Z Copyrighted. 18

i .
D3,by Bunu LED Anna.

 

 

‘f’n~*

W1 IIII‘JIlvl‘JiFitjlxllmditiv \v ‘\
Emma m! 5mm cm: mum at leNaw York. N_ v.. PM Olfica. Jun. 25, 1893.

 

,3

J 110.472.

Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams,
No. 9) WILLIAM 51‘. New YORK.

JOE AND JAELBIG FIND.

BY EDWARD WILLETT.

$2.50
a Year.

Prlce,
Flvc Ceuln.

V01. XXXVII.

 

 

           
   
    

 

 

 

Bi ‘ j The Boy Cruisers.

   

 

 

The, Boy Cruisers;-

JOE AND JAP’S BIG FIND.

A Story of the Yapura \Vildcrucss.

 

BY EDWARD WlLLET’I‘,
AUTHOR OF “ minnow FRED.” “ ‘I‘II‘ TRESSELL,
THE FLOATER," “WIDE AWAKE
GEORGE,” mo, ETC.

CHAPTER 1.
STARTING UP THE AMAZON.

IT was in the city of Belem on the Amazon—
the full name of which is Santa Maria de Belem
do Para-«the capital and pride of the Brazilian
province of Pure. ~

In the wuitin room of a vaitewvallcd Con»
vent were an o d priest, Pedro Burunho by
name, and two lads.

The priest was like many of hi: cloth in the
convents of Belem, n. superannunted missionary
from an interior station. sedate and dignified in
manner, kind and fatherly in disposition. The
lads. who might have preferred to be styled
young men, were not only Americans in dress
and language, but had that in their style and
action which proclaimed them as belonging to
the irrepressible nation.

Jasper Hundley, to whom the padre was
speaking. was a handsome and umnlyvyoung
follow (9. eighteen, quite tall for his age, and
with a. bright and intelligent face. ’

His companion, Joe Buggs, was perhaps a
year younger than he, and somewhat smaller in
stature, but with u wiry form that promised
vigor and endurance, and with sharp and rest-
less; eyes that mude one forget the cvidont ugli-
ness of his face.

" You have come quickly, my son,” the priest
was saying.

“ Of course I have,” replied J asper.
for my mother’s sake and my own.
my father and rescue him.”

{Itisagreat undertaking, and I am afraid
you will gain nothing by it, while you may lose
much.”

“IfI do not succeed, sir, it will not be for
lack 0! tr ing. If I should not try, and do
Iny East, would blame myself as long as I
we

“The affair of your father is a strange one,
my son and I confess that I do not fully/under-
s’and it. When he passed through B lcznl was
glad to make his acquaintance, and took great
pleasure in his society, as he was a man of such
extensive information, and such an enthu iastic
naturalist. In a short time we been me fast
friends. I tried to persuade him not to seek the
distant region which he desired to penetrate;
but he would not be persuaded, and I parted
from him with many miscivings.

“I heard nothing from him for more than a

 

“It is
i must find

I 1 year, and was forced to believe that he had

perished in the pathless forest or among the
Wild tribes, when I received the piece of paper

.which 1 sent-You. It was given to mebya

 

   

half—bread trader, who said that he received it
from an Indian, and that it had probably been 1 2
passed from one to another through the trib/s
along the anura, until it renchou‘ him. I kept
a copy, but I do not now remember just how it
was worded." «

“I left it with my mother,” said Jasper; “ but
I remember it exactly. It was addressed to r
you, sir, and these were the words, in my
father’s handwriting:

“‘Send word to Jasper Fundlcy. care of Smith-
sonian institute, that his father is a captive among
the Yuuquira Indians, for up the Yupiu'a. river.
Well treated, but kept close.7 ‘

“ That was the message, and I sent it to
chingtvm at once, and here you are. W'hat
puzzl me, my son, is the fact of your father’s
captivity. If the reason or that could be solvml,
I might have more confidence in your mission.
If he had been liillcd,l would not have won—
dered, as some of the Indians in that re ion are
said to be cannibals. In fact, Seven). of our
13 'liun tribes have that reputation; but it has ,
never ber provM against them, as far as l  .,
know. \Vhy the Yunquiras or any other Indians ‘ '
should hold your father  a prisoner posses my
oomph», ' xsion. Junn Ortiz, the man I um .
going to wnd with you, says that they have ‘ 
prohabl Your)! u use for him.” '

“In t A guide a good man!” inquired Jusp: 1-.
“You knnix that we will be almost entirely do-
pendr'nt upon him."

“Thoroughly roliahle, and as brave as you
could wish,” l'opliod the padre. “ He has been
among the Yuuquims, nnd can speak their-1am

ungc, besides the diuh cts of several other tribes.

ou could not have a better man."

" Is he Portuguese?”

“ No. He is a Spaniard, or at least a Cuban."

“I am glad of that, sir, as I understand
Spanish.”

“ He can speak English pretty well, too. He'
has lived the life of a rover, and it would be
hard to say where and what he has not been.
am expecting him every moment, and that may
be his ring.”

The bell at the convent door jingled,and the
man of Whom they had been speaking was an-
nouuced, and ushered into the waiting-room.

Juan Ortiz was a man of forty, though his
seamed and wentln-rbeaten face made him look
older, and was tall and well-built, with the u .-
pearunco of possessing unusual strength. I is»
face was nearly covrrc'i With a heavy, black
heard, and under his shaggy eyebrows glsinmod
remarkably bright, black eyes. His black hair
was worn long, and covered with a broad-
brnnmed hat of blan leather. He wore heavy
.‘iml hi zh—lnpged boots. into which were stuffed
his trowsors of stout blue cotton, 11‘ short
jacket, ormnnented with round brass buttons,
and a blnorflnnncl shirt. O_ver these garments
was his poncho, a, sort of striped blanket, with a
hole for his head to go through. ‘ ‘

A picturesque and rather hrigandlsh-looking
person. ' .

He was cordially received by Padre Baranho,
who introduced him to his young companion. ” ,

Jasper spoke to him in Spanish, and Juun' ,
Ortiz re lied in the same inn us 9. , ' 

“ Oh. therl" exclaimed oe' eggs. opening

x:- .Jbr‘ A

  

 

 

 

  
   
       
           
         
         
     
     
     
    

    
   

 

 

 

 

  

The Boy Cruisers.

 

his mouth for the first time. “Do speak Eng-
lish, Jap. I want to hear what’s goin’ on, and
«am tired of somuch furn'n talk that 1 can’t
understand.”

“ You ought to want to learn it, Joe,” replied
Jasper.

The guide smiled pleasantly, and dropped

into English, which he spoke with considerable

fluency, but after a fashion that need not be re-
produced here.

“ I am very glad.” he said “ to become ac-
quainted with the young gent einen whom I am
to have the honor of conducting into our won-
derful country."

“ You are the right sort, I bet,” remarked Joe,
evidently pleased with the idea of being consid
ered a young gentleman. /

“It is a very wonderful country, is it not?”
asked Jasper.

“ Very wonderful. Even yet little is knOWn
of it; but that little is enough to wonder at for
a lifetime.”

“ I suppose we will have along journey, Senor
Ortiz?"

“ A very long journey.” .

“And difl'lcult’!"

“ it will not be near as easy, I am afraid, as
you may imagine."

“ We won't care how hard it is,” broke in Joe.
“ We were cooped up so longon that steanisnip,
that it Will be nothing but fun for us to start out
on our own book.”

“ But it may be dangerous,” suggested Joe 1'.

“Yes, it is dangerous,” replied Ortiz. “ at
there is danger everywlwrc." “

“ Are those Yuaqnira Indians hostile?"

“ They may be, and they may not. It is so
long since I have been in that region, that [can
not say how they might reci-ive us now. There
are hostile tribes along the Yapura—thnt is, In-
dians who hate white men; but they may not
trouble us."

“ If we find my father safe among the Yua-
guiras, do you suppose we can get him away

rom there?”

“ That is hard to say until we know why they
are keeping him there. Perhaps you may be
able to buy him.”

"Yes, there may be a chance of that.”

“Now, young gentlemen, I must say to you
that time is pissing. Your preparations must
be made quickly. If the good padre will excuse
us. I Will go out in town with you, and we will
see what remains to he done.”

The next day a steamer was to leave Belem
for the upper Amazon, stopping at the towns
and Villages on the way, and Jasper and Joe,
with Juan Ortiz. were early on board.

Their only baggage was contained in three
' - canoes of unusual style, which were safely

slowed away on the steamer, and of which more

will be heard hereafter.

Padre Baranho came down to bid them good-
by and give them his parting blessing, and they
let forth from the capital of Para in high spirits

' and full of hops.

 
 

, color, and his bushy hair was covered by a

 

 

CHAPTER II.
THE FIRST ADVENTURE.
Tun steamer on which Jasper and Joe took
passage was well rovidcd with freight and

. passengers, and the utter were a motley crowd,
‘which attracted the curious attention of the

lads.

There were gentlemen and ladies dressed in
the hight of European fashion—that is, in what
had been the fashion in Europe at some pre-
vious time. There were farmers and their wives
and children, returning to their fazvt-ndas or
plantations, all in garments that were awk-
wardly new. There were priests in long gowns
and queer hats, returning to their chargvs or
going on spemal missions. There were tourists
of various nations, who had come to View the
wonderful Amazon. There were traders of dif—
fercnt races and l-omplexions, who were going
to purchase caoutchouc, sarsnparilla. dyewoods,
turtle eggs and other numerous products of the
fertile land and the prolific water. There were
halfbrerds of various grades, down to the
despised mixture of white man, Indian and ne-
gro. There were full-blooded Indians, some of
whom, though they had partially udoptud a civ—
ilizvd garb, had not yet overcome the habit of
wearing nose-rings and striping their faces.

Ortiz and his oung companions did not min-
gle with the ot er passengers. Their stay on
the steamer was not to he a long one, and they
did not care to make acquaintances.

Indeed, the Americans vi ere so occupied with
admiring the wonders of the mighty Amazon
that they had no need of any other society than
their own.

J aspm' Hundley, however, found time tocon-
verse freely with their guide, for the purpose
of practicing his Spanish, and of consult-
ing Ortiz concerning their expedition and its
object. '

At one of these conversations. in which Jas-
per went fully into the details of the disrzp<
pearance of his father and possible plans
for his release, they did not notice that a
person was walchiug them and listening to
them.

If they had noticed him, they would not have
supposed that he could understand their talk—-
for the listener was an lndiau.

Not a wild or naked Indian, but apparently
one of the semi-civilized variety. dressed in ooh
ton trowsers and a sort of shirt-coat of cotton,
resembling the coslumo of most of the Chinese
in America. His face was of a light cop er;
a
like that worn by Ortiz.

This Indian listened intently to the conversa~
tion between the young American and the
guide, and there was an eager, malicious look
on his face that forebodod danger for some

However, as he went ashore before the

‘steamer reached the Yar-urn river, it might

reasonably be presumed that he had no sort of
connection with those in whom he had seemed
to take such a strange interest.

The Americans and their guide were landed
near the mouth of the Yepnra, and their three
canoes were safely conveyed to the shore. fol;

   

  

  

The Boy Cruisers.

 

lowed by the curious gaze of most of the re.
morning pus<cmrers.

They were indeed objects of curiosity, being
quite unusual in style and build.

White cedar was the wood that had been
mainly used in their construction, and their
framework was ribs of tough oak. In shape
they differed from ordinary canoes in being
nearly fiat-hot‘ omed and as broad as they could
be made to permit paddling. They were so
built for the purpose of carrying freight, and
were well-loaded with provisions. ammunition,
changes of clothing, and a few cooking utensils
and tools.

They were closely covered with waterproof
canvas, somewhat like the Greenlander's Icajalc,
or the shell boat of aquatic clubs, except at the
seat of the puddler. At his sidenrepeating»
rifle was securely laced, and behind him was
’strupped a blanket 1n a tight roll.

Everything in these canoes was snueg
stowed, and required to be kept in the nearest
order.

As for the canoeists. they were well equipped
for the expedition. The lads were dressed in
stout cotton trowsers, tucked into high boots,
flannel shirts, and. rather long 'ackets of duck
well provided with pockets. T eir heads were
protected by cork helmets, to which mosquito
guards, which were carried on the inside of the
crowns, could be easily attached.

Juan Ortiz was dressed in his usual garb, Such
as he were when he met the Americans at the
convont in Belem.

Each carried a belt of cartrid es around his
waist, a revolver in a sheath, an an American
bewie as a hunting—knife.

Thus equipped, and each armed with a long“

two«l>luded puddle, they entered their canoes
and began their adventurous journey. _

Dropping down the current of the Amazon,
among numerous islands whose size and beauty
excited their admiration, they paddled into the
Bay of Arenapo, where the Yapura enters the
might river through its eight mouths.

At first it was hard to realize the fact that
they were not yet in the Amazon, as its great
tributary did not seem to ditl‘er from it in
breadth or volume, and they paddled their
canoes through scenezy similar to that which
they had witnessed from the steamer.

But they were not able to go far or see much
just then, as the day was nearly ended when
they entered the bay. 1

So, after coasting along the east side until
they found a suitable place for landing, they
went ashore, and cooked and ate their supper.

At night, when “ bedtime” had arrived, the
two lads lay down upon the ground to sleep,
protected by their blankets and mos into

, guards, and further protected by Juan rtiz,
who was to keep watch over the camp until
midnight.

It was ionfi before sleep visited the eyes of
the young to owe. The novelty of their situa-
tion, the strangeness of their surroundings, the

‘ constant and sometimes startling cries of innu-
merable night-birds, and the noise of frogs
whose crook was a roar, to say nothing of the

. droning song of the plenum] mosquito, com-
bined to keen them awake. I

. _ \

,broken into it the better.

 

  

It seemed to Jasper that he had‘hardly got a.

snatch of sieepwhcn he was aroused by the"

guide, although it was then two hours after
midnight. ,

“Come, my friend,” said Ortiz. “ As this is
to be a. business with you. the sooner you get
In what we ave to
go through with, it will be zlecvssary to be wide
awake as soon as your eyes open.”

“All right, Juan," replied Jasper, as he
rubbed his eyes and opened them wide; but still
he did not find it an easy matter to shake of!
the slumber that had fustcncd upon him.

He picked up his rifle, and prepared to stand.
his watch, while Ortiz, with a facility derived

from long habit, seemed to drop to sleep innuep '

diately. ,

When he had once got fully awake the lad
found no diflicuiiy in keeping awake.
same causes that had prevented him from sleep
ing in the early part of the night kept his ears
and eyes open, and his attention was continually
attracted by the many sights and the ceaseless
sounds that were so near to him.

His watch was uneventful until daybreak,
which comes suddenly in those latitudes, the
approach of day hour: but slightly heralded by
the premonitury symptoms that attend it in
more northern climcs.

Perceiving that his companions were still
sleeping well, he took a tin cup, and stepped to-
wurd the river to get u drink of water.

As he did so, a. man who had been concealed
in the abundant undergrowth of the torest
glided out and followed him.

It was the Indian who had listened so intnnt~
ly to the conversation between J usper and 01‘-

trz.

He had not changed his garb since he left‘ the
Steamer; but in his right hand he carried a
manehettu a sharp-bladed Weapon. correspond-
im,r to the Mexican machete, which the dweller
in these regions uses as n sword, a hunting-

kuit’e, and a tool for cutting his way through

the tangled undergrowth.

He followed Jasper with the silence of a
make, his ruddy face darkened by a look of
wired.

As the lad approached the river the Indian
was close behind him, and raised his mauchetta
to strike.

Just then the lad fancied that he heard a
,noise, and turned quickly.

Then came the blow.

The indiun thrust skillfully and with all his
strength; but the blade struck against the lad’s

belt of cartridges, and did no injury beyond, '

nearly taking; his breath away and knocking
him hack ward. _

As J aspcr stepped back he drew his revolver,
at the same time shouting the names of Juan
and Joe. .

Tnere was a puzzled look upon his face, as if
he fancied that he had seen his antagonist be-
fore, or wondered what could he the cause of
the attack. ‘

By this time they had changed positions, the”

Indian being nearest the water, and he moved

backward alittle at the sight of Jasper’s rewil»
ver, hesxtatmg ~ns it be doubted whether he

should close in with his enemy or fly.

1

The '

   
 
   

 
  
 

TheBoy'Cruiscril  _ * , ' 

: Juan Ortiz did not fail to practice his own
: precepts. 'He was wide awake as soon as his
name was called, and the next instant was run-
ning toward the scene of conflict.
" A cuymanl” he shouted as he came on. “ A
caymun!”
There was good cause for this outcry.
' 'Up the river bunk was advancing one of those
gigantic alligators which are known on the
[bezel] as caymans,,wbich lie in wait for prey
at the mouths of holes, with their enormous
jaws wide open. In the waler they are re—
, markubly swift and active, While on the land a.
man can scarcely run fast enough to get away

' , I from them.

, Jasper saw the huge creature as it came up
the bank with its great mouth stretched, and
his face turned pale; but he did not takchis eye
ofl’ of his antagonist.

The Indian must have been aware, by the
’ musky smell in the air, of the proximity of the
rank-scented snurian monster, but it was the
cry of Ortiz that startled him, and he turned to

V . run. i

Ashe didso, a running vine tripped him, and
the Indian toppled over, backward, his head full-
ing between the distended jaws of the ceyman,
which closed up on it instantl .

The next moment Ortiz he reached thermon-
eter, and his rifle was at his head.

He. sent a. bullet into ils eye, and the huge
reptile, after writhing and lashing its tail in a-
munner that drove every body out of its reach,
turned over on its side, and was dead.

CHAPTER III.
A TALE or HID TREASURE. a

THE immense saurian, though dead and
harmless, was an unpleasant sight, and still
more no lensont was the headless corpse of the
Indian, ‘rom whose trunk blood was still spout-
mg.

‘ “ Who was this man, and why did he make

such an attack?” demanded the guide.

As no one could answer him, he questioned
Jasper closely, hoping to gain some hint from
the details of the assault.

It was little that the lad was able to tell.

He could only say that as he was going to the
river he had turned at 9. noise he thought he
heard, and found himself confronted by his as-
sailant, who thrust at him instmtly.

Then they bud faced each other, the one hesi-
tating to shoot, and the other hesitn ting to at-
tack, until the Indian fell into the jaws of the

new man. , ‘

' aspcr showed his belt, where the manchetta
had struck and marred two of the cartridges.

‘ “,It was a vicious blow, and he surely meant
tokill you,” said Ortiz. “But why should he
attack you? He seemed to have been one of the
half-civilized Indians. and they are all peaceable
enou h. ‘1! his motive was robbery, or if he

' _mere y wanted to kill somebody, why did he

not pounce upon Joe and me as we Icy sleeping

there?” .

,“ .erhaps he did not see you,” suggested
Jasper. ‘ ‘ I \

 

“ No; he seems to have had u special spite
against you.”

" It seems to me,”premarked Joe Baggs, “ that
he meant to rob the party and steal our canoes,
and that be thought he would make a. sure
thing of Jap, so that he might have a better
chance with us two.”

“ Whatever his purpose was,” said the guide,
“ he has paid dearly for his attempt. He meant
to be a murderer; but, my friends, We may at
least give him a decent burial.”

Jasper assented to this proposal, though Joe
declared that they might as Well pitch the body
to the alligators. -

“Ir'~one of you will bring me an enchada
from my boat,” continued Ortiz, “ I will soon
dig a grave.”

An enchada is a. steel tool in the shape of a
hoe, with a stout wooden handle, and is a very
useful article in the forests of Brazil.

Joe qnickly‘hrought one, and the guide pro-’
ceeded to dig the grave.

When the‘hole was finished he Icoked at the
headless corpse again.

“ I won” really like to know more about that
fellow,” said he, “and I believe I will search
him, as it is possible that I may find in his
clothes something to tell us who or what he
was.

The lads were equally curious, and Ortiz pro-
geedcd to search the clothing of the dead In-

ml].

In the trowsers pockets nothing was found
but a few sols and reis, small coins that circus
late in the Brazilian provinces.’

In one of the inner pockets of the shirt~coat
was a quantity of tobacco, and from the other
the guide drew apiece of folded paper. 1

A puzzled look came over his face as he
opened it. ‘

it was dingy and worn, and was covered
with words and numerals in faded red ink. ,

“ What is that, Juan?” inquired Jasper, as the
guide put the paper in his own pocket.

“I do not know. I must examine it more
carefully, and then, if I can make it out, I will
tell you what it is.”

The body of the Indian was soon properly
buried, and the three returned tothc spot where
they had passed the night.

Ortiz seated himself at the foot of a tree, and
opened the paper which he had taken from the
dead Indian.

“ If on will prepare our breakfast, my
friends, ’ said he, “ I will try to study out Ibis
writing. It is necessary that you should learn.
how to take care of the camp, and I am inclined
to believe that there is something of importance
in this paper.” , '

The two lads willingly set at work and did
not make a bungling Job of the breakfast as
might have been expected. Joe Baggs, indeed,
proved to be quite handy; '

“ I reckon 1 ought to now somethin’ about
this business,” he remarked. “l have cooked
on a flatboat in the Mississippi, and have picked
up a. few of the tricks of the trade.” ‘ ’ ~ . _

Ortiz had not finished his task when break.
fast was ready, and was silent and thth '

during the meal.

 

    

, The Boy Cruisers. ,

 

 

W‘ en he had finished eating he lighted his
, ,w, which he relied upon to stimulate his
innin, and again sat down under the tree to
study the paper.

The lads loaded up the boats and made every
thing ready, and Jasper was anxious to start
up the river.

“ Wait a little while,” said the guide. “ I am
getting hold of this now. I begin to see through
it, and it is something that will surprise you."

His young companions restrained their curi-
osity and im atience, and waited quietly, until
a‘ cry from rtiz told them that he had suc-
ceeded.

“ I have it i" he exclaimed, starting up. “ This
paper is more precious than gold. It‘s worth
more than a great deal of gold. It isas precious
as diamonds."

“ Diamonds!” exclaimed Jns er.

“Yes, it is all about diamon s.”

“ What i2 it. Juan? What does it say?”

“To explain it, my friends, I must first tell
you a story. Sit down and listen to me."

A story was what they Were ready enough to
hear, and they listened eagerly.

“ Of course you know,” said the guide, “that
a part of Brazil is Very rich in diamonds. The
mines are under the direction of the Govern
ment, and the capital of the diamond district is
the town of 'l‘ijuco.

“A little over three dyears ago there was a
robber in the dinmon arrayal. There was
stolen mm the office of the superintendent of
mines a package of the precious stones, valued
at mary thousnnds of reals.

“ Suspicion was fastened upon a orter in the
office, formerly a slave named cacao, who
disappeared w en the theft of the jewels was

discovered. His trail was found, and he was '

hotlv pursued.

“ When the pursuit was getting very close,
doubtless fearing that he might be captured
with the property in his possession, he concealed
the pnckageof diamonds in the forest, making a
record on paper which, as be supposed, would
enable no one but himself to find the spot where
they were hid.

“ During his flight he lost that. paper, and
shortly after its loss he was captured and taken
to Manaos on the Amazon. Severe measures
were used, I believe, to induce him to confess,
and he did confess.

“ On the condition that his life should be
a ared he agreed to accompany the officers into
tile interior and restore the diamonds, and a

arty set out for that purpose; but on the way
l.loacao was bitten by a rattlesnake, and he soon
died.

“ Before his death he was only able to tell the
officers that the treasure was buried on the
bank of the Yapura, not far from the village
of the Yanniras, and near a gigantic sapuraia
tree, which was sure to be a conspicuous object
in the forest. As for the measurements by
which the exact locality was to be determined,
he had committed them to the paper which he
lost, and had forgotten them. '

“This left the authorities what you call in
America, a blind trail; but they followed it well
as they could, to no alurg'oses. Agents were sent
into t a country of e acquires. and careful

    

   

 

  

searches were made, and much digging was
done- but nothing came of it.

“ There the matter rested, and the diamonds
have been given up as lost beyond recovery,
although a large reward has been oflered for
them.” ..

“is that paper, then, the record which the
thief lost?” demanded Jasper, as the guide
brought his narrative to an end.

“ i believe it is. Itis writtenin Portuguese, and
the grammar and spelling are had, such as
might have been expected from the porter Joa-
cao; but there are measurements here, and they
start from a large sapucaia.”

“This is good luck, Senor Ortiz. I wonder
how that Indian happened to be in possession of
the aper.”

“ ‘ suppose he found it, or some other Indian
picked it up and intrusted it to him as a trader,
to learn what it meant. He may haVe got an
idea of its value in Belem, and perhaps he was
on the steamer.

“That’s it!” exclaimed Jasper. “ I was sure
that I had, seen him somewhere, and now I re-
member that there was just such an Indian
hanging around us on the steamer.”

“ l‘hat accounts, then, for his attack this
morning. He understood that we were going
into the company of the Yuaquiras, and may
have supposed that we were gomg to search for
those diamonds. "

“ I am not so sure of that, Juan. Eyen if he, -’

did suppose us to be an opposition party—and 1
am sure that we said nothing t.) make him think
so—that would hardly make him run such a.
risk as he did run in pitching into us. As he
was the only one who had the measurements,
his chance was greatly the best.”

“ Well, he is dead, and we have the paper; so
we need not argue the point.”

“ That's sol” exclaimed Joe Baggs. “ It is
big luck for us, anyhow. If we can find those
diamonds, and bring away Jap’s father, we will
have somethin’ to brag of when we get home.”

“ To do that we must go up the river,” said
Jasper, “and we need not wait here any lon-
ger.

 

CHAPTER IV.
CHASING TEE MANATEE.
As the little fleet of canoes glided up the

 

 

 v :1

.r

broad and beautiful river, the navigators were '

in high spirits, anticipating a. grand time on
the voyage and a successful termination of their
journey.

“Now fora race, Japl” cried Joe Baggs, as
he made a s urt with his puddle. “Let us see
which can r act: that island first.”

“Not yet,” replied Jasper. “We have got
to get used to these canoes, and must break our-
selves into the work gradually. It won’t pay
to tire ourselves out at the start. I su pose

on nknow more about canoeing jhan do,
0e. ‘

“I don’t see why I should. I have pulled
skills on the Mississippi, but never tried to man.
age such a craft sis/this before.”

The canoes were not diflicult to manage.

0r-

tiz was an expert at propelling them. having.

    
    

 

   
 
  
 
 
    
   
  
    
  
 
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
 

 
   

‘1'

, 7 / had much experience with pirogues and the like.

The Boy- cruisers.

 

 

Under his instructions, and with their constant
practice, the lads soon became good paddlers,
and us they got used to the Work, and their
muscles grew hardened to it, they found canoe
navigation a very pleasant mode of travel.

n .

is the guide was well acquainted with the
Amazon and many of the rivers 'tlmt flow into
it, he made the voyage much easier for them
than it would otherwise have been, by guiding
the fleet where the current was the lightest and
where eddies n- ar the bank often gave the
water a set up-streum for a considerable dis
tance.

So they eanoed it on and up the river, never
tiring of the grandeur and beauty of its scenery
with its islands, stationary and floating, and
the enormous trees and abundant foliage that
lined its banks: ’

“I thought the old Mississippi was the biggest
thing out,” said Joe; “but it ain’t a circumi
stance to this river."

0 " And yet this is not the Amazon,” rejoined
rtiz.

The air was not uncomfortably hot, the heat
being tempered by cooling breezes that blew up
and down the river, and when they wished to
rest or eat their meals or pass the night, they
had only to land and moor their canoes and
stretch their legs in the shade of the primeval
forest.

0n the third day out the voyagers began to
deSire a change of diet. They had been feeding
thus far on little besides the provisions, mostly
canned, which they had brought from Belem,
not stopping to hunt on the land, or even to
shoot any of the wild fowl that so frequently
flew in flocks over the river.

Although they were well supplied with am-
munition, Ortiz was of the opinion that they
ought not to expend it unnecessarily, as there
was no telling what circumstances might arise
to compel them to use it freely for the protec-
tion of their lives.

As they had excellent appetites, they made
great havoc with the contents of their larder'
but the lads clamored for something fresh, on
toward the close of the day the guide decided
that they should take some fish.

Nothing was easier, as the river was full 0!
fish, and they had plenty of hooks and lines.

They went ashore for bait, which Ortiz showed
them how to procure, and then anchored their
canoes at a. little distance from the bank, and
threw out their lines.

Jasper and Joe were excited and overjoyed.
They had never seen such fishing. It was the
fisherman’s paradise that they had reached.

“These fish would bite at a bare hook,” said
Jasper.

So it seemed. It was no trouble at all to take
them, and their variety was something aston—
ishing.

,But such a small party did not require a great
load of fish, and the guide directed his compan-
ions to throw away all but the gamitanas,
which were the best for eating.

After each of the lads had been painfully

‘ ’ pricked by some handsome specimens of sting
, rays that persisted in getting caught, they were

2 It

 

 

willing to quit fishing, and the canoes Were
turned toward the shore.

“ What a funny alligator!” exclaimed Joe,
pointing with his paddle at a highly ornamental
river monster that was swimming near his
canoe.

“That is no alligator,” replied Ortiz. “It is ‘
a real fish, and a harmless one, big as it is, called
the piracura. We are not likely to see any cay—
mnns in this water."

They had hardly landed when Ortiz saw
something that excited him.

“ There is game that is worth getting l” he
exclaimed.

The lads looked where he pointed, but saw
nothing except three small and dark objects on
the surface of the water, a little distance below
their landingplace. But these objects were
slowly moving up-stream, though their motion
might have been caused by an eddy.

“ What do you mean?” demanded Jas 1'.

“It is a manatee. I had not expects to see
one about here; but I suppose the hunters have
driven it up.”

“ I have heard of manatees,” said Jasper.
“There are plenty of them in Florida, and
they are called sea~cows. Are they not dan-
gerousl”

“ You shall soon see, if we have luck. Hark!
There he snortsl”

J ust then the creature “blowed,” somewhat
in the style of the whale, getting rid of the air
which it had used under the water.

“ If our canoes were open,” said Ortiz, “so
that one could sit in the stern and the other in
the how, we would have a better chance to
egress the manatee. But perhaps we can manage
1 .

The guide had a boat-hook with a longhandle,
and with a long and sharp point below the hood,
which was strapped on his canoe. This be pro-
posed to use as a hanpoon.

He directed Jasper to take his seat in his own
canoe with his paddle, and placed himself so
that he could stand between the lnd’s l s, to
use his harpoon and control the course 0 the
canoe. ,

Then Jasper paddled slowly and softlytowar
the manatee, while Joe stood on the bank and
eagerly watched the maneuvers of his friends.

As the canoe approached the game, the mon-
ster sunk out of si ht.

“A little further, ” ordered Ortiz. “ That will
do now. Stop pulling and watch for him.
“Then he rises, send the canoe toward him.”

After a while the creature came up to blow.

J asper’s quick eyes caught sight of him, and
withdtwo strokes of the paddle he sent the canoe
a on .

Ortiz darted his boat-hook with good aim be-
fore the animal could sink again, and struck
him fairly on the back.

The lads expected that the manatee would
make light, or at least that it would struggle
for its life; but it did nothin of the kind.

It seemed to be stunned y the blow of the \
boat-hook, and was easil towed ashore and dis~
patched. It was about our feet in length, and
an ugl animal to look at; but Ortiz was highly
please hy its capture, and said that it was. a
great prise. .

  

 

 

 

 

 

‘ was seen ether in

   

I

8 I I i The Boy Cruisers.

 

 

“This is the hog of the water," said he, “ and
its flesh is better to out than any pork. We will
have some of it for breakfast.”

Directing the lads to gather wood and build
a fire, he proceeded to dress and cut up the
manatee.

He procured from the carcass a large quan-
tity of fat, excellent for frying and other cook-
ing purposes, which was tried out over the fire,
and all the empty cans they had were filled
with it.

Enough of the meat was cut off forbreekfnst,
and the rest was cut into strips and hung upon
poles supported by crotched sticks, under which
a heavy smoke was started to serve the double
purpose of curing the meat and worrying the
mosquitoes.

Before Juan finished his task the boys had
cleaned and cooked the fish, and they made a
hearty supper of the gamitnnas, which they
pronounced delicious.

A big smoke was kept up under the manntee
meat during the night, and in the morning the
party feasted upon the flesh of that rurious
creature, which, although it lives in the water,
is a herbivorous cetacean, feeding upon aquatic
plants.

 

CHAPTER V.
JOE AND THE ELECTRIC EEL.

AFTER breakfast Juun Ortiz examined the
smoked munatee meat and pronounced it par-
tially cured.

“We will take it with us,” he said, “ and to-
morrow night and the next will smoke it some
more, and thus we shall save time.”

He went into the forest to seek some large
{leaves to wrap the meat in, and while he was
away Joe Baggs was seized by a. consuming de~
sire for a swim.

“ You had better not try it,” remarked Jas-
per. “We don’t know much about this river

et. and there’s no telling what danger may he
in the water.”

“ 0h, botherl What sort of danger can there
be here more than in the Mississippi?”

“Have you forgotten the cnyman that gob-
bled up the Indian who tried to kill me?"

“ Juan says that there ain’t any caymans
about here. You heard him say so yesterday.”

“ He wasn’t sure, Joe. He only said that we
are not likely to find them here.”

“ I don’t care, Jap. I am going in,- anyhow.”

As Joe Baggs usually noted on his impulses,
he quickly stripped off and plunged into the
tawny waters of the Yapura.

" It is Just splendid, Japl” he exclaimed, as he
struck boldly out toward the channel. " The
water is just rl ht. Come in and try it. ”

But Jasper undley shook his head, and it
was not long before he had r seen to be thank-
ful that his prudence had restrained him.

Joe enjoyed himself greatly in the water.
swimming diving. floating, and showing off his
skill for the benefit of his friend, until Juan
from the de ths of the forest
, with his arms “1 of immense eaves.

“ Better come out, Joe,” said Jasper. “‘ Juan
is coming and he may give you a setting down.
He is the boss of this rty, you know.”

“Alla-ith Jap. am coming. See! I can

(1’

   

   

 

 

 

»‘

touch bottom out here, but the bottom is awful

muddy.” . , -

As the boy finished speaking he uttered a
piercing cry, and struck out for the shore.

The next moment another cry of anguish es—
caped him, and he threw n his hands.

At the first cry Jasper
his canoe, and the second cry quickened his mo-
tions. ’ '

“Juanl Junnl” he shouted at the top of his
voice, as he cast of! the rope that held the canoe
to the bank.

He jumped in, and paddled with all his
strength toward his friend, wondering what
could be the matter, as he was sure that a cay-
man would have made an end of the boy in a
moment.

Joe was struggling and screamingghut his
efforts were growing weaker, and his voice
fainter.

As Jasper faced him, urging the canoe toward

him as rapidly as possible, he seemed to be fight-
111;: some invisible enemy.

Every now and then he sunk beneath the sur-
face, and when he rose he appeared to be nearly
exhausted.

His struggles and cries had ceased when the
canoe reached him. He seemed to have sunk
for the last time, and only one hand was visible
above the water.

lJasper grasped at that hand, seized it pulled
his friends head out of the water, and then got
hold of him under the arms.

As he bent ovar to do so he caught sight of
the thing that Joe had been fighting.

It was a long, black creature, like a large
eel or water snake, which appeared to coil itself
up, and then to lash out like a whip, striking
the-unprotected legs of the boy, and following
him up as he was drawn to the surface.

Exorting all his strength, Jasper quickly
Eulled his friend out of the water and across

is knees, Where he layas limp as a re , and
then paddled back to the shore as swi tly as
possible.

J non Ortiz, who had thrown down his load
of leaves, was at the bank to receive them, and
he took the insensihle form 01 Joe, from the
canoe. and laid him on the bank. -

“ What was the matter?” he asked.

Jasper briefly described what he had seen.

“ Abl" was all Ortiz said.

He got from his canoe a jug of tafla, or native
brandy, with which he rubbed the boy’s limbs
and body briskly, pouring some of the strong
liquor down his throat.

Joe soon revived; but it was some time be-
fore he gained strength enough to stand and

walk.

“I think I know what it was that worried
him,” said Jasper. “It must. have boon a
gymnotus, or electric eel. I have read of such
things, and I believe there are many of them in
these waters.” '

“Thatis what it was,” replied Ortiz. “We
call it the purnque, and some of those eels grow
to an enormous size.

have escaped with , his life, though you were so
quick to goto his help.” V ,

“ What do they do to a fella!" asked Joe.
. . ‘ \

ad rushed down to '

It nwrt have been A»
small one that attacked J00. or he might not «

 

     

  

 

 
 

c

The Boy Cruisers.

 

_ “The puraque is a perfect battery of elec-
trinity."

“ I believe that, as it nearly battered the life
out of me.” «

“ It lies in a coil in the mud when it is not
BWimming, and if you stir it up it uncoils and
strikes you like the lash of a bigawhip, discharg—
ing its electricity into yonr ody. The dis-
charges grow stronger as it gets angry, and un-
less on can escape from it you will soon be
para yzed.”

“How did it seem to you, Joe?” inquired
Jasper.

. “Well, I was walkin’ in the mud out there,
when I stepped on somethin’ slimy that slipped
out from under my foot, and then the cussed
thing began on me. I was never struck by
lightnin’. but must have felt pretty much that
way just then. The more I tried to get away
from the confounded crittur, the more it

itched into me, and it hurt—oh, ginger! how
t did hurt! In less than no time I couldn’t
vuse m legs a bit, and then I ot numb all over,
and reckon I must have can nigh a gone
coon when J up came and pulled me out.”

“I suppose you won’t care to go swimming
again very soon.”

“You may bet high on that. You couldn’t
drive me into that water with a club. 'I know
when I’ve got enough."

( As soon as the manatee meat was packed and

' loaded, the voyager; started up the river, Joe
Ba gs having in 1y recovered from the attack
of t e puraques.

Thus far they had seen no Indians, except a
few about the villages of half—civilized or inof-
fensive aborigines, the remnants of once power—
ful tribes; but on the second day after Joe’s ad-
venture, a number of natives were descrin on
a point where the river made an abrupt bend
toward the west. 1

There were quite a party of them—at least
fifty—and Jasper Huudley unslung his field-
glass, and examined them closely.

They were men of fair size. and all of them
were quite naked with the exception of a cotton
cloth about the loius. In color they were a
li ht copper, and their faces were painted some-
wiat in the style of the plains Indians of North
America.

A parently the had no weapons; but most
of t em carried ight canes, with which they
gesticulated as they pointed at the approaching

. canoes.

“There are some sure enough Injuns at last,”
sold Joa. “ Suppose we run in and take a look
at them.” “

‘f Perhaps it may not be safe,” re lied the
prudent Jasper. “ What do you say, nan?”

“I say that we had better keep away from
them.”

“I don’t see an thing to be afraid of,” in-

. listed Joe. “They ain’t got any more Weapons
:than they’ve got clothes—not even bows and
errors."

“ You should not be too sure of that, my
young friend. They are onlya little less naked
than the puraque, and you might have thought
that he could not fight- yet he came near put-
ting you 9‘49 0,! this "mid,"

    

 

“ Are those Indians like snakes, then I" asked
Jasper. “ Or are they like electric eels?”
"‘ Somewhat like both. They are as quick as

the uraque, andas poisonous as the most
dead snake. Do you see what they have in
their ands?”

“ Nothiu’ but sticks,” replied Joe.

“Those are their blow-pipes.”

“ Blow pipes be blowedl What can they do
with ’eml’

“ The blow-pipes are nothing but reeds; but
they shoot arrows through them. The arrows
are little things; but they have sharp points
that have been dipped in a deadly poison called
curare.”

" I have read of that,” said Jasper. “What
is it made of!” _
“ That is more than I can tell you. I bélleve

that do white man has ever been able to learn
the exact ingredients; but the poison is sure
death.”

“ How does it work?"

“ If one of those arrows should touch on,
you would fch numb all over, pretty muc as
Joe felt after the puraque attacked him.

“ If you wanted to move a foot or ahand, you
could not do so. You would be quite helpless,
and soon you would die, and all the physicians
in the world could not save you.”

“But we could keep at a good distance from
them, it they were hostile, and pick them OH
with our rifles.”

“ You might make a mistake in choosing
your distance. They can send these arrows
further than you would suppose. They have
not much bravery to boast of, but are treacher-
ousI and it is best to keep out of their way.”

By Juan’s direction the signs which the In-
dians made were not answered, and they fol-
lowed thc canoes around the bend and for quite
a distance up the river.

“ The meant harm, or they would not have
followe us," said the guide. “Our canoes and
their contents would be quite a prize to them.”

“ If the Indians down here are so dangerous."
remarked Jasper, “ how will we get on with the
Yua uiras?” .

“ hey are a different eople; more powerful,
and therefore more man y; more independent,
and therefore less treacherous.”

CHAPTER VI.
m TURTLE HARVEST.

A FEW nights after Joe's adventure with the
eel the‘ canoes were brought to land on‘ the
right bank of the river, just below a large
sandy beach, which extended well out into the
water, and reached for a considerable distance
up and down stream.

As the voyagers were greparing to stretch
themselves out on their lankets ora night’s
rest a strange noise was heard, something like
the breakin of surf on a. distant shore.

The boys istened to it in wondering silence,
and the usually calm face of Ortiz showed no
little excitement. ,

“ What is it?” inquired Jasper.

“Meat and butter for us,”, replied the guide.
“Meat and butter! What do you mean?”
“Imeonthatweare in luck. That 901” i}

 

The Boy bruise".

 

 

N
caused by turtles—a great many turtles—that
have come up on the bench to lay their eggs in
the sand. If we go down there early in the
morning, before the Indians come to gutber the
harvest, we can get plenty of eggs, and perhaps
a quantity of young turtles.”'

“How will the Indians know about it?” de-
manded Joe.

The turtles have pretty regular seasons for
attending to that business, and the Indians al—
ways watch them closely, as tho egg-laying
never fails to give them a feast. We happened
to land here 'ust in the nick of time, and we
will have the rst chance at the delicacies.”

Jasper said that he would like to see the
turtles at their work.

“ Follow me. then; but you must do just as I
do, and, must be as silent as possible.”

Oritz led the way toward the river.

Before he had gone far he sunk down upon the
ground and crept. forward uoisclessly.

The boys followed his example, and soon
found themselves at the edge of the bank, from
which they looked down upon the beach below.

It was literally black with turtles. There
seemed to he thousands of them, and by the
faint light of the young moon the beach looked
like an ant-hill about which myriads of enor—
mous ants were swarming.

They carried on their work systematically,
and in regular order, as if their movements were
directed by a chief. ‘

First they do a wide and deep trench 1n the
sand with their lind flippers, in which they pro-
ceeded to deposit their eggs at their leisure.

When this operation was completed, they
filled the trench with sand, each turtle covering
its own e gs, and beating down the sand quite
solidly. glhen they left the beach in a body, as
the had come.

Byefore this work was finished Ortiz had led
his young friends back to the camp and to their
blankets, where he told them to sleep soundly,
as they would be obliged to stir out at an ear y
hour in the morning.

“ if we had wanted turtle-meat,” he said
“ we might have gone down on the bench and
turned one or two of those big fellows. But we
would not know what to do with them if we had
them, and we will find plenty of young ones in
the morning if we have luck. ’

“What hatches the eg 5?” asked Joe.

“ The heat of the sun ,to which the sun is
constantly adding. Those that arelaid to-night
will he batched in about two months.”

Before daybreak the lads were aroused, and
the first thing they did, under the directions of
the guide, was to make the cunoes ready for an
immediate start, in case of the appearance of
Indians.

“ The Indians about here may be quite pence-
able," said Ortiz. “ I know nothing against
them; but they consider the turtle benches their
own property, and they might prova to be ugly.
A: we expect to be back this way before long,
‘it is best to run no risk of getting into trouble
with them.”

Breakfast was postponed until a more con-
venient time, and the party hastened to gather
the turtle harvest. _

It was easy to see where the turtles had led

 

 

their eggs, as a little mound of sand covered
each deposit, and of these mounds there was a
great number.

Under each mound about two hundred eggs
could be found by a little digging, and Ortiz nt-
tvnded to this part of the business, leaving the
boys to gather the newly—hatched turtles, which
were running over the bench in multitudes.

This was a task in which they delighted, and
they had flne sport chasing and catching the
lively little amphibians and stowing them in the
canoes.

Day was breaking when they had collected as
many of the eggs and young turtles as they
could possibly use, and they entered their canoes
and paddled out into the stream, congratulating
themselves on having finished their work without
any sort of interruption.

When they got a good distance away from
the shore their ears were saluted by the sound
of an Indian drum, followed by a Babel of dis-
cordant noises which civilized men could not
recognize as singing.

“There are the lndiansl’l exclaimed Ortiz. I

“ We u ore just in lime to miss them."

In a few moments a large part of natives
emerged from the forest, and flocked, down upon
the bench.

They appeared to be highly excited, and ges4
iiculntcd in a lively manner as they pointed at
th‘ white men on the river. But their interest
in 'he strangers did not hinder them from pro-
ceeding rapidly with the work of gathering the
eggs and young turtles, and the monotonous
pounding of the drum and the discordant criel
were kept up.

The voyagers watchrd them curiously for
awhile, and then vigorously paddled their
canoes up the river.

At the distance of a few miles above the
beach they lauded for breakfast, which was
quite a feast.

The little soft~shell turtles, fried in the lard of
the manatee, were tender and delicious, and the
lads enjoyed them hugely.

“ The meat is all right, Juan,” remarked
Jasper. “The baby turtles are better than
oysters. and far ahead of softshell crabs. But
where is the butter you spoke of?”

“The eggs of the turtles are made into butter
of the very best quality," replied the guide. “I
will make some shortly, and you will pronounce
it as good as you ever tasted.”

The nightof the same day witnessed a strange
and unpleasant adventure. which came near
having serious results for one of the lads. ,

As their breakfast was late, the voyager:
allowed their usual dinner hour to pass without
landing, and in the evening, combining dinner
with1 supper, they made an unusually hearty
men .

It was Jasper Hundley‘s turn to stand the
first watch, and his companions were soon
asleep.

The soft luster of the young moon, the shining
surface of the placid river, the somber depths
of. the primeval forest, the whirring of the
wmgs 0
night birds, and insects, and amphibians, and
other innumerable sounds that came with dark.

enormous hate, the varied noises bf . I V

ness. combined to oppress the lad with a feeling ,

. my

 

 

 

  

  

wan.

 

 

" '«"V-‘&ai‘w~¥:M-Wg ~I'
. s . __ S‘- m

 

The Boy

Cruisers. l 14 .

 

of loneliness which was not relieved by the
:lgjht of the silent forms of his sleeping com-

The present became like a dream to him, and
he rew drowsy.

. e sought to quicken his faculties by fixing
his thoughts on the end of the journey, on find-
ing his father, and rescuing him trom the Indians
who held him in captivity, and on his joyful
return to his native land.

Still he was drowsy. and the smoked manatee
Eight of which he had eaten heavily made him

irsty.

Accidentally he broke off the top of a large

' plant, somewhat like the bell cactus, and saw

hat it was filled with water.

This water tempted him so that he tasted it,
finding it fresh. cool, and a little sweet.

Eagerly he drank all the liquid contained in
the cup.

.1118 drowsiness increased, and it grew upon
211]] until he could scarcely keep his eyes

pen.
He sat down on the soft turf at the foot of
a tree, but not with any thought of sleeping.
That was far from his intention. He meant to
stand his watch, as a matter of course, and to
protect his sleeping friends. But he was tired,

I or fancied that he was, and merely wished to

rest his limbs for a few minutes.

In spite of his good intentions he fell asleep,
and his sleep was soon so profound and dream-
less that he was unconscious of anything.

Although his f ce was entirely unprotected,
he was not annoyed by mosquitoes. Those
pests of the 'Amazon basin avoided him, and
confined their attention to his companions,
:vrligese masks they vainly endeavored to pene-

.A gentle breeze fanned his cheeks, cooling him
nicely, and lulling him to sleep.

.l‘here could not be a deeper or sweeter slum-

r.
‘ Suddenly he was aroused b a harsh \
from Ortiz. who rushed toward hyim. cry

As he awoke he faintly heard the flappin of
heavy Wings, and a dark object rose from iim
and sailed away toward the river.

Although awake, Jasper was still stupefled,
and found himself prostrath by a strange sense
of weakness, from which he only partially recov-
ered when the guide shook him soundly and
poured some liquor down his throat from a flask
of tafla.

“What is it! What has happened to Japl”
eagerly demanded Joe.

‘ A vampire bat," re lied Ortiz.

At the name of that dreaded creature Jasper
started up, and it was more efl'ective than the
tails had been in fully arousing him.

“ A vampire l” he exclaimed. “ Are there
really such thingsl I have heard of them, but
never believed in them.”

There was really such a thing that settled
on ymkmy friend, and it was lucky for you
that I c need to wake." '

“ Has it been lacking me?"
ugh: uidigxalilmlned the lad’s neck, and dis‘

e a a unctnr lik ’
pin, nst back of h‘l’s ear. 8, e the pnek 0‘ a

“ (course it has been sucking you," replied

. I

 

 

Ortiz, “ and it has carried awnv no small quan-
tity of the blood that is your life.”

“ But I felt no bite. I never slept better.”

“ The vampire never hurts. He has practiced
the act of sucking the blood of cattle and other
sleeping animals, until he has become perfect.
He does his work very quietly, and while he is
drawing your blood he fans you with his big
wings. so that nothing shall disturb your slum-
bers. How was it that you happened to fall
asleep?"

Jasper related the events of his Watch as far
as he remembered them.

He pointed out the plant from which he Lq'nl
drank the water, and Ortiz examined it.

“The juice of that plant is not poisonom,"
said the guide; “ but it is not fit to drink, as it
has something of the quality of opium, and the
drink you took made you get more sleepy. You
should not taste anything in these forests with-
out asking me about it.” h

Jasper declared that nothing would induce
him to do so again.

“lam even with you now, an," remarked
Joe. “ Your hat was as had as my electric
eel." '

The boys laid down to sleep, and'Juan kept
watch during the remainder of the night.

 

CHAPTER VII.
-A DAY’B nonrmo.

WHEN the voyagers had been more than three
weeks out in their canoes, and were supposed to
be approaching the end of their journey. Ortiz
yielded to a request which Jasper and Joe had
frequently made, and consented that they
should “take a day of!" for recreation and a
grand hunt.

It could not be denied that something of the
kind was needed, and that it would be beneficial
to the entire party.

Continual paddling became monotonous and
wearlsome; the limbs of the canoeists became
cramped because of the confined position they
were compelled to maintain, and their muscles
suffered under the sameness of the strain upon
them. The halts that were made for meals and
for sleeping purposes were not enough to over-
come these inconveniences, and they felt the
need of exercise that would arouse other activi—
ties and call into play different sets of muscles.

They proposed to rest themselves in the
Yankee fashion by “ changing works."

After a good 'night’s rest, the ate a. hearty
breakfast and were ready for he busmess of
the day.

“ This is a splendid place for a hunt, my
friends,” said the guide. “ I doubt if you could
find a richer hunting-ground than this point of
land in all the immense forest. Here we can
‘ see the greatest abundance of game, from the
v great bald-eagle to the humming-bird, from the

ounce to the smallest midget of a movik“V"’

“ And what is an ounce’l” demanded Joe.

“ A rather large and dangerous animal. A
leopard is an ounce. and so is a jaguar, and
there are several varieties of that species of
tiger-cat, all of which we call ounces. '

' “ A leopard?” exclaimed Joe. “ I’ve seen
those crlttnrs in the menageiies. and I_

 

    
  

 
   

    

The Boy Cruisers.

 

any that a 100 art! is something more than an
punce—a poun or two, anyhow.”
' “ What is that he says?” asked the guide.

Jasper explained his friend’s joke as well as
he could.

“ hieis right,” said Ortiz. “The leopard of
Brazil is not as terrible as the tiger of India,
but is dangerous enough. He is pretty to look
at, but is not a nice glaything. However, as we
have good rifles, an know how to use them, I
think we need not fear the leopards or the
jaguars or the panthers.”

.Before starting, the voyagers drapped their
canoes a little way down the river to a place
where the bank was low and concealed them
under'the overhanging foliage.

While the sun was yet low in the eastern sky
they set out, keen for the hunt, and eager to
ex lore the wonders of a. Brazilian forest.

nan was an excellent shot and an expo
perienced hunter. The boys had had consider-
able practice with the rifles they carried, but
were as yet unused to such hunting as that
region afforded. ,

As the guide had promised, they found game
in great abundance. Even at the river bank it
was plentiful, such as it was, and Joe could
hardly be restrained from shooting at every-
thing that came in sight. Jasper was more
steady and prudent, and was easily crsuadcd
to save his ammunition for somet ling that
would be worth carrying to the canoes.

The monkeys were simply innumerable. From
the fierce mucura, a sort of gorillu ape to which
it is well to give a wide berth. down to the

*curious sapnjon which is found in so many col-
lections in the States, there was no end of them.
and it would have been no small affair even to
enumerate the varieties. Big monkeys and
little monkeys; long toiled monkeys and short-
tailed monkeys; monkeys that walked erect,
and monkeys that went upon four hands;
monkeys with horns like pictures of Satan,- and
monkeys with funny masks upon their faces;
were was no counting them, and no describing

em.

With a curiosity that so strongly distinguishes
their tribe, they flocked around the hunters
from the start and followed them as they pene-
trated the depths of the forest, their numbers
constantly increasing.

They leaped from tree to tree, running up
the trunks and large bought; with astonishing
agility, and' swinging b their tails from the
loftiest limbs, all the w ile keeping u a tre-
mendous chattering and barking and, owling.

Joe Boggs went into ecstasies over the mon-
keys, and declared that the sight was worth a

, hundred monke menageries rolled into one.

“I! we were ungry," said Ortiz, “ we might
easily knock over one of those fellows, and
have a fine roast for dinner.”

“Whatl’ eat a monkey i" exclaimed Joe, who
was uite disgusted at the thought.

“ gs, indeed. The Indians are very,tond of

m.

“ Well, I ain’t Ingun enough for that, and

hog: I never will he. ,

you the monkeys were greatly surpassed m

 

number and variety by the feathered tribes that
filled the forest. ,

They were of so many shapes and sizes and
colors and mixtures of colors. Birds that are
regarded as great curiosities at the North were
there in lavish abundance, their brilliant plum-
age undimmed by cage confinement. Countless
numbers of almost countless species flew in
flocks above the heads of the hunters, and kept
up such a continual screaming and screeching

and booting and whistling and chirping as -

almost overcame the incessant voice of the
monkeys. ’

“What a pleasure these forests must have
been to my father)" exclaimed Jasper. “ What
a pile of specimens he would have taken home,
it those Indians had let him alone!”

As for lhe'wondcrful trees, and the immense-

vines, and the endless masses of foliage, and the
millions of strange and beautiful blossoms, those
were almost beyond talking about, and the
boys could only stare at them in silent admira-
tion.

Now and then the wellrknown noise of a rat-
tlesnake warned them to look to their footsteps,
as they were treadin on dangerous ground,
and more than once as er started back as he
came upon a horned toe , which. though harm-
less, is surely one of the ugliest objects in exist.
ence. -

“ Hi. there!” shouted Joe. “ Ain’t that an
ostrich? Yes, there’s two of ’em, by gum!”

He pointed toward an open space in the
forest, into which stepped in stately style two
large birds, ntarly as tall as Joe was, accom—
ranied by a smaller bird that looked somewhat

ike a turkey.

“ Yes, they are ostriches, but of little value,”
said Ortiz. “The bird you see with them is a
serieina. Wherever you see an ostrich you see
asericma. It is good to eat, too; but we will
find something better. We ought not to shoot
anything but what we need, and wewill easily
find as much game as we will care to carry to
the canoes.”

They had gone but a little further when the
guide disregarded his own instinction in the
most re rehensible manner.

“ Loo there!” he exclaimed. “There is
something, now. That is what you do not see
eVery day, even in these forests.

“Is it a dog?" asked Jasper. “That is noth-
ing very strange. ”

‘It is not a dog.
it is doing. ”

The creature did look, from that distance, like
a large Newfoundland dog, and it was standing
over a big ant-bill, the interior of which it ap-
peared to be rummaging.

“ What is it, then i” demanded Joe.

“ It is a great ant-eater~the lion ant-eater—a
rare specimen. If you want to shoot it, step
softly to the big tree yonder, and be sure that
you aim well and fire together."

The boys, glad that they were at last allowed
to shoot something, soon reached the tree, fol-
lowed closely b the guide. The ant eater was
too busy to be isturhed by their approach.

Resting their rifles against the giant trunk;

See where it is, and what

so

 

 

 
  

      
    
  
  
   
 
    
  
    
  
   
 
   
   
    
   
  
   
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
  
 
    
      
       
       
       

y—wu“.—_.ww” a I

 

 

they:1 tookacaretul aim, and Jasper gave the
wor . '

'The two rifles cracked nearly together, and
the creature tumbled over, but rose immediate-
ly, assuming a posture of defiance.

Again the rifles cracked, and again the ant-
eater rolled over, tearing the ground as he
wrifhed in convulsions;

“Don't touch him!" shouted Ortia, as the
bovs ran toward their struggling prey.

He sent a bullet into the creature’s head; but
not until there could be no doubt of his death

,did he dare to lift him by his long tail and

show his sharp nose and his formidable paws.

“ If he had got hold of you while he was
alive,” said the guide, “ you would have learned
that his grip is Something: dreadful.”

“ Is be good to eati" asked Jasper.

"No. indeed.”

“ You told us, Juan, that we must shoot
nothing that is not good to eat.” _

“This is a great ant-eater, and a splendid
specimen.” '

“But We are not looking for specimens. and

 are not able to prepare them and carry them

, away. You broke your own rule, Juan, and

1/; M s

that is all there is about it.”

“I confess my. fault; but the ant—eater was a
great temptation,” laughingly replied the gmde.
"If you want to shoot something that is good
r0 eat, you have a fine chance now. There come
two turkeys.”

It was, indeed, a pair of turkeys that came ’

stalking t0ward them in the shade of the tall
trees, and fine birds they were with their plu-
mage of brown and White.

“The game is yours, my friends. and our
dinner depends upon your skill," said Ortiz.

Though the lads Were highly entailed, they ap-
proached the birds carefully until they were
within easy gunshot. .

Jaspei'fired first. and missed the hen, which
flew army; but Joe brought down the “ gobbler,”
and was very proud of his feat.

As it was then near noon,a fire was built,
and the bird was soon cleaned and cut up, and
Juan showed ,the boys how to cook it on sticks
of the iroanoozl, which is nearly as hard as
the metal from which it takes its name.

They made asplendiil dinner, in spite of the
lack of knives and forks, and for dessert they
had quite a feast of bananas.

 

CHAPTER VIII.
A BATTLE ROYAL.

Anna they had finished their dinner the
hunters went but a. little further into the forest,
as their progress in that direction was stopped
by an almost impenetrable jungle. . .

“ I can cut a way through for us," said Ortiz.
who had brought the niaiichetta which had
been taken from the Indian who attacked
at the mouth of the river and which he
ha frequently found very useful.

“13 WOIlldn’t be worth while,” remarked
J09. “ We can find plenty of game without
pitching into that, and it looks-as it it might be

0 healthy apiece for snakes.” ‘

' , Juliet was of the same Opinion. and it was

The Boy emu".

‘ preparat ons for the fight were going on, and

 

 

\

unanimously decided that they had better tum‘
hick and make their way toward the river.

But there was something in the jungle that
became intensely interesting before they finally
got away from it.

At a little distance in the thicket was an open
space, a sort of circular glade, sloping down-
ward toward the center, where was a smallpool
of water which was then nearly dry.

Jasper first noticed the glade, and called the
attention of his com anions to it, wonderin
why that space shou d be clear of trees an
vines and all manner of vegetable growth.

They looked at it, and were commenting upon
it, when they heard a sound as of some animal
breaking its way through the thicket.

“Hush l” Whispered the guide. “We may
see something shortly that is worth seeing.” '

What they saw was indeed worth looking at.

From the jungle on the other side of the open \
space emerged a beautiful leopard.

As he stepped out, he halted and looked
warily about: exposing the full beauty of his
graceful form, his tawny hide, his handsome
head, and his flashing eyes.

'The heat and his recent eflforts caused him to
pant, and his red tongue hung out of his mouth
ikeaflng of battle, and his sharp white teeth
showed plainly.

He stepped down to the remains of the pool,
and lapped in the dark water, not forgetting to
keep up his wary watch for possible danger.

“ What a splendid fellow l’ whispered Jasper.
‘1 Shall we shoot him?"

“ No,” replied the guide; “ not yet, at least.
I think I'hear another coming.”

Sure enough there was the same noise in the
jungle that had been heard a few “ minutes pre-
viously. and the leopard at the pool looked up
quickly, stepped back, and faced the direction
irom whence the sound came. ' .

Then the other appeared.

It was a leopard exactly like the first arrival,
and similar in manner and actions.

“ They are not mates.” whispered Ortiz. “ We
may have a fight soon.”

The second leopard stepped down to the pool
and lapped in the water as the first had done.
Then he stepped back, and the two fierce beasts
faced each other, lashing their tails and sway—
ing their sinuous bodies from side to side.

They seemed to be working themselves u to
the proper pitch of fury, and it was evi out
that a battle royal was to be expected.

The be 3 almost held their breath while these

even the guide was intensely excited by the
SCENE.
When the crisis came, it was as much of a.
:hock as if it had not been so anxiously looked
or. w
The first arrival, who may have thought that
he had the better title to the spot by right of w
pro-eruption, was the first to crouch and spring;
but the other was hardly a second behind him,
and they met in the air, falling heaVily to the
ground, where they fought with the greatest
ferocity. .-
, Blood flowad freely as they hit and clawed, * '
nnd crimson stains soon 21 upon their _‘
tawnv hides. ‘ 

l y ' l

    

"H V I . V i The Boy Cruisers.

 

Over and over they rolled, one scarcely to be
dislinguished from the other as Ihey writhed
and tumbled about. They fought down to the
edge of the pool and into the dui water from
which they emerged dripping an coated with
slime and mud. ‘

They were too much occupied with their own
affairs to notice anything else, and the hunters
talked as they pleased without fearing to dis-
turb them.

“This is the best show I ever struck,” re-
marked Joe. “It is by long odds the cheapest,
LOO.

“ It must be nearly played out," said Jasper.
“I think they have both had about as much as
they can stand.”

()ne of them had clearly got enough. He was
slretchcd out on the ground. as the other rose
from his prostrate form, and blood was pouring
lrom a. great gash in his throat.

The other seemed to be not much better of! as
he staggered away, apparently looking for some
shady place where he could rest and lick his
wounds.

“ Shall we shoot him?” impatiently demanded
Jasper.

“ Yes," replied Ortiz; and the lads fired near-
ly together.

Two bullets struck the exhausted beast, and
he turned with n howl and looked for his new
adversaries, focbly swinzing his tail. -

Two more bullets struck him, and he sunk
Upon the sand and quietly breathed his last.

The monkeys, which had been frightened
away by the deadly Combat, came stealing
buck among the tops of the trees, and chattered
as they looked down on the fallen monarchs of
the forest. _ ‘

“ hey are both dead,” said Jasper. “ I
would dearly love to have their hides.’

“ It would never pay to cut our way through
for those,” observed J 09. “ They are too
nastv.”

“ They are too badly cut up,” said Juan,
“ Besides, we have no way of curing them, and
could do nothing with them.
I) ck down the river, if we have good luck, we
may get something that it will be worth your
while to carrv home.”

They left the dead leopards to the birds of
prey, and started back toward the river, taking
a route a little different from that by which
they had come.

Shortly they came upon another pnir of
turkeys, sml‘this time Joe missed, and Jasper
secured his bird, at which he was highly elated,
as the shot put him even with his friend.

The turkey was a hoavy one, and Jasper was
compelled as a penalty for his luck. to carry it;
but he did so quite willingly, until they came in
sight of some agoutis. a. small kind of animal
that ma belikened to the rabbits of the North.

Then 8 dropped the turkev, leaving it in the
care of Ortiz, and he and Joe had fine sport
chasing and shooting the agoutis, of which
they easily get as many as they cared to
carry. .

The next specimen of valuable game which
they encountered excited Ortiz, who was over-
joyed at finding a tapir.

Joe was the lucky one who first discovered it.

 

his load of
 “ Look, a ! Lack. Juan!” he eagerly ex— v
claimed.. “I that ain’t a baby elephant, may ‘

chen we come'

 

r

and in his astonishment and delight he dropped
a me.

I never see the States again I”

“Then you Will never see them again,”ra-
plied Ortiz. “ There are no elephants in Bruz'l.”

“ It does look like an elephant,” said Jasper.
“ If We could catch it and carry it home, what
a. curiouity it would be!"

‘_‘ We will have it, but
home,” rejoined the gui e, who had already
cocked his rifle.

The boys were quite excusable l'or supposing
that the animal they saw was a baby elephant,
as its trunk and general appearance gave it the
look of a diminutive Jumbo.

It was quietly walking among the trees,
browsing on the young shoots of bushes and
vines, entirely unconscious of the presence of
enemies.
> “We must not lose it,” said Ortiz. “I will
take the first shot, and you must be ready to
fire at the word.” ’

He crept stealthil toward the tapir, aimed
go as to hit it just behind the left shoulder, and

re( .

The bullet was true to its aim, and the animal,
throwing up its trunk, fell over on its left side,
but rose again, and another bullet was needed
to finish the work.

“ What is it!” asked Joe, as they stood over
this singiilar game.

“ It is what we call an ante," replied the
guide. “I do not know what name you give
it. ’ .
“I know it nowl” exclaimed Jasper. “The
name has just come to me. You must have
seen it in a menagerie, Joe. It is a. tapir.”

“They are sttmg to be quite scarce in these '

parts," said rtiz, “though there used to be
many of them along the Amazon and all
through these forests. I am sure that I have
not met one for a year, and I had almost lor-

otten that there were such creatures as nnzas.

e are in great luck lo—day."

“Is it good to eat?” inquired Jasper, with a,
quizzical smile.

“it is Very good to eat. We have made no
mistake here. The meat will please you better
than the finest beef, and do you see this hump
at the hack of the neck? That is one of the
greatest delicacies known to Brazil."

The uide quickly and skillfully skinned and
cleans the tapir, cutting on the hump and the
choicest p rts of the meat, which he slung so
that he could carry them conveniently.

“ Now we have game enough,” he said. “ We
are all loaded with more meat than we will be
able to eat, and we must not shoot anything
more."

But before they reached the river a tempta-
tion resented itself which the lads were quite
unab e to resist.

It wasa stag, which bounded out from amon
the trees, and was so handsome and gracefu
that an involuntary cry of admiration burst
from the lips of the hunters.

The beautiful creature caught sight of the

strange two-legged animals as soon as it was
seen by them: at Jasper dropped his turkey,

,4

cu will not carry it‘

 
   

jmfl. ,

 

 
 

ix. .

 
  
 
 
    
  
    
  
  
  
   
 
 
 

 

 

 

The Boy Cruisers.

 

 

and Joe drop d his ngoutis, and each of them
hastily broug t his rifle to his shoulder.

Jasper was the first to fire, but Joe was hard-
ly a. shade behind him.

The stag was badly wounded but would have
escaped if the lads had not understood the
capabilities of their repeatingriflt-s.

Two more bullets brought him to the ground,
and they ran to him reaching him just in time
to see him draw his last breath. _

“ Look at his eyesl” exclaimed Jasper—“ his

nor, pleading eyesl I am so sorry that we
Billed him.”

“ When did you begin to get so girlish, an?"
demanded Joe. “It’s a big thing to kill a deer,
and this one is good to eat, ain‘t he Juan?"

,”Very good to eat. The flesh is exvellent,
and, as we are now near the river, we can
easily tzilro as much of it as we care to use.”

“ Yes, indeed,” said Jas r. “ “'9 will have
a fine choice of food, and if any of it is likely
to spoil on our hands we can feed it to tho ulli-
gators.”

The stag was neatly skinned and dressed by
Ortiz. The best parts of it were selected and
hung upon a pole, and the hunters trudged
on With as much of a load as they cared to
carry.

It was nearly dark when they reached the
river, but they soon built a fire and prepared a
fine supper of tapir hump and nguuhi, to v hich
their excellent appetites enabled them to do
ample justice.

Ortiz was determined that as little of the
meat as ssihle should be washed, as he expect—
ed to-ma e no more stops than were absolutely
necessary. So he and the boys set to_work
after supper to out up the flesh of tho tupir and
the vension, which they hung over :1 big smoke,
as they had treated the manntoe moat. '

“ It was a big day, by ginger!“ exclaimedJoo
Baggs,while the Were thus engaged. “You
gavo it to us straight, Juan. There is as much
Fame in these Woods as unybod need want to

00k at. It would suit me exact y to stay right
here and do nothing but hunt.”

“You could live very well und very easily,”
replied Ortiz. “unless you should happen to
sleep out in the forest at night alone.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t do that. No blootlsucking-
for me.”

“ There is the rattlesnake that must be guard-
ed against, too, and some other serpents, par-
ticularly the sucuriju,”

“ What sort of a beast is that?" I

“ The constrictor—the anaconda—the kind
that drops from the trees, and picks you up,
and crushes you, and swallows you. Then,
again, a mucura might take a fancy to you.”

 

“ Is that another snake?” I

“That is a great monkey, like the gorillatot’ '
Africa, and a very savage fellow ho is; unlike
the barbado, which is about as big, but more
mischievous than wicked. ”

l
“'That will do for tonight, Juan. I wouldn’t v
sleep alone in the forest, and I wouldn‘t go

swimming in that river, either.”

 

   

CHAPTER IX.
'rwo BOYS AND A BIG MONKEY.

IT was quite an uneasy feeling that settled
upon Jasper Hundley and Joe Baggs when Ortiz
informed them at last that they had reached
the country of the Yu'iquiras.

After Weeks of hard but pleasant labor—
though it had finally grown to be rather mo-
Im’onous unrl tcdiws—they had come to the end
or their voyage.

The journey was but half-finished, it is true;
yet, it‘ they should be successful in the great
0‘ jeci of their mission, the return voyage would
be :1 small matter.

Joe Bilggi. who claimed to know something
about the savage tribes of hisnative land, won-
(lei‘evl whether the Yuaquiras would prove to be
a fierce and bloodthirsty people, anxious to
“raise the hair” of inoffensive traVelers.

Ja<prr had other causes of trouble. It was
not of his own safety that he was thinking,
so much as the position and recovery of his fa-
ther.

Ho saw no reason to suspect the Yuaquim
of lining a fierce and bloodthirsty race. Juan
Ortiz had been among them, and had even
lourm-d their language, and hadnot been harm-
ed by them. Jusper’s father, too, as faras could
be ascertained, had been well treated, though
hold in captivity.

The question was, how would those Indians
treat the canoe party? Would it be safe to let
it he known who they were and for what pur-
pose they had come, and how should they pro-
ceed to obtain the release of the captive?

These points, though frequent] discussed,
were of course expected to be finally settled by
the guide, who had prepared and matured a
plan of his own, subject; to such changes as
further developments might make necessary.

Thi< plan he made known to Jasper as they
approached their destination.

“If we knew why they were keeping your
father there,” said Ortiz, “and knew how the
are treating him now, we would be better ab 5
to judge how we ought to act. But that; isa
mystery which I do not profess to be ableto
solve, and it seems to me that I must try to get
at the bottom of it; before it will be safe for you
to venture into the Indian village. So I pro-
po'o to hide you somewhere, while I go to the
village alone and learn how matters stand.”

J “ But how and where can we hide?” inquired
uspor.

“ 1 think I can find a place."

A short distance below the village of the
Yu'nqziirus, as he explained to his young friends,
tho liver made an abrupt bond to the right.

Before reaching the bend they would en-
coun'cr several natural cuuals or iguarapes,
leading into lagoons like the bayous of the
lower Missisdppi, and scme of the lagoons were
lakes of no small size.

He proposed to take the party up one of those
nutuml canals, and conceal them there, while
he should go on to the Indian village.

This was what was done.

With Ortiz in the lead, the canoes threaded
their way through a network of sluggish
water-courses. full of fish and aboundins in

   

  

 

   

The Boy (Cruisers.

 

water—fowl, and not at all lacking, it may be
added, in caymans and other reptiles. ,

The lads would have been highly pleased with
this kind of an excursion into the vast forest if
they had not been so deeply interested in the ex-
pectation of events that were to follow.

They came out into a large lake, whose dark
waters were beautifully diversified by several
islands.

“ Exactly what we wantl" exclaimed Ortiz.
“We will make one of those islands our hiding-
place. No wandering Indians will be likely to
exfilgre it during the little while that I expect
to away.”

They landed on the largest of the islands,
where the trees were as great and the under-

rowth as luxuriant as on the mainland, and

row their canoes up out of sight.

As the day was then nearly done, they pre-
pared their supper, making as small a fire as pos-

' sible, and passed the night in the usual way.

After an early breakfast, the boys, with the
most profuse wishes for his good luck and speed
return, said good-by to Ortiz, who entered his
canoe and paddled over to the southern shore of
the lake.

As this was the first time he had been out of
their sight for more than a few minutes at a
time since they left Belem, they felt quite lost
without him, and were almost disconsolate when
he plunged into the forest and disappeared from
their view.

“ Suppose he shouldn’t come back, anr’ re-
marks Joe Baggs.

“ 0h, he is sure to come back. Those Indians
know him, and will do him no harm. I wish I

. coxfid’ be as sure that my father is alive and
we .
“ Yes, that’s the great point. I am afraid
' that we will have hard work to worry through
with the time until we get some news. What
shall we do with ourselves, J lip?"

“ Just nothing but eat and loaf, I suppose.”

‘We will soon get tired of that. I would like
to know what there is on this island.”

“ Take it out in guessing, Joe. You lmow that
Juan told us to stay right here, and to make no
attempt to explore the island, as there is no tell-
ing what may turn 11 to trouble us.”

“ Oh, bother! It s an island Ja‘p, and the
wild beasts of this country ain’t like y to swim
over to it. I have no doubt that a leopard hates
the .water as much as a cat does.”

“That may be; but we know that there are
monkeys here, as we can hear and see them,

‘ and where there are monkeys there may be all
sorts of things. ”

It was not long before the boys learned some-
thing more about animal life on the island.

They seed the morning in fishing from the
covero the foliage, and had fine sport, taking
care to retain nothing but what they had al-
ready proved to be good to eat.

At noon they cooked some or the fish they
had caught, and were enjoying a hearty dine»
ner. when something unusual occurred.

The chattering and howling of the monkeys,
and the discordant cries of myriads of birds,
suddenly became louder and more tumultuous.

pad then gradually died away and ceased. as if

fl.” "

 

 

_ I
_ )8 hairy and winged, creatures had taken flight
at the approach of something they feared.

The boys seized their rifles and waited and I L

watched. ‘ The had observed a similar phe—
nomenon just fore they caught sight of the
leopard in the forest.

Then the sound of footsteps caught their at-
tentive ears, as it some person was prowling
about among the trees, stepping very carefully
and stealthily.

“ lnjunsl” muttered Joe. "

The creature that soon came in sight was 11
Indian, though it walked erect as a man walks.

it was a very large specimen of the monkey
tribe, its body covered with hair, a. big heard
on its'tace, its long tail dragging the ground
when it was not swmging about. and. its sharp
white teeth showing quite savagely. ‘

“A gorilla,” said Jasper.

“ One of thoso things that Juan told us about,”
replied Joe.

“ Yes, a mucura, or a barbado.”

“Well Jag, whatever it is, I reckon we are
enough for im. There’s no foolishness about
these rifles of ours.” \

If the big monkey had designs upon the lads,

he was in no hurry to carry them into execu--

tion. In fact, his movements seemed to be
actpated by curiosity, rather than by any worse
mo ive.

Heyvalked stealthily about, swinging his tail,
showing his white teeth, and circling around the
position of the strangers, so that he kept them
continued turning to face him, in order to
guard against his too near approach.

Hispautious steps, indeed. were all the while
brin ng him nearer to them; but he was appa-
rent y so harmless that they were disposed to
be amused at his maneuvers, and began to
laugh and joke about him.

“Look out, old fellow!” said Jasper. “You
had better not come too close, or you might get
hurt. It was ver polite of you to call around;
but we can’t stan too much familiarity.”

The hairy creature chattered and grinned._as
if desirous of carrying favor with the superior
rave. .

Joe tossed a small stone at him; but he merely
picked it up, put it to his mouth, and grunted
as he threw it away.

“The wicked wretch!” exclaimed Jasper. “ I
am sure he said damn I” ‘

Joe tossed toward him a stick from which the
fire had not yet disappeared. He picked it u ,
but dropped it immediately, chattering violen
ly, and looking very ugly. I

“I think we have ad enough. of his com-
pany,” said Jasper. “I shall inv1te him away
as olitely as I'xcan."

he lad drew arevolver from his belt, and
fired in the direction of the unwelcome guest,
but in the air.

The flash and the smoke, together with the
noise of the ex lesion frightened the monkey,
and he turned ail an ran away swutly, disap-
pearlng amon the trees.

After they ad got rid of the higlmonkey
time passed slowly with the two lads; but the
afternoon were away gradually, and before it
was ended (hey were reJoiced by the welcome

 

 

 

 

 
   

 

 
    

Vui 3'

    
  
  
  
   
   
 
 

 

 

 

  
  
  

 

 

 

_ ‘ that is all.

The Boy Cruiser; ,

 

sight of Ortiz paddling toward them 1h his

canoe.

He had returned in safety—that much was
certain—and his countenance, as he faced them
info/(Idling, did not look sud.

Iis canoe had hardly touched the shore of the
island when Jasper questioned him eagerly. .

“ Your father is well and safe," replied Ortiz.
“We will go to the village in the morning.”

This was good news enough for the present,
and Jasper helped him to moor his canoe, while
Joe hastened to build a fire for supper.

“ It is a good thing to know that my father is "

well and safe," said Jasper; “ but what are the

chances of getting him away from there? Why/

are those Indians keeping him?"

“Your father is a physician,” replied Ortiz.

"Yes; he used to practice medicine; but what
of that? ’

“ It seems that be effected a remarkable cure
of the chief’s son. At least, the Indians consid-
ered it a wonderful cure, and they keep him for
the purpose of profiting by his services.”

“ If I was him,” muttered Joe, “ I’d p’ison the
whole outfit.” -

“ How can we hope to get him away, then?"
demanded Jasper.

“ That is more than I can say at present. We
must go touthe village and watch our chances—-

 

" CHAPTER 2.
THE WHITE GOD.

JASPER was highly excited when they pre-

ared to leave the island the next morning, and
Joe shared to a considerable extent in the f:el—
logs of his friend. '

The guide cautioned them, for the sake of the
success of the enterprise, to control their emo—
tions, so that the Indians should not suspect the
interest they tool: in the prisoner.

“Your father," he said to Jasper, “is not
only held b the Indians as a physician, but
the re ard im, or pretend to, as a sort of a
g . on must humor them in that, and as
soon as you See him must bow down before
him and worship him.”

“ I always did worship him,” replied Jasper.
“ You needn’t worry about me."

“I never got into the wnv of hmring down
before anybody," remarked .700; “ but I reckon
I can take a Whirl at it with Jap’s dud.”

The voyagers paddled out of the lake, and
through the network of lagoons, into the river,
which they ascended until they pussvd an ab-
rupt bend, and there they came lu siglit’of the
Village 9f the Yuaquiras.

Their approach had been watched and sig-
naled, and the Indians flocked down to the
river-bank to meet and welcome them.

The Yunquirqs were ulte unlike the Indians
of North America, but id not differ much in
their general appearance from those which the
Vovagers had met along the lower river.

'hey were tall and of large frame, their skin
a light red, and their hair abundant and bushy.
Their ears were stretched nearly down to their
shoulders by the weight of heavy silver rings,
and large pendants of the same metal hung
their noses. A: for their clothing, it may

l" 

 

simply be said that a tailor would have seen no
chance to make a fortune among them.

A bit of cloth about the loins was the only
apparel of most of them; hit the chief and 7 ,
some of_ the leading men of the tribe made more
pretensmns to style.

The chief, Itacuri by name, was a dignified
elderly man of really fine appearance. He wore
a tunic of blue cotton, cov- red by a light cloth,
brownish in color, of the silk that is made from
the suma-uma, and his hair was fancifully ar-
ranged and decorated with bits of “I, shells,
and various trinkets.

He spoke in a. friendly tone to Ortil, and was
condescending to the two lads, who, as they un-
derstood nothing of what he said, could only
bow and stare.

The Indians gathered about the canoes, ex-
amining them curiously and jabberiug at a.
great rats. J

Ortiz, who was afraid that they might
develop pilfering propensities, spoke to the
chief, who detailed a. guard to watch the prop-
erty of the strangers. ' ‘

Jasper Hundley was extremely eager to see
his father' but, acting under the directions of
the guide, he restrained his impatience, and was
soon rewarded by the informutibn that he
would be taken at once to the prisoner.

Itacuri led the way. followed by the stran-
gers, and accompanied by his son Italumba and
a few men of prominence in the tribe.

Near the middle of the village they stopped in
front of a. house, or hut, which was larger and
finer than any of the others, except that of the
chief, which Ortiz pointed out to his Young
companions. . .

It was open at the front, except theta curtain
of such silk as Itacuri’s robe was made of hung
gown over the space where a door might have

eén. v

Before entering, the chief and the other
Indians prostrated themselves on the ground,
and went through a series of mummeries that
Eonsisted mainly of chattering and gesticula-

mg.

This performance increased the impatience of
the two lads; but at the same time it had the
good effect of reminding Jasper of the part he
was to play, and he whispered to Joe to behave
himself and keep his face straight.

After a whileTtacuri drew aside the curtain,
and the interior of the house was revealed.

It was a. square room, with an open space for
a window at the back, over which hung a. cur-
tain that admitted the light. The floor was
covered with handsome skins of the leopard and‘
the jaguar, and with soft furs of the monkey.
‘The walls were hung with the beautiful bark of
the taluris, which was here and there looped up
in graceful folds, and elsewhere was covered.
with specimens of humming birds, beetles, and
insects in immense variety. Every available
niche and corner of the apartment was filled
with stuffed birds beasts and reptiles. ‘

At one side of the room was a couch of ham-
boo, covered plentiful] with soft furs. In the
center was a small tab 9. In a cane easy-chair
behind the table a man sat, reading; a book. '

There was nothing about him to suggest on
fact that he was a prisoner. '

 

 

 
 

is

 

The Boy Cruisers.

 

He was a fine-looking, middle—aged man, with
h ir turning gray, and was dressed in the gar-
ments of civilization, somewhat the worse for
war, except that in place of a coat he wore a
robe somewhat similiar to that worn by Ita-
cu r1. ,

He looked up from the book as the curtain
was raised, and his face flushed as he recognized
his son, who also turned red in the face; but
each understood the part be was to play, and
there was nothing more than the change of
color to cause the Indians to suspect the re-
la Lion they bore to each other.

The chief and the other Yunquirns prostrated
themselves before the white man, who stood
upldaind acknowledged their salutations rather
/ co y.

Then the stepped aside, and made room for
Ortiz and t e lads, who went through the same
ceremony. ‘

Mr. Hundlev stepped forwnrd, gave each of
the boys his hand, raised them to their feet,
and placed chairs for them and their guide.

Then he waved his hand, and spoke in their
own language to the Indians, who retired to a
little distance, but remained in view of the
group in the house.

“My dear boy,” said Mr. Hundley, speaking
to Jasper, “you can imagine how it rejoices
me to meet you: but we must restrain ourselves,
as it would never do to give these Indians cause
to sus met that you are my son.”

“ on can rely upon me, father," replied Jas-
per. “1 will try my best to keep as cool as a
cucumber, and Joe Briggs is up to the mark,
too.

1‘ That is right. Now you may first give me
the news from home, and then tell me ’why and
how you came here”)

Jasper soon assured his father that all at
home were well, and then proccedel to tell of
the letter which had been received from Padre
lirrarnho, and which had caused him to Come
to Brazil as soon as possible after its receipt,
with Joe Baggs as his companion.

As for the details of the expedition, and the

adventures of the voyagers on the way,“ he pre- ‘

fort-ed toleaye those to another time as there
were more important matters requiring con-
nueration just then.

It was enough for their father to kn0w what

theiri mission was, and that they had safely ar-
nve .

“You are the point of the business, sir,” he
said, “and we want to know how we are going
to get you away from hero."

5' That is a question that has been puzzling me
for a long time,” replied Mr. Hundlcy, “and I
am no nearer its solution than 1 was when I be-
gun to consider it. [am well treated, as you
we see, more like a. prince than a prisoner,

an am not confined; but I am always closely
watched. I have implored the forest thorough-

ly, and have collected a great many beautiful
and valuable specimens. The Indians believe
that I use them for the healing art, and look
upon my occupation very reverentiy; but,
/ wherever I go, and whatever I do, my uards
never lose sight of me. I assure you, asper,
that I have not yet seen the slightest Opening
toran escape.” ’

 

  

“I am very sorry to bear it, sir, and that v ’
gives the case a bad look; but we came here to
bring you away, and we have got to do it,
somehow or other.” '

“ We must all set our u its at work to con- , ,
trive a plan. It will be impossible to light these
Indians, and they are too keen to be outwitred
by us. I suppose you know why they are keep-
ing me here.”

“ Oh, yes. Juan told us about that. It is be-
cause you cured the chief’s son, and they want
you to doctor the tribe.” ,

“That is not all, my son. Therehis another
matter that is of a great deal more impertance
to them, as they suppose.”

“ What is that, sir?” ,

“It is about a very valuable parcel of dia-
monds that is buried somewhere about here.”

“ Diamonds!” exclaimed all three of his lis-
toners, opening their eyes wide.

‘ Yes. I suppose there is no doubt that the
diamonds were buried near this village, and the
Indians believe that I can find them. That, in
fact, is what they imagine I was after when I
was hunting specimens in the forest. I will tell
you all about it."

Mr. Hundley proceeded to tell substantially
the same story that Ortiz had told to the boys
in their camp near the mouth of the river,
shortl after the death of the Indian who at-
tacke Jasper.

“ As I told you,” he said in conclusion, “ Ita-
curi believed that I could find these diamonds,
and he set me to search for them/again and
again, promising me my liberty if I would find
them and give them to him. I have been to the
great sapucaia tree, and have looked and dug
all about it, but in vain. Itacnri supposed that
I could make some sort of a charm to discover
them, and I told him that my magic would not
work while I was a captive. But he shook his
head, and looked at me as if he understood what
I was aiming at. These savages know the
value of diamonds well enough, and the value
of the reward that is offered for them. Why,
Jasper, what are you crying about, my boy i”

Tears, indeed, glistened in the lad’s eyes; but
they were tears of joy.

“ Oh, father!” he exclaimed, in a voice that ‘
was full of suppressed emotion. “ Itis allright.
God has sent us here, and has guided us all the
wa . If that is what is keeping you here, you
wil soon be free. We will find the diamonds,
and will take you home.”

“What do you mean 3” demanded Mr. Hund-
ley, in utter astonishment. “ Find the dia-
monds? I hope you have not gone craz~ .”

“ The boy is right,” said Ortiz. “. he dia.
monds will be found.’

“ W e’ve struck it rich this time,” remarked
Joe Baggs. “Biggest thing of the season.”

“What do you all mean?” again demanded
Mr. ” Hundley. “ Will somebody please tell
me? >

“ You have told us a story, father," replied
Jasper, “ and now I will tell you one. ’

He'proceeded to relate the adventure at the
month 'of the river, includin the finding of the
paper on the body of the In ian, audits expla-

nation by the guide. .,
Ortiz corroborated his statements. and shoved

 

 

 

 

    

 
  

  
 

  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

The Boy Crashers. I

 

the paper, which Mr. Hundley took and eagerly

examined. _
r “ You were right. Jasper,” he said, “ when
you told me that God had guided on. It is
wonderful that this aper should ave come
into your hands, and t e manner in which you
obtained it is still more wonderful. Yes. I be-
lieve we will find the diamonds. I vnll keep
this paper, it on are all willing, and Will
study it more c osely. Say nothing about the
matter, and leave me to arrange with the In-
dians.”

It was agreed that he should keep the paper,
a: d should have the entire management of the
affair. ”

“’It is now more ntcessary than ever,” said
he, “ that the Indians should have no cause to
suspect your errand here. Leave me now and
be very reverential as you go.”

A lthree prostrated themselves before “ the
White God, ’ and left his presence.

The curtain was drawn, and they followed
Itacuri to his house.

CHAPTER XI.
THE MANCHETI‘A.

THE strangers were hospitath entertained by
Chief Itncuriat his house, which was a larger
structure than that occupied by Mr. Hundley,
but was furnished in much the same style, ex-
cept that it lacked his collection of beasts, birds,
reptiles and insects.

A but was assigned to them for their lodging,
and they were fed at the chief’s house, where
the boys went into raptures over the Indian
cookery, and ate so heartily that Joe pro-
nounced himself “fit to bust.”

He declared that nothing would please him
letter than to remain with the Yur quirns, and
spend the rest of his life in hunting and fishing
and eating. 3

In the evening they visited Mr. Hundley. who
explained to them the arrangement he had
made with Itacuri for the purpose of regaining

his freedom. ,
He had to] the chief that he could only find

 

‘ the buried di monds, if at all, by the use of his

magical power, which had been weakened by
his long captivity.

Since the arrival of the three strangers from
his native land he had felt the power returning
to him, and he believed that with their aSsis-
tance he would be able to discover the lost
treasure.

It was essential to the success of his opera~
tions, he went on tosay, that he should prose-
cutP the search with no witnesses but the stran-

gets

To this Itaruri demurred, natural] fearing
that he might lose both the White G and the
diamonds, and it was finally' agreed that the
searchers should be surrounded by a cordon of
Indians sufficient to prevent their escape, but
the guards should be stationed at such a dis-
tance as Mr. Hundley should indicate.

It was settled that the search should take
place the next day, and this promised to be an
excilin piece of business for the boys.

But, efore‘ they were ready to start for the
(crest. something that postponed the

 

diamond-hunting .expedition, and threatened
disaster to at least one of the party of whites.

The Indians who‘were detailed by Itacuri to
guard the canoes of the voyagers duly obeyed
the orders of the chief, but went a little further.

They prevented all the other Indians from
touching the queer craft of the white people,
but did not attempt to restrain their own (‘uri-
osity, which prompted them to rummage the
canoes, and investigate their contents.

In the canoe of Juan 'Ortiz they found the
manehetta, or felling-knife, which had belonged
to the Indian who made the attack upon Jasper
at the camp near the mouth of the river.

Very soon there was a great excitement
among them on account of this unlucky man-
chetta.

They recognized it.

It had been the profirty, as Ortiz was shortly
made to know, of atamaribo, one of the
tribe.

He was an unusually shgacious and enterpris-
ing Indian, who had been accustomed to trade
for the village with the tribes along the lower
river and with the white people. He was then
supposed to be On a trading expedition, and
had been absent a long time. The first intima-
tion of what might have happened to him came
from the discovery of his well—known man—
chetta.

How did it happen to be in the possession of
the white man, and what had become of Muta-
maribo? r

There was an easy answer to this question,
and the You uiras jumped at once to the con-
clusion thati atamaribo had been slain, and
that Ortiz was his murderer. 

The manchetta was brought to the village,
where it was extensively examined and corn-

'mented u ion, and the result of the discuSsion -

was final: rtia was arrested and placed under

ar .

He was taken to Itaouri, was confronted with
the manchetta, was informed who had been the
owner of the weapon, and was asked to explain
how 1thad come into his ossession,

Fearing that he might ring his young com—
rades into the same trouble in which he found
himself, the faithful guide contented himself
Witn declaring that he had found it, and re-
fused to make any further explanation.

He was then taken away. and was securely
confined until the chief and his advisers could
consider the case. '

Jasper and Joe knew that some sort of an ac-
cusation had been brought against him, and
perceived that the manohetta was connected
with it; but they knew nothing of the language,
and could not understand the nature and ex-
tent of the difficulty.

After Ortiz had been shut up they were al-
lowed aocess to him, and then they compelled
him to explain what had placed him in such an
unpleasant position.

“ This will never do at all,” said Jasper. “ It
is for our sake, J uau, that you are letting this
thing rest on your own shoulders, and we can’t
allow it. None of us killed that man, and it is

best to tell the Indians the truth."
“ No, my boy," replied the guide: “ that must

  

 

 

 

to interfere. . '
unlined, he said, and the demSion was

 

30
never be. It is enough that I am in trouble
here, and I need not drag you into it."

“I don't believe you would drag us into it. I
believe that it won d be best for us all if you
should tell the plain, straight truth."

“ So do 1," remarked Joe. “ I believe in the
square truth all the time.”

“ If you don’t do it,” said Jasper, “ I will go
to my father, and will make him tell ,the
Indians just how that man came to hisdeath."

Under this pressure Ortiz caused himself to be
taken before Itacuri again, and told the story
according to Jasper’s wishes.

The result was by no means as favorable as
the boys had hoped it would be.

Itacuri and his advisers considered the mat-
ter, and decided that the statement that Matu-
maribo had been killed by a caymnn was too
improbable for them to believe. He had been
met by the arty of white people, and his man-
chetta was ound in the possession of Ortiz, who
admitted that‘its owner was drad.

The conclusion was that, Ortiz had mur-
dered Matnniaribo, and that he must pay the
penalty.

The chief’s son tried hard to have the two
white boys included in the judgment; but Im-
curi had the diamonds on his mind, and de-
cided that the death of the guide would be snfli-
c ent. »

His execution was ordered for the next day,
being the day aft er that which had been set for
the diamond search.

As soon as he was made aware of this decision
Jasper hastened to his father, to whom he ex-
plained the peril of Ortiz, and begged him to
come “to the assistance of the doomed guide,
who had grown to be very dear to both the boys.

“ This is a. very sad afiair,” said Mr. Hundley.
“ That Indian doubtless overhea (1 your talk on
the steamer, and probably understood it. I do
not suppose that be connected you with the
diamonds, as you had not spoken of them, but
he believed that you were going to try to re--
lease me. and he knew how anxious Itncuri was
to keep me here. Therefore he intended to kill
you and make an end of‘the expedition. It
turns out that his deal 11 has broughtus budluck,
as well as good luck.” ‘

“But you will help Ortiz,” insisted Jasper.
“ They must not kill him.”

“You may be sure that I will do the best I
can, my son, though i do not yet see how he can
be saved. Ah! .I have an idea.”

“ What is it, father?”

“To—morrow there is to be an eclipse of the
sun—a total cclipsch-as my ulnlanuo tells me.
The excitement of your arrival and the news
you brought caused mo to forget it. If I can
not prevail on the Indians in any other way. I
will bring the eclipse to hear on them. I be-
lieve I will do it in any event.”

The White God sent at once for Itacuri, and ,

tried to, persuade him to revoke the order for

the execution of Ortiz, whom he declared to be

undoubtedly innocent of the murder for which
he was condemned to suffer. _

Itacuri shook his head. and positively refused

' The case had been carefully ex-

inal.

Matamaribo was one of the most valuable men

The goy'OCruisers.

prisoner must die. ,
“if he dies," replied Mr. Huudley, “I am

i will not be able to find the buried diamonds.”
A uiet smile showed the chief’s incredulity.
“ ou must find the diamonds,” he said, “or
you shall never leave the Yuaquiras.”
“ You are cruel and unjust,” retorted the
White God. “ Since that is the case you shall
see and confess my power. Unless you let the

to come over the sun to-morrow morning as
snail blot it out, and you shall nevermore have
any light. This will prove the innocence of the
white prisoner.”

The chief smiled again.

“ 1 will believe in your magic," he replied,
“ when you find the diamonds. The sun has al-

am not afraid.”

But he threat of the White God had a strong
effect upon Itncuri and his people. They did
not believe in it, but were not sure that some-
thing of the kind might not happen. ,

As the hour approached which Mr. Hundley
had set, all the Yuaquiras were in the open air,
gazing at the sun with curious eyes.

All the strangers but Ortiz were there among
them, and the White God was apparently con-

velous power. .

Again be appealed to Itacuri to release the
doomed captive, and again the chief positively
refused to interfere. » .

The sun was shining with undimmed luster in
a cloudless sky. ,

Mr. Hundley looked at his watch, which be
han carefully kept running and regulated, and
noted the instant of contact.

He stretched out his hand toward the sky.

“Let the sun become darkened to punish the
Yuuquiras for their crueltyl” he solemnly ex-
claimed in the language of the tribe.

The sharp eyes of the Indians noted the black
spot which just then touched the edge of the
luminary, and an uneasy feeling began to be
manifest among them.

As the black spot encroached upon the surface
of the sun, they huddled together and gazed at
the White God in awe-struck silence.

Again Mr. Hundley appealed to Itucuri, but
the chief made no reply, though his face showed
that he was greatly troubled.

out, the Indijns began to realize what total

at their chief and the white man, and many of
them bowed their heads and wept.

When the eclipse was almost total, the scene
was appalling.

It was nearly as dark as night, and‘stars were
visible, and the day birds went to roost; and the
creatures of night came out.

The Indians threw themselves on the ground
in abject terror, and howled for mercy.

Itncuri, fairly frightened at his t, and con-
vinced of the wonderful power of the White
God, besought him to avert the dreadful dia-

 

alter.

i in the tribe, and he was dead, and the white 1
l prisoner had his manchetta; therefore the white ’ .

afraid that my magic will be so weakened that 

white man go free, I will cause such a. shadow '

ways been there. and there it will always be. I ‘

iident in the expected manifestation of his mum '

 

When half of the face of the sun was blotted ‘

 

darkness would be, and they looked imploringly,

 
    

nan

 

   

 
 
  
 
  
  
  
 

 

 

 

 
   
  
     
  
  

  
  
   

 

The Boy Cruisers.

 

21

 

 

“You now know that the white prisoner is
innocent,” replied Mr. Hundley. " Set him
free and I will cause the darkness to pass
away."

Men tumbled over each other in the darkness,
so eager were they to execute the order which
the chief promptly gave, and Ortiz was quickly
brought out and taken to his friends.

The eclipse was then total, and the darkness
of midnight prevailed.

“ Let the darkness go as it camel" exclaimed
lfillindliundley, as he again stretched out his

an

Immediately the sharp-eyed Indians descried
a small slice of the sun in the midst of the dark-
ness. The light increased as the sun emerged
from the shadow of the moon, and joyful cries
took the place of lamentations.

When the eclipse was ended and the sun was
again ‘ dazzlineg bright, the Yunquims pros
trated themselves before the White God, and
crowded about him to kiss his hands.

 

CHAPTER XII.
THE DIAMOND SEARCH.

AFTER the release of Ortiz, the way was
clear for the diamond search.

The Yuaquiras were highly elated over their
escape from the great disaster of darkness, and
over the expected finding of the buried treasure
and tgave themselves up to feasting and merri-
men .

'Itacuri, however, was so excited about the
diamonds, that he took no part in the general
Jolhlication, but occupied himself in hastening
the preparations for the search.

The White God, then high in favor, was
looked upon as the possessor of marvelous
powers. Everybody deferred to him, from the
chief down to the children, and all his sug—
gestions were immeditely a' ted upon and care—
fully executed.

But Itacurl had no idea of losing his White
God, and meant to make sure that he should
not go free until after the discovery of the
_dlamonds.

Therefore a strong force of warriors. all well
armed Wth the weapons of the tribe, was de-
tailed ’to accompany the white people, and
Itacun and his son Italumba took command of
the guards.

Jasper and Joe went to the canoes and brought
from there a tape line and a small compass, both
Of: which, and particularly the compass, the In-
‘dmns regarded with great reverence. as mys—
terious seeistants in the magical ceremonies
that were to precede the search.

Mr. Hundley led the party, accompanied by

Ortiz and the two boys, and followed by ltacuri
and Mason and the force of Indian guards.
They had gone but a little way from the vil—
lage when he pointed out the gigantic sapucaia
tree to his companions.
,hThere could be no doubt thntthc diamond
t lef had’told the truth in regard to the tree,
as it was indeed a most conspicuous object in
the forest, towering high above its fellows, and
vmble from a considerable distance. "

Yet they had quite a wa to walk, as it was
more than a mile from the uaquira village.

J r v ‘

 

 

It was not necessary to clear a path to the
tree, as that had been thoroughly done by the
Yua uiras when they set their captive to search
for t 6 diamonds, and the ground had been
gone over again and again.

So they went on in a long procession. the
white people in advance, followed closely by
Itacuri and his Indians.

On the way Mr, Hundley spokeof the chances
and hopes of the expedition.

“There are two great doubts, friend Ortiz,”
said he. “Each. of them makes me tremble,
and I confess that I shall he exceedingly nerv
vous until both are settled. In the first place,
did the man who stole the diamonds speak the,
truth when he told when and how he had con-
cealed them?”

“It is my belief that he did,” replied the
guide. “ He must have known that they would
be of no use to him in any event, and he could
gain his life and liberty by restoring them."

“ Well, the chances are that he told thetruth,
and thatis in our favor. In the second place,
if the diamonds were really buried out here,
we must remember that frrquent search has
been made for them, not only by the Govern-
ment expedition, but by various adventure-rs.
It is possible that one of the adventurers may
have found them and quietly carried them
awa .”

“ {'95. that is possible, but not at all probable.
If the Government expedition could not find
them, it is‘ not liker that they would be
found by any person who did not possess the
clew that we have.”

“ I am not entirely sure, friend Ortiz, that we
have the clew. The paper may be merely a
record of some person’s vain Search. ”

“ It seems to me. smor, that you ought not to
torture yourself with such possibilities. Surely
the chances are all in our favor. 7’

“ That’s so. father!” exclaimed Jasper. “Juan
is right, as he always is. Let us go ahead and
find the diamonds, and then go home to mother
and little Flora.”

Simple as JMpcr’s words were, they made a
great lnlpI‘PFSlOIl on his father, and inspired him
with hope and confidence. He stepped forward
briskly until he reached the sapucaia tree.

The boys marveled at the sapucnia, at the
great size of the trunk, and at the immense
hight of the tree.

While they gazed and wondered, Mr. Hund-
ley proceeded with the business of the Search.

He first showed ltar-uri where the guards
should be stationed, and they were posted in a
circle around the tree and at a considerable dis—
tance from it.

This left them out of sight of the white people,
but at the some time prevented the escape of
an of the searchers.

ISIe then brought out the paper and opened tht
pompass, while the two boys managed the tape.
“)9.

‘Under his orders they measured off the first
distance, In the direction given by the papa“

and at the end of the measurement a stake was
driven into the ground.

I When the compass was set for the third'ccurse
.Mr. Hundley was surprised to perceive that the,
line g1 veu led directly back to the big tree,

   

I

\

  

 

 

28 ' The Boy Cruisers.

 

He caused the boys to measure the distance
according to the figures of the paper, and, sure
enough. it brought him back to the sepucaia.

r “ There must be some mistake here,” he said.
“ We will measure it over again."

The paper was carefully examined, and again
the directions were carefully taken, and the
measurements were carefully made.

It was soon evident that there had been no
in stake.

As Mr. Hundley set his compass at the second
stake, and saw that there could be no doubt that
the third line led directly back to the sepuceis,
hisflfnce clouded and he shook his head despond-
on i .

“ It is no use,” he said. “We have come on
a fool’s errand. I am afraid, friend Ortiz, that
the thief tried to deceive the Brazilian authori-
ties, and has succeeded in deceiving us. If this
is really the paper he claimed to have lost, he
must have merely jetted down some imaginar
courses and distances, quite at random, whic
are of no sort of use. "

“ I can hardly believe that,” replied Ortiz.
“ If the lines and figures were made at random,
the courses would have been almost sure to
strike a tree in this dense forest; but you have
run them carefully, and not a tree has been
touched."

“ There is something in that; yet they merely
lead back to the pomt of beginning."

“Perhaps the figures and lines may be all
right, though he did want to fool somebody,”
sug rested Jasper. “ He may have been like the
bir that hops about to draw people away from
its nest. It would be funny if the diamonds
are hid in the tree or near it. ’

“You have hit it, my boy 1” exclaimed Mr.
Hundley. “If the diamonds are here, it is in
the tree that we must look for them, and that
will account for the fact that all the searchers
have failed to dig them up.”

He hastened to the sapucaia, and the others
eagerly followed him.

The tree was carefull examined, and in its
trunk was found a smul hole, about which the
bark had grown, nearly filling it up.

Mr. Hundley cut a twig from a bush, and
sounded the hole with it. The hole was not
deep. but was larger than the small opening
would have led an obsr-rver to suppose.

Suddenly his face flushed, and he declared
that he felt something hard, like metal. .

As the opening was not large enough to allow
a more thorough search to be made, Ortiz was
sent to the canoes for an ax.

Two of the Indians accompanied him, b
order'of the suspicious Itacuri, and Mr. Hun -
lay and the boys impatiently awaited his re-
turn.

It seemed an age to them before he came back
with the ax.

The Indian guards were sent back to their
stations, and Ortiz began to cut a. hole into the
ca ucaia.

his was hard wood, and it took time; but
the opening was finally enlarged sufficiently for
the urposes of the search.

A tor making sure that there were no snakes
Inside, Mr. Hundley thrust his area, into the

 

hole. and drew out a square box of brass, badly
discolored by time and damp.

The others crowded close to him, with exch
motions of joy and amazement.

Investigation showed them that the box was
fastened by a spring-lock. As the thief who
hid it had not been kind enough to leave the key
attached to it, it wasimpossible to open it: but
none of them had any doubt that it contained
the lost diamonds.

The countenance of Ortiz fell as he examined
the box.

“What a pity,” he exclaimed, “that such a
prize should fall into the hands of these in-
dians!”

“It is a great pity,” replied Mr. Hundley,
“though I have no doubt that they know the
value of the diamonds. or of the money they
will bring, as well as we do. Of course we
would prefer to keep the diamonds for our-
selves; yet we could not honestly claim any-
thing but the reward. "

“ That would be no small matter,” said
Ortiz.

“ True; but we could not get away from here
without being searched by the Indians, if we
could get away at all.”

“ For in part-,"said Jasper, “ I only want my I

father to e free to go home with me to mother
and little Flora.”

“That’s the ticket!” exclaimed Joe. “ Talk
is cheap, but those Injuns mean business. They
are watehin’ us now, and they know that we
have found somethin’."

Joe stated the case correctly. He had seen
Itacuri approach the party, advancing stealth-
 trom tree to tree, until he was quite near

em.

There. could he no doubt that his sharp eyes
had taken in the situation.

When the chief saw that he was observed, he
came forward and joined the party, followed at
a little distance by ltalumba.

“ Have you found the treasure?" he asked.

“ Yes,” replied Mr; Hundley. “ My magic
was strong enough this time, and 1 hope you
will believe in it now."

The chief examined the box, but shook his
head sadly when be perceived that he could not
open it.

“We will go back to the village,” said Mr.
.Iundloy, “and there I will open the box."

The Indians were called in, and the searchers
an]? guards, in long procession, marched to the
v1 age.

.ltacuri refused to let the precious box go out
of his lands, and when they reached the village
he insisted on retaining possession of it until it
was opened.

Ho evidently suspech that the white people
had “ ut up a job ” on him, or that they meant
to ate the diamonds. '

Ortiz and Jasper went to the cances, and
brought back some tools, with which the box
was nully opened.

The precious stones were found in it, and the
chief was overjoyed.

The Indians gave themselves up to eating and '
t

drinking, and e festivities of the village were
abundant and noxsy. '

r

 

 

 

 

 
  
 

   

flcould have found a chance to slip out a few of *

 

. there was danger
,' ,yopdfiodotholm the‘greatest

The Boy Cruisers.

/

 

I
Ortiz saw Itacuri put away the box of dia- l
monds, and its disappearance made him very
gloomy.
"‘ It is such a pity that those Indians must
have the diiimonrisl" he said to Jasper. ” If we

the stones how nice that would have been I”

“l dou’ worry 3 bit about the diamonds,”
replied the lad. “ My father will be free to go
home with me, and that is all I care about.”

 

CHAPTER XIII.
onriz AND THE DIAMONDS.

THE next day it was announced that the
White God and all the white people were free
t0 go where they pleased and to do a: they
pleased, and they eagerly availed themselves of
those privileges.

Mr. Hundley was naturally anxious to get
away and return to his home, from which he ,
had so long been absent under such unpleasant; '
circumstances, and he hastened the preparations
hr his departure.

a most important of tho preparations was
the removal of his precious collection of beasts,
bll‘ds. reptiles and insects, which needed to be
packed and stowed with the greatest possible
care.

His compulsory sojourn among the Yuaquiras
had not been useless to him, as regarded the ob-
Ji’vct of his visit to Brazil. His time h’td been
PI'Ofitably employed, and his collection was an
exliensive and valuable one.

eshipping or this collection was a matter
of such great importance to him that he could
trust the work to no person but himself and his
300, mid even Jasper was not allowed to touch
anythmg EXCPpt under his own directions.

In order that there might be room enough for
all of them and for the freight tin-y had to
carry, Jnsper purchased from the Ynaqniras an
“173, or Indian canoe, and turned over his own
came to his father.

This uba was an open boat, made from the
trunk of a tree, hollowed and shaped with great
xliatibm', and had a pointed prow and a broad

em.

It would be hard to say whether the Yunqui-
raswere grieved or rejoiced at the departure of
the white man whom they had so long kept as
a recmus possession.

is fame as a physician, which had first made
Mm valuable to them, had not been sustained.

3 had not been able to cure all the cases that
were brought to him, especially as his supply of
DIPdicines was soon‘exhausted, and some of his
Patients had died in spite of his treatment.

, It had thus been discovervd that he was not
infallible, and that was a death-blow to his ro-
Putauon as a medicine-man in a wild tribe.

6 recentdisplays of his magical power, in
producing thick darkness in the daytime. antL
in finding the case of diamonds, had rent] y in-
creased his reputation among the éuaquiras,
and It may be oubted if they did not really re-
gm! him as a dell; . But it was admitted that
the tribe in his ssion
of» such power, as he might be temp to use it
damage.

 

 

On the whole it may be said that they viewed
his approachin departure without regret; but.
they showed 1. air kindly feeling by copious
presents of food and curiosities, and by offering
their services to assist the work of preparation.

Ortiz, who had been so pleasant and bright

‘ and helpful during the voyage up the river, was

very muddy and sad as the preparations pro-
r0558! .

g He seemed to take little interest in them, and

hardly attended to the outfitting of his own

canoe, going gloomily about the village, and

Casi ing longing glances at the chief’s house.

it “as the diamonds that troubled him, and
he spoke about them agtiin to Jasper who was
his favorite and confidant.

“It is such a pity that we must leave those
diamonds bcliud us!" he said. “I believe we
could get hofd of that box, and carry it away
with us, if we should try." _

“ I Wle you could get that notion out of your
head, my dear Juan," replied Jasper. “ an’t
you forget the diamonds? We have got all the
good out of them that we can get, and that 13 a
great deal. They are not ours, anyhow.” _

“But we could claim the reward, and that; is
well worth having.”

“ We will speak to the authorities down the
river. then. “70 will tell them how we found
the diamonds, and you shall load an ex vediiion
back here to rrcover them from the ndians.
You will surely be well paid for that.”

“‘A bird in hand is worth two in the bush,"
insisted Ortiz.

“ I am afraid, Juan, that if you let that thing
prey upon your mi (l, you will be doing some
thing rush and bringing us into trouble.”

Ortiz did not mention the diamonds again,
but Jasper was sure that he had not forgotten
them, and that fact gave him a feeling of un-
easiness.

He spoke of the matter to his father; but Mr.
Hundlvy hoped that no trouble would arise
from the guide’s infatuation. Thev would soon
get him away from the Yuaquira country, and
then all would be well.

The preparations for departure were finally
completed, and the voyagers were ready to be-
gin their journey down the river.

There w as a noisy leavotqking at the village.
accompanied by a. grand feast in honor of the,
strangurs. The Indians crowded about them
to kiSs their hands, made the most extravagant
expressions of regret at their departure. and
loaded them with more presents than they could
curry. 1

This was the last they were to see of the Yum.
quiras, as not an Indian was to accompany
them to the river to see them off. '

While it was the etiquette of the tribe to wel-
come strangers on their arrival with great; .
ceremony, it was considered the higlit of bad
manners to watch their departure, as such a
procedure might look as if they were glad to
see them go, or suspected them of having stolen
something.

So the white people Went unattended to their
canoes, which were moored about a mile above
the sharp bend of the river.

Ever thing was ready, and all but Ortiz had
entere their canoes. when the guide stopped,

. ~.

0

   
    
    
   
    
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
 
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
    
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
 

          
    
            
      

  

 

 

The Boy Cruisers.

 
 

 

and put his hand to his forehead, as if a. thought
had suddenly occurred to him.

“I must run back to the village," he said.
“ I have forgotten something there. Wait for
me. or leave my canon, I will return directly."

Mr. Hundley and Jisper called to him; lot
{18 made no answer, and run cfl? toward the vil-
a e. v
be others come out of their canoes, and
stood on the bank, staring at him in amaze-
ment.

“ This is a very strange freak,” said Mr.
Hundley. “What 0 n he possibly have for-
gotten?”

“I doubt if he has forgotten anything,” re-
plied Jasper. “ I am afraid iti: something that
he has not been able to forget.”

“ What is that?”

“ The diamonds."

“ Indredl Is he so crazy as that?"

“It looks like it, father. He hos had dia<
moods on the brain ever since we found them.
He told me a little while a 0 that he know just
where they are, and that is really thought he
ought to at them and bring them away.”

“Poor ellowl If that is what is themntter
with him, I am afraid that he will only succ. ed
in getting into trouble.”

“That is it, sir, I am sure. He has waited
until we were down here and out of the way,
and the Indians think we are gone, and now he
means to sneak buck and get the diamonds.”

“Suppose we run after him,” suggested Joe.
“Perhaps we could catch him and stop him.”

“ There is no hope of that,” replied Mr. Hund-
ley. “If the Indians get an ry with one of us,
they will be angry With elf and no must not
risk any more lives. Loose the painters, boys,
and stand by the canoes, so that ii trouble
comes of this we may be ready to run. 1 will
ltay on the bank and look for Ortiz.”

 

CHAPTER XIV.
THE END or ORTIZ.

JASPER was right; it was for the jewels that
Ortiz went back to the lndiun village.

He had carefully noted the spot whore Itncuri
put the box. It was on a stool at his house, at
the back part, and near the stool was an open
space intended for a window.

The chief knew that his own people would
not touch the diamonds, and he caused them to

,be watched while the white people remained in“

the village.

After the departure of the strangers there
would be no necessity for such rocnuiiniis, and
this was what the guide had on culnted on.

There was reason to believe th is he would be

able to return to the village, approach the rear
of the chief’s house "unobserved, at his head
through the window, abstract t 19 box, and
return to his friends without being discovered.
' In that event he could claim the entire reward
for the recovery of the diamonds, as the other
white people had abandoned their interest to
the Yes uiras.

When a left the canoes he started 01! at full
 because he wanted to get away from his

 

friends, who would naturally seek to detain him. I ‘
But when he had cleared the open space that

separated the haul: of the river from the forest, _ ‘ ‘

he slackeued his pace, and made a slight detour, ‘
to avoid being seen by any Indians who might .
he loitering about the village.

In this he was successful. or appeared to be
so. He was sure that he saw no liidians, and
believed that he had not been seen by any of
them.

He emerged from the forest at a. ointdirectly
in the roar of the chief’s house. here was an
open space of some thirty yards between him
and that object, but it was mostly covered by
quiclogrowing tropical plants.

He threw himself on the ground, and crawled
among the plants and grasses, which nearly or
quite concealed his form.

Thus he wormed himself‘forward until he
reached the rear of the chief’s house, when he
rose upon his feet, and looked in at the open
window, which was merely covered by a. light
curtain.

No person was visible in the house, and the
box of diamonds was on the stool where he had
last seen it.

He reached in his hand and seized it, and .
his face was bright with joy as he turned to
(:Si‘iipi‘.

lint it happened that the chief’s son,Italumba,
had been loitering nca'r his father’s house, and
noticed a suspicious movement of the leaves and
grasses at the rear, proceeding from the direc—
tion of the forest.

Wondering what it could mean, he got his
spear, and stationed himself where' he could
watch and discover what strange animal was
thus making its way toward the village. '

When Ortiz appeared at the back of the
house, ltnlumba niiturally suspected his motive,
and when he put his hand in at the window and
drew out the box, the suspicion became a. cer-
tainty. ,

Italumha threw his spear at the white man,
and raised an outcry that alarmed the village.

Ortiz dodged the spear. and sought safety in
fl'ght, no longer so confident of the success of
his daring enterprise.

This time he did not make a detour through ,
the woods. but took the straighth poss‘ble
course to the point on the river where be ad
left his friends. '

Italumbn hastened in pursuit of the fugitive,
picking up his spear, and was followed by the
Indians whom his alarm had brought out. Others
joined in the pursuit, and the white man-was
soon leading a. long train of excited Yuaquiras.‘

When they learned that he had carried OR
the box of diamonds, their anger was extreme. H
Many of them _were armed With blow-tubes,
and they pressed forward at the top'of their
speed, anxious to reach the fugitive With their
poisoned’ arrows. .

But he ran like a deer, and still mighthope
to he able to reach the canoes and escape.

Just as he reached the open space that sepw
rated» the forest from the river he felt a sharp
sting in his back, and the numbness that
follmvcd told him that he had been struck by a
poisoned arrow.

The/numbness increased so rapidly that: i"! W” V'

 

  

 

  
   

The Boy Cruisers.

 

‘wmathe utmost difficulty he urged himself for-
“war .
He no longer hoped to escape.
It seemed along time to Mr. Hundlcy that he
stood there on the bank, waiting for the return
of the guide.

His anxiety was extreme, but was no greater

than that; of the two boys in the canoes, who
were continually asking him it he yet saw any—
tbing of Ortiz.

He espied him at last, running through the
timber. and would have uttered a cry of joy if
he had not at the some moment caught sight of
thedcrowd of Indians who were pursuing the
gun e.

“ hove oi? your canoesll’hc shouted to the

boys. “Ortiz is coming, but the Indians are

after himl”

He watched the guide as he ran 'nt the top of
his speed, and could see that the Indians were
not gaining on him; but his anxiety lie-came in-
tense when he perceived that many of the
pursuch were armed with blow—tubes, and
that their deadly little arrows were flying thick-

, 1y after the fugitive.

At last Ortiz stopped, staggered for a moment,
and then [is sad on with slackeued speed and
evidently with grout difficulty.

Mr. Hundloy, sure that he had been struck,
ran forward to meet him.

As they met, the guide staggered again and
dropned on the ground.

As he fell, he held out the brass box that con-
tained the diamonds.

“ Take it and run l” he feebly exclaimed.
“Save yourself; never mind me.

There could be no doubt that ho was dying,
and there was nothing for Mr. Hundley to do
but to obey his injunctions.

The Indians were coming up rapidly, and
their arrows were flying dangerously near.

Mr. IIundlcy ran to the bunk, jumped into
his canoe, and paddled hway from shore with
all his might.

The boys, who were already in the stream,
obeyed his hasty order and paddled {or their

was.

“ Where is Ortiz, father?” asked Jasper.

“Deadl” was the reply, and it gave the pad-
dlers new strength and energy.

The Indians soon appvm‘eil on the bank, and
sent a flight of arrows alter illocwnovs; but
they were then out of reach of the deadly mis-
silos.

After howling on the bank for a while the
crowd of pursuers suddenly turned away, and
in a few moments had disappeared from View.

“ We are safe!” exclaimed Jasper, as he
stopped paddling.

“Safe just now," replied his father; “ but
how long will we be safe? I really don't know
how we are to get out of this.”

“ lye will go right on down the river, I sup-

“But the Indians will get their canoes and
pursue us."

“ I guess we can run away from them, sir.”
- “You don’t understand the matter, Jasper.
‘ They have a number of ubas on the lower side
of the bend, and will run across the neck and
out us off.”

I am dead.”

 

Jasper whistled. This fact gave the situation
a very unpromising look. and their escape was
at the least very doubtful. '

They were well armed, it is true, and could
make a stubborn fight; but it was not likely that
even repeating-rifles would avail against the
numbers of their foes. ‘

“ That’s the game for usl” exclaimed Joe,
pointing at a large floating island that was
slowly sailing down the stream. “ Let’s board
that craft and hide.”

It was their only chance, and the boy’s sug-
gestion was acted on at once.

They “ boarded ” the island on the side oppo-
site to tho Yuaquira shore, hauled up their
canoes, and concealed them in the thick foliage.

CHAPTER XV.

A HOT PURSUIT.

THE floating island on. which the Voyager‘s
had established themselves was not one of the
largest; of its kind. but was big enough for their
purpose, being thickly covered with trees and,
vines and other forest growth, amply sufficient
tag conceal them from the view of those on the
s ore. '

It floated slowly with the current, and their
han was that they would be able to pass the
YUiunil‘flS unsuspected. If the enraged Indiana
should take it into their heads to examine the
filnnd, the only recourse would be a flight or a
'5; it. »

As the island rounded the bend, fortunately

keeping well to the eastern side of the river,

Mr. Hundley stationed himself where he could

Zil'atch the Indians without being seen by
win.

He soon caught sight of them”, and reported
to the boys that the western bank was lined
with them. and that several canoes at the
water’s edge were loaded with as many men as
they would hold.

The men in the canoes. however, were making
no movement, but appeared to be awaiting di~
rcclions from those on the bank, who were
looking up the river, doubtless with the object
of watching the up roach of the white people.

They waited uni watched in vain, as the
canoes of the white men did not come in sight,
and some of them could be seen running up to
{lie point, to get a. view of the river above the

End. '

In the mean time the island was slowly float-
ing past their position, and every moment was
valuable to the anxious voyagers.

When the scouts who had gone up to the
point returned to the main body, it was evident
that they suspected _a trick, as there was a
commotion among them, and some could be
soon pointing at the floating island, while the
uhas left the shore and began to scatter ovar the
surface of the river. 

The island was then below the point from
which the ubas had started; but they could or '
course easily overtake it. and Mr. Hundley's
anxiety was extreme as he watched them and
wondered what they meant to do. > ,

At first their object seemed to beta watch
the river and look out for the expected canoes;
but after awhile their attention was turned ‘

 

 

 

The Boy Cruisers.

,, mt,

 

 
 

rum-e strongly to the island, and one of the
rims started. toward it as if with the intention
or exuminin it. ‘

Mr. Hund ey left his station, and told the
boys to keep themselves concealed while
he would watch the movements of the
Indian canoe.
island, he considered himself cupable of dealing
with the occupants of that one.

The uhu slowly skirted the Hand, which the
Indians examined as they paddled aroind it:
but even their sharp eyes failed to discover any
signs of the White people or their canoes.

Evidently they were not saiisliid, and defor-
mined to make a closer inspection, as they
turned the prow of the canoe toward the island
as it with the intention of landing.

The other canoes were considerably further
up the river nearly in a line across it.

Mr. Hurldley, with his rifle in his hand,
, watched the landing, ready to open fire upon
the Indians if it should become necessary to do
so.

An unexpected circumstance intervened to
‘ prevent that nonessity.

Hardly had the prow of the rim touched the
island when an outcry arose from its Occupants
—-yells of pnin and fear, followed by the noise
of some great creature threshing about among
the trees and bushes.

Mr. Hundley knew what the matter was, as
he could see the upper part of an immense sucw
riju, n. serpent of the constrictor tribe, which
had unwound itself from a tree, and had seized
one of the Indians in its formidable folds.

His cries were quickly stifled, and the thrash-
ing about was caused by the movements of the
hon in crushing him to death.

His comrades hastened to put a safe distance
between themselves and the monster, and pad»
riled out from the island. One of them who
had a blow-tube sent a couple of arrows into the
mass of serpent flesh, But it was too late to
help the man who had been captured by the

‘ constrictor, as his fate was already decided.

The uba was paddled t0ward the fluet up the
river, its occupants signaling as they want.

When it joined the fleet, all the prows were
handed toward the island, in which direction
the Indians began to paddle.

The time had come when the white people
must attempt to save themselves by flight.

Mr. Hundley at once spoke to the boys, who
sprung to their feet, and the three canoes were
quickly shoved oil? into the river. The next
moment their owners were in them, paddling
down—stream with all their might.

By this time the flouting island was fully a
mile below the point where ;ho indinns had cm—
barked, and perhaps a fourth of that distance
below their fleet of ubas.

This gave the fugitives an advantage; but
they had no time to lose, as the Indians were

. swift paddlers, and their own canoes were pret-
ty heavily loaded. '

Mr. Huudley directed the boys to keep below
him, while he acted as the rear guard, resolved
to have recourse to his rifle if there should be
occasion to use it. V

It was soon made plain to him that he would
be compelled to fight.

 

If no others should Bppi'OSIClI the l

 

 

Although the white arty were com-exhil'
from the view of the Ind ans when tln y left the
island, the latter soon caught sight of them, mil
)ut new force into their p'uldling, yelling like
hounds on the truck of game.

If it had been their original intention to
make a raid on the island, that idea was spnediA
ly abnndoned, and they threw themselch into
the tusk of ovartaking the fugitives.

They had enough to spur them to exertion, as
they were not only anxious for revenue—an
anxiety which had not been fully satisiir‘d by
the~death of Urtizwhut they knew that the pre-
cious box of die monds must be in the possession
of the white people, as it had not been found
upon the body of the guide.

Mr. Humiley had hoped that the Yunquiras -
would he unwilling to continue the. pursuit if
it should draw them to a distance from the ,
village, especially as night was coming on; but
in this hope he was destined to disappointment.

They paddled so vigorously, and made such
good time down—stream, that the distance be-
tween the pursuers and the pursued was visibly
being lessened, and it soon became evident that
something must be done.

The Indians were the first to do something.

As there were as many as three mm to one
ubu, some of them carrying five or six, there
was at least one man in every boat who could
uso his blow tube, and those who were in ad-
vance began to send their little poisoned arrows
flying,r through the air.

This was anything but agreeable to Mr.
IIundley, as the deadly missiles were coming
unpleasantly near him, and it was necessary to
prevent the blow-tube men from coming too
clme.

Ila dropped his paddle, picked up his rifle
uiznnd at the foremost hoot, fired with good
eii’cct, and again started down—stream.

This was well enough as far as it went; but
he had given the other uhas a chance to gain on '
him, and they came forwérd more rapidly than
evvl‘.

Jasper and Joe appreciated the peril of the
moment, and turned their canoes as be over-1
took them, so as to face their foes. ,

The practice which the lads had had with their
weapons proved very useful to them then, and
the three rifles made quite a change in the face
of affairs.

The first volley told upon the canoes, and
then all three fired as rapidly as possible, their
repeating rifles enabling them to keep acou-
stunt stream of bullets pourin into the canoes.

This was too much for the unquiras. The
halted, scattered, and finally turned and lie .
though one during uba came within less than a.
hundred yards of the white party, and an
arrow struck the canvas of Joe’s canoe, just
missing him. i -

The repeating rifles had saved the lives of the
fiugitives.

 

CHAPTER XVI. f
nomnwunn BOUND.

“I AM mighty glad that we are’out’ 01th”:-
scrape,” remnrked J 08 Buggs, as they began to
paddle leisurely down-stream. -

 

     

  

 

 

/

The Boy Cruilefd.

 
 

 

 “We ma indeed be thankful that we have
escaped wit our lives," replied Mr. Hundley.

‘ “At one time it seemed to me quite likely
that we would be killed or captured; but a
kind Providence has cared for us. ’

“ I reckon it must have been Providence, sir.
Just think, now, if that big snake had gobbled
one of us instead of the Injunl lt had a better
chance at us, I should say, but maybe it was
fender of Indian meat than of white folks.”

“ We were in good luck then, Joe, to say the
least of it; but after. that the Indians would

surely have made a finish of us if you boys had
not been so handy with your rifles. I had not
sup osed that you could use them so,eflect—
ive .”

““éVe practiced a heap before we left home,
air, and we practiced on the steamer, and on
the way up the river we shot at real tigers and
deer and lots of things. Didn’t we, Japi”

“Yes, we can use our rifles right well, as
father has had a. chance to see. But I am sorry
that we had to get into a. fight With those Iii-
dians, and even to kill some of them. They
were very kind to us, all things c0ns1dered, and
they had a good right to be angry,”

‘ They did give us some real nice rub, Jap,
and that’s a. fact. But think how ong they
kept your father boxed up, and you know that
they had not a bit of right to the diamonds.’

“The diamondsl That brass box was what
got us into trouble, and caused the death of
poor Ortiz.”

“ That was his own fault,” remarked Mr.
Hundley. “It was his craze for the diamonds
that ’brought him to his death.” _

“Yes, sir- he was crazy on that point, but
we ought not to blame him. You don’t know,
father, what a good fellow he was. If you had
traveled with him as far as we did, and had
seen how kind he was to us, how careful of us
how anxious to take the labor oil our hands and
keep us out of danger, and how he knew every-
thing aud looked after everything, he would
have been as dear to you as he was to us. Oh,
he was a splendid fellow, and if I had ten
thousand diamonds I would give them all to
have him back with us.” .

Joe chimed in with Jasper in his praise of the
lost guide, and his name was never mentioned
by them except with love and respect.

The voyagers were in no hurry to go ashore,
but kept on paddling down—stream until the
night was pretty far advanced.

They were then along distance from the Yu-
aquira village, and they took the precaution of
landing on the eastern side of the river, where
they camped for the night, and kept a good
gnard, though all ware badly fagged out.

On the journey down the river the two lads
proved to be capital guides as their memory of

 

 

THE

the u ward voyage was quite remarkable, and
Mr. undley trusted more to their fresh and
bright impressions than to his own years and
ex rience.

n the way they delighted in pointing out
places and objects that had interested them as
they came, though all those recollections were
saddened by the memory of poor Ortiz.

Jasper showed the place where he had nearly
fallen a prey to a vam ire, and Joe minted out
the spot where he had n worried y a gym- '
notus, and they went ashore for dinner at the
place near the mouth of the river where they
had buried the Indian whose death led' to the
findin of the diamonds.

“ at are you going to do with the dia-
monds, father?” inquired Jasper, as they had
then safely descended the Yapum to the Ama-
zon and found themselves within easy reach
of their destination.

“There is but one thing to do with them,” re—
plied Mr. Hu ey. “Of course we must give
them up to thelauthorities. We can claim the
reward, but I think it would be right to pay it
to the relatives of Ortiz, if we can find them.
However, that is for you to decide as you have
at least as much right in the matter as I
have.”

The b0 3 agreed that his proposition was the
correct t ing. and he cautioned them not to
speak of the find again, or even to hint at it, un-
til the sto-ies were safe in the possession of the '
authorities.

At the first landing below the mouth of the
river they waited for a steamboat, which came
along in due time, and took them aboard with
their canoes and corveyed them safely to Belem.

There they were warmly welcomed by Padre
Bnranho, who was overjoyed at meeting his
American friends again. and was vastl ' inter-
ested and amazed by the story they h to tell

him.

With his introduction, Mr. Hundley was put
in communication with the proper authorities,
to whom he delivered the precious box of dia-
monds.

It had been so long lost, and so many had
searched for it in vain, that hope of its recovory
had been abandoned. and the strangers were the
lions of the city durin their stay in Belem.

The reward was pai to Mr. Hundley; but a
careful investigation showed that Ortiz had left
no wife nor children, and that it was impossi-
ble to get track or any relatives of his.

Therefore his share was given to Padre Baren-
ho, as the guide had been a Catholic, to be ex-
pended in masses for the repose of his soul. ,

The voyagers then took the first steamer for
America, shippin their canoes as freight, to be
kept as memoria s of their expedition,_and in
due course of time were joy fully received at
home by their families and friends.

 
 

EN D.

 

BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY.“ :.

Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Gem V

 

1 Deadwood Dick. the Princo of the Road. By E.

‘ L. Whuolur.

2 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. By
Bui‘lnlo Bill.

3 The Flying Yankee: or, The Ocean Outcast). By
001. Prentiss lngmhmn.

4 The Double. Dangers; or, Dnndwood Dick’s De-
fiance. By Edwu'd L, \Vhevlur.

b The Two Detrlciivcs: or. The Fortunes of n.
Bowery Girl. By Albcrt W. Aikun.

6 The Prairie Pilot; or, tho Phantom Spy. By
llulfalo llill. -

7 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures.
By Edward L. tholer.

8 Antrln c Abe, the Bov Guido. llv Oll Cannes.

9 Ned ylde, ihe B yScmt. llv “ I‘cxns Jack."

10 Buffalo Ben, Prince of tho l’istal. 15y E. L.
Wheeler.

11 Ralph Roy. the Boy Bncc moor. By Col. Prentiss
Ingraham.

12 Nick 0‘ the Night: or, The Boy Spy of '76. By
T. C. Hnrhaunh.

13 Yellowstune erck; or, The Trapper of the En-
chantt-d Ground. lly Jnsvph E. Badger. Jr.

14 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L.
Wheeler.

15 Diamond Dirk: or. The Mystory of the Yellow—
stone. B Columllrontiss lucralmn.

By 011

16 Koon-Kni 9, Prince of tho Prairies.
17 Crown Sol, Nick Whifflcs’s Boy Spy. By J . F. C.

Coomcs.
Adams.
18 Death-Face. the Dolmtiva. By E. L. “'lwelcr.
By 011

10 Lasso Jack. the Young Mustangnr.
Coomos.

20 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Reckless Ranger.
By Harry St. George.

21 The lloy Clown; or, The Queen of the Anna.
liy Frank S. Finn.

22 The Phantom Miner; or. Dradwood Dick’s Do~
nnnzu. By Edward L. thcl *r. >

23 The Sen-Cat; v r The Witch of llaricu. By Capt.
Fred Whinmkm‘.

24 The Dumb Spy. By Oil Crmnes.

25 Rnttling Rube: or. The Night Hawks of Ken-
tucky. By Harry 8:. Gem gc.

26 Old Avalanche. the Great Annihilnlor; myWild
Edna, the Girl Brigg.an lly E. L. Wheeler.

27 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. By J. F.

, 0. Adams.

28 The Buy Captain; or. The Pirate's Daughter. By
Roger SI arbuclz.

29 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rid r. By Capt.
F Wllittnkel‘.

80 Rob Woolf, the Border Rumnn. By Edward L.
Wheeler.

81 Nightingale Nat; or, Tho Forest Captains. By
T. C. l-lnrlmugh.

32 Black John, vhe RandAgcnt; or The Outlaws’
Retreat. By J osroph E. lindm'r, Jr. .

33 Omaha Oil. the Masked 'l‘orrur; or, Deadwood
Dick in Danger. By E. L. Wnovlor.

34 Burt Bunker, the Tl‘lnlpk‘l‘. By 690. E. Lasalln.

35 Thu Boy Rifles; or. Til-l Undorxround Camp. By
A. C. Irons. ‘

36 The WthL‘ Buffalo. Dy Georg“. E. Lnsulle.

37 Jlm Bludsoe, Jr . “10 Boy I’hcmx: or, Through
to Death. By Edward L. Wheclor.

‘ 38 Ned Hazel, the Boy ’l‘mpbt-r. By Captain J. F.
‘ 0. Adams.
39 gfinilly Eye. the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo

 

40 Nick Whifflcs‘s Pet' or, In tho Valley of Death.
’ B c. . F. C a

y . m .
(1 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The rardu of Flood .’

M. By EdwardL. Wheeler
fl ;.

42 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. By 0!!
Coomos.

43 ()ldCHickory; or, Pandy Ellis's Scalp. By Barry
St. xvorge.

44 The White Indian; or, The Scouts of the Yellow-’ ’
stonv. By Can. J. F. C. Admns.

45 L‘uckhorn Bill; or. The Red Rillo Team. By Ed;
ward L. Wheeler. v

46 The Shadow Ship; or. The Rival Lieutenants.
By in]. Prentiss Ingraham.

47 The Rod Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers.
By W. J. Hamilton. _

48 Dame Jack; or. The Outlaw of the Oregon Trail.
lly T. C. Horbangh.

40 l-lurric-xnv Bill; or. Mustang Sam and His Pard.
lay Joseph E. Badger. Jr.

50 Single Hand; or, A Lilo for n Life. By W. J.
Hamilton.

51 Patent. - Loather Joe; or. Old Rattlesnake the
Charmer. By Philip S. Wnrnc.

52 The Border Robin flood; or, The Prairie Rover.

By Bulfal r Bid.

53 (wild lRiflc, the Sharpshooter. By Edward L.
W ion or.

51 Old Zip's Cabin: or, A Greenhorn in the Woods.
liy Capt. J. F. C. Adams.

55 Deluwnrc Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By 011
Commas. '
56 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. By W.
J. Hamilton. _
57 Dourlwoodbick on Deck; 01-, Calamity Jane. By
Edward L. Wheeler.
58 quvkeyc Harry, the Young Trapper. By 011
(Journos.
59 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea Wolf.
By (30]. Prentiss lucraham.
60 Abc Colt, (.110 CI‘O\\'-Klll‘-‘l‘. By Albert. W. Aiken.
61 Eordnroy Charlie. the Boy Bravo. By Edward
. \\ 1P0 91‘.
623111 .Somers, the Boy Detective. By Charles
arms.
63  Ginger, thcfliant Trapper. By Albert W.
1 en. /
64 Roz-tolmd Rob; 01', Nugget Ned. the Knight of the r
Gulch. By Edward L Who ler. ,
65 Lightning Joe the Terror of the Prairie. By
Capt J. F. 0. Adams. V
66 {Cit lilnrefoot, the Wood-Hawk. By T. C. Har-
mng 1.
67 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomos.
US ldyl. the Girl Miner; or, Rosebub Rob on Hand.
By Edward L. Wheeler.
69 Dctvcrive Dick; 01', The Hero in Rags. By Chas.
llorris. -
70 Sure Shot Seth, L119 BJy Riflemnn. By 011
Coomes. . »
71 Sharp Sum; or. The Adventures of aFriendless
Buy. By J. Alexander Bitten.
72 The Lion of the Son; or, The Vailed Lady of San
Tropuz. By Albert W. Aiken.
73 Ph com-mm Phil; or, Rosebud Rob‘s Reappearn,
once By Edward L. thelor. U
74 Picayune. Pete; or. Nicodemus, the Dog Detec-
tive. )5 Charles Morris. '
75 Island gim; or. The Pvt of the Family. .By
Bracvhrldge Hcmvng (Jack Hal‘kuw‘gyy).
76 Watch-Eye. the Shadow. By E. L. heeler.

7'7 Dick DeadEye. the Boy Sinuggier. By Colonel.
Prentiss Ingrnham.

78 Deadwood Dick’s Devicu or The Sign of thv

’ Double Cross. By E. L. Whee er. _

79 The Black Musmn er; or. The Wild HomeH‘ ‘
tors. you win ayne Reid. ‘

80 Old Frosty he Guide. 13' T. O. Harbaugh. , f.

.81 The Sea. Viper; or, The ldshlpman’n Lesson;

"By Col. Prentissrlngroham. , , ~ Y

 

'B-EADLE’S I POCKET mum. H. ]

wfleth Jones; or, The Captives or the Frontier.

, L  S. Ellis.
, '88 gnfnatlu Chet, lhe Counterfelter Chief. By E. L.
ee er. '
' 34 The Dumb Page; or. The Dnge's Daughter. By
' Captain Frederick Whittaker. ,
335 The Boy Miners; or, Tue Enchanted Island. By

Edward S. Ellis.
86 Jack Harkaway in New York. By Bracebridge
03 Min: or, The Hermit of Hell

Hem ng. '
B? The usear _
Gate. By Col. remiss lngruham. ,
38 Deadwood Dick in Leadvillc: or, A Strange
_' ' ' Stroke for Liberty. (By Edward L. Wheeler.
89 Bill Biddon, Tragip r; or, Life in the Northwest.
 ' By Edward S. It lis.
~ ‘90 TipDV. the Texan; or, The Young Champion.
‘ B George Gleason.
91 fiistang Sam, the King of the Plains. By Joe.
E. Badger. Jr.
92 The Ocoan Bloodhound; or, the Red Pirates of
the Cm‘ibhees. By Samuel W. Pearce.
93 Phil Hardy. the Boss Boy; or, The Mystery of
* the Strong iold. By Charles Morris.
' 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheelv‘r.
~35 Buck Buckrem; or, Bess the Female Trapper.
By 0a tain J. F. C. Arlams.
96 Gllb'E ge Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler.
97 ifjhe Black Steal of the Prairies. By James L.
sowen. -
98 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe.
, By Juan Lewis.
99 Bonanza Bill the Man Tracker; or, the Secret
Twelw. By E. L. Wheeler.
1011 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive.
. By E. s. Ellis. ,
101 Daring Davy, the Young Bear Killer; or, The
' Trail of the Border Wolf. By Harry St. Georg-3.
H 102 The Yellow Gill: 1‘; or. The Half—Bloods Ven-
" geance. RV Ca t. MayneRoitl
103 Chip. the Girl Sport By E lwnrd L. Wheeler.
104'Tlte Black Schminer; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar.
. By Roger Smrhuck.
105 Handsome Harry,the Bootblack Detective. By
v . Clmrlos Mor
.106 Night-Hawk Kit; or, The Daughter ot the Ranch.
Iv ,lly Joseph E. B'tllger, J r.
IVY/Jack Hoyle‘s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune.
By Edward L. Wheeler. r
’108 Rocky Mountain Kit, the White Mnstsnger. By
. T. C. Harbaugh.
'109 The Branch (l Hand; or, The Man of Mystery.
B Frank Dumont.
By

110 T e.Dreml Rider; or, The Texan Duelist.
3 George W. Browne.
“‘11! gosg’llolll, the Ki: g of Bootblacks. By Edward
' . V ’ lee 91'.
119 The Helpless Hand. By Capt. Mnyne Reid.
- 113 Scar-Faced Saul, the Silent hunter. By Oll
Coomes.
114, Piney Paul, the Mountain Boy. By T. 0. Her—
2 v ~ laugh.
1155 De wood Dick‘s Double: or. The Ghost of Gor-
, on’s Gulch. By Etlwmd L. Wheeler.
116 abez Coffin. Skip er; or, Lost in the Polar Re-
_ ‘ one. By Capt. . Whitta: er. ,
_ 117 alley Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s
,, , ust. By “Buffalo Bill."
118_Will Wildfire. the Thoroughbred; or, The Win-
- ' Hand. By Chas. Morris.
, ' ' Deadwood Dick‘s Home Base.
Edward L. Wheeler.
~ 1930 figher GIG, the Boy Tramwr. By T. 0. Her-
121 'HaI’I'Y.Arrnstmng, theCa min or the Club. By
I ‘ Bracehm‘ilsze Roma'ng {Jae}; Hathaway .
_ 122 The Haunted Hun ; 01:le Svmnge orseman
of the Frame. By Edward & Ems,
: 123 wilting. the Boy Road-Agent. By Edward L.
, 1e . -. . /
1.94 no emucthgonTheBongnmee. ByT.
354113811313.

 

, ‘4'

125 The Land Pirates; or. The League 0! Devil!
Island. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

126 Blue Blazes; or The Break 0’ Day Boys of
Rocky Bar. By 'I‘flllk Dumont.

127 Tonv Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job.
By Edward L. Wheeler. ‘

128 Will Wildfire's Racer; or, Winning Against Odds.
By Charles Morris. _

129 Eagle Kit, the BoyrDemon. By 011 Conn s.

130 Gold Trigger, the Sport: or; The Girl Avengers.
By ’1‘; C. Harbaueh.

131A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick‘s Big
Smite. By Edward L. Wheeler.

132 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph E.
Badger, Jr.

133 Wild-fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Du-

mont. .

134 Illrlike‘Morry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Chas.
‘ UI'V'IB. .

135 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked

. Party. By Edward L. eeler.

136 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton
Holmes.

137 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G.
\ando Browne.

138 Bob Beckett. the Boy Dodger. By Chas. Morris.

139 The Black Giant; or. DaintyLanco in Jeopardy.
By Jos. E. Badger, J r. ‘

140 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents.
By Philip S. Warm. _

’141 New York Noll, the Boy-Girl Detective. By E.

. Vheeler.

142 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By 011
Coomes.

148 Dead] r Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By
J95. .1317. ger, r. ‘ .

144 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col. Prentiss In«
(Inherit. I

145 The Tiger of Tons; or. Wild Kate. Dandy Book’s
Angel“ By Geo. \Valdo Browne. . ’

146 The Cattle King; or, Cortina’s Right Bower. By
Frank Dumont.

147 Nobby Nick of N1 voila; or. the Scamps of the
Sierras. By Edward L. Wlireler. ,

148 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Wolfvflerder of the
Rockies. By Harry St. George. '

149 Bob Beckett, the Bank Runner. By Charles -

Moms.

150 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Block‘s Doom. BY
G. Waldo Browne.

151 The Sea. Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. By Col.
Prentiss Ingrah..m. ,

152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By

WV..H. Eys 1.
153 Wlld 1Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By E. L.

hee er.
154 The Bo Trailers: or. Dainty Lance on the

V War-Pa '11, By J 08. E. Badger, Jr.
D5 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit. By Coil. Prentiss

Inzraham. v _

156 Will Wildfire in tho “'Oods. By 0. Morris.

157 filzd Sample. the Border Boy. VBy T. C. Har- '
nan . '

158 Den wood Dick‘s Doom; or, Calamity Jane‘s-
Last Adventure. By E. L. Wheeler.

J59 Patent'Lt-athor Joe's Defeat: or, The Lady
RoadvAgent. By Philip S. VVariio. >

160 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhack r; or The
Doomed Thirteen. By Col. P. lngmham. ' _

161 Bob Beckett, tlxeCracksman. By q. Morris. . ’

162 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. By Oll'
Coomes. V _ .

163 Deedivood Dick‘s Dream: or, the Rivals, of the
Road. By E, L, Wheeler.

164 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack from Red Core.

yI‘.C. m *ugu ,
1w Buffalo-Bill‘s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. ’By
001. P. Inm’avham. '
166 Will Wildfire Wins and Loses: or, “A Trian
Card.” By Charles Morris. r r .
167 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. By
rge W. Browne. , ’ '

 

 

 

nnmm's Pooxm- nanny.

 

 

me Deadwood Dick‘s Ward: or, The Black Hills
Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler.

169 The Boy Champi ‘11. By Edward Willett.

170 Bob Rockett’s Fi ht for Life; or, Shadowed in

‘ New York. By C erles Morris.

171 Frank Morton. the Boy Hercules. By 011

00011195.

172 The Yankee Ranger; or, Dusky Darrell. By
Edwin Emerson.

113 Dick Dingle, Scout. or, The Frontier Angel. By
Edward .Eilis.

174 Dandy Rock’s Scheme; 01', The Golden Hand.
By G. W. Browne.

175 The Arab De‘ectlvo; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp.
By E'iward L. Wheeler.

176 Will Wildflre‘s Pluck; or, The Hidden Hand. By
Charles Morris.

17? The Boy. 0 mmander; or. The Maid of Perth.
BK Col. ren'iss Ingraham.

178 T e Maniac Hunter: t r. The Mysteries of Night
Island. By Burton Snxc.

179 Daintly; Lance' or, The Mystic Marksman. By
J. E. ad er. Jr. ,
180 The Boy hid Hunter; or, Navajo Nick‘s Scout.

I B T. C. Harbaugh.
181 ’1‘ e Scapegrace Son. By Charles Morris.
182 The Dark-Skinned Scout; or, The Freebooters
of the Mississippi. lly Licut. Col. Hazeltine.
183 J abez Dart, Detective; or, The Hermit Trapper.
By 011 Coomes.
181 Feltherweight. the Boy Spy. By Ed. Willett.
185 Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. By Col. Pren-
tiss Ingralmm.
186 gaénty Lance and His Pard. By Joseph E.
a ger, r.
187 The Trapped Tiger King; or, Dax'; Paul‘s Plot.
B Charles Morris.
138 T 1e Ventrilo uist Dl-tective. A Romance of
Rogues. By ulnard L. Wheeler.
139 Old Rocky’s Boys; or. Bonito, the Young Mus-
tang—Breaker. By Mild. Sam S. Hall

190 Sim Simpkins Scout' or, The Faithful Mountain
191 Dandy Rock‘s Rival; or. The Mysterious Wolf
Rider. Bv Geo. Waldo Browne.
uist. By Harry St. George
193 etective Josh rim‘ or, The Young Gladiator’s
194 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By 011 Coomes.
Mountain. By T. C. Harbaugh.
196 The Dandy Detectivei or. The Abducted Boy
Youn Cattle King; or, The Texan
193 S ort Unmaske . By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
the Mines. lly Frank Dumonr.
199 Dictionary Nay etective; or, Bill Bravo, the
200 The Twin Horsemen; or. The Brothers of the
Blamed Lance. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker.
Pine. By Wm. R. Eysler.
202 Tom. the Texan Tlge ; or, Old Luke’s Luck. By
203 Sam, the Office Boy; or. The Tables Tamed. By
Charles Morris.
. 11mph. By Col. Prentiss In rsham.
205 FileEFrontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme.
3
206 \‘l’hite Lightning; or. the Boy Ally.
Harbaugh. B
Captain Mark Wilton. y
208 Trapper Tom's Castle Mystery; or, Dashing
‘ 209 The Messenger-Boy Detective: or, The Tables
Turned. 13 Charles Morris.

Mastiff. By James .Bowen.
192 Hickory Harry; or, Roaring Ralph, the Ventrilo—
Game. By Edward .Wht-eler.
195 The endrarroot Trailer: 0r. Plucky Phil, of the
ystor . By Charles Iorris.
19? Roy, the
any Dan's Mask; or. The Rival Leagues of
1’
Bear Tamer. By T C. Harbaugh.
201 Dandy Darke‘s Bards; or. The Hawks of High
011 Coomes.
204 The YOung Cowboy; or. The Girl Trailer's Tri-
. L Wheeler.
By T. C.
207 Kentuck ’l‘albotis Band: or, The Red Lasso.
Dick’s Disguise. By 011 Coomes.
810 The Bunch act: of the Mines; or. Reckless Ralph.
V the Bond-Agent 37.10:. E. Badger

 

211 L’ittle Giant and His Band: or Despurd, the
Duelist. By PIS. Warns. '

212 The Jimtown Sport; or, GypsyJack in Colorado.
B E. L. Wheeler. ,

213 T e Pirate’s Prize: or. The My»te!'lous Yankee
Schooner. By C. Dunning Clark.

214 Danriy Dave, 01 Shasm; or. The ’Frisco Flash 0‘
Lightning. By; T. C. Harbaugh.

215 During Dan t e Ranger; or, the Denver Deteo~
tive. By Oll Coomes. ‘ ‘

216 The Cowboy Captain; or, Ranger Ralph‘s Ruin.
By Col~.-nel Prentiss Ingraham.

217 Bald Head of the Rockies; or. The Ang'l o! the
Range. By Major Sam S. Hall.

218 The liner S on: or. Sugar-Coated Sam‘s Claim.
By Edward . Wheeler. r

119 Buck, the Detective; or. Paul. the Boy Bard. By
Albert W. Aiken. _

220 Or cit-Shot Frank: or, Bill Bounce. the Moun-
tain Bravo. By Charles Morris.

221 Merle the Middy: or. A Wait of the Waves. By
Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

222 Rosebud Ben’s Boys; or, The Young Prairie
Rangers. ByOll Coomes. t

223 Gold Conrad sWalchDozs; or. The Two Bards
of Vulture Br: r. By T. C. Harbaugh.

224 Frisky Fergus, the New York Boy. By G. L.

I]

A ke .

225 Dick Drew. the Minor 3 Son; 01'. A “0 Bill, tho
Road-Agent. By Edward L. Whee er.

226 Dakota Dick in Chicago: or, Jack, theOld Tar.
fly Charles Morris.

222' erle, the Boy Cruiser; or, Brandt the Buc-
caneer. B Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

228 The Preac er Detective; or The Boy Ventrilo-

uist. By Oll Coomes.

229 id Hickor ‘s Gri-t. By John J. Marshall.

230 The Three oy Sports' or. The Sword Hunters.
By Captain Frederick ‘Whlttaker.

231 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Edward L.
Wheeler.

232 Merle Monte’s Treasure; or. Buccaneer Brandt‘s
Threat By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

283 Rocky Rover Kit; or, Davy Crockett‘s Crooked
Trail. B Ensign C. D. Warren.

284 Baldy, o Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F. 0.
Adams.

235 Jack Stump’s Cruise; or, The Montpelier‘s Muti.
nears. By Roger Starbuck.

236 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The ThreeFemale De.
teclives. By Ed. L. Wheeler.

23? Newsboy Ned. D teclive; or Two Philadelphia
Gamins. By Charles Morris.

288 Merle Monte's SeaScraper; or Little’Beit’s
Droll Disguise. By 001. Prentiss ngraham‘. 

239 llen‘s Big Boom: or. The Boss Miner‘s League.
B Capt. Mark Wilton.

240 S srp Shot Mike; or. Columbia Jim on the War-
Path. By OllCoomes.

241 Sierra Sam‘s Suntrnce: or. Little Luck at Rough
Ranch. By Edward L. Wheeler.

242 The Dcnvor Detective; or, Dainty Dot at Gold
Gulch. By T. C. Harbaugh.

248 Dutch J an's Dilemma; or. The Mysterious
Mountain Monster. By Maj. L. W. Carson.

M4 Merle Monte‘s Disguise; or. The Capture of
Brandt, the Buccaneer. By Col. P. In raham.

245 Baldy's Boy Partner; or, Young ramerd'l
Steam Man. 8 Erlwar'l S. Ellis.

246 Detective Keen s Apprentice' or. James J umper,
the New York Gamin. By Charles Morris.

247 The Girl Sport; .ir, Jumbo Joe‘s Disguise. By
Edward L. Wheeler.

248 Giant George’s Pard; or. Arizona Jack, the
Tenderfoot. By Buckskin'Sam.

249 Ranch Rob's Wild Ride; or Old Winch The
Rifle King. By T. C. Harbaug . -

250 Merle Monte's Pardon; or. The Pirate Chief‘l
Doom. By 001. Prentiss Ingraham.

 

Jr. «‘11! By Edward'Will

251 The Deal! Detectigg; or, Weasel. the Boy Tramp
e _ .

 
   

a .

     

' .258 Denver Doll as 1)etec»’ive.

“ 266 Guy’s Hwy Chum; or,

'I

BEADLE’S' POCKET LIBRARY.

 

252 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen,
' By Edward L. Wheeler.
253 The Jlo Tendoifnot. By Capt. Mark Wilton.
854 Black Iills Ben; or, Dutch Jun on the War—
' Path. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson.
255 Jolly Jim, Detective. By Charles Morris.
256 Merle Monte’s Last Crni. ; or, The Sea Robber
' at Buy. By Col. Prentiss Ingmham.
‘257 The lioy Chief of Rocky Pass; or, The. Young
California Farris. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain.
Bv E L Wheeler.
[239 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By 0” Conmes.
260 Skit. the Cabin Bo". Ry Edward \\'illlxtt.
r. 261 Blade, the S ort; or, the Giant of Clear Grit
 ' (lamp. By . C. Harbanzh.
: 262 Billy, the Boy Rover. By Col. 1’. Inzrnlmm.
26:3 Buster Bob‘s Buoy; or. Liee, the Light-House
~, Keeper. Bv Capl. J. F. C. Admns.
264 Denver Doll‘s Par nor By Edward L. Wheeler.
265 Billy, the Baggage lio : or. The Young Railroad

Detective. Hy Chm arms.
The Fox-fist Wolf‘s Mask.
By Capt. (‘oinstnek
267 Giant Um no”. Revenge. By hickskin Sam.
268 The. Denllslmt Dandy. Dy Col, 1’. lngrnhnm.
V 269 The lim'tzville lions; or. Darin; David Dirke.
' By E( word “lilleti.
270 Denver Doll's Mine. By Edward L. Wheeler.
271 Ebony Jim’s Terror; or. Ranger Rninholt‘s Ruse.
lly Oll Gnomes.
272 Kit, the Girl Detective. By T. C. qu-lmugh.
273 The Girl Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise. By
, ‘ Jos. E. Bad er, Jr.
271 Dead Shot andy’s Double; or, Bonito, the Boy
,5 ' find. By (101. Prentiss Ingruham.
.5275 Fred, the Ocran Wait; or. The Old Suilor‘s
Protege. By Charles Morris.
276 Dozulwood llrck Trapped. B_ Ed L. ‘7- hueler.
= 27? rl‘he I iot lioy Avenger: or, aptain Vild~Cth’s
- B J Game. By Alliert W. Aiken.
27'8 Arizona AlfY lhu llinr-r; or, Little Snap Shot‘s
Lnek. By '1‘. much.
279 Colorado J . . ‘
~50 D-wlfihor. I) rlv‘s L1
N -w Role. By Col. Prom s lnzrahmn.
‘ 281 Ned. the Boy Pilot. By Jiok Farragut.
28? Buck Hawk, Delectivr; or. lhw Messenger BJy’S
_ Fortune. Bv Edward L. Wher .r.
283 Roving Sport Kin. By Edward \Yillett.
284 The showman’s Best Card; or. The Mad Animle
Tamer. By Capt. Frvd. Wliittnlcer.
285 Ol I Rocky’s Pard. By Buckskin Sn 1.
2% Dick, the. Dakota Sport. By Chm-1
287 Null. the B xy Skipper. By Jacki
2% DI-ndwnnl l)‘ k’s l)” g1 ‘se. lly E.
289 Col uradoNiuk, the L1. list; 01'. Old
By Major Hill. Stoddard.
290 Rube. . .Tendurl'wot or. the Boys 01' Torpedo
3v Major R. L. St. Vrmn.
Pete. ‘ho LG'UlVillL‘ Sport; or, Hawk, the
, . B r liner. Jiy Albert W, Aiken.
292 JoeMorry, th» Night‘llowk: or. the Blrick Rider,
By Jon. Eullmlger, Jr.
293 Dwarf Jake. thw hr... ' or, Kit Kcnyon’s
By Edward Willott.
Pnrd. By E lward L. Wheeler.
‘  White Wing. thu F 1t Fiver. l'vahn. Morris.
3J6 Govlnda. the ’l‘igs mer; or, The American
Inliorvmn-m Ahrnzul l r Captain F. Whittaker.
- w ‘ or. The. lloy ms rf Sardine-
" in S'llll.
. By T. l‘. lltrhnnzh.
' ' Br Hnrrv linton.
. 10 ll? E. L. Wheeler.
“"1 “an-(W Duke. 111:: Cowboy. By Major B. L. St.
a ) ’;Jrlun. ‘
‘_ . in. ’iizg B Anson’s But. By ’1‘. C. Harban h.
3113 'l‘ie Howl Dov D \ ecliv». 13:: cm rlfs Morris.
804 Hall Hand's Pm'd. Bv Buckskin Sam.
'3-  sry Dirk?! DilolThlZy Harry Hazard.
~ on W!“ I" Z; 0r. e Siore-Detoctlve‘s
E. L. Wheeler. -

By Frrd. Dewey.
l)'-:il. or. Keno Kit’s

will Gold This! Book.

 

Decoy. _

307 Nick, the Boy Sport. By Major E. L. St. Vmin.

308 Double-Fislod Mat: 01', The Mystic California,
‘ Giant. lsy J  E. Badger. J-'.

309 0d Grayhrzlrll‘s Boy; or. The Girl‘s Ruse. By
' C. Dunningr CLLI'k.

310 Kit, the Girl Ca] 'ii . By Col. P. lugraham.

311 Frio Fred in ‘l‘exas. By Buckskin Sam,

312 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of

Sassafras (‘il.y. By Edward L. Wheeler.

313 Honest Jack‘s Protege. By Philip S. Warne.

314: CUP. thr 130v Sheriff By Edward Willett

315 Tom, the Arizona Sport. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain.

316 The Straw Aral) Detective. By Charles Morris.

3I7 Buv'kskiu llen of Texn By Buckskin Sam.

318 Colorado Char iu‘s etective Dash; or, The

(Tattle K has. By Edwth L. Wheeler.

319 Frisky Frnn': in Idaho. By Roger Starbuck.

320 Cool Sam‘s Girl Porn]. By T. C. Harbuugh.

321 Billy, ivl . Kid from Frisco. By J. O. Cowdriclr.

3% Fred ii‘lyer. Detective. By Charles Morris.

323 Dead Shot lkv in Montana. By R. Starbuok.

3'24 Kir. the ilnnvrr Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler.
5325 Dusky Darrell the, Camp Detr olive; ( r, The
Danny's During" Dash. lly Edwin Emerson,

326 Ray. the, ‘my ('ruisvr. 3y Colonel P. lngrahani.

327 Ned. the Roving Minor By Harry Hazard.

328 Body Ron’s Band; or, Big Pete’s Big Haul. By
\V. J. Hamilton. - .

329 Darn. the Colorado Wrestler. By Maj. E. L. St.
Vrnin.

330 The Denver Sport’s Racket; or, Kit’s llig Boom.
ll Edward L. Whittier.

3331 ’T in Coast Dotoctive. By Roger Starbnek.

3532 Duly in Dan in Canyon Cit y. By I’hili is. Warne.

333 Bml'lilnek Ben. the. Detective; or. color Jim
and His 1’ 7rd. lly Anthony P. Morris.

334 Frimo 'l‘om on Deck. By George Henry Morse.

2935 Ben l‘lnnrly. the, Boss Part]; or, The Plucky
Pars m. B 'J. Stmilov Henderson.

3736 Fl“d. the hiort. in Brimstone Bar Camp. By
Edw‘ard L, \ 'hurlm‘.

3‘37 Daisy I'mw the Colorado Galnot; or. The Boss
of Dead Lino City. By T. C. Harhmigh. .

338 The Gold Bar Di-lrclive. By Maj. E. L. St. Vram

3:21) Rsmlo. the Boy Gypsy. By Wm. G. Patten.

340 Billy Bnblilw’s Big Score. Bv Charles Morris.

3“ Colorado Steve’s 1mm. 25‘ Philip S. Warne.

3'12 Snap-Shot Sam. liy Bucksin Sam.

am Mike. tho nnwry lhatccrive. By E. L. Wheeler.

344 The Dru mnor Sport. i‘lv Edward Willetr. '

3'15 qunns. the ll‘nrrlpan Detective; or. Captmn
Frisco the wal Arum. ByJ. C. Cowdrick.

346 Joe, the Chicago Aral). By Charles Morris.

711? Middv Herbert‘s Prize. Ry Col. 1’. Ingrahum.

318 Slmrp—Slm‘o‘vr Frank. By Buckskin 9am.

319 Buck, rho )linur. By Maj. E. L St.Vrnin.

350 Ned, the. Shh (W v Sport. By Ed. L. Wheeler.

"551 Rock Mountain Joe. By Col. T. H. Monstery.

5" New ork ’l‘im. By Charles Morris.
The. Girl Pil it. lly Roger Staihuck. 
Joe. the Boy Stage—Driver Ry Maj. Sf.Vra.in.
Texas Frank’s (Irony. By Bucks in Sam. .
:11) Idaho Nod, Detective. RV Edward L. Wheeler.

337 Guy; thi- imy Miner. By Col P. Ingraham.
Jerry Joe, the Old Tar. By Mrs. Orin James.
Dandy llirlr‘s ll'mh. By Oil Gnomes.

3- Jim’s Bi': Bonanza. l y W. J. Hamilton.

361 Oregon Phil, the Spnrt By Philip S, Warne.

all? Kil. me Humid: l: llwt'ciivo. RV E. L. Wheeler.

36‘) The Ocunn Rue . ~. lty T. C. Harlmugh.

3m Flitz‘s Old  rd. 1" Ned Buniline.

ill“) Crick Shot ll'n'r)‘. Bnd‘. Prentiss Ingmham.

133' (l. Waldo Browne.

357 Fred’s Bold H mm. By Paul llihhs.

368 Jim, the Snort in Wake-hp ly Ed. L. Wheeler.

369 Captain Blake’s Jonah. By Roger Starbuclr.

370 Dnnvur Kil.‘s l) ml‘ile. lly Mainr H, ll. Stoddard.

371 Blue llhzns Hick. By '1‘. C. Flnrhauch.

37:3 The Sea Cal’s Prize. By Colxl’rnnviszs Ingraham.

873 Larry O’Ly. s Dash. By Joseph F‘. Henderson.

374_Jim, the. Snort/’5 Bil! Room; or. The Bonanza.

 King’s Rival. By Edward L. Whoelér.

 

@etective Starts.

470 Th ‘\ Ranger Detective.

454 The Dan-icy Deteclive.

437' Decvctivrl Jake’s Clinv. By H. B. Rind-’M'Il.

3 6 Di-tm-tive Paul‘s l at Bmvor, By C. l). (Shirk.

397’ l‘lm B H] Detectivu. By T. (1. IL!  :li.

373 Bmvery Bob, DI-ieclivu. By Jo l’ilu' ..

362 Kit, the Boobblack Detectivo. By E. L. thnler.

3.36 idalm Nrid. Detuclive. By Edward L. Whvelur.

345 Jarlnem thO Hardpm‘i l)0tt-ctivv; 01', Captain
Frisco the Road A Hit. By J. C. Cowrlrick.

 Mik -. Hm Bowid'y thi-‘ctivn. By E. .. Whevlrr.

3‘53 The Gold Bar Dvi- ('Iiw‘: nr lrwn Ike, the Sgliil
Mun. By Major E. L. SI. V in.

3331;00Llilmtk Ben, the BM (

and His Purrl. By .»

The 001m; Dielectrivm or,

over BY Rorer SCéLl‘th'k.

” Dusky Dil‘l‘f‘ll, Ihu (lamp thociivr; or, The.

D-mdy‘s Daring Dash. By Ezlwin EHHH'S'HI.
Fm! li‘lyer. Detective; or. Al)» Blizzard on Duck.
liy Charles Morris.

319 Friulcy an' in Idaho; or. Girl Skinilinb the
Shalom-r. By Roger S nrhnck. ‘

318 ilulonrlu Ch u‘liu‘x‘ Brim-live Dash; The.
CLL-lo Kings. By Edward l; Wh iii '

315 ’l‘ in Sir :al) lmtei-Livv; or, Dig

‘ By ( liarles Mid ..

Rmul-Agvnt: or. Ti 0. Minors of

By Edwnrd L. \\ h i-li-r.

306 ‘ , 1' Fritz; nr. l‘noStore-Detectivr‘s Decoy.

By E. L. “"11 el>-r.

l‘lm Hotel Boy Batik: tivo; or. The Gl'illlli Cunlrnl

Ri)')llel‘_y’. By lhnrli‘s Mnrris.

290 'l'hn Balloon ne'uciii s;

Young: Bard. By Barry I‘lllLOll.

VVIlirA Wing, thi‘ Form-t Fl ' '.

Dwarf Juli»), 1110 ,llemiclivu: 0r, Kit Kciiyuli‘s

Mun-Hunt. By Edward \Villi‘it,

By Harry Hazard.
By Mrs. Orin James,

pr. l’imli-r Jim
. Morr“.
l‘ln- Sinug'gler Sliml-

or,
Dorgnifs

312 ’

303

29”)
293

Huck Hawk. Dntm-tivo: or. the Messenger Boy‘s r -

By Eilwurcl L Wheeler

Forum».
By ’1‘. U. IIm'lmng‘h.

“: Kit. the Girl Denotiw.

' Billy. bhze Baggage Boy DCLL’ciiVO, By (Elm li-s ;

)[ irris.
25. Denver Dull as Dvmctive. By E. L. Wheeler.
7 lely Jim. Dutrctivc. By Charles Mama.
3‘4 llxmvar l) ill‘s Devim; or, the Deteclivc Queen.
By E lWafl‘il L, Whiwlcr.
The Deaf Dutactivv; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp.
By Edward \\’il' 4.1.

l) abew’ive Kenya Apprentice; 0r Janii‘s’Jnmiw“, .

By (illiil‘ll‘fi MOI 1.x.

or, Dainty Imt ui, (lull:

mul
Aivw.

in. s Mo‘l‘bl

tho. New Yur-k Gnnri,
’ Thu DJ'lVl’J‘ Ds' ~
Gulch. liv'l‘.
‘23”! Ne vshiy Nari
(‘ 'n 1'}. ‘

nn’s I)
By E. L \Vili‘l‘lOl'.
Ma l1  By Oil (homes.
215! i / By .\i|‘wrlr W. Aiken.
213 'I‘ l", l) Invur inmaciiv». By ()ll Ohms-x.
21)) I‘m \I 53% Mr: *1" B iy [li‘ii‘.til\'-‘. By (I. )lorris.
21V: ’l‘im Fr-mlvi‘er Dot.“ ' iv- B); .l. L ‘Vlll’OIDI‘.
1H} Di :rivmnrv NM, ('1:'l\"‘. i‘ ' T. (l. Hurbnngli.
1‘38 'l‘lm l);in:lv l)n!~"<:i,r.n-.. By . vs: Morris.
1')? I).‘.lwv.‘liian<Hh Grim. By E. . Winn-1M:
18'! I‘ll-a Viinlmilinuisll llr‘Luulivu BY E. L. Wheeler.
18’} J L‘mz Dirt. ch'kctivo. By ()ll (30mm 2;.
17.3 'l‘n-a Ar Ll) Data-five 3y E L. \\'h(*('lwr.
1:2’ 'l‘imv' Fox. tlm Dvrocliw Bi'lfi. L. \Vlli‘("l“l'.
103 H unison" rry, the Bonihlubk Deiuutivu. By
(llmrles‘ Murr .
6!) l) ‘1; active Dick. BV Charles Mnrz‘is.
62 Will Snmnrs, the Bay mu CliVH By 0 Morris.
18 Death-Face, the Detectivc. By E. L. Wheeler.

236 .‘

-))"..

 

or. Jack Slushvris ‘ i

By (liias. Muri'is. 3

i. ,
or, Two Pliiludi lpllin. I

nhl ", ur. The Three Funml» lle‘ ‘ ‘

‘ i .
j 472 Jim :1 it Jan‘s l i;: Find.
47.5 mt‘L-IInn-“(vl 1“: Lo, [Lo Double-knife.

nay

VVL'ZCZ 17V (1H1: Sports.

a $112 Texan Short; «‘1', Tim Mustang Hunter. By
> i

.‘l‘iUiC ‘v lnim‘wr.

‘ ll illi'Fl‘IlSIlf
v. An Irish Sph';
. l

y ngrr Starbuck.
1 r, l'at Malloncy's Ad-

5.
J A, H. Post.
Chart) S 5'31) rb. By lliujivr Henry
B. Slinliluid.
Dick Tullth the i'pnri.
" Tim Diwlwoiaci Si rt wr. Diamond Dick’s De-
ll‘v’i’l'illllYi‘, . \' Limzl (l. Lansing.
‘71 Slim-:2 Ji n’s ii: Dawn: “1‘. The, Bpnanza King's
In . . By Edward L. \‘(ht-ler.
fliiri Shim: Jim in Illa‘w.» Up: ur. Foyliorn Fan to the
Frimi. “ l I
I’m 0

By Albert W. Aiken.

url; or, The Dctiuclivc 5

Bl}: SU-‘lJp. l. L. \Vhitolvr.

fiii This Dru. ‘ Swirl. or,
Dilemma. ‘liln'zml \Vil‘rii.

‘ ' or, In Brimstone

Dnshor Dick‘s

,Ein' Camp.
Bucket; or. Kit‘s Big; Boom.
1.

By E. L. “Winch-1'.

Kin. llw _
Ly M'~lj ‘r E. L. St.

L
" . 'l"\m iiii‘ Arizmn‘i Flinn.
Vruiti,
Nirk. lho Bin
linuju '
l‘i“ ‘x

,r  ml; or. Three Plin'kv l’nrils.
Q. 31!. Vrziin. ‘
 Liv L :nlvilb Sport. By Alin rl.
. ihu Fpnri. By Edward L. \\'lievl- r.
ilw Dakota Sport. By Chin'le Morris.
\‘nm'i, Kit, l-yEil xnrll \Viiluit.
“ “. U. liarhmigh.
' ' ‘ L_ Winder.
Bf: it.) Fi‘milcriclc Vlhittulmr.
M E. L. \Vhe ler.
By lilrlwnra}, L ‘Vh“(fli'l‘.
By Col. Prentiss

’l‘ziriw Spurls,
The Tiliimr Spur .
'l‘hu Jilin/1's n Spry?
' x .n Snort Unnmskwd.

By T C. Harlmugh.
L. \thcler.

‘. ill" Snnri.
Hp irt. ily Ed“ rd

LA TIES] ' AND NE 5.7 [SS UES.

' 'i‘hn Btu: 1 BMW. lly (my Gri‘nnwood.

0 lmrrv . 1)., Dilvnnnn. By Paul J. Prescott.
’l‘lm ll Skipper. By Rmmr Sim buck.

: Frank Bell, llw Boy (,3 Br Oil Um mes.
The 'l‘i-lell Six 4.1. '7 (,apr. li're i. Whittaker.
The. Twin Buck =ki By W. J. Hamilton.
Marsh Mose, and H Um. By \Valli r  McN‘rii.

\ Jack Scott, in ’l‘cxm. By Edward «\il’

Donald‘s Berth Chili. 1?): Limit (Yul.
» By Harry Ham .

( .slmr. By T. P. Hui-hangh.

By Edward Willi‘lt.

By Jos.

ii}. Bml l.
4741 Gypsy ilw )lmin‘nin Witch. By C. D. Clark.
Bianly ln’nriryis'l.
A New Jw-u lira/y Wrdmesduy.

BEADLE‘H l’mzn r L'Pl' \rv is for sale by all News-
(li‘nli'rs, 1' W 1:01 ta pi i (. By. 01' N‘llt by mail in re-
cuipL of Six rents c (-32.

BEADLE AND A mm, Publishers,
98 William Sheet, New York.