a day or two." Pomp?" The youth fancied there was a sad cadence to the man's "They are still on the island, sir, I suppose." voice as he spoke of his son, and wondered why this was. "Still on the island?" The host conducted him to a room upstairs. It looked "Yes, and prisoners in the hands of the Masked Dozen." out toward the river, and was a very pleasant room. "Well, well I I don't understand the matter. How did "I will be back in a few moments, Mr. Harper. Be seat-you manage to make your escape?" ed," and the colonel was gone "I succeeded in escaping as a result of the desire of the The youth did not sit down, however, as he did not wish leader of the band to secure revenge on me for knocking to spoil the nicely upholstered chairs or sofa with the wet him senseless." clothing. "Ha! Go on." "They forced me to enter the water and swim "Ah!" "They thought I would be torn to pieces by the alligators before getting half way there." "Exactly; and how happens it that you were not?" "Partly good luck, I judge. I swam as noiselessly as t possible, and did not attract the attention of any of the monsters till I was within a hundred yards of the shore, The colonel returned in a few minutes, with a suit of clothing, which he lay across a chair with the remark: "I think those will fit you very well. You will feel better in dry clothing, at any rate, even if the fit isn't just what it might be." "Yes, indeed." Left to himself, Dick hastened to doff the wet clothing and don the dry, and as the colonel had he felt much better.
12 THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. "There, I eel almost as good as new again,'' the youth now, and take my horse to the stable and look after him. T said to himself. Hurry, you rascals!" to There was a knock at the door, and Dick opened it, to A negro came running around the corner of the house, im find a grinning negro standing there. and took the bridle-reins, and led the horse away, and ha "Massa Kunnel sent me up ter git yo' wet cloes an' take Dick saw that the colored man was afraid of the new-ad dem down an' hang dem out on de line, sah," he explained. comer. )i "All right. That is just what I wish done. They will soon dry then." The youth handed the clothing to the negro, who took them and hastened away Then Dick went downstairs, and found the colonel on the piazza, in company with an elderly lady and a beautiful The youth had been sizing the horseman up, and his ho estimate of him was that he was a reckless, dissolute young man. "I think he has given his parents considerable e trouble,'' was Dick's decision. "That's too bad, too, or the colonel and his wife--and their daughter a& well-are nice a people. He isn't bad-looking, but shows the signs 0 dis-1 girl of perhaps seventeen years. sipation." "My wife and daughter Margaret, Mr. Harper," said the The young man-he was not much older than Dicka colonel with a bow, and Dick acknowledged the introduccame running up the steps, and nodded toward his folks, 'J tion gracefully and pleasantly, remarking to himself that with the words, "Hello, father and mother and Sister Marg. :1 Margaret was one of the most beautiful girls he had ever How are you all?" 1u seen. ''I have been telling them about your adventures, Mr. Harper," the colonel explained. "They think it almost a miracle your swimming across from the island to the main land in safety." As the ton:es of the young man's voice fell upon Dick's ] e ars plainly he gave a start, and looked searchingly at the a1 newcomer. n "I.have heard that voice before," the youth said to him-.e self, "but where?" "It was little short of a miracle, Mr. Harper," said the elderly lady. "The chances are that you would never succeed in doing it again," said Margaret. "I was surprised, myself, when I succeeded in getting ashore in safety,'' said Dick. "I consider that I am very fortunate in being alive at this moment." CHAPTER V. ATTACKED. "Yes, indeed," from the colonel. "This is Mr. Harper, Tom," said the colonel, indicating "And I am also fortunate in having fallen upon such Dick. "Mr. Harper, my son Tom." good quarters, after my unpleasant adventures," smiled "Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Harper,'' said the Dick. young man shaking hands, while he looked into Dick's eyes "Well, you are }Velcome," Mr. Harper," his host declared. with a peculiar, quizzical smile, the meaning of which the "You must consider yourself at home here." youth could not fathom. "Thank you." "And I am glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Ren" Yonder comes a horseman," said Mrs. Renfrow at this frow," replied Dick. moment. "That's more than everybody in this part of the country A horseman was indeed coming up the road at a gallop, would say," with a laugh that grated harshly on the ears and when be was within a quarter 0 a mile of the house, of the hearers. "By the way, Mr. Harper, you are wearing I Margaret exclaimed: a suit of clothes that is exactly like one of mine." "It is brother Tom." There was that peculiar, quizzical look in the young "Yes, it is your brother,'' said the colonel, and Dick, who was keen-eyed and shrewd, saw that the colonel's lips were compressed, and there was a somewhat hard look on his face. The horseman rode up in front 0 the piazza, and leapman's eyes again. "They are yours, Mr. Renfrow," with a smile. "Mine were soaked, and your father lent me your suit while mine is drying." "Ah, I see. But how came you soaked? Did you go in ing off his horse, called out in a loud, angry voice: "Pete I swimming with your clothes on?" -Jim !-Pomp !-where are you all? Come a-running, "Pretty nearly that," was the quiet reply. j
THE LIBER'.l'Y BOYS' BLACK BAND. 13 Then the colonel hastened to tell the young man the story of Dick's adventures, just as Dick had told them to him. The young man listened, and all the time there was hat peculiar, quizzical look in his eyes. When his father ad finished, however, he gave utterance to his surprise that ick had succeeded in swimming from the island to the bore in safety. "Thank you. I shall feel much better to have some weapons in my possession more." They hastened upstairs to Tom's room, and Dick was given a belt, in which he stuck four pistols and a knife. Then he took what ammunition he thought he would need, and the two left the room and made their way up to the attic, and from this they crawled through an opening and I "I would not make the attempt to do that for a fortune," out upon an observation platform at the extreme top of he
THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. "There are quite a number of negroes downstairs." "But they can't be depended on to fight." "'You think not?" "I am sure of it." "But surely they will fight to save their own lives." "But when they find that their lives depend on it th will fight." Again a shake of the head. "I doubt it. But you may try to get them to fight if yo like. I know 'that I could not accomplish it." "I don't know about it." "Very well. I will make the attempt." "'Why, even a rat will fight for its 1ife. I th:ink the The youth lost no time, but approached the negroes, an negro men will fight if they are given t<;> understand that one at a time called the men out and got them togeth by so doing they may save their lives, which otherwise in the farther end of the great hall. they will lose." "Maybe so; you can try the experiment of getting them to fight if you like." "Perhaps you had better try it. They know you, and they don't know me." "That's it, exactly; they know me too well, and they won't do anything for me if they can help it. You go along and get them to agree to fight if you can. I'll stay here and keep watch of the Indians." "Very well," said Dick, and he made his way back downstairs, thinking as he went that Tom Renfrow was a peculiar fellow. "I don't understand him," he said to him self. "He must be a sort of 'black sheep,' for I am confident that he is not in the good graces of his father, for some reason." The youth found the slaves huddled in the halls and rooms like sheep, and they were badly frightened, indeed. It was evident that they were expecting death to overtake them at any moment, and many of them were trembling as if with the ague, and their eyes were rolling wildly. "Have you been able to make any discoveries?" asked ''Now, then," he said, addressing the negroes, "all w wish to die and have their scalps taken by the Indians hol I up their hands." The negroes rolled their eyes wildly, and looked at on another in questioning wonder, but none of them hel up their hands. "So none of you wish to die and be scalped, eh?" Di remarked with a smile. "Dat's whut we don' wan ter do, massa," said o of the negroes. So I supposed. Well, now another question: could prevent yourselves from dying and being would you do it?" If y scalp There was a few moments of silence, and then the sa fellow said : "I done reckons we would, massa." "Exactly, and now, that is just what will have to done." "How am dat, massa ?" "I will tell you. If you stand here, shivering with fea the Indians will break into the house and kill and sea every one of you; but if you will take weapons in y o the colonel, drawing Dick to one side. h11nds and fight, you will be able to drive the Indians awa "Yes," replied the ,youth; "the Indians are at hand. They are now engaged in rHling the negroes' cabins of their contents, and after they are through there they will turn their attention to the house, I fear." "I fear so. Does there seem to be a very large force?" "Yes. I should judge that there must be at least fifty of the scoundrels." "Fifty against three. That is big odds." "Yes, but we have the advantage of being in the house, where they cannot get at us; and besides, I see here at least fifty big, able-bodied negro men. That makes us the equal of the redskins in numbers." "But the niggers won't fight." "They won't fight." "They must fight." The colonel shook his head. "They won't do it. They a:r,:e too big cowards." and will save your lives and scalps." The negroes looked at one another dubiously and que tioningly, and felt of their hair gingerly. It seemed as the thought of being scalped gave them more terror th that of being kill ed. "Does yo' really t'ink we could fight dem Injuns erwa massa ?" asked one of the black men dubiously. "Of course. I know you can do it if you will t They are no more than you in numbers, and you have t advantage of the protection afforded by the walls of t house. If you will take weapons in your hands, and do I tell you we shall be able to drive the Indians away." "Uf we reelly thought we could do dat, massa, we'd willin' ter do whut yo' say," said the man who had do most of the talking. "I know you can do it. All you have to do is try." There was a short period of silence, and then the ne0
THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. 15 said: "Wal, I foah wun am willin' ter take weepins in and get back to the windows and shoot any of the Indians han' an' fight de Injuns. I mought stan' et ter be killed, that you lay eyes on. Tom and I will put the fire out." but I kinder objec' ter bein' skulped," and he rubbed his The youth spoke so confidently of putting the fire out hand over his wool and shu ddered and rolled his eyes. that the negroes were encouraged, and went back to their This speech seemed to decide the others, and they all stations at the windows. said they would fight. -' "How are we going to go about putting the fire out?',.. This was what Dick wanted, and he at once led the way asked Tom, as they went downstairs. to Tom Renfrow's room, where strange to say, was a great lot of weapons of all kinds, and plenty of ammunition "I don't know," replied Dick. "I fear we cannot do it, but we must make the attempt." There were muskets, swords, pistols, and knives galore, They did not have to do so, however, for just as they : and the negroes were speedily fitted out, and then Dick reached the lower floor they heard the sound of the gal distributed them through the upstairs rooms, with instrucloping of horses and loud cheering, followed by the rattle tions to open the windows and keep watch, and if they saw of musketry. Dick thought he recognized the voices of' any Indians coming toward the house to fire upon them. The negroes said they would, and it was not long before the crack! crack of muskets and pistols was heard, and occasionally the wild yell of a redskin proved that a bullet had taken effect. Having got the negroes stationed, Dick told Colonel Renfrow to look after them and keep them at work at the windows, and then he again rejoinea Tom on the top of the house. ''Well, you did manage to get some of the negroes to the newcomers. The cheering sounded familiar. "By all that is wonderful, I believe it is my band of 'Liberty Boys,' he said to himself CHAPTER VI. .A. CONFESSION. agree to fight, eh?" the young man i:emarked as Dick ap"Come on," he cried to Tom, "those are friends, and peared. 1 while they are driving theIndians away we will put out the "Yes; they seemed to be willing to fight to save their fire." scalps if not their lives," was the reply. "That is just like them. They hate the idea of having their wool yanked off." Then the two watched the scene below with considerable interest. Several times the Indians m1.1de a rush to ard the house, but each time the negroes poured bullets in among them, and the redskins turned and fled. Dick nd Tom joined in the firing, and their shots did more "How do you know they are friends?" asked Tom. "Why, the fact that they have attacked the Indians is proof of that. Come." They hastened out of doors, and with a glance saw that the Indians were fleeing to the timber, pursued by a large party of horsemen. Then they hastened to the point. where the fire had been set, and quickly kicked the burning sticks and scattered them right and left, after which amagc than the majority of those fired by the negroes, a bucketful of water was sufficient to put out the fire, it for they took good aim and were good shots. having scarcely more than got started TheIndians whooped and yelled, and it was evident that they were greatly enraged. They had not expected to meet with resistance, and now they were worked up to .such a pitch that they were ready to do anything "I fear they may set the house on fire," said Dick. The party of horsemen was now coming back toward the house, the Indians having escaped into the timber, where it would be useless to follow them, and as the party came nearer Dick saw that it was really his company of "Liberty Boys." Two days before he had left them in "That is what I am afraid of, too," said Tom. Savannah, Georgia, and he had until within the past five A few minutes later the youths' fears were realized, for minutes supposed them to be there still. a negro came runnil1g up and told them that the house "I don't understand why they have followed me," be was on fire. He was wildly excited, almost beside himself said to himself, "but I am glad they did, for they got here ith terror, in fact, and when the youths hastened down o where the rest were "they found the men huddled together in the like sheep, their weapons forgotten. only just in time." Whe:n the leader of the party was almost up to the spot where Dick and Tom stood, the youth stepped forward, "Here, this won't do," cried Dick. "Take your weapons and addressing the horseman, said:
16 THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. "Well, sir, you and your men got here just in time, and row, being told what was required, hastened to the kitchen we thank you. But for your timely arrival the house and put the servants to work preparing a meal for the would have been burned to the ground, and doubtles we hungry youths '\vho had happeliled in at such an opportune should all have been murdered." time. Bob Estabrook was the leader of the party, and he was An hour later the meal was ready, arid the "l,iiberty Dick's righthand man, and as shrewd a fellow as ever Boys" entered the large dining-hall and ate heartily. lived. He understood at once from Dick's words and man-When the meal was ended, they went out upon tl?-e piazza, ner that he did not wish it known that he knew them, or and a general conversation was carried on for an hour, was connected with them in any way, and he replied, in when the colonel told the youths that they were welcome to much the same manner as that assumed by Dick. the use of as many of the rooms in the house as they cared "No thanks are necessary, sir," said Bob. "We are glad to occupy. to have been able to render assistance where it was needed. Are you the gentleman of this plantation, sir?" ''No, I am but a visitor here. This young man is the son of the owner of the p1antation, however. Tom, you bad better call your father, in order that he may thank "'rhere is no need of that," said Bob. "This piazza will hold us all easily enough, and we will roll up in our blankets and sleep here. It will be .more comfort than we are accustomed to." The colonel did not urge them to come in the house, as these gentlemen for what they have done." he was an old soldier, and knew they would be almost as "Ah, yes; I'll do so, Mr.-Harper," said Tom, and he comfortableon the piazza as in the house. So he and the hastened into the house. other members of his family bade the youths good-night This was what Dick desired, as he wished a chance to and entered the house. They had insisted that Dick sleep in the house, but he exchange a few words with the youths privately, and he did so, quickly explaining the situation to the "Liberty said he would sleep on the piazza with the young strangers, Boys," who promised to act toward him as if he were a and when the colonel saw he. really wished to do so he stranger. said no more. Tom quickly returned with hi!'> father, and the colonel thanked the "Liberty Boys" heartily for what they had Tom Renfrow, who was pretty took note of this, done. and said to himself: "I' ll wager anything that that young "H tl h d ?" he asked 1n con-fellow knows who those other :fellows are. ave you gen emen a supper. Somehow I dusion. i.hougM from the very first that they were not strangers Bob said that they had not. to one another. I wonder who they are, and I wonder "We were looking for a good place to go into canip when who he is? I don't believe his name is Harper any more than mine is." we came upon the scene of the attack on your house, and took a hand in it," he explained. And if Tom was puzzled regarding Dick and the "Liberdismount, and enter," was the hearty invitation. ty Boys" and suspicious of them, so was Dick puzzled about "I will order that food be provided for you at once, and Tom. 'rhe more he heard the young man's voice, the more the niggers will look after your horses. Ho, Pete, Sam, certain he becamfl that he had heard it somewhere. Dick, Bill, Joe-all of you. Come out here at once." Of course, Dick's real reason for wishing to sleep on the The negroes came forth, looking frightened, and it was piazza was so that he might get a chance to talk with evident that they had not recovered from the fright which Bob and the rest of the youths. He wished to learn why the coming of the Indians had caused them. they had come down into Florida. "There's no danger now," said the colonel. "You see The youth was cautious, however; he did not engage Bob there is a sufficient number of these gentlemen to thrash in conversation until after more than an hour had passed. all the Indians in Florida. Take their horses, and feed Then, believing that there was no chance of their being and rub them down. Hurry, now." overheard, he opened up a conversation with Bob, who exThe negroes obeyed, and led the horses to the stables, plained that he and his comrades had been sent down into which were perhaps two hundred yards distant to the rear, Florida, from Savannah, by General Robert Howe, who and not far from the cluster of cabins occupied by the wished them to be on the lookout for marauding parties slaves. of redcoats, who had been in the habit of coming across Then the entire party entered the house, and Mrs. Renthe St. Johns River and robbing and pillaging the rice
THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. j plantations, and even going so far as to steal the slaves "Well, they are brave fellows, whoever they are, and they and take theni back the riTer and sell them. saved our home from being burned, and doubtless they "Then, too, the general said it might be possible that you would get into trouble," went on Bob. "And if we were down here we .would be able to help you out." "And you found me in trouble when you got here, sure enough, Bob." "Yes, I guess the Indians would have wiped everybody out if we hadn't come just when we did." "They certainly would, for the negroes would not have put up much of a fight when it came to a hand-to-hand affair." "I suppose not." "No, they are arrant cowards, and I had hard work get ting them to do anything." "Well, I don't understand how it is that this and other plantation houses haven't been burned, and their owners tnd their families murdered long ago." "I guess that not nearly all the Indians are on the war ath, Bob. I think it is only a comparatively few of the [Younger braves who have taken advantage of the fact that rwar is raging to plunder and burn and murder the white people." "I judge you are right about that." There was silence of a few moments, and then Dick said : sav_ed the lives of all of us, so I cannot have otherwise than friendly feelings toward them." After breakfast next morning Dick called the colonel to one side. "Colonel," he said, "I am going to ask you a question, and I hope you will be willing to answer it." "Very well, Mr. HarperJ I will do so if it is a question that I both can and should answer." "One thing I will assure you of, sir, and that is, that you need have no fears to answer." The colonel looked somewhat surprised. "What is the question?" he asked. "I wish to ask you which you are-patriot or loyalist?" Colonel Renfrow started and looked at Dick sharply. He was silent for a few moments, and seemed to be pondering. It was evident that he hesitated to answer. Presently he asked: "Why do you wish to lmow ?" "I have a good reason, and I will tell you what it is as soon as you answer my question." The colonel seemed to make up his mind all of a sudden, and said decidedly: "Very well. I will tell you the truth, sir. I am a pa-"I wish I lmew whether or not the owner of this plantatriot." Irion is a patriot." "Why?" asked Bob. "Why, if he was a patriot I would have you boys stay b.ere and make this your headquarters while we are down i n these parts." "Weil, you can find out, can't you?" "I suppose so. I'll see if I can iind out in the morng." There was not much more conversation, as it was late ind the youths sleepy, and a few minutes later they wer e ound asleep There bad been an auditor to the conversation. Tom Renfrow, being suspicious that Dick and the strang Dick extended bis hand, which the colonel grasped. "I am glad to hear you say that, sir," the youth said "Then you are---" "A patriot, sir, like yourself." "And the members of this party of strangers. I wonder what they are?" "Patriots also, Colonel Renfrow." "How do yon lmow ?" "Because I am their commander." "You their commander?" the colonel gasped "Yes, sir." "But you came here alone, and they did not come till several hours later." r youths were comrades, had slipped downstairs, and to n open window overlooking the piazza, and just back of here Dick and Bob lay. They had talked in low tones, "True, but they are my men, just the same." "How docs it happen that you came here alone, then?" ut bis hearing was good, and he understood almost every "I came down here on a spying expedition. They came ing that was said. for the purpose of watching for marauding parties of red"I was sure they knew one another," be said to himself. coats and striking them blows. I thought it best that. I And they are patriots. I suspected that, too. Well, th!lt should travel alone." ould suit fathe:r if he lmew it." Tom returned to his room and pondered the matter. "Well, I'm glad to lmow that you are patriots, sir." "And I am equally well pleased to know that you are a "I wonder wh they are, anyway?" he asked himself. patriot."
18 TIIE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. ;::;;:::===-========-================:============================= "By the way, sir, your men seem to be rather young to be pitted against British veterans." The youth smiled. "Now what did you wish to say to me?" ask e d Dick, with some show of curiosity. "I wished to make a confession to you, Mr. Slater." "My men are young, I know," he said. "'rhey are, in "A confession?" fact, mere youths, but at the same time they are veterans, "Yes. You told father, I believe, that you were made a and have fought bravely in all the big battles of the North prisoner on the island by the Masked Dozen, and that you that have been fought up to the present time. Perhaps you were forced to swim from the island to the shore, at the may have heard of them. They are known as 'The Liberty risk of your life from the jaws of alligators." Boys o.f '76.'" "Yes, I told him about that. What about it?" "What!" exclaimed Colonel Renfrow, his eyes opening "Just this : I am one of the members of the band known wide, "you don't mean to tell me that those young men arc as the Masked Dozen!" 'The Liberty Boys of '76' ?" "Yes, sir. I mean to tell you that very thing. You have heard of them, then?" "Heard of them? Well, I should say I have And you -then you must be Dick Slater, the famous scout and spy!" 'i The youth nodded assent. "I am Dick Slater, captain of the company of 'Liberty Boys,' and have done something in the way of scouting and spying, but I don't know about the famous part of it." "Well, well! Shake Mr. Slater. I am proud to make your acquaintance." The two shook bands heartily, and then Dick said: CHAPTER VII. SHOT FROM BEHIND. Dick started, and stared at the young man in amazement. "You a member of that band?" he exclaimed. "Yes." "But your father said it was a band that has a bad repu tation, that it has robbed and pillaged and committed all kinds of depredations on the plantations in this part of "My reason for making ourselves known to you, Colonel the country." Renfrow, is this: I wish to use your plantation as a sort "And that is the truth, Dick Slater." of headquarters for my men, where they can stay when not "Then how comes it that you, the son of such :fine people after the redskins, and from which point they can strike as Colonel Renfrow and his wife, are a member of such out and make attacks on marauding bands of the enemy." I a band?" "You are more than welcome to do this, Mr. Slater. Consider that matter settled." "Very well, and thank you, sir." They talked a while longer, and then Dick went to the "Liberty Boyt;," and told them what the colonel said. "Good!" cried Bob. "We will settle down here, and be ready to pounce upon any gangs of redcoats that may come fooling around in the neighborhood." The youths were all very well pleased. They liked the place very well, and then, too, Margaret Renfrow was such a bright, beautiful girl that the majority of the youths had fallen in love with her. They were, therefore, pleased to think that they would be at the plantation more or less for some time, and there was sure to be quite a good deal of good-natured rivalry for the favor of the girl. Presently Tom Renfrow approached and asked Dick to Tom colored up, and a look of shame appeared on his face. "I'll tell you just how it came about, Dick," he said. "I have for years been the associate of. a young fellow-a neighbor, in fact, who is and always has been wild and unruly. He gradually acquired influence over me, and at last it got so I was almost as wild and reckless as he was. An\! then, when the war broke out, and neighbor turned against neighbor, and the British preyed on friend and foe ali .ke, this friend of mine proposed to me that we or ganize a band and go to plundering and stealing. He said we could make ourselves rich before the war ended, and that then, when it was over, we would be enabled to go where we pleased and live like lords. "I see," said Dick. "And you consented to do this?" "I did. You see, I had run with him so long, and bad give him a few minutes of his time. The youth acquiescE)d, become so reckless that I was ready for almost anything." and Tom led the way to the edge of the timber, which was "I see. And so you organized the bantl." not more than a hundred yards distant. "Yes. We went to work at once, and had little difficulty
THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. 19 in finding ten more young fellows-fellows who have been engaged in many a wild lark with us-and the band h."llown as the Masked Dozen was organized, with this friend of "Yes." "How is that?" "I will tell you As you may suppose, each and every mine as captain, while I am the lieutenant, and second in one of the members of the Masked Dozen is sworn to aid command "Well, well," said Dick. "Then you were one of those who forced me to make that terrible swim for life yesterday evening?" The youth's tone was stern, and Tom hastened to say: "Yes, Dick, but-I did not favor that at all; but of comse I could not go against all the rest." o, of course not; it would have been us e less." "Abs olutely." "What is the name of the captain of this band?" "Spencer Wharton "He was the one who wore the yellow mask?" 1' Yes." the others in every way in their power." "I would suppose that some such oaths would be taken." "Well, you will be able to understand the matter better when I tell you that Spencer Wharton has long been H. suitor for my sister's hand." "Ah," e.xclaimed Dick, with a start. "I begin to see what you are getting at. "Yes. Well, he has long been a suitor for sister's hand, as I say, but she has never encouraged him. He was per s istent, however, and it was not until Margaret had fu s ed him three times that he accepted the answer as final, and even then he did not give up the idea of making her his wife He simply gave up the thought of having her "Well, why did he have it in for me in such a manner?" b ecome his wife willingly 'rom shook his head. "I understand,'' and Dick nodded. "You have me there," he said. "I don't know why he 0"Sister, the last time she refused him, became vexed beseemed to desire your death to such an extent. Still, he cause of his insistence, and finally told him that she hated was not so bitter until after you had knocked him sensehim, and did not wish him ever to come on the place again. less if you will remember." This, of course, made him very angry, and he began plan"True. It was after that that he seemed so fierce and ning to force her to marry him." bitter." "The scoundrel!" said Dick. "Yes, and from what I know of him, what you did to "He is more than that. He is a fiend. He at once began him was quite sufficient fo make him hunger for your working among the other members of the band, and soon heart's blood." "He is a fierce fellow, then?" "He is a demon, if ever there was one." "So I s hould judge. No one save a fiend would force a human b e ing to undergo what I was forced to yesterday eve ning." "Yon are right." "We ll, Tom, if I may ask, what i s your object in telling me this?" "My object is twofold, Dick." "Well?" "I have made up my mind, first, to break loose from won them over to agree to help him in his scheme, and he has concocted a plan to capture sister and carry her away and marry her by force." "He is certainly a bold, and cold-blooded villain." "Yes. When he had won all the others over, then he broa c hed the subj e ct to m e I told him I w ould not hear t o an y thing of the kind." "Quite right." "I told him that bad be been able to win her fairly I would not have objected, but that I would not be a party to such a scheme as he contemplated." "What did be say to that?" this band, to sever my connection with the Masked Dozen." "He told me, coolly, that he did not expect me to give my Instantly _Dick reached otlt, and seizing the other's hand, aid to the affair, but that he did expect me to maintain a shook it heartily. neutral posltion. He said that if I warned my sister, or "That is a good resolution, Tom," he said. "Stick to it, did anything in any way to attempt to spoil his plans, I if not for your own sake, at least for the sake of your would be killed with as little compunction as if I were a parents and for the sake of that sweet, beautiful sister of mad dog." yours." "That is what I would naturally expect from such a "Ah, Dick that is the point. It is for her sake, mainly, scoundrel." that I have made the decision." "Yes, and he would keep his word, too, if it was possible "Indeed?" to do so."
20 THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. "I have no doubt regarding that. r force her to marry him, and she will not suspect how I "You are right. He would kill me without the least learned it." compunction, and I must say that the majority of the "That will be a good plan." other members of the band are not much better than The two talked a few minutes longer, and then, just as Wharton." "What do you wish me to do, Tom?" asked Dick "I'll tell you what I wis h you to do. I wish you to permit me to join your company of 'Liberty Boys.'" Dick was not surprised. "Why do you wis h to join us?" he asked. "Are you a patriot?" "I am. But I will be frank with you, and say that my main reason for wishing to join your company is, first, to save my sister from the machination s of Spencer Wharton, they were on the point of leaving the timber and return ing to the house, there came the sharp, whiplik" crack of a pistol, and throwing up his arms, Tom uttered a gasping cry and fell forward upon his face. OH.APTER VIII. CAPTAIN MCGRAW AND POMP. and second, to insure my safety from the villain's wrath when he learns that I have des erted him and his band." "Some one bas been listenin g ana like ly it is a mem"Either rea s on is sufficient, Tom, and I shall be only ber of the Masked Dozen band," was the thought which :fl.ashed thro1iirh Dick's mind, and whirling, he bounded in too glad to numb e r you as one of my 'Liberty Boys.' "Oh, thank you, Dick. You don t know how much the direction from which the shot had so'!lnded. better I feel. A great load has been taken off my shoul.He suspected that the man who had fired the pistol-shot ders." was Spencer Wharton himself, and in the hope that he "I can understand that. But you are on the right track, might capture the scoundrel the youth exerted himself to get to the spot quickly. now, Tom, and there is no reason why you should not be happy from this day forward." "I have a score to settle with the scoundrel, myself," he thought, "and if I lay hands on him I will s ettle it right "I hope that such will be the case, Dick. I shall always s peedily." regret my years of wildness, however." "That cannot be helped now, and the best thing for you to do will be to forget all about it just as quickly as possible." "That will be hard to do." "Yes, but you c an have very good success by living in the present, and not p e rmitting yourself to think of the past." "I shall try to do that." "Of course your parents and sister do not know that you have been a member of thi s band, Tom?" "No; but I have fancied that father suspected it." The youth was unsuccessful in finding anyone, scoundrel who had :fired the shot had evidently taken to his heels and fled at the top of his speed. "I'll let you go for the present," thought Dick, "in order that I may give Tom my attention. It may be that he is not fatally wounded, if taken care of in time." He hastened back to where Tom lay, and made a quick e xamination. "Thank goodness, he is not even sel'iously wounded," said Dick to himself. "He will be all right in a few min utes The bullet simply inflicted a scalp-wound, and the concu s sion rendered him unconscious, but has not injured "Perhaps not. At any rate, if you join m! company of him to speak of. I will wait here until he comes to, as 'Liberty Boys,' and go with u s and fight for independthere is no need of alarming hi! parents and sister." ence, he will know you are not a member, and will think The youth chafed Tom's wrists and forehead, and soon that he was mi s taken in his s uspicions." the y oung man opened his eyes. "True. '!'hat will be all ri g ht, for I would hate to hav e He stared up into Dick's face for a few moments, won.-him know the truth." deringly, and the n said: "And now, about your sister, Tom. You had better "What happened?" w:J.rn her not to venture away from the vicinity of the "Some one :fired upon you, Tom." hou se, had you not?" "Ah, yes. I remember now. We were just going to "Yes, I'll warn her. I will tell her that I accidentally start to the house." that Wharton was plotting to carry her off and "Yes."
THE LIBER'l'Y BOYS' BLACK BAND. 21 The young man rose to a sitting posture and felt of his ead. "What is that you say? Tom one of your men?" ex claimed the astonished woman. "Am I hurt much?" he asked. "Yes, mother," said Tom. "I have joined Mr. Slater's "Oh, no, not seriously." company of 'Liberty Boys,' and instead of putting in my "I'm glad of that. My head feels buzzy, though, and as time scooting around the country doing nothing I am going ig as a bushel-basket." to settle down and help fight for the great cause." "It will soon get over that." \ "I hope so." "It will, though your head will doubtless feel more or "Oh, Tom, I'm so glad," cried Margaret, and she threw her arms around her brother's neck and kissed him. Colonel Renfrow had come up and had heard what Tom ess sore for a few days. The bullet cut through the scalp." said, and his face brightened wonderfully, and into the Tom now rose to his feet, but swayed dizzily. Dick took stern eyes came a look of pleasure. He stepped quickly old of the young man's shoulder, and steadied h.im. "Can you walk, now, do you think?" he asked presently. "I guess so." "Very well, then. We will go to the house, and I will ress your wound." They started, walking slowly, for Tom was still somehat dizzy. forward and took his son's hand and pressed it warmly. "God bless you, Tom," he said, and then he whirled and strode away. Tom gave :pick a meaning look, and there was a look on his face of almost happiness. He knew that he had lifted a load from his father's heart. ''.I want to have a little talk with you, Margy," said Tom "Who do you think it was that fired on you?" asked and she accompanied him to the large sitting room, which ick, who wished to get the young man's views on the was at that time vacant. bject, to see if they coincided with his own. "What do you want, Tom?" asked Margaret. A sober look appeared on Tom's face. _-"It was a member of the Masked Dozen band, you may e tiure," he said. "'l'hat is the way I figured it." "Yes, and it would not surprise me if it were Spencer arton himself." "I think that more than likely, Tom." "Well, I am sorry that he has discovered that I have deerted them so soon, but it can't be helped, and they would 1ave known it before long, anyway." "Yes, it doesn't matter much, now, for he failed to kill r ou, and from now on you can be on your guard." 1True." They soon reached the house, where Dick told Tom's par ts and sister that some one had fired upon them from ack in the timber, and the bullet had struck Tom, in icting a scalp -wound. He did not tell them that the ullet was intended for Tom. -"I wish to warn you, Margy." "Warn me?" "Yes." "Of what, Tom?" "Danger of capture, Margy." "Why, who would wish to capture me, Tom and why?" in surprise "Can you think of no one who would wish to do so, Margy?" The gtrl thought awhile, and then shook her head. "No," she said. ''1 can think of no one who would wish to capture me." "Spencer Wharton!" Margaret started, and gave utterance to a cry of amazement and dismay. "You don't mean it, Tom ?" she exclaimed. "Yes, Margy." "And you say that Spencer Wharton is going to try to :Mrs. Renfrow and Margaret hastened to get linen for capture me and carry me away?" andages, and water and salve, and Dick, who was an exert at such work, soon dressed the wound, and got Tom feeling almost as good as new. "Oh, thank you for your kindness, Mr. Slater," said om's mother gratefully. "No thanks are necessary, Mrs. Renfrow," said Dick. Yon see, it is really my duty to look after Tom's wound, r he is now one of my men." "Yes." "But for what purpose, brother? What would it avail him?" "He thinks to force you to marry him." The girl paled, and a look of horror came over her face. "Surely there is some mistake, Tom/' she murmured. The youth shook his head. "There is no mistake about it, Margy," he declared. I
22 THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. "Spencer Wharton has made up his mind that you shall "I think it likely you are right, Tom; and oh, be his wife, whether you are willing or not, and he is going careful, for he may try again." to try to capture and carry you away, and force you to "I will be on the lookout for him, now, Margy." marry him." Then the two went back and Margy went to her room, "Oh, the fiend!" while Tom rejoined the "Liberty Boys." "That's what he is, Margy." "But how did you learn this, Tom?" "I overheard him making his plans. Mart Wormsley is going to aid him in the attempt." "Ah, he is a scoundrel, foo, Tom." "Yes, so he is" "And you-you used to be-be friends of theirs, Tom." There was reproach in the tone, though mild; but, mild as it was, Tom felt it, and flushed and looked ashamed. As he did so two men, one a white man and a British offiper, the other a negro, rode up to the piazza, and drew rein. The officer was Captain Morris McGraw and the negro was Pomp. They saw and recognized Dick at once, and greeted him with pleasant nods. "So you escaped both the alligators and the Indians, Mr. Harper?" remarked the captain. "Yes, Captain McGraw," replied Dick. "And you and "I know I used to be their friends, Margy," he acknowlPomp. I see you made your escape in safety, too. How edged, "but I am their friends no longer. Henceforth I am their enemies, and if they attempt to put their plan into effect, I will defeat them if I have to kill both." did you manage it?" "The members of the Masked Dozen band set us free this morning," was the reply, "and so we mounted my horse "I am so glad that you will have nothing more to do and yours, and crossing to the shore came here, as Pomp with them, Tom, and I am even more glad that you have said he would guide me to his master's plantation. joined the company of 'Liberty Boys,' for you will be fight"Well, they did not seem to have as much against you ing for independence." as they did against me, did they?" I "I have been a heartless scapegrace, Margy, and have 1 "No; the leader-the fellow with the yellow mask, you caused you and father and mother lots of trouble and many I know-he said that he would not have been so hard on heart-pangs, but I shall do so no more. Henceforth I am you if you hadn't been so saucy and handled him so rough going to be a true man, and you will have no cause to feel ly." ashamed of me." "I supposed that was the reason he was so severe with Margy kissed him, and there was a happy light in her m e." eyes as she said : "I'm so glad, Tom." "And now, Margy, you must stay close to the house from now qn," said Tom. "You must not give Spencer Wharton a chance to capture you." "I will be very careful, Tom. I would rather die than fall into his hands, for, oh, I lolthe and fear him." Just then Colonel Renfrow approached, and Dick intro duced him to the captain, and the planter offered the Briti s h officer the hospitalities of the place, which was promptly and gladly accepted. "I am tired and almost starved," the captain said, "and with your kind permission will remain the rest of the day and to-night at your home, and will resume my journey "He is a dangerous man, Margy. He is conscienceless to-morrow." and cruel, and there is scarcely anything he is not capa"You are welcome to remain as long as you wish, sir," ble of to carry out his own ends." said the colonel, with much heartiness, seemingly, as he "I am sure of that." would have shown had the captain been a patriot instead "I more than half believe it was him that shot me a of a redcoat. little while ago, Margy." While the captain was eating breakfast Dick had a con"Do you think so, Tom?" versation with the colonel, instructing him as to what he "Yes. I was talking to Dick Slater, and telling him wished to make-the British officer think regarding the Lib11bout Spencer Wharton, and how he was going to try to erty Boys." capture you and carry you away, and I think he was conDick thanked Pomp for bringing his horse to the plantacealed near at hand, and heard me, and then, when I tion. "I feared I had lost my horse for good," he said. joined the 'Liberty Boys,' I think he made up his mind "I t'ought dem fellers wid masks on deir faces'd keep de to get me out of the way, so as to keep me from interfering I hoss, massa, but dey didn'," said Pomp. with his plans." When the captain had eaten breakfast he felt so much I
TIIE LIBERTY BOYS' BL.ACK BAND. 23 better that be decided to continue bis journey, and Dick belief was that the party would come in the direction of and the "Liberty Boys" were glad that be came to this the colonel's plantation. decision. J "I left a couple of the boys to spy upon the redcoats, ".Are you going my way, Mr. Harper?" the captain asked Dick," said Bob, "and if the enemy heads in this direc Dick. 1 tion the boys will hasten on ahead and let us know-'.' "I don t think I will continue the journey to-day, cap"That was a good plan, Bob. How many of the redcoats tain," said Dick "I am so broken up and unnerved over do you think there are?" the experiences which I was forced to undergo by the "Oh, about fifty, I should say." members of that Masked Dozen band that I don't feel like "Well, we ought to be able to capture the entire force, if traveling." it comes this way." "Well, if my business was not urgent, I would not con"I should think so." tinue my journey so soon," the captain declared. "I don't Dick did some lively thinking, and at last a thought blame you for wishing to stop here as long as possible, for struck him. If the redcoats came he would want to be the young lady of the house is very beautiful, I must say," and he looked at Dick and smiled knowingly. The youth was willing the officer should think Margaret's on hand to spoil their plans, if they intended to plunder the colonel's house, and in order to prevent this he felt that it would be a good plan to be right on the ground.. beauty was what was holding him there; and so he pre-In order to do this he decided that in case the two "Libtended to look s lightly confused. erty Boys" came and reported that the enemy was com" Oh, come now, don t joke a fellow, captain," he said. ing he would have fifty of the youths black up like ne" Ob, that's all right. I'd do as you are doing if I could groes, and take up their quarters in the negroes' cabins. afford to." "I will have two bands of men--0ne black, the other Then the officer beckoned to Dick, and the two stepped white,'' he told Bob, to whom he told his plans, "and I around the corner of the house. will black up and command the black band, while you will "What do you think about this party of strangers, Mr have charge of the white band, which will have a positi.on Harper?" asked. 1 just within the edge of the timber, where it can coroo "I really don't know, Captain McGraw/' replied Dick. quickly, if needed." "Do you suppose they are rebels?" "That will be a good scheme, Dick," said Bob, who was "I really cannot say. They came in here, lasj; night, and always taken with anything original and novel. "Say, that the Indians away, and that's all I know about them.'' would be a surprise to the redcoats-to have what they "Where did they come from?" supposed to be cowardly negroes suddenly turn out to be "They said they came from the north, and that's as much fighters, and force them to surrender." of an explanation as they seem willing to give." "It seems rather strange, it appears to me." "Yes. I think it seems rather strange, but they have not offe red to molest any one here, so I hardly think they are viciom1." The captain's horse was brought around at this moment, and h e shook hands with Dick, and bade him good-bye, and then he thanked Colonel Renfrow for his hospitality, and bidding him good-bye, the officer mounted and rode away. .Acting on a suggestion which Dick had made to Bob, the "Liberty Boys" had quietly bridled and saddled their horses, and they now mounted and rode away toward the south. This was done for the captain's benefit, as he could not fail to see them, and would think them gone for good. .An hour later the "Liberty Boys" came riding back, and they brought somenews with them. They had seen a party of redcoats coming across the St. Johns River, and their OH.APTER IX. THE BLACK BAND. / "Boys, one of our men is a traitor." Deep in the woods, perhaps two miles from the planta tion of Colonel Renfrow, down in the bottom of a nar row ravine, was a small log cabin. In this cabin were eleyen men, and it was one of these who uttered the words given above. The men were not very far along in years. Their average age would not have exceeded twenty-one years, and the majority of them were smooth-faced, and looked like youths of eighteen or nineteen. A close study of the faces would have revealed the fact
,. ? :_'5..: ... THE LIBERTY ROYS' BLACK BAND. that while some of the young men were fairly good-looking, "For the reason that there is a party of men there out their faces had a dissipated look, and in the most of the numbering us ten to one." cases the predominating expression was either weakness or "A party there of more than a hun.Q.red men?" in sur .cruelty, and in many both these traits were mingled prise. in the one face. These young men were the members of the band known as the Masked Dozen, though they did not now have their masks on, and the speaker was Spencer Wharton, the cap tain of the band. He was not unhandsome, but his face was cruel-looking and the man's air was one of recklessness. His face showed the marks left by dissipation and unrestrained passions. When he made the statement that one of their number was a traitor, the members of the band looked at one an other with an air of suspicion. said: N oticing this, Wharton I I 11. "I I .!..\.: lll -iL.! "Look around you, and see who is missing." There was a short period of silence, and then there came in chorus : "Tom Renfrow." "Yes." "Who are they?" The leader smiled. "You would never guess," he said. "Then tell us," in impatient tones. "I will, but first, who do you suppose the fellow was that we made swim from the island to the shore yester day evening?-the scoundrel who struck me!" A fierce light shone in the fellow's eyes as he ended. "Haven't the least idea." "We couldn't guess, captain." "Who was he?" "Tell us." The captain looked around over the men, and showing his teeth in a smile, said : "You have all heard of a young fellow up North who Wharton bowed." ,, by his daring and bravery earned the name of 'The ChamAna he is the traitor, he said. S f th R 1 t' h 't :ni p10n py o e evo u ion, aven you. "How do you know, captain?" asked one. "The fact "Y ,, th "b t 1 th t f 11 I es, yes, was e cry, u sure y a young e ow that he is not here does not prove that he is a traitor, for 't ,, wasn -i he has been absent from our gatherings many times b'1 fore." "That young fellow was no other than Dick Slater, i.he 'Champion Spy of the Revolution,' and also the cap ain "So he has, Mart. But I have other and absolute proof of a company of young fellows known as 'The Liberty that he is a traitor." Boys of '7
THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. 25. 1roposed that he join the Lib erty Boys,' and was accepted dred yards or so distant from the house, and mingled with s a member." the negroes. It would have taken a keen eye, indeed, to "That settles it, then." "Yes, so it does." have discerned that more than half the number in the 1icinity were not genuine negroes. "Why didn't you put a bullet through him, Spencer?" "I did try." "You did?" I I Dick remained at the house and told Colonel Renfrow his plans, and the planter promised to do all he could to as::;ist in the work of capturing the redcoats. At last the redcoats appeared in sight, and Dick made I I "And failed?" bis way to the nearest cabin, and watched the approach of "Yes. I thought I had succeeded; he dropped in his the enemy. racks when I fired, and I got away from there lively, for They halted in front of the house, and their leader, a : knew that fellow, Slater, would be after me, hotfoot; but captain, dismounted and stepped up onto the piazza. : paused where I could keep watch, and not long after. "Are you the owner of this plantation?" the officer vard I saw the two walking to the house." asked, addressing the colonel, who had advanced to m eet "You didn t kill Tom, after all?" him. "No. I aimed at his head, and I figure it that I simply "I am, sir," was the reply. the top of his head, and knocked him senseless, but "What is your name?" :hat he was not seriously wounded." "Renfrow, sir-Colonel Renfrow, at your service." "That was hard luck." "Where did you get your title?" was the somewhat sneer"Yes But still, I would rather have the pleasure of ing question. ielping bang him, and now we will capture him and end ''I earned it, sir," was the dignified reply. iim in that way." "Yes, but won't it be a difficult matter to capture him?" "Oh, yes, it will be difficult, but it is not an impossibility "Il,ldeed? In this war?" "No, sir. In the French and Indian war." "Then you have taken no part in this war?" >y any means." "No, sir." "How a.re you going to go about it?" I "Wh a t are you, Whig or loyalist?" "I will tell you." And then Wharton explained his plans '1 "I am neutral, sir." ; o his men, who nodded their heads and seemed to think "Humph," with a contemptuous air. "Neutral, you :he plans would result in success. I say?" "And afte r we have captured and made an end of Tom "Yes, sir." Renfrow, we will capture his sister, and I will put my "That will not do at all, sir." )Ian of marrying her into execution," said Wharton, with "Why not?" L vicious look in his eyes. I "For very simple reason that I, as representing my * * King George, am not willing to accept you as An liour after the return of the "Liberty Boys" to Coli being neutral. If you are not for the king you are against m el Renfrow's plantation the two youths who had been l1im, and I sha ll act toward you as toward an enemy." left behind to do scout and spy work rode up and an"I beg of you not to be hasty, captain," said the colonel, 1ounced that the party of redcoats was coming. r.almly. "How long before it will get here, do you think?" asked I "I shall do nothing hastily. At present, myself and Dick men are very much fatigued from long riding, and we are "Oh, half an hour, I should judge. They are riding very hungry as well. Give orders to your negroes to pre ;lowly." I pare us a good dinner at once." "That will give us plenty of time," said Dick, and then "Very well, sir. Where will you it served?" 1e gave his orders at once. Ile divided the "Liberty Boys" "Is there not room in the hou se?" lnto two parties and sent Bob into the edge of the timber with one, then the members of the other party pro. "By using two or three rooms, yes, sir." "I'll tell you what you do. Have a table set for six in peeded to black themselves up till they looked very much your dining-room. The dinner for the main portion of my like negroes at a short distance. force may be served und er thos e three large trees in your This done, they went to the cabins, which stood a hun. l back yard
.26 THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. "Very well, sir," and saluting, the colonel entered the in the houses, were now prisoners, and it only remained to house to give the orders :for the preparing of the meal. secure the six. The captain and five of the men dismounted and stepped "Surround the houses," ordered Dick, and leaving a up on the and took seats, while the rest of the 1 dozen to stand guard over the prisoners, the youths sur redcoats rode around to the rear of the house and yelled rounded the house. to the negroes to come and take care of the horses. The captain of the redcoats and his five companioneiThe real negroes came hurrying forward and led the who, as it turned out, were Tory citizens of St. Augustine horses to the stable and tied them in and around the build-who had come with the British :for the sport of the thinging, aud proceeded to give them some feed. The soldiers had entered the houses, and were in the dining-room, just threw themselves down on the grass in the shade of the beginning their meal, and. selecting six men from among trees, and made preparations to take it easy and enjoy his black band, Dick led the way into the house. The six themselves. held muskets in their hailds, and when they reached the They lighted their pip.es and smoked:, talked, and laugh ed boisterously. So secure and safe did they feel that they did not. pay any attention to what was going on around them, and Dick Slater and his black band did not have any difficulty in stealing up and surrounding redcoats before they knew what was happening. The first intimation the British soldiers had that they were in danger was when the black band by a sudden, quick movement, surrounded them and presented pistols at their heads, with the words, uttered in stern, ringing tones by Dick Slater: "Surrender, and without making the least noise, or you are dead men." The instant Dick and his portion of the :force made the move described, Bob and his men came rushing to the scene, and :when the redcoats saw the white-faced youths they understood all. "Y-you are not-not-negroes at all," gasped one of the dining-room door Dick opened it and entered quickly, the black band following. Never was there a more astonished set of men than the six redcoats when the members of the black band stepped into the room and covered them with the muskets. They stared in mute horror. It was a tableau worthy the brush of an artist. "W-what d-does this m-mean ?" gasped the captain. "It means that you are our prisoners," replied Dick coolly. "Surrender, or die." "What :folly!" sneered the officer, he having quickly re gained bis self-possession. "You shall pay dearly for this joke, young man. My men are near at hand, and each and every one of you fellows shall stretch hemp." "My dear captain, your men are near at hand, I am aware, but they are not in a position to render you assist ance or do us any harm." "Why not?" staring, and a startled look came in his eyes. redcoats. "For the reason that they are prisoners, sir. Hold up "No, we are white men, and you will do well to hold up your hands." your hands and surrender at once. We are 'The Liberty Boys of '76,' and we are not to be :fooled with." "The 'Liberty Boys !' "Great Guns!" "It's all up with us!" "Don't ;;hoot!" "We surrender!" The six men did so, the captain fuming as he did so. "It is not, cannot be true," he cried. "How could six men have captured fifty? You are simply telling a false hood, but it will avail you nothing to make prisoners of us, :for my men will speedily free us." "Remove their weapons," ordered Dick, paying no at tention to the captain's words, and one of the youths disSuch were a few of the exclamations from the redcoats, armed the six. and up went their hands with alacrity. This done, their hands were tied together behind their "That is good," said Dick, approvinngly. "You are backs. wise in surrendering, for if you had attempted to show "Now, come to the window and look out," said Dick, fight we would have killed every one of you." leading the way to a window which looked out in the rear of Then. Dick gave orders that the hands of the prisoners the house. be bound together behind their backs, and this was speedThe captain and his five companions obeyed, and cries ily done. of anger and dismay escaped their lips as they saw the The entire :force, with the exception of the six redcoats entire British :force sitting around, under the trees, with
THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. 27 heir hands bound, and guards standing near. Perhaps "Of course not. But are you going to take the prisoners lfty of the "Liberty Boys," some white and some blacked to Savannah, Dick?" lp, were in sight, and the captain, giving utterance to an )ath, a s ked : "What force is that out there?" "My force," was the calm reply. "Your force?" "Yes." "Well, who are you?" "My name is Dick Slater." The six started, and exclamations escaped their lips. It was evident that they had heard of the famous patriot scout and spy. "Are you really Dick Slater?" asked the captain. "I am, sir." "Then this force out here is--" 'The Liberty Boys of '76.' The six looked at one another in dismay. "What are you doing down here in Florida?" asked the officer. "Yes, that is my intention." Half an hour later, having given his instructions, Dick took his departure, and having crossed the St. Johns River on the :flatboat, he struck out in the dii:_ection of St. Au gustine. He succeeded in reaching St. Augustine in safety, and managed to enter the town without being suspected of being a rebel spy. Once in the town, the youth's work was more than half completed, and he easily secured such information as he was searching for, and when this had been accomplished, he hastened to shake the dust of the town off his feet. When he got back to Colonel Renfrow's plantation he fauna the colonel and his wife and daughter very much alarmed on account of the disappearance of their son and brother Tom. "How long has he been gone?" asked Dick, an anxious look on his face. "Capturing redcoats,'; was the prompt reply. "About two hours," was the reply. The officer bit his lips, and it was evidently only by a "And some of the negroes say he was seized by some great effort that he kept from uttering bitter oaths. men with masks on their faces and carried away," exAfter a few moments he turned away from the window, plained the colonel. "That is what makes us so anxious, saying: Slater, for we are inclined to believe that he has fallen "Well, are you going to starve us? We are hungry, and into the hands of the Masked Dozen." would like to eat our dinner." "It is likely that is the case,'' said Dick. "Well, we "You shall eat all you want," said Dick, and the men were allowed to take seats at the table and finish the in errupted meal, their arms being freed for the purpose. They being unarmed, Dick had no fear of their doing nything. In the meantime food had been taken to the redcoats out nder the trees, and they ate while guarded by fifty of must try to find Tom at once." "Yes, but you have no means of knowing where they have taken him," said Mrs. Renfrow, her face pale and drawn. "You are right, but we will scatter, and search in every direction," said Dick. "I should think that one hundred of us 01.1ght to be able to find him if he is anywhere within he Boys," who stood over them with leveled pis-a reasonable distance of the plantation." ols. The question now came up of what should be' done with he prisoners, and it was solved by taking them upstairs nd placing them in vacant rooms, and placing a ard over them. "Now, what are you going to do, Dick?" asked Bob, hen this had been attended to. "I shall 'start at once for St. Augustine, Bob." "To-day, you mean?" "Yes. I want to get that part of the work done as uickly as possisle, for there is danger that a large force f the British might come this way and rescue their comades whom we have captured, and I don't want that to appen." The "Liberty Boys" were just on the point of starting out to search for Tom when Pomp, the negro, came run ning u:p. He was panting and almost out of breath, and could hardly speak, but managed tO gasp out: "Uf yo' wants ter-sabe-Massa Tom-yo' hed bettah come-erlong ob me-right erway !" "Do you know where the scoundrels took him?" asked Dick eagerly "Yes, I-follered dem-de raskals wid de masks ober deir faces-an' I done seed whar dey took Massa Tom." "Where did they take him, Pomp?" "Ter er cabin-ober-in de timber." "How far from here?" Bout two miles, massa."
28 THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. "How many of the men with masks on were there?" "I would rather die than remain a member of you wLeben, massa Dick." band," was the dauntless reply. .'Then there is no need of so many of us going after "You will die, and very soon, Tom Renfrow, and the them. Twenty will be enough." And Dick quickly speqimy next move will be to capture your sweet and beautifu fied who should go, and the party set out, leaving the sister and carry her off and force her to become my wifemajority of the "Liberty Boys" behind. Pomp was guide, ha, ha, ha! How do you like the thoughts of that, Tom?" of course, and he hastened his steps, for he told Dick as A :fierce light came into the eyes of the youth, and he they walked along that one of the men was threatening glared at Wharton with intense hatred. what be was going to do with Tom. "You are a :fiend, Spencer Wharton," he said. "But you "Was he the one with the yellow mask on?" asked Dick. will not be permitted to carry out your plans. My sister "Yes, dat's de berry feller, Massa Dick; an' he wuz tellwill have plenty of friends to take care of her, even after in' Massa Tom dat he wuz gwyne ter hang 'im ter er tree; I am gone, and you will find that you cannot make a sue so I guess es how't we'd better hurry all we kin." cess of your scheme." This was Dick's idea, too, and they moved through the "I suppose you have reference to that gang of young timber at a lively pace, and it did not take very lop.g for fellows who call themselves the 'Liberty Boys?' remarke Wharton sarcastically. them to reach the vicinity of the "Yes, and their leader knows all about you, Spence As they came in sight of it, twelve men emerged from Wharton, and he has a grudge against you for forcing hi the cabin and made their way to a huge tree standing a to swim the gauntlet of the alligators, and will make a short distance from the door. Eleven of the men wore end of you as sure as he lays eyes on you." ma sks on their faces. The twelfth had no mask, and this "Bah! I fear him not. If we meet again it will be one was a prisoner, his arms being bound behind his back. Thls was 'l'om Renfrow, of course, and the eleven men who had him a prisoner in their midst were the members of the band known as the Masked Dozen. The came to a stop under a limb which extended straight out from the ma .in body of the tree, and a rope was dear meeting for him." "Do you think so, Spencer Wharton?" queried a coo voice, coming seemingly from right behind him, and h whirled with a snarl of rage-to find himself and com rades surrounded by a party of at le ast twenty youths, al with pistols out and levelled. The speaker was Dick Slater, and as a cry of joy escape fastened around Tom's neck, and the other end was thrown over the limb in question. the lips of Tom Renfrow a curse escaped the lips of Spe "Now, then, Tom Renfrow," said Spencer Wharton, in cer Whartoll. a cold, merciless voice, "your time has cpme:" "Perhaps so," was the cool reply. "There is no 'perhaps' about it. You are a prisoner in our midst, and no one who takes any interest in your welfare has the least idea of your whereabouts, or ,indeed, that you are in danger." "Perhaps so." "Bah I Tom Renfrow, you are a traitor!" "Surrender cried Dick. "Throw up your hands o you are dead men!" "Don't surrender, boys!" cried Wharton, jerking a pi, tol out of his belt. "Fight to the death! Better death tha capture!" "Fire!" cried Dick, and the "Liberty Boys" obeyed, ing a volley which was so deadly that every one of t members of the Masked Dozen band fell to the groun either rlead or dying. "And Spencer Wharton, you are a scoundrel!" was the cool retort. "Oh, curse you---curse _YOU!" almost shrieked Wharto "Pull down on that rop e a bit, boys, and let him .see how and he tried fo level the pistol at Dick, with the intentio it feels," growled Wharton; "he is altogether too saucy, of shooting him. One of the youths kicked .the weapo and some of it should be taken out of him." The men obeyed, tightening the rope to such an extent that the intended victim was partially choked. "Now then, Tom Renfrow, I guess you won't be so chipper and saucy," remarked Wharton triumphantly. "You know how the rop e feels already, and you are to die the death of a traitor." out of the wounded desperado's hand, however, and he wa forced to content himself with giving utterance to a voile: of curses. / The rope was removed from Tom's neck, and his a9 freed, and even before he bad finished explaining how JM had been made a prisoner, the wounded desperadoes we1 dead.
THE LIBERTY BOYS' BLACK BAND. 29 The band had been wiped out at one blow. the thanks were really due Pomp, who had followed the It was decided to bury the men, and this was done, a desperadoes and seen where they took Tom. spade being found in the cabin. And when this had been done, Tom showed Dick where the gold and silver that had stolen by the band was hidden "But for Pomp we would not have found Tom in time to save his Life," Dick declared, and Colonel Renfrow promptly rewarded the colored man by making him a free It was under the floor of the cabin, in one coi:ner, and man as they had no desire to return to the spot, they proceeded Pomp looked a bit dubious when told that henceforth he to unearth the treasure was free, and could go and come as he pleased. "See heah," It was placed in a bag which was found in the cabin, he said, "'I dunno 'bout dis heah free bizness I doan wan and the youths were on the point of startin for the plantater g'way frum de plantation, Massa Kunnel, an' rudder n tion when Bob Estabrook, who had been outside, scouting do dat I'll stay er slabe, uv hit's all de same ter yo'." around, in with the that a party of In"You may stay, Pomp, of course, if you wish," was the dians had surrounded the cabin, and were advancing slowly reply. "I shall be glad to have you do so, but I will pay but surely toward it. you wages for your work." "How large a party do you think it is, Bob?" asked Dick. "An' kin I hab Elizy ter be my ole woman, Massa?" "It is hard to say, Dick. There may be fifty of the red ':Yes, if she'll have you, Pomp. And if she accepts you rasca ls, and there may not be more than a score." shall be free, also." "Well, be they twenty or fifty, I think we can give them "Hurray, Massa Kunnel I'se de happiest nigger in all they want," said Dick grimly, and then he told the all ob Floridy, so I am," and away Pomp went to ask Eliza boys to get ready to give the redskins a warm reception. the momentous question. She must have said yes, for the "Let the door remain open," he said, "and stand back next time they saw Pomp there was a huge grin on his face. out of range, so as to avoid being hit by arrows. Then There were two more happy ones on the plantation, too; when the Indians approach cfose, give it to them from they were Frank Davis, one of the "Liberty Boys," and a muskets and pistols." fine, handsome fellow, and Margaret Renfrow, they having Closer still came the redskins. The leaders were almost fallen in love with each other, and before the "Liberty to the open door, and then Dick gave the signal for action. Boys" left the plantation they plighted their troth, the wed Instantly the "Liberty Boys" leaped into a position ding, it being understood, to take place as soon as the war where it was possible for them to see the Indians through was over. the open doorway, and then, crash! roar! a volley rang out. The "Liberty Boys" bad finished their work in that viTbere were only about thirty Indians in the party, and cinity, and returned to Savannah, taking the British officer the volley killed a dozen at least, and the rest, with wild and soldiers with them as prisoners of war, and later on yells of terror and anger, turned and fled without firing they were exchanged for some patriots in the hands of the even one .flight of arrows. They had expected to find the British. cabin empty, and to find it filled with youths who could deal out death so liberally was demoralizing to say the least. "What do you think?" asked Bob. "Will they come back?" "I hardly think so, Bob," was the reply. "Then we might as well go?" They set out at once, and made their way in the direc tion of the plantation. Thay kept a sharp loohmt for the THE END. The next number (89) of "The Liberty Boys of '76" will contain "'rHE LIBERTY BOYS' 'HURRY CALL'; OR, A WILD DASH TO SA VE A FRIEND," by Harry Moore. SPECIAL NOTICE: All back numbers of this weekly Indians, of course, but saw nothing of them, and got safely back to the plantation without having experienced any are always in print If you cannot obtain them any further adventures. newsdealer, send the price i:r;i money or postage stamps by To say that Tom's parents and sister were delighted when mail to FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 24 UNION they saw Tom again, alive and well, is stating the case mildly, and they gave Dick Slater great credit for what SQUARE, NEW YORK, and y _ou will receive the copies be had done, though he entered a disclaimer, and said that you order by return mail.
Tssuecl 1i"'tcU!J,-BY S11bscriplio1 $2.SO per 11rar., tufe; ( t/ _u.< S.r.1111cl_.,(111"" JfattQr" al. the. New l'ork L;tJ..I Office. Nouembe1: 7, 1898, by Frank No. 222. NEW YORK, SEP'l1EUBEH 3, Price 5 Cents ,... .Shot .. after shot was the outlaws, driving them back, but rocks .sen! dying wire with fo:r:_ce_,_. -
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Dowd. the Yellow Sea. By "Noname. .55 The Black Diver; or, Dlck Sherman In the Gulf. By Allan Arnold. 1()8 A Monte Cristo at 18; or, F'rom Slave to Avenger. By .Allyn 56 The Haunted Belfry; or, the Mystery of the Old Church Tower. Draper. By Howard Austin. 199 The Floating Gold :\line; or, Adrift in an Unknown Sea. By .57 The House with Three Windo\Vs. By Richard R. Montgomery. Capt. Thos. II. Wilson. 58 Three Old Men of the Sea; or, The Boys of Grey Rock Beach. 200 Moll Pitcher's Boy; or, As Brave as His lllother. By Gen'l By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. Jas. A. Gordon. 59 3,000 Years Old; or, The Lost Gold l\Ilne of the Hatchcpee Jillie. 201 "We." By Richard R. Montgomery. 60 Howard Austin. / 202 Racer; or, Around the World In .61 The Yellow Diamona; or, Groping in the Dark. By Jas. C. Merritt. 203 The Boy Pioneers; or, 'racking an Indian Treasure. By .Allyn l62 The Land of Gold: or, Yankee Jack's .Adventures in Early .AusDraper. tralia. By Richard R. Montgomery. s th D n F' S t B O 163 on the Plains with Buffalo Bill; or, Two Years In the Wild West. 204 Still Alarm am, e armg oy 1reman; or, ure o e n By an Old Scout. Hand. By Ex-Fire Chief Warde n. 164 The Cavern of Fire; or, The Thrilling .Adventures of Professor 203 r,ost on the Ocean; or, Ben Diufl''s Last Voyage. By Capt. Thos. Hardcastle and Jack Merton. By Allyn Drapei-. 206 ll. Wilson. 65 Water-Jogged; or, Lost in the Sen of Grass. By Capt. Thoe. H. Jack Wright and His Electric Canoe; or, Working in the Wilson. Revenue Service. By "Nonamc." 166 Jack Wright, the Boy lnvento;: ; or, Exploring central Asla In ::!07 Give Him a Chance; or, How Tom Curtis Won His Way. By His Magnetic "Hurricane." Dy "Noname." Howard Austin. 67 Lot 77; or, Sold to the Highest Bidder. By Richard R. l\1ont-208 Jack and I; or, The Secrets of King Pharaoh's Caves. By gomery. Richard H. lllout,..omery. L68 The Boy Canoeist; or, 1,000 Miles In a Canoe. By Jas. c. Merritt. 209 Buried 5,000 Years; or, 'he Treasure of the Aztecs. By Allyn L69 Captain Kidd, Jr. ; or, The Treasure Hunters of Long Island. By Draper. Allan Arnold. 210 Jack Wright's Air and Water Cutter; or, Wonderful Adventures 70 Bag. A Weird Story of Land and Sea. By 211 A True Temper-L 71 "The Lone btar" ; or, The Masked Riders of Texas. By Allyn ance Story. By Jno. B. Dowd. Draper 212 Slippery Ben; or, Tile Boy Spy of the Revolution. By Gen'! L72 A New York Boy out With Stanley; or, A Journey Through Africa. Jrls. A. GQrdon. By J11s. C. Merritt. 213 Young Davy Crockett; or, The L73 Afloat With Captain Nemo; or, The Mystery of Whirlpool Island. Old Scout. By Capt. Thoe. H. Wilson. 214 Jack Wright and His Magnetic Hero of Silver Gulch. By An Motor; or, The Golden City ot L74 Two noys' Trip to an Unknown Planet. Dy Richard R. Mont the Sierras. By "Koname." gomery. 215 Little l\1ac, '.!.'he Boy Engineer; or, Bound To Do His Best. By 75 The Two Diamonds; or, A Mystery of the South .African Mines Jas. C. lllerritt. By Howard Austin. n6 The Boy l\1011ey King: or, Working In Wall Street. A Story Joe. the Gymnast; or, Three Years Among the Jape. By Allan of a Smart New York Boy. By H. K. Shackleford. Arnold. 217 "I." A Story of Strange .Adventure. By Richard R. Mont-77 Jack Hawthorne, of No Man's Land; or, An UncrownP.d King. gomery. By "Noname." 218 Jack Wright, The Bol Inventor, and His Under-Water Ironclad; l Gun-Boat Dick: or, Death Defore Dishonor. Ry Jas. C. Merritt. or, The '.1.'1e.1sure o the Sandy Sea. By "Noname. 79 A Wizard of Wall or, The Career of Henry Carew, Boy 2119 Gerald O'Grady'e Grit; or, The Branded Irish Lad. Hy_ AUyn Draper. Banker. By H. K. Shackleford. 220 Through Thick and Thin: or. Our Boys Abroad. Ry Howard Austin. 80 Fifty Riders in Black; or, The Ravens of naven Forest, By Howard Austin. 81 The Boy Rifle Rangers; or, Kit Carson's Three Young Scouts. By An Old Scout. For sale by an newsdealers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 1nice, 5 cents per copy, by E'BANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. IF YOU .WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS f our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and tl.11 ln the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you by return mail. POSTAGE STAMPS TAl\.EN THE SAME AS MONEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .. . . . RANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. 19Q DE.AR Sm-Enclosed find .... cents for which please send me: copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos .... r o ,. PLUCK AND LU.CK . '' SECRET SERVICE '' ................................................ THE LIBERTY BOYS OF '76, Nos .... ... Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos ..... . Name ........ ..... ......... Street and No ............ Town State . .. . .......
WORK AND W -IN. The .ALL THE READ Best \ZV"eekly Published. PB.INT. N'ti::MBEB.S ABE A.L WA. YS IN ONE AND YOU WILL READ THEM ALL. LATEST ISSUES: 1 8 Fred Fearnot in Texas. ; or, Terry' s Man from Abilene. 7 9 Fred Fearnot as a Sheriff ; or, Breaking up a Desperate Gang 8 0 F red Feai:not Batlled; or, Outwitted by a Woman. 81 Fred Fearnot's Wit, and How It Saved Hls Life. 82 Fred Fearnot' s Great Prize; or, Working Hard to Win. 83 Fred Fearnot at Bay ; or, His G1eat Fight for Life. 84 Fred Fearnot's Disguise; or, Following a Strange C l ew. 85 Fred Fearnot's Moose Hunt; or, Adventures in the Maine Woods. 86 Fred Fearnot"s Oratory; or, Fun at the Girl' s High School. 87 Fred Fearnot"s Big Heart; or, Giving the Poor a Chance. 88 Fred Fearnot Accused; or, Tracked by a Villain. 89 Fred Fearnot's Pluck; or, Winning Against Odds. 90 Fred Fearnot' s Deadly Peril; or, His Narrow Escape from Ruin. 91 Fred Fearnot' s Wild Ride ; or, Saving Dick Duncan's Life. 92 Fred Fearnot' s Long Chase ; or, Trailing a Cunning Villain 93 F'ear Fearnot's Last S1'.ot and How It Saved a Life. 94 Fred Fearnot's Common Sense; or The Best Way Out of Trouble. 95 Fred Fearnot' s Great Find; or, Saving Terry Olcott's Fortune. 96 Fred Fearnot and the Sultan; or, Adventures on the Island of Sulu. 97 Fred Fearnot's Slivery Tongue; or, Winning an Angry Mob. 98 Fred Fearnot's Strategy ; or, Outwitting a Troublesome Couple. 99 Fred Fearnot's Little Joke; or, Worrying Dick and Terry. 100 Fred Fearnot's Muscle; or, Holding His Own Against Odds. 101 Fred Fearnot on Hand ; or, Showing Up at the Right Time. 102 Fred Fearnot"s Puzzle; or, Worrying the Bunco Steerers. 103 Fred Fearnot and Evelyn; or, The Infatuated Rival. 104 Fred Fearnot's Wager; or, Downing a Brutal Sport. 105 Fred Fearnot at St. Simons; or, The Mystery of a Georgia Island. 106 Fred Fearnot Deceived; or, After the Wrong Man. 107 Fred Feamot's Charity; or, Teaching Others a Lesson. 108 Fred Fearnot as "'.l'he Judge ;" or, Heading off the Lynchers. 109 Fred Fearnot and the Clown; o!; Saving the Old Man's Place. 110 Fred Fearnot's Fine Work; or, un Against a Crank. 111 Fred Fearnot's Bad Break; or, What Happened to Jones. 1'12 Fred Fearnots Round-Up; or, A Lively 'l.'lm e on the Ranch. 113 Fred Fearnot and the Giant ; or, A Hot Time in Cheyenne. 141 Fred Fearnot and His Gulde; pr, The Mystery of the Mounta lll. 142 Fred Fearnot's County l<'alr; or.._ The Battle of the Fakirs. 143 Fred Fearuot a Prisoner; or, \.:aptured at Avon. 1-t4 Fred Fearuot and the Seuator ; or, Breakiag up a Scheme. 145 Fred Fcarnot and the Baron ; or, Calling Down a Nobleman. 146 Fred Fearuot and the Brokers; or, Ten Days In Wall Street. 147 Fred Fearnot's Little Scrap; or, The Fellow Who Wouldn't Sta1 148 Greatest Danger; or, Ten Days with the Moon shiners. 149 Fred Fearnot and the Kidnappers; or, Trailing a Stolen Chi! 150 Fred Fearnot' s Quick Work; or, The Hold Up at Eagle Pass. 151 F red Fearnot at Sliver Gulch; or, Defying a Ring. 152 F red Fearnot on the Border ; or, Punishing the Mexican Hor Stealers. 153 Fred Fearnot's Charmed Llfe ; or, Running the Gauntlet. 154 Fred Fearnot Lost ; or, Missing for Thirty Days. 155 Fred Fearnot's Rescue; or, The MP.xlcan Pocahontas. 156 Fred Fearnot and the "White Caps"'; or, Queer Turning o the rabies. 157 Fred Fearnot and the Medium; or, Having Fun with th "Spirits.'' 158 Fred Fearnot and the "Mean Man"; or, The Worst He Eve Struck. 159 Fred Fearnot's Gratitude; or, Up a Plucky Boy. 160 Fred Fearnot Fined; or..t The Judges Mistake. 161 Fred Fearnot's Comic vperl\; or, The Fun that Funds. 162 Fearnot and the Anarchists ; or, The Burning Flag. Raised th of the Red 163 Fred Fearnot's Lecture Tour: or, Going It Alone. 11)4 Fred Fearnot"s "New Wild West" : or, Astonishing the Old East. 165 Fred Fearnot in Russia; or, Banished by the Czar. 166 Fred Fearnot in Turkey ; or, Defying the Sultan. 167 Fred Fearnot in Vienna; or, The Trouble on the Danube. 168 Fred Fearnot and the Kaiser ; or, In the Royal Palace at Berlin 169 Fred I<'earnot in Ireland; or, Watched by the Constabulary. 170 Fred Fearnot Homeward Bound ; or, Shadowed by Scotian Yard. 114 Fred Fearaot" s Cool Nerve; or, Giving It Straight to the Boys. 115 Fred Fearnot's Way; or, Doing Up a Sharper. 171 Fred Fearnot's Justice; or, The Champion of the School Marm. the 172 Fred Fearnot and the Gypsies ; or, 'he Mystery of a Stolen 116 Fred F'earnot in a Fix: or. The Blackmailer's Game. l17 Fred Fearnot as a "'Broncho Buster;" or, A Great Time ln 173 Silent Hunt; or, Catching the "Green Goods" Wild West. 118 F,red Fearnot and his Mascot ; or, Evelyn' s Fearless Ride. 119 Fred Fearnot's St.i:oag Arm ; or, The Bad Man of Arizona. 120 Fred Fearnot as a "Tenderfoot;" or, Having Fun with the Cow boys. 121 Fred Fearnot Captured; or, In the Hands of His Enemies. 122 Fred Fearnot and the Banke r ; or, A Sehemer's Trap to Ruin Him. 123 Fred Fearnot's Great Feat ; or, Winning a Fortune on Skates. 124 Fred I"earnot's Iron Will ; or, Standing Up for the Right. 125 Fred Fearnot Cornered; or, Evelyn and the Widow. 126 Fred Fearnot's Daring Scheme; or, Ten Days in an Insane Asylum. 127 Fred Fearnot's Honor ; or, Backing Up Hls Wora. 128 Fred Fearnot and the Lawyer; or, Young Billy Dedham's Case. 12:! Fred Fearnot at West Point; or, Having Fun with the Hazers. 130 Fred Fearnot' s Secret Society; or, The Knights of the Black Ring. 131 Fred Fearnot and the Gambler; or, The Trouble on the Lake Front. 132 Fred Fearnot's Challenge; or, King of the Diamond Field. 133 Fred Fearnot's Great Gatne; or. The Hard Work That Won. l 34 Fred Fearnot in Atlanta; or, The Black Fiend of Darktown. 135 Fred Fearnot's Open Hand; or, How He Helped a Friend. 136 Fred Fearnot in D ebate; or, The Warmest Member of the Houae. 137 Fred Fearnot's Great Plea ; or, Hla Defence of the "MoneyleN Man." 138 Fred Fearnot at Princeton ; or, The Battle of the Champions. 139 Fred Fearnot's Ch.'cus; or, Old Time at New Era. 140 Fred Fearnot's Camp Hunt; or, The White D ee r of the Adlradacks. Men. 174 Fred Fearnots Big Day: or, Harvard and Yale at New Era. 175 Fred Fearnot and "The Doctor"'; or, The Indian Medicine Fakir. 176 Fred Fearnot and the Lynchers ; or, Saving a Girl Horse Thief. 177 Fred Fetrrnot's Wonderful Feat; or, The Taming of Black :fteauty US Fred l<'earnot's Great Struggle; or. Downing a Senator. 179 Fred Fearnot"s Jubilee; or, New Era's Greatest Day. 180 Fred Fearnot and Samson; or, "Who Runs This Town?" l 81 Fred Fearnot and the Rioters : or, Backing Up the Sheriff. 182 Fred Fearnot and the Stage Robber ; or, Hls Chase tor a Stolen Diamond. 183 Fred Fearnot at Cripple Creek; or, The Masked Fiends of the Mines. 184 Fred Fearnot and the Vigilantes; or, Up Against the Wron Ma.n. 185 Fred Fearnot in New Mexico; or, Saved by Terry Olcott. 186 Fred Fea.rnot in Arkansas; or, The Queerest of All Adventures. 187 Fred Fem-not in Montana; or, 'l'h e Dispute at Rocky Hill. 18-8 Fred Fearnot and the Mayor; or. The Trouble at Snapping Shoals. 189 Fred Fearuot's Big Hunt; or, Camping on the Columbia River. 190 l<'red Fearnot's Hard Experie1100; or, It at Red Gulch. 191 Fred F earnot Strn.nded; or. How Terry Olcott Lost the Money. 192 Fred Fearnot in the Mountains; or. Held at Bay by Bandits. 193 Fred Fenrnot's Terrible Risk; or, T erry Olcott's Reckless Venture. .194 Fred Fearnot's La.st C<.rd; or, The Game That Saved His Life. For sale by all newsdealers, or postpaid o n receipt of I lriOO, 5 cents per copy, by FB.A.:NX TOUSEY, Publisher, 24: Union. Squa.re, New York IF Y O U WANT ANY BAC K NUMBERS of our Libraries in the followiDg turn mail. and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained rrom this office direct. Cut out and fill Order Blank and send it to us with the price or the oooks you want and we will send them to you by l'9' POSTAGE STAlt,IPS TAKE::N 1.'BE SAME AS MONEY. . . . . . . . ...... FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. ............. 19Q DEAR Sm-Enclosed find ..... cents for which please send me: copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos ............................ . . . . . . . . . a PLUCK AND LUCK ... ............ ..... SECRET SERVICE .... ........................ THE LIBERTY BOYS OF '76, Nos ............................ .......... T en-Cent Hand Books, Nos .......... ..... ...... : . . ........ N rune .............. Street and No .... .............. Town ........ State ...
S AGE I No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAKER.-Containing foul'THE T E teen illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to No. THE; ;BOYS OF YORK END. MENS JOK a good speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also containing gems fron: BOOK.-Contammg a vanety of.the Jokes used the all the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the mos lll<?St famous men. No amateur mmstrels is complete without simple and concise manner possible. tis, wonderful httle pook. Xo. 40. HOW TO DEBATE.-Giving ru,Ies for conducting dg. No .. 4f!. THE OF NEW YORK STUMP SPEAKER.bates, outlines for debates, questions for discussion, and the bes ntai!lmg a varied assortl!lent of stump Negro, Dutch I sources for procuring information on the questions given. and Irish. Also end men's Jokes. Just the tbmg for home amuse-ment and amatem shows. SOCIETY. :;o. 45 '\HE B9YS OF YORK No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.-The 11rts and wiles of flirtation al'\ .l.NlJ JOKI,J B<?OI .... :--Somethi_ni; new a!ld vei.y Every 1 fully explained b this little book. Besides the various methods ooy. should obtam this as 1t con tams full mst1 uct10ns for orhandke chi f fa Y glove parasol window and hat flirtation, it con p.mzmg an amateur mmstrel troupe. r e 0 d t f fl h" h N 65 :\IL"LDOON'S JOI"ES -'This is one of the most original a .full hst of the language an sent1men o owers, w 1c u k1 ob. k. -bl" h d d.,. t is br"mful of wit and humor. It m_terestmg to everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy JO e oo s ever pu 1s e., an i 1. without one. ntams a large collection of conundrl!ms, .etc., of No. 4 HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsom6 Terrence l\Iuldoon, the great humorist and prn_etic!ll Joker of little book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instruc the Ever.Y boy .who can enJOY a good substantial Joke should 1 ions in the art of dan:cing etiquette in the ballroom and at partiea tam a copv 1mmedrntely d d f 1 d f 11 ff II I N H .0'"" TO B ... ;,c 01\IE AN ACTOR -C t how to ress, an u irections or ca mg o m a popu a.r squan o .. 1 ., ..,. on ammg com dances. ete mstruct10ns. how to mll;ke up for various characters on the No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.-A complete guide to love 1 tage.; with the duties of the Stage. l\fanager, P.rompter, courtship and marriage giving sensible advice, rules and etiqueth Scemc Artist and Property i\Ian. _B.v a prol!lment St!lg.e Manager. to be observed wii:b curious and interesting tbi. ngs not gen :"'?. 80. Gl'S WILLIAl\IS' the laterally known. 1 t J o kes, anecdote s and funny. stoues _of this world-re?ow11eu and No. 17 HOW TO DRESS.-Containing full instruction in th ever popular GerI!la.n comedian. Sixty-four pages handsome ru-t of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving th :olored cover contammg a. half-tone photo of the author. selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up. No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.-One of th brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world Everybody wishes to know bow to become beautiful, both ma.le 11nd female. The secret is simple, and almost costless. Read this boo} and be convinced bow to become beautiful. HOUSEKEEPING. No. 16. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN.-Containing l ull instructions for constructing a window garden either in town or <'ountry, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful Sowers at home. The most complete liook of the kind ever pub lished. No. 30. HOW TO COOK.-One of the most instructive books on c ooking ve r published. It couta ins recipes for cooking meats, fish, game and oysters; als o pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of pastry, anda grand collectiun of recipes by one of our most popular cooks. No. 37. HO\\ TO KEEP HOl'SE.-It contains information for e verybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will. teach you how to make almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments, b rackets, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. ELECTRICAL. No. 46. HOW TO MAKE AXD USE ELECTRICITY.-A de 1eription of the wonderful use s of electricity and magnetism; together with full in><trnctions for making Ele'ctri.\; Toys, Batteries, e tc. By George 'l'rebel, A. l\I., :\I. D. Containmg over fifty il lustrations. To. 64. HOW TO l\fAKE ELECTRICAL MACHINES.-Con taining full dire ctions for making electrical machines, induction c oils, dynamos, and many novel toys to be worked by electricity. B y R. A. R. Bennett. Fully illustratcil. No. 67. HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.-Containing a large collect ion of instrnctive and higbr_v amusing electrical tricks, together with illustrations. By A. Anderson. ENTERTAINMENT No. 9. HOW TO BECO:'IIE A VE-;o.;TRILOQUIST. By Ilarry ennedy. The se cret given away. Every intellijl'ent boy reading is book of instruc tions, by a practical professor (delighting multi t ole s every night with his wonderful imitations), can master the t, and create any amount of fun for friends. It is.the ea test book ever published. and there's millions (of fun). in it. Ko. 20. HOW TO EN"TERTAIN AN EVENING PARTX.-A ry valuable little book just pub1ished. A complete compendium of games, sports, card diversions, comic recitations, etc., suitable r parlor or drawingroom entertainment. It contains more for tlte oney than any book published. Ko. 35. HOW TO PLAY GA)!ES.-A complete and useful little ok, containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, ckgammon. c roquPt, dominoes. etc. No 36. HOW TO SOLVE CON:l:NDRUMS.-Containing itll the l eadipg conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches and witty sayings. 52. Hon .TO PLAY CARDS.-A complete and bandy little : givil!g the rules a_nd full directions for i;ifaying Euchre, Crib Casmo, Forty-five, Rounce, Pedro Sancho, Draw Poker, A uction Piteh. A ll Fours and many other popular games of cards. No. 66. HOW TO DO PUZZLES.-Containing over three hundred interesting _puzzles and conundrums with key to same A mplete book. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson. ETIQUETTE. No. 13. HOW TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.-lt a great li f e sec r e t. and one that every young man desires to know I about. The r e s happiness in it. No. 33. HOW TO BEIIA YE.-Containing the rules and eti ette o f _gooil so c i ety, and the easiest and most approved methods appe1umg t o good advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church d in t h e drawing-room. DECLAMATION. No. 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS. Containing the most pop)1lar seleC'tions in use, comprising Dutch alect, French dialeet, Yankee and Irish dialect pieces, together Ith many standard readings. BIRDS ANO ANIMALS. No. 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.-Ilandsomely illustrated ane. containing full instructions for the management and training of canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird. paroquet, parrot, ecc No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS A:'\D RABBITS.-A useful and instructive book. Handsomely illu .. trated. By Ira l)rofraw. To. 40. HOW TO l\IAKE AND SET TRAPS.-Including bintc on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and bird11. Also bow to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harringtoi: Keene. No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.-A valu able book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, mountinf and preserving birds, animals and insects. No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.-Giving com plete information as to the manner and method of raising, keepinr. taming, breeding and managing all kinds of pets; also giving instructions for making cages, etc. Fully explained by twenty. eight illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kinl. ever pu blisbed. MISCE'LLANEOUS. No. 8. HOW TQ BECO)IE A SCIENTIST.-A useful and illl0 structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also ex periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, anil directions for making fireworks, colored fires and gas balloon1. This book cannot be equaled. No. 14-HOW TO MAKE CANDY.-A comp.lete handbook fol! making all kinds of C'andy. ice cream, syrups, essences, et-c. etc. No. 19. FRANK 'l'OUSEY'S UNITED STA'l'ES DISTANC!> TABLES, POCKET COMP.ANIOI'{ AND GUIDE.-Giving th.: official distances on all the railroads of the United States andl Canada. Also table of distances by water to foreign ports, hacl; fares in the principal cities, reports of the census. etc .. etc., makine it one of the most complete and hanc!y books published. No. 38. HOW TO BECOl\fE YOUR OWN DOCTOR-A won derful book, containing useful and practical information in th11 treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to eveey .family. Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general com plaints. No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT AND COINS.-Con taining valu!!ble informat ion regarding the collecting and arranginai of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated. Xo. 58. HOW TO BE A DETECTIVE.-By Old King BradJ, the worlil-known detective. In which he lays down some valuabl@ and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventur:! and experiences of well-known detecti'Ves. No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER.-Contailll' ing useful information regarding the Cainera and how to wwk it 0 also how to make Photographic Magic Lantern Slides and othe1< Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De W Abney. No. 62. HOW TO BECO;\IE A WEST POINT MILITARYi C.A-DET .-Containing full explanations how to gain admittance. <'ourse of Study, Examinations. Duties, Staff of Officers, Guard, Police Regulations, Fire Department, and all a boy shou1 know to be a Cadet. Compiled and written by Lu Senarens, authot of "How to a Naval Cadet." No. 63. HOW TO BEC0111E A NAVAL CADET.-Complete h t structions of bow to gain admission to the Annapolis Navl!L Academy. Also containing the course of instruction, descriptiOOJ of grounds and buildings, historical sketch, and everything a bQV should know to become an officer in the United States Navy. ColllF piled and written by Lu Senarens, author of "How to Become o West Point Military Cadet. PRICE 10 CENTS EACH, OR. 3 FOR 25 CENTS. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. <br /> <br /> PAGE 36<br /> <br /> THE LIBERTY BOYS OF '76. A. Weekly M a g azine containing Stories of the American Revolution By HARRY MOORE. These stories are based on actual facts and give a. fai thfu account of the exciting adventures of a brave band of Americai youths who were always ready and willing to imperil their livei for the sake of helping along the gallant ca use of Independence Every number will consist of 32 large pages of reading matter bound in a beautiful colored cover. 1 The Liberty Boys of '76; or Fighting for Freedom. 45 The Liberty Boys Worried; or, The Disappearance of Dick Slate 2 The Llb.,rty Boys' Oath ; or, Settling With the British and Tories. 411 'l'he Libe rty Roys' Iron Gtip; or, Squeezing the Redcoats. 3 The Liberty Bqys' Good Work; or, Helping General Washington. 47 The Liberty Boys' Success; or, Doing What They Set Out to D 4 The Liberty R6ys on Hand; or, Always In the Hight Place. 48 'file Libe1ty Boys Setback : or, Defeated But Not Disgrace d 5 'l'he Liberty Boys' Nerve; or, Not Afraid of the Klng"s Minion s. i9 'l'he Liherty Boys in 'l'oryvllle; o r Dick Slater's Fearful Ris 6 T h e Liberty Boys' Defiance: or, catch and Hang Us if You Can." 50 '.l't.e Liberty Boys Aroused; or, Striking Strong Blows for Libert 7 T h e Liberty Boys In Demand ; or, The Champion Spies ot the n The Liberty Boys Ttiumph ; or, Beating the R e dcoats at The Revolution. Own G:olme. 8 T h e Liberty Boys' H ard Fight; o r Beset by British and Tories. 52 The Liberty Boys' Scare: or. A Miss as Good as a Mlle. 9 The Liberty Boys to t h e Rescue; or, A Host Within Themselves. 53 The Liberty Boys Danger; or, Foes on All Sides. 10 The Liberty Boys' Narrow Escape; or, A Neck-and-Neck Race ;;4 The Liberty Hoy s Flight: or, A Very Karrow Escape. With Death. 55 The Liberty Boys' Strntegy; or, Out-Generaling the Enemy. 1 1 The Boys' Pluck; or, Undaunted by Odds. 5G The Liberty Boys' Warm Work; or, Showing the Redcoats Ho 12 T h e Liberty Boys' Peril; or, T hreatened from all Sides. to Figbt. 13 The Liberty Boys' r .uck; or, Fortune Favors the Brave. 57 The Liberty Boys' "Push"; or, Bound to Get There. 14 The Liberty Boys' Ruse; or, Fooling the British. 58 The Liberty Boys Desperate Charge; or, With ''!.lad Anthon3 1 5 T h e L iberty Boys' '.l'rap, and W hat They Caught In It. at Stony l'oint. 1 6 The Liberty Boys Puzzled; or, The Tories' Clever Scheme. 59 The Liberty Boys Justice. And How They D ealt It Out. 1 7 T h e Liberty Boys' Great Stroke; or, Capturing a British Man -ot60 '.l'h e Liberty Boys Bombarded: o r, A V ery Warm Time. War. 61 The Liberty Boys Scaled Orders; or, Going it Blind. 18 The Liberty Boys' C h a llenge; or, Patriots vs. Redcoats. G2 The Liberty Boys Daring Stroke; or, With "Light-Horse Harr 19 The Liberty Boys 'J'rapped; or, The Beautiful '.l'ory. at Paulus Hook. 20 The Liberty Boys' Mistake; or, '"What Might Have Been." 6 3 'h e Liberty Boys' Lively Times: or, Here. There and 21 T h e Liberty Boys' Work; or, Doing Things Up Brown t34 The Liberty Boys' "Lone Hand"; or, Fighting Against Gre1 2 2 The Liberty Boys a t Bay; or, The Closet Call of All. Odds. 23 T h e Liberty Boys on Their Mettle; or, Making lt Warm tor t h e 65 The Liberty Boys !\'!ascot; or, The Idol of the Company. Redcoats. 66 '.l'he Liberty Boys \Yrath; or, Going for the Redcoats Roughsho 2 4 The Liberty Boys Doubl e Victory; or, Downing the Redcoats and 67 '.l'h e Libe rty P.oys' Battle for Life; or, The llardest Struggle Tories. All. 25 The Liberty Boys Suspected; or, Taken for British Spies. 68 The 1,1berty Boys' r,ost: or, The Trap That Did Not Work. 26. 1 The Liberty Boys C lever Trick; or, Teaching the Redcoats 11 69 '!'h e Liberty Boys' "Jonah"; or. The Yon th Who "Qucererl" Everythin Thing or Two. 70 The Liberty Boys' Decoy; or, B a i t inK the British. 27 The Liberty Boys' Good Spy work; or, with the R e dcoats In 71 The Liberty Boys T.med ; o r The Snare the Enemy Set. Philadelphia. 72 The Liberty Roys Ransom : or, In the Hands of t h e Tory Outlaw 28 Tlle Liberty Boys' Battle Cry; o r With Washington at the Brandy 73 The Liberty Boys as Sleuth-Hounds; or, Trailing Benedict A wine. no!cl. 29 Thi' Boys' Wild Ride; or, Dash to Save a Fort. 74 Boys "Swoop"; or, Scattering the Redcoats Lil .30 'l' h e Liberty Boys In a Fix; or, Threatened by Reds and Whites 75 The Liberty Roys' Hot Time" ; or, Lively Work in Old Virgini 31 TTbhcc LLlibbeerrttyy Boys' Big Contract; or, Holding Arnold in Check 76 The Liberty Boys Daring Scheme; or, Their Plot to Capture tl 32 Boys Shadowed; or, After Di c k Slater for Revenge Kings Son. 33 The Liberty Boys Duped: or, The Friend Who Was an Enemy. 77 The Liberty Boys' Bolcl Move: or, Into the Enemy's Country. 34 The Liberty Boys J<'ake Surrender: or, The Ruse 'hat Succeeded. 78 The Liberty Boys' Beacon Light; or. The Signal on t h e Mountain. 35 The Liberty Boys Signal; or, "At the Clang of the Bell." 79 The Liberty Boys' Honor; or. The Pro111is e That 'Vl'aA K ept. 36 ty Boys' Daring Work; or, Risking Life for Liberty' 80 The Libe rty Boys' "Ten Strike"; or, Bowling the British Over. u 8 J The Liberty Boys' Gratitude, and How they Showed i t 37 The Liberty Boys' Prize, and How They Won It. 8 2 The Liberty Boys an ii the Geori.ria Giant; 01-. A H ard Mn.n to Handle. SR The Liberty Boys' Plot; or, The Plan That Won. 8 3 The Liberty lloys' Dead Line; or, "Cross ii if Da.re!" 3!l The Liberty Boys' 'Great Haul; or, Taking Everything In Sight 84 Th<> Liberty Boys "lloo-DooPd;" or, Trouble nt E"ery Turn. 4') The Liberty Boys' Flush Times: or. Reveling in British Gold. 85. The Liberty Boys' Lenp for J,ife: or. The Light tluit. L e d Them. 41 The Liberty Boys In a Snare: or, Almost Trappe d. 86 The Liber1. y Boys' Indian Friend; or, 'l'he Redskin who Fought for Inc 4 2 T!le Liberty Ro:v..s' Brave Resc ue; or, In the Nick of Time. pendence. 43 1'he Liberty Boys' Rig Day; or, D oing Business by Wholesale. 87 '!'he Liberty Boys "Going it Blind"; or, Taking Big Ch1tnces. 11 The Liberty Boys' Net; or, Catching the Redcoats and Tories. 88 The Liberty Boys' Bll\ck Band; or, Bumping the British Hard. For sa1 e h y an n e w s dealer s. or post11ai d on reC'eipt o f price 5 c e nts per copy, b y PRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union New Y 1 IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS i'1 of our L ibraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out anH 1l in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them t o you by i. turn mail. POS T A G E S'l'AMPS 'l'Al\EN J H E !:o!AllH.: AS lllONEY. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Unio n Square, N e w York. ........................ 190 DEAR Sm-Enclosed find ..... cen ts for which please send me: copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos ............. ..... ........ PLUCK AND LUCK ........ ............... ... SECRET SER.VICE ........... ... ...... ........... ...... ........ THE LIBERTY BOYS OF '76, Nos ..................................... .. Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos .......... ................... ................. N ame ........ ........ ... .. .... Street and N::> .. Town ..... .. .. State .