My Plucky Boy Tom; or, Searching for Curiosities in India for My Show

Chapter I MY CALLER.

CHAPTEB L-MI OALLEL, One col September afternoon I was sitting slmy little office conteated with my show, lk.ingt with my superienten dent over the ussesee which had attended that season's tar, when a boy presented bimself, hat in nd, nd aked thebs privilege of' a few sminues' conversation with me. We were in gone of the Southero States, wolkieg n our way North, where e bhad arranged to close the how for the seasilon on the last day of the aucceeding month. The season's tour had been so successful that we were all ingod spirite, and the chat wa of the liveliest characoter. Up to that tlai there had been no accident of any aedmut,'the health of the performsrers and emploler. Continued excellent ; we had been nausailsy favoured with fioe weather, and thre remained before ne-a full month and snorein which we wereconfident of doing a p?fitable bhainess. lean never lose my Interest in hrilht, intelligent, wide-awake boys, and there was e•mabelir In the appearance of the little man whsoetod in front of me, blushing sllahtly, hat erect nod handsome, which awakened my amserd e once. Is,the first place, be was clean looking, with abtght,' "lela eye. a roy conmplexion. and' he impress of perfect health. Be we dressed plainly, rather poorly indeed, bus he was eaupulousll neat, hitliht brown hair combed teetafjolly, while his whole appearance showed Ikit'be was one of those rare persons that are athlletrel bl nature. s 'Walk in, my rouon friend,' I said in my cheeriest meaner, extending my band; ' I am iled to qea o: Don't miad.his oentlemae,' Ioadded -with a sly glanes at my superin tndent; he ie ol no account when you are The lad looked arhly at my employ from theiner o'bis fine blue eyes, and smiled JUt enough to show hi. even white teeth, free sebpcthwbieh impressed me more strongly ghemever. my superintendent, with a deliaele taet which did him credit, made an excuse of duty lktwhere (it we aimoet time for our afttar deoo'eahibition to 'open), end, bidding me goodeafternoon, left me alone with my vlior.. ~'8it down,' I added, drawing the hand r 1111 Held, and motioning the bor to she bairneareet me. He obeyed, with the geine of a courtier. plaig hionmself on my right, whil he glaneed wpbiwh shy but'll -ttful wxpreeaoe,-.Ia If dcidad whether to allow the words thai ae on hie lip'to find utterance. With a vew of making, him feel at ease, I eaed back in my chair and aaid pleeanuty : 'Notlhlig dellight me more than to find that the boas and girlse f the contry look upon mes as their friend. _ I have tried hard to plase them, and hope that while doingl so Ihireadded to ttbairs'tock of uaefnllknow. I 110 is no need, of saying that, Me. BNrdus;' replied the lad, with another'shy .lanseal mae. . P A.d why not I asked, seeking to draw him out now that the ice wee broken. l/sea_ all the' boysa 'end girls and their f Wage a'd'teaearL say the same thingl.' TYoiuwill admit that bat wa a neat com. plmete, and I am not ashamed to sayl thait I was del.ehd, lfor the mepset and goodwill She rielug generation is be d el price to 'la.m much obliged to you far thoee words, Is will you be kid enough to tell me your 'Thoma Blradford,' wee the prompt e '4-all I tell you mine? I asked, mis. ' bhardly think you need tell any boy in the wold your name,' replied my visitor, showing by his lmean. that hbe already felt at: home witbme. °I hope you are right; well, Thomae, how old oreye " . . SI was lixteeL lost Fourtb of Jull.' ' What a eloteus birthday ou hbvel It is e' lb.hat ;'tbie' ;wrhole'.conntry 'joinyou ,In Oelbru. lg, I jut mlieed being as fortunate lHew I tbat r hi asked. lkingr up at me. I wasee born on the FjMk of Judy, 1810. Hewerer, It makee little'dsifremce when we se Into the world; it all depends on what ido tlinwe gL b , Wall, Thoma, I am gl !- ija talk with ouzI presume jn wlliso:fraely Aid frankly, end I promle to ,id, a mra e spirl,". do know, sir,' bh began, ' whether mypente living UM fatber'lsft m0 with oi k oi whenI wa a malht an adly remember thetime He told Mr. Beekbolt that he exapetd ta epeud. bhi ly icl trav!ellingr for a yeell or o, and that wouid pay my board and expe0sed Ulnil riamse bark tome ltMr.' aekhohia le spoor tat,, . who lore mnoy ve.rmeah.s, and ne gcre'ed" fathers to'keep me an bg as my eaeeae were paid. I went to lire with the femgand bie wife (they hare no chlidren), and have been there ever since. My father mt Me. r.'aenkoli 'money fore' fll year. TIho he sare him enough to pay another aother year in advance, and esalid that he wae about to ake a longl end dangerous oyge, frowil le h e milght' neLer retlun or,.W.ll," added Thomes, with a igh, ' It ,uel hlws been that he did not oume back, fi?-drl Bakhoela nerer received any more mroee or littese from him. He needed aboly 'e' belt- him lrmoand the plae, anrt he lsaId, tha li?ied ii i we on his hands, I eonild not ha?l my tijed ,n a Ilothieg until l arme them, ibr hes I must have earned them.' he added, witlh. smile,' 'ele I wouldn't have gooten them.:' He ba allowed me to go to shool lb thl'wintar;- because I e up early uand .lted no lateenough to do ll the chores ; hbut he ayse I hare learied enough at eobsool, ean mseet stay home all the time now, and he aaS afford' ito pay me any wages until I'm i'twe'ty one eor of eage.' ' The old skinflint I' I exclaimed, unable to eupprese my indignation ; 'he doesn't desyre yh e-nllm of such a 'bright younogllster as I sawtb. fle bloueye of the.lad sparkle. a, thougbt ,as I did, ,but his fine sense of bsaor ,would nost:allow him to give expres does t hl belief. . 'I went ,o go with you, Mr. Barnu;,' added 'e b y;'lteedkrg 'me elnlebt in the fas ; 'I will te obediet, Indusltrious, and do allt I an es.gknew what was coming, and therefore aeol enrurled.' I have had thounande oi leah eptsllettons before and since, aod, from she nature of thlngs, am obliged to refuse nearly all of them. If I had taken charge ed al at l,'lad>that hare applied to me, I would have an army trooping after my show which would overrun and terrify the whole -Countrr, ta?_l? y?m i _fried,i ;said ,l seriouly ,.lthe e oee u... maltl. 'one whoie Importance, lam afraidqoa bhavr not ,ully, considered. ! .ae. lklk t ditd apt to" be falinaased by the '..ws'_wh' , ....rd lps sadffeeig,, and ' loll hearder lie n 60 --tat th9l at oI! Thre a leou

• 'What, thein doyoe wimhl' e I w'. to tmnty'w:d -Iml samml i-Mars oe ;sabeet the- thmI .d emow, though I STa' law maek ? am teo adept's little schemel i badi 'toegt efibetce It beat to weaken, for bols sae .p?pometime to have just a little more conced than is good for them. I ashed my visitor many questionor, and found that be wie remeokably well.infomed for one of his years, and inadeed fr mor than many older persons.. I found on inquiry that be hbad manged ao navye soonh momey some time beeore to buy an exedllet 'work on natural blhtory, and he had made' himself master' of the wealth'of informatloa in its Well, Tom,' sid I,laing my hand on his shoulder, as we' both oese to our feet, 'the performance has commenced and you want t ie0 all that is going on. Here i. a ticket which will admir you this eventi g; I will think over your proposition end letyoa know uev decision at that time.' Thebor thanked me and let,. Ilimmediately sent for the superintendent and told him to ride out to thb hduse of r. Isaac Boekholts (whore exact location I had got from Tom), earn all that was possible to learn about'the boy, and if he could arrange to gain the con sent of the farmer, to bring the youngster with him. lr' superintendent!did his duty with'the same tact and skill that had won my cont. dense long hefore. He returned before dark with his report : Tom Bradford was the brightest boy in the neighbourhood. He wias a favourite at school where he led all in their etudies, end bhin skill as an atrobat and athlete was the wonder of the nelghbourhood. He wars trnthful, mauly, bright ?ood-tempered, and industrious. sless. hukholtz, into whore hands he had been thrown by a strange fate, had no legal claim ?pon him hut, aware of hbi value as s helper on the place ad meesinga chance to makeosomething out of him he expressed bin wllingsnes to lot him go if he received pay for the now suit of clothes which .had Just 'been furnished him. After some haggllng, the farmer agreed to yield his ;pretended claims for twenly dollar. : . , : . 'Go and pay it at once,' said] I, most agreeably disappointed. ,,,.. 'I did so.' oT?me go and bring Tom.' " 'o'-'~i ' I have done a,'; slaid my superintendent, and at the ame moment Tom Bradford caose forward from behind my employe, and, witha lougb, extended his hand. w'h er. Barnum, I belong to yobu now.' 'And we shall bo friends for ever,' I'dded, shaking his band warmly,' for I already loved the boy. Cucarrxm II,--A CATaTorOra. You may be sure that onom Btradfonrd lost no time in m?king himself at home' with us. He wre one of those admirable lads' whose sunny disposition, obligingl manners, and mental quiekese make them primoefavonites wherever their lot happens to be ost. I have told you enough to prove that he posseesed knuwledge of natural history that wai simply wonderful, Ibut with it all he was not oh. trallve, his greatest desire seeming to be to add to It. tWe had an immense aseemblsge atou eu hibition in the evening. You would think that any person who bed witnesed the per. formancee se often as I would care very little about ceeing them Rgaln. I suppose his is tre to a certain extent ; but my st. tendnee at my exhibitions is not merely for the purposeof ratifping curiosity; but 'yo know Poor Ricbhard's homely motto: 'Be ubit bd tbheplogb would thrivr-' uitmell mlut either hold or drlve.' AecordingllyI passed to and fro, using my ear and eyes for all they waere worth, and on the lookeout for the irst.asig of dereliiotio n the part of my employer. While doing so. I kept watch for Tom Bradford. I tnally saw him among a lot of his acquointanes, labheing so heartily that themre could be no mistake abshout his enj.y ment of the lhow. Before the rerformaneo commenced, he passed to 'and ro Id front of the cgme containing the ulld animate. I followed him from a distanco, and smiled to dote hie dsep interet,-- He, attempted no displa of his knowledge, 'hnat bring in his own neighbounhooad,. where nseveone mknew him and was aware of his knowledge, he was obliged to answer more questions than did Mer. Foidyce, in rharge of the' wild bsuite SWhen the erformanoe wan over, the crowd lowlyr moved in front' of the cagel, and, of course. Tom wie the e.. He had made friends with Mr. Fordye, +and was anxious to do what he could to help him. Among our curiosities was a royal Bengal iter, oneof the finest of hi spe ., STinppoo Sahib, as we called hi, was purl ?hused from my old t a .geiHasenbek, of Hambulrg, who brought him e mndia when he weas a kitten, bat he 'had developed unuonel sies, strength, end ferocity. He had made several attempte to break out of his cage, no that it was strengthened, but I always olti a peculiar uneasiness when near him. This wse due, perhaps to the fact that the ighbt of the crowds whicb aoneregated In ront ialways aneiid him. Inemooe, how ever, as we coulo not object to thesesem' lag-es. we muds the bes~t, tahe stditlois. hit Fordyce planed himeelf slos to tbeeasti at the time the oewd began gathehing, and took care that noone interfered with him. I On the night of which I am dpekming. fully ifty peopled elbowed their ws to e loeely o t?e ragse that Mir Fordyoe war cmpelled, repeatedly, to force them hack There p es against the guards w'hb a force that threat. rned to'car, them away,' and 'lppa o Sahib, as the tiler was called,, was in a pertitlarly ugly mood. . '- . SOne'peron taln: th; browd attracted almes a- much attentlon m.Tippoo Sahib. He ews stell, gawkish yo·re mabwho had a couple of oun Ig ladle wir b him. He wee evidently a bouutry beau, sxiouii to impress not only his comoanion., but tholse around him, with' his profound knowledge.of natural history. He talked in a loud vole, and swung his rene in a way thst shonwed: hisbelief that no one attached to? that eneore ecold teach him anything about wild besets, hbIrde, r reptilee. Who in that manF'I aeked 'of Tom Brad. ford Ethan Jenkins; he in engaged to ? married to the lady on his'itght, while the ens on his left is her slete. Listen to him I' 'Yesa' said Mr. Jenklne in the same loud voles. that 'ere animal is what they call a royale Bengll t tig lle f tethe name painted on the wlan?n, ad,'for'a Woder, Barnm: hasl tol the truth.' 'Where do the dsdtfnl critters come from, EthaniL asked- his betrothed, in .a timid voier. -"i ' 'i '$' + ! ' ', I i ' Fin 'Greenland,' wu teloaud reply. That's where they gt their poula bea, aIn'tIit, th i po ul. b.._ ' PPlirs' heos," aY meo eLn,' slu; Pm ashemed to hear you talb thst way. Yes. the,. royl Bengal tiger lise in Greenland, where hey grow to n enormous Il--olote' Of 'em eingtwen?ty and thilty feet lone, and twety orfifis-' high.-` Tomm Bdfordt;'whbt m' you laughinlg a l'demauded 'Mr. JIenkHl, raiing his cean btanlegtonly at the boy. whe found It Imnvslbhl to retranin asmile at the wonderfal inofienien that wa oraklu from Ibis gnllius -,' lExcegmp,'s.ld Tom. we.'kl, ivallghten. log, ies faie, wnleO'Ieyoun man turnd die. dahIfullyawa, a nd added: 'Yes, th Benlgal l sm1 fI?.l staln' 0evittr.' . _ Wh makes 'em eall him a "Beegl" tIgr?' eeed·he sieter of Me. Jenklnes' betrohehd. "C'alus the shipthat go out to hunt 'em have to use the Benlga llhte to ee 'em with when they're sqetting nOn Iceberep; waiting for a chine to drop down on ths deck'of the 'And why' Ethan, are they callhd This qeslon wes a hard one, but Mr. Jmekins grav a eharacteritIo reply. 'Thor ain's olled "royal' at all.' 'But themre the neis painted in gil 'What ol that? Tha?'e' ore of Barnum'e freaud, like hhis Jlce eth. iatmeses Twins, T'omt'bhnmh. and oiher thignlls.' eid 'M Jonki,.fo retritl the trlhu he habd made myrrUcbtullnsssa mlnute beoore. 'Is the aaimal denelrou rI. 'No, of Onlore not-why, me here r And before anyone es'epeted what the fool meant' to do, he ducked under the guard. ad omnulno his eoni between thehare of the -ege, gaveTipoe Bib a savagle pokl in one -r, .odoee, Tom Bradford, and I attempted to tp him, hout We Wer too late; the irrepnacble damage wae done In a trwnkling, The vicilus' tiler wUa Infuriated beyond ?nal. T? was. suoee appalllng eror, U he bieg, whlih hens aitie were uilu.ty A feier estrIggl f.i lein, lasling huh a few eiee?elia.d the n t I~las TIppaoo Shaib ae?auong iha's.treini edeceetatore. The ,eene whlob followed is one that I hsld remember to mydyindly.., Dlurin ts many 'I e that +.lv.i bain enga.d?a+k55hei Ma.d;ess?.. hv sum alt?.i

than aw heast aero Bengal ,ties , s uilnhg tbe'baof of cage and ? eind amoug th tered neo?. . It ll took a= in ! -a iO-w ecod during which the people were tranflxod. The only ones who moved were Mr. 'Fordye, Tom Bradford, and myself. I mnst except Ethan Jenkine. however. It is earious how at such times a ludicrous feature of what threatens to become a terrible tragedy impreesse itself upon the beholder. MH two Mends and myself, seeing that we could nol Obeck the taling hnte, scrambled out of the reach of those frigtfnl claw, abd the crowd, wakening'to- tisir own peril, scattered 'in the wildest terror. The elephants trumpeted, and the other beasts set up a deafening uproar in their erae, which added to the horror of the scene, if it be con ceived possible that it could be added to. I think the vesy fierceness of Tippoo Sahib saved more than one life. Let me explain. The first tremendous leap that he took through the broken bars landed him on t.o beads and shoulders of two or three persons, whom he tore with bli claws and teeth. Their clothing. suffered more than their fleshb, though it would have taken but a few seconds for the beseat to rend them to pieces ; but his eagernessled him to withdraw all attention from them and to attempt to seize others who were trying frantically to get beyond his reacb.h. He was like a boy with a voracious appetite aod a couple of minutes in which to dispose of a wealth of sweetmeats. He couldn't afford the time in which to mueticate a single ore, because the others would. have to be giren up, . While some of our employee joined in the general scramble to get ont of danger, others bravelly hastened to the point, anxious to do all they could to save the endangered people and to prevent the tiger getting away. It was about this time, when It would seem that the situation could not have been more terrible,-that I laughed in spite of myself. Ehen Juukiue. the zany who caused all the turmoil, was the most panleotricken sod nosreetio in his efforts to escape. Without a thought of the ladies whom he bad broought with him. he uttered a wild whoop, and with bhi hat flsing from his head d bie.long yellow hairstreaming in the wind, he plungod through the crowd, overturning those who wrce in his path, and shouting for the rent to clear the way. Making for the ridge-pole, which was as largearonud and as amooth as the mset of a frigate, he bounded forward,flioging his arms around it as he did so, and then began furionoly climbinog toward 'thestaire. He wore a long, swallow-tail cost, which hung far down the centre pale, -up which he climbed with a success that I would not have believed poessible, though he had. some sliht helps where the places were nailed to which the ropes were fastened. When I saw Ethan lJenkins climbing withl ench desperation, with his eyes fied toward thu top, hie hat off, and his long coat dengling below hle fees, the sight was amuslng indeed, but that which f3llowed was will moreso. It meat have been the bits of wood which rave him -his sare, for, after ascending less than ten feet, he ceased to go:any 'hifher, though he continueod his efforts uas frantieally ae before, and evidently with the impression that he waedlimbing rapidly, r Whlit lpeiaieii ttig?l? Iosnoot sray, hbut theslght of the frightened fellow above the heads of the reat, seemed to live him the ides that he was the moseet desirable prey, and be made one of hi semauing leaps towards him. iTippon shib did not rcich Mr. Etban Jenklns, but he eame mighty near it. I saw the, lithe and. terribly beautiful figre e It declrbed its' parabola thiough the iiiL At the moment of, swinging pau tohe an the I, tiger made a swompieg blow at him.with ore of hirspaws. Is failed to !nflict sanyiojery upon' the poor fellow, but it lilerally brushed away oneof the tails of the coat, wish such a violent wrench that the garment wa split to the collar, The. fellow did not seem' to be awarof it, hbut centinued hii s efforts, thougah, instead of remaining stationary on the pole, he slowly sank toward the glound. " But whatever momentarly dieposition to mirth I might hirs' felt was ehnged to horror the nexl moment as I witnessed the most frighlful pasle which can be conceived. Ien more couram?eous than the pusillanimous Jenkin were strivio to save their preoous onues,with no thouht of themslvre. Caeb leg up their ehildrew, or intrpeselng their bodies before their wives and rweetheutrs, they did their utmost to keep them beyond reach of the savage beast. . In the wild sramble, women and children were knocked down. and trampled upon, shriekq and ceams filled the air, while the hoarse ehont of some of the men sounded not unlike the ro?ting of the larger wild bests,' " Converging toward' the- single- large entrance, the crowd beceme so wedged that it could not move, though, everyone wase trying desperately to forme his 'way through, ard many were cursing at their inability, All at oncea the ssh of a.party carried away a large put of the aide of the tent, while 1 was. Ild bto ee that some ofl the younger maen who had not entirely lost ther soues, plid, their knives with a success whiho opened othertiveues for the people. The way being opened, the multitude ewe dicd into the drkness outslde; where they continued theie fllght arosm 614e, down the hihway-anywerase' everywtrho theeai promised Ihem sepe from the .fearful hbeut that eaoh es imeaged was at hig heelso You will dmilt ith'me that the maist woMdrrful part of thisea tatroph, was that not a m women, or child was killed during t frightful panio which followed the bieako ig onof the htiger from bi cage. p i have given my ezpl?naion of the failluen fTippoo Sahib'to slay any personi when he aould bave killed at les adosn before any one could have preveoted. 'In , ...... f In his eeru mseo'hf· Iewfout them o olither wih s o ekase that: be failed to make a ' leean-j-??.~i'a single' e. He flicted masny Iu?ieee d,'lodee' d more than one individal carried e nentos of his tr, to our t horw, in the shape o f aacrs. for the ret of his life I but, ae I have said, in no cuedid the brtsle peove moesl. .After naking several of his fightful leaps, he seemed to get the idea that freedom was before hm,iuand, iteed: of devotinl himself to the wholesals deturnotion of mankind, he troned his effrt toward reaching the open jr oaeide of the tenta. I eaw his body rin e if propelled from a caiapult, ead go throlgh one of the openinis i othe-Uvee like a hot. froma. aun. The oext moment he had valnshed is thle dark Ynohu may welle im.aine he o temstion bhich I srve Ittempred to demlbe, :a nd ,erbhape na pitenr theesome left behind, Almort at the sare lsltntOthat he dieap peared, ohe-lst of the rrifled apnctatore swent eaof the tent in quicker time, it is safe o i, than he ever travelled befonr l Th iabhte that wer einpesded overhead,I and whioh made the inserlor like dsy, were still in pi?ace leohaps a score of myemployeI werel itadin awed and wondeingl what they co-ld do. if indeed they oeuld do anytbhing t .Tb'Toh uproar so the wild beasts con. tinned, and threatened euch serious mses qa esoes that Dir.' Poeoyce and bis aesistanto were doing theirutmoet to quis them. The. eliphanee were:y istefijan t nOUg. tO'under s;and what hd taLin place. lad-Is 'e:huhad rwek to restrain them from makin g. abehae sbrough the sides of thiutent.. In She midst of wlha might he calld ohs remnani ofl he panit, t?e muss dilapldatld and woebegone individuoI I ever lookLd np-u 'sm t t'regultnglowdrd me. w wae rahin Jenkine, with one 'oat.ttll misolr, the coat eplit to his ucek, tih'knot of his necktLi twslted under ose'esy,:bhi trouners torn from the frlclloin'aslinil tSh osotre pole, while his eyes seemed to, he bolviss in terror from hisbed,': "-';*: :h.d 'I slay, Mr. BSrnum,' he said, In a tromblinr voiee, 'csn you sell me-if the boyalerllsl toter it done-done rampgionle' ,-. ,l,:i/,. 'He oulht not to be until he chews you np,' Iteploed 'you're a pretty fellow,.' If'it hadIo' been for yon, nothing of this kind could hvve happensd" ' '* 'Can you tell'me whore my bat i ll'Just loLk at my oatli' he ooclalmsd, pullino one setion of the lsapping Lrmont around In front of him. ' 'I say, Mr. Broumni y',urorte poy me fir thi co?t? for it ain't good for nothin' ean more.' CaiPra IV.-TaU P'rausoo Piany. 'Yoocow.rrd I' I tbhudered, '1 will pay ?0ou for your worhbisoeeoatL, If you wll pay for the inJuries theeu nnoontjpeonle h~ve euffreod, aod for the Iels of our royaL Baesgal tiger. Eth 'n Jokies looked at roe in bewlrleord rvy'+and theb, sasmmag to nederstand ehat I' han enid, he' multered, 'Ginger blur " a sd. 'wlihout another word hurried on '. Bdo, as yo will see, there wee a very seraonlr side SO the bu·lmee. Noe only bad 'ipper, Bahib Indicted greas damage, but he was sll st- lree, end lihbleuto do a Ireat deal more befnre he osnld be captured or killed, , Ties nawe of the esape of the tlier would ergeed kLreolh eke nclehbourhood like wild: •rs,. throwqigthe country into ooneteroslicto uni•_l bit rehimotr'mt death. I "'IOfeoaNt% I~a acO~s glpreevTitupoo

ialandwh we r aen to e a It that e. a-od ti shoud Ieaog baL?ed onti show i indo cJb nidorle hum aor head, I warneed eoe taoi bep ' eals mitns, bet liwrasd tha M. Fodes debd stron, ?tn he me., adl of whole we anim-al, safduho were b etume with mo.t 'Where i Tom Bradford?' Ieaked, looking e?ound;"all I thereou are! You sum te be '"' littloeflotel Tom,' I added, s .'I noticed bih . uuaally muddy hebe., and Sflahilngeyse. .- . Ye Ta, sir; we all m to feel a 1le0o 'Siae war,' he replied, with a mesing look?at ame which eaused the netr to smile. 'There is one ineurneibl e fle,' I ?-n ma ked; 'and that is tht, although Tippoo Sahib 'ba l dome: eonsidrable harm and created a dreadful turmoil, he has killed nobod ; for, if he had done so we would havre seen it, hbut every peron who has felt the weight of his claw hare beenr able o get awy with the uninjured. I lost sight of you, Tom, after the beast came through the cage.'l oa 4mt:,4w 'I didn't' pehke -up Mr. Fordyes; I saw him catch up several children one aftee the other and duh through the opening -in the tent with them.'' h howr wae that' I ased. 'I thought of the little oan right away, returned Tom, with a blmh on bin haundome face. 'and weas uat you would not object when I cut aehole inthe sid of the Lcavul th my jackknife and rushed through with a many ual I could.' Object I' I exclaimed, petting him on the head ; ' you showes morn sense th a anyone. It was the very thing to do, and I have no doubt that thoeu.who thought of it were led to do so by your actionr. How would you like to stay behind with Mr. Fordyce and his ompany to help eapture Tippoo Sahibr ' would like it very mouh indeed.' 'You shall do so.' By this time our employee bad eo far recovereod from the ecitement, and the elephalt ad othlberbeeat ware so far quieted, that the worl of taking down the tents preparatory to moving on to the next townr wa? begun. However, year interest just now.i not with the show itldif, but with M hr. oeddyoo anod ihe little potty that were left behind..l promised my men thea I would divide five. hundred dollars among them if they would ucceed in eesapturing Tippoo Sahib aliveand unhurt, but I instructed them .at the same time not to hesitate to shoot him in case any one'b life was imperiled. I suggested, at the same time, that he should take immediate steps to have it known hroughout that section that the mes maum of money would be paid for the beart, no natter by whom taken.. I also impressed upon my employs that In oppottioaing my rward among them I sheuld'have regard or ehoe who were she most deserving. Thin wees nece-sary, in order to epor ah individual e do his beest So now oircumstancea take me away from e saene of interest and action, and the story which I tell you came to me from the partieipante. I had a great deal of condenore in Mr. rordyle and hie ms, all of whom had been Smy employ for a number 'of years. Mr. Fordyce, oepecially. was-familiar with wild roimal and their ways, and was sure to do 0othing rash o to lose eight of my intereste. The patiee to be feared were the oouatr en, who in their segrnm tod 'ay the tiges would not only pla, themelv in great iongsr, but would Inteders with the work of ay men,'wio weae ambitone sof 'rinltng brp eoo Sahib ack to our menoage. Of course nothing oulld kb'dooe'lh night. e - smen including Tom Bradford, rode odf apreeback to the Village oseel where quarte ·ioe oenaged indefnlltely. Then a 'long oineultetion was held a to she preci meean a be employed to rooer'the' beast. 'Evidently there a but one thing to be done,' aid Mr. Fordyce,'i we are to capture the lgor alive; he mut be entrapped. I tbhink to will locate himself in the stretch of woods ack of the village, and, following the custom n India, will issue forthlmd capture whatever eomei hirs wayfor his meal. Itmay beto low, or a calf,'or a sheep; ore hose or mle; I or perhaps a 'plump b,' he added, with ai ly look at Tom Bradford; at oany ate, he ny be depended upon not to. die of -larvtlion.' S'Spposa thy country?en fcrm a conmpany to go ad bust for himh aiggstedone o he ,o I am eMorry to beiave that that i. the most probable oare, and U we cannmet prevent it ,he will be trouble,. If they oatack the snimsl, andeeacesmllyli they wound him; he e il turn apon them and do a gret deal mdre injury than h 'did under canvas thi 'I If you will allow me,' said Tom, moduestly, I think it would be a good idea to zepren.t ;e tiger as snob a terrible creature--s' ha rally la-the ? they wli?U be asid to go tolywhesenr bhim..' ' ' Not a bad plan,' Ireplied Mr. Fordyce. with ?.od.o approval, ' thoough they my attempt w met the objaotion b oy orga?sing a small ?m i lhuntes. We will to keepthe Job ut of their bhands, and manage It ouroelvee l •sn if Tippoo ehould take isintl his h 'ead to natoh cp come p m ad carry him awsy. the -ose wil h ve to" die,' ' ad moot ikely the IhdividMul himselL We will ?.is operadQoee at,'4eieht tomorrow,' ontinued Mr. Fordyalo 'ot fe objectrt -ing to locat the bosa.h . If be bee fieod son some cave, so mmush t'he bester, .We ill try to entice him inIto iwhen'he happens o be oat by diasribtulig an abundance of holes bite for him.' The 'we'll arrange' to eaten him lnside and ehioroferm him, or -nnege in seome wy to gst nough ropea .oadbleegs to bmd him.bfat.' ' l it posible to haeo him ' asked Tom imldly. i 'Is shoce ernone sere who will volunteer o ?fling a leaso over the heedofl'ippoofahibl' eked Mr. eadyle, ; looking aonnd.in tbhe 'aces of his friends, with aqul?ulal eixpre lion. It need not be elid' that no volunter pe anted himself. At this juetatoe ther wras a reonndingr, cook on the door of the room In which the I roup were: sa d. Tm; speang up and It a their old ' aqega lninnee. Ethe. lenins. He had been able to obtain anothe at and ? oe?l 'ed:had iad himeIlf up in rreentable shape, though the expreseton n s faoe ahowed tlhat h wee still labouring mrder considerablo eoleieent. 'Are y ou the fols tshu'hae stayed behind a catch that 'are tsigR he asked, looking rom oee to the other.' SWill,'do jou'tatto know whet''hbecme c him? ' ' 'We are anxious to obtain that know. edge.' SWall, bee 'jst ea tisl up the whole dis. riot ! After laaving your plagusy circus, he •ob the middle of the r0oad nd .altheed up he Iolbs as he ran he must hava ewslleed orcy cr fift of 'oem i Ibt tism.' '...... . 'I hardly think hlneitpcty le equal to hat,' ravely replidd Mr. ]ordyc, while ohere ws genea rmil. on thb: f sa of the ' Mry graolou I A tier can sat ?nythin Sd rnever will teop whe bhe gt etited. I an tell iou thai you will havea pra sty bill to ,a7 before you're thtl d with tw b is heatnee.' But il ie yo who my rwpousiblo, sad -r. Fotdyore;'forifb ou bldo't poked your lane in the tigec' oeye, he pever would heIV roken out. 'H?owever;-,if ou will do your ie1s to heap the eopleo from bnntisg the mniml afnd leve0 him' entiely to us. we will sot cell uoon you to pay damage, and, if you ucceed in ksptngl varaer se eway, we wil pay poe for coot ruined coat and hat.' Trh propoeIttIon s 'deligbhed Mr. Jenkins hat hehmded ost of the village hostl to do in tsime to earn the paymaOo promised, (Oa ,o.ou JTm-. e,



Chapter VII TOM'S NEW FIELD

THE YOUNG FOLKS. 1MY PLUCKY BOY TOM; OR, BEAROING FOB OURIOBITIBB IN INDIA FOR ,YBHOW. Br P. T. Bame. CtnarrTe VII.-Tor's New F .IED. At la.e dr. Fordyce sad the rest of the men reihed toe hotel, nd hbeard the 'stoohlshi story of Tom Bradford. aMr. Fordrce saw that it would not do to delay. He hurried to the cave under the guldenceof Tom, takiog with him a esfiolent quantity of ropes, cbloroform, and the uecesears paraphernalil. There could be no miletakig the meaning of these preparations, and, as a cosequence, he had a large and ann)aog following of the villagers and coutorymen. The titer was still asleep when the partt reached the cave, but, after some delicate manipulatlon, the sponges of chlorotuform faisened to oreg sticketand whose odour had alreasuy produced some effect on the animal) are, shoved in front of his nos, audkept there until he ueetly succumbed. Mr. Fordlce knew when it wam sate to roll iwal the boolker, and, afeter dexterously bindiwualm, dr?w him frtb. His cage, Sbleh I ?bd left behind, wee drawn as mear to the dave as possible, and the bease, witb no little pstire labour, end skill, was rolled and bound upon a titter, bwhlb strong a men carried through the wood tothe roadside, i where heeegeoe wheels was wasitng. r Into this Tippoo Sahib was placed, mad two daye later he joined rnr show, none the worse for the stirring experience through which be had pased. "1 It cost ltew hundred dollar to make matters sight with those who had stffered because of the jugle terror; ut I did not begrnde that, for i was nexpreslbly reHlieverd to find that so one bad been killed, and thae my waluable be was saved to me after all the excitmedt and turmoiL I malt not lorges to say that thbe' met P dalibhsed man was unquestioeably sthna SJenkins. for whom Mr. Forde bought a new I coat and ht, The fellow did not deserve I them, but be had learned a Iesson whies I am esie he Nerm foqo, end perhape it wee as well nos to pass¶him by in distributiog the most potentof all selves to bhealg that sort of wound., tesie , - ,. W hen I came to divide thereward reomised for the eaptul of( Tippoo S?abb, e gavre one hell to Tom. He otjected, buhot 1 insisted, S.especially as every other one of the paty Sldeaolaed that nothirg IesE would be lust to l him. a When at aslt we reached the grat city of . New York, I suggested to Tom that he hbould deposit what money he cold pare into the saviere-be.sk. He sot rnly did so, but d persuaded quite a number of hi assoisltee to Sdo the same. I. With the close of the messn molt of our a employee are disolaried until the following I espring. Some of the liveeg curloitiies (like the Sacred Hairy Family in these days) ind 0 easpaements elsewhere dutrhg the wmter. t. My animatego into comfortable4quarers at d Bdrdppor , where a laure number of men Sare reqnuired to look after them. It wle my intettion to seed Tom Bradford thither withb r. Fordyce, but unezppctedly, ,and., s i prved, providentially, a new field I rpsend for him i. YTu kino., as I have told you, that for teny yeare is habbeen my coutoln to have 11 asents in all parts of the world on the lockout Sfor ituerestrlngcrlositl?e. OnOe of my best lrnte ws ilCaletia. You Sneed not be told that India is the paadlse of the lerresl wild beast., the most wonderful birds, end the moss venomua serpents, but you mal be surprissd when I tell you the , tact lth toe deathe in Hindoetan eondally from wild animate and poieonouo snlakres i more than tweent thousand. On the day of outr arrival ton New York I received a letter from Oart O(ldin, my asent at Calcntte, telli?e methat he bhad teoOred an elephant of nnusual slee and Sagacity, and thes te was on the track of other ouriovitiee, which he hoped to ship to me In the course of asx mnthe, and possibly sooner. He added that the young man whom he bad hired to b,lp him in the capacit of secretary, when his services wete not needed elsewhere, proved to be a knave, who had stolen quite a sum of 'money and decamped. He asked me to send, him some. bright, trustworthy young man to take bi place, sines he-that is, Mr. dodkin-was seo situated that he ran a conlinual risk of being vittimized. IloItantly the name of Tom 'Braetord presented itself to my mind, and Idete. mined, if he liked the plo., to send him to India to not ao ,he aesnitant of Mr. Godhin. No doubt he woe youngsr than my ?gent wished hit helper to be, but Tomn wo sure to mak up in ability what he lacked in yearv; andl knew thatas soon as Mr. Oodkin asve him a tril,. hewould be more than pleased. Need I " ell you that when I me to mention the subject to Tom, be wee delighted? He said there wis no posaible proposition that t could haveesited him en well. India was the t eonntry about whioh he had read and thought aSoddreamed evervince he bad posseemed any knewlerge ot natural history. Henever dared to hope he would be eont thither, but his plan was to save his money I until be had aesoquired enough to pay his way bthere and heck again, But, behold I here was a direct rfier for t him to go to that country. Not only that, bus his expeoues were tobe paid, in addition to which I promised him a salary, which was I move than he espected. t Bo is was arrensed that he shoulnid leave New York the following week for lEngland, I from hbiob point be would make his way to India alon He knew the peincipal routes, I ant the, wes no tear of hit gEing .etray. Without taryliot to de.cribe his journey I titiber, let Os open the next chapter on the other bide of globe, tin faleway India, CQIaraes VIII-Ace Uw~rione Be vYO.OW. I And So, with your consent, we will take a lont leap over sever I oceans, "unt open the I iox stoene in the hlstory of me plucky boyh Tom its the wonderful lInd of India SAS I had •aticipated, my agent. Carlt Godktn. fest some dieslpointment whn bhe read ny letter oil introduction, cd.,looked down in the face of the manly younc fellow who presented it I spoke so warmslyof Tom's brightunes, ability, and fnloe doposison I that he wasee preposesed in his favour from the first.? The few days which the tenth spent i. t Caloult, devotinl himself to the service of Mr. Godhia. more than confirmed all I said; and with that blolntes which was cheru?eteristlo of the clever gentleman, he told Tom that he suited him exactly, end he was sure tb they would get along famoosy sl trth.r. .t It was some weeks laSer that a party of f hunters were alonl the upper waters of the Goege,, in the Peovince of Sode. '. They were not far from the oity. of Luck. now, famous for tirs eunnee and siege" d Sringthe Spov Mutiny of 1857. i It we one of the oal hbnting diltriatels In the world, and the party had their fill oft adventure. On the etiond day of thesir arrival ie tiam seotton, the dsay wua so hot that the. prt y rspet mnos of thehonrsin the shade. aweiine the decUlon of the sun ubefogM venturing ou in h qcel of l e. ma P The Jo:rney tbisbnr had ben ono lonelt ultlaeof oup·sui and delinhts to. Tom, wbo wu brongh. face to face ith maony of the a wonders whh iob D tn thrt$ time onlD exilted 1 •e vIvid plour* in l.hils mnind. The prty incloded, beside Mr. Godain uand ft Tom, these eptrlienord natives, all of whom were old neqoaninatene ef my R-nh, who had, el vited tbas seetion move tabn onue belore. The Enrompen were me?nted on fne ,1 touh little ponies oommon tohe ev.ntry , but the natiVeS preerred to do thesilr work on r loot it There wu some 8tlk of enagis in a tier i hbnt, whbloh, if cavied ut, wol'n benpon the t bahlee of tralined elephntse , in pcordalnc With thfashbion of Irdis. - . - it wa about ten o'otock that eight that Tom emltohd ot to sleep until tbhmorrow. ri TtPe nativeshead gone tote's Ins the heom. o of ose of sheir treisd., while the boyand Mr. at GOdhin oecupied a bamboo strueltns tIhat C hardly d·earved she nome of a hones, of II conslited of otis room, wihoni any a( upper etory. and with no floor eso pt the U1 tround, w,,eh hu.d Irw ror moodt add l In b s feaet ofthe formeron?enpnts. Tom epread hie blankat in one orner:. sad th brew himself upon it, the warmth of the th night preventing him from ehroninl the o?vering oulst;his t body, Mr.. Godhi asa eb erwst snmokr, and be eli in fres 0fhe sU ctrelnr aFort•ona tme withb him hooksh, . ne atlive pipe, while 'Tnm, with hIs ru-ged t' health nlminired, Moon esno Into a sweet, on _rewbigaelumlber. , ' th T.hisa .km? of the boy l?stted, pMbably, m, eltl tl ltabs, wlhn, wisbont any appare -seu, si terse be would tell, he opesed bin ret pm with end In the full pOeeeeio of kie an .s wee pIunal y csd his. left Ido, ,with he t. fare towlrdi, the eihgle oplngi lO the omusene '*wbfb'sedvvd'i' a doe. Th- 'I ti remllty o dilor, et romue the opseng? hs ,l e we ,le ibr sh e, • ,

a6s always ti?te, a et is may be .stS toot themme bungalow. ometime given to the building, wa altogethebr ndesered. The moos was abtates with Uanualu Shbrghtnoes, even for that coonry, where the lIght of the orb lometitme trns might Into day. It seemed to Tom that when he looked through the opening on the other id he uon was really out. though a moment's hought convsinced him it woald be a number of hours Sbteforett'rose. SProbably orne-hal of the interior was illuminated by a flood of moonlitht, which b hownedtbe form of Mr. lodkln lying on his e blanket and round asleep, as was proven by his deep, heavy breathing. He was on the n opposite side of the room, there being a espc' o,f five or six fret between him and the Stooth. "1 wonder what made me wake?' was the Id tbolht tha.t uame to Tom, after he had looked aroond tbeaparteetotand noticed the form of bhi friend; it must be the climate is to h bht ir. this part of the world that a person Snaecoastomed to it finds It hard to sleep es he oes toin hie own home.' II H. recalled that jlst before falling asleep he had drawn a portion of the blanker, not over his body, bus across his lower limbse, which were covered to the knees. This aco y was in obedience to a habit, for, as I have shown, the temperature was such that the t rhinnestclothtng asun burden. • I ib a ow notied that the fold of the blanket resting on the lower part of his lees, iel erllrroly heavy. Mr. Oodkin had re? ated an iideantto him the night before, where onest his fileade awoke in the oigRh ao and found a hideous oobra coiled over his te breast. This Incident inlaantly came to the b mind of Tom, and fortunately prevented him from kicking this limbs free cf the coverieN, t as was his first inclination to do. * It would be funny if one of those reptiles or had looated himself on my blanket,' re ad iltted Tem; adding the text instant: ' I as don know as there would: be anything Sbruny abiot it, either, exept for the serpent -greast bheavenll I itsle aobra i' t The fees of the youth were turned toward so the door, so that in looking through the opening at the moonlit world beyond hi. ,e ne wa in a lies with hbi own body. ] F'rlbermere, the raye of the moon eantered as the bamboo building fllar enough to strike the be ern-od within afew inches of where bis fret ree red t ,,[ wan ulc kin intently at the irregular fold of the blacket and ancying that he ,, dimly saw something else mixed with tbe ,d, cloth, when an obj)ct slowly rose to view between him and the dcor, and from the to blanket earoes his lakles. Rearin itetllf aloft, against the ebackround of of moonlight, it bad the appearance of being be amped in d ink on a flecy curtain' the nou in lines could not have been more disttict had at the uon been in bhe senith. to One glance was enoueb; it was a cobra di espello, the most dreadful serpent of all oar lndfa, whose venom bee a malionancy that g approaches the miraculous, A bite from this h reptile is the death-warrant of the victin, ad as eseredly as if he were emitten by a bolt ri frombheavee. SThe arpent had undoubtedly been attracted e by the warmth ol Tom's body, and bad ceiled tn the blas kit. which lay over his lower rd limb'. while he was asleep, and of course ly after Mr Goekin had also lain down and lost rod nnciooeoees. Although the led was not aware that he or bhad irred, there mass have been a slight, , i.volantary twirobhie of his less which at diesmrbe theeobtr, andeoased him to rat'e h' head tbresteaiegly. This spreceeil easily . altermed, and theleasrt movement on the part ot of the boy would have brought the fangs into l soe pa t of hbl body with the quickness of the litning's flash. he Tom kew beter than to attr, but, all the l same, something mout be done I ir He could not lt still for boase, with that horriblethirg coiled as his 'feet, and holding itself ready to strike. Homan nature was no ot equal to the feuful test, espec?ally when the ad truth was alo apparent that, if he were able id to remain .orionlese until daylight, there s, wes no certainty that that would bring se safety. el l'o's frleet thoubt was that, withont sd stirring a muslole, he would call the name , of Mr. Gookin; but be dared not do so, t, through ear thatthesound woald irritatethe te cobra to the point of strikkl while, if his id friend wee a little tardy lingraeping the iy ltouatlon, he might by some Indlt?elion a, bring the blow upon himself. a I 'No F; IeI got to manlage the smake myself,' wai Tom's conclasion. 'ad I wish somsone i would sell me what to dio, for I'm sure I . don't know.',. ;o t CATsran IX.-Musro's Cnadus. 'o ! The hardest thing for Tom Branford to do was to resist an inclination, which, if obeyed, Swould have been fatal. It seemed to him that bysaddenkick of:one I of his fees be could fling a pars of his blanket e over the cobra, and imprisoning the reptile in It the folds, smother him before he cou!d otrike. o., at any rate, eo entangle him that be could iI be killed within the cloth. y Bt if the fires kick should fall to catch the uprailed head I SIt" was most likely to do ro, in which case y the spectacled front, with the erect hood, y would shoot forward from the blanket and inject the fatal poison before the lad could r ke another move. No, the risk was too great. Hifs ride was leaingD In one corner of the bmhhoo hot, only a few feet away.' but it might a well have been a hundred e miles distant, for all' the good it could do I, bim. H le revolver was in his hip pocket. and, as , he lay on his left side, the weapon being on hi. right, he hoped that be conld draw it y forth and, carefutlly aiming, end a bullet te hrough the upper parto of the serpent's ar slowly as the' minute hand elides over the face of the clock, the lad began reaching fr the pistol.; but, at the very fires essay, the frighrtfl head commented swaying from side to aide in such a threatening manner that he I dealated. If 'such a slight movement alarmed the reptile, the act of drawing forth the weapon atnd plling the trigger would be sore to sotite him to action. 'No; that would not do. all at once a strange ide entered Tom's head. ie had seen the esrcent charmers of India, and had wlteesed the wonderful mannoer in whleh they swayed the serpen's by a teiry'm'oototnon reed mnio ; could he not do omelthibg in the eeame line? so taintly that bhI votee scareely broke the oppreiive stillnues he began slow hnmmicg, which atrt r was like the soft musit of the wind.harp. He aettempted no tune,' but merely hummed, his voice siing and sluking no more than a note or two of the cbromatic scasole. ' The first result wa not lcalated tosoothe the Bneves of 'the youth. The bead of th* cerpent ewyred more and more from eside to side aend back and forth, a though the noise irritated him; but 'Nm e?evered, impart. ing a certain twine to the mule, if it may be termed eab, and eillhtiy taioreainl ire volume. oThe irst enoourgement was when he netnelved that the cobra, In its rode way, was ewayinl its bhed in aeord wish the awing of hl' bhumming sounde. The masio we produclg its effecot and he wie 'heepingl STom uang a little loder? : the hooded head rose biher and the eepent mloved from the blanketsout pon the smooth around. A cold habill r?n hrough the yooth at the fear that the reptile wa about to apiroab his head. Hewaeure he conld not stand any I approeh of that nainre. Buls, Iortunael, instead of doing' o it snlwly oreos arwa from him, until is was in plain eight ,in the mnonuilrt whicb poured through the door. It did not leave the but, hot ooline ad arcolinl, raisein and lwer tig ir.hed?. it showed that ii wu plegeid by the loe, mootanos mauio whlohcame from ntween the lips of the boy whose eyee were fXixa upon his Itralae vialto. ' i Once more the Liter bena moving hia righl hand toward hil hip pocet. The snake 1 offered no okeiebcoe. emlmnly now whnolU I ocopled wlsh his enJeymlms of the struange " enternainment. Tbe latter continued on. changed, Ozcept, perhape. tbere wa alight I addltion of vigon, when the lad'e band etasoed the butt of hit volver, and bh began lowly drwol• g It footh. 11il the singie went on as the Id brounlha the weapo. to a level and earefully sigbted ?s the reptile ' thlnLk I en• pnk you.' wa Tomr' rbought; be poined w ith srm ae riid as ironm at sh hooded head, and held it thee untlI he could -k his eIm h ams *r t any rate, If I mis the ret time. Ill give yo0 the" contente of all the chambser sad you mayl thlnk, if bhurts that it l a pa?t .of the The bueamtg etaais , ad the head rensly adoulatedl In tim, the enake onillion ? and noolllae In 'a' oesoie fasbitoo, onei Ieog so oaer the doer that the lId wa sure tt be means o lave. poteibly hease he cold et not etaud gny acs@ marIeit S ,'ot, no when;nese: the door. he moved w beth elaS, eatil, he reeehsd the margie of liil moonlight, wbere he e a. met eest -nolog hie head hlgher than blforai 5

l At that instant S baag, bang, baU', bang., lnl! Five rpotte an ou In quiok aoessuelon, i and the mishebief was to pay. " The trit ballet from the Smith and Wesson ,went strright through the neck oft the obr. I cloe so to the hed, sad two of she remainior ones perforated the body lower down. t here was fierc threshing of the'gctund, ' he numke twisting and untwisting with Igbht nicl likequnlaeean dating the few seconds I tthu his death struggles lasted. Fortunately, its furions throes carried it i toward the opening of the but, out of wLich r it wenr 8 if kicked by an indignant foot, and eoeme to res feust beyond the door, as dead as Julius Ceosar. ' What under the son ie upp rasked Mr. Godkin, rietirg his head from his blanket, e and preing into the gloom, with a feeling d that e'methig dreadliul must have caused e the deafening shots of the revolver.L ,, SI found a big robra In the room.' replied n Tom, springing from bhis coch, 'and ae prritisld a little on him with my pslatol.' You're mighty lucky if he didn't prctlein p on you,' remasked his fitead, owly an iustant t hehind him in risirg to his fees; 'didn't he b, bite you T I 'No thats I am aware of,' replied Tom, who a sepped to the door of the hut and looked at s the limp, repe-like as ; ' in my opinion, Chat cosre di capelln, consldered strictly ns t a cobra di sapello, is ot no further account.' ,, And then he elated the incident which I have told you. ', *Ya were fortnneat, indeed,' said Mr. i Gdktin, 'for the slightest motion on your s part, when you awoke, would have eaused him e no bury his fangsin yon, and then that would o have been the lass of Master Thomas Brad. I ford, from America.' The nervous shock prcduced by the visit of , the 'erpens drove away all di.po.itlon to lerep on the pare ot Mr. Godkin and I Tom. g 1tiey krew, too, that if they lay down t 1g?o10 they were liable to a visit from the mate or another of the hideous reptiles, for d there was so way of shutting them oen. e the man fittlled and lit his hookah, and is sae down outside the hut, Tom doing the p ame after ieh-.rline his revolver. d The eight was a 'eeutlful oes, the moon e hving reached high point in the heaerse, t while, the sky was without a single cloud to interfere with its light. While Mr. Oodkin sr smoked hie pip be talked of anything that is came into his head. hie words referring mainly re to his home, for he had a wife ao w little ens in fat-away America whom he or longed to see. The wife wa willing to make the Inre ,d onurney to Indtia to live with him, bht he *eld g her in too blhb regrd to permi schob sacrifice. i- Like Tom Bradlord, he irslsted that no id country wan so highly ftvon'ed as his own native land, whither he hop' d soon to return a and spend the reas f his nay . If Some dintence aff a dark live rose againrt et the c'rene ky, saretchibg further to the right is and left than the eye euld follow. Itmatrked n, the jung'., those enormonm reachts ol it forert in India whbich ebound with mult' farioua forms of animal life, end whbch are !d so ohbked with indergrowti, vios, and the d rlnse vetetation thas it is impossible to or force one's way through many portions, ax. S-to?ctby keeping to the pathb that have been at opened. •i" fi - .' 'There's enough gemsein ihere,' r!merte ,e Mr. Oodkin, knerkioR the asehes froem hli Spip' ' to keep an army of buotersbusy.' 'h Yes; and I would be glad if ist would i etay thee and wait for on to so after it.' Il 'What do you iresnr ked his friend. r 'turning endderly ,nward him with an ex. to pIelin oftenxiety; 'have ton seen anyo of thingl 'I am not sure, but ones or twice I fanmitd r there was something moving along in front of the jnngle, keeping most of thetime wilhin t the tlue of sbadow.' 'Siece I falreed theesme thine, I am quite sore that it is no faicy at all. Now that the moons has crept muth bigher, we shall .bs likely to gain a better view of the obhect.' S'Hare you a suspiolon, Mr. Godin, of what ' b have.' be replied, comprssing hie lips t and nodding his head; 'but I hope I am mie. e eoken' . SWhat do you fear?' 'The mote fearlal animal in theI orld. You know what that Ie.' 'A royal Bental titer. SThat's it,' added his friend, with another nod of lhie hed. 'Well. I bed a hunt for oneof them, Tippoo Sahib. ia my own country, aend I don's catse a bout havirg one of them hlnt me.' ' Yo may well eay that . This little hamboo structure would be no more proteo tion against a tiger of the kind I have in mind than so much dlirun paper. not evenit we had a second atorey to which we could retreLt.' 'I hsve read terrible stories about the tigers of this country. and supposed some of them Swere ezeggerated.' ' Probahly they were, but the truth "is bad enough. The only way to hunt the creature is with a large perty, so that If he turns they can give him a volley. Since it ila ont o onr vower to do that, we oan only hope that we msy not be troubled by one of them jiot at s. But if there should be a tiger prowling along the .edgs of the jungle ut there, Mr. Godkni, we ought to be ready for him.' ,' The suggestion e 'a sood one,' remarked his friendt. risting to his fIeet, and paslin within the hbt. T'um oldd the esme, and the next minrtethe two emerged, each bearing his loaded rifle. They seated themeelver, as betore, on the roound, with their bhcks against the I hamboot. The moon being so near overhead, the line of deep shadow along the jungle was so thin that any, oimal venturing out was quite certain to be detelcted . ' OTher he is I' whispered Tom. 'IIebiml Don'tstirl' Th, eyes of both were fixed on the long stretch of Jungle, when they observed a beasº, that wao undoubtedly a tiger, moving in a direction parallel ts ths wood. He walked slowly, and stopped after gouing about a dozen yards. He ated ao if he were not quite stisOed wilh thes look of thiog, end was reoonnoiter ing the bamboo hot before vaaturiag topay it closer attention. ' I think we had better go 'inside,' added Mr. Godkin. in the same guarded undertone. The prenantion was wise, and thlyouth made noobjeotion, for it seemed reasonable to believe btha their p.eenon was likely to tempt the berut to attack them. ' Now,' added bhe men, 'if he will be come iederate enough to let un alon we will ne. coiprocae.' " I don't underetand why he hea held off so lonag' replied Tom, who, atanding bhck uat of the monllbt, kept eyes on thbe bete in aush plein ightbL . 'They ara very onnilng at ime . One of them h.s been known to leave his la late at night and walk through a native.village with. out moeseting anyone, slealing hil prey in the net viltgen, doUebtl with bhe pur pose of throwtnl the sativee off hi scent. He Ia, esuepidous, too, and I seunpposa he doen't xacil undeetannd how sbioig are bhre.' 'Good grecIous' Thee was caueose for the latter exclamation, for ihs tblar acted .ss though all miegiving on hit pert hbd vanllhed.. Htelnl ati~d inotloo. Ie. foe ,two or thrse. minatee, he bel_ steadiiy approahinl the hut,, ae I ho hesitated no logamr about makling an eaaul ' We musta't lie idle while he dose Ibhes,i said Tom, rlitinl the hammee of bie un. 'The time haLsa' some to fre,' 'I know that, bhut l le tlme to be rmedy.' 'No mallter what bhppens, don't sehoot unntl yeon rt the word Ilom me; I'm aftrid ton will bs too rub, Now istoeatime, my boy, for coolness anid ptance of mind. 'Abienoe of bhodr would e a greel deal better,' thouiht b Tm, .though he. seir nothing. • i Is was Ian lmreeive eih whee the royal Bengl Utiet dvaneod dirotly Coward tIe hut, his tseriblte hed aloft ad hi tail vtibating gently from side to lid. He emitted no growl. and, oe thl a n the bto Int u were silent the, Cailalaee was tppressiv to a degree. ' Hle will aiol before he rehbes uls' whla. pered Mr. Godkin, who bad also raised the hammer of bhl heavy ri8. This surmlin was eorreot, for the worde wers yat in hie mouth whes the broi pueud He wan ltoo eunnin Ce v usre Into whab might povne em itngloaly IaId hap. SAt tbl'emoent he 'rwa itandnl ebout fifty - feet from the door ef the bht, and hsmed a atuikris picture, Inded--the ery .esbodi. lent an be was uf prodgious strength,, at-lik eeitllty, .ad Ineerelnbl erity SNo·" beter tiaet Iold ?e leenk dolged,. onuld sbe hmrtler hav been tea et apoesl.. nl.t wua, Mr. Opdkle wne mot tam? d thon he wouIl he adlmisda t'hUse tie l to end a bollet" into 'the 5o0k isa bilnlpw, the I hed, where itIghtl,?imed, the_ '' oreuld bare it way (iqbroe h he seat e "? Bitt the cultind ,o~i, Iria irot ,Oe t arrinmd, The tiger m·hia •hanIiehis mind

and go away. It he did, mso IaSe th If he de ided to attack, he etrut approac still close.r nd there maU a better chaises i makiegtbe aim fatal, lhoahhit wae bardyia be exatoted that be would lail shalo is hmab u favorable poaitio. - . So planly wre the beate seen tit a eligh tanlear ofe head- no oare thten •u ian b o two each w.r-wa oblerved. Hie own poeture threw the moton lightl behind him, to tha hi front wee plartlin hedow, which fact added tenfold to hbles terrible sppearuacr, Tom bad read of h'blz'ong ye-bal, 'flaming orb,' and that anre of thins. blt oever slaw aythbing o the lkid ahsti the Bengal tiger etreck an attitude belfo Yoaknow that the eye of the nt o pectie have a peculiar greenieb, phoephoraeoar Slow, and there wae a glitier about thoe opf the tiger which jeotified the aeenaitgtg e-" travagant erxpr.ouen that are o often eJ. ? in deorlhib eg tem. I the beaet withdrew, well ;. it he d. veared, to .ur the leapt, it world not h., dut the esmerl had no intention of holds ag the attitude he had takeno, and flain ha' moved. Tom Bradford's heart almost stopid`' hbeatlg when he obleioed that, inltead of retreatteg or Iurrina to one aide. the' reature was or ce more wnlking with b.hie."' alsaltby tsead directly toward the dor of the hut. `, He 1e coirie for rs the time mare, wbiopeted the lau 'It looks o, but hold on ; tse time bu not yet name to shoot.' ' t it very ne'. r, thoulgh.' But at the verr moment the lad bad decoided to brler his aun to hie shoulder.; rand not to ewit the command of him I unduty reaotloas t id, the tiger cae morn' hemitated 'He wee eo aloes now, however, tha'it i rlooked ea it he a re about to gather him? '?. eelf for a terribie leap upon the hat aed' it inmate?, (Io tic eeIattIsan.)



Chapter X

TIHE YOGt FOLKS. D" i PL.U SY.B TOM; OSNil FORI OURiroSIIB IN INDIA FOR MvY8oW. Bx PT. Biamx M p xqZ:;-BuIrmxo BDI rraiTh£rilllH The crisis seemed to be at hand. Both Mr. (odekin nad:Tom Bradford raised their rifles and levelled them at the terrible tiger; wbishstood o0ly,& few. pacS oftappaelcnly caiititi psls;o[ miaia: a bound, diiesctly it the little bamboo strulure, whiobh, as thq man had asserted, oould have offered no more resistance to his lury than so much tisaue .ealaorileaping, the beast, like all of hi_ h iasdiwgeld eanlt on his legs, n astos'gethir his muoleel for Ae terriflo dlors tiha would bring him upon the defenders.. This premonitory movement was all they .-wUo watiltgilr.. The ilateat the long, graoeful body should sink toward the ground, the two would fire, trueting that E?Mgvls:wlOld l direst one of the bhlless a 'uee t hroogh the sentre of life and stay the betes, on the threshold, as may be said, of s-hi-s , oit lotlli.... . . i Bd'it iiguer did not loIr i bqoy, Sike t;'V " raest nterpriees thl "lo? Was S"u kedtll' by a'?in" lgoifloant" "oaiu." 'THis sharp eyes caught eight of the mangled cobra doubled up on the ground in front of him. 'H tmew itse nature; bat did not' know it * wr'dad. ''That strange iataitilne, whloh -w aalil ltneinet' warned him of the fatal reilil of a darting blow from that fearfil reptitle, and hbe drew back with a sddenness wllhb, unsder other circumstasnes, would have been ludiorous. Not only that, but he turned directly bout and trolted back to thejungle, whbtb- dl•I~apehred, _.... * WelUi'i that doesen't but anything I ever saw I' exclaimed Tom. - 'Yoa'kif iiwhat frightened him offl' I.A ded :oake,' S'Yee; when you shot him, you boilded better than you knew,' I, . oiilded well enough to save my life.' " Truly ; not once, out Swie ; but for hlim"' the tiger aseensedly *ould haver attasked os, and I need not tell you how slight our chance of edape wirould have been.A'e .,, ,About one in a hundred.' ' IIErtly thit? brit, ince 'the iroyl ?eugal has taken a little shy at us, we will give hal a torele to.morrow. "'Do yon really moai tht ' aseeked Torr, 'with eparkling eyes, for one of the-moes covoted treate e oounted upon enjoying in India was a tiger houte He was aware cf. the peeli attending esuh a venture, but you can ouderstand how it was that the ver) danger wasee its chief attraotion, ; TL;i we will ,arrange a. party toh bnt him l. morto in true style. , We can get a pouple of well.tirined elephants a , she viilJags 'and we will like along Jim,; and Jack; and Jo. - ' Tae thsee -individalel named' by 'Mr. LGodkin.-were the natives hired to 'beae lsham company. on ihis expedition., ' lhe) .reo all ltlnooe, and their right .-ntert ,wet iBktar Sing, Budso, and Kiael lio. You stee how awkward they srond on the lits olsa' ?ropeai, and so, merely for 'conioan. esee, our sleande gave them the handy ap pellations named. . I have already said that they were expllel eneed hunters, who received such liberal pi) from Mr. Godkin that they were anxious tc serve him ii 'every way possible.i -'The friend with whom they were epsninie thelitghe lvedon the boderse of the .vellage lere iban a mile dietans ; and, sinet the olephanl is so common In Iondia, my agent knew he would have no trouble in .eeoring any number of sham whenever he :desiied. d The events of the night, is yo' will admit, were' enough 'to shiae 'the nerves ooi eLe estrongest man, end: neilher Mr. Godkin nor :Tom'ilrtdcrd l oal the leaset dipoeitliontelhe' down for, more eleep. Oooviouad,that tLe tiger had taken his departure for'good," th'ji oaoenmoro came Ouooore, aaboh hold his leaded gun in haud, for in each a country us Iudia at is wlee to be prepared at 'ill ilmes for a hostile visit. Tie couple had'-been eeated but a fe: minuteOlin conveeratloo, whean Mr., todkic; diseatedt his eompatitoul' 'tt~itenios to tba g-owing light in the eatle.. . layligni i at hand,' he iddled,'ilnd you e Ire glaed Ia ..it 'i i "one of the longest nlight I ever spent., I looked at my watch a few minutee ago, and saw that the sunwoulo soon risee. ~They stayed where they were a short time longer, andthen, rising. o their feet, flutg their blankets over their arms aend set ott i. the direction of the village, where they aod left their horses in eharge of Jim, Jack,.iann Jo, - -B'lefore our friends had gone half way'Io the village, day dawned, and all beeiglleseqialoatel another trying spelliof heat. Turning a bend in the highway, Mr. bodkin and Tom found themselvee within a short distanoe of the village. The instant they Were rpee, a crorwd of men, women, and "ehldren same running towaro -t.ip.ttelig the. most dismal walling and ' !,What doe thle meanr asked the wonder 'ig Tom., ' ?iome 'calamlity has befallen them Sriotihe'light theren is Jo--h will Inlorm ,Jo., who wasll the leading ervant, spoe DEnglhlih almost as. well as a Enropeao. leeing his masters, he ran forward to mess athOtP. SObh,ahlb I' slaid he, making an elaborate reald m 'great sorrow has come upon the ,' What is the trouble?' . -'The tiger, the tiger I He entered the 'village las night, ahiab, and seized a child right before its father and mother. We ran sIter the bease, shouting and throwing tornhee asi'him'but he headed as no ; he i gone with the child, and grsat is the grief of our friends over thelr lore, eahib.' Mr. Utodkla turned to Tom, You may depend upon it that was iba animal that paid uei isit aiset night.' It must have bee. aferhe earied off the shild.' " Likely it was the eame beset.' * And, sahib,', oonltnuald Jo,, fa eake bil Op of tihe villagers, and he died. . walsn' t the ame nsrpent that villteddo list nighei' rrmeIkcd Tom. DBo t wasl the same peeles. I don't knowihatwe wowuhld have been any ealor in be'villsge thnin lthe bamboo hut. hbe villagers oontlnoned .their li~enit. tlen., andl 'sought Mr. GodknaLid Tomi who? they eaW,'weres folly nrmed, to'ela 'the dreaded tiger, whioh- would.tv?; thi?m oi poace, now that be had a taste of one of theii number, wr'By,.hit' time Jim and Jack elame:p;,'and they added their .lamsenlations to those ofc their frende. Witih some tron~ble, my agent eeoured an ecoounl of whrat had takeln plae during the night. The native who bed died ot the oobra'e bite was strioken early in the evening, bhut the appearance of the tigoer was an recent that To?uigig he svae mistaken In belteviog that it wee before he vtisoed them. Be muat have aome directly froem the hut and eeized There eoald be no doubt that it wat the amintiliLt, Ifr iwo of them rarely wdrk to near eaoh oherlit the mllner named, SBe oalm,' clled Mr. Godhio, iorgetting that only three or four of thosee who bheard him oould underaland his woeds; 'we ehall ,itibld Id trai?to0 'lhe':min:iettr t ne'have aome to lay hibi.' OnrLe XI.-Tr ¶lieo RtHUvTErle. The nnoounoement hat habo two luotecre had determined to kill the dreaded tgRer eaused enuh joy amopng thp hrerecs--wtlo 'qunkly gathered the m'eeitng frote thbeo who understood the words-thatthey secoed to Iorget" the' recent tiSit of the man'eater. iveo the father, and mother ol the captured boy flung their 'hande lnlt nd expreited their pleasnre at learning thai the neighbhorhood was to be rid of tihd T?tis neurre being sttlied upon, Godklo teaS ahbout tho tek witLbthe promp

therouighumes which marked everlthing h did. " - . The firest stepiwa for him and Tom to secure thef'anaorilne meal, a very easy tak a They'q ed., ,elts at. "lttle'ti et Is eaten during the ht laslo in India,' because of its beating nature, though at other times enormous quaatitee?o' beef, mntton, andgtmme ea consumed., SIn' one of the natives' hbatse the e peoditure of five anna-about fifteen cents -psoouredall the goat's milk and fruit shey eeded. r.. The ,villager wee so delighted over the preeCee: of two such mighty hbanters that had eome to slay the featful pest that he was unwillion to take payment, and would have been only too glad to provide his friends with, ll they wanted for nothing ; but Mo. Oodhin made theWte role of never aseeptina favoars Of that hind. ' .Bythe time our frlends had finished their morning meal (the enatom in Indea is to eat bus two meals a day, the seoond being lair in the afternoon), the servants had brought tie two elephan?s in front of the hat, whire' they awaited their riders. Both the animals were small, that of Tom being a female, and not moob larger than a good.eined ox ; Mr. Godkla'e was eomewha' saiter, hat both were eso low that eaeb peteso with a little help was able to climb upon the neck and enter the bowdab, or boxlike saddle, which li used in riding the beaets. The arrangement wee that Jo bhould aeeq?rpany Tom, while Jim was to ride with Mr. Godkin. Jack had alreary mounted thb pony of the gentleman, and placing himeelf at the head, seemed disposed to uume the lart of leader of the expedition. Each native carried a spear, though it would seen hat firearms would have been fsr more .ppropriate in the dangerousne enterprise. *A bolf dAsen natives begged the privilege of aecompanyiog the party on foot, thoogl they were likely to prove more of. en impediment than a help in the perilous baliness. Soh weas the Company that set out.ic hunt down the man-eater which had throwr the whole village in a state of consternation, which nothing but she death of the animal could remove. Leaving the little town, they headed to tba westward, which was toward that part of the jungle where the beset had been seen the evening before. ' Fully two score men, women, 'end children secompanied she part) some dietanee out on the road, but. tbhe turned back 'before coming in sight of.the bamboo but, and the company was left ol'the else already mentioned. If tbhe tiger I. gone very far" into the jangle,' said. .r. Godkln, whose" elephant was. walklng so close to that of Tom .that they could.readily converse, ' I doubt whether we shall be able to fores our animals aite him.' ;" ' hWhae' then shall be done 1' We must get the people to drive him out, or, if they refuee, we shall have to diimouen aod do ih ourselves.' ' I don't faney that part of the sport,' * More'than likely we shall And him along the edge of the jangle, in the 'alligrae whleh skirt it, though he may take a notice to dart in among the brees.' ' How about the beastle w are riding?' SThey have been in' the' bosines :beforr, and behaved themselves admirably,.thougb an elephadt will sometimes turn tail to e tiger and give him a wide berth.' ' I wouldn't be surprised it mine did that, for she ien'slmuch biggerabhn' a tiger him. ealt, ind can's be any kind of a matue for the one we are hunting.' ' Yoou see bow thoroughly Jo under stands her. Bbe" ie a 'very intelligent reature.' *And there ethe trouble-her intelligence may tell be t,l he 'wispe.t bing 0ha oan 'io s to lioon ,t beyond reaon of ''tb ' It ..in. noqP .ilmpoestb, but I am hopeful lhetboth wilPscqeit ttfimseives ore.iitablh. Ibhe conduct ofrad elephant,; howeve','do~is not depend on his size, and one three times ae large as mine la as likely to runan a smallet ne.'. ' . " Durieg the brief ride along the highway o. the book of the little elephant, Tom Bradford formed quite a fondness for her;.' She was 'shaggy, end ebowed a frolicsome dispositloo that would'b?have:' made'ithor': a pet with children' t onu oo. ., , She would tiot a few paeces in a way that shook the howdh.. dreadfully flehe knew it, aid that wae the reason why she did it. ' Jo affected great indignation, and would whack the brute over the head, or prick her eare with the point of his spear Then she became as meek as a child, and stopped so suddenly. that she lad received several vigorous bumps against the front of ti.a howdah before he could prepare himself fot he shoeok., - A tavourlit trick of here was to reach es far around and ovef her back as she could with ber trunk, a. if the wished to fondle her riders.. But Jo met all uebh demoostra. atone ; with a' blow from' his spear, whilb caused the pendulous snout so seek its. proper place. . The female gaveeon exhibition of play ful. neal which was, relished by all save she .lot m. One of the natives was trotting by the road aide, looking attentively ahead, for th)y were nearing the spot where it eas wise to increase 'their 'viglaone, wheh the basil moved up behind and seized him round the 'alft. The terrified fellow begin yelling and .ioking with might and main, while Jo banged hbl spear on the heed of she ereature and ordered her to release the man at ones; but the blows did not amount to anythiop, and the elephant was bound to have her fin, Bhe raieed the native as high in the air as she could, hit head pointing toward the ground and his feet toward the sky,. 'N1 wonder he was frightened, and his legs beat she air like a couple of drumeticks, while he swung his arms and called cut to Jo to saenve Im from death, Holding her victim thus for a few seconds, the female lowered him as gently as a feather, and deposited him on his feet again, without a hair of his head being harmed. Then she resumed her advance as seriously as though she had never thought of molest isg anyone'ln the world. 1Bosh Mr. Godkin and Tom laughed heartily, for the incident was most amuesig. 'I wonder whether hae will handle the tiger in that Istyle if she get ibe ohanre 2' eald the lad. ' lo fear of that, for thebs tiger will not permit ii; but abe is in capital apirite thil morning, nnd is bound to have her fun in spite of Jo and hie spearlthrlst.. However, thers it the hot on one sideand thebo jungle on the other, and the time for serioeus buOinees has arrived,' (yo ns rloemomn.) . Mr. Ruskin has returned to llndgate He has completed the tird volume, entlsed thebs "Grande Chartreuse"' of hi work ' Pr?m terits,"' Prine Alfred, eldest eon of the Duke of Edinborgh, is now being drilled by a serjeaont-major of the batialion quartered at Ooborg . Beporls to.hand from the" prinelpal groWerls point to'tbo oeolntural0n' that 'thi year'e orop oKentiseh ebenioc willbe abov'i the avrorse, ',A lEerlinoorreepondent heari from i good eoures.ahaPeinoe Alexander's betrothal to the Plicese Vietoria It poltponed' "ill 'the Greek kelende." .A new eAblie i sbout to be laid betoween Seotland and Ireland, extanding from White:o head, on the oounty Antrim side of Belfast Lougbh, to Portpetriek, The Sqb-Land Commleolonera at Limeriock helS jat' deided 18G appliostiona for the inig8 of ?fAir rensle. The averga oft the reducolnire we 25 per eont. Theydo things elibortolgy in India,' The new Vloerogal lodge at Bfimla i to ooett 12,000,000 ropeea. Two million rupee will bhe spenl on furnitorb alone,. Mre. Markham, of Roxby, "eleboteld her 108rd blrthday on Tuoreday, 21th May. Bhe anlked to bhurboh s. usual on the following Sunday, and appeared In excellent health, An? gnonyym?o.e Oc ql hae' sivnuee I,000, the DuLe ef Bedford'£ 00. mnd Mr; B:. L0 Reavan £600 toWrdls the'Plynchdhnlo Toung Men a Christian latilaltle lIn lgeat Isrut:I



Chapter XII THE TIGER

THE YOIUNG FOLKS. My iPLOKY BOY TOM; Oi, D?AROUING FOR O bURIOITI1NIN INDIA FOR MYSHOW. Br P. T. Bassw. Cmaxna XII.-Tnr Tba. tr The party aw balted within a few reds of the bamboo but that was the scene of the adventures already desuribed. l m By thibis time the eooerage of several of the natives bad oosed away, and they quietly alunk off, so that when our friends looked around they found there was but a alngle one left beside the three mrvente, two of whom were mounted on the elephants, while ihe third was riding the pony of Mr. The sanxolel.oaeee wbibh all east around failed to reveal anything of the tiger for wbleb they were boating; but nevertheleer the belief was general that he was not far off. 'Nothing san be done.' said Mr. 'Godkia, ' by itlting Idle. Jo, Jim, Jack, and the other fellow there will enter the jangle with a view of driving out the gams into the open plalt wher we we an get a shot at him.' ' But be may be biding In the grass beyond,' suggested Tom. As the bey spoke, he pointed to some grem wbhloh extended out perhaps a hundred yards from the front of the jungle and ran parallel with it for five or six times that distance. It did not begin opposite the bamboo stretolre, hot feather to the west-that In In the direelion leadblg away from tbe village. This grass was several feet high, quite dense, and parohed by the ann tos reddleb brown. It would hardly be soppoed that a wild beas would ae?ounee blhmelf ameng thise unlees he wished to lle in wait for his prey paesieg along the bhbighway. The modlesly olf ie tiger gave probability to tlb theory that be was really waiting there, eves though he had Indulged In suob a frighltal least but a short lime before. 'We'll examine the grass,' said Mr. God. kia, after sunveying it from the back of the elephant. The slevation, however, was so slight that it gave little falllity la the way of obkervaloo. t. After a brief eonealiatlen, it was agreed that Jack, who was mounted on my agent's horse, hboold enter the gpe at a point mearest to them, and keeping oloes to the jungle, advanes with extreme emonton. Tbhi was deemed prudent, for It ishoald proave that the beast was there, it was bilrevd he would be een soon enough for the pony to eanry himself and rider out of danger. He was a welltirained animal, very agile, and bad beea In several srimmage. with tigers, so that considerable relianen was pleed on bi lantelligenee , R,?.re' t SIf oneae the naiives should go forward on foot, he could not eseape a direct attsek from the tiger, even though the others bhurried to hib aesistance. Two or tbree 'prodiglous leaps of the animal would be suffolent to overtakethe fIet of men. You can Imagine tbe lteser interest with whieh the others watched the movements of Jeok. The native who was on foot climbed upon the back of Mr. Godkl's elephant, so that none we ounmounted. Jiek had not ridden twenty 'page into the. all greass, when all were startled by seing him rein up hie horse with a suddenness whicb proved that he had made an important diseovery. ' It can't be the'tleer,' remarked Mr God. kin, without removing his gaze from the ' No, there's somethilg on the ground close to his pony's head.' replied Tom. Jack spent but a minute or two in eratiny, when, without dismounting, he galloped beek to his friesde He explained his ghastly discovery. Observing that the grass appeared to have been trampled near where he halted, he examined ii olosely, and saw several bones lying on the ground, their appearanoe show. in that the flesh had been gnawed from them very recently. A brief secrutiny left no doubt in the mind of the native that they were a part of the remains of the poor girl who had beeoon carried off by the tiger only a few hours before. SDepend upon it, he isn't far away,' said Mr. Godkni, when the dreadful incident was told 'Do you thick he is in the grass 2' ' Very likely.' Jack onoe more furned the pony about and entered hebs parched Iract, while the rest edged their beatrs a little closer behind him ; the fellow wes braver than most of his race or he would not have done this. Tom saw no signs of trepidation on his part, but there could he no doubt that he appreciated the peril into which be was entering. . This time 'a rode a couple of rode In advance of where he halted on his first entry Hie pony stepped very deliberately. with his head high in the air and his efae thrown' forward, as if he fully understood his danger, All at once' he stopped egain, and then it was that Tom Bradford and Carl Godkin witneseed one of the meeot striking tableaux on which they bad over gamed. From a pole only a nt yirde in advanee of the horseman, a gigantio tigerroee from the grass.' eo that his whole body was in plate eight and, faoing the native, looked straight at him. 'He did not rw or swa hi' taill, hot stood in the attitude of earloaltt or Inquiry, an if seeking to know the meaning of this dietorbanoe. At the teme time,. the pony hetld preelsel the same attteode. Instead or whirling 'about and dashing off. ae would have been natural, he breald him elf as rigidly as a bronze statae, with bin front hoots planted elese together, his bead aloft and his eyes staring at the terror in front of him. Whether or not the rider was transfixed by fear aonnot be said, but he also played the part of motiolalee spectator-the tableau being the maost impreslive that ean 'be Imained. ' For a few moments the bunters were equalt dstationary, and the the flret evidenes of fright eame from the lasd quarter where it was expected. Among the' qoadrupeds. there was ene whiah. realsineg the delisate situatlon. made up his mind that the time had come for die. appearin g that wes the elephant n whbiah Mr. Godhlna ad two of the nativles were perehed. SThroeRing aloft his trunk, bhe trumpeted loudly in terror, and then deliberately swnog hls heavy body around and s?arted In vain the natlives beahored him with 'pears. Jim jabbed hirm harply. esailed him the worst names he could summeo, while Mr. Godkin was angry enouah to shoot the poltlrooan. It wans all the mere provokinr tweause, in all the previonsa tiger.bounts In which he was engared he was never known to mlebehave himself, Buot all la vain, I hasno anubt that yen have seen a ynke of oxen make a break for water, a-dhave noticrd that no driver ontid obeek or turn them aide. o It t'was lth the elepheat. Pointing his no.. toward the villase, be brake into his ungainly trot and not all the efforts of his three tiders could restraoin him, thonuh they exerted themselres to the polint of delpertljon. Tom Bradford laughed over the disom Store of his friend, espesellly as it had been beslfaeved that, If either of the elrpbante showed any pani,. it would be the female ridde by him; but there was too perlone business before the party for the youth to speed any tims in looking at the geroup th.t were msaking snohb sooftime toward the The break of the onwardly brte seemed to be the ishnal for the drama to open. 'The tlier eonuld not bare feiled to see that the whole party wesr letroders, and thit a good sheuee was presented for teeohlon them a needed lesson, as well as for procaring a grander feast than he had ever yet sonjoyed. Holdingl himself erent, he now began walkinlg trlaeht towerd the horsemen with that solft, eallke trend that adds to the terror inspired by bhis pratences. The distenes was too great for him 'oin leap, and he wea merely eeklog to abhorlen bthe spas eanogh to make it an elray tasek,

•Y oe i shn ' t tht pony fliishbed Uhis tMld Mnb ab o Shat trine. Ha sepa msmmud k a no.and dddaed off at the eLtLgh of he sped; whieh was maw graoter than that of aalt. Th latter l hito a gallop, keeping in a dire"t lae with the ho?e, wiebh shot by the eled ant at a letane of no maen tha a dose feet. Thus the pursuer was brought mar the animal on which Tom Brdford was pebehed, and who bravely held her heeing that i was usealess to follow the horseman, and fidlng himself elose to the two honters, the tiger seemed to con. 'lade: SY'ooll do ust as well.' At aey rate, without the least' hesitation, he veered in bie menoe and made straight.for Tom and Jim I Oaw'rrs XIII--A POnrw?mae Saor STmARTemI News. It te a brave hunter who keeps his hed to I each a crisce aS now came upon Tom Bradford, and 1 ls nso dlsaredli to him to say that be was Laoterel for a briet while. He had cooked his rlle, knowing that 'he I would are the masm moment; but when the native, Jo, saw the tiger following he I akrrLying bhoeman at a gallop, aod Wew that be would pas quite close to him, It 'proved too much for his serves. He was not eittlag In the howdab, buhot had pI erebed hbmelf etride the elephbat'se eck, I the better to oentrol heW. r " With a whoop of terrr he deceribed a beak somereMalt, lending on his feet, and dashed after the fleeing pony at a galt that almost equalled hie, At She came moment the female veered to as to present her front to the approahebing tiger, sad nelI her trunk aloft. This woederfal organ, oepoel of tens of thousands of muasles, as perhape you know, is extremely sensitive, sad the owners lake S tbe atmoe eara to protet s from Injury. i That is the rmeao why. is pseeing through n I fores, they often hold it loft, and out of the The light of Jo and the mlSton of the " elephant took place in the moment thbt Tom a brought his rifle to ble eshe er end was a prelng the trigger. The eoofolson cans d I him to hold hi fre, arnd, before he could aim again. the tIge attacked. I Bluleg In air, he abot aerose the later. i vanllg spana with his terribly beautiful I parabola, la Ided an the haunch of the a female, whiab altered ry of paln, and torned round in the vhai eort to reach him I with her troonk. a But the rmdngof the elephnt'e thiek hide was all by She way ; the accailaDn was not Safter b?, but after the white-faoed boy I Broohinl In the bowdah on her back. He held ble positions and began creeping I over the brow. hsnebh, hie short ears pressed flt on his head, his eyes glaring. I ble rharp teth showing while he growled I avagely and whipped the side of the larger brote with histhlmpi tall. He was the i embodiment of fesc uy as he steadily Sclimbed Toward the pe ea the youth, that war almost within hbl reach from the fIrt. The freialed swaying of the elephant botheed Tom for a moment, but be quickly regained his self-posseaeiou. Unable to. keep se ftee as steadily as he desired, he plseed one knee on the seat of the howdab, and. resting the barel of his rifle am the back, levelled the weapon at his foe. The latter was so elote that the muaRal of the goo was almost agaainl his soew. At so slight a distance a misl was out of the quoation, and, aiming at a point directly between the eyes of the hIst, Tom let dy. For one moment the appalled lad believed hbe had failed, for the tiger gave no evidence of bhelg huat. But, glanoleg through the thin wreath of smoke rising from the muzale of hi guno, he maw the round hole made by the taolet. It was red aod alesa at firSt, without any blood, but the crimson flotd began qulakly pouting from the opening. The eyes glared with the same burning fiereeness, and the outtretched claws wanre etill buried in the thick hide of the elephant, piercing She lteder fesh beneath sad eanein e aonlaing pain. 'What can it mesan ' asked Tom; ' is it impossible to kill one of those brutes with a single ballet l' Joet them he observed a convulsive shudder pass through the forelegs aod front; beyond question the tIger was hit hard; lode d, he was fatally wounded, but it did seem . Ii leath itself could not looean the grip of hie nedle-like claws. At that Instant Tom saw that the tiger was sauking toward the ground, but hbi pnsep we not relaxed, and the elephant was goin? with him, Rendered wild by hber sufferag, the huge braet threw herself on the grooan with the tenoiion of grphing her feeo by rolling upon him Tom made a bound from the howdab, which was smashed to splinters the next moment under She weight of the elephant, whose. trunk and beam.like legs were pointed toward the sky and waddllng In the air overhead. The tiger mlmsed being caught in the general wrek anod rein, and he wa almost dead before the grolod w!g reached. His ael etruargl =:? lSt released his hold, ,?d Io rolied away from the elephant at the m-ment he would have been slashed had he hung fast. He same to rest on his bolk, wi h his legF also poitting Upward. They gave a few twitches, and then it was all over. So the tiger was killed by a single ballet fen by Tom Bradfolad Meanwhile, Mr. Godkin, finding it' Im poailble to cheek to' headlong flight of his huge steed, took a rather dem?eroeu leep to the grounad. hie servant. Jim. doing the same, while the other remained in hi.e est, and soon after reaohed the village without harm. .Mr. Godkln was impelled to this step by hie solioitude for Tom, whom he bed left behind, within the resoh of the infuriated tier. On hie way back he met the terified Jack, who assured him that Jo and the yamneman had hbn killed. A short distance further Joe was on eauntered, fleeing also for his life, nad earrying the tidlusa that Tom was entirely awallowed and1in prooea aofdigestion 'y that time. Mr. Godkhi might have felt frightened had he not been near enough to the sene of the coti'et to aee that his yooun friend, the report of whoel weapon he had bheard, was alive alnd estinding on his feet beside the proltrate liger and the elepbhant, which was In the lt of alimblang to em upulght posture agein. By this tilae the ativc began to flook baok, Ihe news baving been eOrmled to the emrwde, whbo had not yet reachd the village, that a fight wasr' log on with theo tSger, whish .hiy thoaght the mlght be able to look opon from a cafe distane. . is did not take them long Ito nd out the besit had beam killed by thb yoirgent member of the party, sard it wars then thait Tom Bradford eperlensed a tlte of the ann'yance of popularity. Some of the natives seemed to ispect hbe wse above the rege of ordinary mortals, end they gathered around him as if to eatiefy their doubts. The three servants, Jo, Jack, and Jim, were among the moat enthlousiastle; asoad I am afraid that Mr Godhin mialscehievously added to Ise adalation ol tbhe perty by relating some mythilatl eploll ot hil young friend on the other aide of the great water. Io hIe midtS of the rejoloing the prty war e etartled hy the arrival of a native mecuaeger, who galloped up on boraeback. hie animal ahocing that he had been driven at great epeed, decpieo the torrid heat. He locked so eroonely at the party that Mr. Go?din saked: sDn you wibh to cee ay ooe of mu 1' ' Me have lltter,' he said In broken Eng. lilh, prodooulg a mlslive, wbhiob he banded to Mr Godkin; The latIter looked at the superhcrlpaion andld s in eom surprile: 'Why, Tom ibic Jtoryou.' I The boy broke the teat, and with feelinRgs whieh may be Imagieod read' the lollaowing. oaul-ram, doted New York, 21t November t ToM BnroanD-O-Lockow. India--Every single saimal, except twenty one elephanot a rhinoaerne, and a few other animalm , deatroved by frme aet night ito Bridleport. Employ a fail bsad of experlesoed huaotrs. and ehip the rarect and wildest tob.e found In India, as loon as eoaptred. P. T. Banrux. ' Well, I dealare,' eoxalalmed Tom, hending

the despatoh to hba Ifried, 'Mr. ift aoa k been barned out lags l.. Itltood?.' o But the deepateb hbowas e ie adlalmil,' remasked Mr. Godkhi, lehg at Slthe ple of pap? wrth the splgsant wording: * nd Phcaniz.like from the lbhe will rte a 111stil greater show than was ever before known on easth. . I wonder why he ent the dapteb tome,' aid Tom,' Instead of to you?' '1 I et him word from Caleutla that I wee not sore of belng able ao aeompamy sou all the way to Luokoow, but that you would an doobtedly get there. Beside,' added Mr. God kin, with a smile, 'he menos to oompliment oeu by ahowiug his onoodenoe In your skill and judgment, knowing that It would please me s much ao I om sure It gratifes yo. This means business, my young friend, and we haven't an hour to lo.e.' 'I'm with you,' wee the entbueiastie responee of Tom, whore bright eyes sparklet in antieipatlon of what wee to oom-. ' No matter bow munb we risk our lives, we will gather and and to Mr. Barnum the rare., wildest, and most wonderful snimaln eel _o-tocitles that even he ever heard of.' t(re cs coalstsa.



Chapter XIV TOM LOSES NO TIME.

THE, YOUNG FOLKS. MY PLUOCKY BOY TOM, OR, SERAROBING FOR OURIOSITIES IN INDIA FOR MYYSHOW. B: P. T Buase. CHArrER XIV.-Tox LoB e No Tine. A few words are neeersery to explain why I sent my young friend, Tom Bradford, the cablegram Ibhat was published in the preced sag chapter. Lookiog hack over my long experience as showman, . it will be admitted that I have been parsnod with singular persltesny by fire, one of the most fearful enemies of man. In thse month of December, 1857, my summer realdeonae, Iranistan, on Long !sland Suond, near Bridgeport, wasconsumed, with a direct loose Some of more than 150,000dol. In July, 1865, while I was engaged in makinog a speech in the Conneotiout Legislature, a telegram wa handed me announcing that my American Museum, corner of Ann street and Broadway. wasn baurning. I finished my speecsh without anyone notioing any unusual emotion on my part, and then went down to New York to view the ruins. The Museum at that time wars netting a yearly income of 100,000doL., and my slos wars nearly a half million dollars. On Ird Marah, 188, my OChinese Museum, at 533, 537, and 589 Broadway, waent down in fire and smoke, the loss being about 300,0003o01. above the suloranece, and on bhe day before Christmas, 1872, my Hippodrome, on Poorteenth street, eontaining a museum,' ilreus, and menagerie, was totally destroyed, the lose blag nearly a quarter of a pillion of dollars. In 1384, Baraum, Batley, and Hatehinson's elors sustained a damage by fire, in Chicaogo, to the extent of 70.000dol. At two o'elook on M3aday morning, 211st November, 1887, my wife awakened me in my bed at the Murray Hill hotel, New York, wish the ia nformation tBhatl she had just releved a highly important telegram, which she felt some liesitatoon in reading. SLete me hear it, my dear, I said, liMj easpeeotig what was oming. ' Mrs. Barnum read the following: * P. T. Beaousr, Murray Hill hotel.'ft ' Large animal building entirely consumed by ire. All horsem in ring barn burned, together with bree selephants, one lion, and hippopotlamuas and oamele. , . R. BaorwarLL.' In reply to my wife's frightened expra.s alon. I sard: 'I am very sorry, my dear, but apparent evils are often blessings toin dieguise. It's all right.' I then closed my eyes, and my wife asoeris' that in just three minutes I was sound asleep. oo see we can become aoonstomed' to almost anything in thli life. Bot when I awoke in the morning I 'bookled on my armour,' for you will admit that serious busines was before me. I had just enountered the greatest los by fire that .1Jad ever expecleaced. The destroyed building, one hundred by foer hunadred feet, and two and a hall stories in height, was rased by the dames in about iftesen minutes. There were at one time no less than tweotyseven elephante at large, and 1it was extremely fortunate that they killed no one, slute oe of those huge beaste has sometimes, when in a violou mood, alain a bal docson persons, : The wandering herd nholeded the six trained animale-dabe, Sypsy, Jeno, Fritz, Mandarin, and Palla. *racr, a vauinable elephant, wandered down to the Boond, and, the Side being oat, she waded eel In She mud. She was found Sonudering there at daylight, and shortly after died from cold and exposeare. It was fortunate that the elephant Samson, belongnlog to Mr. W. W. Coles, wans urned. He was an ugly brute, and, had he got loose, he would have killed many people. Alloe, known as the wideow Jambo, whclah 0osat uns 10,000dol., besides the expense of bring ing her over, and the saored white elephant from Burmab, which was secured at an outlay of more than 200.,000dol., were among She lost. All my eat animals were burned, and there was little left bolesides the cars and ahbriote. It was a great relief, however, to know that the stuffed skin of Jumbo and his skeleton were saved, the latter being on exhibition in Philadelphia. y This las great fire was so recent, end the particulars wers so widely publishebod, that it would not interest you to read the account again. Youn know how frightfully the rhinoceros was borned, and, I am auore, will recall how the big lion took refuge in Mrs. Gilligan's stable, where he was shot by her neighbours. Our lose was about 700,000dol., on which there was:an insurance of 80,00dol. Monday morning, after eating breakfast (and Mrs. Barnum is my authorisy for say ing that there was no perasptible diminution of appetite on my part). I devoted myself to the important task before me. I had last forwardsd a telegram to Mr. Gohkin at Galcutta, when I resaliled that I had reosieed word from him some lime before that he had slarted for Leknow with Tom Bradford,' bhut was Unoertain whether he would be able to accompany him the entire distasee. I, therefore, sent a telegrsm to Luchnow for my plucky boy, Tom, with the reqoueet that if he had net yet resahed that loily, and It was known where he could be found, he should be sought out, and the despatoh, handed him with the least possible delay. I knew Mr. Godhkin would understand why I sent a personal message to Tom, and both of them *old also see that the gat was a strong expression of my confidence in the young man.. That I was not mistaken In my suppoeltion I was glad tIo learn by the receipt on the same day from Looknow, in India, Tom's cable in answer to mine.t He telegraphed as follows: 'aM P. T. BAnnout, Murray Hill hotel, I 'Oable received. Very sorry to hear of your great loe. India will be seoured, and the wildest and fsreset animals ever seen in Ameriea will be exhibited In she greatest akowon earth, II our lives are not sanorioid in their capture. Tou BRADFDO.' Let na thenefore, return to India, and take up bhe adventnree of Tom and his friends. Wooldn't it have been grand if we could have eaptured that tiger inastead of klilisg him ' said Tom, arefully folding up the deupateb and putting it away Sn hiu.poeket. Teathu relbat Is out ci Ohs quescion,' .1 esplied Mr. Goeilk, 'a you know ior your. m. Ton mibgt as well try So lasroa Ifull The only thing to do is to find a kiiten, and se~nd him homs to Bridgeport, cr wherever Mr. Barnum makes his new qostero, san loS him grow np with the soontry. * What i. your name?' asked Mr. Godkin, Surning suddenly to the messenger, who was arittlug en hia huree, hulding converse in low tones with the three native servantsa. * Mase wah, sahib,' war the respeefol response. 5aHo did you know where to look for no? 2' 'Man redo Cin Lokonow-ey be sar yon on road-send me out to bnnt for you, eahib.' 'It was lucky you found ta; buS, lfaaE.wah, Il it's alil the same to yoe, we'll eall you Jed; tShn wo'll have a qsarlette on Ji-Jo, Jack, .Jm, and Jed. If yon ean stay with us a while, we'll give yeo good wages.' Jed, like most of his people, wan only tro glad to engage himself to the pasty for luits moderals pay, *Ca' you help us to get one or two tiger &itlens ?' asked Tom, who was struok with the Intelligent appearanoe of the naiive. SMe can,' was she prompt response. * How ' skesd Tom and MI. Godkin, in She eame breath. Jed then explained that, while riding apidly along She road, sad when hardly a mile distant, he was decrnding a long hill and wan near a small stream which erossed the highway, when he was terriied almost not of his senses by seeing an enormous tiger amerge item the jangle on his right, and trot onose tshe road in front, lees than a hasdeed feet diatint, Jed's borese sopped ehort, and the rider was on the pint of wheeling about and dashing bsrk to Luckuow, when he observed thatthe enimal rw fmeale, and woe currylng a Tileen io her mouth, The moiher SIerr I. very arfotlonate and

she was so engaged in her task that she paid so heed o sanylthig else, Reaching tso side of the asty highway, she bounded into the jungle on the other side ane diesppeared. Jed spurred his hore forward and passed the spot like whirlwind. Looking back, after going a oonaeidornble ieltases, he saw preaisely the same thing ropeated. The tiger was trotting soross the road again with a seeod kitten in her mouth. Jod, feeling quite safe, halted bit horse and waited soeverat minutes, but nothing more was observed of the hbeast. The eoncluelon of this narrative was that the tiger had two young at .least, the unoal numbeor being from three to five. She was undoubtedly the mate of the tigcr that had behoen killed, and the coveted opportunity of obtaining her offspring was presented. 'Bet I iellU you it's mighty dangeroas batless,' said Mr. Godkin, compressinog his lips and shaking his head; ' you would not think a ieroor brnts than the one we have jolst shot could exist, but wait till you ore a tiger mother defenoding her young.' 'Idon't nloend to creep up and try to take them away from her; but we've got to steal them when she's off hunting for food. Come. Mr. Godkln, I'm ready fit you are. Mr. Barnum will want to open with a bigger show than ever, and it we're to send bim our nuriositis in time we mst getl to work.' Ordinarily it would have been hard, if not impossible to hire a number of natives to take part in sueh a desperate enterprise; bet exploit of Tom Bradford, in slaying Ihe terrible seoarge, gave them anch boundless faith in hi bravery and skill that they were ready to follow him anywhere. As a conseoquence, she four signified their readiness to join in the hunt for the tiger kittens. CaArmrr XV.-A FaIGonTrL Ocousrneos. The preparations for the desperate venture were slidple and soon made.' It was arranged that Jed, Tom, and Mr. Godkin should ride cautlioely forward, the tbree servants followilg them at a shurt 'listsooe. Since they were afoot, and armed with only their primitive wesapons, it was prudent that they should keep well t the rear, so as to esEape anoy esudden onslaught of the savage beast. Jed was to point out the spot where she entered the jungle, and it then remained for our friends to locate the home of Iho animal and to await her departure, if she was still with her young, before attempting to steal them. Jed displayed more bravery than wonuld have been expected, for he losited on keeping several rode in advance of thebs other horsemen Ho seemed to think, and not withouot reason,S that his greater experience in hunling all kindsaof wild animals would enable him to dellat the proximity of the beast before the Amerlosne. Jo, Jack, and Jim were nearly two hundred yards to the rear of the properietors, as they may be ealled, of the enterprise. II will be remembered that the point whbere Jed bad seen the female crossing the highway with her young was at the bottom of a long hill, consequently the exact spot could not to distinguished until the head of the slope was reeshed, so as to permit the I horsemen tolook downward in front at the smell stream whibh crossed the highway. a 1 Jed was yet some distanee off, his pony proceeding on a walk, when he was observed to check hie animal, tmrn his head, and motion with his hand for his friends to halt. They obeyed, wondering what it meant. SHark I' whispered Tom; * do you hear 1 that,' Listening intently, the faint, regular I tinklinog of a small bell was heard, ooming from a point beyond the hill and not for from the spot our friends were approahiong. Walls Tom and Mr. Godkin were looking, they observed the figure of a native descend oing the opposite slops, and coming toward them. Hewas nearlynaked, exeept his voluminonus turban and light motlin skirt around his I middle: He was advanolng on a loping trot, bearing on his ahoulder a slim ptolo, to one end of which was attaehed a small bell that gave out the tinkling whlob arrested bhe attention of the party. This fellow was one of the native postmen of India, who carry the mail in that fashion, Unmindfal of the sweltering weather, one of those tough runners will trot five or ten miles along a dusty htghway, bearing a bundle of letters and papers. Tho small bell which he carries sospended to the stick is to give notiee of his coming, jolt as the postman in this country apprises us ct his approaeh by blowing his whistle, Tns native trots the entire daistance until be meets oanother postman, to whom he delivers the mail, and, while the second takes up the trot, the first turns about and goees back aS a more leisurely psee. 'I'm afralid that follow is roaning into more danger than he enuspects,' remarked Mr. Godkin; ' I have often wondered why Ihey persiet in proclalming their coming in t that way, for the sound of the bell often servres to guide the ttgerlying in wail for hile viotli .' ' Ought we not to warn him of his peril ' asked Tom, feeling that' the poor fellow's e life was worth more than a thousand tiger kittens. ' By all means,' replied his companiona, The two started their animals at the same moment and galloped to where the wonder. Ing Jed awailed their approaeh. They quickly explained their wishes, but he shook his head. 'Too late-mabba no tiger there i' 'Listen I' broke in Tom, with a; start of terror. The hearts of the two almost stopped beating; as they heard frenzied ahbrieke and sereams, just seob as a strong man makes when caugbt in the grip of some power that Is tearing him to deash. 'Come on 1' called Tom, sparring his hborse into euoh a gallop that he quioklyp placed him. self at She head of the others, who followed 1 close behind.' Meahwhiles, the rest of the'servants, seing Ihat something was amiss, took good care to linger in the hbackground, A sharp ride brought the three horsemen Io the top of the hill, bht brief as was the gallop, the cries of the poor native were a bushed before ocr friends could gase down She long treteb in front of them, The aight theysaw was snough to startle She bravest man. It is more than probable that the postman bed met hle death by the means Mr. Godhin a refsrred to. The tiger moet IIkely was nursing her young aS some distasne from the roadside, ehen she caught tbs tintionabulation, ubose moaning she knew. Leaving her kittens in their new bed, abel orept noilelessly cot to the aide at the hlgh. way and awllted thecoming of the man with She tinkliog bell, Then followed the long, terrib losp, aed She nalive was borne to she eechb, and so lrightftlly tore that his sufierlng e were morel. fully ended almnot as soon ae they began. Looking down the bill, the epelaetors saw the tiger holdieg the body of ths man in her a motlth, jost as ene would hive carried one of ber kitens. Sthe had erushed him down in a lhb middle of the highaay, and, holding his body so thasonly his bare heels tonohed the ground, she tratted from She read ito tShe jungle with no more apparent effort than if arryling one of her tiny youog. This preof el the prodigioa strength eithe Siger was not needed by our friends, bht they were so impressed by what thsy saw thae for a few minutes they looked in eaeh other's fanes without speaknog. 'What a pity we did not arrive sooner,' uas the remark at Tom, made in a lou vole, is it fearful af ettratting the attenthon o0 their terrible enemy. 'Yes; and the fat that Ihat man lost tie ilfe throegh his own shortsightednems cia. not lersen our pity for him. I Itll you, Tom, I hblek Mr. ectrum will exaxse yov from napturing one or two yonag tigerm.' 'But I will not enonse mysslf,' was the etOrdy responme. 'Iam more resolved than evr to rub hat meroiless heart of her off, All right; I am with yoe; but it striLkes me Ibal sfooe she has saersd a good day's

meal, she will not he upt to lave her young fee some time, and we are likely to have a tediousewail at it.' *I am afraid so, but I wase thinking that if It was her husband wblohi we shot, she may set out to hunt him up, it he stays out too lato.' Mr. Godkin Icoksa Inqulroingly at Jed, who nodded his hand. * Mobbe do so-don't know-wait- see.' * Where shall we wait!' was the important qoueestlon which Tom proposed for joint corn aideration. By this time Jo, Jack, and. Jim gained enough courage to movo forward and join theb horooono, where they quickly learned all that had taken place. The reasonable conslausion was formed by all that the tiger would be likely to indulge in her siesta during the afternoon, breakling it only at long intervalse to go to the brook near at hand to quench her thirst. Toward night she would probably aet out to look for her mate, or perhaps to seek more game, though after noch a feast, she could con venisantly go several daeys without any food. The cono!usaion was to ride silently down the hill and up the opposite one. Jad in formed them that a native hut stood hbut a small distanoe beyond. There they would leave their animals, and oarefully mate their way hack to the spot, approaehbag as near a they dared, They would then hide them. selves In.the dense jungle, and watoh and wait, witho enoureoraging prospect of eno. csee, as must be confessed. The duty of pasesing directly over the epot where a man had been killsed buhot a few minutes before was anything but piea. stnt, even to sooh brave persons as Tom Bradford and Mr. Godki, but it seemed necseary, since there was no way of going round the place, and it was too far to ride to the native village. Mr. Godkin told those on foot that if thebsy feared to make the ventore, they nsetl anot do so; hbut, when they saw the horsemon start, and probably, too, when they recalled the wonderful bravery eal mareksmaship of bhe young man, they showed no hesitation n following. All inslotintively hold their pease or they slowly deseeunded the hill, bat you may be sore that Mr. Godklo and Tom were certain their riles were ready for the emergency, and they glanced from right to left like a couple of Indian warnriors approaohing a hoslile camp. The youth half wished that the tiger would show herself, though he would have hssn sorry indeed to see any member of the party los his life; buht it the mother could be pet out of thebs way, the task of soourinog the kittens would be moch simpli. led. fee a- arý.)



Chapter XVI CAUGHT IN THE ACT.

THE YOUNG FOLKS. MY PLUCKY BOY TOM, -OR, SEAROHING FOR OURIOSITIES IN . ,INDIA TORMY HOW.: - Br'P. T. Baie?.ad: CO;ttr TThEItXVL.-CAO T IN. Thu AcTr. 'In. abmsolte' silene the three horsemen tdes dowirthe long hill. The horses, as if Insympathy ,with their riders, 'seemed to plant their' hool more 'gusededly in the Solt dust of the, highway, while they flung their ears forward and glanced to the right and left like oreaturse who scent danger in the air. Tom Bradford was allowed to keep a few steps in front of Jed, while Mr. Godhin was abreast of the litter, the footmen walking behind in Indian file. I must remind you that there wea no Stese on either side of the highway, and the little stream, which was only a few inbches in depth, had to be waded by all who passed that way; The jnagle came close to the road on either aide, and was so dense that when Tom glanced at it, he sould not help muttsring to himself : SWhat finer place could a tiger want for hiding- 1' The question was not fanished when the tiger appeared. It may have been that she was in sn on osually wrathful mood,-beanuse she thought her, enemies were seeking to disturb hesr before she could complete her feast, for she hardly waited until the foremost horseman was. opposite to where she was croubhing when Ihe'made her attack. While looking at the dense jungle on bis right, Tom observed a slight agitation of the vegetation, and before he could tell what it meant, the body of the tiger shot outn ward and upward as if propelled from a catapole. The figure of the immense beast, brillisant, ercious and frightfully beautiful as she seemed Suspendedror a single instant in mid air, was a sight which once seen must remain vivid forever. Those who stood in the background saw the horrid front, the half-contracted limbs, the drooping tail, as the lithe, sinewy form curved over toward the apparently doomed lid. The latter observed the frightful head with the flaming eyes. the ears flattened back, the wide open jaws with their long white, gleaming teeth and blood.red mouth, as the beast seemed rushing through space like a comet directly athlm, - .Xi The Intotellgent animal that Tom bestode detected the peril before his rider, and made one tremendous bound forward. Thus it happened that when the assaulting beast anded, it was on the ground several paces behind his intended victim. 'It would been an easy matter for him to leap upon the pony of Tom, or to Wheel sad attack either of the other horseman that were at hand; but you may not kno'w that it sea peculiarity of the tiger that, when he missee seling his prey at the first leap, he generally refrains from repeating it, turning about and dahing of as if asehamed' of his failure. The female did so In this case, "and bthough Tom and Mr. Godkin fired at her as she darted into the jungle, and were sure they etruook her, she ashowed no signs of receiving any injury. * Now is our time to hurry by i' aslled out Mr. Godkin to the servants behind them; "she won't hrm ne if we make haste.' The poniue were forced into a gallop, whoih they maintained all the way to the top of the long hill in front, ,To, Jack and Jim ekurrying after them with such swiftness that they were but a very little way behind, Tom and his friend could affllord to laugh at their elogular experienco with the tiger, and the lad did not fail to give full eredit to his rstceious boast, that had enatched him from under the descendlog monster, who, had she alighledwhere she intended, would have made ae ashort work with the plucky boy as be did with the uofortunto postman a short time before. As the party ha" toned from the spot, they sawihe shochirgevidenoeo of. the tragedy Blood anod the torn turban were on the ground, while the long pole with its bhell and lrogments of pspere were ecatteredabout. 'I am going to have one or both of those igEr kittens, or die in the attempt,' esaid Tom, when they re nod up shortly, ater in front of the native's hut by the wayside. '. prop se that we leave all the reit here, while you and I steal back along the highway and coo what we can see. ' I like the suggestion, for I don't believe we can all hide from her, and the natives are really of no account in the task we have undertaken, or, rather, are about toundertake' This proposition, as may be supposed, was not objected to by the others, and it was about the middle of the afternoon when Tom and Mlr. Godkin eat out on toot to return to the little stream which had been the scen of so0 many atircir g OCcuOreneO Of the day. NoA pache warriors could have p'oced their way with greatereare thandidoor two, isendr, They met no persons either riding 'or on toot, and reached a point about half way down the hill Lefore they stopped. Deeming it unwise to go fourher, they softly crept into the jungle to wait, with little pro.peot of success, as anyone must admit who studies the situation. But that which they wished to some to pass did so sooner than they dared hope. They had no more' than comfortably establisbed thrmeelves in the thilck vegets. 4Jnu'ro elose to the bhighway that, by pert leg the.bushes in front, they etould loor daoWn to the bottom of the 'hill and see the gleam atthe water in the small stream that wound its way aseros the road, when Mr. Godlln zoolaimed, ioan eclled whlnper': Bygraciousi there the is now.' Bure enough, as Tom peered forth, he dis ce'ined'the identlcal beast,' which bad eatorged from the esme point in the jungle where she had vanlihed, and approached the water.:, ,' , She was in the middle of the highway, and wee walking slowly, swlnging her t.ii from side to side, and looking straight ahead. lihe was so near that she was seen to be lickleing her bloody jaws. 'A tiger often s'ops to drink while eatlrg.' awhileperd Mr: Godkhin, 'and that is whast abshe is after.' 'Such proved to be the fact. Arriving on the edge of the etream, the tiger lowered her head end lapped'theecool current, jual as the cat species do when taking a drink; She qsuickly slaked her thirse, and then, raising her head, looked round, sait to say: ' It there are any more of you folks that would like to pay me a visit, I'd be glad to welseoome you.' e " ad 'It can't be esees us,' esid Tom, 'butn why does she look se longc in this direction ' ' There sheb goes I' The tiger tluried about and walked baek with the esame deliberate tread until opposite the point where she had emerged hem the jorgle, where she irade a leatp into 'it and direappeared. Bue the did so an the olioaite side of the highway,' SThat's luoky I' exclaimed Tom, .ahe's gens ft to bout her mnte, now's our time I .eou may be right, but it will be awfully awkLised if she happens to come beek before we san get away.' ' Come on; every minute counts.' It wes just like the plucky lad to push his way through the jungle iole the road, and to 4o down the bill almost on a run, Mr. Godkin findlng it hard to kesrp up with him. Tom did half expect the mother to return, hot he believed that after the two bullets sent Lto ler body, he and his companion could make short work of her with their weapons. You will suspeat that his uoeecas earlier in the day aave him more self.assurances than he ihould have felt, and I have no doubt suohwss Abe faet. 'Her home aen't be far off 'remarked Tom, recalling how olose the anlmel was to the highway when she made her derperate effort to leap upon his horae. I shalbil soon finod out,' be added, boldly ,nterlng thb vegetation. ' Heiloa I thts i It was lessL thabn fifty -feet from thu road lat al aint lurringl sound fell npca his ear,

and the next minute he aome upon two beautiful tiger kittens, playing and tumbling over each other like two poppies. 'Her, hold my gun 1' whispered the ex cited Tom, running back a few steps and handing his weapon to Mr. Godkin; ' atay where you are till I return.' The man was half dazed as he accepted the rife, by the audacity of the youth, who, without giving him time to protest, ran for ward again, and paying no heed to the mangled remains of the poor postma, seizsed each kitten by the nape of the neek, lifted them clear of the ground and started off. The little ones thus unceremoniously dis turbed straggled hard; but he had no dilfficulty in holding them fast, and with a heart beating high with exultation, he started back to rejoin his companion, awaiting hi return on the edge of the jleungle. But beforehe oould eatch sight of him, a thunderous, muttering growl caused him to on hie bhead like a flesh. There stood the ionfurfated mother lees than twenty foot distant, with her blazing eyee fixed upon hias. Her terrible attitude seemed to eay: ' Young man, I've returned I Drop that property of mine and say your prayers.' CcAPrrEn XVII.-TTnE CURIOSITIES. Nothing could surparss the audacity of Tom Bradford in entering the tiger's lair for the purpose of stealing heryoung. The molt experieneed hunter that would dare do such a thing would be declared reek. less beyond excuse. The only thing that I san say about the exploit was that it was ehsrateuriltio of the lad. It was a strange silght when the youth, pikling his way through the jangle toward the highway, holding a plump, squisrmn-g tiger kitten in eash hand, stopped short, face to face with the terrible mother. The latter, instead of going off for an boun or two, had made a cihcuit through the jungle on the other side of the highway, reerossed It forther up at the moment the two frieneds were entering the undergrowth, and approached her lair by a olrooitons course. - ". g am Just as Tom darted back to his friend with the request that he should hold his gun for a minute of two, it occurred to Mrs Godkin that the true place for him was on the edge of the jungle, where he could watch the road and deteet the tiger should she return before they could get away. Had the gentleman been one minute sooner in taking his poet, he would have disoevered the daeger into time to warn his companien. and to prepare for the reception of the mother; bat the movements of the beast were silent and lightning-like. Tom Bradford was 'caught fool,' as the expression goes. There be stood in front of the beast transfixed, and holding her beloved offspring by the napes of their necks, slear proof that he was engaged in stealing her progeny. What punishment was too great for the outraged mother to infliet upon such a mis oreau ? According to Tom's account, he was absolutely paralysed for the moment. He did not think it possible the mother would return so soon, though he was prepared for a fight with her before getting off with his prizes. Then, knowing how strong the attachment of the tiger is for her young, he gave sbsh a vigorous fling to each of the kittens that they went over her head, and fell among the bushes behind her, or rather one of them did 0o. It was at this extraordinary juncture that the beast gave a striking and siogular exhlbition of her dexterity. The second kitten was going through the air like a huge dumpling, when the mother threw up her head and caugiht it fairly between her jaws, doing so with a skill that prevented soany harm to her offspring, and with a deftness that would have been a strong recommendation for a position on the champion base ball nine of the country. Tne instant the kittens left the hands of Tom Bradford, he whirled about and dashed for the highway. eloating: 'Look out, Mr. Godkin I The mother has arrived !' Before the grntleman onul.l rlsh into the jungle to the help of his young friend, the latter was at his side. ' Here I let me have my pun 1' he added, reaching for the weapon i 'it's getting too warm for mein there I' ' There couldn't be a better time for meklg a chbange of base,' was the comment of the elder, who leaped almost into the middle of the.highway; ' depend upon It, she will come for us.' Mr. Godhin was right. Evidently the tiger tarried only long enough to meke sure her children were unharmed, and to plasce them back in their bed, when she burst through the jungle, sflame with fary and with the iotent of visiting awful vengeance upon those who had dared to lay violent honda on her offepriog. Her charge could not have been better tlied-that is, fcr those who had to rscolve it. They were on the other side of the high way with' guns at their ahoulderse and ready for the rsRig tenest She looken around for an instant, as if to looste her victims, and then she squatted on her belly to gather her muscles for the leap Ihas would be the death signal of the hunters, Bus at the very moment she was leaving the ground, the two rifles were dishsarged --o nearly together that the reports were like that of a single gun. The aim wae aoearate,' both bllets entering the brain of the tiger, who made an add, twisting jump almost straight upward, and, falling on her back, lay a moment pawing the alr, and then became still. . 'i wonder itf she's dead!' said Tom, reloadisi hi' gun, but with one eye fixed on the motionlers brutr. ' As dead as Julius Colser,' was the reply of Mr. Godkin, who proved his faith' in bhi own words by walking forward and givilp thebody a kick. 'Those two ballets that we plumped into her body awhile ago, and that didn't seem to do any bhut, produced their good effeet after all,' added the elder Sthough we bad sucnh a falralm that I think either of car shots would have fiotbed her,' 'Lke her mate she deserved death,' re. marked Tom.' but only think I'he exclaimed, slapping the shoulder of Mr.. Godkin, ' that gives ustbe prizes we're alter.' ' And there they ere I' The two kittens (as they will often do whenwith theirmother) left their bed, and appeared on the edge of the jungle, blinking wieking, and tumbling about as though ouricus to learn the aoe of all the excite meet' They were pretty, plump creatures though even in their playfuol gambols their alaws and teeth gave avidence.of the fearful weapons they were sure to become in the c orese of time. 'Poor thinoge I' said Tom, with mesk cympathy; 'only think, they are orphasc now and entitled tocur care; so I'll take hergeaof them. ' Passieog his rifle once more to his friend, he picked up the kittens as before, and stareed op the hill with them. They did not weigh more than a dozen pounds spiee, and for a brief time were quite docile. Supported by the looes skin at the back ol the neck, it is not likely thet at first they lel say speelal diseomlort; but, before the top ol the hill was resabed, they were squirming about with a vigour that com pelled attentien. 'You ought to behbave yonrselve,' said Tom, * for you know you are sure to get a great deal better treatment over in America than in Ilndia-- Ohob let go i Both kittense fell to the ground with a thump, and immediately began frolioking with each other. Our friends let them rest awhile, keepinp sharp watech that they did not run away. Then they arranged that ealoi should take one, but, instead ofu eurryling it by the neck. it was borne in the erms. This had some disadvantsges, and both Mr. Godkin and Tom recelived asmr serathabos; but by humonring the little terrors, tbsy managed to get them to the wayside hue, where, as may be supposed. their arrival prodnoad a etir amountieog almolst to cosTernoation. In this simple dwelling dwelt an old man ad his'daughbter, a middls.eaged woman, who were sure that the mother of she kittees

would follow the kidnappers to the spot, and slay every onset the party. Jed and the other .saivems wee of the mie pller, etil amorel that the mother had departed this life. Mr. Godkin weas wegelb enough to try to make the relet believe ta Tom bad fired the shot that killed the second tiger, as he bad fired the one that ? lew the ret; but, Inues much as it wee all he could do to persuade them that the seoon had really been Mllfed, he stock to the feats. It oould not be denled that our friends had done an Inestimable servie to the nelrhboo?hood by ridding It two ueh terrible man-seaters, and when the natlva should some to learn theis glad tidings there would be hardly anything that they would not willingly do to prove their gratituae. The owner of the hot knew the postman who had been killed by the tiger, and gave his name to Jed, who promised to inform his rolatives living In ;ooknew. As for the destroyed mail, that would have to be left to ether artisu to look after. Sut we've got the kttens,' said Tom, eZx u ilingly, ' and what shall we do with them ' SSBand them to Lueknow by Jed; I will give him the name of aftrlndthere, who will understand what Is wanted when he leans who set them, and he will take good ea of anything we may send until we are seady to ship them to Caleotta and thenme to England and home.' The suggestion was a wie one, and It was carried out. With the help of the native at whose hut they wer stopping, a bamboo sage was eon struoted, large enough to hold the tiger kittens, while, at the saeme time, It oould be carried without ineonvenience on the horse in front of the rider. Lookuow was so nigh that it war but a moderate ride thither, and Jef gladly under. took the duty of delivering the prisse to the gentleman named by Mr. Godlkn, and who was well known. It was eo lsse in the day, however, that the entire party spent the night in and around the hut of their host, who reeelved a libe re payment for his food and somewhat primitive aooommodations. Early the next day Jed left with his primse, promising to come beek and join hie nsw friendein their huntfor other ourtoeities. On the eame day that witnessed the de pasture of the native Jed with the two tiger kitisne, our friends moved their quarters several mUles to the south-week. This took them somewhat further from Lucknow, whleb, however, may be said to have been within easy reahob. The surrounding country offered admirable feealltle for hboting, and they were on the edge of another jungle, not so extensive as that in which took place the adventures with the tiger, but large enough to shelter the fiercest animeal found in India. The forenoon passed without special insident, though the spoor of a herd of elephants was observed: It was the opinion of Mr. Godhin that it was not worth while to attempt to eapiure any of them, sines there are always so many lame ones to be had at a fair price, and that is the most practical way of seauring them. Tom Bradford, however, thought that It would be a fine thiog to make prisoners of some of the huge beaset, and more than ones he deolared thathe meant to make the attempt when a favourable opportunity presented. It was yet early in the afternoon when the partysought placee to rest until the fervid heat of the day should subsldo, so as to render action less oppressive. As before, the two horses were allowed to move at will along the edge of the jangle, while the owners and the three natives stretched themselves in the shade, where the air was so boated that it wou!d be an error to speak of it as cool' ol n any seneepleasant. SThis Is a fine company of hunters,' remarked Tom, with a smile, as he looked around and observed that everyone except himself was sound aseleep. 'This crowd is of no uee to me,' thought Tom, who was never more wide-awake in all his life, ' and I wish something would turn up to keep me from fooling so plagued lonely-hello ! The sound which seemed to be in answer to the expreased wish of the youth was a whblffing snort, not dietinootive enough, however, for him to identify It. He listened, but did not hear It a second time, though he knew it was not far off, and it was so ditinoct that it was easy to tell the point whence it came ' I hope it isn't another tiger,' he muttered, taking hie rifle from where it was leaning against a tree, ' and it doesn't sound like one.:. But whether tiger, lieon, or elephant, hero goes to have a look at him I' (TO on CONTI~rUD )



Chapter XVIII A FRIGHTFUL MISHAP

THE YOU1NG ]O:L.s. MY PLUOKY BOY TOM; OB. SRAROHING FOR CURIO8IES IN INDIA FOR MY BSOW. BT P. T. Banear. CnAPTe1 XVIII.-A FsaonrT.UL MIsP. * Where are you going ' aked Mr. Godkin, sleepily opening his eyes, as he heard Tom talktng to himeelt and preparing to find out 'heo mn terious objeot which had excited his atMatelw. * uownere in partionlar.' * Well, don't stay long,' added the older, dozing off again, without any well-defined idea of what wee tiking plane. I Tom had gone but a thort distane*, when he noticed that be was moving along the tnail of some large animal, at was shown by the shrubbery pressed down and She faInt imprita in the dry earth. A earleul examination of these etrde Im presions proved that.they had been made by some anlmal with boos. * That shows that it Is irn'. a panther, or tiger, or Icopaid, or cheetab, or saythiog of the cat kind,' was the corrgot conolueion of i the yong hunter, ' but I've no more idea than the man in ebo moon what.ha passed lhie way.' At that instant he esaght a glimpse of some beast browsng among the veetatlon and gradually moving away from him, its head pointing n the same direction the boy wae following. The latterlooked at bi gun to make sure it was right, for none knew better than he that the banoes were ia favour of the area. tore, whatever might be its satue, belng ready for a serimmaee at any tim. .. By-andbje the animnal raed it .had, its aotion ahowig that, eligh t wa tihe maln made bt Tm, be hadbhear him. --nwi-tryl?tisyateop deow ** avoid beog seen, while at the I?e time he was able to pse oat and watch the bealt. That whibohTom partcoulanly notteed wa the enormous borne, whblh carved upward and backward to a height of nearly three feel. It had a shaggy front, somewhat reaembliog a buffalo, which in faot it was. Tom had road and beard about Indian baffaloes, and be knew they were dangorous brotes when excited or angered. Haring raised hia head so that bin big eyes eoold deteat everything within his range of violon, the buffalo ball stood for two or shree minutes mollonlue.. The lad knew that he was not only looking hot was listenalg, and the ens of hearing s eo soate In tboes animals that for thneame period be did not stir a limb, through fear of bringing the brute down upon him. * This dread was snoh, indeed, that Tom mtooped still lower, so that.he was unable to see the ball. Cronehing tbus for a little while, he slowly trlath eved up again, and then disoovered that the buffalo was gone. Seeming to have oonoluded that there was no oanse for alarm, he had resomed hit advance to some point where he probably expeeled to flod better browsing, SThat's a funny mise,' said Tom to him 'elf, Inoklng around; well, if that isn't a tittle aheadt of anything I have eer seen in all my life I' The next instant he broke into the hearlieot laughter he had enjoyed stone leaving Ameriea, for the slght war one which would have made any persoa in the world shake his sides with mirth. If I mbould aek you to name the most comial animal in the world you would answer the monkey, and I am cure I would agree with you. I have known the most dignigod visitors to my menagerie to stand for an hour at a time by the monkey aago, watching the perforeance e of the funny areaueres, and I am free to confees that I often find amurseme in the same manner, Well, now therea oems to be no ead to the varieti-e of monkeys whloh abound in South America, Asia, and Africa, some of them being vastly more entertaining than the others. Bot Tom Bradfcrd wan now gozing upon three of the oddest.loohloe croatures that he had ever seen. The long.nesed mooney is well named, It has a very prominent, oomlonl nose -the animal heing about the Elzo of a child three or four years old, with a longnr nose than you ever saw apon ony man, The ears are small, and tioi foes nod the palms are of a leaden oolCur, with a faint tingo of yellow; the top ot the head and uppeopart of the baok bting a d!oh cheatnu brown, while the aides of tile to00 and a strip over the shoulders' are yellow ; the general Soolour of the body -being a sRndy rod. I may add that this exceedingly interest' l:g oreature ia very rarely mot with in India, hbetlotillg, I believe, to the East India Sslands. SWith all Tom's orading ano study, he had 'nver learned anyobing t)bont the long nowed monkey, so that its appoaranon Iwoo a ,trikirp to him as It would be to you. The first thought that came to tna youth, as ha wrote me, was that somo mltchiev. us person had caught the animals and placed maskr upon them ; but tho next moment bh »aw that the tremendous ?I?en weritfpIe uitely whatnature had furnlihed. The encond thought of the lad was the pleasuro he wnold give' me and my parlerc if he could rend an reveral iprolmena ' Tnry would beat the tigors,' ha tl', Sfor they are maah rarer. Few ponplo in Ameria have ever seen a mokeoy with uchl 'iinrae In toa'%. .rid one rf them would he a Pront drensng uard. I wrnder bow I oh ll no n work so eatch one of ^hem, for 'm hound to taue a speclmen hcme.' I' h three long-nosed areaturea, whon fira seen by him, were not among the liimb of she tresr . as you ould suppose, bht on the around, In an open apsee, nuder some large branohes. where they were gatbering a speoies of not that fell around them. r Io group evidently con~tOted ofa father, mother, and young one-the last being no moro than half the eize of the mother, who in taut was hardly half as largo as the oli male. The last was the Eno upon whom Tom felt he must look with some respeit, for hln size and long, hbarp aanine teeth showed that ho was an ogly oustomr in a fight. SWhoever attempted to overcomohim would lI.d hitebaodn full.

The monkeys, moving about in their rito. ward fashion, stopped eating and starcd at the introder with no little enriosity. The old male showed his tooth in a belligerent way. and. more -than 'oea, seemed on thepoint of attaching the youth. 'You let me ilone, and I'll oall r Iit stand-of,' said Tom,. 'but,' he added, smilong at his own aoneet,' you mustn'to go .to "monkeying'! about me.' - ter wathobing the interesting orattutee for several minutes, and notiiong that they had resumed etlng the nuts on thoe ground, Tom moved an?tiously toward them, He bed taken only two or throo etops, when the young one emitted a frightened, ohatter ng ,oond, and ran nround to the ther sil? of the male. At the name tim, the mother looked up and withdrew a short distanee, but the head of the household wa negered, and showing his frightful teeth, h?rao walking threateningly . toward the lad.

'Keep off old felalow; I doan't ant to hort you,' said the lad, as though thearimol could understand the warning. The male advanced folly one-bHll te? intervening distance, and doubtless. truld have attacked Tom, bad not .a most naur proted interruption taken place. Buoddenly the female, who with her yoaop one war watohlog the action of her lord and maiter, uttered a pecullar, chirruping ory, which warned him that a new danger had appeared, though Tom himself was unaware of its nature. The old I How turned hasrply about, and without looking to the right or left, scampered bok to his family with aril.e imilar to tho e of hie mate, though he repeated them oftener and with a vigour whieh showed hie exoite meat over the new alarm. Evidently he was uttering oommaids to hil kindred, who showed commendable shbdiesno by quickly scrambling up among the hranche of the tree under which they had been eating their dinner, 'while the old lellow wme alote )ehiod them, seekingr foge.

I theat, at tooed as it tee -as oclvig. Lte two before him, ready to admioniter lunisha mait i they pre ed laggard in obeylg. 'It Is mt enough .to understand the mesola g of that,' said Tom to hlmeelf, ' but I don't ase anything to be frightened at yes, by gracious I I do.' - The lad was o interested in the long anoed' monkeys that hae had forgotten nil about the buffalo ball that be had been following when his attention wan. divorted; but evidentlythe savage creature did not for' gethim. The buaelo mu ha bve halted near the spot when he again raised his head to' look and listen. The noise made by the youth in advanelne upon the monkeys, slight so it was, resache bl;nears, End he turned about to investigate He had but a few steps to take when be Besereid the lad that had been following him. and trees discovered himself. at the same maomot by the long nosed monkeys, who lad to the branches of the tree for safety. T'rlinghis head, as he uttered tbo words tgivoy, Tom auw the bull on hia right, and not more tshan fifty feet dletant. i!e had rared hibl h-ad, snd was stariue !fom above the hblk undergrowth, as though to was not quite convinced of thenature of hi enemy. That, however, was a small matter. The ball was In a fighting mood that day, and he stood on no ceremony, but proeeeded straight to busineser. Down dropped the boeby head, and one pow romaped the ground, while he emitted anangry bellow ortwo as if to warn the yoneg man of hi approaobing doom. STOot means fight,' coneluded Tom, ' and if you are ao ai al , I don't know that I haveany objeetton.' Ai her uttered the words, he coeoke his ri$e andbrqught it tobta shoulder. - Sinuo the aalmal was eomig 'ead ow,' Tom bhaa fine h oan to 'sand- a ballet home, though hbe would base prefreyd to holy the lead jot book of the foreleg at the moment it resahed forward, for thea there would have been no doubt about reaching the seat of life. But there ought to be none when drits from the front, since a rightly aimed ball was anto to orash its way through She bony shell which protected the brain. Tom Bradford was never coaler and more oolileted in his life. Somehow or other it seemed to him that hie danger was not to be compared to that which he endeewent the day before from the tigre, and asone sense it may have been that It was n, ead yet it is hard to oouceive how he could hate stood eloear to death than he did at the moment the buffalo lowered bi. head ad obhargld upon him like a oyolone, for a mishap befell my young friend aobh aL might have some to Gordon 'Jamming, and againe whish no human skill eoold have sneosealfaly guarded. It was not the fault of his gun, though, am you know, the most trusty weapon is liable to fail ; nor was there the slightest tremor or wavering on his part; for, as I have said. he was never in better form to all his life, ?=*? wap With a ooolnees that no man of double hie years could have surpassed, Tom decided to discharge his pisoe when the ball reached a point about twenty-five feet distant. By that time, there would be so little shrubbory in front of the animal that there was no tear of the ballet suffering the alightest laterferase from that canse. It was Toms intentionforther to plant the leaden mielsle midway between the eyes, where it was sure to pieree the brain of hi enemy. All this paised through the lad's thoughto like a flash, and at the very moment he had declideod upon, he let 'fly. The aim could not have been more un erring, and is ought to have dropped the boll in his tracks as if smitten by a lightning stroke, but it was at that instant that the mishap to which I have alluded same. For some cauem, or, more properly, from no canoe at all, the bull's nose just theno dropped slightly, the movement being exactly enough to cause the bullet to strike the iron-like ridge coneoting the horns at the base, and whisch may be compared to an impenetrable armour of the brain. More than likely the boll did not feel the blow, for it oertainly caused him no harm, nor did it abate his lerrifo hobarge In the slightest degree. He came forward at the same tremendous pace, reaching the spot where orm Bradford etood before the smoke lifted from theo mozzle and while the report was still rceoundine through the jungle. CcArraB XIX.-A OLoso Cor,, The life of Tom Brcdfcrd bhng on the passing of a moment. Ho snw that oven it hie bullet hod sped true, the buffalo butt would not fall it tme to save him, and the terrifle speed with which he was oharginh made eotcpe by runnlng impossible. ?rlof was the period for reflection, and the notion which tho imperilled youth tech nano the result of inotinot rather than that of mroeon, El dropped like a flesh to the earth, when, it may be ?ald, the savage bcast was upot: tim, with his immense head hbeut nd tt rriing hornes almost n??iral his breast. The bull nhot direo ly over the proetrati fonm. none of his hoofs toohlog 'tha body, and, In the twinkling of an eye, went twentj puaoe beyond. But be knew he had mlsed hie mark, and. with a celerity abeolutelywonderfol in ellh n . huge animal, he stopped shot, whirled about, and t made for the lad again. But Tom ha-i not been idle; he know that jnst ~noh a memacovre would follow tht failure. though he did not expoct it would be aeoompliehed with ucnh inoredib'i quibntees. The instant the meteorio bo3y whizzed past, he leaped to his feet and sped o? eover before. No use now for hie unloadec oun, and he fing It aside so a fatal iacte. brncoe. No use either of running far, for the in, forlated animal was sure to overtake him ; he aoct go up a tree, But there was no time to climb in the. regtlar way; he moust seize a limb'and vault out of reach, and there was not a second to 'pare in resorting to that desperaite venture. The tree in which the long-nosed monkeys had taken' refuge was the near?at one that otiered refuge. Some of the outspreadi g branohes drooped so low that the aeties outlih believed he could reach them by a. uning leap .. Aeoordlngly, at ' the -moment' the ball wtltvlsd Ikn n ar.t..e.,..hc............

reot .b, isetke, Tom ??shot like an arrow .oroa the brief eplae before him ' There was little 'undergrowth I hles way, end It wee fortunate that it wat so, for he was racing with an animal who paid no heed to oeuh obatrentions, and who gained upon him with amazing swifllness. The bull wac thoroughly aroused, and in a mood to attack a lion. All that I am tellirg you pasned in a few brief seconds. Gatbherlg his museles fdr the mighty effort, the fugitive- eampresaed hit pale lips and ran like a terrified deer, He had fired his eyes upon the limb at which he meant to leap It was so high above his heed that had there been no easse for suoh haste, he would have declared it beyond his reaob. But he wee aware.that only the single alinee was left; If he missed the limb the hull would be upon. him before he coold repeat the attempt.. The experiene wioblch Tom bhad had with my eirone, though not important, addrd t 1l, naturar' suppleness, was what gave him a roalldenca that would have come to few olhere. A skilful trapeslat will tell you that there are tiefes in hie profesion when he feels be ie sure to alooeed, and again there are oeesalions when he knows that failure in Inevitable. So it was with my plucky young friend At the' moment his feat left the earth, end he made a tremendous bound upward, he felt in bhi hones,' as the expression goes, 'hat he would aonomplish the almost Impops. Bible feat, He was not miltaken. The two hands that were thrown upward elosed abbot the body of the limb, and the iron.like grip remained immovable. The Impetus of his a errowy form swong 'h feet beyond, and as a

quinct ae a f.ed hte tlitW thana overi the bransh and filrted himself on the upper eda. Now, if the limb which he seized In this fashion had been as rigid as steel she fugitive would have been some dlstanee beyond the reach of his fariosfoe fee; but hi weight uanere is to dip considerably, and nnothbi an scoyt more clearly tke alose oell of my onl fticnd. then the fact.that one of the ontl's bonas strook his right foot just ashe was drawing iI ap oat of the way. It seems iu me,' said Tom,' that my shoe received tbh kick of a mule.' B.it on the upper side of the limb be was ole. for oven it the ball aould have reached it, the body of the banoch itself acted es a bhield against the plunging horns. But Tom lost no time in acrambling still higher, where he could look down on the buffalo and emile at his rage. The animal was the picture of baeled fury. He reealeed by what a hair's breadth the young hooter had eluded him, and the o long as he remained perched among the branohee he wea as scure as in the bear ml the city of Luoknow itself. Lie inernd hib huge head upward, and hie eye resmeio so take on a glare like those of ia wounded tiger. His moush was fall of leaves and ahbrub on whish he had been browsing, and these appeared to be dripping whh the foam from bie jawi. The nostrils rose and fell with his quick respirations which made him sides work like , pair of bellows, while athamttered bellow iege gave itting voles to him fury. Then the ball moved to and fee, tilll muttering and flirting his tall, and fnally; in therery impotenes of his rage, remme, his horns againet the huge trunk. au though he expected to batl that over and thus reach his viatim. You m m?n emo? yourself as long a yenou pleae. ,a tt ti haloq.'- said b laed, who emuld well afford a laugh at the angry bull, 'for it ano't hbut me.' - "Ab, it tee youth ad.' only hie gun 1 What speot it woned have team to'bombard ,he brute until he was compelled to easumb 1 Bus the weaposn lay some distance away on the ground, where is was impossible to rease its Meanwhile the long-nted monkeye, as may be sDpposed, manifested a lively in. torest in the eveant going on b low them. The old male had driven the other two among the upper branohec, as though he bad some fear of the bull's ability to climb, but observing that he kept the level of the vround. the three deseanded about half way from the top, whee they stayed. s is probable that thees singolar aroature: dete-ted thl being among the branehes ae maob as the oh e on the ground, though it was elear that they held the former In moth leas fear than the latter. In faet, the head of the house showed a desire to measnrn swords with the intruder; and, now that the rifle nun beyond bie reach. Tom reflected that a sorimmage with him wes likely to prove anything bhut pleassot. While pecurlating over the matter, he suddenly awoke to the fact that he had a frearm at commend. * How did I coma to forget it I' he asked himself, reoahing one hard to his hip poeket and drawing his revolver. 'Up to tbis minute I lupposed I was defenceless, hat here is my Smith and Wosron, with every ohamber loaded, while I have plenty of eartridges. What's to prevent my having a little circus here of my own without any danger to myeself ?' Now, it cannot be supposed that a Smith and Weeson revolver amounted to much in the way of a weapon with which to combat an East Indian buffalo, but all the same, if one or two of the bullets could be sent into the right spot, the brutoe would fall as sorely as if knocked sky high by a dynamite bomb. I'll try it, if he will only give me a albance,' esid Tom to himself, peering down among thebranohes n ' but it does look as if the old feollow had some suspiolon of danger.' Sighting as best he could, the youth let fly with a coup!o of chambers at the' beaset, which was otandieg with his head towards him. 1Io was probably a dozen yards or so distant, and both shots hit him. Bus the effeot was no greater than when the rifle.ball glansedfrom the iron ridge at the top of the skull, the animal giving no evidence of being huret in the least, The ballets may have been loot among the shaggy hair, or possibly entered the body, but, as I hav eraid, without any apparent effeot so far as the markeman could see. 'I don't beliovo I an bother you much.' thought Tom, ' unless I can drive a shot into ,no tf thoas eyes, and I'm afraidl there's little obanee for that.'. (TO as conirmeno.)



Chapter XX AN ATTACK IN THE BEAR.

THE YOUNG FOLKS. MY PLUORKYBOY TOM,. , DB, BEAROBHING FOR CURIOITIES IN. INDIA FOR MYSHOW. i' B: P. T. BArnmL, OmArTER XX.-AN ArmE IN TeMa Bas. Nevertheleess. Tom sent the remaining ohorges from his pistol into the shaggy front i of hi. savage enemy, who stammed hie feet nd flirted hi. head in a way that showed he I felt the stinging bhrte. * I euppose.' sald the youth, ' that if I I coold keep it up long enougb, I could fill your body so fall of lead that you couldn't get over the ground very fast, and I might Sautron you, but I'm afraid it would Iake too long why don't you ome closer ' Suddenly a bright dm eantered the lad's brais. 'By .raoloane I'll try it ' he exolaimed, proceedlg to reload with much oare his pistol; ' it won't hurt me, Il It doesm't haur you, and there's a chane of winning.' Tom now made hib way very cauticolly to the lower liml, on whieh he had fBrst taken refuge. A hlver of dread ran through him, when, deepite his eare., he came within a hair of ?foing his balance, and fallaing to the ground, but he finally reached the perch In eafety. The nipplng shote added to the fory of the bhll, If io ca be considered poesible for euohb sa addition to be made, and he was frantic to reach hil tormentor. The purpose of the latter was to draw the beas cloeer to him-that in, within lmme. dlte range-and the poor fool knew no better than to walk into the trap with his When he obmeved the youth on the lower limb, and almost within reach, the bull emitted a bellow, which may be considered a cry of exaltatlon at the prospelt of sweet and speedy reveage, and trotted forward, baeltling direotly beneath the lad, as i uaying : ' That's right, young man ; hurry down where I can get juot one ehaene at you.' In asoerdance with the clever scheme Tom had formed, he now stretebed himself at fall length along the upper part of the braneb, whieb, am before, dipped considerably under hie wight. In hs eituation, he was no more than three feet above the buffalo, when he stood ereat, which you may be eure he now did. With a view of tantalsiblg him, Tom took of hie bat and wuang it almoal la the face of the animal, who bellowed with fury. Beplacing bil head.gear, the lad now reached downward with he riht hbnd, whibh. held his Smith and Weelon at fall scook and ready to go off on the lighteest preseeur of the trigger. RekOhing thus as far as be could, the muzzle of the weapon was within a foot of the bull's aose, and almost as close to his Sighting at the right eye, with a steady aim Tom Bradford pulled the trigger three timel in quick uoooeelo.o That did the buslnes. He was a gooed platolbshot, and with less than twety incohe between the muoral of his weapon and the target, you will agree that there wee so eaoncm for mteing hl aim, The eye of the buffalo was one of the vulnerable parts of the armour whiobh nature had given him, and, where a lingle pellet of lead would have been fatal, is is unneaessary to may that three did their work with molst beautiful effetiveness. The anlmal, with a rumbling bellow, stargered like a drunken person, sagged beak. ward a couple of paces, and them went down all in a heap, tourning upon one side with a snort, nod breathing out hib life at the moment he eeoured an easy postures. SCan it be posaible?' exclaimed Tom, still stretohed along the limb, and looking down at the huge maie, doubting the brilliant euocess of his stratagem. 'I really believe you are done for,' Ther wasee no call to remain lonaer in the rer; asine the buffalo was o dead as dead could be, so roam dropped llghtly from his perch, etriklog the ground within a couple of feet of hll viclim, and with a queer feeling that, after all, the bull might be playing 'poesum, wilh the purpose of turning the t?ble on him. Surveyng the moanster a mioule or two, the lad walked to where hie rife lay, and picking it up, he lost no time in reloading it, believing In the good old huntere' maxlm that the frt thing to be done after diseharglng yoor goo is to reload It. II now occured to my young friend that be ought to provide himself with some memento ofblie exploit in bringing down so formidable an animal as a buffalo bull, but It was difloult to select anything of an appropriate nature. ' Those borns would make a fnl ornament to place in the hallway of some friend'e bouse, for they are large and symmetrial ; but even if I could get them of the head, they would be. too heavy for me to carry. Hello I there's where myrfde bell struokthe top of the skull and glanoed off-' Tom stooped over to examine the spot where the ball had chlpped out a small freag ment of the flinty etrooture, and just then he received ia tartling shook. I have spoken several times of the Domm batlre head of the lon.noeed monkey family. The disposition whihob be howed to make mlschief he now earoled out in obharactereti fashion. Without any luspolon on the part of Tom of what was going ona, the monkey noiselessly descemnded from his perobh, and, runnlng out on the ver limb tbhat had mupported the lad, be dropped upon the- shoulders of the onasepiolous young man, and proceeded straightway to oea his sharp teeth sad elawe In the most vigorous style. If the boy had bad any doubt about the dangeroul vioiensee of the animal. It was removed the Instant when he felt his teeth penetrating through his hat and earpling his skull. The animal uttered shrill ories of rage, which were taken up sad repeated by the two in the limbs, who were evidently roud of the exploit of their kin. ' Confound you i' growled the lad, reach. ing one hand above his head, o as to seize his tormentor by the nape of the eoek. Thee, with a powerful wrenob, he yanked him from his perch and dng him a dosen feet away. But the monkey had 'eulleted for the war,' saod warl not to he beaten off Iin that fahblon. Diplayig hisb frightful teeth, he crouched on hi. baind lege,- ad hega hbppin 7tward hie ion with the purpose ofr mean8 sersWlrolL of him. But the respite, brief a it wa, gave Tom the ohanoce he regaqulred. Hie revolver had two ehergee left, and ddadinoiog to uee bh ridl he reerted to the weapon tat had stood him so well a few miaqtea beflore, and whibch did not fall him It war? no time to tiblnk of maory nor of the dietree that it would oesue a family to loee ite head. There war hbt one way of beating of his amalanlt, and that was by eootingl him. Whlob Is precielly whbat Tom did; the two bullete that he met into the odd-shared creature ending his career so auddenlt t?at no more meroiluol death muld have been pro. tidld. 'Plague on yoou.' multtered the lad, still umartlng from the. teeth of hi foe, ' ll you had lkept of my shoulder, I woalda't have hult yoo, but you brought your own faInte upon your head.' The widow and son of the victim 1id enot reaelise for a few miautes the ealamity chat had befallen them, They continued eabtterlg and lskippling about among the upper limbs, me thoogh njoyingl in proepee. live the vlaquish ofthe wretllch who invaded their domaInals. But when they saw that party pick up the limp form, sad, lookieg at at moment toe Is from him, a glimmerlng of the truth seemed to enter their heads. The fast that thbe old fellow submilted unrelletinRgly to ench treatment wrn proof that ha had lostll hble power to fct, and notbhing short of doeth could tke thae from bim. Down they came from the tree, and re. gardlsse of the prensnoe of rhe author of ahelr woes, they ran up to the figure ann blegan olawilg gently a it, girlog ulterano

at the same time to ench pitiful moans that a he heart of Tom was touhobed. (wallowing a lamp in his threat he leeked ympathiinly at the couple with a feling a Sslorrowinf woedr 8atht nature bead so r ordered things that the natural impules of ll animated ereation seems to be that of I indieting misery and suffring upon each t other But the stil moment the ruling passion asserted itself. Here was a fine eooance of souring two ol the moos valuable uurtiai..le in the world. He resolved to capture both. Stooping down he softly laid his goo on the ground, returned his pistol to its place, so as to leave his arms free, and than advneced cautiously upon the mourners who, if they saw him, paid no attention to his move monts When within a st.p or two he seddenly dari d forward and seised both by the back of the nook, one with eab hand. 'As long as he could hold them thus they were usable to do him any harm, since their teeth was all that was to be feared. He expseted that each would strurgle savagely and oaese him no little trouble, but to his earprise they offered but the weakeet relistl amoe imagleible. It seemed as if the mother and her off spring were so oversome by grief for the loes of their protector that the natural coombo tivenaes of their mature was removed for the time. CuarTma XII.-AasaYy. Tom Bradford had eartaloly seenred two extremely valuable prises in the way of euriostlres; but he foond himself in me awkward aitatle. On the preceding day, when be eapture the tige bittes, Mr. Oodkin relieved him of one so that it was o easy matter to oarry them to the hmt by the wayside, especially as they were able to avll themselvese of a well travelled highwaya but the walking was not only diouls through the jungle, but be was obliged to bear the burden of the mother and her ospring. beside whleh he must take his valuasle rifle with him. He was bal inelined to wail where he was and aell his friends to his help, but he feared the distane was too greatl for his volce to resach them, besides which he ran the rish of summoning some quarropeds whose presenee would be anything but welcome., I'll go it alone,' wea his charaoterietl? coesoaeion. He tooked the mother under his right arm the young one under bhi left, holding his rifle with tshe right head in front of him. I can manage it this way,' he coneluded, SIf bthey don't go to squirming, and if no other animals interfere. I dn's understand why my cap'ires are so wonderfolly docile; I'm afraid their oonduet is soo good to last.' But nothing was to be gained by waiting. and Tom started. He was so mobh interested in his primes that be did not notioe the direction be was following. At soy other time he would have guarded against thbis natral mistake, for the little pookel compass, wbish he always carried with bim, would have told bim when be was going astray i but, as I said, he was so absorbed in his prises that he started off on his supposed tramp to the camp, taking the eooure whioh presented itself as the right one without stopping to make asus of the matter. If you have ever tried to earry a water melon under elher arm, you will be able to form some idea of Tom's dilemma. So long as bi prisoners obhoes to remain doeile so long he would gel along quite well ; but i they took it into their heads to fight for their liberty-well, the situation would be bhanged for the worse. 'I suppose they are so sorrowful over the loss of the old gentleman that they can'e meditate on anything except bis virtues. Keep still there, confound you I' To his dismay the mother began squirm. log with a vigour that would not be qui 6t:d Instead of pushing forward, she slowly but surely edged backward. Tom pressed his elbrw agalne thiseideantil it seemed be would orosh her ribs or raoezr the breath from ber body; but that tio) added to her ardour. She had got so far back that she was able to plant her tore and hind paws againas hie body and arm. This, of course, gave her as immense advantage, thoogh the pressure on her neek was so poweriul that is odd seem as ifshe would choke. But while struggling she kept up a series of sries wbich rendered her offepring unessy He, however, remained comparatively moti?sless, though it was not to be expected that his meebkess would last. Tom stopped and let his rifle drop to the ground, so as to give more freedom to his acme. By this time it looked as if the monkey must either foree herself loose or shove hae head ff her shoulders. ibe was pushing and pulling bharder than ever, and, while she lad was strlving desperately to hold her fall, her head shot through the vye, and she leaped off among the bosbee at a speed whiab rendered any pursuit by Tom out of the quesoion, The charseter of the cries uttered by the mother now changed into what were u?n doubtedly meant for a call to her young one to follow her. At any rate, the latter accepted them as snoh, and began polling and togging with at enthuriuasm that was s eomial as It was unoomfortable. 'I'm boond to hold on to you,' mutterer the young bunter, maknlog matters sure by selsang the little felow with both bhnds. So, having made aure that the latter was secure, he ones more resumed his walk, as he supposed, Ia the direetlon f camp. That whlobh beoght to haveexpeoted, but whieh he did not expect, took place: thb, mother followed, keeping only a few yards behind, and ohaleting with Ise rigour than before. ' Her affertio will hold her at my heels utiiI reach camp,' was the conolusion of the boy; eand, when we arrive there, we wil ind some way of makilg a prisoner of her.' Theaftternoo was waning, and is seemed to him that he ought to be in the nelghbour. hood of the emp. ' Hallo l' he shouted, a loau as was In bls power, but the listening ear enaught no re. srponse. 'I suppose they're all snering like Ihe seven sleepers,' was the onmeluseon of the imps*rint lad; ' some folks eal sleep about Aler uodains a considerable dIsllnse forther, he Sldued in some more shouting with no better soeeua than befoo. ' Let them sleep a week if they weat to' he rowled; I lba''s ons l to hbm agan. I wish this sbhtterlig mother would bury her teeth in their pans, as that old fellow eamr so near dolig with me,' be added, s a slight stint reminaed him of the unpleasant atten timn reoelved from the old fellow. Up to thble time no suspoiioo had entered the head of Tom that he might be pursoing the wrong direstion; bt wbhen he had gon. a third of a mie furthlber, the truth essued uI pon him with a suddennese that fairly to.k Stook away his breath.b, ' Well, I' l be hsnged I' he muttered. aoming to a halt agand. ' What's thematter Switlh me t' Leaninog hsle gua agialst the neareet tree, and holdlng fast to the little monkey, whblh sltroggled only in a weak way, he drew one his poket eompas?" Oe glanoe woas enough to prove his lear well grounded. He had not travelled oaway iferomthe camp, but to ome side, so that at the Imoment of bhltlng, he weas probably a littl further from bhie friends than when be shot the boffslo ball, He would have esrel little for thIbs, but for I his esgernese to seoure the yoang lioa-nosed monkey, whiohb was beoomig restless sgain Tom was pretty well tired, tbot the plnoks fellow was not the one to give up in that Summonling his strength and enduranoe, after makoing sure of the ight courses he ostroh off at a more determined gait than before. By this time, the day wasn well.nigh one, and sinoe the twlgh the iighe warm reg onlo a very bshort, he f ared it would be fully dark before he soul:. rejoin his fries Lu, But Tomr edrsetnres for the day were by no means udeed. He bhad gone but a little way on bthe right eore, whoen the female suddenlv emitted suoh a startling sream tbat btho boy stopped short, keow?Ig thai

ome aetrardinary caum mst bhave pro. lUmed it. urting his affrighted gae in the direotion o the monkey, he aw her soampering In m.r i terror to the topmost boughs of a arge tree, where, within the rame mlnute, She lad prayd that he might have strength to follow her, in order to escape the new and ,ppalinag danger that had buat upon him. (TO -? CONTI?Ia .)



Chapter XXII.

THE YOUNI -FOLKa"i mT PLUCoY BET TOE, *er oan volt o .IOUTIo , .x INDIA FOR MTSIIDW. m et Toa IasMtt etm XXIL---A m 8mem ?. The osde whitsh seshled lem Brded's I es e ed"we'i igh amteaty he won dadag of baptehe. Tl'eflrid "heegbt was that o of those feate?loydem s, msah u somettmmedervatate seeeoam of oa seeitey, ws sweephig through the jengs, earty6g demto and destaoioeo in tru his kdwldgeotlmdk mal dle limate ide him i seouid mot be th4 though the peaito4lm mutt beeqwmlygahet. *y B-ead.bye be met eg tbh beavy emenmm g a? .y tst, the ? eshng' of the dsbegoowth. 'amd "a load rmnaltuWd uo . twamp.tml whiobh te?he A rt time appetMd him ofthe mntro of Ine dse( r whbt be dis severei too e ?aM soeape by fligh A held edelephanns, in obediemse Iso ame wild hopelsl fur while he coald mot mscont, we' roemhtmgthegbre the jusln wih emime lmeded right and let oer a le spae, in the mllidl of, bl*l the s tmets led stood, at Sth iýii moietil of disovermlg his peril. l?erl of fort oa wn. Tom (and you know Lew lads of blWge mid equal him In that aeip ), tbheaes r was too lsse cr hblm to avoid ItI by resatg shead cc bemkwar4, tbdugh he Ielvewd to ama the attempt, si.em t weemrinia death to stay where be S11dkg Ste dlio.*e, lon anosd.: soak uisie' h6 me med gempsl g his trusty wtoii 161,b lowe'wred his bad.emm ush ai t esthale dodd go. He would het some met ameeeedlesl ezaIple for m's asidmstdeopite the fimrfol eloseme ofat te freneled herd, but tfat semed to be asliatlbim. One of those wiry vine, that are every wheret In ho tIroplol jungles, interposed n. seen sotr?i'hbi path, oalbhing him at lhe nkles ead thliowtog him forward on hbis handsi id knoe " :His aj. flw troma hi bands., but you may be sure tb?ths hold faet to hib prfes. Evai' In that Irihtfal moamew as he aterwaerd eelaread, bei reling thought was that e m tss r?ret the price, the he had been. sofolete?m as So Oeptere, for me. It'w, thi'plbok of the youth's which prI veated hi-n having recasnes tob retlge whlelhpionield Io save him., For ii bhe bad prung imong the over hanglng' limbs and drawn' bimsel upward the moment he understood hise danger, no. doubltedly he would have been out of rmch ot the- fesloas beasts before they reasbed thi' spot Wbsee se was standilg; but, to do Ihit he would have been forced to drop gon and moak6y. SBe wruld not hbve hesitated to part with his riflr for a time, but to let go the long cored pileo wedl be to hid good-bye to it forever, and so he hbld on. Tom sproung to his feet, as though bewsre made olrobher, naught up his weapon, mud, Iglanoeing to the lefl,saw - tbhatthe woars thing he emlld do wasee to'onolla bl Oflight, for not ootly would he be eisight amoag the wild suimals, but he wiL sore' to' dres attention to himelf 'by his flight, aend you know that nothing Is so tempting to pursuit es the sight of a flying person or animal. It was too late now to take to a tree, by dropplng the monkey, for at the best be aouln do, he would be within reeto of the snores of trunks, at the moment they ewept beneath bhi.' eo still fell a hope that he would esospe notice in the troange rush of the vaest herd, tearing so savagely through the jungle. Leaping to the nearest tree, he stood as close and uptight eas he oould, with hie back against Who trunk; which interposed like a shibleld betwseen him and the tumultoous torrent. Now, e yon o an well understand, it took Tom but a sccoond or two lo'bound to his feet, oatoh" p his gun, and run to the shelter of the frlendly, ree6 whloh"was only a few steps.distano; bot, brief as was the time; It gave him a fair eight.of one of the moot thrilling seenes on whioh he had ever looked. SIf it had been your fbrtuee, pr, rather, misfortune, to stand in front of the herd of panioe-trioken elephants whioh rushed from their wintdr quarters in Bridgeport, on the night of that uond.y in November last, when a quarter of as hour senfited to lay the place in ashes, you would have felt your blood tingle at the eight. t o Bot'thas whioh met the eyes of Tom Bradford in the Asiatio junglo was tien-fold more tcrrifying, for there must have been fully twenty elephants in flight, and every one of thm wasee wild. There ie nothing in the world that ls more violiou and dangeus and olls then an elephlont when he ohoomes to be so. Even in captivity they sometimeabecome so ugly that we have' to shoot them, as you very well know. These intelligent creatures would ' have ideillfled Tom Bradford the inDtant he started to ran across their path, and he would hsve been toeied about, trampled upon, and oevery bone in his body oruohed to a shapeless pulp. Doring the brief period which it took him to retah his refuge, the wild moneters were so close that he saw them as plainly as if thae were on the' open plain. To the right and left in front and far baok to the jungle, until the luterposing vegetation shut them from eight, swarmed the enormous beasts. They were coming at their highest speed, and it seemed a, it they would trample the very trees under their huge feet. Most of them swung their trunk, aloft, t umpetlog savagely, while others ew.yed fUom side so side, in a way that brought them in collision with eaoh other with the 'most plotoree?oue oonsequ-noes. One enormous follow reared on his hind feet. ae though he had-made up his mind to turn biped, but the experiment was unsatsl factory, since one of his companions a if in disgust, gave him a shove in the middle of hbi br.ad beak that cansed him to pitch forward end almost turn a somersault before he could right himself., ' Even when he did so, his ideas were mo onufused thathe Collided wt'h another of his comesadeo, and 'both rolled on the ground, breating dire confioston In their immedeiate neighbouriood. It wpe at the moment that Tom Bradford whilked behind the tree that he had observed this performance. There was something so groteqne and fesolartiog in the scaene, that, despite the danger, he peered around the trunk. Some of the el phoants threw their trunks over each other, poaling, striking, and trompeting wi:h such vigoor that there oould be no doubs they were fighting rather than pht probolels, with lie thousands upon thousands of museles, is ome sensitive that the besets must have suffered exrociataing pain. tuddenly a boll elphant, almost as tall as the larte respected sJambo, partly turned to chaetino a heaset that was annoying him; bat the momentum of hise body, under emuh headlong speed, bronghe him to grlef. SOne ot hil enormous Luks oaught opinstet C tree, whaicb, although shaken clear down among its roolse, proved stronger than he. Even amid that tertailo din and rush and roar, Tom Bradford hoard a craoholeg sound which he reoogofsed as the breaking of one of the tunke of the bull. Had there been aeny doubt, it was removed by the light of a long eurving bar of spiltered ivory whioh span twenty feet through the air, falling nenr the tree from which the Istad was furtively watohing the exhibition, whioblh aurpassed anything that the ereatesl show on earth has evero beer able to sfford. Tbohe most strtlling performsnce of all came within the same minute that witnessed the frarldring of the elephant's tosk. 'Ihe whirling aboul of the bull, who wes at the head of the herd, uaused a dlearrange. m'stoflb lioei e~as it may be.oallted, whioh plsyed the mlsahlef with halfI a dozen of the bulky animaels,

' JbiYbcf~ii'bl6larJ3.a. ", r awelale i7 peaers i ' s'eo taael came emease t mag a d 'atmo amtea -et thm u -ses I - hea iodna ball tombidI owr oa a he sde with bhs .tareed task. a oemmradie asmst me arhgw e am elste b?bi 'that ist was hlmplaohb foe him to ,loe M tarn sidse. Be theeloere attempted t Jump over the . promstrteleader. He would hav easerdet la sletaing the hardle had it rneoned gquafeeent as It oagbi to avei duoa bum the bll was so eagered. over hbs own mha; thI whm he me sw the majetle bulk rbii he t?ese up his trsck, eatoeig she fo* Legs of the waitl so violeuts that thei dolld auder hims andt bh rolled over head ine as oemplelsty as I sdicooley ever did. 11 meat bare jarred the beast prodialoosty. At the momeon ofl lta? g Ibis header, the smlmas w aso near the eee M ld which Tom Bradford was standing that his body emsebed t. . LteaUsing lhi peril, the youth drew back quickly, and stood n unpright as before. Tou will aunderessd how ose the tumbtting beats were to Tom, when I tell you that, while he meinotahin the erect portre behind the larb e tr'ak of the tree, he maw oe beside him the lbwrlig tail and ldIr lge of the overturned elephant, as he strove to rregait e iee f you wil admit be could not have been muh clese. Now all that I bave told yeou, a d Indeed mueh more, took place Ia aM.eedb of the she requiterd In ae reltiag. While the beast was stro~ glneg to his feet the others were eeamperfut by, and many 'o0 them were anisht in the joggle beyond. As yet none had paid any attentsa to Tom, sad be began to believe the bsrd would go by without ndtloeg him. His femar ws of ar been thel was elibing to hie feet withia arm's lrheth. se me he sold, sad that this a w as asile wa preve wlblM the Next few seonds. Had the' brute been at thb rear of the herd, Tom could have avoided diseovery by alIppi eslowly around the trask, so e to nlterpose It betwee bhnim sd his eeemy, but that wee not feaslble, hbeoose, I attempted, It would plaee his l tbs. way of the enmosbtag elephants on the other tide. .eo, be held bhi ples; the meakey on hie Ile arm sad reCduelygrasped, while the ever Ifathfal efie was ready'for Instst uose. In the branche abovebl him was the anther that had leaped thlther by means of the limbs intervening between that and the tree to wheih she brat took refsge. She was silent for a wonder, sethcrgh she deorstood :hat the cep:or of her little one was sekineg to oreserve It from harm. As lass the eapesed elephant get on hib feet. and took hib beatings.' He stood shlleet a moment, whbll the others were ruebleg by him, looloding the Ieader with the shattered lolk. mnd he was on the point of droppleg 1 irto the proeeifoa, when hie wieted eyes reited on Tom Bradford. The beast most have been, astoniabed at the sight of the yeuog man with the cow .r log, long nosed monkey and thbe loadedrifle, for he stood a flll minute looking as him without stirring a mnioe. " ' " You T an andes-tand the trlog position of Trem Bradford. He expeeled an attack from the hogs creature, wbfoh undoubtedly-was on the poeit more than once of asetlieg him. T'hentensl he took a step ftesward, Tom was piepaed to drop the monkey and send hie rifle-ball Into the skoll, jull above the base of the trunk,' where he know be Soould reach the seat of life as surely as ithe ° thrust a spear thronrh'the monstems' heart. It may have betn the elephant understood that the asanlt be contemplated was likely f to prove dangerous to himsell, for, after rasling alolt his trunk, as if to step forward and at Ike, he a hanged his mind, swung about, aed lumbered after the herd, of which ho formed the last. So the danger won paised, and Tom Brad. ford was sale.' ltemembetirg bis tripping over the vine, the youth cut a piece seversl yarda In length, and as pliable as so much twinb. ' I'll keep that ready to tie you whenever Ihave need for both arms,' wis his thought, as he started toward camp, the mother follow. in-olose behind as before,' ohattering; leap. ing about, and ready more than once to spring . at the eaptor. It was not yet d?rk when Tom, who pushed forward with all the haste be could, saw from bin nerroondings that he was near camp. r' I'll ecuro the monkey here,' he added, as Ie c:aeoe eloser, 'for the mother ltn't ouanint enough to release him, and then I'll go forward and have a talk with Mr. Gedkin before I let him know what a priza I have for Mr. DBarnm.' Tom had just fastened his eaptive to a eapllog with tie vico, when he weas trae fxedt by. a asream which he reoognised as that rof his friend, a scream so wild and despairing, that he knew he must be in the very extremity of peril; Bending forward, the lad was almost paralysed by the sight that grented him. W llae Mr. Godkin laty sleeping, an immese serpent hbd glided from the jungle, and coil. ing around hai body with inerediale quickness, wrapped him inextrioably in its folds beotre he realised the awful danger that had seined him. C apT~i'TXX(IIt.-WnAC fS TT T 'The loathsome snake which had wrapped itseof three timesearound the body of Mr. Godkin wah a of the toonariotor spesaes, as was shown by its method of attackting its victim. 8noh reptiles are not venomous, killing their prey by pressure, sliming them over with saliva, and the gradually swallowing them, alier whlch the rerpent lies dormant for several days,' While the process, of digoetion goes on. When the poor man opened hi' eyes, he was imprisoned a eonurely e If held in -a vyoe, his arms being forced so rigidly against his body that he could barely breathe. The frensied ery which escaped him was involuntary, and awoke the natives who were asleep near at hand. Instead of rushing to hie rescue, each of them was so terrifed that be dashed 'off, thinking only of esaoping a like ate. ' Seoveral feet of theserpent's neok and head were free, and oarving over, the -forked tongue of the reptile was darting bask and forth within a few inches of the man's face, as though he would toy with his victim, as a sat does with amouse, beforekilliog it. Again the wild try of Mr. Godkin rang throughthejengle, rousleng Tom Bradford from tbh spell which transfSxed him at the fArat sigheal tht'eapptlling sene. SKeep qote l'h e talled, running forward to within a few paqs.of bhil frilnd, 'nd: i'l finish bhim I' : The snaks Rave no heed o the new arrival as though feeling tseure nt one viotim, he cared nothiog for the intrernferee of anyone else. Droppnlg onone knee, Tom brought his rifle to his shoulder and aimed at the head arched over the white noface of the man, the songue still darting beck end forth, while, fortunately for Mr. Godkin and Tom, the horriald front of the 'reptilo remained stationary, like the spear of a warrior the moment before he launohbss it at his enomy. The next instant, the shearp oraok cf the rierascg throughtho jongle and the bullet parsed direotty through the head of 'the rnate,destroying both eyes and inflioting a mortal hurt. Even then there was danger that the reptile, In his agony, would ornesh his vietim to death, but instead ol doing so, he on. wound himself with ionrediblo quoicekness, darted blindly elf a half a dosen yards, where he threshed the undergrowth and leaves for a minteo or two. end thnse, aftler a few spasmodio twlithes of his body, wasa dead. ' ' ' S:rong and nervy s was Mr. Godkin, it is no discredit to him that, when Tom ruebed up, he found he had swooned away. Who of us could have stood soth a fear. flt ordeal as he was onalled to pass through I It's ail right I' tailed Tom, stooping over him and fanning hie faoe with his tap; ' the snake i dead and you are safe 1' The rian lowly opened his eyes, looked Ito dsazed sort of way, gasped, recoveOred him. self, and, slowly rising to a sitling polltre, asked, with a quaint wagesry" Did he bheak my plpel' No; il bere aengalde eo you, on the I ground; I don't think those oonstriotors are oThank oGod ' was the fervwnt exclama.

Itil. of M u Gtja s rwa, rete .oan,. OW dallveeanra i'c9 ele·ere4 In the nlsl '01 Js, 5arY ata Ujm, -realleg erwasdlos, now woame bwrrin bark. in held, sematoe W do ahot they o0 save teir h betlovd maste. But tht ckly.saw their ser?los not neaedd ad they gathered around to offer theai oO*,tatlat . *Hte gave me the oartesst bug I ever l ' was toe oi mness of the pe lemta.'. wrlh ? rose to hi feI ' I felt my ribs or when you les drives bu they are more then I soptensd.' Now thse the lurry eua over, h gtered aseeod U Ikhe deed serpent i it with wmaocd It was fully flflWt long, cad as thick as the leg el a mas L tge ams i wos, it was not big ea?og0s swallow a fulkgrown person, though U eaeily have hilled one; but tr is apieO Pthe coonlitor re cle that lb som tl undertakes to forc down is th?eoat an of suooh pwt that Ii not only fails l drgihitatn, botbriage aboutne its.ow by the et.rl. This Is another forcible illuitration of trnth that you should never *bite si;l c S than you on obew.' While t'o oompal y* were failclhtllU themselves over the happy lrsue ofl:'~ adventure, Tcn excuaed bimel'llf 's, oemeot anrd ,soo appeared with the I? long notred monkey, whichb had remslat euurety tied, despt the fretlo efifo?i Of mother to f-e it." ' Well, yru have captured a prie, lei . said the celtghted gentleman, waik's forward ard anspeoting the creature'; ' i - ore very reat, and I nver saw but o-ete:. ltels, sad he wam so high amoe?g thes Oith 'that oghi. oaJly a glimpse' . - ' I aever hbead ol them and did ?a not 'the r'ee found Imsf ho India.'. . lelaodec.thoe at' I ' bCttry i Y-"'., hiarnm be blta.ad when :hid 1eesai . . Like recusb. however, some envloou 5 will declare he arwun d a fle tf eE ?h NS erreoureh and a good mano will belu?v SIt will be beud work to gel them the ocean sad itely home, but that li osie t whieh .rest be taken with brvelytbal.agw seed to Bar?hm.' Just then Jack sutteed an ezfolam1 S and, lockhin around, they caught sighe their rld friend Jed, approeahisg oa ?na horse. le had sade bhi.ouorna to Lucknow wuJih I the tiger kittens that woer d ered shtO friend of Mr. Qodkie, and waro now ,t Sgain, ready for duty. .. . e. .. ' . All smiled as they saw he hdu brougtl I portble bamboo cags with himt as thouhlte i expected to have some more ourloiitste Stake backe. Tom wa delighted, for ' it ti. I the very tehio toe oa u a oanveyaneo fo x t-ootke. ".. , aJed ws loud in his expreaslos of tmql . meat at the groteeqod.lookig creatmr, ar I though Ie, like the other setvan,'o?e Snative born, he had never seen one of i oreen~eoed eonkeoa, nor;: indeed;"h4 dbe, a vter heard of the animals . :".e. The little fellow looked so oomical _edt. Svrrycne of the bparty nret into vr3et Ia lacher . TeTe East Indian, like his brother of o. Amee slon race, is ot inclined to mirth ; allfour of the natives became as jolly 5LSO. I many echoolboys on a frolic. "Wha mado the yoanaeter look speolal t comlal to Tum was, that while its noe 'kue Slremedouely long, it was a deioded pa: in shape, turning up in front likeo a sleigl I runner, The nosesa of the father and mother were of 'the Roman order; - Toe creature aBv s pIsted from one to the oither, li?e a prize baby, each taking .sleolbal So,.re that il did not esoape, for no one aoddl fall to realise its great value. : Whilo' thou engaged, t he mothe was whisking back and forth and among the limbs and over the ground, clhee to the. group Inepetlng its offspringho Sbo wae ailent at flrea, iut she soon ae ntoooed her preouce ty her cries of anxiety for the fa te o hoe little ote. . n . eg I we don't pay any attention to her she. will become boldaer,' said Mr.Godkint ' and we ehall be able to scoop her in also. I» atv her to me,' he added, csrting '?'ldetoeg, gloane at the femcao, which at that more.su waos nly a few paces if. With a view of helping the gentleman in hbi purpose, the rest hept their baoks toward-. the mother, and gave their whole attention to the little one, Mr. Godin pretending to. do the same, though he maintained a earlp. watmh of tle paoent. .. 'oulike atim bqueel a little,' he whisraerel Jed jnt throe hed it in his arms, and ha gave the tail a pinch that c?eed the, youngsteor to utter a' shrill 'soreami while 'at heuantl time itr made furioes efforts to get.: taway and ree ut its mother near by. - The latter forgot her fear in her solilcitude for her soo, and came o near ,that" Mr. Bodkin, by a eriddon dash, captured her without difficulty. Mother and rtilpring were placed IUthe cage in a twnliltiig, where they were so Sld: to be together that they curled up in each other's arme, oarlng, naught for all 'the world beidc, I am co gled we eeouredboth,' remarked Teotn ; ' for more than likely the little, one would batvo pined away 'and died if it was separated loung from its mother, while' it wotuld have.bhoken her heart to lose such•. promietng youth,' 'Yee. thl woold have mourned tenfold more tItan she would have grieved over the lose cf her huoeband, Monkey resemble, human beings in mere than one respect.'. * (Teo .P oo.necx.) .



Chapter XXIII.-(CONTINUED).

THE' YOUNG FOLKS. MY PLUoKY BOY TOM, OR, 88AROBING VORt CURIOSITIES IN INDIA FOR MT BHOW. Bt P. T. Basro. CUAPTr a XXIL.-(CenurusUe). 'I aoidetbatJed has breaght bark a ooil -e rope with him,' said Tom, looking at the artiole which the native had Ilong on the pround tear the eage. I asked hIl tot do. I always carry a loat strong eand wishb me; bau if we expert Jo gather ac many curlosities as Mr. Baraum wants as to d-, we shall have seed of that rope. and prcbably more benide.' ' What I it Jed I b sling that so Intersom ibh otberat The meessger had ied hib horns to a enpltg near o,, and wcs cddreraing h:s rteall· in Hiudelatnt-thay listening go in. teantly that It was evidast bh had something xteraordinary to rlatds. Mr. Oodkhla's knowledge of the native Gongue enabled him to oatch the run of Jeds words, though many erpresslons were naot loarn. - : .,c ' Let him finisalh answering taseir questmnos, ho a.id, stelpping back beside Tom, 'and tl'en I'llI take him in head. He can talk E eglish well enough to make everything eler to s. From what I was able to ocatch, ha ha sese something on his way hers which soearpasses even your lonog-nosed monkeys in the way of Interest.' ' MI gracious I' sexlaimed Tom, * I should be glad to learn what it is, though I am prepared to meet almost aonything in. this sountry.' Jaet, while takiag so. his countrymen, observed that he had awaksened she eoriomity of the man and lad, and without wal ing to re ly to all the queries of the others, he walked over to the former and related what wan certainly a wenderful story. H wea riding alonm the edge of the jungle, on his way to tohe camp, for whlib he was obliged so searsh, sinoe bthe native in the ht by bthe wayside of whom he inquired could only tell him the general direction takea hby the boanters, when his hore showsed such alarm, that Jed draw off from the wood so as togain a ehaoce for flight if any asimalml should make a sodden dash for him Followiog the advise of Mr. Gedhin's friend oin Locknow, Jrd had provided himself with a r!le and ammatlion, so he felt quits abhie to take ears of himealf ; but the weapon, the cege, and soms food whiah he had brooght alcag handicapped him so greatly that he was amios to avoid anything in the nature of a fight with reptile or animal. He had ridden only a shaort distance alfter taking to the open plain, whean he ao.ught a glimmns of something ronninog along fjost Swithin the jingle, but keeping so far back that Jed could only gain an occasional glimpse of Is. ill first supposition wase that it was an nuuenally large monkey, but it bshowed some peonliarities of behaviour that proved ii could not belong to the monkey race. It kept a perfectly upright posture, and gave utteransce to a earles of shouts or bshrieks, that were uttered In a voloe so clear an: resoundloing that monkey, gorilla, ape or himpasrnee eould not begin to equal it. Lilsteing t> the astounding. narrative of the native, the question whish presented itself to Mr. Godkmn and Tom wasu: %'that is it' CnAean XXIV.-A WonDRnrOL CAPTORu., Queetionesd further, Jed had little to tell. Toting able to take ncaro of himself, he bad etrivea hard to obtatin a nearer view of the strange areatore, even to riding olose to the jungle, bht' on his approach it skarried off, as I ina terror of a nearer agqoaintaoae. ' His deseription is that of a wild man, said tom Bradford, who like his friend was proefoundly interested ; oan it be there Ils sash a Ihingln this neighboarbood 1' SIt moust be some nondercript wbhah It will pay ns to look alter, though it is too late to do anything of the kind now,' added Mr. Gndt.o, observing that night was already aasing aroond them. SI am me6rry,' raid Tom, who, as may hbe supposed, waes all eagerness to lovestigate she .few and' strange ourlosity that it may be said had jaen on their borizon ; 'I wronder why it showgd sach interest in Jed.' SIt may liaveretogolsed a long-lost brother in him, but on a nearer inspection, oonoladed It wats miataken.' The fact that the spot where Jed eaught a gliclpee of the an..known was near by, cansed thse ativesrsome uneasloese, though the three nrtles in the posseesnon of the members of she parCty lessened their dread, Jeu especially deealniag that he would welcome a nearer view 't the stranger that had given hit animal sobh a fright. Botare it was fatily dirk, a big fire wa kindled, and enoagh fuel gathered to last till doytligh.' NiothingoR I no effective a safeguard againslt wild beasts s a roaringe blaes, and sometime, th, huntesr kindles several of them, so as to a.,cieonl himself, while he ateeps witain she ob-rmed crrole. Itr eo Mr Gcdkil ard thrre of the servants hr-i *;nt. moat of the efiermoon In sleep, weile rom we unusually bashe, it was pro. p ited that he and Jed ehonid slumber all theroIrh the darknse, the rest dividing tbhe wasali amorg tham. ilr. G(odhin stll felt the ,ffiets of the terrifle rqueeziog received from the gigantic rocsk, and was aute he.enald not sleep, buh tro . wnse in anual-oa to be on the look-oan fur the wild man, as he called him, that he wasold not consednt to spend the night in an. coreeiloueneses. Sits agreed, however, to sleep the first half, onrthel promise of Mr. Godkin to awarke him, a, the former intended to serve as sesatorl up npto that time. the natives, who sreemed able o slumber a week at a stretch, were to be left to their own devices. *S Tom, after salnting his friend, lay doewn; and, being healthy and fatigued son esnak into a sleep which was not disturbed until shortly after midnight, when Mr. God. .tlu gently touched his shoulder and pro nonnsad hfleame. c Slarting op. the boyj antioetly asked whetisr anything had been seen or beard of bLie wild man,. .'I carnot answer poestlesly,"' was the reply but there is something prowlilg shlout the co-sp. prwi I1i bet In~a he.' Poslilyforel hsve net been ahtleo.gafa s'moih as a glimpee of him, and am, theroe eore, isis fortunate than 3rd. It may he - tbht ha l. waiting for yoa.' *I hopese,' was thi respoanse, a the lad peered around in the gloom, wide awake and efert as usuaL Usually, when stading guard, Mr. Ondik plaed bank sad forsh, mincs that i. the only sure mesas fni ressting elep; but he had not doae so in the prreent inetanee, betaums She discomfort (rot very rernoiu) sensed by the embrare of the oanntiotor, and the lonn nap ha bad fndnlged in doelnethe aftoranon, 'wcmovtd all loatlion to minomr. Be toid ahc Isd that he would keep him oempaup autil daylight, unlese he ehould begoms drowsy, whan, of marers, he would feel free to lie down and rest. The jesting remask of the genl mean, that the aedseoript was awaiting the waknaoing of Tem, recilved a sligular fulfilment. The two ilinds were atandlag side by side, gon ia baod, patrg into the gloom wbhib walled Ihem in, ard Istennalg to ths strange sounds that now and then isaned from the depths of the juagle, when the elder shin. pired, witheot moving hi. body : 'Den't stir, en you will frlghten him away. Y cedeg h rte, a littia to your lelt,' Turnlag bhi eees In the direetion samed, without mnvisg his heed, Tom Brsdfcrd saw aInditiattly an objeCt whlob might well sirile tierro to tbe heart of the bravest man. Juet eatbe edge of the irele nf iIowminr (ico-iheo~aw ou b the bloring eamp fir, end cluesbaide the amokL of a emsr fully two test in dlsaster, tinc~d-wrhttl Birethsi resmbll g sad yet dffering Iromn aes It wtansryerlnlsfee in helehe, s e erotrad b da long athk In Use elimbera sjtfeotIino eipenatook of Thse wanscetetietsh of slothtoin on the tnoil'ndlnay evhatorn, ear did it need so y g folr, skids from lbsen·rith ci lbs season, it was noveald with aluotofatllIgcwth leftg~

sbeaggy hair, whioh irally eveloped 1I from owso to foss, so much so, indeed, that the seating would base bh m seefortable to on ordinary pr sn. The eyes had the glare and gltar of willd bes, while the long, egglisg hair whibh xtesdedaway from she low eebead and rown dangled beleow e wales, diea playlg the same exuberanse of growth as wa shown over she rsto fibe body. One of bhe hands a henging by his side, while the other grasped the staff, seen plainly Ila the r decton of the irelight. Unusoeploloos that he wee observed, he wee fixedly watehinog the man and youth as if he was as much purosled to read them eas they were to understand him. Fearful of driving him away, Tom and Mr. Goodki refrained from moving their heads, while they esraotdulsed him closely. SWhat do you make' of it' asked the elpr, In a guarded undertone. 'I Siv it up; IS gets me; be beats the Bend Hairy Family of Burmab.' I be, levehe ia man.' If we were in equatorial Afrie, I wpild say it was a goite, onnaUntly - human in his appeareace, bu it sten't be' - "I wneld feel as thouab I were nom mitting murder to ahoot hblm, he looks so muckh liks a brother.' ' I moan to capture him.' " How under the sun do you expect to do that. You can't geot within fifty feet of him, and he may turn and sonfiseate youe.' I'll take the thanoee,' responded pluchy Tom, compressing his lips; *I don's think he will fight unons driven n asorner, and any reaoture will show bhi teeth then.' "' But bow are you golnd to manage 14.?' S'meaen toetetal up andioble him.' . Mr. od iae coouldoeadly reposes s ex eTeiamtion theesew to his lip, bt, illthe s eainse, he sw a poslblilty ofeneces on I the prt of the daring youth, who seemed eafreld of nothing.. .X17 {rs j ' rGo absed,' he dded, In the same low votee, 'and Ill hold myself ready to give you any help you may neessd.' STom walked a few paces, and pclaked op t the coil of rope whioh Jed had brought from I Lucknow, takiog eare not to oarn his head I towa d the stranger while thus engaged, Mr. Godkin refrained from moving at e all. SThe nondserilpt showed its timidity by darting baok into the darkness the instant I the Ild stirred ; but, watching him from the t gloom, it became satisfed that no demon. r stration was meantagainst him, and returned a to bi plarce beside the trounk of the tree, t ready, howesver, to dart off the moment danger threatened. I It took Tom only a minui 'to Hz a running noose in she end of the strong rope, r when he had as good a lasso uas he could ,desire; _,.r He had practied so much whbs with my a how, that he was an adept at throwing a I noose over the head of an animal when cn the cun, though ha was without any expert Sene n laassooning the kind of game he was Snw hunooting fort. I 1 Holding the rope in one bhnd and ble rfe in the other. Tom straightened up with the I remark: 'I'm off I' SThe next minuate he vanished. r Of course he walked to a direction xaotl) opposite that leading to the creaturs. SPossibly the latter might have detected I eoniething omnlous to the movement, bad eitier of the white persons acted as though he had noticed him before, but there wae, nothbing it their conduct to Indicate they were aware of his presence, and, conec guetjily, there was nothing to the cotion of Tom Bradford to canoe alarm, :. MeauwhtIe, the latter was pitlkng hit way through tbe jogle justO as Geroaimo or Mangue would have done while trying to steal upon and brain some innocent ranobh man. His plan was to make a long ciroult, soas to approach the anknownfromthe rear, and, sping up lnigh enoughb, ing the lasno over This was a plas of daring amounting to rashneas, hat the lad did not hesitate, Tom's fear was that his intended captive would grow. tired of acting the part of upotator, or become suspicious and die. appoar. befor he could get a chance' at him. He had given utterance to nocry-that peouliarity which struck. Jed so forcibly and this looked as though he was avoidiong observatio. The long half.circle was completed at last, and Tom foot. bhimeli directly behind the Iunknown, whose strange figure was thrown In 1tcong relief against the background of flare. fiý" e Loohing at the camp, he could see Mr. Godkla icstl standing in his former pusltion, bhi eyes no doubt fixed opoathe nondescrips, with whichbb he weas exanly in line. The latter did not appear to have stirred He remained beside the tree, with his long staff in had, while his form was erecot as Sthat of Tom himself. roe position of the two, of course, shot ont ,alt view of the faee of the stranger, but bin ,figure, i anythiug, ons rendered more enriking than before, the sbaggy outlines Iappearing to he stamped in ink against the crimenr. backgrounod of dame. But nots a moments was to hbe loot; there I was no esaying when the creature would whihsk Sout of signs. As noiseleasly as a shadow, Tom radford stole forward unill he reached a point less Sthan twenty feet behind his intended victim, w ho remained an immovable as a statue. Ihe oritical moment had arrived, and. I softly lainug his gun an the ground at his feet Tom eiraightened up, made sure the noose ran freely and the coit was ready, auo began swinging tis about hs hseed, as the pro feasional lasso-thrower does, In order to gain ithe necessary impensn SPatn as was the whirling scund made by t the revolving coile, it struck the ear of theb nondeseoript, who started, not knowiog what SIe meant. Hes was able to loosate it, however, behind I him, and turned ble head just as tShe noose Swhiszed through the air. Tom was so far hack in the gloom that the creature eonuid onot see him, and he, thberefore, I was without any eospietn oft.the nature of F the danger that threatened him. The lasso, thrown with superb skill t dropped squately about the shoulders of the lcreature and, enveloping his throat, was jsrhed tant with the quickness of light nlng. CmAornv XXV.-' Iv Moo, sa Doe I, I're gou him I yre got him I Come and he p me I' cailed Tom, who wes in doubt whstherbls captive would nosn have him' the next iaiuate. But the prisoner we 'Ia the quandary of not haowing the nature of the 'dener that overwhelm. d him. He tumbled backward, ne 11 etricken by a thbndrrbol, and began souting at the rope, which threatened se atrangler im. The nerves of Mr. 00Gki were at the highest Inasirn, for he war waiting for the atil which raecbed bins with seth startling enddEroenS, Be saw the ncndeerolpt fall at the rame instant that the exclted wooda o1 Tom, his yenrg friend, rang oBt in the atillnet of the nigho. Con Bdent that theesplive would tern spon bhi perseector nad rend him, Mr. Godtln lost eon an instant In rnablng to bls relif. He threw down his uoo, so as to Crave Sir hsnde free, sad nltering aeveral situ'a to awaken the aerstets, whose help wae lihtly to be reoded, be bonnded acies the linter veolag spare, reathed the prostrate and etreggliog noboown a be was in the vera act ni rlelg. Witheot a second's besltatiog, Mr. God kin fng bhimself spen him, and, brerieg him bhekwtrd,plced bimislf estulde of his breses, so0 ato hold him powerlesa. The poor stranger was almost aircegled. and wes curobing with bolb hands as the rope aroord bin rck. Bin sanegoniest, n he may be called, lost no time oiloosoing I the pressore, end shen said : Keep still ard you won't be harmed. Bot etop strrgglirg or I wi1lillll yrts z'. I P The thrrat ass meant to Cerrify him, bot I Itherdly soceseded, for be began weithing end Bfhtloe like a weeonis tiger. It wa I fortua~te has Mr. Godhin was not only a powerfol man ard a saifal wrestler, but that a be bed the oretlore at such disadvantage,

for otherwse it would have been doobtful whether he mold have matred him. sdlehenoadeeeIptlmned upos Temthe Wiee, if iestsd, mint have snosemhed very speedily. SCan I help yes'ar asked the lad, renniag up to the couple, while the foot natives. awakened by the shrp sy of their master, docked around to give what aid they could 'No. I can bold him, but he'e a ough eastomear.' Thbetreesletanoe contlnued uatil the sap live was utterly exhausted. Then sume. thing like despailr seemed to take poseslsion of him, and he suddenly eollapsed, as if awaitinog the fatal slow the be expected would be delivered the netl minute. But of course no harm was cfferd him. By direction of Mr. Godkfl, the natives rat ged themselves around the captive, their employer. inastruoting them to be on bthe watch for the ural attempt at escape. Then he allowed his prisoner to rise so hlteelt. When the gentlesman removed himself from the pening sheet, the creatore lay aIll and glared at the party as though he did not understand what it meant. Mr. Godkie took him by the arm end he bounded to his feet For one moment he seeied about to make a break, but the natives looked so feres and thretaloing in the glow of the lrellght, that he remained mute and mottoolee. The next proceeding was to bind his arms behind him, though it was dose with suooh care as to inflict no pain. Then the rope was looped to his right arm, the other ard of whichb was held by Jack, im, and Jo, who, knowilg that the eaptive could not use hbls hands, while they retained their pears aell themselves masters of the alstution. - The prisoner was new led forward to the amp fire, hbls conquest being so complete that he was as sabmissive as a lamb, even thbouh he may have believed they were about to Bing him dute the flames. Under the bright illumination he was serntinied with breathlesse corisity, I have deoribed'the hair which enveloped him from head to foot. ias features wete now discovered td bear a steartllne resem blance to those of a human being. The hair on hisb faea was more abundant than on the conutenances of the Saored Family of Burmheb, growing op to the eyelids, mad entirely coverlng the nose, whlob was large and well shaped. The mouth, an sees through the hirslu exuberaeoe, was pro. dlgtously broad, and the gleamiog yellow teeth appeased to be all eanine. They mast have formed tsrrlbli weapons in a salone fight, and 1i was locky for Mr. Oodkin that the human monster got no chance to use them opon him. The hands and feet were huge, and were slseo covered with the esame thlok, coarse dark hair to the nails, whlob were several inches in length, and worn sharp byabra. dlon. ERb9 g? In the hope that he might understand srmethicq in the form of words, Mr. Godhin addressed him in English, German. and French, whileJoe tried Hindustani, bust there was no sign that he comprehended a syllable epoken. nor would be give ex. preetIon to any vocal sound, except a certain ehookllog gurgle, followed by an exaclamation that resembled * How.ki I how-ki I' This peculiar. gottural expreselsion was comparabhe to the thunderous growl of an angry lion. Altogether he was aenastoundlng curiosity beyond question. SHe must be sent to Laucknow without delay. I don's know what my friend, Mr. Jarvis, will think, buhot be will take good care of him until we can ship him to Mr. Barncm,' It wase an interesting but todious tark to keep guard over the captive till daylight; but is was dons, he esittinog down on the ground, and aakiog,no efore to escape. At the first streaking of day, the four natives started for. Lucnaow in charge of their prize, leaving Mr. Godkin and Tom behind. I may add that they reached the city in safely, the' captive walkig sub. mlisively the entire distance, and standing the journey far better than his oaptors. Our friends had good geaus to felloitats Ibthemselves on the eseaea that had attended their efforts. Less than a week had peased, sioe the reception of my cablegram, and they had already obtained two tiger kitteno, Iwo long nosed monakey, end a most extraordinary nondecript, far surpassiog the famous * What is it' which I exhhbited at my old moseum more than twenty years ago. 'But we have only made a beginning' res marked Mr. Godkin, as he and Tom, having finished their morning meal, set out tore new their search In the lagds for more; Mr. Barnum will not be content until the four quarters of she globe have been scoured for ouricsrtties 'Well, there Is a good stook left in India yet,' replied Pom, * and I am axiouns to asptureall that I pcossible.' ' If our nuose contoinues at this rate, we shall soon he able to make a ahiment to Barnam and Bailey which will make their Ieyee sparkle.' 'We can hardly expect that; but I am ooefdent we shall eeaure a good many more, tIouah we must run mucnh personal rik,' 'Do you regret that?' slyly asked the alder. SNo,' laughed Tom I ' It gives a nest to the sport. There wouldn't be half as moah f tn i'it warn': for the danger-what do you I make of that, Mr. Godhin? They had reaohed a soft, swampy part of the jungle, where the feet sank deep to the moist earth, and Tom, who wos always on the watch for new discoveries, observed a a pecaliar trail leading away from them. It would not have been notlase.b.e in the r d neer, dry portion of the jungle; but the Sfoo pints were marked so distinctly, that Sno effort was necessary to see them even to a distance of several ya. dr, F Both stopped and crutintnied the spooDr, whiclh was a singular one. In some places is retmed to have been made by a single animal, waddlinog forward, I while in other spots, there were the unmire takable Irpressions of five feet,and Tom was almost sure six separate mark, were visible, althounb two were quite faint. ' That get me I' exlalmed Mr. Godkln; the footprints might have been made by a very large minkey, providel he was travelling on all fours,. and had two extra legs' 'The trail seems ce fresh that the a simal, whatever bet , can' be far fi; Irk'e hurry up and we may strike cuother eariolity, though it Is almost tOomoob to expect it.' *It is hard to tell how leag stac the animml pasead Ibis way; but I thlk-k Great Caesr ! That wblch arrested their gane was no more than a denen rode distant, and was oste-ly surveylng them wilh an Indolelt interest that preventbd the friendas feeling saything like fear. Let me desorlbe the brate, whclh seemed to have bhen walking slsgishly through the jungle, when he heard the sound of voloee, iad darted back on bhi own trail to Isaro what it meant, He was a sloth beer, a epecies fund in Nepuln. Benares, end the sosthrrn Mahraeta eonutry. se is aboet the aer of she ordinary brown bear, with an elongated muasle, wbioh, like the ends of his feet, Ic whitlic or yellowlsh, 1b. forehead rises abruptly froin the mecele, and on tbe ender side of the reok a fi breset i. a white cross mark. Wich these eceeptions, the fur is deep blark, with -o ocasional brown spot, and is quite long, espeelally roend she breast in old animals. While the sloth bear Isa onri.etty of itself, the ore on whiob oar friends wee loklreg wee a wondeofully strilhrg ena beeaese ol as amasing malformation. He hbd lwu distinct heads and si feet, Iwo of ihrm elightly shorter than the other., wbh secoonced for the nppearnrae of the irate thae he left In the swampy part of the jungle, No diferenee was ootiseable ln the heeds, as fars viewed by our friesds, they belineg beslde each other, and seemingly of eqeal importance i the owner. *By gracious,' wbhlpered Tom, 'it wlli never co to go beck to Amerlia without him.' 'I egree with yen a bet how are we goisg to capture him i' SI den't know; but itmust be dons, no matter whta reak we have to run I' (ge as ouesocan I



Chapter XXVI.

THE YOUNG FOLKS. MY PL-UOKY BOY. TOM; oR, BIEAOHING FOR cURIOTIeJ IN -INDIA FOR MYY SOW. Br P. T. Banco. CHArrs XXVL?.& D6ar. Soocare. * Theie's a i'rhds worth having I' ex claimol Tom Bradfoerd, afler be and Mr Oodkin had watebed for a mints or two the doble.headed bear that was equally Intent on watehing them. The lad repeated his deelartion that he must be captured as all iasards. * There's a double obeooss of making him a prieoner, or of losing himf I don'ts know whiebit ie.' '1 think I can lasso one of the heads.' added Tom, * but I don't know about getllng a loop over both.' 'If you un mmak eeptive of one, I thick theother wall follow solt; whleh head will yThe ld bad the lao in band, and lost no time in potting it in shepe for ee. He leaned hli gUn ageinlt a tree, saying to his friend : ' Keep his attention engaged if you can, whle I steal around to the re a' SHe'l be more likely to keep our attention engaged,' was the remark of the elder. * for I don't think he's the erost docile retators in the world.' . On u- i Indeed, the strange-looking animal at this moment gave sign of ' bellioose temper. Each of the two jaws opened in a way to display his formidable months, and from meah esIued a threatening gowhl that sbwed be did not like the appearance of the two belege that bad halted in front'of him, ' Not only that, but the beaet now begsn waddling towpd, the man,. who, steod his graend in der ' to give Tom the betier opportunity of getting in his rear. It would have been an easy matter for thie gentleman to lay the brute, but of corse he would not do thaet until driven to the las extremity, and compelled to do it in eilfdefenwr. When the bear had approaeched within a few pines, Mr. Godkin therefore began fatllingttowly bahk, and to 'tod order,' keeping his fees toward the animal, and in dulging in some threatening gestures in the hope of making him stop. S'Hurry up I' called Mr. odkln to the youth, 'orl shalt have to climb a tree.' 'Theree' no law against your elimbing a tree,' called back Tom, who made slower pro. greUs than he desired, beanee the usder growth through whiob he was forcinlg hie way was unusually dense and tangled. Mr. Oodkin was In the si:ustien of the famous Captain John Smith, of Virginis, who had towesob his feet while keeping hi. eye on the ohbergig foe, for Wore than once he narrowly escaped tumbling over bask ward. This ourioue advance and retreat lasted oeveral minutes, when the double headed brain appeared to kbeome impatient, and in' steud of continuing his advercs at a slow walk, ba suddenly broke inloto a gallop, wbloh with his aix Ilot mingling together, looked so very strange that Mr. Godktn broke into laughter, despite hit personal peril. at that moment, he was qouit alose to the trunk of a large tree, the limbs of whioh, however, were far beyond his reach. 'I suppose a double.leaded bear eao olimb twloo as well as one built according to Hoyle, so I'won's shin up this particular trunk-what the misletbi Is the matter, Tom! Are.you having a little fan at my expeuse?' The faet was the strange looking oreature was so alore that Mr. O(odhin found it necessary to move very lively to keep out of reoch of the exotuple claws. He darted behind the 'tree, Intendlio to keep the traun between him and the beast, for he thought he could play hide and seek as well as the hear himself. The sight of the man trying to escape added to she fury of the animal, who was growling eavrgely, and began going arouod the tree at an exceedingly lively rate. Mr. Godkin aotually felt several of the elaws strike his garments more lscan once, and the situation was growing decidedly too war m for comfort. All at ones he heard' sharp, cutting whizz, followed by a spiteful growling and searliog, that left no doubt of what had taken place. The man was diving around the tree so fst that, before he could cahck himself, he almeat stumbled over the bear, that had been lassoed by Tom, and was lying on hie ask, rolling, searling, and struggling with fury. The lal had thrown the coil with atron lehing eoouracy. just es Mr. Godhki was be; ginning to think he h.d played circus long enough for the amuaement of his young tomeanion. The loop had settled over one of the heads of the animal and was drawn so taut that, as the lad thought, it hali-strangled him, for it looked as though in case his supply of air should be ahut off by that route, that thb other most remain open to him. Now it would hae scoompllished very little had Tom Bradford simply held fast to the other end of the rope a ter la?aotng the brate, for the latter would have made it very warm for him ; hut while etealing to the rear of the bear, the plucky led had perfected hli, plan. . hse ILn:tnt th !oop :ottlerd !a lce,. Tom coiled and tied the other cul aroerd the nearest sapling, makinog it felt in a rwinkling. . Then, stationig himself far enough away to be beyond reach of the beast's fury, he oalled out : SWalt till we get him tamed, Mr. Oodkin, before you go to turning somersaulti with him; he might noratebhyo.' It would serve you right if he gave you a few scratobas,' retorted hie good-nastued friend, gathering himselfi :together,. and horryir.g over to his tide.- 'I noticed you look your own time before slinging that I didn't sere any eed of hurrying, and I thought you had been sleepiog so much of late, that it would do you good to have a litlle exercise. ' I'll bear that in mind,' replied the gentle. man, slgnlfiantly, 'when I find you In a iltuation where you want business horried.' Meanwhile, it was by no means certain thaet the double beaded beoar we secure beyond eaope. He had got upon his six rest, and was clawlog, soratohiog, biting, sod togging at the rope so viroronsly that Tom expresed hble fear that it would break. Niver,' said bl eompenlon, deeidedly hat rope is made of a speaoles of hemp thea growe l Ibtbis country, and Is almolt as strong as steel wire. It would tke some evere tuopgging by elepbhant binielf to break it; Ohe tear in feet, unless he pulls up thatb tree by its root,.' ' When he does that, I'll be wiling to let hYo?~ know that the bear is astupld animal, ano the performarese of thisl psrtioler one showed that, although he porsessed double the amount of braine generally aocorded to ble specles, he didne know any more on that eeooont. Struggling to his 'feet, he began galloping aroned the tree to whioh the other end of the lae was fasItened. SHe knows where he is to go,' laughed Tom ' and he is prasltog In the ring.' * He'e a enoose, most sertaloly.' added Mr. Godklin, ' ven though he il a irst-olase fool.' . As the betr oireled around the sepling, the rope slowly wound up, and brougha him nearer and nearer to it-a piece of inseon eunience beyond the oomprehenlion of the brote . The Inevitable nvtb sequence followed ; the bear was ' wound up' before he knew it. ' And he lan't smrt enough to unwmid himself,' remarked Tom, with a hearly ltagh ; we've got him fool, as sure ae you're The hear was aptored bsyond qusltion, hbut the problem of lrongponlltg him to Leok now remained"-rhls being the more diffiool, eine the natives would not be bhack for some tints to onme, Our frierd deelded on en origntal oonure ,Ii prr edurse. They would keep the beast a elose prisoner for the relt'of the day and night.

By the following mornlsg he would be thinry, mad probably pretty well The thbey would ed him, briung him ware in cape oomatrno:ed of some of the ?i leavens, and try to win hil heart (oi ppeilhly bhie hera)... .he. plan wa carried out with greater esee than they darid hope. It eemmed oreel, but the. eaptive we kept bond to the tree, held there as losenly an it was possible for him to be. 'Several time he galloped a olrele or two i the oppoelte direetlon, so that be seemed hboat to unwind himell, hbut his brain were not equal to the talk, sad, before he bad gone ball far enough, be reversed and wound himself up as tightly as before. The next morning he was utterly worn oat. The sloth bear of India is of a melascholy disposition, and, when the snn rose once more, the double-beaded one wan in a sae 'of collnpm, hblh awakeneld the pity of bhi oaptors. Now was the time to play the god Samaritan. While Mr. Oodhin want off to shoot a small antelope, of whboh he had caught eight, Tom brought water in leasnlouslylfeomed vessel* of lures, and olered It to the prisoer. He was timid at iret, but dually he dreak greedily, and ate ravenaouly, showing, a he did ;, a woedroefol impartiality in the use of hile two louthe ; for, while he lapoed the moisetre with one tongue, he employed e?o jaws holding the other to matisate the dellocue food offered him. cuAPTrsR XXVII.-A Tnalatra Vzs?lTOm The nest eoeretl the story Ihaee set ant to tell you, te In another part of India, that intereestlg o?,ntry whooe population il dfe times ase great sE'gllad'. - Tom Bradford remained. in the native hut at thbweyaid where be had loraed to-feel ca home, while iMr. Gobin and the four servante took the cptured bear, with ie double head and msi legs, to Luoknow. My agent felt that roch a prinse required extra preeantion; he owas not content, Ihere. fore, until he saw it safely delivered and saied it the reelodene of bhl friend, Mr. Jereis, who areured him he wonld take the best,posesible care of that and all pecimena he might send him, until the time came to bhip shem to this country. Mr. Godkin wea ao well known In India me my reprsnntalive that, like myself in the United States, be wee in rcontsol receipt of conmenleations from people in diferent puere of the country, who had learned of eurioeitice that they believed were dedred by ne. On remohing Lucknow, Mr, Jarvie handed him evreral letters, o.e of which was from an acquaintanoe in the Pujeaob, another from the Tnnurr, or Great Indian Desert, while a .third we from Nisim, in the southern part of Bengal. 1 It is a striking commentary on the world. wide interet felt in my' show, " that in all those soctions the news of the great fire at Bridgeport became known within a brief time after the oclamity. Of course, she letters to whhle I refer were writtee long b-fore that eo?slagration, for it took the minervee a Iong time to travel hiom the widely. eparated portlons of India to Lucknow, but before bdr. Godkln read them, the walters had learn-d of thedestrue. tion of my animale in their winter quarters. After carefully cnolnderlng the contente of the important misolves, my agent drelded to leave the four natlves behid, 'with initruetlone to do what they could in' the way of huotilg up ooriosites on their own saoeonl, while he and Tom sltarted for Southern India in quest of come priase whloh one of his correspondents aerused him were awaiting him in that section. The ponles of our frienle were allowed to remain end receive the ret which they were sure to apprecite, while our two friends, takiog the railway at Luoknow, rode to Cawnpore, thence to Allahabad on the G angoe, thence south-west inlothe mountain. one meetion of the Vlnohya Mountains, changlng cars at Bhoewul Junction, and coming directly east to Naipoor. Here they hired horses and rode southward until they reahbed another moantainons section, whleh was their deltination. They were now in one of the wildest portions of the Bengal presidenoy, and in the lower lection of the great Deccan. It wea from this portion of the country that a letter bad been sent to Mr. Godkin, informing him that several magnificent Aelatio lions were roalnog through the region, euenlog as much terror among the inohbitante of the sparsely-settled asction as the presence of a man.esting tiger would have done. On reachiog a small native village, directly weast of the town of Goloonda (which is not many miles from Hyderabad), ouoc friends were fortunate enough to find the author of the letter, a bright, well-edooated native known as Athoor. He and Mr. Gokin bhad been on several huntiog expeditions together before the arrival of Tom Bradford in Indle, and were, therefore, old friends. Athoor said with a smile on his handsome, darky face that he expeoted his friend, and be: shook the you h warmly by the hand, feeling great respeat for him, beeause of his exploits, whfoh you may be sure loest none of their oteresCt from being related by Mr. Godkin. Atheor had engaged 'two experienced evtLve hannore, to whom, for the rea aof convenlence to Mr. Godkin and hie youthful eompsnion, he gave the names of Zip and Zogg respectively. In appearance and dress they resemblad the cervante, Jim, Jo, Jack, and Jed ; but th y were somewbhat taler, and seemed more activea o d moronulr. Instead ofl eing armed with spears, each carried a gan and rode a borse, an extra one being taken along for the transport of luggage and some paraphernalis that wae likely to be needful on the bhunt. There was one article in the posseseion of Alboor of much ingenuity and importance that I mllt tell you about it. It weas what might be called a ' lion masle,'.sandrather lingularly, was made at Bridgeport by a native Yankee, who pre. sented it to me, and which I sent to one of my agents at Port Natal, in South Africa. He wrote me that be had used it with uerrocisin the capture of two lions, and that be gave it to the bravest and most scilfol hunter in hin party, a sative Eat Indlilan. This man wee Athoor, who took the musale with him to Madras, and carried It Into the interior. It wai e o arra?gement of itroegl steal wire, large enough to enoloseN the head of a full-grown lion. In it* wee placed the bhil, oelonlltng of several eounde of meat, The jaws:of thea munle, aU' tbey may be called, were wide I apart, ao ms hardly to soggeeu the powerful ipingl, delloately poised and cnutaling the A alight disturbance of the latter would clsue the two jawl of thl mozale to oome togetbher like a flashb, ehulltting in the hand of te baast a seesorely asl you ever saw a ilty podll'e month eneced during dog days. Athoor, belog a veteran hunter who bad recelved wounds in the Dark Continent ua well eas in Asia, bhd provided the expedition uith every convenolene, or ratharnecealcty, whioh it eeemed likely to require while on i' c perilotoe eterprise * We are not far from the king lion of all,' said be, in hie excellent Engliob, when the party kindled their fire on the seooned night. at the bate of a maeI of wooded hills, in which sevrril of the forelt monerohe had been known to be roaming for weekll pat. * And we are likely to heve avitsl from some of them before morning,' remarked Mr. Godkil, lookling arond in the glor m, Sfor the peseanne of a' party Ilikl thl i lure to sttraet thele notice.' * I tbhink you are right; we set keep a bright lookout.' * I mm afraid of loelnag our borees emild Tom, * onece we take exsra rare.' SThe clnal proeautlone were adopied, A bright, blaing flre wea kindled, enouogh fulel belog gathered to keep it burning vigorouely until morning.' .Ths the A ee animelc were pilketed to a atake drifav'into tbohe groend, oloee tothe blael, and a second fire wee etarted jaut beyond them,. STblewae done bhcaeer the vaseran Atboor deislared that thl cigna he poltled oet letl no doubtthat the lions had 'been on' that

·nr agat within a tfe bee pint, iad t wa. eerbl that- roe. at lemss of the terrible aedla wee near them. bho mueaeemn.m wms Oat Atheor Tm about o at ngariaddartd tihe bfi of the alght while Mr. GOokln.and Zag: weala look aflea imatters tm the ltrn ??'B daylighk AI a ite hboar my-ep l knocked aI. from ie pipe,. and turnings oe aide, joined bhe two matives who had booes a mong time in dreamlmad. Atboor and Tcm. being left to 1he nt?ee, talked a oong time in low ltnue, w . they Ware on the abrt for their a " visitor, whichab the native smred him wa-' likely to putl in an appearan t' at e mlomsnl.. Tom found reat plenme in'lleatenlingo the wored of his new Mied, who a.e: ineyell a o at deal for amn BHest ]nll sad whose mmory eemel to emeep L thi lat be ever msw or heNr 1. . 'Now,' soil he, ea they as clos togher' on the ground, * yea kow how liable we .ee to faWdeel.p, if we try to stend gau . without beeping in eonstant motion. Ol . laety, however. lie in he frat that we , net lokely to eomacnmb ai bi zame momeie If I ebserve you becomlng drows,y? I , sie yoe a poke In the albe, and yeou . d? L ame, if necesmary, wil m- ' -., *Se r' inerrpted Tom, 'I. believe I m a the non thie iettant.' * Jaes beyond the seond dre; I euagnIt ihe glitte of a pare of eye that were gie . the naz teeond '. -.' * The hoses are aneuey- pretty,,.ei Segi hat some wild aimal sIa pow 0seet. It may not bothe lionatfer ? . A if osehow how the' meet .a?z lei , benae may be mistakee, a horriblo ee ý ., reamo look pleae, before the werds 'l.'" b?dly lefl the month of Athoor.'" ".' .': It wa the lion. eym t that bed tiilott . boat of Tom a minnie fore. In a ee wilb the stealthy aoture of the he moved tkntly aroand to .nDoher pari of the gloomy wood, where he oacnahed,.jeek faru nough away to moepe bealE Sen bys:e t' two .atnele ot. the watch for him. All at once the huge b-dy rose In the a' at I? floan opwpcd by a. glgantio aperbp board, and came caling over into thee. light, strkinlg he;ground an lightly a a. fle Iladed willin three pases of whic.' -, the two nativre lay ulep, and indeed b made his leap fcr the ppurpoe of re?ebel: them, Atohor and Tom Bradford read hIn t ?t and epeang to their feet like a dash, hbg before theyoaold ikerfere in the eliaght ': the trrlble bebt seized the uneonel'diJ Znog, jul so a oat catehee a' moaiMe,ao without inreirg about, made alierrflo booe. that carried him towari the opposit.e ? L? i' She camp, loate to where the wall of gloes . shot in the iltnmination from the two fes. Tom Bradford end Athoor fired their goes a thbe -same Instant, and both streUk Ith Iion. Then throwing down his weapon, o!h native aatebed a bheig breand from"l th ire, and at the imminent peri of hij own UIi?' ran up ina frot of the beuas, awIglOi.,t?e. ;torobh. boltrle sadgeasolenlatl in ath ehppý of frightening him into relueaingh ril vii. (ro am consauanD.)



Chapter XXX HUNTING THE HUNTERS

THE YT@N@ MFOLKL MY PLUOKY BOY TE9; R., SUAROINMG OR OUIMOScrEl If INDIA OR MI UHOW. Bs P. T. Baarme. Carema XXX.-hews to xua He Nua 'l've heard of the Frenchmse whoe thought is very finla sport to hang the tiger, but who said it was not sobh tine sport to have the tiger hbeat him,' remarked the amaseed Tom Bradfed, * and it strike me we are in about the same fix; for, while we have been aflter wild animals e long, they have taken it fate their Ikads to ge aller us.' The situation was indeed seous ; for the panthers were as frce asa so many tigers, seemingly resolved to get at the darintg in vaders of their haunts, and to tear them to pieOes. The shot wahek the lad aet among them found Its mark, as we have shown, bet it seemed rather to add to their feresely. Immediately followeng the wild yawp of the wounded beastd was a series of ooree-she, howls, and growling of so frightful a ntore that Tom, sheutiag 0 sas to make himself heard, asked what it meant. 'They are maddened at the small or blood,' replied Atboor; 'they have fallen upon their wounded oompanion, sad are reading him to shaede.' 'It bey will enutinue that sort of thing,' Galled Mr Oodkle. the problem is solved; we will keep them busy. Let ne the into them as fast as we can load and discharge Thi? oought to have been the solution of the peril of the friends, but antertonately it was not. Pushlng the door adde, so as to allow them to thrust out the monelb of their gave, all foer-Athene, Zip, Tom, and Mr. Godki- let Dy lato the raveuing swarm. They ought not to have missed Ifa siagle insteace, hat they must have doseme despite the mob that wase fighting around the entrance. ThI ebrIeking, howling. and emnlling be eame fearful, but still did net divert the whrle peek from their derperate attlempt to get at the heate.rs Help shot the door or they will be on as I' breleked Athoor, tugging savagely at the eumbrous strootore, against whieh many of the panthers appeared to have flung them. elves,. The wild appeal of the aative was instantly obeyed by his companile., all of whom dropped their weapons and applied their nunited strength to the heavy struetare, for, unless it wees quiekly shoved bahk in plase, she furious beasts would poor through the etrane Itke a mountaino borrent, and ovre whelm the defendere. The door was in plate, exceptieg one earner, which resltaed the fierest efforts of the defenders. Posh as they might, they eeold not get It in no?tion. A rasplue howling told the rese. One of the ranthers, In his frantie essere?es, had throsthis head so far within 'he bht that he was naught around the nook, sad could not withd-aw it, though he strove with might and main. All he oould do was to claw and serateh and howl, and he did that with a 'thorough. nuHs that could not be improved. 'I'll settle your hash,' mattered Mr Godkin, who, having just diseharged his rifle. clubbed It and brought the butt down with a force that smashed the skull as though It were an eggshell. Then, in obedience to a sugge'tlon from Athoor, the door was opened a little wider, and, easthlng the beast by hie shattered head, he was snapped inside in a twinkling. Like a flash the door was banged into place, and secured by the heavy props. Once more the hat wan shot against its intruders, and our friends for a minute or two breathed freer. The interposition of the thiek walls of the fort between them and their ravening foes partly shut out the deafening din, so they were able to make themselves heard without shouting at the very top of their vetoes. 'It won't do to pen that door again,' said Mr. Goikin, striking a wax match, and hold Ing it above his head so aM to gain a partial sight of the interior. ' You sneak truth,' replied Atbhoor, 'for it was only by a hair's breadth that they were shot out from reaohing us a few minutes ego.' '?Then we have got to stand a siege,' eaid Tom Bradford, in disfmay, ' for there ar no port.holes through which we can fire upon the panthers.' 'I don't think the aloge will last long,' was the significant reply of Athoor. 'Why not' Mr. G(odkin bad lit another matoh, and. by way of reply, the native pointed to the sides and retoof of the building. No need of that, for the terrlfi-d inmates saw them trembling under the furiou* aesault. Nothing onuld be plainer than that they must speedily suenocumb before the cyclone of brute fernoity. Mr. olkin continued lighting match after mateh, ., that the interior was illnml nated sunffioently for all to note the effeote of this strange and resistless aesault of wild animals. ' The rooft will give way first.' said Ath.or. as calmly as If he were desoriblg some incident that had taken plaso a han'red miles away, ' for that is the weakest part of the hut.' S'And the panthere have found it out.' added Mr. Godkin, holding the lieht so high that it almos' touched the roof, whioh wae shakin?p so that there conld be no doubt that the panthers were on top. and nein. :teir strength and activity for all they were worth. The defenAers hastily re.loaded their unsc. Tom doing that service for his friend, en that be might oentinue to keep the matches golee. 'When they make their rush, we shall have th give them a volley,' said Tom, 'and thet olub our Rons and umn our knlves.' 'Little good can they do us, for the horl. Inc of the panthers is hrTnatng others to the soet, asd there will oon be so many that it would-take a regiment to beat them rB.' ' Let's set fire to the place.' sunet?ted Tom, folly rea'sing the appalling perul by which they were enrioneld. 'I'd rather be destroyed by wt4 beMast. than bon'ed to death,' replied Me Gndkin. :I didn'tmean that.'Tom hastened to say; 'hot the flames will drive them back, and. hefore they rally, we can dash out and take to the trees' Both Athoor and Mr. G ,dkLa ompresed their lips and abook their heads. The remedy was almnestimpos'ihls. But, after all. there might be one ohance in a thoeusand. nd that, slight as It was. wa geme hope ..... . . . Saddenly all-oaueht the sound of uah furious ensrli' overhead that every eye was hared opward. The panther' had suaoeeded in displaolong Sper'ion of the rnof, and the hideous fr(ant of one of the fereolnoo beasts was thrust so 'ar throunh that his red tongue white, enrlivorous teeth, end flamingeye.hballs were visihle For an Instant hih head wa still, and then Its qulak, vhbrstory motion showed that he wa. using his sharp alaws with sorh vi?oor that it agitated his whole body. A blinding fleash and deafening report filled the room for an instant, and with ademnanie seawp the head vanished, an if a bomb shell had exploded beneath it. 'The enhsrqnenot proeedlngs will Interest tnu no 'sore,' ooslly remarked Tom, as he peooueded to reload hie uan,. All this time Zip, the native, was arunoh. mIn at the side of the door, so if strivireg to prep tbruosh the crevice at she aide. thnolph no one enosd imagine what be hoped to seoomplish by that means All at once be turned hie swarthy feer round, plowing with the perspir'tlon of lerror, sad paid somlething in an excited ndertone ton Atheor, who, replylgar in the eme languepe-Hindusteal-sprung for' ars sad applied hise face to the same revice, Mr. Ondkin bearn the excsamation of eaoh, hugh he onauld not oatch their meaniRg. But, while they were wonderieg, end look g, and lisltening, something took place so

asoandi that thoy sea ldbardly baelee The terrifio turmcil on the outside osaeed -a eeddaoly as salene follows the bursting of a thunderbelt, Where haba ir was rent by the most trightful uproar a minute before, everything became as still as a summer day. It was as though there war not a living creature withln a hundred leaguse of the hua, again t which the panthers bad thrown Ibaemelvee with a irrepressible madname that would not be denied. Meaowhila. Athoor end Zip, peering through the slight opening at the side of the door, saw someting whichlo was as startlie an the abrupt etilluess, following so olosely on the heels of the maddening uproar. Just beyond the seething bodies that swarmed on all aidee of the hut, lights were men moving to and fro. There seemed to be hundreds of them, and the fantastic manner in which they were airoled and waved about lets no doubt they were grasped by human beings. But who could they be that arrived in this strange manner, and at sight of which the panthers showed each terror ? That they were men was proved the nut minute by the sound of a m'range, weird ohban that swelled out on the night air. It was one of those wild.savage soege that no one uos hear withbout feeling hie blood tinage from head to foot. It canano be believed that the walling monotone prodaoed any deterrent effect on the raveaons panthers, but the faring terebes did, feor they were in the bhands of persons who understood the nature of wild animals Had the strangers paused or besitated in their advance, the panthers might have reelned their courage; but nothing i. so unoerving as the steady, unvarying apprimoh of an enemy. Pew bodies of mea, however brave, enu calmly await a bayonet charge. Nothing is so terrifying as fre to a wild beast, and at sight of the torohee among the trees the panthers meased their howling, and staredppprehas ely at them. Bteadily advanced the myriad ights, their redetion showing the wild men who held them, and whom huge mouaths were wide open to emit the hideous chant that rolled out. The sight was too much for the panthere, and all at onse they broke and shorried away as if a million terrors were at their heels. ' aved I eaved I' exclaimed the grateful Tom, faint in his excess of joy. 'Don't be too sure of that,' was the elgaoitant re.pomee of Athoor. 'What do you mean V asked the lad. ' We are surrounded by the Waswaras.' OC rrre XXXL--Tai Wora MaL or ran Mou?rrAcxe. ' Who are the Wawaru !' was the natural question of Tom. ' They are the wl d m4 n of the moantislo,' replied Attoor, 'and they are as savage haters of white people and other n.tivee of India as the panthers are haters of us.' SLet nous the make a fght against them; we have plenty of immunidion, and each ia armed; this will nswer for a fore, and we ought to be able to keep them at bay.' For oue minute Atboor seemed to helltate. as though inclined to adop the daring olicy proposed by the pleaky yoangeter. But Zip, who wasee able to read the meanleg of his master, shook his head vigorously, anod sald something in Hindustani with auch cnergy that Athoor felt its force. * It won't do,' he replied, also shaking his head; ' there are too many of thsm. If we should slay any of their somber-and we wooul have to slay a good many to drive them away, for they are brave-they would show os no mercy.' ' But will they do so If we surrenders ' l'ssibly ; we shall soon know.' 'I am ready to make a ight,' said Mr. Godkin; * but in this part of the world it le best to follow the advice of Athoor.' ' Help me then,' added the native, apply ing hie strength to the door. Tom and Zip joined him, while Mr. Godkin continued using hie matches to aid them by the falint illumination. The door was lifted to one side, and then Athoor walked boldly forth, followed by Tom cnd Mr. Godkln, while the timid Zip t',ok care to be the last one,of the strange procession. It was a onderfuol scene. The wild men, as they cad been ailled, numbered at least a hundred, and each held a flring torch of some sort of resinons wood above his head. It not only gave out a great dealof smoke, but produced enough light to show tbhelr form, distinctly. They were tall, sinewy men, almost as black as native Africans, with enormous bouby heir, high cheek bones, large, thin noses, most of which were curved like the beak of a bird, and with exoeedingly mosoular limb,. Their olotohing consslated of a breech oloth, whioh left their legs. arme, and the upper parts of their bodies bare. The huge mans of woolly hair, spreading like an umbrella over each erown, was all the head gear that was needed in lbs' warm climate, sad even that at times mast have been unoomfortably warm. A number of the wild men, who appeared to be leaders of the party, were bracelets of gold around their right arms, and double rowe of brilliantlycoloured beads about their necks. Their feet were shod with ruae sanda's, made of a speoles of tough, yellow grass. these, with the breech oloth, conatliuting their entire wardrobe. Every man o.rried a sharp.polnted javelin. the handle of wood as hard as iron, while the polt was of steel. which they probably had had no difficulty in aeourog. These weapune in the hands of such powerful and skilful throwers mast have been very formidable, though, of oourse, their efeotiveness was not to be compared with that of firearms. It would seem that If she suggestion of Tom Bradford had been followed, the four per, os, sheltered by the hut, ought to hove been able to keep this band at bay; but the advise of Athpor, after all, was the voles of wisdom. These men were reckless in their bravery, and a volley from the defenders, while it might have obheked, could not have stayed them for more than a few minutes. Tone Wanwaras an throw their javelins with ,onderfol aeonroacy for fully s hundred yards Like the Indians of our own country. they 'ill sbeiter themaelves behind bushes and trees when fighting a foe whomse numbers are nearlyor qite equal to their own, and Oey will th ow their wespons with an efeotirvenes that is little distarbed by the fant that tshy expose only a aoinglie arm., and a swift, palttr glimpse of a portion of she head at the moment of hburling the avrlln. "Added o.this ll a fast whleh besame known to our frien~t shor'ly after their sc qlu insanre with the wild men m every one of those needle.liks spears had been dipped in a vegetable deoootion as virolently p isonous as the seoretion of the cobra di capeilo. A slight etuetorefrom one of the weapons mealt certain death, and when they came whlzsaing through the air, thlr swiftnessoand tblnes prevented the eye seeing them qulckly enough to dodge the missile. Audso, after all, the chanese of tht little party making a defenes againsst the Wild Men of the Moauntains was hopeless. Mr. Godkin and Tom were wile in Imittling the policy of Athoor, who knew a grestdesal annut the peculiarities of the strange peoile into whose hands they hbad falls", As the native stalkod out of the eabin, be bowsedlow to the swarm sathered in fr.ot. and so arrang d 'hat the littl, group war completely earrounded. Hissalute look on I melt the nature of the profoond salaam of thecountry and wee instantry Itated by the other three, who sew in the esalutation the oa' jeot of onclastlng their captore The next faotwhlh soetoolhed Tom and Mr OdlklI was the ew dente that Athoor fully understood the languago of theae s'runDs people. for, in aoewer to a gottoral exclomo. tina, uttered by thebo leader, he made a reply in the same odd sounding tongue. The Importance of the brier cenvereation hat followed requirese a trenslation, whlh, f ourse, is very liberal. ' Whenae come you . demanded the tall,

I"e ln swhoa thin Ifae wre 10 Weam. arams the earthward,. wI" At c.a. . dItng by hia oetaitdal lae Wh biness e you to enter honting grounds of the eat King Hon L who owns all tnme Itada P SWe were on our way to pay nue rtape to the mighty keg atof the easts the blt and the repide,' w the unblushing b the natteila t. ' Who ear these o have brought w pyo,' asked the ehleI, torning bie Iromw gaze uope Tom and Mr. Godkhin. * They are Ye?ghese, who have _. mstrs the wide sa to tiet their k Athoor. of Caloutta.' * And why, do you bring them Into iP land of King Hamem without his pel mIseloat ' My klend, replied Athoor. ndiaatingi ulauspielooa Mt. Godkin. ' is the brothr a great king neatto Homma, and the youth the son of that king. They had beadl mighty aomma, even on the othe e aid the big, round world, and they eaked me Y take them to his palace that they might their head. before him; and then, when t go back, Lkey will be able to taf the with the pale face all the wondeful they have seen and beard.' mrom what I bae stated, you will that oar fiend Athuer was drawin exaeedingly long hew. Neemely es modee b require it, and he was equal to the deaL: it was hard to tell from the eaprmeel the face of the chief, and on the eo en of the other wild men who crowded to whether they believed all or a part of wee mid by Atheor; but U the doubted it, he did not heitate to keep the rlaky pat he was playing. ' Why did you stop on the away to HommaP asked theohile . -- -, mc We had walkeda iqd?Iance ; we w hred; we ly down a toe o the maea saoe opna n e n?le we aelenp. We fouglt had and killed a *any, bat lhey would'have devonured not our riends the Walwaies taken pity ? u anad come to o help. Great ie tb* bhief,' aSded Athoor. with another e whie his oompanlens promptly milat Sand we shall always carry his Ilee in hearta.' This deolaratioe of gratt41d lid not asp Sn impree the leade very deeply, and it quite evident that he did not hol (aunks in high eeteam. ManfaleIe, he not well disposed toward Wtse stenugo had penetrated Into the very heart o ounatry which Momma, the ruler of th; me., claimed belonged to him alone, a whieh he jealously guarded against all ea trando. * trinc you have nome to see oar m king, we will show you the righo p etace you might go astry i left to selves.' ' Wow ean we thank the ehiof foir h kindness ' asked Athoor. with another peb. found oboianee. It need not be said that his wordse w hypooritioel-evy one of them ; for rnlsaratlon of the ahlet was the vary which he dreaded to hear. But Athoor was a philoseopher, and 1b made the best of everything. The leader uttered a command to hi. followere, who instantly formed thee srlves into what might be oalid a hollow square. They made no attem)$ to take away the weapone of the prisona evidently holding them in too maoh moM tempt to do so. Underestandina the meaning of the mow, ment, Athaor told hib friends to join him h taking their plaee in the open space, elen it was Intended that they should oooopav I while on their way to the presence of Kig Homma. The march was immediately taken ol and eaine there was no restraint put aup the captives, Athoor explained the oonversot tlon that had passed between him and Sh ehief. Slow Is it you know so muooh about thea people ?' aead Tom. I suppose I ought to have told you, bat alane we did not expeat to remain long Ie this section, I hoped we would keep slier at them ; and when we were all out of danger I meant to let you know the rtsk you hal run. Two years ago, when I wee hunting animals in this section, I fell intothe hedo o! the wild men, hut managed to eseap eb first night before they had eompleted thek preparations to put me to death by thole peauliar torture.' 'How did you learn to speak thoe language so well ?' ' A party of the Wild Men of the Moane talins visited Madras a number of yere egg, and I made a study of their peeuliarllteI aa lonpue, which I havn not forgotten.' SDo you dread going before their king?' 'Ihave rearOa to dread it, for two yeat -ag. King Homma was the leading abid stean the people, and it was he who cap tured me and from wbom l had sob naurrow escpe.' (TO na CONTtrNr.D.)



Chapter XXXII A DESPERATE ATTEMPT

THE YOUNG FOLKS. MY PLUOr Y ):sY TOM ; JL, BEARORING :R)t CUKtOSITisJ I. INDIA ICoHt -?-YtIOW Kr P T. HasRum CHAPTrI XXXt[.-4 I)-lSPEr4TR It was a slrauge .arcu *al t?e cap oru aP .:apiv.e through the mcur.tinoon wilderr.. aP of Southern india. The -lid mtorn swng thrir torehre ome their heads, br. king into that weir., mournful chant which they sang when tih) irst reached the but in which 'he prisoner, were maektg souh a desperate defenoq ag .neat the furious panthers This chan at tim.e rose to eonh a ewellin; ohorau that it r deed oonve, nation between tar friends difflalt, and they walked a longe way in saliento, ear: apeoola ntg on what th. outcome was !ikely to be. The wild men formed such a large hod, that it was imposeibt! for all to keep to r, plainly marked trail whlih they wee. eildently following to their village in th; mountaios. The maljriTy of them, however, walked it, the path in front and rear, a guard of abouL a dozen being on ither hand. The latter, as a o?nocquence, found tan, travelling rough, and at times quite diffi cult; but they adanond with surpricing dexterity, leaping over obitruotione in the hapeof boulders, darting around rooke and boge tree., and keeplg pet with the mein body at all times.

The race oir le connery rerembled; m.e woodd, ' moutsl enooa l-.-?o aofeur. owni land more than the deameasid at ;:e'li-a~' penetrable janglae of India. ' ', Therewas no pordIon enountered where the party were compelled to nalt, in doubi of the best means of gettin; forward, HI would of neceseity have been the oaes bad they been posbine throogh one of tho-t ast tracts known as jungle,. wrioh are sh. homes of numberless birds, beast., auri reptiles. For fully a mile the weird abhnting con tinued, and then at a ional fr, m the leader it oeased, and *at became strangely still, so that the captore, If they chose, were free to talk all they wi.bed, There was one member of the unfortn artes who was profoundly Impreesed with their frightful peril; that wee the natlvr, Zip, who beloeved tha after reaching the preenoce of the terribl- King BEommrn. ever one of them would be doomed beyond any pmesibillty of escape. The captives walked In what may hr called Indian file, Zip at the head Athoni next, with Tom and Mr. Godkin t6llowine in oider. The firt namel did not open his mouth when the :thter were talking, bet with hil eyes fixed on the awarbhy forms io front, seemed to be thinking ef other places and scenes, or prepariog himself, in his ow, charsoterilsio way, for the death that bh was assured was oloe at hand Indeed, It would be bard to say what imagininge were sorglog through his brain though his ellenee and gloom were to pro. found that they excited the symptrhy of his companions, who could do nothlin to lighten the burden that was crushing him tt the very earth. The first break, If each it may bo called. oame when the wild men reaehed a stream of water. Here there was apause, but only for an Instant. The leader stepped Into the current and strode ptraight forward, followed unheel. satingly by the rest, the whole party re suming their wild ohant, whioh rang throngti the forest with a striking Impresrive eff? . The rreek, if unoh it may be called, war a dozen yards In width, but to no place more than a couple of feet in depth, and th. bottom was so hard that the sandals and shoes made little impress on The otrrent, however, was quite siroog, and had the depth been only a littli greater, there would have beeon ome troubl. before all the company reaohed the other side. Just as Mr. Godkin entered the water a sudden uproar and confusion ahead brougbh an exclamation of astonishment and dread from him, * What does it mean ' he asked of Athoor, upon whom he had learned to rely in their preseot misfortones. * Look I' replied the native, * Zip Is trying to escape I' Soch was the fast. The servant seemed to have decided that there was but one ohance in a thousand of metting away, and that ohanoe came at the oroealog of the stream. Certainly the wild men were warranted in believing that no one of their oeptivee would think of trying todash through ruol a livi g wall as that by which they were surrounded. While each was pickicg his way aorote the stream, he naturally gavJ mreti attention to himself than before. It wea near the middle that Zip darted like av fl sh to the left, in the same direction thst Ibe current flowed, and madr a deeperato attempt to get away from his meroile.. No one couldhave showed more daring Colliding violently with the savage .-n his immedlate loft, he cent him headlong Into the water, which splashbd In every direotion as he went down. There was a socond wild man directly ir his way, and, without an iontant' hesitation, he raired his gun and droves bullet tbrougi his bronzed skull. Hie osptora were still on hi- right, left, and rear, but there were none in rr, nt. Zip bounded through the water, takpnl snoh leaps that he rose above the surfase sea lime, instantly pitl ging up agais and goir K forward with a celerity thai not even a long. nosed monkey could ho.s surpassed. It must no- be supposed that the wild men were idle during thes brief but exailu?g moments. The attempt of Zip was certainly nees. peated on the pisr of all, for, had any of tir eaptosn entertalned the slightest asspicion of his purpose, he would not have pRined the time in which to mke thefirst essay. As it we., the inevitable conuasion followlng the over-turning of the frast savae and the ahooting of the soond, paralysed the whole company for jaut an instant of time. It was the leader of the wild men who firt grasped the situation, though he was the furthest removed of all. At theanusual uonad, he toread his head like a .ish, Bnd, byhbei light of ithe faiflii torches, oought a glimps of the sinewy native, bounding and plunglng down stream. He lostantly uttered a reaplig asreech, resembling the cry of one of the panthers that had received his death-wound, and ran In the direction of the fugitivr, followed by folly 'ne-ball or mors of the company. But he had hardly taken the flras bound, when the recolleotion of the other eaptivre obecked him, and he atopped as suddenly as II he had brought up against a stono wall With the ezoeption of aboout a doeen, the rest did the same, instantly alolog shbou, the group, the members of which were standing as mute and motionless as so many lambs. It wae at this exiting juncturn that Athoor displayed a quickness of resource - hloh excited the admiration of rom and Mr. Godkin, andwhieh was certaloly a brilliant etroke on his part, At the very moment the leader eprorg in purmiut of the flying fogitive, Athoor ehouted at the top of bis voice : ' Stop, Zip I Come back I come back I' Thie 9 range eopeal wee Ottered in the tongne of the Wild Men of the Mountains, and was really lotended for their bentfit, for Athoor was not laah an idiot as to tuppose that his friend would give it the ieas, heed, after making a start. If it be considered possible, really added to his energy of movement, Away he went through the wonde, w th the swarm streaming after him, all toreech ing, waving their torches and brandistluy lhir javelin, many of whinh were hurlhd after the fugltive, who was makiog luoh mnoazing saped through the andergrowth and amo. R the trees that only the fointest glimpee was obtaineodd him. H. and hbl pursuers quickly vanliah, from ihtl,

The 1.. ,., a.r.c.ptl t tthe uatlve pl .a~ .it fri,. is f:ionfirl jeopardy, for the as**r a... s uraled that he ap : a.i. -ho resolve to end the matter by patting the three to death. S. a " ....pr· teat the break was :uotn •. ..y :t a four three of whom bad been eouverailg so freely in their own I .a,*a .. :-: a their beetle fatled them at the critlol momeot, N?r iu..- etia uit Iribute can be rendered to Ar?'.ar' w.a:d4rfrtl readines of mind than Illr uia,. alt-. feet that t wase hi frenied apieal Lo Z., :itls saved the lives of himselt .na two u.. 1a1.olo1e. Th' e. vwo. heard and understood by the ICader, t ., ;tter a I moment's heealtaion, eemcd rt, ua.olede that Zip's movement wao entiroly) IlO(.arpdent of the rest. .The Iardr, t.bretore, was given to resume the wdvesce. bus the bief notified Athoar that taut sautsher wordmust be spoken by him and his otmpanions. T',." .a.o' t,,'.-.Loative, with another pro Icad esleasm-which was not Imitated by Tom eail Mr Godklhn-aid that it would give himn unbounded bappiesse to obey the .isheoi es tea great and easemed a man an the ohbia of tale Wild Men of the Mountalas. whobuser kiog was the mighty Homma. h hint sI.a 'om ani Mr. Godkin was enough ta seal tr.eir lips. Au Four later, the members of the por. sunlog paty began dropping back and re joining .he .Iain company. Our friends were naturally anxious to learn the result or their a~tempt to overtake Zip, and Asboor rlseened attentively in the hope of earching some remark that would give the lsue, but the wild men were so guarded in what they said, that he scold not gain o much as a hblot. II wa? cer Ita they had ot'osaptered hii, forrtb heyha;drnetred iloeib e wese i. puosible he hid escaped ? While Athoor wae uking himself this question, he observed that one of the pur suers was carrying In hbls hand, which had tlrowuoaay the torob, the gun of zip. Thai enned -i doubt ; if Zip's feet had been too fleet for those of the wild meo, a.ey we.. not fleet enough for the javelins, end whean he fell prostrate on bis face onootured by the poisonous weapons, doubt-. less they protruded from the poor fellowae body, Iake the quille from the back of the porooupine. Jura as day was breaking, and when the captives were beginning to feel the effelts of ,heir long, laborious march, the party arrived at the native village, where dwelt he terrible Homms, king of the Wild Men of the lMountains. CnArr a TXXXIII.-AD A Da ULro .SENTaoa. Two hours later, the three captives stoed in the presence of Homma, King of the Yi:d lMen of the blMontains. The town of those strange people il in one of the wildest portions of Nisam, the southern seroton of the immense division of India salled the Deooan. it tonsslte of more than fifty huts, quite similar to that in which our friends were assailed by the panthers. They stand in wo row. fasing each other, with a hundred ses of spese between, like the street of an ordinary elry. In the centre is a struoture double the sire of the others, the front of which is open, an apartmens being at the rear and two above, The buildings are made of trees, cot and laid with no little skill, end roofed over wish branches, leaves and dirt, which render them Impervious to the ieree storms which somellmes sweep over that elevated region. In ibis large bulldinagdwelt King Bomma, hie abree wives and hib favourlIt daughter, Mul'etti, a beasoifol princess, whose age was almost the same as Tom Bradford's. In India the women develop early, and thlk prineese was as mature In figure and mind au a European ladyis who has roeahed the age of ewe ty years. King Momma wes in middle life, ta1t, very dark, with a a muscular frame and the countensoaoe of a savage tysaIt. Birel. more than a year before he had slain the ergolar king and taken his place by fres He was Utterly cruel, and was held in abject fear by all his subjeets. There was somo rode resemblance to royally in his dress and eorroundings While his attire was similar in its scanty make-up to that of his warriors, he wore about his shoulders a cape of rod silk, on which were stamped representations of strange creatures in gold. Thle was looped at the neck; and as he at in his huge chair with the garment covering his shoulders and sheet, and with a blue turban of satin stuff, stamped and ornamented in the same barbaric fashIon, he formed a good repro. sentation of a savage king. Stating thus, he held in his strong right hand a gigantlojavelln, tipped wilh geld-a fitting scepte for sunh a ruler as he. The Princees Mulelti displayed becoming modesty in her apparel, her beautiful figure being wrapped in a robe of purple silk, brilliantly embroidered with figures in yellow thread, the whole descending to her knees, so that little more than her CInderella-like sandals, end her dainty hands and wriets, with their numerous gold rings and their bracsslets, were visible. Her hair was long, louxuriant, and without the woolly oppearance of the warriors and other women, many of whom were gathered respectfully around the king's palace. Hes looks, gathered in a golden band, were as bleok as night, and streamed away in an ex oner ant mass over her shapely ahoulders. Muletti's eyes were black, large, and lustrousne, her nose delicate and slightly Roman, while the Contour of her ooontenance was as regular and as pleasing as that of a daughter of Persia. You will remember that Athoor dreaded above .1i thiongs a recognition on the part of this autocrat, from whom he had sonarrowly escaped a couple of years before. What means do you imagine he took to avoid recognition f When Tom Bradford and Mr. Godkln observed It they eauld hardly repreus a smile. He twi-ted his eonutenaoee into an e. preselon that wouald have done eredit to a professional comedian on the stage, doing it so naturally that none of the wild men nuspeoled iets object, but supposed he was euffering from sone pain whlch rendered the oonsortion involuntary. It served ite purpose for a time, but whether it would continue to deceive the king remained to be seen. The latter frst demanded of the three strangers why they dared to enter bie domain nbidden. Athoatr toek nnblugb _gly to ha fib, that Mr Godhin ,e , o Tom the en ofa kin sosoe the wateri s they wese on their way to pay their repeeets to the mightlest ruler of a1l, when they ware beet by wild animals, from which the brave warriore of King Humma reseaued them Whether th potentate golped down thIsl stopendoue yparn as whole, it is imposerible to say, but it manifestly produced some effect opon him, forhe made many inquiries about the other ruler moroe the seea, adding some quesions oonserniog the que-u whloh showed that ahe name of the good Victoria, Empress ut India, had penetrated even to thbat remote puart of her domielons. The situalion of Tom Bradford and Mr. Oodkin wale trying, since they were obliged to stand by the side of A boor, witbout taking any part In thbe conversation, or understanding a word utlered. They endea. wonred, however, to fill their role with brecoming dignity. What rendered the youih's position more embarrasinelog was the feet, apparent to everyone, that Princees Moleti we deeply intlereseled in him, Every time the lad'e weodertng eyes settled on her winniop onotenanocs, he saw she was gAzing eteadlly I aS him, as thbough she eared for naught else. Tom tried to avoid meeting her gate, but as is natural under ench cironmatanoes, his own eyes encoontered here conlinoally. Once be tried to stare her out of oonte nante. Looking clraight at her, he wase thrown into confousion by an unmistakable emile on her part, em though ehs wam greatly pleased SI tSell you, Tom, you've made a con qnest, remarked Mr. Godklin, In a low voile, greatly amoused at the little by-play. Sehaw I' was the implatient teply, 1'm houting wild animaels for Mr. Barom, sand hlavent any ose for seavages, even if they are lood lookiag and the daughtses of kings.'

Suumpee%, admousiasd lhs sren y-on luow what a ood thing Captaln Jo miltb Uh u,.4 it to Lave friend at oour it I. not impsetble that the alm adress of Atboor and bia ustonal ingenuity and self peesedlon wols i earried 1|i three sanly through the but for an oexpeeted ad unfot ooeurrenue. Dauing blis strikg laterview, o r ondience, with Knlg Homma, almost all ubjects were gathered aroend, it and .urvying the prieses. They kept respetfuol distaeeo, and knew better to obtrude themselves in any way. Athoor's acootnt of his woaderful panione, belonging to a mighty royal fo anaroe the sea, was so entertaining that saw tub king was not only interested, favourably disposed. But, to ?revrve good will, is was necessary hat Ath ohould eeaap rseieglion at all has and that no auspieion should enter ruler's mind' that the partil had entered dominiona for the purpose of capturing taking .way auy of hb wild animals. That was a plece of presumption wbh1h be could not forgive or overlook, as Atho-g very well knew. The imagination of the latter enable? to tell a marvelloos story of the mythi potelrate beyond the see, and, had A& only possessed some showy presents to over to Homma, it Is not impossible that ? would have given them an escort ot ot of country. But a sudden turmoil at the further _ .f the village caused all eyes to tarn I diretdon. A aeore of Wanwara hunter wers rppsnaohing. lead a h lion, ad beoon eat about his bead, end were ? by kosng hands. whee ;owu er oet 5 heiae britging ma Into 5nythg mhetbe. As it was, it looked a i he had but b make a slngle effort to tear them to frl ment with him mighty paws. But the lion was singularly handliepla else he never would have permilled hid to be made pulsoner in that feshlon. M. faLe e ..tOaslaoons in he h adirne

of the noIse, eod then eIlalmed ian undertone: ' By George ! but that i our Hlon I h? he's got the muzzle on yet.' The face of Athoor showed more agitai| than at any time linoe their capture. ' Tetl Is bad,' said he, * very bad I oovery must follow, and the king will . - forgive os.' For the moment all interest was t ferred to the prodigious beast, whloh is meost venerated of all animals with the Men of the Mountaelne. He strode forward with hbi captors either side until he was balted in front of barbaric throne, where he was enna? wi-hh admiration and respect amona almost to worhlp. The ond muzsle, whlob the beast never been able to remove, eaolted greatest wonder on the part of the kd prinees, and subjects At irst they seemed to think it waIs - extraordinary abnormei growth; but ll ones a sespioiton of the Iruth flebed into1 mind of Homma, who knew of hnterOl beI that had entered his domains for the par of oaptnrinl wild auimale. ' Who plaeed that on the king of beaul P he demanded in thunderousne tones, addreeel himself to Athoor. BRfore the latter could reply, Tom Bras ford read the question in the looks WI manner of the inflorialed monarch. Advancing two steps, he bowed low ud answered by gelsture, pointing to the likes then touhnlog his finger to hle own breaL then Imitating the outline of the morale, I tapping his breast again. The gesture was so doquent that not the king and priness, but nearly warrior translated lts meaning as rapidly if the words had been spoken in their tongue. toYou have done it now,' said Athoor, 1ll an expreselon of intolerable digustl. SHave done what ?' ' Ruined us all.' ' It couldn't be helpef, and I will not tel him a lie or suffer one to be told to save ie from his anger.' The king thundered out some eomm? whlch Athoor Instantly translated for the benef8t of Tom Bradford. ' He orders that sine you placed thiy moztz!e on the sacred head of the kltg besets, you alone shall take it off l' i(o as Oesmnsa )



Chapter XXXIV OUT OF THE LIONS JAWS.

STHE- YOUNOG FOLK?., I, N ?rn tImNo ror MUsibiRe1 rua Br P. T. Baa .• Osurms IXXI.- Orw ore aI Lor ...-- J&ws., Daring this extraordinary Interview wih BIoam, KIeg aof a Wild lm of the Monauteis emn Bradford mad tlhebesd se pesiblo of his eyes sad ? . ise ires Ifelag was that aessemeent that the terrible mearob of bas, whisob oly a ashrt sine before had devoterd eas of the hnsser, shed permit bhlmelf o be bhndled is tbsb febhles wish hipelity. H. nomsed the slamr tha d ed itself amo on'e eeesgee as the ppreach thet cptis.e, mes tbosgh he seemed to, be secunrely hold by his sap-one ad thei rapes. Bet a serat sy of the n . imal bimsell revealed a feo is Ter, Mr. edhis, sd Atlr.or that explasrd. the Oaritas ituatioin toe huge massle, which had snopped iteof bsha about thbeheadf the Io li Strl,otony. h: jsws so that be was enable to oae .erm, reje naveil slated him as ls,. - There were oraltohes sad woasad along the I side of sal head, bhowlsg how desplertely ehe had tried so free hlimsl trom the ex i asperallrg msile by forcing it off with his Spaws. I A. Iheeseflort, bthough doubless renewed II gata and again, rrNtsd lin noth'. uatl s asl ast the beast was forced to gs p; be + was a prisoner despite his enormous ssr.ogth, ad wasu perfeotl, helpless. He o aId ela?e his shint, bat though his jews were sti ll llpowerfal, he ws ounable I to at a aostnful. Unlesi someone went r to his relief, he most die. S 1. may ht said therefore that the lIon was p Ia s neat of ellpee and deeper. o He was ugasious enmgh to realise his n eodition, and his qoisesneos I the presesce n .i the party of b hunier w with the hole bas they woueald Llvehim the reliel without d which he most perlhb. S:Now King omma bhad ordered Tom At Bradford to remove the muzzle. - The yonsg'man recalled sae story of the e men who plucked a thorn from the lioa's SInflamed paw, and was afterwards recogoleed I and spared by the gra?efol sa?nal when he if was out Into the den tobe eaten by him. d The lad was hopeful that he could play the d seasme rle. '" ,` Provlded it oculd be acted snsomefolly, It was a magldoenl opprtually to impress Stbe King of bthe Wild en, and thut save not only himself bat his opelose. d Any imidity ori shrlking o the part of I Tom would deeit hise rpose i it was d neoNssry to be bold aued. slf.eoadeat, not a anly to.?aeet the king and his wornors, but to cow the best himsellf. Aseordingly, when Athooer tred about and translated to Tom the sommaUd of sle vege ruler, the lad's fae ltHe up with a joyous expressito, and, making a bow, lh alld : i' ell the mighty King Homms that I was I aboua to crave the psrvilege of bhowlig him bol the ens of a kina eea oonuer she king of beasts.' s i d bshe, without ay more ado, Tom, s asouming amjeint ofdemesoor that would II have been ridloolos nader other olroom. n stanosoe, strode straight toward the lieu, p whloh stood with drooping hbed, au hoogh de had lost all intoresi in earthly Ihigs, and waved theothes baLk. The mlants the king of beats osrnted someone approaching hi., he relsed his head and arvmyed the youag maan, as If to a loquire his bualues. a Tom Bradford will always insist that wen beis eyes mse thoe of the behelt, there was an a expreson in the latter which showed he r reognled him as the one who hbd placed s this IndignIty upon him. P The expreslion was not of uger anad resestmeni, as might have been supposed, butof fear and suppliastlon. The failure of she Wild Mm to relieve the torture of she lion soevisnad him that $be I w. re unable to do so. sand the sagacity of the p animls molt bhae sld So him: " Here is the one who imprisoned your head, and be il the only one that oan relieve you I you most beg of him to do so.' At sy rlte;oeab was the belief of Tom, ad I am notprepared to say he wasl in error. Bubsequent events point the other As mliog She severes expreslon poselbl., Sthe youth looked Into the shrinkilg eye for a moment, so as to intensiny the Impression a be had already made, and then be book hold of the mrasa at slhe side where its pesll-ar spring wee find. This was a trying momest, As the beast , stood, he bhad but to rales en of those mlghty paws and strike a ingle blow., Soeling him so more effort than that of the aton that soaf the ear of t kittem, when he Scould have crushed the skull of Ihe daont. rless youth as though is were an gg-eshell, SBat the lie stood motIlem, aso if folly aware what tha sage?lgl at the oide of blh bead meant. The mest instant the muzlte was looem, and Tom, with a single Itrt of his hend, flung it fifty int away, toward the keepers, who had withdrawn from the immediate presnes of the mdmal. Tse tatter stood hke a statue a moment. and then, lfting ilf right paw, brushed the side of hbl head There was no obstruotion there, Nzt hodid the same wish hl I ft pawl, and the esme glorious faot impressed Itei opon him ; hie tormenting 'thorn in abe Rlh' was removed. Fieuratively speaking, the lion threw his IS h 1igh in the air, harrahed, and danced Ia double Ihfble. I The eyes of the king, the princess, the Wild Men, their wives and ebidren, and of Mr. Godkin and Atboor were . fied wooderlngly open She seeoi The beat oonflrmed the opinion a Tom at is polnt, by rasilng one of bl paws like a 111 log, with a genilsies of movemen whIch left no doubt of his friendllese Tom aorepted the paw. and shook it as though it was .he ?and of Godknl or Alher. Thbn the lio purred like a oat to bhow his pleasure, moving aIfelionaely roend the yeuth who felt a glow of gratitude that his riaumph was ompleto. A theis point the lion must have awakened to the .iot that he was eeelmnlny huoegior , but he offered o violen? to teo people who stiod around, moh lee to the one that had Jilolt restored bhl fraedom to him. Lookig'off toward the wcod for masedco or two, he deliberately trotted off and dis Th iprenon produced by Tom Brad ford's exploit was proonod, or no ona can deny that i was extrordlnary, Probbily King Homma was most struck by the remlrkable daring and onecess of the yoonogstr, who, fortunately, bad the support of the qulekwitted Athoor. At the moment that a murmurof admira lion wls heard among the speatators, the East Indian, with repeotfOil Oblisance, addrssled the m?aroch. S'The great King Homma has seen what the son of a kinlg fr a over the sea can do with the monaret of beasts, Now we will bid the mighty lomma falrewell, and, when we come Into bi domInions again, we shall bhlr him many presents to show we have cf1orgotten his kldness to ns.' And then, with a estnt as dig?tnied and imprealive as ithat of Tom Bradlefrd a few minltes before, the daeololus Abthoor waIlked I noolly llaway, followed by Mr. Oodhin snd I the youth, both of whom nlstalntl caught I on to bs strategy. " All this ime Atheeoor had kepLt his face so I Lskew, thqt the King of the Wild MIen hbad no sosplimon of his Identity, but seemed so dazad by the unparalleled impudene of the i P-rty, thbt hj ofered no obelruclion to their n?It il was quit evident there was one t heart that opposed their golog Tht wasls the beaulliful Prineess IMlestl, who sired i wonderingly for a few senonds, end thm halt n roe, as if to pir es; but somethlell aused c her to cllnge her mind, aod she sat ldown Ge. Godkin, who was at the rear of tie psrty, aw the actioo of the ynons Iedy, and vi told lom elbout i, lafter thy had peaotraed a seome distanoe into thel wilderness. II *'Ton have made a deep impression onlor

sIneesawe dlse eme e v ae etel i Am eh. whas rbit igvhu bet, ees I.e I wo mm. whI g-mg a d Inlaw.wi bok. liwe iwfas e w bWie tse Ia d1re. bi Iet ow eamO' 'Is lad howto rmeitkne af e m rea l Uss w iI .gtleoomd ad . Te ab?alb l ,,r? o hr e.' I' arI d ?how sn. alo l Ipt hemalsrm to. I pI eae wle ao o uem a tse h Ie WhyI W trot Y UnkedrC. Gedkl . s I Depen d uo It, Heoms will oht n g i d I rl ad ale oetay o wlee r?a elia d ae I i go, has wb, reused a a-rty .or wasm sh tosl bfing ae? took. re was meed sohe way b we tsheld ba Iase, has ais wlfts b k bde I ?n og a0 er ire I. ;Teal Prlnsoeh, will I t ' never coaeemt ea ai feel,' i lie one l gweltm?. as Tomer sbhall d epar hro ba esmt m h e pr tpeort l tre bhi agael.' 'B.ea, if ehe s eofavooably'telined f . oward me, shie sill not permit a harem to befall me, isaid Tom, with half lush aind To, r all u i ghe,' ald Mr. odkln ; SIt's we old folles taas wll have oil had. I Olplld off elol,. we know It.' - iosTe let doi lo- no time,' replied the youlh, wri dr.ae.ad r.-capturo aI mumuh s S''I h .a heard, e ld a thor, thought Sully, 'that Shere lte wild mea in your pae of the world who are as eilful as hooued i SfWollowing the traekne of persona hoough he woods.'s ' no haver berd aright,' replied Tom ; he Ameriocan lodian' seyes are tralned su Swell that no per0on lanlog Thmogoh the forest ean bide bi trail from him.' 'Howies t when he takes to the waler?' Tom ehrouged ?a. ehouldars. S'Then Ist ti same as •with the blood. Shbound; he mout atop, for he iose. the olue.' 'TIey ,are like the oWld a ofm thesI " houatala O ? the only way by whl they can be made to tur ulsde from following us i I I foar to take to the esrter.' i What a pity we have nothe chanto.' SWe have,' selied Athoor, lgteantly.l it ' do at nulettanl.e r a Iol By con e t will ; l?t ne walk rl, for Ie am salf, i.d there i, no time to losae, Cuarerra XXXV.-FLE?rIM o b LIrF, d -tWah such aon lccertie to make hula, It is i hardly nee asry for me to say that our tores friends lut no tima in peleU all the e dstao he ;psslehi between them and the vi lsge of he Wild Blen of the Mountalen. it lotseathely the assurance of the me mber a of the llle 'party gave them poaeeumn of re shtir wepons a well u Tom' luaeo and they hab d an oabindce of ammunltden. If The egul ay ind enporaslem of theor Swell fitted him to sot a. gula for his oam it peaion, and, taklei the lved, he psheld on S at a eped whelh met them oelerabla effort seqosal, t The Ioppemiton o1 Mr. GoDkI aend Toue e we Shat he was making' for som, river, a thoogh the mountainoun nature of tae 1e cuntry through whbi they were hurrying ndicated thatee all ofes etreat must be flitle Smosre than mountain tohunI?, where any. thing like savigans wold be ou of the question. Still, by wading for oos dlilne in uch I, a body otf watr, the wee rees o belaive Ithey eoatld throw a pursing pasty of their erllt, but, Ie the event Of opreut, i will be , undereood that precious little time w t STheir dispoail. I, Helo I did you iar thati' uidnerly ausld Tom Bradford, S The quotlon wa suegrfuo, for all thr a had caughi the sound of a wbihto which a might have bhn the oall of rsne of the aumersou birde abundant in that part of the o world.' s ota It was not. 'It Is the sognal of our enemihe, i abiepered Athoor ; ' eh I what did I tell your S A pralealy sielallr sound fell upon their I, ar frpm bshe Mime direltion, bm from a point oonaldirablly nerer. e ' Homma ha bee prompt to change hit y mind, added Athoor ; be did not wait long before doepatohing a party after ou.' ' Ther is one thing tht mult be undue. r lstood.' nmarked Mr. Godkin, eompreluog e his lips, ' e don't go bark to King eomma. 'TO do eo means death by torture,' was the telgafoiant commeoe of the guide ; ' I Sagrem with you,' r Tom and Mr. Godkin were urpr?led to obeerve that Instead of deenendweg the mountain tide, es would have seemed to be r the natuorl thing to do, they were continully a aueadig to higher and more preoipltbue I ground They iald nvohiog, however, for it wa no time for explanatloun, and their confidece tn their leader was too perfect for thmne to esy anything ,hat mighbt imply otherwire. An they pulhed on their ese were open for a repeitinen of the rall that had slarlled them, for, it it should tound any nearer, it would prove their posuerse were painiI.g n;onl them, a,d thai was to be dreaded above everything, while at the usme time. it was to he rxproted, sine the Wild Menrt were mere familiar with the eonitry than A bhoor onold hoo to to be. SKeep op your eoarege,' called thr pielde? over hit rhoulder ; we have n?t muoh I e Iurlsher to go.' Tthe word were yet in lie mouth when onceo more came the ehup. tremulous whistle, load and clear," and from a point that certaioly wae enO more thin half s d far fa when b ret hurd I This fact setS a ehiv?lr of tar throughl I Tom and Mr. Glodkin, who eald 'They ar re su to ovrtake ur.' b Nevo- mind; our gone are loaded, ad It re w shll give them a warm welocma,' replied ' Tom, who we a theearer, foew pactsl from hit friend. I Both cootnuslli glacced to Ihe right and Ills, expecling the epoeareos of their eoenles at every moment. Suddenly Athobr, who was lese then a rod e in front of the obther, uetered a hurried ex slimatlotin, aend doated hi. head. A. falte, whleingl noise out through the I ait, ad somoethog like the flitting of a blIrd'e h lng was obsorved at the same Ionlans over b his "eculdhr. p It was accomplaned by a thad. nl d n he a pt nk at a trie, jrut to his left, a javelln wale rean with i:e point buried several Incheeso In I the hark, antd the wooden portion ell d quwtertng from the fores of the impat. ir had be end e hnedhby one of the Wild di oMen full a the hest of Athoor, and, bot fcr hI intli toable exteatiy. he woald have been mpaled by the pohelnd mimlle. Bnoutie islthe inoelnko. heestrathlesardl up agrin, brought hie foun to his ehouldor, I aIdlet t aan psu a fer paeo ino front. The astoundead Tom and hhis friend eaught only I pari ug elirpse of a Is arhy, hlo h. nakoed body, whioh itnde one terrific bond e in the aeir, emiltig a hltek liks the death ' howrl a pentber, se he whirled about, then ran a fewr peoe, and pltohrd headlong to thu ground. 'Coms, we maul run I' added Athcsr, not dering to opause to reload his werpo wl ' they mesan to kill e tha ctime hI' c Eve ino that earlul momenwt, Tom Bre- t fosd, aS he sams opp tte the javoello, e olld t net rateit lthe impule to esthe the handle nd ireoeh it Oree from the tree in whloh it. heod wan barlrd,4 It toe lk a trone effort to do str hutl he nreedeod, and crrisd the weapon with him, It while ehurrying after hs friende, who were preatltg fortwrd with al 'he epeed pubble. o Although the fbirtivos were following no C path, yet their enemies mout have enpeoled their deti, urio, aleo nsne would have lot i in froet of them. It ertremed to Tomra thr e real danger wau from the rear. wheo. had comeo the elgele at hiloh showed the Wild Men were In pureit, o med he Weecnll eoettly gIlaonn behind him5 wI bhu re yet wathount eatohiog eight of a ingle l Inelced of pushtng dlrrotly on, ai Athlor wold haye done but for this eoarillog 1 interrupliun, he ,nw made a ehort turn to he hlet, thereby linreatlog the dIstem eisJll ateeseary Io part in ortor 1o resaoh th wter w on whloh he now plaeed hIs hope . I was of the mont laboriocl nature. RooLk, boolderi, undergrowlb, etangllng vline, huge treim and ebrebbery nuterpoed at evry trn, uli to loins their way tbrough oct and roeud lhere ,beronolloeo etnsl eulh a lhleb?ag and easrleg that Itmeemed tnovlaiale' a;

ees uln?e dl w. Islt ga'M _ ?ne r vh -I elim u ..e tweled_, fi t ws rseed'stle., rLt p rwilerually i- .t"he '_ e;keThf iwrgt a mir-e n sal.as of ?eit ? _ to. '105 «m »B.6nateFl .we do |b:" sOlad 10 db ih« bus aproeJ th lal ir l, wh to theell pioeIe o?r1 Kg Bparlei a efl., sim e which wa detpol y.ed b The warmiors. having basth met by theii. ient idto il the i ntrades i ltom hie dmeitaie li a lU, *gsa naif"lflut itele't . dol tai, d. e ertain dnot h4to retr tpobe wbu IsI *ot hive t eor tol bcarrye t hln t th causedr, whi t law i te pwoe ol Kar Bopmsauad trbe .aba?le iot the llore. int ., piaed e re.. was he leah o depoard by . le p amipto fathom thelo l t ratt ofir n?b. , .UIg, toives. delcitd t hec' had h te, y a as, ol. aced lhimo. . I .. Of th. SThb arrteor , blifeI buald et by theirY mInaliwe to kiell no% ntder rino»s hito donuaii'italr certal not 'to rtroN IOill :oh pllact s dthllmi, Ma uch tUo t t 1 ,ooh ve I leader WEtlbl WarrIors the ttlr Kend rest hir-iahe?l nre for 1 .tan . . to pi Isr wei tte iel, tell known teo &thooy, IIth ad ed vedm to themaU no dOpit r basing x three desperate individualso - , carty some of them down with thes1e ti6forela. t"at Wild bcn tcat hind flt in theti t lad Mr. Godkin and Tom to belle b hille rpary ad whe 1a1 o 1 re Positin.,lan that ntb. sdWOiior0»' to bke to fm tho IhI tfe nt llo hN iiiIIlveI. he bad fell the' ihln 4 od1y, , >>y i deeb, pileed hfiel it frt» of tlem. Thotim Bido lifwe llid thl pfMlay, hgit fll oee iguer not de?ired ti o'when be O ittirg to a ooneltio, ai As' Ald bor had dileoli rew, tr Itel I. plInr ao them,a math e It l csld bhel ta to ta ptsly o Apheb wMtr are rallin os ompAr ol Uailed Btete aMr odie o?e . tee prIlrlserofo thei Iot .e ': .... . ,Ae the ume Uloli rlis t h Iik oae tir ri rlg d . Ger t told h w turhotreoh , add A?i-, dird them mona forl i than sa.r to, I. aoo te Ieilovel, they 1d nodt an iotlr ly. thell diaQlOs . t e' ' :It bod banb prnto them thallt ey wi.e, obleuing three dl ate lidli lllr wihga woald einer il rrindler, nd wr ariN tbi i a»rrt comm of thBem down Witt thm,' htfor they ecorembed. . - The ap crillr oe the only Wll Mbi t Stil hgd bio .cnao tnred o thelit ront lad hI. GoAdilo nd Tom to' bTsllet" ,th. b hole piity kai Illpp?d atroald .y "aim poeilloe, end thit notbtig, thae?ore, e;. to he fernd foam the r o er. , , .he .Thet hie wu - r ed e wlar qslt ly e I? proved ia the mort tarhtUla masnrs . Tom Bradfoad plnogtu n og rr wnit lIl tbhe riour U bin oImndw ? , when.h e atepped pot a rolUll'nd e 'wb l th?r w hlim orward, so thal oily t, .thI* 'mi'ot inielt effnr did hoe pert »ih? ?frro ,I Ifui his huad IlliMMd ua ,e . , , IThee ip wsl stp w i rat. , M., il t, "h rpnacted e*red ahe tlei. ' . * 'AT her t very ietantl a brawny wulrlo' hurled hit jaw., IUl wtrh uiea tIOm'roe foril an unerrnsh e icorialy It the ihcgldtri, ad It lid. who Wa, eirve hylthe maos mane i i, ga Abhocr. a few mlnit belore,' thoulgh In one c-ne the movemet. wM inolhony, y . ed in lta other the revere. . A fi wII , thie javelln glidl a fe«w ifon , bov th ibholldlerI of thrl ld, nrrow.ly i miellig Mr. Godk'Is laialt, iiotaat» .a , iy raminBe the «ttiletrrnwth.'' b. ... UnDartalrodl g wlha it ignlled;' Ciib Godlkin tarmed qcekly -ad brooleh hil '.' to a level, hut, before he h ?4ld maLe h? ': aim good, Tim had trned ed flung the;,' ilvelln with a power and abll aalt wo. aetoibiehln. Only one of the Wild Ml wee vielbil, b;t be qololy vlrfhed, by throwi niglm . ,«l( behind a MlrMdly bootle, ead, bid ho aot done e, ha would maat umledi, har fallen vicllm to one of bil own welpo. . ' Don't stop 1' slld Alhoeor, sitlg ebt» tomethln glu milul; 'ber li the wlatert; . a minute maoe ad we hill be .' ia fe Givleg no hed to their emies in th , ro, MLr. Godkin ad Tom prmr forwar d, taeeral atell, with *ouh udoer that, intu ad of beilg in th(be rer of thIr guIde, thqy pliaed abemeelvl at hie lid,: .I There wa urgent ned of haife,' Indeted. • for the crlill in the flight nd p4urltlnl.d ' oome. , C(10 an CoIm ) '



Chapter XXXVI AT BAY

TIHE YOUNG FOTAS. MY PLUCKY BOY TOM; : sit. SdAIlOBING FOl C?O? rtolTril I linDA FOR MY S?OW. itr P. T. Barnms CEsving XXXV!.-?zr Bar The gleam of water wse ee aheadl, sad oonvinled, wikbout undertandlag exactly bow, that shelter wee at band, the three want ever tlhe bank like o uany beioks tum liae ofthe top of a wll. Bat they did met go into the water. In stbed, they dropped upos Ihe candy ehorse of a lake, while a mae of rooks rowe ia their Iront Ilike- he breastworks of an '"Tow we've got them I' called Atheer, proceeding to reload ble gue a fnet a he could I " don'lt t ay of tbhem ome over .o cs.' But the Waawarse realhled the point toored by the fogitive, which eaplrtan why they saed so hard So prevent them resobhg Ihreofuge. They did nnt charge by leapung over the wall. when the fight would have been heand to bad, but stopped a few pace away amongtheloek, undergrowttb ad tesa. and ottering their peculiar whoops. sound ng more like the basking of anluals than anything else, eaeh of the dozen lannebed hIl javelin, aiming at no partIcular perseo. but endiog In the volley, as it may be called, In the hope that some of the pot?oned missile, would Bod a mark. They came mighty ear it, too. The whize of the weapone was in the alt above, and notbgbl was lsteoger proof of the astoolshinag skill of the -Wild Men of the lioononsal· than the leest that every e of bshe Javelle shot within' an Inch or two ot the top ae the rook, behind which the three were crohibleg This I. explained by the belief of the savages that the tntuders were peertngover the reet of the roeks on the lock out for the Waawarae. Had they been dolog so. the javelile would have mlased them, sulees thrown aso almost to graze the upper serface. Portunately for the fugitives, their heads were low eaough to allow the missites to ein above them, paeeing out Into the lake, wher they plunged into tshe water with a cbhug. like that made by a pebble thrown irom a great altitude. SShoot at them r atedAtsoor. rapidly reloading his plece. SBut they ae not In ight,' repled Tom peeving a ldIy above the edoge of the rock. 'Never mind, tre away : It you dowin they'st thie" yo have been bIt, sad will make aroo .' Qilck to. e she polat, Mr. Godkle gad Tom levelled their weapoo h te hepo wheae alone the avlem a et oroe. T Theydli not opest teolSW as•ktgn, end were not disoppointed, the Wild Me bell so well onacealed that there was an poms bility of harmlng them. But the Wnwarse were convineed that She foreigners wee sll sand well, anad they (rfeai?ed from the ask they woald have heren liely to mese bet foe the warning. Sa twitklng the gas were roaded, lad near ileand were realy the at?ach whlch they dreaded, slnee it seemed In. poe?lbls for all toeeaepe where ,ob potsoU one weapone were used, In put alb itbe fegtivee, It mast noet be supposed that the Waewarse crried but a single weapao apleo, thugh they emem tilm-s IlmIted themaelvl I. that faehtoo. lieho earrie kaid fivr eat of the deadly mtaties It hie lat hea, so that he was ready for lenstant work wheaneve the emereaesy mlght demand it The loll in btlilties gave Tom sad Mr. Godie so opportualty to survey their aurrouondlte, and the result ~esa aec?alg. They bad never dresmed of Ending any sob refuge so this, for, instead of a resbing, roaline mountain torrelt, they wee on the edie of a lake nearly cilate ulan shape and folly five mileln dlimeter. Tte water was of orystallone dlearenee, and ew Athoor inaormed them, itl depth was Immeone, belog almost nfaethomable ln many paiece. A moel s an elevatie I ?mast have been Ited by numerose springs, babbilag fardown in the earth, for iht ovdow was the seMrce of aeverel streame of onoslderablte ice, which found .their way into the Klstcab Bl?tr, and finally reahed the Bay of Bspgfl. The trend of the soantry prevented the weremsr E twing westward throegh the Gbsoat Muntainse into the Arabiano se. Tbhs sheet of wati,. one of the remark. ahlla In al Pndia. Is known as the eaoned lake latmS, the hme of it dem?id OaOeg.. who has slain thooanide that have rousedhie t lies over a thoeend feet above the ea level, and i esrtenoded by reekse boalders ad an exuberant tropicel vaelatir, while the preence of the WUId Mea or W'awarer makes a vit, to. It as dangerous that few white persons have the hardihood to under take It. The three fugitivee wrel stading behind a wall of boulders, which rose to their ohlo, and which ffered an admlrable breastwork against the smaut of their eelsenn, ewho ooald sot advance from the froes witheut exposing themselves to the deadly tdile. But the Wewaras were aware of thib tl-t themelve, anad it was altogether unlikely that they would make any eath atlault Fefore ore re more of.the defenders were dlsab!ed by Iheir le avelln which they hurled at ltervals from tho trees and rooks. The advantag possessed by our friende was Important, for they bad only to keep a bright lookaoat to ecape the spears whteb mevey now and than darted throogh the air with moph masing swiftnes,. No warrior. boweve great blh skill, eould hurl one of the miselles without expooing a part of an arm, and sometimes the corner of bhis face, as he peered oat om behind bl i refule. Whenever thi was obs rved, the faogitlve simplydropped below h11 level of the lrck and allowed the weapon to pan over their heasl,. M. Golkin'a adventure oem. about In this wile, and yon will admi tbhat it was startlng indeed a The Waowarae were quiok to undetesad thepratioe of the party, whose heade In- I variably rose to view the mlowet a jlveloI sped over them. Calnulatllgl aplo thi, oe ofI the Wild len burled his weapo et Tom Bradford, who, like his oompealonr, dOcked out of I ilhti in time to escape t?H I But eosroely bad the javelin Itlt the hied of the warlor, whean a seeond Wauware stepped from beblnd a rock and hurled his I spear estasighlt asthe spot where he exprtcted I the bead olf Mr. Goutin to rappear, and1 where, lo faect, it did resppear the next momeut. But the Wauwara wu jad the tenth' partof alecond too moon. The javelin o0tI bthrough the upper pat ol the sntleman'l 1 hat. like the thret of a needle,hooting on with undimlnt?ebd speed into the lake beyond. If the saVgeS had 'held hI fire' the fre- I tinal part of a secon. Mr. Carl Godkln weoold have teen sndued out utlterly uas iI smitteby a tbhuaderbolt. The leon wat a eeded one. SDon't raise your headm twice It the sime ospot,' admonished Athoor, hbut to Ihe right or thflt; the rascuals are ocanlnog, and they came ner pttieg yao that time' I think It's aobot time I paild back the ompl(ment,' asemurked Mr. Godklu, who was in an ugly mood over the persitent woenom of these Wild men. t trlullly makln hli way e veral psolle to tbs right, he amied a spot whers the boutllder weres oered with auch a growth f d vines that he believed hbe ouold peer through them at his amalualte without being sen by them. He stealthily shvoed the mosale of hbls rile through the hblsbberly, ilhte?d de Iberately, oand awaited bil eshanee, I The Weauwarsm who hal come nearl killIoltg 5be gentleman w no nooenaged Ibtat heI deloded to try it agela. Aecordiagly the mae palt of the pro.

we. r pis**M /(Le she esewedea ohe swe radc which ha ebsaeed a gliaet aahe espeusi, shoe whhedoem of alght,wesesmL?, he etha stepped from bthind bir me, cad wish tbsh.-aw r?. umashbh qlokaam aa be , drew back bl arm to hobad i weepea at the poina whe, a be was watum d a Ies peu-iag, the bet? would smeppoe. A the veery sns them aisle was -. tog hbehnd.Mr, tUodban br?d e The W ara fal dead-abot through the heart. This saood ftal shot eeofnsed be Wild Me thha she risks were too peat to justify a coasiteafce of the attek Itrom the reat, and the now bean what may be eeslte a amk memseba-a peelas of war St.are.whleb, anfstsaatel, was avoured. by bheomios els sthska. *to mre .tlha tweaty yard from where our throe hried. Ned the ,here.latted'a eOpla of so ds Into the water, ?eding again jujs bo.yd. a small cape belng lObe formet ellke the shoe, was vered with bolder sand endegrowtb, which L orded the very beet enoseaim t l sthe world for e thaW mawas 1 , 5 .+` _ Hardly had sae thought e°ered the bed. Sof the faittivrn whe they dbeovered the We'w1rse were ?hles. SOlmpase of Ihel swarthy bodies were ob SIaloel as they stole looI behind the boulders wish a view of getting as far out as poetible toward the end of the maps. SOe Ibthe, they would be Is aae sense babehd out friende, who mold ot sbhelte" tkhemesw hor thei arrows, xeeptleg by ing le temnt a head oa arm appeared, oe by ehiftieg thesl own glttlo. The Waesars who was sating as the t leaer of the paety Iesu She *AreS leades was Skilled, was nqIoeslttably a drlog fellor. ln mhe of keepias bi beody seeseed, as did bhe othes, he not aly mad hi ay to lb th treme pus of the caps, b?t, a morder I to seas a bettee alm, stepped lateo he Swater, whbhb mshed to his wa?t, and ratesd hi javelin over hIeabad. SSteodlig thee ern a leetast, hs we ia Splt? Igl 1 but hare was sometblng so rsok oesai b his ot that all theoe oar f rleeds Il their fire, quite ooedeal, borw a ever, tabet at s~b a diisaee they could dodge the mal?e. Bet a woadeirful thblg took ples. The javella was eve the head of the Wauwan, and be ssmed is the very aet of laeshbiag it whm be oatered a horrible y shriek sad fe ovre mn his bho,. with no more motI o i? thb an eNass la . ' What Ie the a et ta of ehasked e awedaTob rn 1 aeda d. ' He was killld' 1'*ahbowt By wh.ar Syt Augy Mts mee of ith .Lake i this ws - setoedig diraeta, bht there ws some basis fore e woods. The Waswara leader had been slain while e staulants the water, ad ib the act of Imong bwe el.a t That he was dwroyed by something In te lake was se:certsb as tsat he w as ol l rd by sc of thgee of cour lends. k fett 'wets 5W g death I H.a we tdotted ont el setetses as suddeely a if blown sky-high by a leat bomb. These bd been a. egitat?is of the wa'?r ielble to the three pemoe that were clodly | watethlg him. It woul eem that I be bd bee ised . by some regwbos fhb ther would havebee· ' a straggle, or, at lease, a esmotloen hut, on y I have smid, eablkig of the kind took pleas t" I Mr. Godkn and Shen wete startled by I the strsage deeab, thl elk upon tbe WVal wares was seti plsas. r It weas probably with ohm that the legend ot Ihe Dane of the Lake originated, and they wen p sIle.trteko by what had taken dpia" before thei oyes. They rabled beak ow the sape to the n meltad, o Iate on Pgetl as far sway as they ?ealM from e tMe bis b-lthat they exposed themsles relesa?ty to the fro or he .fugitives, who could have slain a numbere No noab thifg, however, was attempted, for shootiny, nee, sasob acrehamsit a would abe beewa'nogeLtable. 'Row,' ssa Alboor, thl nest momeat, ' we met crosm to the otter eide of the lake, or move a long distess along shore.' Se Why so taqre Mr.od t kln. SThose Weewarse have ot departed for good I they will be aftera is ,' 'They are the moot ps at seampe I ever knew; batlhw aree Io dOrasthe lake I looke to me that lb will be L angrone to try itewla.' 'I That? Iethe plD e syou deabtlne have ;sIapctd. I heve bees here before, and know that a boat 15 o r ought to he, lylog omoewl.rea g mhe beak.' SRlit ems's ty follow are SI thbnk toue i bat the dlets beat- Hellos I theo It le, soe oeagh r eslaimed Atheor. the sent udnloe loted of goag toward She spe, the three walked awayfom It. Iot more than ?yt ftet from where th oroaeblng t, Godklca hsd had seal his fatal shbo at the preoemptlooa Weawara, they ditcoveret the oast, whibh aee a ourious ?rctere eindeed. A mass at wee o, yellow grass, and light, baoyant wood wa• date rosly fater waveo, the whole Ioreleg a raft thirty feet Iong by twentb fee wldopble of sustaln nll tbh weight of eight es tea mee. SBut the meet wosdvaol part of she stro. tare wee the front, whlob ooeslatr4 of alns I Aeroes the fowamd pat of the ralt were Ilt' aeveral larg ples of plate -glas, ex tending not from one ide to oth other, bi t oealy a of te Iagth. They were deftly load er, about a loob in thickase, and no a evealy opon the structure baoth that they were osble of eta?ldaeg great weight withou breakig, since the pressure was uniformly dltribuad. The promessa of glae o this pattern, sad I tShis setion of the coastar, was a ouse of uabo??ded weodes to both Tornm ad Mr. Goktha, both of whom was totalI a aa los. to atoont for St. The mooeet opla ble explanation wa that the art of maki most be knows to the Waw.ram, sad that the speslmee before thbem were their hladlwork. ade fro im the ystloatis over the pre mee of the guare i that wll, lealy sectioe. It was a sorea of esOlatisn as to he por. pro In enveslag sety a third d the raft T"he sonaoolo of. tbis qsutloa wai that there was e prellejobjeot l -the builders plalIng it boh a ueipt, poslbly, that of orammentatIon. Aud yet there m u traoeurdinary use fotr hat ase glm-s-one that I am sure yeou never would espeo, but wbhich shall be epeely made kneal to ya, as it ws lered by AUhoor, Mr. aolS, and Tom Btradford. flone It was ertalo the Wanwares would .pedily rotum, our friends did not allow hemal s to lose any time through ereola tlin over what they saw. They steOped upos the rate, whteh was puhbed out from shore by meane of the two paddlae resting on It. Thee were o mtade that they servred either as pols or paddle, and there wea eaelderaeblo skill dlsplayed la thelr con etruteion. *LIok !' It way Athoar who atteed the exolmle. foa, polnlig down at the water jult la frowl of the boat. Dlog as direetd, Teom ad Mr. Go4hln saw the figur of the Wauwara who wae kld so mysateloouslty a abort time before. He was flt m his bask, his rightb hand firmly olored around Ihe bhalt of his javelln, while his fae was onteorted so eislly to show that, quak as was his death, It was ccmpeaied by aon peom at least ofl In. doeorbable egbony. He was not dotlng on the Isurface, blt six feel below, the prteao olearosu oa the water nderlesg his body and featurer as distluot s if the remales were lhig on the grouand. He was diflltn slowly, hqgln thatbd a slight urrent stirred the lae blow wbloh the raft did aot feel, despito the slight spare laterwealng .. SCaml you see any wound on him ' ashed Mr. Godkln, who, In ble eaurlotly, stooped

dews as as 0o hl m se.ad ee. no wem ea th- ehe As If to aetwa * t uelry o w) sla Lb, sh ,I "t alala he. . resemblmes of a heal. SWhatever It was that kilw e s the W Ma.' reaSrke Tom i ditd o wti she Tomm ter. The body incba obweid rbe p liibtlI MWhrteo s wasl e I th oI the thew1 an.' remerthed om,* aIs did ro w u leving a melk on bkl .' " Tbha Is j w t Iwy tha E Ike Daresm e Lako.- e thdatss,? At,'-.? rt oor. t whie'bfrR itted mey STtsr Sd M dst wehi a al.r ties .f'ply P-eatn lir weooale r l, If theS tereh " a @er a eatabbg7g farHr. Blranan, S am wileg to dlay il-rt ltfe hi,' bei. l tshe hlnd of cdlaseiy I mwea to hals, ah. T n om SNo' was M he ? itatlsg reply, 'b?t bI maeld gl?e a peht eal to ·aoe this !noo sI ther se our friends again I' MI. Godklh polated o bke shora, d?hg, mure eOoa, lbo Wuwara?s were s?rm gattfbui on thae almost esiolt) cil o h oplm, atmyed tbheir proimily the Spo where thela Iledster d baee toOacL with sac moddtn and awful death bus a irks, wlaMI before. ALbor. ad hepi hie paddlls gans lroma It , which was rfta onse for thley we r w Fu y na h ied ayds team lasd. The WIM Meecthas theMontains braodith tush javulfas, whoopedl a dsooed 55 If dthle tne huntrer to ase beatk? nd tlte Tn, wshing them with luleas. a Navsmthelae, n of them is going to rsy It' mad Mr. 01oat. The mar dbmaulive Wanwaura In 4i oo?eny usa ees dion biletsui for wil saem op aabord attem to hurl hhis jasa te on ? huededyedl ad mora betweem I ard th bo t, 'I l'I so sre he will alre,' said Alt? s thbe weapoolelt the hard of the warr who appeared to make so spelalt ffort. Watchlng keenly, the these were able I. see the mtliute as it rose It the alt At werved over towards them. It mssud to bold IIml i sus mpen sewr eseds far overbsedL, and then down with semtioaelly asoelerated fatlllg. oet p the raft, but tally tw4?. .to .hoes& T s is unLl sad plsh itd it 1le w o with Mr. G odktl w e tal ndai g aol IrTo theetru eto ewird il tsb lad ws hell ree. dreig e ky a b What do oa mees stabked Tom sh. STheya Dssloa' of se sLted' ws he lnal leverin hbi wsapoeo '1 dild't lted el rpshoot, though ithey de e I rat om wa t the ho In of raolsed fo . wo wit a look aod hi, bs Sndig ldoe Iroeof the ratarn while ths lad was I the reor. SWh do yot mean r to wd Tomwhe, 'Tle Dmoa Ihe the Lagket Of she a"l ply e e I opaing (r t onder the raft o evee look d him, bat deolded to lIy wha s med o be bornw. He bed bat a msnule to wall, wheel, lie where wahe ron he algt sight aeg mllk swam locked. of todaesrbable moostree le are srested. It was fully a douse fee long. withs lpaemb body, sod ahead as large er as a babeit barket. (lovmred with bl cseles sad eoormo ns Bae hundreds of h projeeted from its head In all direl like the feelers of a at. Its month tnot ob esretohed moss Its selre ront beut atoned on esah side, oluring downward the careere lie a horseshoe, acd was ilsh doable rows of long, carnivorous Its eyes were perfecty round and as tar seacers while a moassnlog sood ssued wtlbli, and was distinctly hoard, despite fet that It was several feel below 'SHe's eslag p to vids as l' ealiedTan' ' lt'give him a shot, and and bhe eareer w the Demo of the--' Before the led eould fnlsh his exelamaltg eo attered a spssmodloseeroeb, and thow phis bhands fall over on the ra?t like d (od. s conouso I. -(TO 2 OQI ln'.l,:) : j



Chapter XXXVIII SOLVING THE MYSTERY-AN APPALLING DANGER.

' THE YOUNG FOLKS. MY PLU4MY BOY TOl; on. ýaRA0RlI O BO TOY ; ·: or, aRAnROi GFORCURIOSITIE 1W INDINt'FOR MY BSOW,. BIP. T. Baue.' OCA uRR XXXVIL.-Rol sran' r..e Mrs 'OrR-AIt Arrarl.rre DArnsW. Tom Beaford'a ery was a gasepleg shriek as ha 'tseg up his arms, dropped Ites rifle, and felt backward as the raft like one deed. Mr. Godhia ld Athor were struck with eonsereatios at the sight, and. orsetfol. t their ew perli sprsag forward from the heat ithe etrwesae to his help. The led, after feliegrtoried em bhi eada and lay as t-s very edge of the rati, I Sim mines stikof rollIeg iteO the lake. SMr. GOfan weas the first to reach his rbnadl and 'irting him by the shoulder, he hastily drew him reck to the layer of glass at the frost. Ather was bat ea mean t behind him. ent graoped the other ihoelder of the lad, his removal bseig effeted to etwaihttag. Ro*t qlek a weas ab work, each was see. rotlon ofa sndden, bsarp ptle that paUed through their bodies, oeausig an lavelaaltry emoamation on the pert of bolh. The blow, If shob It may he wailed, wan not severe sough to' deprive them of the power of motion, and they. did mot falter Is the work of bhumaity until it was completed. " odkio In that starulg s moment Mr. Gdl soticed that the Demon of the Lake kept it. place at the sters of the raft, with.whieb he seemed is asnal eoilact4 be ;stroo'ore trembling onue or twerie, as 1U from collaision with a rook. By thie lime, too, a suspcleIoa of what It all msat bhad fleshed through the mld of Mr. Godkle, whose grpat fear was that his yonng friend had reen fatally lejered. A n. loote was sfaiefant, however, to maket known the gratifying faseet that Tom was alive. He was seen to quiver, as if soffering Intense paie, then he opened his eyes, stared aroand lna drzed sort of way, and suddenly eat upright as well as eorr. My graclonlu I' he exelaimed, but thati was awful I' ' Bow do yen feel asked Mr. OG rakle. *I'm all right, except a slight nausea atl the stomach; but let's go fr that demon, at they call him.' ' BIIe arefol to keep on this pert o! thei :1.,' admonibced Mr. Godkin, while Athoor stood bewildered, hardly knowing. what to do rr to advise his frienda to do. The monster at the rear of the stroe'ure seemed to be filled with a devilish me igoity that would not be denied. Seeinlg that the thre ptrsons were on their feet asd, there f r, exrlnmely alive. he tead to slay all three. The bideous head, with Its hund:ede of vibrating horns, wars throat above the water, the irmmense round eyes glaring oter the lsreg of the raft like a couple of locomotive headlights, while the horrible mouth openeard aid ahat with a gaspiog movement, as If the long, sharp teeth were 'eager to read the victims they were unable to rseah. The samne low, grinding moan Iessued from the intestlor of the nondescript, whose appearance suggested some apalling night. mare of sleep. But ulr friends were too aooustomed to all manner of peril to be paralysed by a sight whichb, under other circumstances, would have held them tranafixed with horror. Do you take the right eye, and I will plug hi4 lel.,' said Tom, biloging his rifle to his sh.ulder. SAll right; I will count thre eso that we may lire togetLer.' The weapoe were levelled, the D.mon of the Lake maintaining his positlor; though he appeased to be on ths point of dropping back lto the water. !* One-two-three 1' The reporls of the guns were s'multanecos, and the very eStre of easoh eye-was pleoed by' the -ILaden mtsaile, whieb boaed is way olean thrLogh fesh, oartilage and bone, the entire lensth of the terrible oreature, the bulids linking is the water hevood., TLu death of tes dazing Wanuwars, who stepped out in the ootl .-of theoape, was hardly more sodden than tha of the Demon of the Lake. The horsible moanirg ceased, the gigantic jiwa clued with a snapplg sond, and the monster went to the bottom itLe a bonlder that had rolled down the mountain side. S'Bureah-i' alled Tom- B.adfi d, linging his hast -o high in the air that it came near falling ovarboard; ' be is asdeadsaadoor nail, ard it-was or thbots that htlld Lim I' * Thse ear be so doubt of that,' remarked Athoeor. who hlt a suangeawed exuliatica; bot who shall explain the mysery -of chite power ever bi rvineis while ee was elie? 'It Is as plai as AB C,' said Tom, walkb iog to the edge of the lail, and geaiLg down as the monster that lay eo the bottom, fity feet below. SYou name pretty nesr fiaishing me, sdded the lad, shaking his fist at him; ' and if it hadn't been that yon- had -killed the WVld Mae sob a short time before, you would have:doe it.' i . lam quite sore that my intelligent reader hae alrs dy asrp'oted the explaneaek of the extraredicacy ooeoreoesea dectbed. They have read of the -elertrital eel of 8ush Amerlsr, which Is faroished by nature nlih an esiotriat battery poserlol enough to slet osadden death- cpu any animal with which it rome in contact. Horses are driven lInto the pools of water wheretheoe singular alc abound; many of the animals belog so severely abooked that they are drowned before the reptiles Iemporrily exhaust their batteries to the point of making it safe for men to handle thim. ' Eleatalel dulle are well known,. and the Demon of the Lake was - a gigantle monstrosity "fralshed' with an ietrical battery- of overwhelming power. FPlly aware of its abllty'to inflict a lightnnler. ls death' upon ay area are whiob it -could touhab Itwasso foad of iexercilg' It fatal gift that it wall deserved the name it tso eelved from the superstitious satises. Gilding' noiselessly up to the Wanwara, standoing walt deep in the lake asd I. the set of oohinlg hi. jurella, the moonser emom him with lastman death. The ilentotheok exhausted the sleeteial reservoir, :a it may be called, sal some houre were artesary for It to replealoh It. self. - 'The time, thereforer; was so brief beforeit aiatiled the raft sad Its toopsate, that It could mod only a partial shook through the rafl snd into the anssopeosiog TamBrad. ford- Naverthelees; it was sofolosn to atreteb hism -sadlse., ad bet or the preloous dsorharge Into the body of the warror, my ploehy young frhaictver would have knows what kiled htn. When Atheeor ad ir. Godlin rushed to hle! help, the Demon of the Lake tried to shook them through the raft, just as he had dose a meomsn before wish she Ids. hot by chat timi bie store of lecrtlialty was so low that it amounted to little, though etartllnjly peorepithb to the men -a ThMe explaation make.eleer also the pro aenco of the sheate of glare at the frout of the atreatore. That esbetanes. I need not tell you, isa nouondutotr of eetricty (of 'wbleh we really new very little. ad by same mesas the asgarhse WId Mea.nd t Maontales had asee'tNlaad the fet,. A portIon of the' raft therefore, with whloi tahy oeeenal llyjoarne es aerms the lake, wke pasledby tbhln sbld Bo long aelthe 'naigators rumahod on that part they were sals c ad had Tom Bradfed baen at the front Intiad ef at th' storp a hewuld not have been periratid& haytshok.--" Bot thee, alao, he weuli asi have eelwed the mystery of the Demos of the Lake, and ele he-reallyi adered nso barebe will savev regret the knock down hereoelved at the hsdfe of the sietrliMo mossier.' 'It will aver do to try toeeptore a earloell like that for Mr -Berum ' said the lad, alter the mattes had beea foly disesased l- mad. eler to AtiHor; *for be wouldplay theahlobaf withibfs captors, sad If we cosid get blm to Amreris, he would keep is up He would t wiorresbtan that old elephant, Golomboc, that Mr. BHr' som had yrsn ago sad that kilkd so many

wiee teny eothidig eboat Bease, that I eapýse. w asrei atat' Bsdgpaee. * Ia I eet to be suppoed that the ee we have shat li the aly one ia the late,' rint i t. Oasle ! e wew mast look oat, fer *"e oeat sheik fream one of those oreterea wilU tayot eshe viesnm teyed pi hope of .se tneriiatlon.' auring thes eliroing moment, the Wild Men had snme frtu from their hiding plt.; ad were inokltg out epon the- warte wish inten" rolosity. They hatd see the hola ored en tse very fn or one Demon of the Lkn, rand as It .d if the eats of toe reft sad sank, they ould not have failed to understand abet to wer kIlled. . Ueeounde' mot have Obeen their satOrih mnio as the elhta; for. of est the wsnseible terrs of which is eatrase people sepoei wibhlated tceat, there was never mey that equalled th. - areal or6ratee otewe as the Demise the lsaerhL .-' Theliaered Laie of Piue, beg so far lto the Tootbe; is the base of semy at theb htrangea formadoes ever 'haews i O* animal blegtoin , as our frietds were de stfsled to lear before reahobing tshe Other abore. Time wae preolore, ad Athrow ad Mr. Oodkan plied ihelr paddlue with all the power at their e*miand. There waee reU s to fear that the Wauwaers, divtieg their per, pner, woold m-he beesi to arme reeed to west them; ad, though It reemed unlikely that they stald pse over the greaterdleane ie the esear tim that aour frendaoold vrytge the ehorter, there wase Mate to *e lieve shey might reach the oppoette shore il lime to eo* serlious troulhe. The bite r tRrte gave only a sogglh mrove meot 0. the raft, while the sesessity cf keep ing a watch for -oher eleetrieal mesitea handiooppd the progren of tbf party. 10 that it ea evident an hoor or, two most elesbefore thoy could hope to. eat feoot on T'e dlsppartere rf the Wild Men from the sape, where they had heen steading for game time, gave probability to the the ry that;they were hurrylog to the other elde of the lake. SWhat the matti r I' sddealy uaked Tor Bradford, who, standinv on the bow of tc raft, rifl)e in hed, weeable to keep a brighter look out thian hi frla edpiylng the oar.. . What dn you eina? ashed MrI. Godhie, esel'g work for ae lasteot and looking uop. ' Too are not goiang .ward shore, hat erare treralllng la caelre.' Atboor row satoppedal work ais and ook a osurvey of matters, The next moment be altered an eselamn tion in ledostarnl. * I forgot it,' he said, with bleashed fte; 'there Is a great whiripool In the oentre of the lake, and we are eanuht lo Ie power.' * Let as hburry thin and work car way oat,' added Mr. Godklio, dippilg his floang paddle deep, and sweylag it with all hbls power, while the native did the easre on the other side of the rat., Under their nated Impulse the strootore rnoved faster than ever, little ripples no water shbow ing I front. Tem, who asai kept ble place at the ront, lorely wetebineg their progrees felt that the danger wars past, and oalled out eneoanraging words. SBut they were searcely ttered when to his dismay, he perceived that the sirl of the maelstrom was greater thaa bhe almost etrength of the two man. The raft was goingol rouand and rounad in a rapidity narroowg cilrcle, and swiftly ap proaohing the frightful vortex, which wee now plainy observed only a short dlitance away. You have all seetn the little whirlpools as they appearaor rerome !ndergrotrd paeage through which' a aream discharges its volnme. You have noticed how the waters spin round and roand, faster and fatter, until the centre is resuhed, don which the sticksand other Bfloating deblis plonge rad vanish for Imagine now a vortex ten feet aorest, with aaunknowo depth, the areen we re whirlinag about with disalog velocity, aod with a roar like that of the rapids below Niagara, and you have a faint piclture of the appalliog danger ahioh eat friends on the raift were eseprapelled to face, and from whibh thi re ecemed to earthly eaoee bshort of a miracle. 'lem Bradford brpged to be allowed to take one if the oars, but the perspirlg Mr. Godhin waved him saie, and continued to ply the paddle with an energy born of der perstion, amoonting almost to despair. CoarTiY XYTXll-lixFaRHNaD Io NixD. YToo may be aware tabt reven . .small sj:at, oaoabt In thbe swirl of a whirlpool, spanes rouad many times before taking its dual p ogse down the vortexr;. Although the rti aud its ocacpants ware eirelir g about the huge vorne with genat spe d, ant eteadly drawing eater eaoh moment; yet it weas Ikely to do to for a asceiderable time-as it would seem and'r the slroumstanees-before difing fete the bowe isof the earth. While gc'zirg at the terrifilog might. Tom Bradford saw a ? oond Demor of he Lake, folly a glgantlo as the one he ehad help dto kill, struagle fiercely for a momenton the very verge .,f the whirlpool, and then " go down, tail Brst, its limmense head, open mouth, aod hoodreds of attenero ippig wl.h foam, ce-with a sreechilogmoan itehot out of sight for ever. Athoor and Godkhin doubed far over, despairiogly but vainly plying their oars, audonwi lirgin those dreadful movements toyle d the idle fight with the power that was rea e -saatiost their atmost strengbth Tom Bradford could only staad at the front, praynlg that the'kid Provildese tsat ad baefriededathcmso olten would not deert bthem intheir extrernmity. A strasge brps that there might be some roekhover whieb he could fing the laego that he still earred. lId him to. hold the loops in his head, waiting for the obasce whith was never to present ilIef in that form. . SWeki as Is the meast ewerfol steaner against -a strong carrent, there are ab ark and other lbies in the that ane flat their way agselet a rmeblrg torrent, seemaetly by a partial exeritse only ol thel tremeadous a'rengtb. oWhite Tom stood in this expectant but despairing attitudei he cauoght sight of a imrnease fisb, whblah Ia the vary watoseess of It migbt, was dallyilg with the whirlpool, semingly trying to sea how aear it eo'd approach to the verter witanot belg drewb il In shot aeroe the featfolade, pe ieg within a few feet of the emerad well do wbtoh the Demoa of the Lake hadvaisbed ad thee spoed sveral wode away, nlstemaly retorierg agaln as if toa how it geoar of the weaker foree. Soddenly i glided lhoot of tlb reft, oi be obauved that it'wee foll thtl feet in lengb, hut eywmetrloally aepud, with a ttperlog body, a hgehed end two earmaons des that potout aost hoh of Ibe jaw., P errlteneld it to thruit its head partl ouof the water, es if It eought to eist one pitying glanoe at the loomed pastiesce the raft. Tbh aame nsfteet the fer in the heand of Tom Bradferd hot t twith despeate force sad wondrfl aee y. The loop fell direty over the head of the fish. end, lIke a lasb the lad steeped down a od oll the other and of the rope round ona of thslogn nf the rtft. weewa not a seod toosoon - Feeleg the strange bedMIe areano bhi heed, the gigenfto deb was eel&d. with a paelo, ae, hedt Ibg raghaw foe. the vortex, he;pat forth hha ianeoeakieaht eeetjy It was a herootean tesk, but the ish's loatoot most have tanght him tbletMe owe. eieteese was at stake, for he taosed with a strengthe tha-weeld have puolle a Cunard steamer apalact the wlhol foree ci her peoleg s a.-. or a fuill cfete Ihe eflwa iuefg motfoo. Itee, Ie sodden sherkleg senatie the foam ad spray above the three hewidared friemdl tnsash ean rxent that thoy were ioklehle to easb other, ead were In- dager of bolsg atrlagled Poodigitos as wee the powerof the giReanlo Gab, it lohkel am if he bhad ondntahen a task bsenl his pewr. - Dolt, heranb I- - The teoerlots rope drawn se test itftt it wan like a her of Iron did not break, and tha strange motor gaiod pererelptlly. At flai it acud not he perceived, but

peon tbhe strnetoii begsa moving iseein ieels' -T adwaatege grew wib every steaep l ·iaT~ac. ' rTbe forther 4Ie raft war draw from lbs vortex, bthe l- i.ess eme she powelr of: i Whiripool., ad s, morie poaabrl grew tbeau tack of lbh locgitar Be.. tr Woald tb heeave ritch become resbautIr an( plant m No: am maa to fel that, terrlfla asw , the dihe, ie tie wee .uaembiang. Sunrher sit ,rlaher, faster and fee ienad lhe ratS .tnraogh *be blinding spray .om mit and fam. uonstl ise diraoes fSomtnhI rearing tories was doubled. Conaesouc that he was now master of. tlh. situation, Ithe i-h puot forth another Iremmel done burst, and in a twibling had deneshb: bhe raft and tas thrc oceupancs so far Seatl nla she broad. eg sratesa that he raft wee snesaable to therower.t the paddls: S-The moemsa nur friends real"sed thb were sevlwdt a manner that.epproese. the mlraelan.e, Tem Bradford aod-4 - Oetkln seek on as el kose, overoome.w lo graSitude. and ronrrd out their hearts i tanakfnlness to Heaversn. Atboor stead wish folded arms eand Idos .eyes murmoring his gratitude to"Bdldi.e. who 'at Ateirvened n a More marked =0-' a r tha hbe had aver known i all his axs.ee rianle before.. Meuawhile, when they had rnoevere remewihat from thel- .gitatiou. theyb. p.r slved that the huge fish we still oating the pact of a steam ong or te.. Fortuesately he hadi headed toward tbs shets which wan the datclatl -of. .et:. friend., and wae dras i g thenm tbroal the. waer at a sperd which k pt he foam 8pirgi over the hoot ef the boas. Evidently tb. ishb was still ptaio.ateiatis: not by blie .arowesospe from bthe wiriSiLe but beanses io the straue bfrile that 6111 ecirelted s is head H's feellag m t Mbes been lmilar to thsS of Shb Ilon whoa be toa;t bldsel Inextrably onObght Ia lbm marro tbat had sprang aatl ever bt jaws. ' Rl an the wareh.*' t. Athoor. wno was the 8rstl to peek 'II swill oneo change -hi course, and yon malt be ready to mt. l ripe or e will draw no ilae le whirlpel;: sagai.' aI' look oat for that,? replied Toom, beld tat Hi knife ready So sever the ie l Ib tretast it beneme reerssry., The fish now di plyedl a dispolition ome: thing like that of the .troea, hblob dalli,. with the 'rne a icnn tlme before a)lowing blmeolf to be eep'nred. The headi on Sight of the igantin hel eunhisoed nanil he wae wi his a balf mile .. shore. All tele time Tom Bradford ws. sqouated at the poiot where She rope hed been wound araned ore of - ; logs of the raft, walling, with drawn kalfe. the moment when the fastening ehoult ao: coat. Athoor aod Mr Godkli were no wora out by Iheir great eser fore that the perspiraitb.. rstreamed from their fans, and they. no down on the raft to rerover thelc wind ad a ring h. 1 Itse oeenp erg this attitude of attentiom, the quelstion came to Tom Dradford whelheer he could not osave the lase. Of sourge be was to cime to ran any risk, hbut the powerful rope had sicod him so well, -did the prospect wans no strong that it would be of no forihaer eve, that he was naturalS anxious to kerep I., provided It could be aede done. At the distanoa of half a mile from. h . shore toward which the fabh bad hbem steadily puehiop, he turned to the left sand, esueomed a course par Ilel, to the land Ial froontrk, 'You had better uot. the rope I';rrieh Athoor; 'ha will aoon h-ad for the whirl pool aaino.' ' Wait a minute,' replied Tom. ' ar in no danger yot,' Depite the asounding power of thi hogs fish, it wars evident that he felt the prodigeua. strain, and was worn out. Suddenly there was a diminution of his ipred. He went slower and slower,. and al. atance torred rquaely about, and, facing, the ralt, assumed a motionless possion. The momentum of the structure aaueed lb toontionue forwsnard, and it pered directlyh over the fsh, whfio never stirred a So while the mrail was gliding but; s foot above bis body. But hi. abropf feoinog about gave Tom Bradford the very opportunity for which be, was waiting. The loiant hesanwbimLturn,hegavciaahrpba pull on the lax rope, which immediately elipped free of the head ans was gqoulikp, drawn on board. - , (To mx oo.vFTruZe.)



Chapter XL THE DEMON'S NEEDLE

TIEh YEOUNG FOLKS. MY: LAYI7x ;'OY ,TOIL;. 01.. 114iC N(} TOR CU I OSITIES oR. smanrm ion OurmOsrmw IN INDIA BOB MY SHOW. Br P. T. Biasmu... , .. O(}Aran XL.: Tun Dmro50's NOMaOL The physical and mooeal- stain to which our friendl had boosn: aubjectd *aa.so groat that they were worn out, though Tom Brad ford himself had put forth comparatively little erertion. i' Iealising that thoy woo not cl aid from thi whirlpool into which they drifted; L. but that their strange eariour, in the form:of the gigantie fish, had released himself froma the haeo that the lad was .led' by niothing leonthan ianpiration to fling over hil head, they at down at the forward part of the Sraft, and for a quarter of an hour neither r spoke nor moved. Tom was the first to rally, not only on I account of his youth, buhot because of the I slighter tension he had undergone. 1ee first looked back at the shoro that they t left behind them. Although it was over four miles away, yet Sit was as distinctly marked in the clear pt-, mosphero as though the .distance waso no more than one-tenth an great. SThe bold, rocky outlines, .with thepro-. ,jeoting cape, were asscannedl, but not a sign.of t the Wauwarns was visible.. y They had departed, and no douib woro e hurrying around the lake to meet the a eoxplorers that had performed euch wonidera n before their eyes. S Still, it would seem that since they had a dozen miles at least to travel over" the Sroughest enrfece, the danger "of another confliot with them was alight indeed;. "' s Tom next turned his attention to'tlhe aboe Simmediately in front. That, if possieble, woa of a still wilder a nature, many places being .iicoeiilblb, e becausnee of the pfrupndiednr walls of stone if whichrose directly from the'lcar water. A" a quarter of a mile tothe left, however;the appearance was so striking that even Mr. SGodktin, desito his exhausted condition, surveyod it with Interest. Two columna of grey rock rose like im r. mense chimneys to a height of more than a two hundred feet;', standing out so clear and g sharp that it seemed impossible to 'believo they were only simple formations of niture. h One of the columns was slightly' slorter o than the other, and of differont shape and Y formation. . o The taller was quite osmooth: and sharply i defined from aunmmit to the :base, which Stouched thewater, while -the shorter had a rough, craggy sides, with itasurmmitalmost n, agamat the upper part of the taller, though c the bases were flly tifteen foeet apart. y From this, you will understand that the a lessoer column bore a resemblance to theo ae famous leaning tower of Pisa, the wonder of - the speetator being excited that it did not tumble to the ground. " But, respecting the' one of whichI am ° telling yno the astonishment -ought not to have oBen so great as that felt at Pisa, for r the natural strnoturoelwna of solid rock, w while the other is artifcial.: ` I : . By this time, Mr. Godldkin and Athoor had ,so far recovered, that they began to talk and r show an awakened interest in tho'objects a around them. I 0 '-That,' said the native,ointing aat the r taller'column, ' is the Demons needl.' :,: ,:" f Andwhat lse.the otherl t'-h " n 'It has no naime, so far as I know ; I have. t sometimes thought that agers. ago, when another race -peopled; India,. thoso -a'two Scolunins woro carved by them, but, after. all, a it may.; be one of thoeo freaks:; of .nature a which, I believe, are not confined to this part I oftho world.'- : '" ,t.:.-,, Ha'Hon anyone climbed to the top of it?' ''Probably it, has been done, though I would not care to try it.' r i' I think I could do it,' remarked Tom, as Sif communicating with himself, though it would.be a hard ,task. t How: would you manage, it 'jiasked Mr. ' ;Godkin. - ''-Theideo. of, tho.e aning roliun n i so r' irolken,'nd jagged that, wti a little caro, S anyone can makeo his way upits Bidese to the t top, whicih is sc ploseto the tllor, thant hlie U could easily jiump, aeroot" e i'lt -" ' It 'Is just like you lo atempt scocle a fool ;hardy feat'~r mnid Mr. indkin. I ih thr woe soonotung in tbe ,gained by cii ingigup thliero,' rplieh.d Tom, witlh ;Thoro is a li}ize awiing the climber who can reach the top of the toille column,' said "-Atlicor. What's that P' asked the ..intorested Toni; 'The sireanecolt bue- i inollndia lie s inido nest focryears ;on the crest oftlihe higher: F column, the toryy ;last place. ini ;theowrld where youywould, think - it' wvould "'buiild its --'What ort` ofAn lrd is it f',, : E". :' ' I never heard bf it.' 'But you can iiei oni o 1now ;it' P Athlioor pointed toward;tho'ooliuna, and following the direction of hlis finger, the three perceived a bird, whiCh'wrive plaimly making its wly toward the olevation named. ! , .;z I It'wns:% at sog^reat- a"-height i:andso distant, thatit could- not be-'pareived with SWhile theo lady }"kw cilitdfi iel e iaill, it possessed a most amazing spread of wing, -probobi -flfteenfoeet, enahing it to~fly,,nbov tho earth in, the cold"'thin' air which will not sustain the smaller bhrds. ;: I.:. , . i - -When flirt "noticedl'- not ' the"'elightest ixetidn of the wirngsni is-epopthilo. 'iThey were simply outspread to their fullst extent, while it glided forward like a ship,under sail before a favouring wind. - Now and thoo~the: faintest jnletiont-of -the wings could.bo soen;,thoughit appeared tobe uhnneessaey, sinoo'the hugo.bird- want along without apparent effort. !,,:, '- What"do' yon'tknioe"'abotet }the !aird wrole-eof' asked Tom, whose curioity was at the high~et piteh.,..,:., .r , ,," . ,.; , , " . 'Not 'much, exept ,that it, is', found, no ,wherecin therorld, so farras lonewn,'oexpt in this part of Nizam; it is rogarided by the Wild Men': of:the3,Mountains,'ana snored bird; anrid if you are ever peromitted:to gain a close view, you ivill not be surprised to learn of the veneration'in which it-is--held.' 'Give no some desriptioneof.itr.' 'It is iiiddubtedly th6ti ost fiuttotically coloured creature ever created. You know I that there is a certain consistency in Nature 1 when she given her rainbow tints to.somo of -thi feathered beauties of India, but their is nothing of the kind in the case of the ea weate-s, which looks as if it had been painted by a luiatio in the moet grotesque inannerho ,E cooldeconocive. For instanca, its vringis jet black, its loft in green and red; 'one side of its head his grey, the other is'spotted, with .f brown and green; the bresat .n aellaw streaks on a white background, wholeI, f the a donon feathere or more composing its tail, I do not think that two are of .the isame shade, and the under-side of both wings is mottled, 1 eon being of a 'vielt tint and the othersuowy white.' - - -~· - -' -" ' ''''·I·· ~: ` "What if its foodf' - 0 'Piish, which it gets from the Barred Lake -look I' -. -. - :A?- tI it'inatant the atrngo baird vanished ' over the upper side of the toler column, buit it didnot reappear beyond., Thls shoboed b thast it had stopped on ts- crest. - Sineo' its wings- were outspread to the E fullest extent at' the moment of its dia- ci appeirance it must have checked itself with u amazing suddennes. - P 'I should think at that altitude that the neat would be swept away by storms.' ' Strange that it is not, but' that the bird ' continues to live there through all seasens is proof hat nothingof the kind takes place. si It must be that~th~ top-of tho. roek is not t' smooth, but contains natural exoavations' whomin the bird builds its nest. ' b 'Whdt of its moteo' -' :''~ sl 9~1onvegoes neuur !the rock, 'exaeeit~i It ' oiayho~l~tl~~thehelp tho female build; the P neat, after which he niskes his hoio' further up the shore, resigning the care of the household to his wife.' -r 'If theroisanestupthere, then it mast ontn engseor young ones, andI em going to ino gt one, if It in possaible, to take home to 55 Mr.i Barawn.' to The danger of tho contemplatedl attempt

was somaP n that both ati a d m ail Mr. gmahss dma 3eLsi Lbaº4 k dia his head, ai. e Phisa dtbgeraa Idte bega ing it with a vigo., thab osedo4 atoo shpowd hs weam. by dhetfad Toi toland fully a fourth of a ole'fie the Demon's Nede. When they stepped from thee at it was given s vigormu shove into the opposite Sh letionno er entheir detnrmation. t In the still water, it was hkely to doat a considerable distance before touchingland, if, Sindeed, it touched it again. and, cIoseqoently, when the Wauwara should catch ight oin o they would he without any knowle of whore their enemies dionembarked, and their Shunt for them would probably be in vain. "It is inourfrinde' favour, too, that the shore was no rocky and covered with pebbles, that only by the. closeet acrutiny could the Ssharp-eyed Wild Men follow them. r Everything indicated that the day would pnass without detection by their enemies, n and, with a full night at their connand, ,o they could run into peril only by inoxcusable blundering on their part. A closer approach to the Demon's Needle ycaused Tom's self-appointed task to seem t eaoier than he had at tirat supposed. While the taller column was found ao per Le pondicular and smooth that it was inmpossible for, anyone to climb it, the shorter was so rough and jagged that nothing but an out ,j lay of strength and endurance was necesoary to take one to the top. t I'm off,' caliled out the lad, bhanding his 1 gun, pitol, and lasso to his friend, so as not ,,, be handicnou in anyy way.: SBo carefu admoniiod li. Godkid; ' I hdon't feel asoy:bout this enterprisoof yours, ,o which I wie you would forego.',,. r. II'Have no fear for me,' was the confdent reply of. the youth, who, full of natural Senthusiasm, began climbing the 'leaning tower' with an ardour that roused the ar sympathy of his friends, who, standing back . a considerable distance, watched his ascent ,t with the deepest interest, not forgetting to A. maintain also n sharp look-out for the Wild 1 Men of the Mountains, who might put in an S'ap psunce at any momneut. - .. a, o up wont he daring youth, climbing ' ~sround and over theo projections with the Siimblenessn of a monkey, and now and then n halting a fei minutes to recover, his breath. d Of course he kept on the upper aide of the ro column, as it may be called,.einoe no person . can make his way along, the under-side of a er sloping wall. ,d 3o handy weor tha projections for his hands and feet, that Tom was sure they.had been out with tools for that purpose, and that 'he was not the farst, person that had made the ui dizzy, ascent. . t At last, with a rapidly beating heart, he h paed onthe vary tp of the leaning tower. He newlfound himself within foot or fire a feet of the crest of. the taller, which, like the to one whereon heeitood, was fifteen .or twenty i feet in diameter., ,t ',I can jump to that,' be said to himsolf, stepping bock to the further side of the rocky m platform. , .A Ashort, sharp run over the briefo distance, r and he made the thrilling lip, his friends r, far.bolowholding their breath as they,saw the body suspended for an instant betweeon d the two columns, and hundreds of foet above d their heads, cre it struck the taller ono. At the instant Tom's feet left the lower platform, he felt' a strange giving away 0 bencath him, as though the column of rook wwas esing into the ,eeths of the earth.. ,As he clambered hastily into place,. he cast a saingle terrificd glance over his shoulderand saw that at last theIndian ('leaning tower of o Pisa',had fallen! ', Probably for mainy years, under. th action Sof. the elementns, ithe extrordinary., column :had been steadil igrowing weaker until it. Snow, on the, very, verge .of' toppling over., S Onlyy anlight jar was needed to cauiso its dlovwnfall, and 'that was given byethe foot of Tdm Bradford aso ho' made the' wild leap to t the tller colhimn. a. . Cirhrrcn XLI.-Sntiv ori oN Evenr 'Hei n. 'An things; 'sooner' or`lator','ii i't' yield Seforit rtho gnaringmteoth iofTio w"orl iTho lanning e ncs imo'f solid "stoco may have been fractuol by ' a thuniderbolt at seone b remote ieriod, but it was tillo ftti l ~ineiuho to bolnd itsa position', tbig -',r'u1i. of Bi ut all' th'u tne it wasn'growing wt i thnd o t, and weato hae , the momnt' camns whii it waus redady to fall. IAt this most i cuifortunato criai',oToon Bra ford ororived from thoother aide of the world, anad 'ai the necioary' impestus, b' thu'reroil' 'of his foot, neyhocieraiu¢ueroessthBeintorvcn ing space atthstp terrifying oltitudo:' o: The scone wooh awe-inspiring. r , ,. Had it been o ny the'icrestof theclir u d' that fell, it would 'not have been fat il,' since Tlomn would' have'fdniioin trouble in leaping back to it, but th diiineintgrnti'ii ''took place Sat a peint fully oixty feet fromvtheotp; all the enormeous mus of stone. nboeo;wging thousands of hins, gsoing.to th grondwit a croab that causnl the earth totitrble a'aif Tfrom an earthu etik hloi wt t ook: ' .'h n elhalf the m oms went into tiqlento ithbw °i, ththei lik' tliat when Hel ooti was bl ntbi. up iy,'ythe dynizunit, litterues fartbeon, th.', , BothAthoor antd Mr. Godkiri oa'oido.iin a °jepit;a';a;ndwslito gasp of terror, (laed'"ira8 fr.from the spotau othey could get d r ,Whi'acno th '6 mss; came do wn utit. aich'a thunderouis 'aback, they owere fifty fof4asdaay, butthoe sprniy wao tro thro terb thcin,",d thiro wa a ningle onvulson of the croniiod which anlost throw them off their foot i.: newianwo '"they wore Siafe, beod nevietha turned and gazed upward to learn thr'fto of Tin Bradford. They saw the daring youngstrr far up inm the air, with lies arms rcstine on the iedgi of thid tuillr'oluinii se reot while the vingorous movements of his "legs showed that 'ho wans tryiiig,to climb over the' eide and -upon. the circular.opace abo m, as ,o c, "Thiswwas not'a difficult task.' They were still looking with bated'hreath;' wh he disanppeared for the moment,. showe hrg thanthohad reached ito footing' ltast.' "' he hbas got thered "so Mr thGodkint inb a faint 'voice; 'but' 'how will 'ho 'ever'-get 'Thereo is no way for hin toido tn"esieh Athoor; sick at heart over t he torriblo peturb tioin'of their. young ompanion ''"^a "urf "Meanwhile, Teo Bradford entced'updon ' a now and wonderful experience, snchas never ontoredhi wildscat dreamsh The moment ho' '.ed 'x'.Fumm , oa ti"h, ' he hooked around at"ro~tdw erofried pbro¶-'be bad hleaed. q '"o ne 'th eraw hin s riends tar-f it was' belw i lg d orthe edge 'of the' la ganzingnup at' b-w.'s 'h d buvio' hi"h bit;' he' s.teng'ut 'Tbuvi his head as h eignal.iiot enlyfhoconl 'geatulatton to them, bat asproof thrinabsmo I 'was safe '''' ' """' ,. But~~oor may beesnppsed,,he wootoany. Il thinag wat ajubilant mood fo l''"'' o' :: The 'leanijng tewer'had' enddenly 'b~omeb shortened to the oitcii'm f sixty feet. "t that diatencom blot otwas tlmistdoulo i what the diameter bad been at the top~, bat it niot 'only 'woo twenty feet away~from the "teller' 'ae straight cohuinin, but ·the supper 'surface wasl a mRas of jagged projections, 'eauased by the violent dinruption of theupper a poto.To lea p dowii upon this' surfaeL fro aheisht of 'fiteeon feet' weiddinsuro 0 dangerous injury; to do an at four' timeer 11 that' height 'meant the' macgling at~one's Ii body beyond recogisitien.' ' " Ansal thin, what wootobeomeof Tom Bradfiord, since the ladder h* which he'had0 climbed to this vast height was awept from under him, and there was no means of ra- a' placing itt '" ··: · Before gving himselfup to despairing me- al ditation, t~he lad proceeded to explore his a, eurreundings. ·I The surface of the' column on which he cl stood coosieted of an irregular circle, same i, twenty or thIrty feet In diameter. ~Although at a remote~ ported it had pro. bebly been quite smooth and even, yet the 1 grniii was an varied that 'it was ganiduslly - 'worn into ruts and cavritic,'oneof hiich was~ 1eirtly"'hclvedl over by a crust' 1sf etone inca ~ striing fashion. ' Beneath this odd, half-roofed cavity the aw,-u,rk-coa hod built their nests. The female, which the hunterahad Bo l to the spot, had made a ehort eta , toasenoh oo she woe abaent wheitTonmBrnd~ordolimbod Oi to the top of the column. The nest woe composed of otickoe, keld in

plac;e b a alsemInlys de prw rouf sasl uata wmt Easter-t never o ated any pattern megss etrkingly be'autýO'~niful. r + Hmdrdsof filboesa were scattered around the top, but all wwe d, ioU0 odo was emitted poin thte imother had lhie a broke their s. Tom You wenid hardly believe It, bTo inBradford w no interested in th ght that, forg metting ingenious dble situoration for tt moment, timoe crawledver forwardonhIahands and around th top, but aea weiedry, and no odour wi'I wonderittd, proving thbefore the mother wilbatch " brought no food to the spot raaetly though ,r he saiwod tobe lily to dohi lf, as e u at them chicks broke their shells. - back in place. hIf I could o t Thoemrn Brin safely down, wtere mightb ht thate forgetting his own terribl e other towl; or, if Mr. moment, be cawled forward onhis hasnds n' i Barnum hapid them, e eggscould s one of the' patent inoubatore; but I haven't got down to' earther, and attentively done any way them I wonder how long falong they willre.' h P'.· he said to huneclY, as he easefuly set them. - H could not ut. I sould onsc gtousnesst thor' this vast height, he thmight of himself.th Standing erect, he took in the whole magul-' fthen sun, or weep of mountain, foretwl ; oa, i l' sprnum had them, feet. His e of vision wasofth many milee in extent. I h got don to A long distance tothe northwaed aa wreak In the wooded country led hilnito suspect ho was gazing on the village of the Wild Meni, canwhere King reiomt bya held reign. H c ould not shut from his two mriones, Tom his own fearful position, and, Rvingno more-*' hcalled to the uriosities though had louted at the this vast hvoieight, his wthords hs a far-sway soutand, as did t, heirs whetoo in the whoeplied. m fienThere's only one thing to be done,a j sprouted Tom, and that is for me to jumwas down.' many miles in extent. That will be torthe deaorth,' alled back Mr. Goelkin. - in the woroded jumpntr led him to ssofe the I res gaoklying on the illand e roral have leape whfrom Kingthe on bridge below Niagara, Lonever do.' t hi t ri Tom cExa mine the water houna the base, and top of his voice, his words had 'a" far-away-: soundee w ithe isep enoug they replied. to go under a good distance.' It ere's onlyd Mr. Godhin and Ato be door but shminute to make the e famination desirmed. down.' - Half the mass of stone that halled fallen from 'thee Brodi tionothe column flyj i0 thai' Breraln bridge, and se ake-that- portion o t, from the Suspensi~on bridge below'Niagara;, ". andwhich it hod fitelled to such an extent that ti Bugreatest depth was no more than a theyard.-itill It was imposib for TomBradford to leap. far enough tocarryhim be round the baseou andary of these jogged rocks, so ilat t was thesam. as if whethere waits no water at an tfor.eo his under agood distance.' .··i SIt required Mr. aodkin and Athoor but a"·-: fall. miYou need not be to mldthat the mintion desied.tuation would not have on improved that had fallthere been the upper portion of the' column lay: in -the ,, a hundred fot of water at the base of the tower;* for, when reached from a fearful he al r out in the a -t alighting portion solid which ithadfilled to ch an extent that tse - greatest diheartning truth was no more thaned up trd. Tom, was impoaibl for Tom Bradford to eiad far olI don't oe what carn be done,' ndheary ofsaid to hsjgged roc,itting down on the rwathesk and racking hi was norainter at a to brconjure some ohisem that offered not be t shadow of hoe. h tulloal would not have bomenimn m sed hry thee beeng Shundrt tinet ofwater p t'the bver we tce. , Ther; femlor, when r-oached descried h height, it ther home, and cam lighaiing bakon solid withor all ed to defend it Tom diBraferd saw plainly enough, as she., Wa~Yll. -I don't 'co what can be; done,' -be, arged straight at him, that on thore was blood aking hids brainsc to conjure some soheme ' that offer even ri shdow of ho 'ello I'm to hae compa in my myo s , thoughl 1. don't think it will prove vory welcome.' %t ,Th'~ female .aw-wolo-oo had descried' the intruder of her home, and came uailing~backt, with all speed, to defend it., ...:; · ..;, t~ · Tom'Bradford saw ~plainly enough,' as she, charged straight at him, that there was blood: ii h ereye. .:.:~· ' -:



Chapter XLII THE BATTLE IN THE CLOUDS

STHE YOUNG -FOLKS. MY PLUCKY BOY TOM oR,: SEARCHING FOR' CURIOSITIES IN INDIA FOt MY ?BHOW. - 11r P: T. BD in.ro. Cir.ulrn XLII. Tmn Bcror.r t n m.CLouns. "For th6e:niomnht; Toin :Bradfordl .was obliged to givo ovcrospeculnting as to how ho was over to get down from his dizzy. proh, and devoteo himself. to meeting tho: danger which threatened. him in the unexpected return of the infuriated aw-wolo-oo. .The bird ga'o utteranco to a ringing cry and then struck at him with both claws. Tom had good cause to dread a blow from them, and skillfully dodged it by ducking his fIadd and shoulders with soch suddenness that the aw-wole-oo missed him haltogether. She did not check her speed at the moment of striking, her intention: having been to deliver her blow while under ' full sail,' as 00may becsaid. She, therefore, passed fifty feet beyond, circled about, and ascending far above him, poised herself an instant, as if she was going to drop like a cannon-ball upon his head, .as she was in the habit of doing'when spearing a fish for her meanl. ' If I had brought'my rifle with me,' re flected the lad, 'I would soon settle your hash. I wonder why Mr. Godkin or Athoor do not give you a shot. : " It aildenly occurred to the lad, that the nest of his enemy might be turned into a fort; it-least to tho extent of preventing the bird from, pouncing down upon him: from its elevation."; As. uiockl das:possible ho' orawled -a:fsr .benieathe shelving roof as ho could :get, 'which was far' dihoig to'shut hi'atont from the sighlit of tho"aw-wolo-oo, so long as'-she fpoised herself in` the air abovo,''. i: ' - In order to 'do . this.the-lad 'had to ,run Ssome risk of breaking the eggs, ifor :his Squarters wero .cramped. Even :in ,that trying, moment, when ho was in such haste; She moved so - carefully that heo' avoided fracturing them, though that was a small matter to occupy his thoughts at such a time. " 1 There must have been a streak profound of stupidity in the composition of the hugo bird of such bewildering plumage and enormous I spread of wing, for her course -indicated that she behoved her : enemy, instead of being in hiding on the top of the column, had. taken 'his departure, 'impossible though' that i exploit was; for, 'instead of descending to repeat her assault, she circled, about several a times, rising still higher with each- revolu tion, and then sailed away over the lake, as i though there were nofurther call to defend p her home.. . Tom waitediwhero he ~ a'soeveralminutes, and then, as he peeped forth, without seing "anything of his foe,' emerged and began Slooking for her. - a Far across the lake, nta vistheight,hosaw o the bird, a mere speak .in the distance, growing fainter and fainter, until she finilly passed beyond his field of vision. Once more Tom opened communication with his friends below, whose distress was fully equal to his. But, as lio peered over the edge of the rocks, heo saw only Mr. God kin. k' Where is Athoor ?' he asked. 'Trying to climb up to you.' r What for ? He can't reach me, and what a good will it do 1' 'gI im afraid no good at all, but you wrill o soon know.' Just then the lad observed th ,sinewy native steadily making his wa up the shorter column, just as the lad himself had t done a short time before. The sight of the SIlasso eoiled about his waist intuiated the a schem lie had in nind,tthluogh it awakened 1 no hope in the breast of the youth. Arriving at last at the top of the loaning o tower, Athoor stood on the jagged top, where, with the lasso in hand; ho braced himself.to fling'the.loop at the lad, sixty feet a above. S He-shook his head as he dlid so, tb indicate .tthat he had.little belief in his success, while the object of his atteoition had none at all: -But all the umrd, Athoornmidothe attempt. He was not skilled: in throwing the lasso, nor indeed was Carl Godidn, so'that one was a sure to do aswellas the the oher, but the most expert lassoist living will tell you that it is r utterly impossible to hurl the coil at the'nd i to a perpendicular height' of twenty yards. SIndeed, I do not believe that 'it can be flung I with anything like acouras for that distance on the grond . SNeither theo East Indian nor Tom Bradford, Sthlerfore, was surprised when the loop which was thrown with remarkable, strength and skillfor a novice,barelyicended one-half the intervening space. ' ' SSo utter was the failure, that the sorrowil?g Athoor shook his head,, and did 'not'.repeat thieeffort, for he .knew it was impossible to d do any better, if ihidced he could-do as well. ' If you could only .descend the side of the columnwhero younare standing,' said Athoor, ' rutil low enough to reach the rope which I s would throw you, you could fasten the end to some projection near you, and slide down i to me.'. 'I have thought of that,' replied Tom; ' but there are not enough projectionn on the r side to sapport a cat.' Such was the fact. . His friend was utterly powerless to give him the least holp: ' I manly as well go ?ack,' said Atlioor seeingo.th inupoesibility of the plan before lhe referred to it. At this moment'a shout was heard fromn i Mr. Gdlkiu on the beach fir below. 'Look out ! the bird is returning ! TA i rtime it is the. mle,, too, and he will fight l horer than the otler.' Shoot him i' called Tom, who felt no reiish for the inipeiding bout;: . SAthoor, mi snmatter of course, .iad loft hie Sgaim behind, and for. the sam roeason that .Tqm had-done so,.he could dou nothing to w'an'off the impending attack... .Tho lnd.was.lying,on hins fe; biit riing to a sitting postulre; he oldoked arouid fir his 'mueniy. :; . i h S' His heart sank l withi .him when ho saw tlhat r. Oodilkni had'spioki tho truthl .It ~i'a the mle, .which was' cominng to the defen3d of his partntr a homo ,. 7This 1ani appiarent, not orily from the greater blrilliancy of his fantastic colouring you know how muoh handsomorthemalo bird anid beaist are than the femanlo--but from ifs superior sizne it being fully one-fourth lirger an the female. ... .... Tom Bradford had good causo.fto dread a4 encountor.with:.hir?Im ad not knowing.what oel he could do, he lilon' no time in resorting to the same refuge as before.. He scrambled into the partly covered nest 'with a haste that.would.havo been laughable were the seituation lee critical. I' Iwish I. could.mako terms with him,' thought Tom. 'I.would agree not to harm these eggs if he will lot me alone, but if lieho attacks me I will smash them both.' The male was too wise to make the mistalo 'of his partner, who seemed to have concludedl that her enemy had left simply because .ho was invisible, though the comtng of the male govo colourto the theorytha sho had gone off to tell himn of the strange danger that threat enedl her homo. * It is inot unlikely that he caught sight of a shapely pair of leg as they vanished in the coverd: nost, and ,he 'proceeded to go for the intniderwith' a rim, cominpared to which the assult of-the female,was calm an a babe's T'l opition of Tom Bradford gave him more idvantage tlin would.bosupponed. H ad he stayed out doors,' it would have been hard to withstand tho .savage ansault of the mnlo aw-wolo-oo, who could have made a good fight against a cheotah or even a parnther; but in order to enuull the lad, he was obliged to do so in a way to which he was altogother unaeentomed.,n . 'YWhat ho reqnuitd was the opportunity to deseribo his short," quice cirmles, ss'ooping dbwnward as hle observed an 'opening' in the defence of his foo, and delicrr the terriflic blows with hisnchiws, ilstlitly dartilig aloft againr and ropecatn his fleron assault until hfa victim ocume .' i. SInstead of doing that, he was forced to fly horizontally.sat Tom, whoso. quarters wes nso ernmped that they increasedl the disadvan tago untder which his. assailant aboured, for his enotiioms spread of wing lsht hi n a ut from ountering without 'taking in srollli~'

oftcourse thd fomulo always did when about to sit on her nest. : Conscious of all this, Tom Bradford lay iartly over on his back with his feet drawn up, ready to let drive with both tho instant his.strange enemy camewithin roach. .Ho did not have to wait lon. - .There was a sudden iujshiig sound, a swoop, a darkening of the air, anoi the mnale anw-wole-oo• had lit, and straightway went for the lid. Like the bull of. which. you have hoard, that attempted to.butt.thl.locoinotivo off the 'track, the assailanmt showed more- zeal th Ln discretio n; for, rumble to'reach the crouch ing lad, its he wished 'to db; with' his claws, he folded his vast :wings at his side, and unhesitatingly pushed into the cavity after 'him. Before he eould bring his natural weapons itnto plsay, Toim let him have it with his feet. You intow what an ithlilto my'plucky friend was, and I needll not-tell you that he put all the foore of which ho was master into that double kick... The ow-wole-oo was casily'domoraliscd, and tmnbledl over backward, as though partly stunned. Darting out front his hiding-place beforeo theobird could recover, Tom grasped an anklo in each hlinid with ia griplike death. This leg, or ankle, if it be proper to all' it such,. was fullytwo inehes in diameter, and asa hard as hammeaccl' metil. .Tom 'had seized each just -abvoe the claws,, whioh were tho,third of,.a foot in length and of needle-like sharpness. . .. So long as hie maintlrined his hold, 'the aw wolo-co could not harm him. . The bird waos quick' to regain' mastery of himself, and realising that he had suddenly become 'a deftnder instead of nassiilat, he strove desperately to shake off his enemoy..i Tom compressed heis liis 'iand held; on with might and .naiti, ;his purpose being to wodrk his feet around so as to reach the .head of the bird, and then, after kicking it into isensi bility,: to kill it" before it could .regain.its strength. But for. the timee h had all he' could do to retain his hold without trying ansytling with his feet.' - The struggles of the aw-wolo-oo were so furious that despite overything the lad could do to prevent it, he was dragged toward the edge of the rock. Athoor, who knew that a florce fight was going on abovo his head, could catch only partial glimpses of the conmnltants, because of 'the interposing rock; but, suddenly, to his horror, he sa?w Tom and the bird min gled together, and struggling on the very margin of the top of the colmm. - Let go-let go I'..called ti e terrifiel native, ' or you.will fall i' But Totm did not let go I Cua'TEn XLIII.-OVEn Tcs DEMOe's NEDL. . . No; Totm. Bradford held fast to 'the furionsly-struggling aw-wole-oo, oven when on thepdlgc of theDetmon''s Needle, hundreds of feet above the earth and lake. The next instant the two went over.: Once more in the clear air, untrammeled by any interposing obstacle, the. gigantio bird spread out his vast stretch of wing and was himuelf again. . - But hoe could not shake off that inoubus, whoso fingers clasped his legs like rings of iron, and whose .. weight, even with all his astonishing strength, he oould .not sup port. . The hugo wings fanned the air like the revolving fat? s of somogrest.engino, and Toi Bradford 'elmng fast, fully alive to his appalling position. ... .Lookin up'*from theground, Mr. Godkitu plainly saw his youingfriend, hisfeet hanging strailht down ind his body in the position of a swiuLner loeaping frotm a great height into the water. lroth ihands recheod directly up ward from his sioualders, with the fingors en circling the legs of the aw-wole-oo, that had tired out that .part of his anatomy and allowed his feet to hang down under the strain, without any ofrfrt to free himself of his tenacious unlvorsary. At ;resent hio throw all his powerandmiglih into his wings. I lavo ito doilit that, tuder- stress, tlhei gigattio. bird lcould lhave carried a. fifty pound fish to his porch, hut Tom Bradford, .with considerably more thlan double that weight, was beyond his strength, though.'he put forth a prodiglios and. ltnug-continued effort to keep him aloft.'. " / ' . The consequence was that, whle the aw wole-oo sailed steadily out over the lako,. he also steadily descended, sloping downward as gently as a feather, until at last Tom Brad ford saw the gloamuning 'surface 'loes than twenty feet below him. At this instant he lot go, and, strildng the wator, sank a dioze feet, with less shock than he haId often felt in diving in sport with his plhayn:teat home: , . irlieved of his resistless woight, the aw woilo-co shot upward like a balloon when all the blllast is flung from the car. Ho wa ton, glad to gain his freedom to give ally further attention to the enomy he lhad been so eager to attack a short tinto before. Upward he uaendel, higher and higher, until far beyond the reach of any rifle shot, when ihe sailed away in the direction taken a?y his mate, finally vanishing as (lid she in the clear, glowing sky. ? -::More than likely, when the singular eouple met, they 'compared notes,; and caoh mus have had a strange story to tell of what took pheo 'on the top of the' Demon's Noedle, whore they had built their nest so many years in satfety. 'A moment after Toin sank in the lake, hi. head reappeared, atid, blowing the water from his moutht, he strnik out for the shore,' with the ease and grace of a profetsidonl swimmer. H..is dread was that the splash might, haw attracted another of the electrical monstoer torthe' spEot, who would'givohim'a fatal shock 'before he could-ieach land. He therefore swami noi rapidly and silently as possiblo, scaniming the watei in evory direction in quest of the-dreaded creatures. - .,o ,rotarttel;y,,howovsr, none prhed and; stepl)ping ost. on the lomr afow minutes later, lie shook the hand of Mr. Godki' apsd 'Athoor ini taun, iveoiving their congratulatiosj on the wonderful gool fortune- that had brought him safely'down from the top of the 'Deuon'sNecllo. : Iconsider it pa marvellona as our es?cpe from the whirlioolby means of. the laseoal fish,' said Mr. odklin, tolwhom, at timos, it seemedl uasif they htd entered- wonderland, where Naturoe suspended her ordinary laws., S': I shlul always look upon our escapo. from thie whirlpool in the lake. as .the' nearest approach to. a miracle that ws ha -esover known in this life,' replied Tom, deeply 'im pressed by. the amasasug occurrences of the day; ' but, when you come to think of what has just' taken plac there is nothing so woderftul about It after all.' ' Why not 1'. ' Bcauseo everytling was natural, and I have no dotbt that otllher person besides meo have haid sinilaroxporienmts.' - It miy be,' mid Mr. Godkin, ' blit, if so, I never heard of it.' - . 'In the. first plaeoo,' continued Tom, ' it was the most natural thing in theo.world that 'I should grasp the legs of;the aw-wolo-oo; to keep him from rending mo with his elaws. In fast, tlheoro wasn't anythitg .elso that I 'could do.' .Ha tyouan ylidea of using hins as a paraehuto at that time 1' " . 'Not the remotest.' ' Did yon xpect to hold lsim by his hgs until you tired bils ' ' -." ' 'I know fAha was impossiMle, but I hoiae.l to koop thaso fearftl, elaws loamles.until I could use my feet on his head. I oxpected to stun lbhim o thetI could stamp the'lifo out of him.' 'Why didia't. you let go whoat I shouted to yout'.-aked Atlhoor. 'Did you call tomo There was so much swirling and rtmhing and roaring arounl me, that I hlerd. nothing else. I'expotedl Mr. Godlkin ti shoot the bird wheti he camo after me.' . "' 'I tmeantn to try tdo od, but erred. I holdi my riflo cocked, and intended to ire just as ho was pandihg ovemr thai'edgne of the rook and wai tlto'nbarest to me, but I woaited too long. Bofore I ebluld ?tuike mys:aim good, he was oiut of sight: It was foritunatoe that I did not re.t' ' And why.?' " - SI would hlavd'takmen iawayyouronly meaplas of scanppe.'.. "" -M "X mano IIot' sOro oe tl'iif ll 2loTduawithi

a quizical oexre.sion; ' I don't belieove you would have hit himn.' 'I doubt it myself,' laughed Mr. Godina, Sfor it was a difioult shot for a skilful markem?in. When you appeared again, you and the biird were so closely Interlocked, that I dared not risk a shot,'and by that time, too, it flashed upon me that ho might render you the vory service that he did, though hardly in the brlliant- style which he showed.' ' When did it strike you that your enemy inight become your ally t' asked Athoor. ' When I made the discovery that we were on the edge of the rock. I was on the point of letting go ; butIknow, ifI did so, he would attack me before I could reach the nest, and I tholght, if I held on, he would work back again. Instead of doing that, lie went over before I knew it. At that moment, I sup posed we would both go straight to the ground or water, and I hoped I might use him as a partial shield to break my fall; but, as my 1 legs straightened out, and I caught sight of the water, seemingly a mile below, it flashed upon me that the aw-wole-oo was going to make the best parachute in the world, as he r really did.' ' Yore there any eggs in the nest P' 1 Two, as wonderfully colored asis the bird itself. *' Why didn't you bring them down, that 1 we niight have them hatched in the sun P' a' skedlAthoor h Tom laighed and shook his head. ' I had no time to think of that; I was well enough satisfied to get down myself.' We are going to have i lot of curiosities for Mr.'Bar-! num, but we musttn't `expect to secure every f thing..' One that the Greatest Show on Earth will have to get along without, is the strange Sbird that makes its homo by the Sacred Lake of Nizam.' - I' 'Tho truth is,' said Atlioor,thoughltfully, k 'that w huaven't as yet obtained lanythling to o sendhim' - ' 1rMy object in coming here,' remarked Mrr. a Godkin, 'in-answer to your letter to Luck now, was to- secure- that rare lion which Schewed up poor Zugg and got us into such a I scerape with the Wild LMen of the Mountains.' ' I expect yet to secure him,' replied Athoor. : His companions looked up in surprise. - d ' The beast is thorouhly tamed, y his ex e perlence with that muzzle, and we haveonly to find-him to make him prisoner.' ' I shall be satisfied if we are able to take y himback with'us,' said Mr. Godkin, 'for there o are still a number of curiositiesto be obtained o n the neighborhood of Lucknow, where Jim, Jack and Jo are awaiting our return.' - ' nut where shall we look for the lion f' was the natural query of Tom Bradford. SlIe will return to the section where we first met him, and 'if the Wild Men. don't bother us, I can think of no reason why we should not make a captive of the king of beits.' - " And that reminds me,' said-Tom, looking o arouind with a sitartled expression, ' that yoie n said they were likely to hurry to this side of n the lkoe in earch of us.' L Yea, end there theyare !' No need of the exclamation of Athoor, for at that moment, not a dozen, but fully fifty d of the Wild Mon of the Mountains swarmed s down the rocks like a torrent. They were hardly a hundred yards away, in the direction of the raft. , At their head was the tall figure of King ' Homma himself, brandishing an immense javelin, and uttering fierce shouts that were echoed by his savage warriors rushing for e ward immediately behind him. - - - The party that had been beaten off on the other side of the lake must have signalled to the village, or possibly. had sent a runner there, whose story so fired the savage despot that lie hastily collected his best men and set , off in hot speed. Wohile Tom Bradford was undergoing his stirring experience with the strange' bird on top of the Demon's Needle, the Wild MLen d had improved the opportunity to hasten to d the spot, where they arrived before otr friends had time to turn their thoughts to them. . '?3y gracious I' - exclaimed - Mr. Godkin, t 'there are too-many for us to fight here; lead tho way, Athoor. to whore we can make some sort of. defence.' ' I know of none, but come on 1' oxclaimed the siative, bounding - off like an antelope, - with his frieoids at his heels. " (ro a cosIONes.-.-)



Chapter XLVI THE CAVE OF FLAMES

THEm YOUNG- FOLKS. i y rLUCKY BOY TOM ; ORI , SlIAIICIING FOR CURIOSITIES IN INDIA FOR MY SIIHOW. BIy P. T. BAner'o. Cr.utrni XLVf.-Tr--E CAS? OF F.umEs. r Athoor, the native, and Cirl Godkin were so engnged ine watching_ the Wild Men of the f Mountins that they paid little heed to the alrience of Tomt lradforld. The hot afternoon wnn drawing to a close, and lhe oulght to have returned long before; but his friends decided that, if hoe did not Scome back as 'early as he promisedi it was his ownn, ntflir; they had no time to waste in hunting hin up; . 'I en.m froid,-sadl Athoor, ' that 'the Wauwaros will make a rush.' SVe cal nmke na:good. fight with our guns v and revolvers,' replied Mr. GGodkin, who felt, -after th t he anny escapes, a though it ill herame them to think of yielding it long as thery were able to make any kind of resist. ante at all. r 'It lstthat fict which causes them to hesi tate; but youl have learded that " King Hosmman snd his warriors are brave, and 'we I' luive made them pay so dearly for what they have alreanly done that their pride is nt stake-the most powerful motive a savage can have is revenge.' I would have little misgiving butefor those poiseoned javelins.' .r ' That is my dread, for-ono prick from them is as sure in its results as a rifle-ball through the heart. We must not fire again sat the same time, for they will know Loth our guns are unloaded, and will be upon us before we can reload them.' SBut we have our pistols.' True, and they will stand us well 11 !t Somothihg is rup i'. The lynx-ey East Indian saw nothing, but he had heard a soft rustling, it if made by a serpent crawling overthe leaves. The Wild Men had learned to Itold the firearms in iuch respect that, during as they - were, they hesitated almit ox i posin, thense!lves to the nintof the defetader nwho, 'naowing they wereo fighting for their lives, were sure to fire to kill. Mr. Godkin was stldling at one side of the nalrrow peascge, while Athoor was oppo site him. b?ith hugged the walls cose, snd fortunately the projections of the rocks screened their hodies to that extent that even the skilled W~tiuwarasf would have found it hrdl to reail them with their vweanpoLns, t nless they stepped nearer the'midll.6 if the Atlins r ]had hardly uttered his' ibilist rssarninig.' when the reItiisive head of -one of the 4 ild Tetn was discerned 'along thle side .of the cntrance. - -Ilo ewas trying to get a peep into the sdhrk interior, evidently inspectsng that the fugi tives had withdrawn further into the depthls of the earth, and had probably left thei mouth of the cavern uigunarded. Since the warrior was in the sunlighit, i fsint though it was, hee was at it di.esd vantasgo, for he was in plain sight, while his enemies were so hidde in glooni that it was almost impossible to detect them, half con centled as they were by the projections of the rocks. Inasmuch ats the warrior must have been awnre of this, it will be conceded that he ditsplayenl a reckless daring by lis attempt to locate the two defenders. Let usite try mwy revolver on him,' whis pepred Mr. Godkmi, cauntiously raising the slbanner of his weapon. ' I think I catn fetchl l}im.' Slight a? was the sound made by the cocking of tihe weapon, the wily Ytauweiere heard it amtl vanisheh like a flesh. Ieo haid learntd the meaning of that warn ing, and was not quite ready to sacrifice lhimself. There was a swift whizz, and something , like the flitting of a bird's wing swept in front of Mr. thelklen' face. Almost the same instant a javelin struck the flinty floor twenty feet withitn the passage and glided i along, like a stone thrown on the ice, until it met ani obstruc:tion, when it bounded a foot in sir and came to rest. The missile, flueng blindly into the opening, had ?ien hrledl with prodigious force, and woeuld have made short work with either of the persons had it struck him. 'There's the miscreant,' whispered Godkin agaein. as the ]lend of the same warrior ap peared, as if to learn the result of his essay. I Since my friend hold' hin revolver ready, there was no clicking this tiume to alarm the I esavnge, wlho muslat have been quite certain his javelin lhaid found is tiarget, for he exposed himself tores plhitly then before, offternTga I nmserk that suitedl Mr. Godkin exactly. Thie first inoveneintof the W'ild Ilaon edi cated that he inteshdri to mako his way into the tunnel, but he land taken only a single step. whesn a ronesiousness of his lperil I cheked him. telad he stood for several seconds } undeecidedl whether to advance or retreat. It was iut this moiment that Mr. Godkin let fly. r A howling screcelh-an upward flinging of tihe urnsis-tn letp in the air, and a fail back warn left ni doubt that the gentleman had scortcl a ' bull's eve.' T'lho eava:ge haal hardlly fallen when seveonl hands seized Isis feet and drew himhn out of gsight. Th'is wats done so quickly, and ihis friends exposedl themselves so slightly to the aim of the defendiero, that the latter were un- t ihble to reach themt. 1 Nevertheless, Athoor fired, his purpose beuing to toneh the 'avages that the fugitives were wide. awake, and there unn be no a doubt that hie sacelreded in his laudsible luroseo. f A half-honr 'now followed. without the slightest sign fanna the Wild Men of the Mountatins. The miiutes were trying ones to the defendemrs, who were too wise to form any hole of imnutnity.' They know rather that tisir elnetsies were perfecting some scheme that wou-ld prove more dangerou h than anrything yet undertaken. Evidelitly they were waiting for darkness before putting it into exc?cdtio. ' At the end of the half-hour named, night f had fully siune, ftor, is you know, there is little twilight in the 'warm countries, the transition from tiny to night lasting but afew m.tinutes. Naltireslly dmritngthis period of ,waiting, the tholnghlts of ourtfritends often turned to Tom rnidfml, auhd there were many specu lationsnas to the cause of .his- absence. ; He o.tglit to have returned lng before, and' the 0 fiut Ithat hee dlidl not indicated thatsonmething " unsllelll prevented- heim. - . - ,: Believintg. as did Atholor and Mr. GChkin. that thee crisis was ait hund, they felt tile need of. tle e lltkle'" ' led's presence to hellji ih tlhe desl:er-te fighlt thalt seemed. in 'ovitahele. The relert of 'Lom's rifloreaceheedtleirearns, hlet that was at long timo before-only a few Itinttes.. indeed, after hid departure, tind nittttlrilly thee men wondeertl niot a little an to whttt reeuld halevo drmwn the fire of their young friend. c It wrss inot Inielsotablle to suzppose that rel su e Ilerge ennelecrg,-lene refugeo was made urse or by moro.thlni noe wild animal, but neithier Altlooe nor iee r. Godkhin dresmed of the stirring ecieounter thelad had oxperienlced in the tunnel. MLr. Godkis was 'half inulined to usrge Athloor to turn'nbout and pueh their wav - selong titie pasaMgo. Had Tom heen with them, he would net have hesitnted to do so, for though neither could gueee whither oetlh an exploration would ited them, it scmned a' prefemblo to remaining at the mouth of the e oavern, where they were not only exposed to thoso stealthy flings from the poisoned javoe linha, bet were quite sure to have a hand-to hand fight withl their enemies. h Once our friends were istartled by an indo noribahlo souend from the depths of the cavern behieid them. It was no faint that neither could idettify it, but to Mr. Godkin it seemed to.be thle murmnur of a voice.. Ho listened intently, and fencied that nfter a few'inutesim t he detected it sainm, but it wans still imtpos sihie to identify at, and it ?w?s heard no more. SAtthoor,' 'said Mr. Odkhi, in thle senmo ardetl urndeertonee, ' I am going to find out, if I caln, what they are doing.' How will yotu do that?' ' Creep to the mnouth of the passago and taku a peeoop out.' 'Tseko my'dvio asnd don't try it.' SWhy net?' ' I ?uas on the peint of doing so in)yelf.' be

!'I reckon it' isas safo for me as for you. I'm off I' : It; wals chaurcterletio of Mr. Godalin that; whesI he onceo made up his mind to a certain I course of notion, he did not delay. ITe 'now leaned his rifle nagmnst the side of the 'cavern, where he was standing, and, crouslhiu~ until his head was within a couple of feet of the floor, he beganmoving forward with the stealth andnoiselessness of an Amnri to can Indian. io -I was running-n fesrful.risk, and no one so knew it better than he. Wlshiloyetsomoedistancofrofm the mouth, Mr. o, dkin samnk on his hands anid kniees, and, grasping his revolver, made his way t forwnard, inch by inch, using hit eyes and ai cin 'for all they were worth, and ready at o ny instant to retreit into the cavern again. Tho uewril of the gentleman lay in tihe fact that the aides of the passage-was' nisr thid esitrance were so amooth that they offered no s shelter in the event of discovery, and, before SIhe could dash back to his former position,, a It whole shower of the poisoned javelina woro g ure to be sent after him. But, . on tho' other hand, tsinc. Ito was. envelope in impenetrabls gloom, hoe iii hopeful that he''wuld not be 'dlscovered at all.. .. . o Tlhere ?as enough moonlight on tlhi out-' side to show him the glearn of the Sacrd? t Lake, arid, iasmnuch as there was no vegetation around the entrance, the Wild Men would be in sight, provided they were there. Bv-and-byehereached a point beyond which he tlared not go,. since he would be in the i flood of noonlight which would bring him in view of his enemices. It At the moment of checking hhltsolf, Mtr. Godkin caught a low, guttural sound, which he recognised as the voice of one of the Wild Mfen, and slightly raising his head, he saw an interesting aight. A tall figure, which it was easy to tucogeiso as that of ling Homma hiwiself, awas standing in the centre of a group of warriors, wieho wore no more than fifty feet e from the mouth of the cavern. Thely were sented on the rocks and boulders, listening to what was evidentlva halmngue of their leuler, though he tltodulatedl his voico so carefully that Athoor, ta short distuneo further in the cavern, could not catch the f sunnd. It was safe to conclude that King Honunit W1 as urging his warriors to join him in s"omno dstinsng scheme, to which even such Irave soldiers sts they nededssl incitement, ,ad there t wan reasonable ground for believing that tlhe plan was to mnssko a rash into the caver-n - there to Ishave the fight out without further deelaty. l' Atihoor,' said Mr. Godkin, turninsg his hi id ; ' coto hero.' L The native was at hiis elbow, feeling unwilling to allow his friend to make his srisky recoiuaissancte alones. SWlhat do you nUko of thals?' ' Tie rush will come within the next two P minutes.' 'Sutsch is my opinion! What shall we do ' '"Wit till they start and are neaonrly hereo; then fire and rcsk .them ; we will retreat into the cavern matd hunt for mnno other way out, or mako a fight there.' ' They are comtinfg I' King HIonutu did not need to urge his twarriors long. for, like a true general, he po laced himself at their head, asking them to do nothing more perilous than wlut he did himself. The Wild Men reso to their feet, and the wholo party stnrggled forward, halting a few paces fRion the mouth of the entrance, where the leader said something in t low voice. T·uaen, with himself at their. head, they. crouchedl down uand advanced stealthily towardn the spot, where Mr. Goudkiu an d Athoor were watching them. ' Both together,' said the latter. The mative fired Iis rifle at the sate moment that iMr. Godkin began popping away with his revolver. But an astomnding phenomenon followed. 1 There was a puflin boomn likeo nexplosion, I and tihe whole mouth of theo cavern becamne sheet of tllt e. The first thing our friends nlotw, they t seemed to be in the middle of a fiery furnace. Mr. Godkin suspected what it meant, and I alled to hais friend: ' Back into the cavern-quick, or you are a desul num!' i' Athoor did not lose his wonderful coolness, and, at the first blinding flash, -he made a leap of ten feet baokwtrds. Mr. Godkin was hardly a second behind 3 him, and their promptness saved therm fromu a terrible death. t T'hey dashed back through the tunnel, Mr. Godtkin ssnatehinfg his rifle on the fly, a hie ran past, and neither halting until u turn in the t pas ,sug placed them beyond reach of siny flyng mi.issile. Then, lhaving recovered from the flurry, they stooped and carefully reconnoitered thist Sgrtud from which they .had fled in such i hLunte. Mr. Godkin, who understood the occur- t reneoo expiainesd: ' That peculiarodour we noticed when we c enterel the passagoway is caused by natunral t gas which esscape from numerons crevices I in the sides of the rock ; the discharge of our c weapons right among it set it on fire.' ' But why wasn't it fired when you dis- c charlslst yaour gun before ?' ' W ere too far back to ignite the gas, thloligh we must have run ia narrow clsmne. a "T?e gas flows outward from tsse cave, where it is dissipated and loat in the clear air.' SHow long will it continue to burnt' a asked Athoor. Until the crack of doom,' was the force- . ful reply. Cnann---XLVII.-Tua Pai'rros Camr , F?a. a You have not feorgotten that after Tom Bradford penetrated for into the underground cavern, he entered a vast chamlber in which he found an outlet. Since this was the .very discovery he wished to make, he was delighted, for " it promieda a way of escapo for himself and friends. - But hardly wa ihe thrilled by the know ledge, when his hopes were hsatt-resd by the further discovery :tthat. the csltruao - Bhich ' showed the dim light on the outado wdas alsio kilown to the Willd Men. . , r ... . a All doubt. on his part was removed by the t] sight of one of the natives, dimly seen as he etslered the opening and advamnceed towanrd the nastonished youth The latter wasso disappointed ind angered tthathe raised his gun with the intention of I shooting the intruder. . tl Butt that was a deed wlhich his chivalrous s nature would not pereit him to perorm f it too closely resembled murder. An astoundislg truth aswaitedl him. In thie stillnecs of the arched chamber the .footprints of the native were plainly hoserl. HIe walked like one familiar with the in .terior, even in the profound gloom. The couro heo was followng broughit him dir?otly " towardl whiere Tom Bindford stood with Iluss t cocked rifle-undecided whether or not to P fire. 'I will give him a sicare,' T cided the lad, 0o whose s~pirit of mniscdlief nmanifested itself at the most inopportune occasuions. 5 The boy waitedl till he was within a few or p?ces, iwhen in the most pelulahrtl voice Ieo s could asssume, he asked: : W'sWat ldo you want ?1 The native stoppeds a abrnptly as if on tihe edlo of it fathlomlia ablyss, alnd Tos Bnradfordl v nild in thie darktehar ts he reflected on tihe i fright ihe had given the fellow. But it was Tom's turn to be startled. tl Standing motlotless, thie mtivo asked in turn: . es ' Be Itht yotu, hib Pt ' t" Surely Tomt Bradford had hoard that voice s before. Could he beliove his esra ? 'tWIy Zip, are you alive?' " t Tom cotlihagino the grint on the face of the East Indian, as he answor:ed :; ' This me, iahib-this Zip-he slive I' It was indeed tho uativa who had taken t6 sitichi desperate chances when the whole party were prisonrns in thoii hands of thie WYld Men i of the founstnu. " m * How did you escape their j?avalns,ZiyP' SRun fat-dodgo qulok-upears Cut clothes fa -noe sratch kin--hideo ,-'mong-: trees- VWild Moe noefind me.' c * Well, you're as lhoky na the rest of us as have been,' was the gratified exhsnantiot of

a. Tom Bradford, as ho stop'd forward, and groping a moment with his riht hand, shook that of his friend, 'whom neither he nor his a friends over expected to sce rgamn. Further convcrsation mado known the fact to that after Zip had secured his own safety, he 1, was so concerned for his 'friends that hbe li could not bear to leav.ctho country until he d learned'thoir fath. It-'will be remembered that lie was fainfliia.with tho section, and had visitel it a number of timhs. He e observed the ;'depirt-ur of his friends ftrot the, presence of' King Homnma, and nnrrowly 'ceaptsl'discovery himself, in his efforts to keep the-party is ighlt. y He witnessed tihetrango goings on along d the Sacred Lake; rind with feelings that can t hardly be imagined,' saiL''theo wonderful esatpe of Tom Bradford through the help of tthe remnarlable bird" known as - the aw e weol-oo. S '.Zip. -ias -on'.the meatch for sosn means of giving hris fiends help; 'butt none~ openedi r until theirhunrried flight into the cnvern. S1 Thenho recalled the rear door, as it may be tinnid, azid. ctout:to. find it, so as to s. ohiiw tho others ai n ,easy way of escapeo, jiprovided tlhiaopeudngtaesnot also known to t thuWildtMen'of the Mouiitiinis. Several yeari; had '.clapsed' since Zip's aecidoental dicotpry of the entrance, so that I it was' not'dutil iitar nightfall that heentered the hugo ehliambei", which Tom had managed to find in his blind gropinga into the interior of the earth. ' Well, this will to good nows to Athoor and Mr. Godkin,' said the pleased lad, 'for they had no more idea. of seeing you again thnn I hld. I think they need us too, for I am sure those dull noises which have reached us once or twice while we were talking are the sounds of their guns.' i I knlow that,' replied Zip, who was eager to reach his friends, confident as heo was that his hellp was needed. ' I will show you the way,' said Tom, pro ducing anlother wax mihatch, holding it above his head, and walking slowly. The happy fallow could not avoid turning nround anddlooking intothledusky eountenncee of hlis suliiig friend with the remark: ' It does rnegod to see your face again. Zip, and won't Athnor and Mlr. osllkin be id lighted to meet you ! Hero's the way.' As he spoke he enterod a pawutgo leading ,off from tho clhambcr.r Zip cheoked him. 'lou wrong--nttnot right way.' ' Wlhy, Zip, I'm sure it is.' ' You wrmng,' plerot.ted the ultive : 'light riner nmatch-mo show waty, sahib.' )Iuslsting his friend's judgment'-though not his honesty-Torn did as directed, and followedl him into a passagoway, which the lad was certain ?is the wrong onlo. You need not ho told, however, tlmt it is so easy for a person in Tomn Bradford's situation to go wrong, that the rule is for him toi do so. Zip was right, as was evident within the eour.so of a few minutes. T'ie two hlad not gone far when they wero iatonishe l to observe a strong, yellow light, which they soon learned was caused by the flnames at the month of the cavern. Against this blazing blackground were sen the forms of Mr.(hxlkin and Athoor. Thiir figures looked as if stamped in ink on the glowing sheet beyond. Wonularing what it could all mean, Tom and Zip hurried forward and quickly joined the couple. The astonishment of the latter was un boundvil. But so was their pleasure, and they shook the hand of the native warmly. ' This harum-secarum youngster amounts to sIomethdn5 after all,' remarked Mr. Godkin, ' and if king Homma and his warriors are 1 not at the opening ahead of us, we have \found a way out of this country, and glad iteough I'll be to leave it; for I don't mind lhtiting wild animals, -no matter how fierce they are, but I don't want to be hunted by wild men wlilo I'm doing it.' '.That's a wonderful thing,' said Tom, referM g to the blazing gas at the month of the is torn; ' wo all noticed the peculiar srnell, ?),t I didn't iuagino it was that.' ' I was afraid,' said Mr. Godkin, ' when it caught fire from the flash of our weapons. ttit it would burn only It few minuted, but the sup lly of gus is so continumto thuat it. isn't likely to go out for an indefinite time.' 'You tidnk there is no likelihood of tihe Wild Moen trying to force their way through it ' 'Had it been merely II puff they might do so, for King Homuna and his warriors aro full of grit; but those flames are two or three yardls in-depth, and from the outside they enanot tell theirextent. They will be likely to tlhink that the whole pasa.igewua aund tlhe ravern itself is on fire. That will 'isposi of t us in their opinion, -and they will give the matter no further thought.' ' T'hey Waiy think that the fire was canised by ui.' 'I'ossibly they may, and that will serve unst its well, for it will give thex such ami itdea of our power that they .will leave us slnte, no mnutter how much they would like to reventge thenlselves on us.' Atheor and Mr. Godkein were sagacious enough to keeph lyoml the sight of any of the Wild lien who might have the eourag o to attempt to peer through the fire into the enlvoiof flames. f It was tri their interest to favour the belief n of the Wnawairus that the party htad all I sufferedt a frightful death. . . Night had fully como, and time was valu- I able, for, if the little company did not get out of tihe dangerous'section before the riunng of the sun, they were not likely to do so at all. Since Zip was familiar with the cabin atul ditfferent subterranean passages, the leader ship was naturally turned over to hia. a 1teo sound of his voice was sufficient 'to a guide the others, but it was far more agree- r able to possess something ln the nature of a light, and the abundanoe of matches owned by M.r. Godkin warranted the burning of b a good many before reaching the chamber e from which thereo was an opening tothe outer t world. ., - .. - The four friends arrived at this entrance without any incident; but, before voenturing out, it was deemed wise to make a survey of . the immediate neighbourhood: .:. - ', ore couold.bo no nasurance withountaeh ' p.ro+ationthat King.Homma and. some of his warriore were not on thel..atch, ,though tho pireamption was againit that fact. Zip took upon hinsolf theduty of making thins reconnaissance, and he came back with ,ord'that the coast'was clear. : ". - Despite this assuranco, all feour felt a quicker throbbing of the. heart- as they emerged from to cavern from which -only i short tinme before it seemed impossiblo for them to escapo; but they were on the outside - at lust," with every reason to feel thesnRelve0 A safogihiinst that piarticular form of danger. I A llshnred the desire to plnce asmany miles as possiblo between them anti tie viglobo of the WYild on of the. Mountolns befors the rising of the morrow's sun. Tile business of the party was to siecr 0 soom valuable euriositiest for my exhihitiou, iand it was impossible for them to make any prgress h the work ia lotg at tlheir entire time was taken up in tighttig the Wlnwarons or in trying to keep out of their clutchos. It was manifeat, however, tlutt the party were in a region where the most remarkable euriosities in the way of birds, -beatst and reptilee were found, and they had hope of accomlpllishtlng sometling for me before making their way to another part of India. 11r. Glodkin wishil to return to the vicinity of Lucknow, wheloro an abundance of prizes wore awaitintg capture, tliough most of them were ditferint in their nature from those to be founnd in the Ninzam. The fmnilitrity of the two natives with the rcomuntrty of thle Wild len enabled them to take course that led ireotly away from" the dlangerom sn-teighbourhood. . ' With the one object of ineuring tfaety, they ltslied forward unttil thleyhad t?ravelcd several milee. TLheir course led them throtugh as rooky a scmtion as they traversed when captives o . their way to the presnce of King Honuums, every portiln of it being ~ wtdedl--so much so in many places that they were obliged to make tiresome detours. ' THellsa I suddenly excuhdmed Tom radl . ford, ' yonder is a camp fireo I' SThey "must be soma of the WYauwaras,' added tMr. odkin, observing that Athoor and Zip had corno to a halt. No,' msaId Athoor, after obser-ing the

light for a nminut or so; 'thseyare not Wild 'How can you tell thatbeforwo-e have a. look at them' . , ' Ikause I know they lmr not i.;.ll at all, was the stmiigoiieply. Without -any further explination, the. Intives resumied their ailyanao,' but with. great care, each one seeking to moi·o ithout the loeit noiso. ! The light tlhat;had attracted the :attention. of all *ai now ceen to be moving, as though if weiu a torch hold in the hand of. some person groping his way through the wood. , It wa. noticeable, however, that it: burned dimly, resembling, indeed,. an old-fashioned lantern more than a nything else. . ' That's what it must be,' said.Tom, after • .the reeemblanco had been remarked by Mre Godkin. . .r .?S Y y ' No, it is not,' replied Athlioor, without . o?plaining the mytery urther.: SToll us what nt is thebn! - ' I am nbt sure, but IL Jhinak you 'aro approaching onoe of the most, wonderful. curiositice not only in 'India, but in the' world.' ... . ... A little further,'~md the'party came to a halt, for thlry stood on the edge of a natural' opening, in the middlo of which' wai the phantom calmp-fire,-thit for a few minutes. hed moved away from their approachi like the. well-known ignisfnlatus of our own country. Enough moonlight penetrated this open spaoe to show the opeetators that they were looking upon a huge bird that was strutting" back and forth, after the manner of a peacock, which it resembled in many respocts, having the samne imnmonse spread of brilliant feathers. for its tail, large wings and gorgeous nook, tporing to its small head, which was hold aloft, fully four feet from the ground. It ls this head which makes the mouphilon of Nizam such a marvellous curoeity.. 1rom the crown of the head project probably two score feathers, which curve aver at the top liko the graceful drooping of* the branchee of.the willow; the crown, when cern by dallight, resembling a fine bouquet of longi-stcmnmed flowers. In the centro of thin gorgeous no~segay burns a lholsphorecencoo like an aggregation of a million fireflies. Scen at night it is iasly mistaken for the light of a camp fire, and, difttfnnt ao it is in thisn Zopect from all other birds or auimnal known, it is no wonder thJut Mr. Gudkin and Tom Bradford looked with awe ill?m the wonderful sight. [eo neas coraiem.]



Chapter XLVIII THE FRIEND IN NEED

THE :YOUNG:i FOLKS. MY PLUCKY BOY TOM;' OR, SEARBHING FOR CURIOSITIES'IN INDIA FOR MY SHOW. Br P. T. BAnem., CnAxirER XLVIII.-Ts~ F -anED rv 'NExn. 'Ihe action of the mouphilon indicated that it scented danger, for it stood motionless for a full minute staring at the wood, on whoso edge the fourhunters were standing breath lessly watching the bird. All understood its perplexity, and no one moved or spoke. The glow of that extraordinary crown of fire brought the bird into plainer sight than did thiomoonlight, and its resemblanceo to a gi}mntic peacock was almost perfect. uaddenly the beacon went out, as utterly as a candle when covered with an eox tinguisher. Ono of the peculiarities of the monphilon is this power of quenching its ownlight at will. Its manner of doing so is sanple. The phosphorescenco itself is not extin guished, for manifestly that must continue to glow; but it is olbcured somewhat after the manner in which the firefly hides its light. The brilliant feathers which inclose the phosphorescent surface are crowded together and over the luminous spot, so' that not a particle of light can escape. Another peculiarity of this curious bird is its curiosity, which, like that of the western antelope, is apt to leadit to its own ruin. That it suspocted the presence of some etrange object on the edge of thoe junglo was proved when it began slowly walking toward the spot whence a slight sound must have come. Like the antelope, too, it was aware that it was doing a foolish thing, for it frequently stopped, and once or twice turned partly about, as if it had made up its mind to retreat, but its overpowering curiosity urged I it forward again. At the first stop it tookn all four of the party stepped behind the nearest trees. No one uttered a word, for it was unneces sarr, and they were'afraid to do so. Wl'hen the mouphilon made its final stop, it was no more thana dozen feet off. Great as was its desire to learn what was lurking on thoedge of the clearing, its fear would allow it to go no further.... TWhile advancing, it retained its resem blance to an immense peacock, no member of the company being able to catch the first ray of the light which so astonished them at first; but the instant it halted, the amazing crown' of fire flashed out with a brillianc?:that was like the turning on of an clecriolight, where all, a moment before, was impcntrable dask hess.. :. n So overwhelming was this glow tlhat an in Svohmltary ' AIk t'scaped"Mr. Godkiin, who mrelygave way to b lis emotioi. " - p nBy the aid of its ownlamp. the mouphilon saw. several faces pering., fro behind, the trees--faces sos staring' and wonder-smitten that it must have been terrified. ' Instead of starting .to run, as would have been supposed, it spread out its .wings hnd rose from the ground, its actiona leiingre markably quick for a bird of such size.. IlBut, quick as it" was, it was iot quick r pnongh to save itself..,- . When Tom Bradford realised that 'the mouphilon was a.ipioaclhiig the nirty,; he resolved'to effect its capture, if that were possible.. Gently leaning his gun against the tree which screned. him, hlie uncoiledhissso, and held it ready for the critical moment. . Thht camei when the bird spread its wings to leave the danggerous spot in the: shortest .possible time:. ' The lasso' was flmung with admirable 'accuracy, thecoil seacttliing over the tapering neck, where the struggles of the bird' drew it Sso taut that it was us imminent danger of strangulation. All four of the friends .ran. forward and quickly relieved it of this peril, removing the rope and holding the wings motionless. ., ' Look out I' called the dclighted?'oa, ''it may hurt ?'s !' . . S"There is no danger at all,' said Athoor; the mouphilon is as gentle as a young ralihit.' Such proved to be .the fact. The .moment a hanil was laid on .the binl,.it cnased its struggles; though Tom plaiidy felt tohe'rapid throlbing.of its heart wen .hoe placedl"his hand aguiaist its variegtned chest.: It scorned to be icrideren li'?ples by frlight: ' You've got a prize thistime,' said'Athoot; ' if you can get that safelj acro s. tho.sell t willtdclight thii.hetrt .of MrFi Barium, and )ilease the inillions that will ciroid his eý lhiiitiou next sununer.' ,' ' I don't 'sco why it lionhl" rinot. reidh America,' replied Tom, in u flutter of"' dlight overihi capture. ' I shall be repaidi itf o secure nothing else.' ' We o iit not rest natisfied with that, for there ae numre curiositids that miuist obe found beforo'we leavo N'i?am... . . ' Doni't youi thiik wd' haro tri~vllied fir enough for to-night.' niked ;'the :laed b f Atioor; '.I would muihirather trytiosiiuinage this'bird'in.the tlah-tlrie.'., . . ' It'?ould laisVc been ?fad to hliatsomo t'uti' ago,' wais the nssuring Y ly.r '.We will gntliecr'wod iul'stsrt a fire ... This wis 'an easy task, and in a 'blrief while a11 tlhe 1,idwie?s'clcolleted thait.iwa neeaded toi liist '.'thisi.: ditill .niiniiig.,' Thid"!:frii was kiindled'6oi tho: edgo.of the otied,' h'ir6 the 'aiirroiriidintg uidetgHniti w?va ;s'o densb'that there" wits little likclihiod of'the liglit'be'ig sien ats-tat diid di?i . ;': One ,end of' the Lo wias eia reftly"' ti il t'arouid a leg of. the inoiphiin nand the other 'fuiistened'to 'abI.li;, td Iitu6iient itthuiaking off' i the;'iight.i'a thiiig'it w?alnot lik-ly to do ifninuchel 'efort wgis required o.its piart., ; Finding ,itself. a captive, the mouphilon squiatted down on the ground as if contentod with its lot, and only anxioisi to please' its eaptors; certainly a nore docile creaturoe could. not lhave been fomsd or'desired. ' 9 All the party were tired, and it will be ad. nmittel that the incidents of the day had been of a character indeed to make' thbin so.' They were' somewhat himgry, tod; but'hiinters in warm countries do not suffer so 'mich.from the absence of food as do those in colder and more temperate climes. It was not deemed worth while, therefore, 'to make any hunt fur game, and all prepared to kipend the night as comfortably as they 'nuld. Th'e weapons were examined to make suro'they wqre loaded, fuel was thrown on the fli, and Athour took it upon him.uelf to keep watch for the first hall of the night, agreeing toi cal Zip at the tiun, when he wouldassunme' charge of the ncanyp until daylight. It was on thit occasion that my sagacious friend' Athor conmittLed anii Indiscretion, of which I do not think he was ever before glty. I amn certain that so long as he lives ie will eer forget himself in a similar numner aguil. Fully iawnre of the danger of giving way to sleep, lo paced'sliwlv hbck indc forth, after the maniner of a sentiinel oi his heat, his short 'path being in the clearing 'just beyond thei c.mp fire, which, therfore, burnedlbettween him and tdie demns wood. For two hours he paced steadily banck and forthoccaciomiliypausing tolintoi ttliovnaried sounds that canen fromn tlhe woodand looking areontd in quest of any unwelcome visitors to the camp. 'There was enouagh light fron the smounlder ing camp fire to show thie forms' of his I friends stretchednl out onthe ground.fast usleep, while thie miouphilon, as faintly out lined, looking as if it weri asittming on its eggs prepltory to hatching. Lonm tie inonoent this extardanannry bird was tied to the bush, it had extinguished tlhe lumlp that nature'placed on its head, 'so there was nouthing about it viasible in the gloom to attrict attention. It seemed to Athoor that lo never felt' so wonrout as on this night, when he vohlim tored lto stand guardnl over his sleeping a friends. ti It was really a fatigae of mind more than of body, for his lmng experiemio ns hunterin the wilds of Nicaiu had so tounhened his "' frnme and indurated his musloes that hlo was often able to ture uthisconnpanulons that were younger than hle. iut, as I have aid, noons was more alive ic to the fact that sleep in the :mont insiduhuns of bridf timo:e' likelyto'pm ve fatal' t;-, h-'; .' .... It is? this knowklgeo on the part of the East Ji Indian which renders his courseo the mooe I

singular, through, sa I shall show you, he was not without a pailliatioa for his forget fulnesu. He p~eedreguinrl everhtlabeafor tht{nmo named, carrying his' loaded rifle ready for instant use, though he wasinclined to believe they would sufer no molestation, since they had seen nothing of any wild beasts on their way thither. All at onceAthoorwas seized with a cramp in one of his lgs. He paid noheed to it at first, expecting it soon to wear off. Ho hastened his pace with that purpose in view, but tho. trouble in creased, and limping over to the tree near the mauphilon, he sat down on the ground, and adopted the simple remedy of vigorously rub bing the limb. 1lhis had the desired effect, and in a short time it seemed to be all right; but fearful that the pain would return if he roseo too soon to his feet, he decided to sit a few minutes longer. . And doing so, niothing was more natural than that he should lean hishoae against the tree behind him to enjoy the brief, rest that seemed necessary. Need I tell you the inevitable consequence ? Before he suspected the danger, ho was wrapped in as sound slumber as his friends around him. If nothing occurred to disturb him, hisaleep was euro to last until morning. But, sad to say, thediturbanto came in'tho least desirable shape. It was not fai from the turn of night that a shadowy form appeared on the edge of the opening opposite to that of the camp fire. For several minutes it was nomor. than a shadow, and it would have taken a keen pair of eyes to discern it from the camp. " Before long, however, a lank, sinewy leopard emerged from the gloom and came stealthily* across the space toward the un conscious forms. Tholeopard took such long steps that its belly almost grazed the ground; while its tail, flirting from side to side, frequently touched the earth. The leopard was looking for his'supper, and it seemed as if everything conspired to givo him the choicest meal ho could wish. With the caution of its species, it did. not advance straight upon the camp, but moved backand forth in front of. it, as if recon noitering before making its ntteck. . - Finally it'decided that the man sitting on, the ground, with his back, against ,the tree, was its game ; that man, you need not be re minded, was the sentinel, Athoor..' Instead of leaping directly upon him, the leopard sunk on the eiirth and stole forward, like a eat approaching a mouse. . All its movements were so. silent 'that tho lightest, sleeper would not have been aroused. -. . Nearer ..and. nearer,. stop by step,,. the leoipard advanced, until only, a moderato lenp was'. .requirdl to bring ..it down upon the poor native, whonemver dreamed of ,hi: danger. ' ' " At tho.. vry. moment the leopard was gthering' himself for the. brief spring, a dazzling light,.. like that" of ' a burglar's lantern, was flashed in its eyes. The check was so sudden, so unexpected,. and so extraordinary, that the beast for, the nonment was pahnysed. ..... Guurlcdl as were its movements, the faint rustling wis eniough to awaken.: the ',mou philln, whichl, having doused its glin' some, time before, now turned onethe .light' again with n.power.that startled the anmal into the utterance of a deep growl. lThat growl.awakened Athoor, who opened. his eres to their widest extent, and saw .the Icop ?rd crouching at his feet, its jaws parted snd its eyes glri .noa sif it already tasted the feast provided for it. .. (To 00 .coxTL1'VED.).



Chapter XLIX A STRANGE VISITANT.

STHE YOUNG FOLES. MY PLUCKY BOY TOM; oR;, SacREoNG 'FOR cURIosIrrIES IN INDIA FOR MY sHOW. Bit P. T. BaIsux. - 'CV.tirat XLIX.-A. ST5at Vs5rTrAsr. Athoor .sc one of those fertunate perwsr 'who have the faculty of ase'king like a ash with all their scnses at conumnd. The instant the growl of the srrered leopar washeanrd he unieretood the prilous siltuatien. ?!it rifle lay aes'.. his knees, and he sprnng to his feet with the agility of an asrobat, and the woupon was at his shoulder it-lt twinkling. Thle mouphilon had proved the 'friend in st-ed beyond qucfilon. Batt for that Iahshing of its marvelous icrown of fire in the face of the willd beast, he would have beer, on the breast -sf the native at the monmeet?he opened his ?c?'es; but the glare bewildoermld- the n me just as the; sudden flanoaig of the sun in the eyes of a ldeeper dnzesi;lm on first awstking. You kleknlothat wild brutes dread fire, all.l the leopardcmust have believed that by sonme mystenros -occurrence he had plunged i' : head intoe a blazing fwsrncee, though, of course, the sensation of helat was valltinlg. Atloarilost no time. bi'is terrible toecm, was almost at his feet, .and before it 'could recover from its confolion or retreat, the sharp explosion of the alifle nlng out ton the night, :and the sphere'of- land, entefting its askul Btivccen the eyec,ttore its way through bone, lrain, and msudle'to tile seat ofilife. The beast, with a -snarl of quick pain, loated-severn l feet stniight up into the air, and, -tolling over mn his back, made two or three convulsive struggles, and then was deed. The report of the 'gun roused the others, .whlo started up wenllering what it all meant. 'Iithlut spexldng, .Athouor stooped over tbe fire, stirred the emnbers into a bright falme, and then l'eBgn reloading Ils piece. My the light thrown out, the dead leopard nwas seen a short distance off, the night stelling the mesiing of the shot tlnt Ihad mauned all from lcep. The mouphilon having rendered this great service ' dousedhis glim,' to use a conmnon xpresslon. The strange light was extinguished as Suddenly as before. The bird rrobably saw that the occasion .for its use w'as past, and it allowed the camp :fire to take its place. Atlhoor, like a schoolboy detetelilla fauilt, 'confessed his, remissness, and told his friends that but for the interferen:e of tile munphilou one at least'of tiheirnuuilberwould have fllesn -a victim trl.thei stealtlly imipsntl. SI feel 'like embrnaieg it,' said Ton DBIud :'frd, with san aldmiring glan:Ue at the bird, 'which lhaid slatted down on the ground .again near the bush, with its enes closned, as if in sleep; 'I don't know whether we l ea afforn to send hlin to fMr. ilaurlni until we :lire through huntingf in this country.' W' hy not?' unksll Athool kntswing wll, 'however, the meaning of the remark. ",Wo shall need hIla to take.nare of us at night.' 'I don't think any other member of the company would ever I0 guilty of soy reniisn a?sas, and I am sure I shall never play the part of zany again.' ' Well,' said Mr. GO?dkin, ' I have had all 'the sleep I want, and I will relieve you for ?the rest of the nigl?t.' No, you won t,' was the sturdy reply of Athoor; ' I mtast have slept half of my tioe, and I owe it to the rest to stand watclh ultil idayslight.' His friends protested, lut le insisted, maid, since no one but Zip yhowed a dispoi ien to slumber, after such it startling interruption, lhe wis allowed to lie down, whleTomen nd Mr. Godkin decided to keep their sontihil company for the remainisg hoursif'daurkless. Mr. (G odkin's watch showed that ;it wasee considerably past the turn of night, .and, lighting his hookah, he pronounce lilmself as. 'comfortable an anyone could wish. " --' Tom'walaked out:to where the lyod'uif-he leopard lay, and made a critical exannusstion. -of t. - . It was i nuiale of unusually largeo ?,iizeo,nd io shuddered to think of what rtheooense quences would have been but for the-dingsilar part played by the mouplhilon. . Possibly, the cry of Athoor rwl,.ehe awoko, in the grasp of the beast, might have enabled his friends to save his life, but h?evouildthave been sure to have been lacerated iby amnny oevere wounids. Next he walked to where the mnlouiiilon was sitting on the earth, plainlyroveiledslby the glow of the camp fire. SI feel half ~osted to uafasten -anl let you go,' he alid, 'because of.thoeservicee'you have done us. You have earanedlyourtliberty ahundred times over; but you :will.lbefor tonate, after all, in becoming "'Brnum's property, for he will treat you wilth amrmudh consideration mnd kindnemnasltlhtl lh'whliite elephant, and I can promise ;you thhat he 'won't let you meet the fate of ithat andithe other anrimals burned at Bridtegi~,rt.:" SDon't got sentiseuntal,' s?aiid'r.?goilkin,. with a laugh, overhearing the wortldsof:his plucky young friend; ' you aalltheo:rest of us are in India .a?, bsi,,a , sai, :if you.lo your: part well, you' are likely to ece~ivo another commission fro Mr. a' am, who 'has a quick eye for a valuable servant. " Don't worry over me,' Tom hastenell to reply; ' I promised Mr. Barnum, "in answer to hie cable, tostop at no riskto earry out r -.? ?;l'wishes,' and'I shall kehop a- worll:; "but, a "'?ll thb same, I'oen't help feling a strong admirtlion for .that remar kale arll 'ditting over there by the bbush, mahinglbeliove:he is "'aaop;,"d, threre ore, eaa't'her 'the nice *, .? ,?-I my about his'- - *'t strike me,' said Mr. Goakin, that it 's .poor: poliey to appr1pr1is ,U .of your :laaso to hold it: fst.u . YMu osyneea. that rope again, ,and, it has done "ya -so many good turna that it ought always Ito -be at command.' ,'I have. nothlng.elsa to ase,; 'rplirdToms, Swho had thought of the eamsethieiLgwhilsho was seeuring the prize. "I "lalways mako.a practice .otEoarsying. a supply of cord with me, as dics 'Athoorover there, and, from' the doeility',ofthe .bird, it will not require a very strong 'tinig'to hold . -him fa??st . l.1 aidon to ron,. who speedIly put It inpia?n "' ofth6 iao that'uwo loopd aBa mo as of the '. uTm6irdsopensd itas eyes ewh:iscfelt the . o?t ali'at rosl. It.?uttered nstrtid, and . i?ed lso me tmidity, bat yen.ay bsr Iras it .'ts 'handledi ,wih such to easerl.that the ::iatldignt cereab"re qaieLy sawift ·ac.int no .Leeft to itedf, the moaprhion se o more . iNtLe down on. the gmad, e >itly well a...tired with is aintla?o, waitly ..ditfcrent w.adyt tw rom that to which it'hath?l alwys Is....,een customed. ..: Athoor,'esid Tom, remnlng:siiha-etnear .ls friend, who did not heitato tosreet himn i o-s.. f enthe gronnme, nowtat ho'ehirscnpany, " ' rhat do .you qow about the mouqhliaon nI' "''b.out as much oas 'ao ne sloe, .'drich is ",iit'a 'p?at deal. You nsed not bestuld that ithe bird is exceedingly rare. It.ia found onl~n Nizanm, so farls hoowr, b ing ast .extinot in other pars of the world as the '1 .dTIo,'nd ther te ar vry fowtahi cnoutAry. e'viover heard of the.creators:' - 'Z?;"Noc ud. I,' addedMe. ;?1i8k, 'mud I #;1te. spent thirtyesr!o m~rao'hie hoe.; but [ ·: h • -veno donttat .i'bgeud:'itfliy 7 s. ?mm 'without leaning .one.&ah of -thlo ',s.d e to be met In Indi.. Tide bird, I 9sappeso, is a malo"' "..s-:YeI,' .reled thoe.,ntir. 'Se .yoea awcs ',-iig'atua hisitey the smals?,lb.ebd bsest.iu -'wueac hs Isawthaat prevals amnss.human t ?T-'gh..o? of ai sober greytolemn fr om Rhead toitnl,',nd has svoie?. hansh sa ,the . le" 1?i?veo the grown of ore lk. Sitn , 'That Is oaal' the stmnge fin set unseted , with. the ms1eab1c" the femaleh hasantl z '.'(113~' bfi~-~~li~ldlhd on pherebm - ·~t~i!..~ ··~L~i~i~iie·btt furehwpotri '.a '

iow that mates the m?al theo Only creatire of its kind in the whole aniiant kingdom.' : What is its foodl2 You know I must learn all about it, so Ltht it shall not stiffer when ?mnt to America. St t lives much the same as domestic birds, bcEog fond ofgrain, wornm, andanch tid-bits as it can pick up it the jungles and woods.' ' This birdl mnst have a mate, iand I would colmtmyself lsecky indeed if I could sou?r oneto take with the male.' 'No doubt the imte of this fellow is not far off, and he could call her to his sideo if le wished to cdo so, but I lanpect hc is too cunning ftr that.' ' lie sppears to be so contented with his lot, and is so docile, that I have been hoping he wedait invite his mate to keep him com dany- Hallo ! what's the mutter with him nosw.!' Srmecthing had occurred to disturb the imorphilon, though not one of the people were able to hear or see the ianse. 'The binl's position was such that tihe light f: ..n the camp fire brought it in as plain ':!,t a: if at midday. r: v:.e co used to warm weather that it is lt:oblc thehreatof the fire was girteful to T'he bird was seen to open Ilis bright, rounel: eyes, while in quick flirt of the head fhowed that he was looking toward the three p?rtics by the fire, bu: evidently with hiso intcrest fixed upon soleothing on tile other side of the opening beyond. '?Then the bird rose from his silting posture, and, seeminglyforgetful of hli bonds, started to walk into the open space. -He passed only a few paces, when a sharp twitch of the cord reminded hihm that he was deprived of the fredloms of motion. Thereupon he stopled without any strugglin ; bat, instead of returning to his former place, stood still, ivith his attention still fixed on sonie point behind his captr?s. The latter, ns nmay be supposed, were deeply interested.cL 'They watched every movement of tile bird, often looking toward the other side of the opening, in the effort to learn the cause of this agitation on the part of their illustrious captive. ' Ai, I sec something!' exclaimnie Tomn Bradford, iin an excited whisper.; ' look! right there on the edge of the opening !' It seemed likea flickering shadow, instead of a substantia object ; but, watching closely, our friends were able to detect a resemblancoe to the form of a moving creature. ' It's the m:te of the usoupliilon !' added Atheor; ' he is iut to learn wiyv her Irhusbanud is keeping such Into hours. rie probuhly discovered her before she did lii,-- . "i * At the momnent when the hearts of Tomui lBradford and Lr. GodHkin were;be:tinig high with the hope of.eapturing the female, the mautle 'alve tterance to a peru:liir cle. I ?ennet describe this cry except to cay that in tone it 'relsermlhed tile honk of a wihl gOose, but was shorter, ttid wais relpeated three timers in quatik suoccsoioin. The femaile vanishid like ia flsh, and Ather Inughsdl merrily. 'That cry of tile old fillow was v a warning to his matotol make hersrilf scanre, or 1ie wmldd sharo his- fte, and, like a dutiful wife, she hns oleyed hin withr re promptrness that lshrits tnt all chance of your over secrling ia partneerf?r your piizo:' No iloult such was theo fiact, for nothing mnore was seen of :the 'femaile, though Tom lradford world not .give p hope No long as they-stayed in the nemglhborhlodl. it would hie supposeJ that the male, having perfrnnrie:tliisnaeat trick, would have Nettled down ?gainr with that ,nonitentment blnefitfting a inupliilon whose conscience ualproveslids course of conduct; but, instead of doing so, hi displayed more rgitation than ' There's something ?lse out there,' adlded Athoor, ri.ingi to his feet, and, shading his eyes with his hland, pecring out in the gloom, SYrou nroilooking at the wrong place,' said >Me. Godiin. ' It is to the left, but I'nm 'Blessed if I eanimlike it out!' It was prolbably a hundred feet to the left of the point whiere'tho feimalo binr had dL appeared with such suddenness that the three caught sight of an eoxtraordinary object. It:had the -shape of a ball, about a couple of feet in dirameter,'from every part of wluhich prrjecteil myirials of spines fully a dozen These spines were of needle-like sharpness, and:as'the object came into plainer view, it -suggested nresemblunco to the porouplrie. :Butiit was not a jeorcupine, ats o sie heing ifr too graet, while Its manner of lioomotion was ,iltogether lifferent, to say nothing of more thau one other distinction. -at.rosomble at ball of long, shiny bilades rof gr?rs,more: thri an n uimato creature. Instead of creeping forwanl, like tile genus flyst*ri.r,rthisotrnragomencber of the anhuul kingdom-formed itself into a circular sluror whichithe porcupine only does to defend it self against attack-and rolled slowly over n·ul over, directly toward the camp fire. 'i:BIy gnciot! I ho's coming for us I' ex 'claimed Tom Bnlitdford ; 'I wonder what he means to do ' * 'lhat,' said Athoor, ' is the creature callce the s.itfiro ; I don't know whether he means any mischief, but he is one of the very few creaturesiin India which I know no way of killing:' " We tlon't want to kill him,' said Tom, 'hoe? one of the curiosities that must be captured.' A' All:I can coy is that you will have a sweet time!ia capturing him. Look out !' There was something alarming inthre ation oft tho-pitflro, as it was 'pi/rrprizately termed by the nitiveo. . ld~I ig.its innumerablo spines close to it: beily,:it rollel slowly over and over, until it rerachelta, point within a few feet of the fire', when; it came to an abiupt halt. - [,o v eoar laaa .T



Chapter L CAPTURING A SPITFIRE

THE"Y G"FOLKS:' ORE-3B.&B0Wr iO OUmO81Tii Dlj S INDX& FOB MYT BSHOW. . Dv P:T. fIaou. Csu- Ct m L.-OwrPrnsyo a Smoins. The instant the spitfire stood still, in the full'gow of the camp fire, its needle-likes pines shot out perpendicularly fromitasbody with a'quiok, rustling sound, so that it re. aembled an enormous chesnut burr, supported on its.innumerable projections. Nothingin the nature ef feet was tisiblo, !andseemin~lyitmmadl no difference how it stopped In its movement, since it was able tp sustain.itelf on any sid> of its body. Butlooking closelyS, the amazed upoetatora caugh. the gloeam of pair of bright, pene trin eyes about b imnches apart, `nd in the ooddlo of the etr7ordinary oreataro. Not only teat, h?t suddenly iSe lower half neared to neparato lisko the fawr of an allgator. Its mouth mulr have exte?fldi·slmost from ano side of thetbady to the ether. . rom this caverous opeinngihot forth a ong, thin tontso, forked lnd of a blood-red 'colour, liko:ftlt of a serpent. If darted ibthor and thithO: with incon coivabl qutlikncss, addiang.not. a little to iits, terrinfyesg areno. I Noinlyeat, but, :as .f -nothing -was tol be lakdng do complett'ith"herrid appoaranceo,I som~ithiuo similar t· 'eloetri flarshca loapeil froim item, bifurasitetdl .ongue. Thersdsould be no iotiht of the elootriodl anturctf the manitehittlons, sinre all:thro, of -the opestatotos ;plairly hoard a .faint, cskltb sound meomuplnying the lightning ilkl ditngs to anlfro of the organ. lheo display, : youi will filllh .:dmit, .Mleteld the name, "f spitfire an exceedingly ip~is riate onefdr'this wonderful :member. rof `th animatlkngsom. ' Every creature has some way of idefond ingitself,' renmsiked Tom Bradfosil, who, liko his comnp?ions, was atadying the crekuro.e :with 'a .profound. intereast, " and I 's ? so the iit ro acts like ;th 'porou ' From the :action of that tonsuto,' said .'o. God"Pd ", I shouldn't. be su.arised if it fay the .poer of imparting ilectrial shooks ;i-?eo the Demon of the Lake.' ' I think hot,' answered Athoor, 'though I'oaust onslfess that I know les. about the spitfre than I do.of any ither.inhabitant of ' the Nam.' This is the second one I ever :aw ? nd.the first was mothalf of its size.'. ' dhydon't you capture .it,' asked Mr. Gogdkin' giving Tom a sly .poko' in 'the I.'m' waiting to. dlcide :the best' way of d ol . I wonder wbetharI.ean aInso it ?': a+' lrare plenty ,npiace. for the rpo'to ihold, thobp.'itfire, but ;aftr!lasioing it, you' :my want'to lot go of in a.hurry.' -Meanwhile, the cseature, .having given amch an interesting exhibition, drew mt its tongue and closed its enormous mouth. S'Its, spines remained sisil for a minuto or so, when with the samesuddlenness that they had ',xpanded,. 'they dontracted, so -that, lying flat against its hbody, the 'contrast' in its appearance was so great that it looked comparatively smooth. .'hile every eye was fixed. wonderingly aeon the spitfire, Athoorbsrnptly brought is rifle to his shoulder and fired at it.' ++., "'What.,are you-. dinigP' demanded the angered Tol Bradford : 'didn't I tell you I wanted to make it captive t' SThe native laughed. . -'Idon't see that I 'have hindered you; true, I struck it,but I .haven't. hurt,it any. more than if I had.flug. a petblo against its .sidmo Incredible as Seemed the stsitcAzent, tore could be no doubt of its truth. ;t'he reit~tiiga'.e noevidonce of: having recei~bd the idight~est 'harm. Its i~outh re mainedahut, butita bright eyes were twink ling the same .a ever, and seemed to say that if anyono'wanted to waste his ammuni tionon himit hadno objection. - - "It don't act as if it were hurt,' iremarked. Tom,.molliflid;by the words ofhis fricnd'and the conduct of the spitfire, 'but if your bullet had entered, one of its oyes, it would have flnished,him.' .'' . . ', No doubt of. that.' '; ,Every armor has a weak point,; said Mr. Gedlin, 'and I su.pposopthe eye of the -opit A& is' hid.' 'When open, but tI am told it has the power of sheathing its eyes when it wishes to dso, and though the noeathing can .hardly lc r abgainust a'bnllet,'yet no ddubtlit is rngedniought to' iresist' tihe 'dclaws' of any wild animhal:'. .... All this -was interesting oenough,"but it: pavomno.hlp toward securing.the spitflro, for_ whose capture Tom :Bradford was hardly more anxios than Mr. Godkin. Athoor had told them about all he knew of therstmere, and mold give but little rug. geaiion inthe way of securing it. : Glinain g at the mauphllon, the.hunters were amused to observe that he displayed no littleintseet In the strange visitant. He was standing erect with his gaze fixed irn It, but earfitlly refrained from shed angany llht 'an' the matter." Hemust avo docided to be oaonomical in the ne of his headlight. BSvema times Tom Bradford was on the point of testing his lasso as a means of cap tvring the pittire; but with all his ingenuity he could not see how the.implement could be made to answer for that'purpode.. Thocreature was sot capable 'of moving asat, and with the i wpb drawn tightly roun Le extaordin"ary bo.y, it was not 'ely he ' womald:ba abletto move at all. Ardently as the lad desired the pize, he seold not reconcilelhiatelf to the attempt to ssry·it.'.--4 aesesed.with therope and slung ave hisheouldhr, there wax no saying what alachief it might do him. If it lacked 'the power of i tparing eleoetecalahocka, ita innumeasbl sharpes Ines we euiough tosnk ono e hbe, sitat bout testing them. .t':Athor,'-saidthe lad, turnipg ebruptly on his friend,. 'are not the natives, of tbhs smotiod killed in basket-making ?' 'Many of then are.'.' "How about Zip 1 ' " Until:I took him to my employ he made his lifinrby t~hb mans.: His skillhIsmade im'eelbrated in Madras, and even in. Bom. b1aj,where'hi beautiful manufacturers com. mand high'prices.' . 'Ho's our man; I'll wakodim ip -and' set him to work.' .&uhd With thp promptueoe eharaateristio of fIis'":i? ?m To shook 'the ' native, who ·l?j rib~tbo 'th' h dtting postion, ibbd'Bli eyes and looked round to learn 'Mie'asi, of lia disturbance. 'the lid qitkly expilainod what he wanted, aril was dml' a large netting, constructed osfro ome of tough running vines that rere numerous.in the 'ioinity. ThI seemi to be somu reason to blieove .ite 'pIn will work,' said Mr Godkin, "thuhwe coan't tell till we try the ox :Athoor oxprs renseed .so much faith in the themo that Tom was encouraged. The whole .four instantly ecattered to gather.the material, and it requirid iibut a few .ainutee to collect more than enough. S Theo plan, as I haveo eid, was to manu. foturen n ingenious netting, bearing some g',ebemlancO to the not which answerod so well'in the ease of tholion. It was in fact nothing more than a spread ofmeshes .sovernal inches in diamether. It was necessary that the network should be madelrge"enho ig b that. when drown together it'sould suffice to inclose a' spitfire. If this could .boe done,: Zip would find no 'diulty n joining the margins so as to hold .B e thatrin the constructona of this twrk Useho whole four should 'have com aiteda most'unaccountable oversight, and , egqtten an important fact that was sure to ? t~t wi?,?.?kr t h a·nsmergy and Ohash, sa "led, 'Tom and Mer.,'odkIn" to umdwstnd whyItiltwa his wrs wereheld It must?cotbo sUpposed~ that while these 1psetlon.. were 'under wayti.ho. pitfir _anmly'alwalte8 'thalr comsletlbn Iotaerthat ite might fall likeripo frut'intothe basket, Aitr ec;ing the hiarni?lm'w.s ahot of ..0) bJur 2

-Athoor, anut StthcIg hsiaapline about him, he began rulsni bakwark biwurd the other 'ride of the opening wheeaelb came. . Tom Bradford started up ii alarm. SNowre mind,' atesmarked. Atheor, ho travels slow and won't go farr; we shall have no trouble in finding him in the morning.' The lad was reassured, though he felt a twinge of misgiving at seeing such a valuable prize walk off unopposed. " I mean to see where it goes,' he said, etarting after e, but keeping a respectful ldstance. The spitfiro, observing thltit was followed, came to a halt again, with its spines riged, its mouth open, and its tongue darting forth. It evildeily believed it was about to be attacked,!bat as Tom didasot offer.to mdlest it, it 'hauled in its hornsa' and restuned its odd locomotion towardtho wood. - The boy left it on the margin and hurried back.to his friends, wheroe he was delighted to findl that the. deft fingers of Zipihad tihe aet hiltaost finished. ' The skill the native disphayed lintho con dtrul?ofin of the intended'suaro was remark able. . When at last the'several square yanl; were finished, he invitile his friends to bre:k it.' 7?r. Godkin, Athoor, and Tom-reized it by its edges andtnagged'nnd yanke? with might and main. They stamped upon it and 'resorted to allpoassiblo m ns of disintegrating it, but it resisted their utmost :fcforts; that, too, when none of the pieces of vine oom posing it was <thicker than: a child's little finger. L , S'gIt is an amasingpieeo of .handiwork,') said Tom, ' and cannot be inproved. It isn't morning ydt, brit ltince we'know- where the spitfire is, let's go for him now.' " There wasraereason wh-ythe 'plan' should not be adopted, and theo.whole party moved in the iirectioni Oftleso.imsid. of.tho .wood, wherb tlo boy had last seen it. It was not in sight, however, much to the lad's dis ayi . . . ' , 'It canut .be far off,',said Athoor.. 'Bo careofl :i' ihuntine for 'it that 'yout 'don't tumble over it--- Oh ' ' Athoor, who was a little to the right of the othoeat-that moment, received a shock as if tio.point of a sword had been thrust into his leg, and made a leap in the air of sovenil.feet. 'The apitllre had folded itself up in a hollow ncar'thti'oot'of a treewhere tho'e keen eyes of the native did not detect it,- and where it would not'havo been observed for some time had it kept still.' instead 'of giving' the' intauden a:punch with one of itsmiltitudinot: daggers. tiherewas a laugh'at Athoor's xpenseo, 'and Tom'hurried to ids side iithi thoe netting rolialsiko a screen over his. airm, 'nd. ready for service." Seeing the spitfire in-an attitude of defence, heo hesitated only long enough to get his bearings. .Mr. Gddkin was holding :tho lad's:gumn, so' 'as to leave his ar?sn free, and ho added a weird of caution :' ' 'Bo on your uanl; there's no guessing whlat lie will do. ' Tho wdons were hardly spoken when Tom 'Bnrdford dexterously flung the netting like a bla'lkbt' over' the creature, whlso mouth seemed wide enough open to swallow the wholo thing, and who duubtlens would have done some execution had it been able to seizo the arm or hand of the lad. Unfortunately for the spitfire, it did the worst thin$ aiosblo for itself. Instead of preoserving its spine rigid, and making someo kindof a fight, it wan sared by the strange manner of attack, and closed its spines'so that it took the shape of the smnooth bell that rolled across the s pening to and from the canlp fire. This gavo Tom. Bradford the best oppor tunity ho.could have asked. Calling to Mr. Godskin to siize the other side of the netting, he' twist&l his 'side' under the round body and flirted it to the edge which his friend held in his grasp. '. "-- .-h.'-. '. '" -. It was done in a twinkling and the happy youth was justified in his! jubilant oxclama tion : .. ' We've got him i we've got him ' " ': ^ ' (,sn v a crisuss.l"'



Chapter LII

THE YOUNG IFOLKS. MY-PLUOKY BOY TOM3 OR, SEARCHING FOR CURIOSITIES IN INDIA FOR lT SHOW. BY P. T BAmnaux. * n fasuImLII.-Co nsrINo TU IN LtosCu. if i?y of my ydang or old readers should ever be placed inthe trying situation of Tom Bradford,' the wisest course is to do precisely as did my pluck young friend. While the lion is justly named the king of boasts, and while he sometimes displays re mnarkable corteag in attacking a foe, yet no animal is more susceptible to' bhd?i,' s itmay be called, thin he. You'will recall thna Tom had just dis charged his rifle, when, at the warning of a friend, he turned his head rend discovered a hugo lion'only a few paces behind him, and almost in the act of making his fatal leap. Thcowrtelope which the lad had just shot was the intended victim of the wild beast, •who.was not quito as quick as the lad in detecting the approach of the fname. IHe had been lying in wait on the other side ot the samepath, but was a trifle later than the youth in learning thathis intendedvictim was approaching the other bank of the small Attalm. 'Imay as well stath that Mr. Godkin was on'the same side of the water as the antelope, and in the act of levelling his gun to bring it down, when the report of Tom s weapon and 'tho fall. of the animal apprised hinm that he ias also a bit behindhand. Thsus'it was that the Antelopo was the tihroot object of the attach of two hunters and a llon; small chance, therefore, of its eluding 'them all. For 'a single instant Tom Bradford was ztansfixed, when he found himself face to loo:with the formidablebrute, butho quickly sogainbd his pluck and presence of mind. The 'first suspioion that entered his thoughts was that the lion was the same one with' whichho hadhad his singular experienco a short time before. Those 'beasts are so exceedingly scarceo in the Nizam that this belief was natural. The suspicion was confirmed an instant later, when he detected the marks of the wire mask that had been flung over his haed, and which he had striven so hard to remove that hie pawn inflicted a number of scratohes and w-ounds. The ingenious netting woven by 7ip lay at b sided of the path, almost within reach, 'where the lad had east it at the moment of bringing his gun to his shoulder. It was between him and the beast, but scly a step or two was naeesnery to reach it. ' Now there can be little doubta when Tom Blrdfordl faced about and confrctedthe lion, the latter in his ownpoicullar ways.u+o did a mighty lot of thinking. H'Ie must hare recognised his. muster,,as the mpsItt umtamable of horoes always did, when braughit under the hands of tarey,' the 'givet sihduer of intractable steeds. Fixing lis bright eyes ,upo the glowing' orbs of the lion, the lad walked sdowly toward him. Tihe bonet uttered a growl, and angriy' flirted ,his. tail. He was not V.et redly to led 'htit he was in doubt, and half the$ battle therefore was lost. Two more steps, with his gare, fatenedil.on the wild animal, and he still refused to move, thosugh he neoemed on the pirlt of doing so. Again he growled, and *there was a: , peroeptible twitching of his muscles. Those two steps brought Tom alongside of' the scooop-net, asit may be called, near 'the path.,', Without removing his eyes from those of the brute, he stnoped down and graspeil the lasso and the implement. The action of stooping and instantly straightening up again was tho:last.~fther. The movement was so pectiliar that it changed the alarm of the lionoint a panic. With Lnother growl, he turneodto ?tcfrom thodreadled presence of the er sn who huad once displayed in such a migndl 'manner his power over him. As.in the case of the antelope, the action of the boast was the best thing that codld have taken place for the young la'so-thrower. He had just time to conmpleto hlis huriicil poparations, when the scoop 'shot from his It was much more aifRleult 'to fling this accurately than it was to throw the other, but this dieldrantoge was overcmo 'by tho terybrief spice between the yuuth .and ,his victimn: The scoop settled ever the head of the lion as he ran directly into it, ani the tug. of the beest tihtoned the rope, so that:liwas closed about his head us securely as in 'the first instaneoo. 'Infadct, but for the hilp which "the king ofbeasts thus unwitfingly gaveo, :ll of Tom Bradford's skill would lhave: come to anught. Itwas at this juneture 'that ?lr. GOddkln, who, from the other aidoe of the -stream, had been quick to detectrtho peril eof his 'young friend, reached the spot. Youn will understsand how 'quickly eve?t passed, when told that 'the gentleman never .gusedin hastening to the sceno, .for he ex patted his aid wouNldbe needed to-nave thelad nRom death. -Keep back P called the lad, recognislng his:' sitep behindhim'; vhe 'is too soared to attack me.'" Youn will underetntlanthe absurd phase' of this exploit of Toni's. Trio; he had flung a soit of ecoopiver the eoad df allon, and the other portion .of. the lasso towhioh the implemoentwasfastened was in hi hand - But what is a boy'n-strmgth compared to that of the king of boasta ? Only a alight eoertion was required to snap the rope in two, snatch Ibout of the hands of the youth, or, if he persisted in holding fast, in dragging him along. But' not one' of 'thse things was done by the lion,'and youn will:unndrsatmd the' reason -hWo had smffered inch distress from that other springaerangement around his head that he must have'beliorve he was similarly :It is ony reasonable, also, to believe that lneconngied in the clad the only one who ould afford dim relief from his torture. ;Atany rate, after 'eoveral futilo efforts --ith 'each paw in turn to' remove the mnask, he minidedl and became as genMtlo .a was the slitfire when approachedl by the hbunters, .suming ibi most maijestic mien, Tom walked forward, so as to plac 'himself in front of the aiimal, and in the direction of the camp., 'Ciomo on,sir I' he commanded, giving a twiteh' at thie rope, whictho rmdo as vigorous as hetould. No peodlio ,og could have obeyed more implicitly than the royal captive. -r. Godkin could not'oeetrain his laughtor at the strango sight. "What doyou mean, iir 1' denuindedl Tom, in-his most awfuil manner, cniting a roproving glance at his friend; 'your levity, sir, is very untinmly.; I'm astonished at your lick of tsate; I will conduct this gentlenmn to namp, and reqmuest you to bring in the 'All right,' replied dMr. Godikin, meekly; I can only obey the orders of suoh.a terrible monarch as'you eeem:to be"' With that heo turned about, 'lealped aoross the emalestream, and bending over the body 1 of the antelope, ansed it upon his ehoulders: It was quiitO heavy, but the distance was I notfar, and holding his gun in one hand, ie used the otlhr to. steady his burden, with which he tmudgedl towawrd amp. 'hythis time, too, Athoor was drawn to the sp?t.bythe sound of the rifle and of the ?ee? in conversation. Quick to understand what hatd been done, e relieved Iir. Godkin by taking his weapon, and the two, hurrying their pace, quisskly caught up to'the lion, taking care, however, to maintain a respectful distance behind the boast, which, had he chosen, could have eaattered all thrio by n single demonistration on his part. It wis a strange procession indeedl; at thei haed stalkled Tom IBuldford, with his rifle in his left hand, ia goodly portion of the aInsso in his right, nilnIesst'an twhenty n eet :behind

walke& the inunenise lion, as docile as a lamb being led to the slaughter. . It requires a very slight incident at times to turn the most impressive scene into a farce, and my plucky young friend came within a liair of precipitating a catastrophe that, to say tholeast, wouldhave brought his great schenmo to naught. The lath which the parties followedgradu ally lost its distinctive character as they pro gressed, since it was made bytheconvergence of many animals from different points on their war to the water. Some ,istanco from camp, the trail dis appeared altogether. This rendered walking more difficult, and, before Tom suspected the danger, he passed on one side of a sapling and the lion on the other. A twitch of the rope caused hhn to turn his head, when he observed the looping of the laseo, while the easy gait of the beast drew the lad back several paces. The unexpected obstruction seemed to startle the lion into a momentary irritability, and he gave a flirt of his head which jerked the rope from the grasp of the youth. At this moment the beast was close to Tom; who bending quickly down, seized the rope on the same aide as hiscaptive, which, as you will perceive, freed it from the obstruction caused by the eapling. Then the lad took his place again at the head, taking good caro that a simiilar mishap should notoccur again. You can imagino the astonishment of the native,' Zip, when the procession reached camp. RItenmbering that his former comrade, Zugg, had been mangled and devoured by this same beast, which he recognised, he was shy of him for a few minutes. Being assured by Tom, however, that there was no danger, and observing the docility of tholion, he soon moved about with more confidence. . The plucky lad now did a thing which proved his nerve. The lion had laid down on the ground, as if to signify ha awaited .the pleasure of 'his master. The lattei deftly removed the mask from his head, but left the end of the lasso faietenedabout his big neck, asyon sometimes see a horse rouglhly tied with a halter. :The presenco. of the beast near the water showed that he was in quest of something to eat. ' ZIp had out a steak from the antelope large enougih to furnish all a meal, and the rest 6f the carcase was now 'turned over to the lion. Tho latter at ones proceeded to dispose of it, growling like ahugj do while thus engaged. At much times it is dangerousna to distnrb his sp-cies, and our friends took enroto leave him Thn spitfire remained folded together in his netting, and as quieseent as a block of wood. 'The mouphilon, looking tenfold more "brilliant and gorgeous by daylight, showed only a languid interent, merely opening his eyes; while e nained rseted on the ground. S'-ow,' said'Athoor," when "this iael ras 'fidised, .'wp: must agrib '.thatY we have secured all tih:ourioeitioe we. oan' attend to, sand l?fore huntii03fnr any more w'must ship these to their destination., There was no dimimuting the truth of this statement, and the others looked at the wise native for his decision. " We have'but t travel 'a few milesralieod; when wo"shall' strike 'a tributary:of tlio Krishna ?iver. ' Therewe will flndno trouble inseeurii?g a suitable?boat on which we can place our eharge and ourselves.' 'And what then I' askeilthe interestedMr. 'Golkin. . 'TYo will floet down the stream until it reaches thoeriver;',at the poiint:of their intersection is a station on the line of railway over which you came to this spot, and by --hich we'can ride.all the way to Bombay on the west, or Madra, 'on the eat.' ' Towhich city will we go ?' ' To Madras; there I am well acquainted, and we will have no trouble in securing the be?t care for our curiositioes. They can be held in Madras until the ship leaving Cal cutta with the prizes sent down the Ganges from Lucknow calls and takes these on board,' " But we shall have to secoure something in the way of aecommodations for them before reaching Madras.' ' The station where we will take the rail way is one from which many wild animals are shippel, and all that we need can be pur ehased ready made.' SYoun have indicated the true course,' said Mr. Godkin, much pleased. 'Let there be no more delay, fur we cannot afford to lose any time in shipping Mr. EBrnumn's curosities to him.' The procesion which a brief while later took up its march through the wilderness was very striking. At the head walked Tom Bradfrid, leading I the lion by the lasson tied around his neck. The eoop was cast adds as of no further use. Directly behind him came Mr. Godkin holding the mouphilon by a cord which he had also looped loosely about its neck. Each,member of the party carried his rifle c n his right hand, and the nrmarkablo bird walked after its coaptor with the asn meek neas shown by the n of beste A.thoor and Zip came next. They were a' doson feet aart, and a long polo connected their shouldr , from the middle of which hung the netting that was wrapped about the spitfire. This creature's method of locomotion was c too slow for the party to wait fur it to roll along with them. The four travelled in Indian filo, for that was the only style of pronedure feasible in that country, and even that was often attended with ooniidorablo difflculty. (O as uowrnoasl..



Chapter LIII A STARTLING AWAKENING.

I'HE YOUNG.FOULKS. MY PLUCKY BOY TO..; OB, SEABOHING FOR OURIOSITIES IN INDIA FOR MY SHOW. By P. T. Bwmxax. CnaTrrE LIII.-A SrLnTUNoaAwKAEInO. If you tica horse by the halter to the rear of a loaded w~ggon, he will tire out sooner than the steed dragging the vehicle, for the reason that: he is unaccustomed to that species of locomotion. A somewhat similar law governed the oip,,ny mddalg il wsay through the wilder incs of the Nizam in Southern India. The lion was unused to being led by a rope, and, for that matter, this wild beast will grow weary of walking continuously, even untrammelled by such a slight hinder ance to his freedom of movement. Although many of the natives of Ilindostan help to carry the paLhmquins in which travellers are seated for long distances, yet neither Athoor nor Zip had ever done any thing of the kind; and, though the spitfire could not have weighed more than forty or fifty pounds at the most, they had not gone far before they found itquite a burden. The same may be said of the mouphilon, though its mild disposition rendered it the last to 'complain.', lo spitfire was the only memnber of the' company ..st subjct to fatigue, and, folded together as if sleeping, it doubtless would have been .willing to be carried all the way to Madras or Bombay. It was the intention of Athoor, when the start was made comparatively, early in the morning, to push on so as to'rcach the stream by nightfall. The region through which they were travelling was so elevated that, evoen during the middle of the day, it was not oppressive enough to'render journeying unpleasant. . But long before the hour of noon the lion gave voshch manifest signs of weariness that it was deaided to take a longrest, and abandon all thought of arriving at the stream before the morrow. You 'Would hardly suspect the peculiar trial to'whichTom Bradford was subjected on this curious march, and which caused him more discomfort than would seem possible. Tom writes me that while walking at the head of the party, his rifle in one hand and the end of the lasso in the other, the know. ledge that 'one of the most terrible animals known was steadily following only a few paces distant' filled him with a nervousness that it times became intolerable. He could not help thinking how easy it was for this king of beasts- to make one apring and; landing upon his dhoulders, tear him to fragmeita before' his friends could interfere. SHe felt sure, more than onc6, that the lion would do that veiy thing, naid th" cotitinual glances he east' over his shoulder `were to assure himself that lie was 'olt gathcring himself for the fatal leap. When, therefore, Athoor called out'that a 'halt would be madebecauso of the faitigen of the lion, you may be sure that Torn wel. comed it as heartilyi as did his comnpanioos... There was no call to cat anything, but since the mnouphilon had not been furnished, with any food since its captivity, Toin hitsied Shimself in hunoting for a spiuies of grtb. wormr that was abuniidant near thedim," - When a goodly asupply of thlese wa?r lIhlied, in front of the wonderful bird, it ate w?thi a relish that showed its inprisoInmut was causing it little distress.' i Thelad offered piar tof the smpply to the spitfire, but' evidentlhy it did not asuit hhu; or lihe was in a morose frame of mind, fo lihe did not so 6much s, 'open one corner of his ' mouth to'pitrtaku. . '" . ; i , 'It twas'about tho"mniddleF of the iftcruoon Swhen the animals,' bird, boy,and tiidei'wero 'aso ? ftlly rested that they' resuned , their 5"journey toward the stream, doWni which they ohbped to float until they reached'the railway,' from which the transportation waes easy to aIdras. SThe face , of the country ihad becon onior oven;' so that travelling was comparatively easy; though now and then some obstriction. caused tiresome detours. Athoor selected "the site for cairimp ith much care, pressing on until they arnrivd by thei edge of a mall streamn of water, closely resembling that where the antelope hald been shot, though the current was neitber so dool nor so clear. Here they disposed of themrnslves for the night. The supper consisted of a sa~pies of nourishing' apple," resembling the. delicious nangosteen founid "i many partsa of the t?opicel East. After thbmeai l upon antelope s'toak 'earlier in the' day, this was rtgful, "'~tid mitcdli-monr nijoyable than miatmi-oild Sone of thesie pecnlar: applless w re offered :he e aire;ando tlio surprise of all it ite eedlly. ;vs Ien its fill, but, as' tos oxpected, neitlier the lon nor mouphilon would touch thei frit ;: the3 niust have pr-' '.?tued anothir' kinid of diet. '.It was not'to Ine duipposed fthlt the beast was in need of food after :his hearty break- I fist on antelope. Il p'eop ies, after filling' up, can abstain soserul days without ineon veniencd,' thobuk they find. no diffirultyiina disposing of thirty or foety polnds of meat moruing and night ... :, Tom awrites that ho" .lpIreciatel the hallplply philosophy b3 wlch;Ih inscnd to entertain nyi risitors with miay' hi~py fimil'. I.Ikept all of its nemihbers from 'Iostllititse bysiiplyingi ea'nih. with' pleity of ;it owit peculiar food. '.Anmahnhli, likeen, roe iin 't?e' bst fr?amne of mind- when their atuoelites am full.; and so loli?;' the birdls,; eirnals, naild bemats 'cont po uig'the fia?hifnio' lihsehold, I, eoidibitsl in' "nJyold.tmuseum wti iere nt ,llo?ed to'feel:tie .} i? e i, uger,. s6, Ii ang, there '?wn i10 "fI ?ceis.ed iistdiaiitbleo, o prf of thoe truth .of till more than once during.y career . So Toni; likelithe dise boy lihe wai, nd sip his. miud .that the lion shouldoaver be allowd tobecome' hicngy- an t leuast, nut nso long ashoe as outside of a eur cag., .The arrangemenit 'for thlie. niglht. were much the same as before.. The mouphilori was tied by iteanmi of .i cerd airouud its leg to a sinall: bush, while the spitfire was?iaqft in its cage, which was phlcedl on the ground ameanr the camp'fire, wher, it was not eonly iii plain sight, but could gain someo 'f "the leat hieh lehas' so grateful to it. SThi lasso bound the lion eimilarly, 'for Sther.?iwa's no tuse of fastening tie rope to ni tree siice the brute would have to put fortl but a dli"lt exertion. to loap it nasulnds.' Tomn-was ildf inilined to bulive lie wouold do -o.beforo tihe lorning. " Zip.was to keep watihi the first half ftihoe nlght, ald lr. Godhin the rest, Tom and Atloor bein alloserd to spend all the hours of dtirlnaess ro1 shunbcr. As msual, mly gent filled hi.s hoo~ihi and nmokedand talkll a long tine, until in fact he',aw tlhat Atioor anid tihe youth were asleep,' and Zip seemled mone interestCld in hli dutied.as sentinel thilen in answering qucs-' ions 'anid listening to stories of adventures, ,stirring thoughr manlly of theml were. ' WdVell,"ceoeluded the gentlcallln, looking roufid il tile fonns of his frleud?,' if I im to aiiany leep, I have got to do it pretty -oon'or not at l. -Mv ,rcious !' lThis exclmlation n ' es ensei- hLy I look at SIla watchl, wlhich showed tlhlt it ltmked only an hlour of midnighlt. Little tillme, indeed,' w?ns left him for slumblr, lprovided Zip kept his liart of the agreememt. ': ttle dangelr of im colllmmtliltilg the blunder of Atlisor of tine iighlt before. Louded gua in hland, lie.pacedl bnk and forth over a beant-some ftf- feet in extent, listen Stg and swiitching for thie irot sign of dslnger hat lilgllt tirecllinl thl ciaslil. Is S?rnedl as if thalt night was the (host noisy that our friends hlld spent in the Nizam. dfirly ti Ininlilte passed daurinlg which discordanlt eries did hict riag Out, enllogh to startle Ianly o0le nlllleelStotlnud to thmll.. Solmetimec it was tlihe prolhiged howl of aainigo beast, tlhen I 8hort htcries of larks,. such as llight h've been lieilo by wolves or -smaller anilnls. nulldagain a harnsh cronking, that eanmo frons the throat of a niilght-birdu high among th te trh eornlices. "Vliilo these wers eolre nCucllroulo tliiihi at sily 'time "lofore, the huntlltrs soulli ]ilave peid little lihedto tillifut if iaw5alle, llind to Zip they brought no distnrbaince whlatovcr. Ao long as tihe creatures whliclh ulittered tlhemn remained at a ditllance, he carled nothintlg. Lr. Oodkin Ilhad been aaloP aboulet an Ilholr wha thd observint bltive 'discovered tlat I

I thocomparatively clear water of the strneam which flowed by the camp was so riled that it musthavc been caused, by the feet of some ainoml. Hte felt no special alarm at the discovery, for whatever the nature of the beast, it was not likely to approach dangerously near, because of . the bright fire that was kept burning. If it should attempt a closer icequaintance, he was confident he could take care of it with his rifle, Listening carefully, Zip was able to detect a faint spladlhing of the water, so near to I outp that he decided to investigate. c~.cutLitugly he flung a lot msore of fuel on the fire, aml,.making sure that no immediate peril impended over the sleepers, moved cautiously up the small stream. Now, the native was too wiseo to allow any. inducement .to lead him any distance' from his friends. They were the ones whose safety was entrusted to his care, and he was too con scientious, to say nothing of his fondness foie them, to neglect his duty. It was, therefore, just beyond the line of illumination from the camp fire that :Zip halted, though quite sure that lie had but to go a few steps further to learn the nature of the animal that eaosed the disturbanceo'in the stream. A slight splashing and a growl told it was near at hand. But if the native dared extend his search no further, hoe felt himself warranted in re maining where he rsoa for a few minutes, and lhe did co, holding his weapon ready to dis charge the instant he caught sight of the beastin the faint moonlight. An ought to have been foreseen,' it was at this juncture that an extraordinary incident took place within the camp itself. Tom Bradford, lying on his side, with his arm doubled under his face for a pillow, was sleeping the sleep of youth and health, when he became the subject of a most distressing dream-sometlhing which rarely plagued my young friend. The dream was one of those grotesquely horrible visions which we are all aptto ex perience when we have eaten a great deal of some kind of food that does not agree with Without attempting any desMription of it, I may say that rthe. lad fancied that lie Was extended, without the power of moving' lit the foot of a mountainoui precipice, and'thpt a suspended boulder- just above him was dn the point of falling upon his chest." -' Tom struggled desperately,' but could not move. Nearer iand nearer eame the slow smoving rock] on which a':little green demon now, appeared, holding orio of King Holuna's poisoned javelins in his hand;! ii:' - Grtimacing aond-'grining; :thiis' frightful creature reached., overl the 'loulder wien it Swas only a fewl iniohe'ifromJ the- lad's face, and biave hint a, sharp priok-witlh the point of thde a'perin-his chcok.:-m' iu , ..:. " -,. SThe hurt was ,so. lihrp thit aTom abko with an .exclunation, t and'fiuhid ttlhit the pain in his cheek was real ! ! 1 It:wuasnot the dmion' at'lhia?sido, btqtfla thouland-fold 'more frightful' olijecit'ii the' shapeof the spitfire.: , .',J ;t :arl "i:,rt : Thios icriature, freed sentirely: f`rom the framework: of vines: thathad wrnappdI - him about, was standing on his lower rsgil spines, his eyes star h i, snumouth open hnid his feored, tougnniodirting illthe· and 'thither iwithlighbtouglikeor pidlty..'v"d I .,m i 1e After rolling to the spot heo nust hirvdshot out his iron-like ndccdalos,so fusuto ris? erect,' so neur the lad's.faeo that thepoint' of 'one .of thespiticS pricked his choo k. :' ? . : ; ;Iias'that which caused theolid to' aaken -vith: Ouchia luirt:; f'.l. , n. CnruE.m LIV-rA rGIFA. atonrPoEu Ln.I Youl havo not forgotten that, in referring to the ingenious framework constricted by the 'ntive Zip for thO temporarycago of.the spit :fr'Id5 Tid that all'of our fricnds'weron ilty of a stingo plece of fdrgetfulness. .. ,. : ...',eo- dildty fail: to . think-, that the oresa ture, ,.withits, enormous mouth, could eat its way..out of its prison whenover.:lt chose to, 'put foitttho'effort .," - . '-It" iiight lioe been -different. had. the meshes 'eoen composed :of iron .wire,,bht. as they were sinmply vegetable they were owith 'out tho.least' restranung power, against thp hiaTltt it hod remained a prisoner so long wuws because it was willing to do o. .:!. ,,?Mlil' Zip was pacsing baok and forth, teo spptfird apppairpd to' have made up its.mind thatllith hour:lhad como. to.:part company ,wth. .tlth hunters of the Nizam. :. Opeiing' iti prodigious 'mouth, it pushoed the .aes foar enough; to seize the meslies'in frouti anderuoshed ,tlItr botween its maill, shairp teeth st though .they w.wer.se o mny_ stalks of npcrsp celery :, ::.::.. L "Theh foldbng itsef up, if,.rlled out of its cocoon-likoe nclosur.. , . :: '-I cannot. pretend to say what its purpose might hve been in moin ma ngy towr ,-Tom Bradford, insteadof passing into tho shadlows of the wood, as it ought to :have donel but when it straightened -out- its spines, -in its sudden fashion, it was:a so nigh the head:of the lad that, :as, I have said,: one of them prioked his obhk : .,, tu : c .h-- ' - . iThis took placoe .hile Zip was on .lhidlittlo t o?u f;inyestigation up the small stream, otherwise, the. rustling of theo spines must havo caught his ; : . . -;For !a,miuuto or. two Tom Bradfordswns, trans?fixedby the, sight, .whichwlau terribleo enoughlito etartlo itho etrongest-nerved "man. ;' 'l'here,wyans sufficienti light :fromr the camnp fire tljthow:the object fainitly. , : ·,. Te~lnipuwthi:wiasoponed anil-oshut:in ane oager, wva ,i .r thougl-:thee -plitfiire wits iinisote!Uitult li, prepiratory to 'ilosing its jawvalsittl?t the ld.; theiforkedto?n e t dirt ins hered aid thete,!didplaying faint elautrictl sparksn; ad hlie' eyei:were as bright ao theo firoi sh lf. : l L; - Y":.- 4- - ,f ~iot doihbting i.that' the creature .meant to. asqail him, Tontmaprang 'to a sitting posture .antm':oved,:botli hitunds toward -it? with nn oxe llan atibn., , •. :: -;' .." 'Insteoad of iehslttiung itself.. up ,as :it. did. befeoro,oitho approch of anyon,, thoespit fire tse?ed to :'boeaiigured, and, for the first tinle A~uco its capture,.- emitted a' rumbling, Pcoughhng sound ;;'and, opening 'its mouth wideor;thni before,' reached- forivard ,'and cloied itsjaws with a savage snap.o ' ,.;DBut theoy, did not reach Tom, who made. the quickest backward leap of his-life, barely eseaping the attack of the oreature. - -'..: i, Hais. exclamation canught the .ear. of Zip,, who, caring.nothiug for the wild aniimal he had been ivestigating, .hurried back to learn whatwns goingon. ' --.:!..- .:: ...'bfy grnoios ' exclaimedl thlo lad,- 'there is more spunk about lim'thin any of: us imabgine? hecame -:pretty'near getting mde tlat time.' " : The creuture seemed to think the approachl of two persons Was inoro than it was saf, for him to combat, and hle eollapsedl. "-.. i - Athoor and Mr..Godkiu:renmained sldeping, and it wao not.-deemed!wo~th .whiloe to idic turblihem. . .: . .- - i SNeither the lion nor . mouphilori showed. oonscioisneis of anything unusual. : a':r The utter weaknless of-.the netting which: had enclosed the spitfire was soapparent that both Tom and Zip. expressed ;2a natmural wonder that they :had:not. thounght of it before. --. :-t - : I don't, know -what we shall do.to hold lim safe until we reach the place wlhere we can secure something in the wayof a cage,' said Tom, surv?ying the quiescent reature. '-Iro do,' reldied Zip; ' hove ready seam. "Witliiu tub hiliowiug hhlf hmur thoestruo ture was finished,, and it- nawer?ld its i ur i)Ose perfectly. It consistcd of four long poles, united by thongs, as they may be called, of the snamee .kinid of vines thlat composed the noetwork in whichl the shpitfire was eCIUIsed. ... Tluhes poles were just fur beoughl'apiiu t to arlinit the bhuly of tihe croature betweenthem. At echli corner a prjerting piece of ohdd, loharpesud-C to the miest possible point, rns fosltened. The spitfire heing enclosedl in this cage likle strnucture, it was futmd to lit exactly: If it attemptedl to ect its sway out, it could nmake no niove writlout cominog in contact with one of the ohnlrp points, iand It had shown nschl a sensitieness to disttlrbance thlat it was not likelyto ilnllcr tlhat penhlty. These poles were long enough to pcrnmit the spitflire to ie enried somnowhalt after the tlnnnller of the day lufore. ' Zip gave- no further attention to the iuimal that haid iIntrersted him n short time

provi-tid up the stieam;, biut rumiiined near the camp. Not until it was long past the hour fixed upon for awaking Mr. Godkin ,did he dis turbbim. By that tino Tom had fallen off to sloop again, and Zip told him about the attempt of the spitfire to get away, or at least to attack the one who had captured it. At daylight the lion showed such restless nes that Athoor set out to.scoure him a breakfast, and was fortunate enough to be absent only a short time, when he came back with an antelope large( than the one Tom shot the day before. This was disposed of in precisely the same manner, 'ith march was resauned, and before the aui reached meridian the party arrived at the bank of the stream where they intended to take boat for the river lower down, there to board, the railway train for the long journey to yadraa. Here, for the first time, signs of acivilisa tion were seen. The point at which they strick' the stream was a native ferry, that bad be'n' in more frequent use a score of yearn before than at the present time. British hunters from Madras were ac customed to ride to this point, where they 'crossed the ferry and ventured some distance into the country of thq Wild Mcen of the Mouidtain, though very rarely to the extent penetrated by our friends. IL a miserable hut nea by still lived the old ferryman, whose pittance from travellers in that section was so scant that he welcomed the coming of anyone disposed to add to it even to the slightest extent. SNaturally he was amazed at tho sightof his visitors and their curiosities,. but as it was evident that they possessed plenty or funds, and showed a desior to pay for everything they could get, the happy veteran believed his day of jubilee had come. SHo.was the owner of. three different boats, mainly used.for fishing.' Only one of these was large enough to serve the purpose of our friends ; but since that was hisregular ferry boat, Mr. Godkin hardly supposed it was obtainable. -When, however, the gentleman made an offer, the native was delighted to place it at his disposal, saying the price was so liberal that he was welcome 'to the two smaller craft if lie wished them, without paying anything 'additional. " Mr. Godkin declined with thanks, and gave him another bonus, which made the old-follow fool like throwing in his house and'all his earthly possessions. . . The boa tbought was fully thirty feet long, two-thirds as wade, and with sides three feet or more in height. You: will understand its shapo by being, told thab inthis part of the world it would bo kqqown a.a scow. .. , Its buoyancy was sufpoicnt to carry, double the cargo that was meant to jbo.itrupted to it., Inaumuch aa our friends p;pooted.to spe?nd considerable time on board this awkward craft, away from the shado.of. the .woods, which had been at their ~4ommtnid. uitil now, it rwas ncc sairy to. provide wioue,.kind of Since tho'e voierable fergYmoe .we able to produco thlo: lipen, .this' wes ai-'cnay task. Stakes wero 'r.Cted at acth corner, muld from' them was strethedo the cloth, which afforded a completo c6sic for llt.thaitnight 'uter tlhe boat ' " '., ` " Before doingrthii our frie?dsa vero obliged to.got tli.cunositiebard'. .. ,, .. '. hi.w'wna readily'dono in the ~ so of tlh 'iouplilohi and spitfire, bit thelion manifested. a disposition to rbel., . "'At Ono tiiib'it looked oas if the. tai .would' be impossible, but finlally h yielded,' and. leaping lightly 'pon the'bolt lay down in orio corneri , oeemingly, rady: to form one of th imbtloy crowd of passengers.' , 'It'was a pidturoEsuo 'dnud otrango-looking. crft 'tha tdrftt t fted slowly sutliwrd in, thi stream, filly- a" hundred yards wide, on its way to th'grcat. ity of Madrasn ' Theo lion crouched .in is con'er, wlih he seemed disposed to pp.rolpriato exclusively, and where the others were glad to leave hu alone. .' ..' ' The' mbuiphiloit atit'ipposibt,'and thio'itflro was' satisfied- to' iakuso 'of 6ione of tho re:' maining corners. . ' "A constant. surveillaico. of all.thcso was necessary, since the surroundings were so uusiual that there was no guessing what fancy might enter theo head of any or all of thenm; - " If the moutphillon should .6nt to lieave, he could leap over the gunwalb kind make off before anyone could provent him, if the cord by wlich ,he was fastened should happen to becomeo lb0so. , ' STlero was not so'mich fear of the spitfire, because of itadslugitsh' ovmeInte. It looked 'impossiblo for thi strange reature o'to swim; if Iho shouldd onco'go overboard;' and'.it via not likely that'he voiuld be 'bl .tbo eat; his way out of ";theo pculihar inclosiiro,' that wrappiedhun abbut. ' .:r' r - :: ' - It was the lion respecting whic tho most concern was felt, ince if ho.chose to depart thero'was H no, ay'of hindering. him.. Ho could snali the rops '.' thodgh it were a pieco' of yarii; and; .pringinog isto thi water, swim ashore. . T'om Brndford.would haveo.been sorry to lose him, butif he fodun' himnislf, compelled toprt with'ono of his prizes ho ,woiil have selected the king of beats. ',' .':, - ' SThese animalst are cily repl c,.: and! I have owiied a great aiany, but the moouphilon tand' spitfiro,worocudriositiba which it would htiib lcet'iswoll-ri-igl'iiiuposible to rcplaoo. . Th?i four' oiimnid. ke'pt'.tlicinosvcosawell fdirvird, ivlier itodst of, tio.timnthey. i t on tho'stools hieli' tho. frryma. .hlad'. fiurnished Mr. Godki'iiked hisipe, and th' oiw linhimof c6uvner'· ttn weiit on-fqriiouir at ~ 'Tlere wnas'nolihnig; i thonaihro of a sail or oars with whdliii.to. propii.:thh' caft,.' the only iaids bing'i" doup o of 1ng 'poles .with which to puish thbir way.to annd from'hlhorc.i : ' 'ho currrit'was'qutito'pid,' anhd -n 'thbro' was hardly us'broath'of air, a sail Vouýild have boEsi'ofittloheli ?" '' "'p ' ' Thlo;shores woro' instly woboly, 'ind the igns' indicated 'thiat'thoy. were still in the region whero gaur abouidred. "Theo afterntoon was wearing away, and everything' was progressing in a remy, mngnid fashion,. in which thoro was no thought of disturbance, whohe oepryone was startlel by a thump under the boat as though it had been struck a violent blow. ::'Athoor hapiened to. be standing at tle time,'and tho shock was so great that lie wis nearly flung off his feet. . 'The' spitfiru opened' his eyes and motith, and :"rmn out his tongue; the miuphilon looked around, and tile lion started up with 'a growl. . Before anyone could decide the cause of the' disturbance, the head of an enormous crocodile was shoved over the gunwale, so elos'd to'the lion that had he not leaped back *lia leg would have been caught between its n'imense jaws. Tile hunters reached for their rifles, but before they could bring them into use' tihe angered king of beHsta gave an amazing ex hibition of its strength. '":., 'With ono proldigouS blow, of hlia paw on the side of th o indurated' hoad, he .knocked the enornmois saurian fully a rod' away from the boat. . ' . ' Thien standing vith 'his' fore feet on tlhe gtunwale, the moniarch looked defiantly at the floundering river monster, fia if challenging him to renew the attack. ' And the crocodile aciqptedtho chilllenge. S .. (vTaoi n Cs.uEm .)'n " 4 . •'



Chapter LV A STARTLING SITUATION

THE YOUNG FOLKS. MY PLUCKY BOY TOM; OB, SEABORHING FOB tUIOSrrIES IN INDIA FOR MY SHOW. By P. T. BAxmiu. C rrena LV.-A S rnUsNo SIrarUo. Any reptile or animnal, with a modicum of sense, would have been glad, after receiving uch a tremendous whack as the lion ad ministered to the crocodile, to get off without any mnore serios consequences of his temerity. liut the suriani species is not famous for its intelligence, and the specimen that paid a visit to thue craft containing our friends and their curiosities, had some warrant for its self-contideice. It woo fully twenty-five feet long, and so old that its head and hack seemed to he encased in an armour of knobbed iron. A rifle-ballfired against this hide would glance off as if fronm the side ofian iron-clad frigate, thoughyou need not be told that the croco dile, like every creature that lives, has his vunerable parts, through which the tiny ellets of led mally be driven to the sent of ' M1y gracious I' exclaimed Tom Brad ford, 'lie's coming back again I i Let's give him at volley that will end him f' said Mr. Godldn. "Wait and see how the lion wll make out,' suggested Athoior, ' and if he needs our help, he tmllhuavo it.' The proposition struck all favourably, and they held their fire, ready however, to deliver it the moment required, and they were convinced they would have to doso very noon. The sweep of the beast's paw, a I have stated, was so terrific, that, landing as it did against the sids of the crocodile's head, it knocked him a considerable distance from the flat-boat, and turned him completely ovor, despite sis fierce struggles, whiel lashed the muddy water into foam. Having performed this exploit, the lion raised hunself in a sloping position, with his fore feet on the 9i nwalo of the craft, and his hlugo head touching the awning stretched ahove. His attitudo was one of defiance as he ghared at the creature that had dared to come within reach of his mighty paw. The fearful blow must have bewildered the saurian for a minute or so, for, havingrighted itself in the water, it swam rapidly around in a cicle; as af to get its bearings and then headed straight fortmse hbot again.'-I. *It was at this juncture that Tom Bradford uttered his exclamation, and theepartygrnspced their guns, ready to give their help should it ho needed. - That the reptile was without any' fear was proven by its savage and unhesitating attack the second time.' The hideous head' with its, enormous jiaws, was raised several feet aboob the water, and when it reached the sideof the craft, this horrid front slid six feet over the gunwale amid into the boat, tilheshort fore legs of the eeature grasping the side as though ho meant toeclirnb in. . SThe shock startled everyone; for it seemed enough to stave in die side of .the craft, and precpitato all into the water, but the plank ang .was stronger than would have been supposed, and resisted the charge without sojory. - The lion leaped nimbly back as the erocodilo's head grated over the gunwale, just escaping the vicious snap of the terrible Jews. You know the saurian species uses its tail as a. weapon with which to strike, but the oirounsat'meea s forbade such service in the present instance, and it is doubhtfdul whether it would have been effectnal, evenmuder mnore favourable circumstances. The ins:anmt the jaws came together, like those of a vast steel trap, the crocodile began working its fore legs in an actual effort to climb into the boat I It was while lie was thus employed, and at the moment that he was making some pro ress, that the king of beastaosteppedforward and delivered his occond blow. Tih power of this stroke was almost incon ceublt. ,Experienced es were the three adult inmnbers of the pierty, they had never before witnessed such iu exhibition of strengtlh on the part of any animal, and for a mmneut could luhrdly believe the evidence of their oem eves. All were loolking at the lion, when theysaw ili s msake one sweep of his right paw, so swift that the eye could baorely follw the novemnent. At the satno instant ii crashing ounma was heard, and the crocodile tunbled off ethe gasialo with the whole side of his Pilot. So frightful was the wound of the reptile, tlhat,ifter tumbling baIcke into the water, he floundered about in an awinihs way for only a inumto or tio,v when he sank lice a block to the bottom, leaving the current dyed crimsons for a space of several rods.

The-lion took the samo posture as before,, with his fore feet on thie ogunwalerendy for the return of his ansanilant; - but when he went to the bottom, the king of bneastsquictly: walked to his corner and lay down. iHe .had dono his work: well and was satisficd. - It was hard for our friends to suppressa theoir admiration. 'If I dared,' said Tomn lradford, 'I wotldd throw my amsn around his' neck and' thonk hnim for his bravery; h but Itellyou,'.hendded, with a serions expreasion of countennance, 'I feel timid myself after seeing what he can do.a It is a mystery to; me why an anitnmal with isuh ain awful power as he subtuits to being manarged by aluy one of ts.' 'It's the oovreignty of mind over matter,' remarked 31r. God ina; ' but I am free to say that Ishallbo relieved when we hlaie him eeoarely oitcd:'. ....... So, willI ,' added the lad, with a furtive glance atithe lion, that lrid closed his eyes as if fora nap. 'The fait that theo Imud been attacked; in this during manner by ann enormous cercodile aenused all, to fear they would receive attention from so01m otlherspctunen. It was decided that if anythirig of the kind took pilace, they would not allow the contest to be repeated, through fear of rousing the passionsa of the lion and tempting hlin to Itassuil smee On board. By seunding a bullet or two into the ycs of tihe reptile, or just back of one of his fore legs, where the skin is thin, they could eisily give him his quiotus. unubers of the reptiles were seen stretched along shore, partly in the mud and water, as motionless asso tlony logs.e . Now and then others nwere observed, swim ming lazily about or basking in tlie sun where the water was sIhallow, hbatthey showed no interest in the odd-looking craft drifting down stream. The real peril which threotened the party (ca01 frot Ia far different snurce. The afternoon was wearing tol a close, and the four, despite their wishi to keep wide awake, becamne drowsy antd sleepy. The only exception, if such hle milly ite considered, was Mr. Godlkitin. who wits lying at the front of thie bout, his legs crossed, his hands clasped behind his head, so as to serve for somethllinglike n pillow. Tihe rest were strethel. out in lazy ntti tudsc ot the bottom of-the boat and int slmaber, the lion, spittire, and iiouplilon seemiingly in the same uncons olmu state. As miighlt be suppIoseIl, Mr. .Godkin wasp, pulin nit ithis hooakilli, with hila eyes restitig on the awning overhead, and his thoughllts wanderitng wheresoever fancy chose to leid them. The first surprise tlhat came to the gentle man1 was wheni the lsurlmur of voices roached him. For it moment or two he thought it was na tquira of his own faicy, but, recalling his wvandering thoughts, he kneuw that other 1 Ipersons were within hearing. Wuithl uine effort, hle came to ia sitting 1sPstlre iand looked over the guiwtiale, glane mg first at one ahore and then it tlhe other, a in quest of the strangers. c A third look, lhowever, conveyed the in terestitlg inforoation thiit the- were not on the atid, buit an the water. t Some two or three hIundrel viaris hbehind was it srll llbolt, with ii brosad aulire sail,a comitug down stream.tn The sight wais o unusall l, that LMr. Godkin e scuttilnised it sna closely us iecouldd. Towardsl tlhe close of the sluw there was a c perceptible breeze which crinkled the surface a

of the strean, and propelled the other craft with such speed that it promised soon to overtako the flat-boat. Looking closely, he was able to make out the heads of several persons, but they were sitting so low, while the sail helped to obscure them, that he could not make certain there were more than three of the strangers. Mr. Godkhin's first thought was that they were a party of English hunters, and he welcomed the prospect of their company: but, as they drew nearer, he discovered they were natives. Their faces were swarthy and dark; they wore full beards, and their heads were sur mouu e'l y tie vsoluiinous turbans peculiar to the country. My friend touched the shoulder of Athoor, who instantly rose to a similar position and serutinsed the strangers. His remarks were astounding. 'That old ferryman to whom you showed nich liberality is a scoundrel: he has furnished those men with one of his boats, and given theni a sail, which he told us he did not have.' 'rI see nothing scoundrolly in that,' replied Mrr. Godkin, with ai smile at tho feeling of his friend. "You will see it sooner than you think. There are four persons in that boati and they are Thugs !' This was startling news indeed. Let'mo tell you about the famous Thugs of India. Nowhere on earth except in that country exists a class of men whose trade is blood, who follow murder as a profession, and even perform it as a religions duty. The Thuo s have flourished for hundreds of years with an organisation as perfect as that of the admirable system known as Free masonry. They are bound to each other by relentless oaths, and their members include the 'most infernal desperadoes that ever drew the breath of life. They commit murder, not in the heat of passion or revenge, nor when' excited by strong drink, but with the coolness and care that a painter delineates the hunan form on' canvas. Two generations ago these men plied their awful trade unmolested,' 'the native Government being totallyunable tocope with them. . They infested' 'the' publc" highways dis gased as merehants, travellers,. and fakirs; but invarisnbl "travelled in' anga; each member of ihi6bh' had his distumat part to play in ovary tragedy. They 'haoe.. iurdered thousanids pon thousiands of tiinocent parties in India, i n the name of an' accursed religion whaieh' comn mnands such orimeo'as a dut 'The Thugs ran riot during the 'Sepoy Miitiriy of "187, bult the Engish Govern mient set tofork'wiithlsiai ih as"ilr, after the suippression fth'at robelliois, 'lot the orgatni gttidn waas prottyv'troll broken up, though India has, l andreis of Thuiigs to-day that neglect no cliinicesto prosecute their awful work. ''The ferrymnan saw you had money,' added Athoor,'addieseii5 Mr. Godkin, iaind he told those Thngs; tlhey liko plinder as well as humlan life, and they took one of his Ibits, which he let them have for nothing, and have set out fo ovroitake is.' ' Theo man who kills a Thug does as much servics slhe who shoots a rabid dog,' - marked Mr. Godli; ''libit' I 'cannot feel imuch afear of those three nmiscreants.' "Thelie ai four, correctedAtlhoor, peering keonly over the gunwale; they are as trenelacrois as cobrasn, and they are deter mined to mnurder is. ' I caninot feel much alairm, for, our nunmbers are even, we are weil arnaed, 'and I do hot think anayone would: shrink' from a fight with thei s'.' '' lMeanwlhile the little craft 'coitaiuing the four nativodesperadoeshadapproached witlin a hundred yards'. DoBing: dirictly in the rear of the larger craft, the Thug who held the guiding oarsheered hiaboat to the left, so that its he came opposite the first boat, the distance was decreased still mnore. The heads and shoulders of tihe occuonto were shown, though glimscs were caught of the long gans they carried in their hands. All, as .I have said, wore full beards,.one quite long, while anotherliadhis let whiskers parted at the chin, after the Englishi fashion. Their turbans were of a dirty white colour, and their bodies, so fares visible,were ineased in plain, linen, close-fitting shirts that were gatlhered close about the neck., When at a point directly opposite the flat boat, everyone of the Thugs, with amazing quioeknel, brought his rifle to his shoulder and at the n rea ft; "Tho n t was 'so 'sudden that, before'Athboor arid Mr. Godkin'could duck their heads, the whistling bullets were buried in the planking 'within an inch or two of their faces.- : The reports of the lgun&sroused Zip and Tnii Bradford; who started up to learn the cause. D own! ' called 'Mr. Godkin, catching the arm of the lad, while Athoor did the same with Zip; ' n party of Thiugs have just fired at s.' 'Well, 'whnt'si the mnitter irith firing at a party of Thsugs ' was the pertinent question of Tnom,' who little fanoimdlthis shrinking from a danger that to him' did not seem so serious i it really was.'

C*AOIEve LTI.--TIss BvTTLr W'nT. TuE 7 Tous. os,. After discharging their volley the Thugs Ssank down in the bottom of theirboat, but were seen peering cautiously over; to discover the result of thcirtreaeherous nat. ":.:.. They must have learnedfrornthmold fedrry man the number and charsioteristici, so far as lhe knew them, of thio hunters; ind the forces bein eqiol they dared not make an open Still, if they had been fortunate enough to kill or disable two of our friends, they, would not hesitate to rush forward and attack the larger boat. The proposition of Tom Bradford ' struck flro,'-snd, without pausing to consider the wsdom of the course, the wholoe four showed their weapons over the gunwalo and let fly at the wretohes. This was an error of judgment, for not only did they fail to do any execution-the Thugs instantly dropping their heads, so that the best-aimed ssobt passd harmlessly by-lut they piroclimed that none of the defenders had been injured. Had the lItter pretended that half their number was struck, the Thugs would have assaulted, with the bchances of the utter ex tinguishment of their own party. All this time the sail of the small boat was carrying it faster down stream than the more awkward craft could move. Gradually it rounded toward the middle of the current, until, at a distance of a couple of hundred yams, it was directly in front, the relative situantion of the two having been ex changed. 'i sheots of our friends taught the Thugs the salutary lesson of caution, and, much as till four of the hunters longed to give them another broadside, the chance was not tempting enough to do so. The guns had been immediately reloaded after firing, andl you msay be sure that no opportunity w ro overlooked. 'I wonder lethler theyhave had enough,' said Mr. Godkin. ' By no means,' replied Athoor : 'we ar not done with them yet; we shall hear more of them before we reach tihe railway, and, if they do inot succeedl in murdering us, they are likely to keep on our trail aill the way to Madras.' ' We haove had warning enough to be on our gusrd,' sauid Tomn, ' and it seems to me we ought not to nrm into any special daugor.' 'Of course we ishall neglect no precaution; but it in like lighting a cohsm-be creeps upon you so stealthily in your sleep that you do not know hie is near until he strikes.' During this brief conversation Zip betrayed so mucsh ineasines, that the curiosity of the others was roused. He had risen to hIis feet and moved abosut the boat in ai way that would have drawn as shot from the Thugs had the intervening distanco warrantedl it. Then lie at down a smoient, rising iand walking to and fro again, and breatishing finst like olne labouring under unusual excite esseust. 'Whast's tihe matter with bins ' asked Mr. Godkin of Athoor, who smiled significantly as he answered:

'This is not Zip's first meeting with Thugs.' ' , how is that?' 'You have noticed that scar running along the right side of his face and under his chin ?' 'Of course; I suppose it was made by the claws of some wild animal.' 'No, it was caused by the knife of a Thug, who came within a hair of cutting off his head.' Zipknew he was the subject of convcran tion, but he said nothing, taking hi sat at the furthest extremity of the boat, near the muouphilon, and leaving to his comrade to give what ,rIn : J . .v There was no reason why Atboor should make such is secret of the matter, and he said a ' Zip's experience was such a dreadful one that heo is unwilling to talk about it, though I know ill the particulars. It was about five years ago that lie was living in Hyderabad, which is not a great many miles to the west ward of whero we are at this moment. He has aI wifo and child there now. Zip had been off on one of his hunts with me, and reasclhedI Hyderabad quite late at night. ' No thought of ersonal danger entered his had; and it is hard to know why the Thugs should have felt any particular enmity toward hirii; but, when passing through a dark street only a couple of squares from his own home, two dark forms sprang from a narrow alloy, and flow at him like a couple of tigers. *' Zipis an active and. powerful fellow, and he deferided himself with great bravery, but he was attacked with such suddenness that he was at is frightful disadvantaige. 'The Thugs always arrange their mode of assault beforelsad, and it is that which makes them so effective in their devilish work. The poor boggar at the side of the road; who prays you to let him mount your horse behind you, may be a Thug who has waited many hours for that chanlice. ' He willrids peacefully, until at some point on the higlhway agreed upon, he suddenly throws his wiry aisi around your neck and strangles you, sevenra of his com panions generallyrushing forward to his help, since they know beforehaud, the precise point where the murdor is to be committed. SOnoof the Thigsglnnded on the shoulders of Zip, and in the twinkling of an eye had dran his keen knife' along his face and throat..e ; , ..'IHo came within a hair of soverlig his head from his shoulders, `iad only the site prisi ie nativity and' alertness df Zip pro vented.; The-instant he felt the wrctns on hiis biak, lie dropped. his'hiead;: and by ai quick, poworfiul flirt of hliA shoulderis, flung thoiassassin over and beyond hlim - This took place at the iinstant'thel Thug strucek with hiis knife, aind proventedl the sdo cess of lisa effort. "Not onily that, but the skilfuld niiiiuuivre of Zip interposed thro body of, the 'IlThug between himself and tihe second msiurlerer, ti sucha way ita to bisflio llis it .toiiptiand bury hiis knife in his chest. 'It semIIs beyond belief, but itisa fisct tlhat, so resistless and sudden was the hurling of the first Tlhug over the heand of Zip, tlhat hle hid no time to make the first effort tosave himself. ' Io landed a dozen feet ivsay squarenly on Ihis crovlniind ivitlh his neck tbroklen,' seeing which the other scoundrel danshed otff in the darkness and vanishled witlhout having con tributed ianythling to the fight. i You can iilderstnild whavt a frightful ap ipearuuce Zip m-.usut havei had; when he staggered to his home. 'But he lihs i a strosg-minded wife, who in stsutly sent for a nltive siiseon, undsscoured the best possible attention for lher husband. It wiss a loug time before hie recovered, and wheri hle did so he was sorred for life. !-: - ' The body of the dead asasin:us was found by the inative police;,, who recognised? it as .that of one of the -most famous Thugs of Southern India, a wrotch that was known to Issive slain over two score innocent persons, most of thlem English, the list including ai number of women and children. After such an experience, you can understand why the sight of ai Thug mrkes Zip nervous.' lero as corT.ein.)



Chapter LVI.-(CONTINUED.)

Thu"5 YO}UNGI FOLKUS. S" MY PLUCKY BOY TOM; OR, SBEA.CHING FOR CUTRIOSITIES I~N .INDIA FOR MY SHOW. B. P.T.BAmtr, . SCnorcn LVI.-(Corrraltn.) Mr. Godkin' and Tom' shudderid as they listened to this thrilling recital,-h ia Idoked pityingly and admiringly'at the bmrdZip,. who was still 'sented on the gunwalo gazing after the small boat which was now fully a fou?rth'of ai'mile dowaisntream.! J' ' - Thoere was ibend in the 'cdirrenti, Whlch"a few minutes later shut' the 'Thg out of 'sight, though:all.believed; as Athor had de lared,.thAt they had not seen:the ldstof their enemies.,' '> ,i?, ! .Vho sun was jlst setting wheoirthela boat: slowly drifted around thoe.sac 'ni n which hid tho lesser bothfromlright"',' O 'A Inasmuch.as a.longsetrdi?ht streteli?',f ?water followed, they expeeted'to'etegaiS ?iglit of their enemies, ht did riot. "r , I ": . The most searchiug acrutiny bf rthdgl?nni: ing. surface failed to sliow thbm ailytling re sezablinga-boat .:a-heat. ' 't "",: n "' ·.,! i ; ' : -' ':.What :hna .becomoof themni iskld'Tdini looking, inquiringli~'at Atlioor, 'wlio had risen to hisa feet and Wo'as silmnling the'?tre.m as faras his eye could roach. "'.*': ':: . The qizestion wliceh iallooaked th'eniiselv's and each. other; Svas'wiether theThugs.hod put,-intdo shore ind we·r conrcealed l or whether they had: sailed' fast enouglh"dowun stream to piuabeyond sight." ~ ' .. Athoor wao icluited..to' beliceve the were in liding'sotiowhero' in the syood tliat 1lii??d both banks of the current;'; " "": 'It mattered little,'ihowefr, sinche te lrro bunt could not escape them, if they shbuld decide to' inkao it i'iioit; as huiddubtedUy was theirh tention.s," ', ; ' - Athoor: said further, that if no"checkl:iid their voyage occuired,' they Would reachl the railway befolo the following noonthe cirroit' flowing foat enou i" to float'them that di-a taonco within the tine ntaied, : i ilcotead of ,running into the. shore, there fore, and lying to during the night, or hold ing the fiat boat motionless in the umidd~l bf the stream(na could have been readily doie by aid of the long' poles) it' was decided to continua drifting.' .,? ' .i Tie moon wan not very bright,' but it wvas strong enough to give all the light neededi, andt'certainlyrno situationl could" i' more favourable to -our fricends , whenever tlhe 'Thugs chose to movo against thesm.' ' A more subtle foe than any serpent or'wild beast was niow to beoguardrd againtist;, and it was decided that none of the party slhould go to sleep. " ' SThis was a wisec'resilva,"sine if the snfety of the restwas entriistedl' to'a'single pcrin,' hle was liablet to drop off toi slutimber, because there was no tuneian of kcpiiig awake: by exercise, as was the b?ao on shore. Tiien, too, it was important'that'dvery avenuoof approoach lshould be guirdca, dund that could not be done effoectively excepthby having all on duty. ,, ': " ' SAs thle lshadows of night, therefore, clobed around the little company, they made the best dispositions -they' could 'against the peril that all believed Implended.:. Fortlmately the captives gavr ii'i' troublo. The mouphlilon, like thie spitfire, seenied apabloof sleeping indefinitely, and the two only opened their eyes in' a lazy way at short lutervoLb. . , . 'The lion .wa in a 'similar drowsvy tiite; and, stretching out in his eornerof the flat boat, lay like ans enormous mastiff taking his snooze on the hearth of his master. - Tom, however, could not look at himn with out misgiving, for it' struck him as imos-. sible that his extraordinary docility should eontinue much longer. 'IThere was nothing at command in tile way of food, but no person felt any inconvcnien;o !beoausO of the dleprivation. ' :. Hour after hour the big flat-boat floatedl quietly with the tide, a faint breeze now aid then rustling the awning'and sendig a sceries of. tiny ripples lkurrying after'the puff of wind., as it' glided over tie 'vter atnd wab lost in tie wood on either shore. ,• The hours passed slowly until the night was half gone. All this time the four hunters wero as wide-awakk o as whCen tnmlping through tlhe jungle at mid-day. Thev 'assumned the easiest postures they could, taling care not to exIsos tletn.hslves imnrdently, and frequently shifting naout, with a view of keeping wide-awake and of avoiding any discomfort from their cramled lquarter.. ' . . ., Nothinghad heen secn or heard of, the Thugs, and,despitewhatAthooreaid,bothlMr. Godkin and Tom .half believed ithlat tihe rattling reply to their, volley'liad couvinded them that it would hardly pay to repeant: the attempt. . ', Depend upon it,' said the saglcious nativeo, 'we are not .through with 'then yet.' : :, Ande he was right , Our friends ltd so disposed of thiemseive that the river was visaible on eyory side, while the deep wood?s., along shore were itn phint sight. :Thuns it would seemn thlat no man or aninal could approach the l::at-boat without. de tection. Up to this tnime nothing had been seen of the small sail-boat, and niothing, took I place to cause misgiving :lntil a plash was lheard first on one side shore and then on the other. This miglht lavo beIe, eaised by?.saoe wild anhial, or aii flsl leaping out of the,water, but the hunters were in that, state that, tlhey were us picius of everything. Instont!yhthey were on the alert,.? ' But anotlier half hour pascd, duringwhuli the craft drifted' downward,.aidca not the slightest aight r, sodund' ilih-~l. its.'ocu po'nte. .,Three sepirto timnes,Mr. G, din, 'ho was watehing the streim in front,' fancied he dletected', asligit' object that looked like d knot of wood floating on the watore, .lBut on eneahl occsoil i'jiat as ho ".0.'is'tbout. to direibt the attention, of .Athoor.,to the sight, it dirappeared,' aiidl he decided 'ih wasa mis token. Tlio same eI'pedrip o bLefell Tom .lradford whlaoWis s.rutiixzing the b'current in thll 'directoii'of the right btshk." i S:;"overal tilitesivwhen' the wordo 'ere oui his t'ogie,' be cheked theni througli fear of 'ihol'nset down is aii alarnmiut. , ":o'Atlsc, ;'wlio 'ias 'gholosing up' inh streani, .and Zip, who wi?s grdiiiing tl h left bank, o tiSorved niothing of the kind i " Thit which Thi'd nd Mrt. God'ki~snw were thb helad' of Thlugs vlb' iwere swinuiilidi to "ivaid tlid 'tlit'ha-boat tlcy:binig"idll aware thidt that wao .the 'onl pvossible illlein of, 'iat lin it. ' I Floatng' as rnbau is 'hthcy' daril, ,~tiohs desperadoeswho pomscsi~d a wondmieuulskill in'sweumi~ ng, dro4l ,d undor'tlhloUrface aind .~T-apidl? apro aehcc?I the hoiit?j ,'.... i' " "itch forced to cora's up fki:" relath'of air, they were expert enit'.gui to rbvent.cnky. thing but thel points of tleir noseaulioarinsn ird their size was too slight 'to'attract the 'iiotihe'oftl:h'watchful men on"tlie flat-boat. ''It wVas i' strikiig"1iroof of., tke jierfet snderstanding between the Thug? t,tat 'll Sfi"o 'eodeat prtnsisyly tile 'tanme moeii~nt, ceh '"i a dlffdiejit side of' the boat, ahd so eloi 'thatnot onti of the dbfenidii siaw themo.; A slitlgt his ifrond the lender agve the 'sinial, and t? simultano.ussly a ift tioy,wero nutomata,,eoiitnolld by th.e im c hinliinery, 'a hideduhi heid rose orerthe , prow a, second 'ove- tlh?dtuat hr oethir br theo right guunwill,' u6ndo af~iuotleov'r the left.? '' - II'• Ens iuTlingnlaid a loung, iharp kuifo;ho-, tween his teeth, and vaulted intoutheolboat is lightlynas a smonkey. . ,"'if [ua It so happened. that the leader, usttnu. pieiou.of the presenee of the rouchinug lion', ianndu dircetlyon his two foroe paws. n1h sight.of the terrible beast startledleven "sc'h a dare: devil a- the llThugiinto 'an' ext clnmation of terrorae he attemptled to leap Iaway, u : • " ,. Hi., i'But'lh was hot ?ptiek enughgl for'thoe Ilri,o which was infuriated with the libertifo"tihe wretch ventured to take with him.i ". r'."Witieono smtago 'growl hi asehied hins ni.i' rcant by the throat,iinto Wivichhd' ltiried his toath ~idith auoh fofd'tlnt: the?y moet all 'the Wa'e'thrmesh, aumd the' aisyfol 'riinilulhing that followed this't sptebedio* 'driqi o f i' the :Thugl showed that ho 'voselIad}le as deiadoias d id could" b. , , . " " I

OAPnren LVII.-Tis MiscurE TO IPAT. The stealthy attaick of 'the 'Thugs would haveo been fatal to our friends had they not been on the watch and alert. The warning hiss of the leader was' heard by every one of them, who, without compre bending what it meant, knew that something was amiss, and crouched in readiness for ?hatever might come. Instinctively, Tom Bradford and Mr. Godkin'drew their revolvers and held them at full cock at the moment the frightful head rose in front of each face. ,' I don't think we have room for any more pansengers,' muttered Tom, sending a couple of bullets through the bronzed skull, beforde thoownier of the same could tell where to' strike. SThed'Thug fell over nlinost"npon thei head and'shoulderi of theb boy, but withoiit the power to do the least harm, ieeingwhilih, the laduglnasced 'tbout to ansertain whether he 'could give anyhelp to his'friends" t ,So' ar as ho 'seajwroei" in'on a m need of The lion was making'ghis sapper upon the lender of the Thugs, while'Mr.' Godlni per= forihted 'hig' ris-n.ri aliiiost at the ?same moment that Tom made a" 'iisvb oflhin 'ets 'uIn''nthe "'case' of:Mr. Godkin, his ildtlm; instead'of pitching 'for?iail on "hisa face; lurched sodviolently btckwiird that' hied went 'over the ?gnwalq into 'tho *aterwhere he, .ank'outofsilglht.' floi ' Tom, what are you keeping. that- fellow forl'~s'lited:Mfr. " Godk i;' hnuriiyn- to the, 'aide of tli 'lad, and . sesizn?I ' he niiautou body, which he'lost no tiim in: tmnbling into the watetir. `" 'Athoor was the onl7 member 6f thd'party ,who did not have a direct meeting with one of theTliugs+ "' "" "" ' , .'That was bieause the-lion atteidod to his In'The'temory of his foiiner elperience with Thulgs' must have fired the aim of' Zip. lio allowed the assassid·"who einlted'into the boat to land at his feet, 'whenZip went; for hint. Before thointrunder could use his knife, the native, by: a quick flirt of'his own weapon, nlashed across his face mnid'thitat just as the other desperado had attdinpted to do with Zip verirs before in one of ' the dark streets of htderabad:. -. ' The woud\wap almhnost the'same, except' that in the present ease it wis fatil; andtthe blow the Thug "aimed at his'master miissed hiinnltogcther.';Before his'ould repcat'it he was slain and finng overboard.' At this juncture the mnoiphilon awoke to the fact that something Unusual hwas going on, and he threwshid flaring headlight on the' I 'It 'was not heeded, howaevr;, the moon affording all the illuiminatioln ncdessary while therwork was lnilshls :' The repulse of the four Thuigs could not' have been' more' complete."': Every orie hrid met a fearful death, and" that, tildo, without any of the defenders, receiving a' snitch. WVhat more could have been asked? . t :It was not like the repulse of 'n ordinhry foe, for,-as I have ehowtnyon, the Thugs; of India are amongst tioe very? worst miscreauts that eover cursed a portion of this fair auith. The lion having. hlsn his adversary, or rather victim, with: the slightest possible 'effort, "proceeded to conmlete his liorible meal, no one venturing t' interfere with hintm. It was a terrible episode, indeed. L?ong after it ws' ended and tillness: was brooding- again' over! forest ` and' river, our friends oat near each other diiscuss in in awed undertones the 'most fearful fight of' their lives. "'Ii w?aider whether there are any miore of them,' said Tom,'nddressing Athoor. ',There is a multitude in India.' 'BuhtI mean in thin section: 'are we likely to be molested further by them' ' ly` o ' Hnlly: but', unfortimately many ofi them make this part of India their traniping ground.' It may be that we shall ran againnt some of them beforoewe irehcli Mandis. ' Suppose,' oaid Mr. Goakin :.that the association of Thugs should"by soname means learn that we Iad slain fuoir of their number, what thon P ', They' would do their utmost to avenge them, though the Thug kills from what heo believes to be his dty.' ; ' ' Like to kill all of themn !' exclaimed Zip, hissing the words between his teeth with an expression ofeshocking feroity.., I don't wonder at your feuling as you do,' remarked Mr. Godlin, with a sympn thetio .glanceat'the native. At this moment theflat-boat began sweep. ing aroumd a larger bend- ins the river thanu any that had yet .been, passed. There was no disposition to sleep onthe part;of any of thoe. company who had seated themselves as before, Mr. Godkin having again lighted his pipe, and the putffs which he sent over his sshoulder suggested .the thought that the craft was propelled by stesm. - !,If I.am not mistaken,' remarked Athoor, rising to. his feet. and looking ahlead,' thero's a?fine burning. on the eastern -bank. of. the stream.' ' Yon are not mistaken,' added Tomn, who haid takeni his place beside hiu;,m there is a fire tihere.' fYr l'dti are both right,' assentedlMr. Godkin, who, like Zip, was engaged ,in scrutinisisig the same point. S'lWhalt doei it meani: asked Tom. SI san aanswer the question no better than osirsel?cs muntil woe .giu a closer view of it, stil tlhci youi will probably learnm as nimuh ao IL It did not seem likely thisut anythii'g would 'ecuirto alarmi the party, but little did they iunag6sibe what wia sbefire them. r lSlowly ?as before the fiatbeoat floated with the "curreint,aind iere long; in plain im 'f its they' could wish was gained, of stlo. fire in awleh they w ere eo much interested." . It lad beeKi kindledl' close to the water int an' open space, anid the efist foot, that struc!k the' ob?Is'ir?er ?so d that c therbe wro fully a icore of natives io bore' a startlingriesma blathin to the Thugs that hiid bLein so ana "tnrer'disa se-e'do , ' 'But Ath pr could not believe they belonged to tlhst'orgainialitioii, 'sice they wsere aicus 'tonied to such perfosriances as that awhich reeted thei e-es of the hunter?.' ' 11 6'paty haind g'rii+pe?d hnills?os'as t' fonr a ring, and wero sil?img iud dancing aroind sodm object, whtelh was not thofireibutsome thing close to it; '"' " The sonnds thiatticamnoe dross the water ewero a .strnangeo hiarsalei roonin nidnoitone, whose effect wassinade more aweird sind imi-: pressive by th0 peculinr tisme, place, said ciuronaltance.. 'Thyv would dance two or "tlirce" ?ii le.? t the right, and then; rovering, skw? in tho, other direction,a-ith the sanio' fauatihsl vigouo, tleir . disonant, chanting 'soiithsiuhg .without iuterruption. ? :- , ' ,,! ' M i ,3xy gnr cio? ? xulallied'2r" aodkln,- in grenat exlteinient, 'do ayu seewhat that, in thl'ai'o'dumcineig, siuund ;'q " ,...; ' It 1huksi llke a son sitting on tiheground,' roplied Tom.; 'yec, it ina wlitn.san." 'WVllsit does it macan, Atiso?'' - i! Tihy asr Thugs, id.nd o maistako; they Ulin? apt~irild secoo. wisnderingl hunter;,,and tle ynlsen o?.oteruhimn up as a? suoricfic. tu , Vho's Kuleo P wis the uaturalqunestion . lo To.?oi t ou f hivs,.ts thl eirdinomber of thi Iiiolie' lTriniurti,,s the female utoloch to whome the beiiighted rnotiern f, Iridia havis 'lo'ngairrificd tli.erchildron's lives, and lii sislel iutlchk;.Bh" Slipi'tlisi most .opulh'r deity ist fdi;'al;suind it is ;her that, the, Thug hntalitatelthccir}vietssu;." " r 'ut Lar the?u?;re tool to such,. core monies ', ,, , . " u' l t?n, e the opportiusthy racely otfere; but aparty of. them, havIng ,eaught,lthat ,liuntiiP? i 'a unlgi~houirliebdd',hYicre theo feel prlfd orth tintitrhpte )h tlind ia .sdi to have "ra 'jollllis ''i' Is oitsi sr h Ird ,nstcap I h ave ho r~h.AimriAean Iu . t ntdiarh.an In yipour couth y .... h ir ".What'd they niocean soe.t ' ?,. , +,,', i t!lhey willkeels rup, the ,dinidng.'nod s;tigig.'ufntil"r'ird, anud: thcin,?flngh tho" 'iiiisonci into thire ,tt ind-wratelt hisi ro?st, to 'esini'arkele"Tiii,' 'who,' like hio ,, frlnmd, sr. Goeskimn wss psintfdly Isitorneted in tile sight. :' 1No?; why shiotilu tlicy- bind Isis,'swhiq e.ellere ?so s.pgoshsibtJ; of biscuusepolnl.-'" '' SI'ehiinflmuovr'sounennt to fluuna byand leavs nIsli to' hsisfato,' usaid'l.stu Go'disre oiinpressing his lips, whsilo his eyes fisillihTd'ttlr.

Zip andI will do what.we cna,to help you, quietlyraimarked' Athoor,; if yq can show is any way.' 7 . 'Let'a 'ork* tho boat rlocr in.shoe ; I have a plai.' . t It wasa dangerous proceeding, but every one of the four was enger to do what heo could to help the hapless captive, who plainly had resigned himself to his awful fate. The fiat-boat was still a short distance above the group.of Thugs, who the' moment they became aware of its approach, ceased their fantastic dancing and singing and stared iuquiringly atit. SHclloa I' called Mr. Godkin, fehling it safe toi use his own tongue, since it was not likely the Thugs could understand what he said. ' The White man, who was barelheaded and without a coat, was on the ground with his hbnds clasping his knees, and he looked out on the'darkcned riverat the craft which i was now no more than two hundred feet distant. lie made no reply, probably through fear, but his attentive manner showed that he understood what was sadd, and was sure to comprehend all that was uttered.. Such iwije Mr. Godkih's'vicw, and without; w·aiting for a'rply; he addede: ' ou are not boimid; mank a dash. for the river; e ive deeply and swim ut toward, us nas fir as you can;.we'll gi: them a ,volley when you start, and there is no reason w hy yoi shonldn't. succeed ; lesiitways, thereo is no use of diiig i ithdint' - ' Th'e setrangr.showedhis appreciation of .Mr Gd Odlciu advice by acting on ,it without .i.ait.ug for him to complete his sontnce. - :' ..Suddenly he spade. a terrifio bound fron the ground., knoking, over two Thugs in his path, and, ue i a shout.of, deflnice, leaped far' out into the water, beneath whih he dived: ": :t 'Atthesamo moment our firiends opened on' the wretches .with rifle and- revol?er, aind in a twinkling the mischile'wastop'pay. (ros nocorsrzamn .)



Chapter LVIII A GALLANT FIGHT FOR LIFE.

THE YOUNGY<OLKS. MY PLUCKY BOY TOM ; ol, hAnIIt?KG rOiL ?CRIuOSTIES .IN INDIA FOR MY SHOW. BY P. T. Blm?mnr. Cnrrec TLIII.-A .GALzsSr.t.Fsarr ross Lire., , Ned lHadley wooa one of the most genuine sportsmen that ever trainped the jungles of Ile had hunted for -ears through the Bengal Presidency, and was one of the party that eacoumpanie't the Prince of W?Tles on hi-s pleasure jaunt through that section not so very loon ago. fIidloey wIsi six feet two inches in height, as straight ais nu arrow and ns powerful and active as t panthier. Heo hal slaint moro than one tiger, shot three elephants and kniifed apython that was foolish enough to wind itself ironubd his body, under the belief that it Cutld easily squiieze the life out of him.. ' ' It ecmne to the kInowledge of Iinadley,' while pursuing his rough sport witli a-couileo'of comrnden in' the Upper' Decan;;, thsat- an occsnional lion was to be encountered further snuth in the Niztin district, and ho l1 roposCed to hid friens,that they should nmki aiin excur sion thither:: . SBut they Fiiofessed to lbe well satis6fed with the, entertainlment to' be fonmilwhvero' they were, andl declinedl'the prolosition.' ' . It was: characteristic,-: therefore, of Netd HIlsdloy; that. lie shouildl sot out ilouio' to explore the section tlhat pronilsed siuch bnal amiusement.! ». ;t ." SRather -' singlarly: his o;i'eoine l It ili almost in the footstoelm of Toin Bradford, Mir. :Godkin; inmd. their, friends, heo'beting but a 'short time behind them. ' I.r:lis .xprlienoe, hsowever, waon , widely 'different. :" ', "" ' S-For, thie first time in his hunting cnreer,'he imetwith -nsfortund, and that, too, of'thl most overwhohling eharacter. ..While 'hunting alone on the banks of the stream,. down which the flattboat lilnd its curiosities weroe-floating, wiithit'companloti or: dog, . heo nuguht: sight of anu imouuso 'leopard crouchling 'mong the limbs of as tree t short weSy aboo his liead.". lroro:'piioe rly, tlih leop?l aul auglt t sight of 'hiint, wsels wass nutanatre of h.ls danger unli a tshlarp growl istirtled him itito lookinl up, when h]o anu the fierce aniimlin thoe 'it of leaving, his porhi, and ttaking :a flying leass at hIn.. ' ' :: isadley hlad'lbarely time to recoil it step or two atnd bring his rifle to his shoulder,' when the beast arrived and opened hostilities.' •:A shlot fired under such oircumstnces wasm too hasty ,to Jxi well 'nimed,' and where, hld le lhatd but ist iinuto's warllnlg,'lie ?ouild have inflictedii mortal hiirt,';th only suc ceeded in wounding thel beast to the point of ,;1s the snurling luopard sprung at his chest, IIadley clubbed his gutuand fetched it suill a terrible blow' alongside'its head; that it wass knocked i dozen feet uwaiy. Such animals, however,'c seet to lossess the elasticity of Indlia rubber," and in An'i instance It w'si at him aguiin. i .. - .1Tlle performnuneo was repented, th!e hunter striking such' a prodigious stroke that the leek of lis rifle 'was.shattered and this beast visibly injurisl. s : Drolping;hie weapon, IuHadley whipipeil out Ins revolver, aid let the leIopird' have the contents of every elhuisber in quick suic q It was bleeding in half a dozen places, but seminigly w'ithlot .its' fury or power de creasil in te' least. ' " ' ;Tie next actof the imant was to draiw Iit' kliife and give the animal is navago :lunge iut the ribs.: ; . This alct did more tlhn ' sathing else 'to disable the brute, though he continued the attack 'sith great ferocity. ' Ned .fadley's istonislhisg aetisity saved lhim, where I 'less aetive emu woui'd have been lIcerated to'shreds. : " -. Fortunately, there was a cleare spiacer in which to mannuvre.,and hilaknowlelgeoof the beast's peculiarities esnbledl hinsi to meet its assaults with judgment. SHe inlariably, kept' Isi liositios ' until the insutant tdie leopisid made its short, quick leap. . '. Then he bounded'just far enough back. woail, or to 'one sidshe, to avoid is chws. Tlhis, as you will admit, requrlislred.iusiuil celerity, but'"Ndl 'Hiidley was eqluil to the tuask. At the momsent of bounidlng nside; hoe mid6 the lunge' with Ilis long,' kusn-poiinte? knife, ind it found is lodging-placeevery tinme . :Such ai constet was necessarily, brief. Seeing.. that' his, aussailait was growing weaker,lHidlyg:sidnedl more ';oultdeinco, aid, with., as skilful blown i th:te ees ' of" tihe anitnal, hle suclceedel :il "blinliug' it '"to that exteni that ait ·i as entirely' at his me roy.,- . . , . • The next plusgo of the knife was into the chest of thvule nirlr, and', the fiercely-driven weapon clove,the hbsirt in twlin,' th1e an'iial rollit a over on the leaves and tgiving ip his lifo with lhrdly i utrnggle ....:' Nel Ilandley w - ns.siuniutll3y foittunate, for' le ha1d nuotreceived the 'slightest hurt,' and his clothing was baroly scrntehel.' Picking up his ridlelho found it no injured .that Is hunting expclitioniwas checkkd until lhe could obtain Ia now weapon. ' 1 He..decidedl, therefore, to return to the railway station and mitko his ?nvl to Hyderal bad, whero he rould get isiother gn ?utd: ani outfit for' the dangerous work of huntiiig alonu.in the lis Nizat. r- : Itladley .wits ehiigedl in taking hiis'aCconnt of steck,'wisu, to his uluslindd elastoitis-'li moeat, i score of.:forlbidiHnglooking nitives made their apluramnce as siddenly ia if, Cust up by, the groeupd. i WVhero they came from it was imlpossible to' say;., but. there' they were, on' all sides, :grinuinga aud ltideons. ,,?h o Englisnlanu felt no inisgiving at flrt;, for; Iis ii rule, i 'suan, in Ihis sitistlton lhis :nothlig to fealr froin nuv of the nativeo ?ist otIndians, no matter ii$dtr what cirosiastances' encounterned. ;,,l .,: .. Dut ,it "wasi not long before le observed' grounds for serious uliar. SThse llu tives weroe hrge 'nidl' siew'-', most of thesm with -darker eomplexious thdu: i&' 'common in Hindosattn;' all 'wore fulli beaids, 'with' theinsul turlbrini lHnenshirts, undidiggy trousers and sandsltuss . :s , Eclah cuarried is gs long knsifethe latter tucked in under the shirt it the 'isisit, so that only thii handl waso.iskible?,??. Thait whichl giave bNid Iiliafy lis first clms •swas the recog?ition of thie leader of thlge hnsg as it niunlerer, whom hle had sc n r the previous year in the joil at D?lhi.s:' "is loug beard, sprikledl with geoy, ip b brolcen siose, 'wowliug, nslske-liko eye. ind generally ~fre pulsvo aippearance led I Hiadley to, sniko is qisriss ashout hisin; autd 'hie fs?o-und' ho's-US 'i famous leader of it, bind of Tlhuigs tlhat thid leun i coundcnmled to' death !for, nmintieiblerh luurloer. - '. ' SThis scondslrel wisthe lioder of,telio 'irty tlhat, closed -arouud: Ncd'Ifuloeyund miitdo himn prisoner beforo he I:lid the: leat:tthio' tfo take usy irccautions. ' '-.,. , '.,i ':, 'H.sad lis gun beenloadels andd in goodishaspe, ior hlainslothls ruvol'er.bi'ei emlptyhio 'isould Iuhave mde n gllant flght.i ;,h .,,i'-. .. ,Hafsd. hei.possessed uveln it. alight" stiit ihe w'ould ha've fled, for, vithli Isis niiifuiemit piyhsluo annd trmining, no native cold- Ishave equalned.huts hin tleetneos.' :nBut yotu will apprteiDte, the idisad''iusmtig at wichluhlel ie elua usisugilt, slid: ill Isnderstanisd wh-y hersubmitted .quietly. und :with such nlsporeslt itopoellsscs's tihat Isi calutoii .snsst . Ias Htdhey's purpoisoo to prosduce this isipbshsiol- , but- Iitais flr hfrn'.tle trutlh.- . e: wlswasl wine, however,.infeignilgdesplir. Itou olsl. t ecuauoe sisN csptors to r-Ihlsx their 'silalcu to thlt extEnt that he wouild guin n tightilnlg.clu ''ce '. . .hu S.t atny rutu, no was resolved that if he went down hsu would do no with uolours flyiur; asid, itf. drivet to,.fall buck iu tlhe OeulI weajlosi with whlich naturu hld funishld h]ln,lieu kieiw hoew to UmIO theirns well sliouglt tou.,relk osev-nl headss Ibefore Ilo ole uncetbedl. , [e allewel his.,uptour to eCodilict Iles L)i the lustlk uf thl bLtrCeUi, wiere thuy kindled tlhe fh unud. beg?n the btdmuriO V'eFioUsien

{ which attracted the notice of those on the flat boat that came floating by shortly after. The attitude of Ned Hadley naturally catlusedl his would-be rescuers on the craft to consider him in the depthts of despair, for lie sat with his knees darawn up, his arims clasp intg them, while his head wasbowed forward, so that his face was invisible. 'It was his dress aud general ppl)eaIrnce that told Tom Bradford he was a white, and belonged to the samne race with hlim and Mr. Godlin. 'IThe Thugs had taken the broken rifle, the pistol, and knife tfuni the cautive, who, much ns he hated to part with them, dared offer no resistance. But while seated thus, Ned Huadley was is uyything but a despairinig taiod. [n knew that his sitiiatiui could not be inore desperate, for lie was unarnlmed and surrounded by a score of merciless. wretches, to whomn the sweetest nnlic was the shrieks of their hapless, suffering victims. . HIdley knew the intentions of. these .inferniu llntgs. After dancing and singing till tired, they nmeant to fling him into the fire and roast hliii to dcathl? " R His purpeno was to wait for that critical momnent,, and then, slpringing to hisfeet, strike, the one or mnre Tluigs , who., cuae witldh reach, with all the quickness; and power he conld concentrate it his iron-like fists, of whose capacity- in that direction, the owner need not have been ashamed in the presence even of the 'clhampiou .of chain pines, tlhat soct all England frantic with de light lat a short time since. Having done this, Hadley intended to drive down ill opposition and make a- dash into tho.woods. Should lie finditimpossiblotoeseape;' owing to the multitudinuns obstructions in hisa path, he would, maiko, a. break for .thel river, and drowwi himself rather than.euffer ,extinction by the flames. " ,' . :: .' While those ' thoiightsca were ' seething' through his brain, thu ldlloa of-M.r. .Godkin c?iised dmn to look sip..: " . , ": , The sight of the flat boat,, N close that 'the glouw of.the camnp' fire was plainly seen agaiist it, the voice and words of his friend; iad-i the faces 'peering over ithe' gunwhnle,., told' the story without.the needI of wordsl....', : tlidlev forned his resolution at once, and, as you have learned while ,3Mr.' Godkin was speaking, made his daring break for liberty.; hAs ieo sprung to :his 'fet, ?ho, s-erved sihghtly out of a direct line -for :the 'stream, so ia to reach the leader of the Thugs. . The hltter,-likei all his compianions,' was looking, at the flat-boat; which had appeared so uneoxpectedly that the attention of each was concesntrated momentIrily upon it.'.' Sad, the Eonglishnman iwaited, a single iUinute, e.-nlpow ould have bieen ilmpossible, for before thu end of that brief period, every fighlitful face would. havobeenturn&l toward hin again ; but itiaby suchl sudden, reckless seizing,of. ehances 'that the. bravo spirit succedsl where tinid ones fail.. Sioen. an it was, with. all of I-adley's panther-like quieknes, lio did - not entirely clude the notice of the others. '..': I'The sava e leader of the' Thus, ' shtartled bth,tlimghtnoise, .turned his gulace front the flat- bot to the flguro by the fire.. He ?as just in time to. see the' crouching atldete boinuding towolrdihiI like i nmeteor. .The steal-like knickles Ianided' on 'thl side of thu wrotch's liead, spllitting .his skull as though it were an egg-shell; ind sending hlii to.grass so. emphatically thait lieo stayed there for ever. . The obewildeed Thnigs, who hearl' the gron of their chief and maw him tumble over like a log, observed tholshldowy flgure which shot .over ,hiil,. placed its foot 'thie' next iiistant on the veis- edge of the- stream, and amudo salch a terrific leap that he was carried more' than. twenty- fet.. into thne ' water, underneath 'which he disappeared before a' gun could be fired at hlim. ' ' It was iat this stirring moment that Mr. Godkin discharged his rifle, calling 'u ot his eonpanoins . to do tihe sanle, , ant then, Without pausing to reload, to use 'their rc ,These wise ordlers.were carried' out with .vonderful precision, and in such' a nanner that tho.Thiugs wore th owsn into the wildest: panil.' Several were, strnck by 'the whistling bullet,' whiloe the nrapid popping of the re volversimlpressed thieiithat there were many niore on the bout thatn'was the case.: ? Without giving any thought to the 'fleeing prisoner, and withoult firing ia single shot at him, the whologang neattered. to 'tiloe woods ts tlhaogh li smoking bomb-shell' had fallen ill thi niddle of them and- was on , the very point of exploding. , .: ' .Iailly had thu assassins vanished; when the water was parted at tile side of tie bout, and Ned Hutdley climbed in., HIe provnl his a unmazing 'nattorill poweers by coming up on tlhe side furthest frim the cmnip of these Thugs, thius proving thlit''ho had wvnun entirely tuder the flat-lxuat" I thought it. afer; to do that.' lie' Ox phtined afterward,' • 'for' It . was .likely that bullets. would be flyinig about and I wsoaldn't be so likely to nm aginst ainy of thum.' 'Ciet-rmti IA.--Tum Nr:we P.sEsxuEn. Just is Ned HIdloy was climbing ovdr the gunwanle of, the, flat-boat, " the tmoupliilon fllshed its light full in his face:. : I 'li'n obliged to you.' ho said in his hearty. wsaiy, .' but I don't 'need any hlitern to show me the wvay.to get aballioun. ' Perhaps.,3?,u camu inmgin ' the cordiality: with winch lie was welcoed.,i i Seeing that all inmledlito duinger front the Thugs was over,, the four Iaeonltets 'of thii lalt crowdedauroual atnd'graslleI in turmn thd hand of tfle big fellow, drippin is a he 'was wiithwli : soak .: As for. Iaidleyihluwas o: overjoyed' at Ihis fortunatoe rcapo. that' lhe wus ,overinimdug with spirits.. ' Htavo you room for another ptisentgeir- ' lie usked,.standiufg in the.nilddle of the' lx?it, smiling, shlking. ]hnals," and scrutinising'the fie-es of his new friends, as faintly revealed in the moonlight. . 'I thinek . e al smake mooms for you,' ro plied Mr. C(odkii,.' us you dol't secen to be' tmablcd with much hbaggage.' : -.- . 'That's good; I'm. willing to pay for. a cabi' p?ss .b?. WaIt it iil th e nale of the ''seeIin wilidets i llthat lighti' lie alskedI, sturing' 'attho'iiiouiphilan;, which hliid risen to its feet, iand itill'cent red?itrys uponu lue colnte-: ;laiiiee. .rel lnglghnlat Il.uu beswoildemient, aind. ''um Btidlfidl took 'it Iiupo ii iiself to.expliiu ,the. isliciiiu'iisisn; " 'lhmtt bisits ii.vtlhli,,- I everus.,s,,' riilu?sl tliu'hi rte. "'Wlu at ire y?n giihg to?t'sdstl W 'o i otto of the ciositii tli it son re to sond to P. T. IIlniiuiiiAmfiulc.'' u , : SItaismuna,:ely t Isiimol ill ; icta tlecshp thint hstole ,Jnbotln t ioa, is bypayie i fortruue 'for lrins-hud ha beenItu th asosi t' lminehss esoer shiie f lieionery of Acierica," istnbidcs fairto kheyp i'tp to th nud. of .th ;prelent dislueihisanitidn. ':'l.I i lalu o yucu sill iave the geni fortui o ts liad the cuinosity,. forit lthe elgllu cniiyesi oif herty oiio thliit sos it " tVil title b sird init ' hlliscr'aiioifutiutanic" o" It i Yot, docile, auid swill not objet:'t ' i :lho.en gitlieniisiovnl"sd catpl 'rof' uteps' ;neirer ianiodtee for Is minutf' ii-upotblib thte 't!o nr epismI~lmlln to nik?ke,. sild thi jirrepre-suble filow ; i 'ctjm cltih several' thouIiausn of thleini-owhiut dio you cIullnii) r $,? Iouphilnsu,' replled ritluor ,niucli tliin, Ilii-'thieni' to Londonl ,, aiidbito them out' to'liglut tlie'str?ts.. Tin.y will khock iidl thin ga- ointpanicns ,highe' r.thuati a kits hiimd •nnikl oatr etcnual fofninro-Aerlls; , o'bseised the hlin, that 1a3 ini the ofhiir ennru of the boat,' ad if dasleep'tfhire1ii all tilie tur .5'thuob..uant. nosw utterellmss-arnitlnglgrwl •' ?Vhir t thal~t?' aik ?,dthe startled itdley, ' su honl,"replhlui?'/1 S id'f/. h j? n fastened, and pcellapu it.will tmbiltest'togao' ten near him,' ,' If that's the kind-ofp auEsgersy on arry,, But the jolly -spsr nuimt' hind uoiiatitlia'of

' I guese I will stay ss long as tile rest-of you do, provided that lion doesn't try tohavc any fun with me.' He had not yet noticed the spitfire, which lay folded up on its framework in another corner, and its captors decided to say nothing about it, choosing that ho should make the discovery in his own way. The new-comer now seated hiamself beside his friends and gave an account of his stirring experience with the Thugs. The story was interesting indeed, but no more so thian the one he received in return from Mr. Godkin and Tom Brandford. Atioor ant Zip listented closely to the conversation, taking little part in it except td answer the questions occasionally put to tlem.n. 'Zip especially showed his gratification at the decisive nmanuer in which tile tables were turned on the execrated Thugs, all of whom ho-ewould bo glad to see put to tihe most frightful of deaths. . As I oat by the fire, listening to their hor rible 'singing,' said t Ned HIilley, speaking ,more seriously, ' I concluded that matters .looked about us blue as they could for a eer tain .young., gentleman 'front England. I peeped though-cty fingers now mnd tlien, so as to keep watch of their carryings on, 'and I w"as on the very point 'of mnking a' break, when I was itartled almost out of iy wits by htinrF .yaou .call to nme. Theu' rest you ).vow.; ,,, ";:::; . , ' You iacquitted yourself spleiedidly,' said Tom Bradford;. no one could have excelled y o u . ' , ' . : . ' " . I don't know' about that, though almost ,any ono might have done an wel, but' Pro. videnc ewan ounmy'side, and my only regret is, tlit we weren't able to'clean out the Thuigos ts cffectually ai you cleaned out theo four that attacked you further up stream. This seems tolo the regular* tramping ground for those mnurderere s.'m, ' They arc all qver Indin,' remarked Atloor, i but' sometimes are more frequently cnet in one part than aih another; but you must keep your.eyes open for. themlsnll the time.' SI don't think we slhall lhave 'any 3 ore trouble from that gang, said Hadley, looking up streanm ut tim camp lire which was fast fading from sltght. ' ' S'No, thel will troibloe us no hmore,' said Atloor, so decisively tlmt Mri. Godkil i askad hint the reason for his assurtnce. ' Wel lred so manny shots that tiei lbKlie'o we hamvo a good mnly more on biird thau we lhave; they knuow we shdll be oil the Iokotit, and brave us 'they saometiml?eu are, they doii't want to take any such risks.'. ' That is welcome informantion,' observed Ned fHadley ;' though ifI d ai it gial'upply of fircarms, I would love to ltase juist. one tiorer brust with theii.' ' After you refit,' laughed Mr. GCdlkin, volt can' conic e'lck 'iand hlite it ult wiitl thliem .' ... ... . . ' By George if I can get tlire 'or four fel lows to comei with nue I'll do it.' STake cmy advice and hunt in sonnit nore favouralle part of India.' 'l BuIt t sents to me you have spet a colt siderble portion of your time iin this ocution of the country.' ' Not precisely liere, but further tinland. 'VYi have no purpose of oimling buck.' ' Thenu' you're on your wy tionied ' 'No.' repleled To'n; ' we have spent a coni siderubl'e part bf our tiume to' the. south of Lucknow; we gathered ome. valuable curio sities there. andtl w muist get a tfew imore. "VWhien'we have eli nough. we vnill ship 'them down the Ganges to Calcutta, and thence himom by nay of Englandt . " '.Ani you will go with your irojcrty. ' . 'I'm not sitno 'uireof tat ;t it tlldiluends upon' Mr. Baniiim; I ' is deterMine u to collect a moro valhuble lot of curiosities than lie over hadi before, and possibly hlie nuty 'egrap' ie to go to go to some other country for ' And you will go' SI shall be glad to go Iwhitittrso tecr to wishes cme. HIo pays liberal, all nd,', add?d iy plucky youtng friend; writ it feeling whlicl did him arelit, Ithere is nilotiitg lie cani ask mite todolwhlich I will ot try to do for him.' 'Spoken, like at man !' exclaimed,, Ned H-adley, Iaying his hand on his shouitlder. 'Reatlly good friends are too ' iano it this world for us to' thirode- iny of theme over= boanl.' While our friends' iere h?ldiisg this conversation it- began' growing light lit the cast. , )Day was itt hand. I(r; icr coixr'extu. .) -



Chapter LIX. (CONTINUED).

THE YOUNG FOLKS. MY PLUCKY BOY TOM; OR, SEARCHING FOR CURIOSITIES IN INDIA FOR MY SHOW. BTP. T. elanurn. CulcrrsEn LIX (CorNx1UeD)... There was no inclination to sleep on the part of anyone, and Ned Hadley seemed to feel no inconvenience from his saturated garnnents, which were already beginning to dry in the mild atmosphere. Interested 'as all were in each other's words, they did not forget to keep watch of the shores between which they were floating. When the flnt-boat was secn to be drifting. closer to one than the other, Athoor or Zip pushed it back in the middle of the current by means of one of the long poles with .which it.was easy to reach bottom. NotlTing more was seen of the Thugs, and with the coming of day, all magreed that it wai. safe. to dismiss them from., their thoughts.. .. ,: : i 'Atloor gave the pleasing news .that the railway toward which. they were making their way was only a'few 'hours distant, and therewnas reason'to hope' that their voyage would end considerably sooner than was first coauted npon. , °',.:, f r .: SI lrave learned that it isn'ta,' wiso. thing for di man to make too .many experiments in, this country,' re:narked Ned Hadley, as !tho, day brightened and. the boat, continued to drift. ' ' f ' To what have you reference "now f l' in qlired Mr. Godkin. - 'When. in ;DelhtL.I, drank csome bhkro, morelasi ancexperiment ;- yoht know ibis an intoxicating drink, prepared fromt hemp;.' His listeners nodded their heads to sig.~ify that they uiiderstood l allabout the villainious compound.:, .. _.a.-- ": t '1 took ionly one rood big driunk,' con tinuned Hadley, ' and it gave ;me + nervous spasm' tllqt. was next door "to delirimu trenens-and, ,by., Georgo' · 1' rc got 'e"it sgsi a :.Jst theon the Englishman was looking at the spitfire asleep in one corner of the boat. Ioe inagined it to boanothing nmore thani a bundle of brilliantly-coloured grnss, when the odd creature took it into its head to Ti round, :'bright yes 'shone; freom the middle like two points ot fire, the numerous spines becameo rigid,. causing it quickly Ito rise almost it foot fromits bed, and its enor mous moith opened, with its hifuriited ind electric tonglue shooting. forth 'in a most alarming fashlion. Ned Hindley's eyes wore fixed upon it; when. le sprnug to his feet, calling out in great agitation: , . l -es, 1're got 'ens agaie Ie take care of me, or I'll jcunp overboard' ' All broke into merryl hughter,' and hie stared t themn' in a bowildered way, n!aking faintly:.. .. :"t I ' Do you see anything over there in the corner' ' Yes,' replied Tom' Bmradfond, ' that's another of our curiositiese a spitfire, that looks- exactly to' us us it does to you, with its bright eyes,' big mouth; and priekly spines. : WVell, then, I haven't got 'em, after all,' remalrked theO Englislinan,c "with'a sigh of relief; ' but thb first eight of such It creature as that would' be eaougli to startle ii man like John B. Goiglh iunto iit belief that lie had the jim-jpnas; but tell me about'the plaguoy thing.',-.,.": " Tomn took it uipon himself to make clear the failts, so far as le cohld'giveo them, con cerlin thlio extraordinary creature: Wit the coming of ,day,: it was decided that it -would be iadvisible to'procure food. They might lave coaxed some fish front the streanm, bht the inclination was for a Fieial of fruit. ' On the shore yonder dwells- a man who will give us all we can ask or desire,' said Athoor,' pointing to a mnllll, wretched hut standinlg near the edge of the water. 'It docin't look very inviting,' remarked lIr.' Godkin, as be h helped to push the boat towanrd the point indicated,' aind I see no signs of cultivated ground near his dwelling.' ScI doesn't need it,' was the signiticant remark of Athoor. S' Where, then, does lie obtain hlis upplieke'' I wish I could tell yoe, but no ono beside himself knowes.tl . 'uVlo is'le, anyway.?' He iso k liowni Iji, the Miegician of Nizam.' : . ' Never leard of him, but no doubt he is a very interesting character1 and it willpany im to make his eacquaintamno. SShortl~a.fter, the flat-boat touched the westorn bank. : There was aomapprehenslion concerning their curiosities, but the lion andi cemouphilon were 'secred its before, while the spittfir remnined 'ines?e in his framework. Tho'e smaller.ereatures were slure to stay where they 'were, while the lion."would do as lie chose at any time, and under any, circum stances. Athoor took thi lead, whileo Zip decided it best to stay with thee boat, to gpaardl ns' besat lie could against accident. " The hut which the little party approached was ea small, miserable atffair, .eompose mostly of gras?, dirt, and stones, c dd withl only aisingle opening, in the shape of a low,' broad, door ice frontC. This' consisted of planking; on whilch Athoor sharply rapped. ' Ho was obliged-to repeat the msunnmons three times before 'anything liko a response, came. .. . .,h a .slow eshuffling of feet :folloibld; and' finally the door was slowly opened. ' " Thoe. threeo whito : members of the party could not repress a.start of nmazoment when, their eyes rested on the flgeure before them.; -' -Thd igiurb was tlhat of .a 'idwarf o cmore than fomr feet high, .with the frame of ai ghant 'fin- -other ,respects; ·i Tlioe vast, voluminous beard which coveredl his' face to his smnall leridlike eyes, reaeched to! his feet,! ,his liands extending; almost to his' ankles. His head, whichl was without any covering, was as bald as a billiard ball, andhlais beard as ,vhito'as's now, the wrinkles on. theo' forehead' anid the white, frowzy.cyobro?s attesting his grent lego. His dress conssted of ii red; loose-flowihg tunic of linen; falling tol.his feet, and covered with 'representations in gold of ?thio" 'asun moon eand' hieavenly bodies. In his"' 'right' hand he held a long rod, crooked at the top 'like a shepherd's wtaff ,,nnd nmado?of .sonc kind of wood, polilhed so highdy tleat ithhono like bunlisheld silver: :His smnll'.feat were r'eted iit 'siidasln",lnd. his 'nformn wnas' muech, .. ..ii' -- - LX ..Ti ". le~e-c.in no sit: Nn: ;S?ith is a brif descorpiioi; o.'oio ft, tlo most rumarkablo elhanitere in aed India, Iji, the atgcianl' of the Nizaine,.t ; : Thbi - itoi wonderfeil 's Iar-lsUe occult powe-m, in sstleonthottho'facnltyno f eprc'leh, or what nmanny snspectto be the Uca'elo lu reo foesedforycies' to'allow anyeon 'to hieryhis All his 'other tcialties are ,etonishoeingly keen1 and lo seems to bo eblo to undoretand verythiing said to himt, nio matter what tile ln'thiuiego in' whldh' the words are spokene.' '"The'ld~eind ins thlit le hes delt on tlie bonkis of the strcae flowilg bito the Krishnalu River-forming the boeundary butwevel the Deccan and the LMadras Presidency-f or more than a hunidred yeare, wlhere tile power whlich he occlsionally puts forthl urpassesu belief. The momelent le presentcd himaself cnd loiked ienquiringly at his callert, the latter mnad a low saluam anild Athour utteidi ani Ox presionl in liindustalni intended to express thle reverencce which all felt for him. , TI?hen, as'if to disphy the ilagiitlaln's knotwlilge of languiges, thi native said in his excellent Elnishl : Wye amr in needl of yoer kind oftfces ; does the dlghety Iji feel disposedl to view oitr vidit with favour.?' The i nswer to this qcery: was unmeistakablo. Iji otepped back iand drmew lhis door wide opcee. No pldlner icevitetion to enter coild' be elikedl, e rd '1oe, ee. Godlkin, 'uead Ned HaIltdely followedt Athloor into thle small hut. The room wherlrre they found thlemselvee, and which occepill the whlolo interior of the lhut, wia no moro thaln c dozen feet e'luare. 'At ano sido was a'bench,'on wldoli thofour rsated thecmselves. In the moiddlelf theapart.' ncutsta a cirulor table with four i tor e bjn

it, just the inumber, be it observed, needed by our friends should they be inclined to scat themselves by it. The table was bare, and there was not another article of furniture visible. Standing near the table, Iji looked inquir ingly at Athoor as if to invitehim to make his wishes known. 'WVo iare hungry and would cat,' remarked the native. The magician, with a graceful wave of his hand, invited them to be seated. They obeyed, Tom Bradford finding it hard to repress a smile at the absurdity of the whole thing, though he was s omewhat awed by the solemn mica of the giant dwarf. All being seated, Iji signifiedbyhismanner thathlie awaited their further wishes. S'.1 would like some chapattis'` (thin, inleavened cakes of coareoc.flour), paid Athoor. Behold. .. : Iji' reahed.: lis;lahandna.dor his ,;inio,, qutickly bridgiig it out agaun, and depositing, a?atliin edrthn.p pteiant front of tho native,, on which' rested .three of thearticles asked '.Thaalc' said.Atheolr, ,bowinghins bead 'they aro excelleot, but I wounld fain.have some water.?',..., ..,! i?.H , . . An earthen vessel, conta!i gi itho dool, deliciois liquid,,clesr .as crystal, was prow driced in the same manner and set beside the plaits. t " " ~ Iji looke4 at Athoor as,if to invito him:to ask for more favours, but the native, with the sanmo'rcspetful bovw, replid.! {- {"? S' I have, abundance';, iy frionds will now make kibown their wishe. I I suppose welhad better',take the samoe, remarked ifr. Godkint, inquiringly, .to 'Not unlgss you prefer it,'. was the reply; "ask'htii for anything youtinW-r'.,. ,,i ri As iiightliE supposed, Tom Jradford was the first to' meko knolwn' is audacious .j'bII aom longing for four, ticik;slices efabrcad 'r Dbubtter, two bi , peahes, and, a. glasi of ,iiilki: I guess I've gothi4 lm, nw,'. thie; lad iddedl it an undertone to Mr. Godkin 'and Ned Hndiley. Wonderful to relate, Iji;ran his 1aud under his tuni i and ioidiced one after the other the very articles' named I' r "Tom was astinuddd, as indeed 'were the others 'with the exception of Athoor.' " ' That beats Hermann or Holler, oer any of our mnagicians,' exclaimed the: lad,'signu fyini to the waiting magician that he wished nothing moroe : . ' ' " ShAsk for anythinugyou choose,' saidAthoor to-NedlIIadleyand Carl Godkin; "'esit ril it ' it: " , ' 'I will be thankful fdr some sweet,'juiey cantelope,' said • Per. Godkin, 'a plato of wheat cakes and a cup of coffee.' :: 'That' hits': me;', added' Hadley, in' the 'same breath ;' '. nothing would suit me better than the same lay. out. M'"arvellous as it mayseem, the very dishes asked for wero instantly ldrawn from the folds of the same mysterious tunic and placed before the gentlemneu ' ';i. For a moment :the apetites were weak ened because of the waoder with which' the whites were impressed; but the artioles were so tempting that all quickly fell to aind inmide one of the 'most enjoyable hazres '(break fasts) it had been .their privilego to cat sine? visiting India. While they wverothus engaged, expressing nlow and then in undertones their amazement, Iji stood respectfully a coupleu of paces away, with his gaze fixed upon hmiaguests, ready to supply any want they might make knoiwn. ' li wonder whether we can't engage board hero,' said ,Tom .Bradford, slyly, to W.t. Godkin: ' it beats the, Astor House, Delnio nice, or any of the London hotels.. ' Athoor "gaven Tom 'such a reproving look (and I must say his remark was not in good tasto) that he ceased his levity. .'.Shall. we offer him, pay ?' asked Mr. Godkin, as.they drew; near the' conclusion of their meal.: Athoor shook hls head. ' Of what use is gold' to him i? n Voe have only, to thank ,him when we, are ready to leave, not forgetting to,.take something for Zip.' , I ldst my hat and .gun-though that was broken-duringr':mv little flurry ..with :the Thugs,' sdld Ned Iladley.. 'how if Iji had the power to rec?laco them- ' At that.linoameut the mnagician touched the shoulder of the Enaglislumn, and, as he looked up, he pointed, to the corner of the room. ',By the great 'Julius Cesar I' gasped the hunter springing from' his stool and hurry leg to the. corner, whlro he saw his riflo leancing with his sportinan's hat perched over the muzzle. Removing the hat, lieho carefullyexamind the interior. .... ' It is tot ia nwo0ne.' said the awe-stricken man,. as if speakinig 'to himnsclf, but the idenetical oie tit l lost ! There aremy initials, . E. II.," whore I scratched them with the point of a, piln oi, the hat-,baud : and this,' hIe added, turning the rifleo, over in his hanid and holding it close to his fce, ' is ait. owre guw, fwith the lock repaired and ready for service. After this, gentlemen, I am pre paired to believo anything yoit choose to tell me 'about the magicilan of 'India, or rather th.I3fagiciau of the Nizam'. The brave IHadley was so overcome that his friends.noticed his, palcnes~ ; indeed, lie was near fainting before he could master his emotions... : :, .; , WVho: would .not lbe. startled in the pro-. sence of such t mysterious; iinoxplainabl., power . . . , . , , All tie tinme the solemn, dignified Iji stood with folded arms, seeminglyi unconscious of the sensation he had erneted. ::.' . !F' I have no wish to test hint further,', said 'Hadley, ina n subdued 'voice; ' ho has' done that whidch can iscvervbo understood'. in this; lifeo., If Madame Bl?ivatsky coudd'do'it tenth part is 'muchl with lher astial:forms, !that: comritission from Englind ndoverivould'havo voted hlertobetlthe fratid lio is.t , " ' '' There aroe moro.wonders in 'heaen and. earth thau are'dreamt 'of in our philosophy.' -This -remark; which'"wase irade by lTom Bnradford, with well enough' in its way; but,' 'iemfortunately; theolad thourght beist to quailify it by adding: :.,;. ... - S' I never believed in thespeernatural busi-, ,nes atihome,aeand I' don't believe there is anything that htkes placo ot this earth which aunnot be explained;bylnaturl hlaws.', 'Dou you thik there isa satisfatoryex planatieoi of whlet we hanvo wihessed heircm iasked Ned Haidly, lodoking fixedly Ut him. .'Idou'. 'a:frnctidnl'd part,of wieat I sco, ;but it is spveml pligting refermmesJ to the wsnderful p?'fonnancdj of Ij - " I 8aoro of them, it is trie, wmer utoed iun guarded tones. and weroe not meanetfor the ears of the Magilcian of the Neizaun; but all the uaun0, he heard everytheing sid.e . Natullmly hle inust have been offncuded at tl?h forward youngster, and probably intended 'to teachl him a le.Isson, Just as Tom rose feoni his stoolat tie thable and turned to tlhank their hlost, the hlatter stepped forwar eud hlolding hits face, with 'its enowy-eiC ~ close to the lad's eolnten ancec, brelthed one respimtioe uepon him. A mervellous result followed, one tlhat held Ned }IIadley and CUrl Godhli tnusfixel. and specohless with horror. Ten millioe poilnt, of flame seemed to issue at once from the boy, as tholugh aet irro strainable furilace wau burni ingsinde eand for cing its way thlrough every pore of his body aed every- tiny lmesh of his clotlhing. Inudect lie wie aii mass of fire from the crownl of his head to the soles of tlhisl feet. .Tom, like his friends, stood parelysed for 'a moment. Tlhen, looking down, he saw the blazing eedles ashluotinig from every part of For a scenod or tvo leore hle was over comeo, and all at ontce realised his .awful peril. "ith a yell, like tlhat of one of the Wild Men! whea struek by a fahtl bullet, he mede a dash throughl thle opne door, on a dead rue for the water. .. : Tle loerilled HIfdiy aind Mrn. Godltin re coveod' theoumselves .cnoueghto plmgo after linm, wheld Athoor,ppaeu ig only to thank the emgicig-a?around whose eyes he yan ureo he

detetcd a mintchievous twinlc--hurried in thecir footsteps. Athour was agitated, but heo was quite confident that there was no cause for serious alarm, since he penetratdl the purpose of the magician in punishing Tom. Meanwhile the latter was mnnakin railroad time to thie croek, all the while yelling at the top of his voice. The startled Zip sprang up, and, staring wonderingly at himl, asked: 'What mnatter:' ' Get out the way i I'm on fire ! Don't try to stop me or you'll be burned up, too !' Nevrrtheless, the wiry native ploced himself directly in the path of the lad, who, he be lioved, had been struck crazy.;, ¶ Seeing him in hli way, Tom darted .aide, supposinghhit friend did not catch the man ing of lis warning. But Zip also snmang aside, and, flinging his arms about, the youth, checked lihn in spite of himself,... .. Tum struggled madly to free limself,.but Zip waostronger thanu.ho, and would not let SDon't syoua so I am burning? howled Tomr; 'let go or you will catch fire and lose ou life.' €.,.:, 1 : . - ,,Poor chap,' murmeed the native, taking good. tare to retain his grip, nio,fire on you !' Ily y.this;tirae La Tom?fdfpd awoke; to the faot thit tnot onlywere thero no flamen near him, but thqroeannot ?o much as the sinoll offire aboutluhis.grments,!ol' as i euuuencad-,



Chapter LXI WHAT'S IN A NAME

THEY YOUNG FOLKS. ;.MY PLUCKY BOY TOM ; OR, SE.&ROHIND FOR CURIOSITIES IN : INDI& "FOR MYi BOW. - ? P. T.oBARn "ow. CeAerzIn LXI.-' Wnsa's Lr A NAE P' The laugh, biyob d qijestion, war on Tom Bradford,- who realised most vividly the exhibition he had made of himself. .Whcn' his friends gathered about the lad, nndho found thatnot so inich nas a thread of clothing was scorched, he acknowledgcd thrt he had been" properly, even if severely, puunWied for his slighting remarks about Iji, the Magician of.the Niacim. " tAll the sase,' addhtlie pluckyyymnseter, is the beat was shoved off, and .while Zip ate the food brought to him, I don't believe that any person in this world possesses super nattiral power. Don't ask me' to try and explain what I sawi'with my own eyes,' he hastened to add, observing the inquiring look of Ned? Hartley, ' for; 'so far ats that goaes, no one can make clear any of the countless phenomena around us.' SIWe won't enter upon a discussion,' re marked Mr. Godkin, . bat we will ail admit that Iji is the most wonderful person in his line' that we have ever known.' ! There can be no question aboutthat,' re-` plied Tom.' ' " ' Why didn't you offerhimn an engagminlent for Mr'. Barnum F' asked Hadley, with' a 'r' Do yoit'now I'we thinking of thlat very thing when lie breathed. on me l. After'that, my : attcntion' w?s '`occupied entirely with' other matters,' added Tom, with a laugh. It was no more than half an hour later that the flat-boat rounded a sweeping bond in the stream, and the eyes of the hunters rested on a tall, spider-likoe structure spanning the current. That was thu railway bridge over which the trains' ran daily each way between ,Bombay, on the western coast, and Madras, on the Coromandel coast of the southern portion of tihe Bay of Bengal. At the point where the creek, down which they were drifting, debolsueled into the Kircshna River, was the station, where our friends intended to load their cnriosities on the cars, ind then break up and scatter to their different destinations. Ned Hadley, as he annolnced, was going to IIyderaba'd; not that there was any speeial need of doing so, since his gun and cap had been restored to lhim by the lMagician of the Nizam, but lie would have been reckless beyond justification to re-enter the dangerous region he had just left behind, without com pany. le expected tomeet friends in IHydera bad, withl whornm h would make arrange mIent alouthis futllre movements. Mr. Godkin and Tom Bradford decided to return to the vicinity of Lucknow, to completo the work they had undertaken with the three natives, Jo, Jack, andl Jim. When they should socuro enough to consti tute a fair assortment, they would ship them from Lucknow to Calentta, the two friends hearing them' company. At the latter city they would hold themselves subject to my instructions. Athoor and Zip wpre to go to Madras, with tile lion, moaphilonl, iand spitfire, remaining and giving them every attention, until the vessel fromn Caletta should touch at that point and tako thea saboard. Then the ser vices of the two natives would be finished for the time, snd they 'were sure to receive libenrl psy for their vuluable work. As Athoor had promisedl, the party found excellent facilities for shipping their prizes castward, the little railway station being the point whence some of the most remarkalle curiosities found iti all India were despatched to the civilised regions of the globe. First of all, a large, strong cage, etanding on an open car upon a side track, was shaped up for the lion. '1 bst that lthat had been so 'wonderfully docile ever sincee his conquest by Tom Bradford, now showed for the first time an ugly disposition. en slt Tnmo attempted to' lead him to the cage, he refused to enouter, and growled in such I threatening way that his friends held their guns prepared to shoot, if necessary. More than lcae he seemnd about to spring upon the lad, who not only tugged at the lassoo,'but spoke so him in lhs hsarpest tolnes. The beast must have hald some idea of the prison-liko charanter of the cage into which they were tyring to coax hin, for, after stepping quite close to it, Ihe draw back with sueh a inddell flirt tlhat Tom, who was hold ing the other end of the rope, was almost thrown to the ground. 'Heo's got to go in,' exclaimedl te boy, angered sat the resistoico of the king of beasts ; ' anyway, ho esha'n t go back to the woods, if we have to shoot hiim to prevent it.' The two natives at the station had had much experience in persuading wild creatures to walk into new quarters, and they now want to the help of Tom, who Ihad declined the services they offered from the first. One of them brought forward the quarters of a calf killed a short time before. The lion instnntly caught the scent and bounded at the native, who dexterously flung the meat front him to the further side of the cage. The brute leapo:l into the cage :after it, and catchiug it up in his mouth, whirled about to dash out again. He was ia moment too late. The other native, who knew theo imeaning of the mansuvreo slipped the door, shut and secured it in a'twaukling. Tho cage was of the strongest make, the iron bars which composocd the front and also the door, being an nch anud a half in dia meter, and strongly fastened in place. Through the litton, top, sides, alnd back ran a network of iron, the whole naking the strunture powerful enough to resist the fury of the mightiest of beasts. Th?i nago of the lion when he. discovered that, in spite of himself, he was imprisoned, was fearful to witness. Uttering a roar that nmdo 'everything tremble, he dropped the meat,and, springing at the bars, seized thern with 'his teeth, as thougdl he expected to snap every oneso asunder. . i Infuriated at their resistance, he crouched at the rear of. the cage, fand boumding for ward, threw the whole weight, of' his body against the rods, as though he would drlve 'temn from their fstoenings by the , sheer momncatum of his body. ' - The impact was ou prodigious that the' struclture swiyed like a ship in i storm, nud even the two natives fiarcl for a few misnutes that it would be tulilbled over osi its side. Fortmnately, lhowever, the lion did not con tinuo this display of his fury formers than a few ninutes. HIiis neuivo jawn partled, and' tlrnling his head sideways, he seized the inimmovabla rods with hIis teeth, tugging at thie amo time with hiss paws. Theni he tried desperately to force tlM ars alpart by drivilg h is head bU twacn them. All in vain. Hu ws caugbht beyond the posibllity of freeing himself. While the apctators wore wiatching his manifestations with no little misgiaving, the lion oeoned suddenly tobm allu tdiat his struggle was a hIspolesa orie. He became mnotiolless, and stnudlng np right, looked into thie fices of. tie aspLutators with ail cxipreioni so toulhing t its reproof that'voryl ner, thllroblsel is symipaty. . : 'Pourfellow,' nmururedTom; 'I'mnsorry for you, lint. businescs is busieics, isnd we cnn't help matters.. :onuaro too vasluable to be nsdt free again.'1 '. The dethroned kinlg of beasti destroyed the ajeetyof his conduct by. walkiung to thel fsrtacF ido of thIe nagn,'d ropphg.un his ?HY ncproceeding deliberately to cat the venr ?lll h was tho bnit that lured himlto hisi dqoq.. ' ' '.. .. . . The opelitorsliuglhed 4t tIsa eudden" d-' sneelt from lie ouelhlns to thie ridiae'aois.. The dliftlla lty of ti thisk wij oyair with the paprisoymernt of tJuc boout. A sicull" ca nge was dyevoted, to tle oupl~slla, lndi saiumowhpt aisilisir on'e hi . er jaws ant stect .3ja. Qedkn s hn to mniw hi ?y out. " " 'J?'v e ? f thl liPn tduk~i~ U~ lo th plnn

room of a car intended for such purposes,;I while the two smailer ones' were placed in a second car. This done, nothing remained except for the native a?ents to signal the eastward bound train, which was due in the course of a couple of hours. The train for the west was not expected until considerably later. It was nearly live hundred miles byrail to 3Madras, so that quite a journey awaited the curiosities and their kee?ere. Almostot on time, the rumble of the ap., preaching cars was heard, and a few minutes later it rounded a curve and, entered upon the high bridge which spanned the stream down which the fthat-boat had floated. The native agenits had everything in such. readiness that only a brief halt was re-? quired. 'Tih engine dLsconnected, ran i?pon tho .siding, took the two cars contaiimng the curiosities, then backed inr ahead of the remaining cars, and shortly after steamed away on its long journey to the chief East Indian city of the Coromandel coast. Athoor and Zip waved their :friendr good bye, they watching the vanishing train with a fccling of 'mlnedss at parting company with the inatives,'who had attached thenelvecs to them by their faithfulness nind undaunted courage. . The train thundering eastward was similar in many respects to those which may be seen to-day in many parts of England. - The engine and cars were made in trat country innd shipped by way of the Suez Carml to India, where they hadcen in er-. vice several years. Sovencars, beide the two taken on 'at the smallstation,'mcomnpsed the train, several of .hioh -?? biiit'to arr- frioght and luggage; and tho reatwer'o devoted ti passengers. Athior took his' phico iti the ompartiimnt used by the smokers, where he found himself in the company of several native merchants an d traders and several Englishmen, whose talk showed that they were on a hunting jaunt in India. Feeling no disposition to converse, Athoor lit his long-stemmed hookah and quietly puffed it, as the cars moved at only a modo rate pace toward the south.east. It was characteristic of Zip that hie should talke his place in the car containing the lion's cage ; for, sinuc the obstreperousness of the beast at the station, he felt as though it was his duty to look more closely after him, though what the native, single-handed rand aloneo, could do in the event of trouble, it would be hard to say. I amu quite sure that you have concluded that now, since the lion, mouphilon, and spit. fire were safely on the cars, and fairlystarted on their journey to Madras, under the charge of two skilled natives, all trouble with themn was atan n d. Unfortunately, this was far from being the case. About the middle of the afternoon, when Athoer had laid aside his pipe, and was sink ing into a doze, he was startled by sus:h da fierce screeching of the steam-whistle and the terrific jolting of the cars, that he, like the rest of the passengers, sprung to his feet knowing that some accident had taken place. Tlhrusting their heads out of the windows, they saw that the three front cars, including the two with our curiosities on board, had been derailed. The engine remained on the track, as did? those that followed the three named, but the latter had rnm downc a declivitysix or eight feet in height, ainldthefrontcar had turned corn pletely over, flinging the lion's cago beyond it and upon one end. As rnay be supposedl, the beast was in a state of frantic excitement, roaring, dashing against the bars and rmaking such frenzied efforts to escape, that Athuor and Zip be. lieved lie must succeed. Zip, who had iocompanied the car in its flight efro the rails was considerably bruised and shaken tip, but his activity and freedom of movement enatbled hint to srvoe himself from serious hurt. When the passengers witnessed the panic of the lion, aind felt he would soon be free, they were terrified almost out of their senses, nd deuandled 'that the officials should rttuch theo engine' to the rest of the tranh, rind steaml awary front the spot with all haste, leaving the lion and his companions to trheir fate; The ofleirils would have done this, but for one fact. While waiting fat the station for the train, Tom Bradford had chalked in huge letters on the side of each of the two car tihe following:- "p. . BAT. l'ZT~U , " B rIDGENPOT, " Coun11, "U.S.A." That was enough to prevent any such threatened abandonment. Tlhe train guards, and evn the driver and stoker, kew tero by reputation. They knew, too, that despite the fact tihat they were on time opposite side of tihe, world, I would Ihold their corpora tion to a strict' aroount, as they would in turrn hold their employees, for any such dero liction of durty. Besides, I Ihave reason to belioge the oflicials felt kindly toward me. At any rate, when the lion had become somewhat quieted, they, with the help of of the braver passengers, seot to work with such vigour that tihe aeges and their oceu pants were secured in place on the other cars, it being necessary to abandon tihe two that were derailed, they being useless, and after several hours' delay, tire journey was resumed. I may add that nothing further worthy of note befel our friends and their curiosities on their way to Madras, where they arrived at last in' good form. (To no co-rrua:sn.)



Chapter LXII A PLUCKY FIGHT

STHE YOUNG( FOLKS. MY PLUCKY' BOY TOM; OR, SEAROHNG . FOR OtURIOSITIES IN " INDIA FOR MY SIHOW. ;J'BYP..T. Daassnooe. Long as was the journey of Athoor and Zip, that of Tom Bradford and Mr. Godkin was much' longer, for thoyeworo compelled to follow the line of rsilway to Bombay (fully aas?far ;as: faslras); and thieannearly' twice as 5fair-in a north-east'direotion,' to" Allahabad on the Ganges, after ivhich many miles remained to be passed before reach ing Luckuow to the north-west. The distanco.was .not great to..Hydera bad, whereo they ?parted company .with Ned IHadley, who warmly shook their hands, * uniting with them in the hope that they would soon mneet aguis. Without attempting to das'riboethe long trip to Lutcknow, lot nmo' ipily: sy that our two friends arrived there in duo thte. Calling upon 3Mr. Jarvis, who had charge of the curiosities shipped to him. from tihe south, they were found to be in excellent condition; while he was ready to tkoe charge, of everything else they night chose to forward to his care. At Luckuow, as :Mr. Godkin antieipa~ed, he founid quite a mail frnnidifferont points in India, inviting him to inspect the respective sections to purchase or hunt for the turiosities named. Ho decided, however, since the good fortune that attended his efforts in the Nizam, and to the inmnedinto south of Lucknow, to prose cute his search in the latter neighbourhood, where he was confident of sdcurnug what he needed. S'The first natural query was aits to tle where '..:sabouts of, th'i"ttivJes, :Jim, Jo, Jack, and ??'iow'onIthoe jvi6bus d to jboi thei dthbets. Th:y: Thoehad beie huntinig is n deulto7 'way, " and bad killed a number of a tiinals, eolid ing a savage elephanti, blit'werooevidently awaiting the coming of Tont and Mr. Godkin to decide what beasts they wished to capturo for the purpose of shipping to America. Oui friends were quite suro that the natives would be found at the Ihut of their frioud by the wayside, -which had been utilised so often by till. Thither, therefore, they directed their way, ridinif the horses that haud been left at Luck now for that purposo. Sure enough, when Tosu t and dtr. Godkiln drew reins in front of the well-remembered structire, they were greeted by sIll four of their servants, including tile owner of the lut and his sister, who aet4d o as his housekeeper. As may be supposed, the white mton and lad received the warmest of welcomes, for the natives, like Athoor and Zip, were attached to such liberal monployros, wiho were always ready to appreciat the services of those who toiled for them. Tom gave an accountof their adventures in the Nizam, to which his auditorsa listened with the deepest interest. IIis uarrativoe was wondorful, indeed, as I am sure you will ad mit; but there was nothing too incredible for the natives to believe. Had the lad told them that theoy vanqutishoed all of King Homma's men, in a fiiar stand-up fight, and then, making wings foethemselves, flew all the way northward to Lucknow, I suspetL their listeners would have believed theln. Tho'exploits of Toom, front the beoiningg of his adventures in that section, were of a nature to command the unbomuded Iadnira tion of the natives, who had' noev seen his equal. Besides, as I have slowvn, mSy plucky yaoung friend possestsed, a- native modesty, which, though often severely tried, 'never deserted him, and made hint friends whefover he went. Their host, like others whom Tom and M3r. Goddin met, was of low caste, so that he and his sister were free to neact the parts of servants in waiting upon their visitors. - Tom and M3r. Godkidn had started so late the day before that they were obliged to spend' onte night oai the road, reacling the native hut so early in the day that they had not yet partaken of their morning meal. 'Front tlhteeigihbonrin'' well the host drow 'vater for- dri?oting a'i d'bllitlng, *thile his sister ground thie graiin in a-hatndniill, tund soon produced a goodly mbuuer'of ' tortillas,' it species of gruam porridge, known as ' dal bhat.' No food cosldl hvo been more acceptable to our friends, who ate their fill rid then bought enough to'last them several daiys; for, as I have already reminuded you, le saustenance is required in warms countries than it ctold ones. JBefore the p'rty bade their native hIostind hostess good-bye, with a promise to return to their linut as soon itas they could make it con vesient, they became interested inr a sniull animal, which was evidently sa favourite with the stisn anud woman. During the morning meal glimpses were caught of the little ereaturo moviIg shyly iabout, occnsionallypeeping:ouriously ait tihe visitors, ntud then whisking out of sight whetn nuyone nmdu a movement toward it. It Ininy be a curiosity worth buying,' re marked Tom, after the mieal was over. ' Do you know what it is ?' usked Mr. Codkin.i . ' I haven't uhad a fair view of it, bnt I sus pect it is an ichnieumon.' 'Tihat's whast it is; tlhey ai great pots in many tnative families, and you kntow how ex eeddingly tseful they alre in pratecting tiohe ipeople from tihe snakes.' Tole host being appealed to, said lie hlad owned ..the ichnounnon for a year, having caughbt it when'young, and kept it in his lut ever Sie ce. It watss it great favourite with, himself nod sister; but, like everybody else with ia prize, he was willing to part with it for a pro per monetary consideration. The native at this point made a chirping noise, and the iehnltunon darted front the inner roomt, botumded upon' the knee of his master, anud whisked about his head and shoulders like a pet squirrel oioerrmlunitg with .high spirits... ' I don't Suippose Ie would -nisko: friends With strangers,' said Tom, mtuch entertitned by its antics ; ' but I have no doubt--' The master had givcis a signal of his own, wehich the intelligent ninut understood, for it took a flying leap, and, landing in Tomt's lip, frolicked about hint with wonderful nim bleness; ind, before the lad could seize it, it ;- was-spot ng aroutd 3Mr. Godkin i" the' sanmo "-lively fasli.on. ' ,.Tho native stated,- in his brdkmiinya ,that iei rstecd tliero.was a large "qnbess thait:hai i; le? hi'ding under ths houba forebi?ae l das, -wlhere the pot iotsihiouioioeuild not got at t; . that is; so as to have a fair chanc, for the :." nital is too w?ise to attack one of tlhose foutrftl -ep"llos withloUt havitng anu equli clhauco with imm. ' - ' If yout wrill coax the 'snake ofroe undertthl nilldin-, sheire w ctan see the fight,' said irf. GolaUd, i I will ]pay you for the exhlibi ¢tion.' 'The black eyes of thie native sparkledl, aud Ite replied that hle wouvld try. Rising to his feeoot he took i smill hollow reed froms i shelf at one comer of the nost, and thoue beckoned his visitors to followi him outside. . They promptly did so, for all understood thie meaning of theo iovement.t. STiets sister took chargo 'of'the iohesusnon, S'hllh .showed its follndness for her by tneat o ug abhout her nsek, as though it mseant to euddle there for tlse rest of the day. ' PiThe native tnd the rest of the party took tlheir plhees on the opposite side of the roNd, titnisdtug over a dozent yardis fromni the hut. SHere thleygroGped thnsemluVes sde by side, whileho, ituscrtiungon end of the reed in his ' snottlti, began to blow it, using his fingers -over the holes its thle side of the instranont to modhulato its tones, wiohh; were ,thin,' ?unbnssutnous, a snd saonethntg lko thoseo 'f a ' .n'o' cibLra as yos mow,;: is noted for its iingular fou-inss for mus'h, ad some of,thl . .eorhibltions of tlto Esmt Inditaus with ths :desdly serpents are wonderftl. -T Pi?he ichnonn seemned to lUderstalld tle hmeanlng.of the prfonuane, 'fur he I nised 'up his head nod lts bulantk, hiss;lliko eyes ap eared to take oi a brighter glitter, ua f it titcipatism td tho rnro sport at hand. 'Tdw, if thla ibobrar ould be chartned from 'Iis hiding phieo. u$er 'tlh0 hut,. there was

danger that he ,6vould l trnlabut 'and glide bacic, if the ichneumon should start forhim, after which it w6tild be impossible to induce it to slow up again. To guard agasistthis, the woman, holding the animal in her arms, recrossed. the roar and stationed herself on the same side with the hut, but some paces distant. -H r intention was to restrain the animal, iutil the snake advanced far enough to permit the ichnounon to out off his retreat, then a fight wonld'bd inevitable. , Thodroning, reedy monotone lasted some minutes, until the spectators began to fear the Supent, if there was one bcneath the structure, could not be coaxed out; but the migiving was no more than formed when the frightful head appeared just beneath the hut, as if secking to spy out the land before venturing forth. It rcemained stationary another nmiiute, during which nonobf the party moved, udless wo except the lingers of the musician.' Ihy-and-bye, tie reptile seemed to con cludo that tihe miiiu was sweet enough to nake o a closer acquaintance desirnble, and began issuing out. ' By gracious ! i's a largo one,' whispered Tom, with a strange ' crawly' feeling, such as came over hinm soame time before when lie awoke to the fact that he had one of the creatures for a rout-mnate. This specimen was nearly five feet in length, a'id in its thickest part its' diameter equalled a man's wrist. One bite fromn such Sa reptile would kill any living animal in a few minutes as surely as if ioe were smitten by a lightning strokeo. SIt is doomed,' said lr. Godkin in reply, 'for if the ichnlemon doesn't finish it, l will.' ' 'Your sentinients' ire my own,' replied Tonim. STil cobra glided slowly forward until near the middle of thi dusty ' highway when it ,ciedtoelevoit had approachd ppronchQ as,near to. that roiwvd as'wasdesirable.: - ; So itstoppeid and began slowly. rissing i its nead, with a curious, rhytlhni swaying froul side to side in response to tie mu.i). At this moment the native stopped playing, for his sister, seeing that the serpent was too far from its retreat to get back, stooped over and released the excited ichneumon, which at once ran toward the cobra. The ltter was quick to detect its danger, and it must have seemed a disagreeable change from the pleasing strains to the discovery that it was obliged to make a fight for its life. With great quickness it swung round, so as to turn its ihead toward the aninial, and hold itself ready to.ropel his attack. The spectacled eyes, the expaitded hood, and the uplifted head forned onl of the most terrifying sights that ean be conceived, for everyonio knew that tie sacs at the root of the fangs in its jaw were fllLed almost to bursting with omne of the most virulent animal poisons known to toxicology. It thrilled everyone, witl' admiration to observe the little ichneuimon trot nimbly forward, until not quite within reach of hid eney, when lie stopped, and, like i skilful plgilhst, awaited an ooening for an attack. 'He moved softly Laok and forth, as if seeking to get to the rear of the serpent, bat the latter was too watchful, and turned with him so as to present a front at all times. Meanwhile, the cobra was also watching its opportunity, and it secured it the next instant. 'I'he ichneumon ventured within roach, and lte frightful head darted forivard with such arrowy swiftnessIthat tie eye could scarcely follow the movement. But the animial must have been sneking to drawlthe blow, for, quick as it was, he dodged the fangs by leaping a couple of feet straight up in the air, us if from a spring-board, comnitag down so quiclly that he buried his teeth in the neck of the snake before it could jerk it back to its former position. The Vwound was a severe one, but it was iar fron incapacitating the serpent, which struck again with such marvellous celerity tliat it landed the blow full in the shoulder of the plucky ichneumon. ' He s done for ' gasped Tom, ' let's shoot the cobra.' ' Hold on; not yet.' The second time the inimal caught the snkeu just back of its head, and he now held fast, despite the furiois struggles of the. reptile to free itself and deliver a second blow. . i The sharp teeth out into the serpent like razo-r, and before anyone expected it, he had actually gctwed the head free from the bedy, which writhed for several miintes before it became still. Tom would have hurrahed and throwni his iat in the iir, but for his four that the ichneumon had been fatally wounded by the bite that lie saw hlim receive. The little animal, having conquered his dreadful enemy, wheeled about and raipidly scamnpered off toward i grovo of trees that grew at no great distance. ' He las gone to uro r iisniielf of the bite, !ani hohle sn't much time to spare,' remarked Mir. Godkin. ' I have heard that the ichneumon does not nulfer from the bite of a cobrn, the same as it is clained that hogs will grow fat on rattle niskes in our country; but the question is disputed, and I could never understanid how it is the creaturo can be exempt from the effects of such a nmalignant poison.' 'Ify belief is that ihe is only partially exempt,' replied Mr. Godkin. ' Ibelieve lie would die unless he had help, which he hlas gono to secure.' SIt is some vegefable, of course.' It is the root of a plant know as the lmo i re TxceZil. (ro aIcoxxIu.uI.



Chapter LXIII AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

THE YOUNG FOLKS. -MY PLUCKY BOY TOM; OR, SEAROHING FOR CURIOSITIES IN INDIA FOR MY SHIOW. Bs P. T. BAInOr. "iCstra IE XIIII.--A' U?EvXrnCED ExcousaZn. S .A few minutes later the ichneumon came mscampering back, as lively and frolicsome as ever.. Runnhinglto the woman, it leaped into her arms and revolved around her shoulders and head with bewildering quickness, seemingly all unconscious that it had performed such a remarkable exploit. But our friends naturally wished to make aeoso investigation. So the remains of the cobra were kicked to one side, and the ichneumon carefully inspected. That it had been bitten there could be no doubt," for in its shoulder was the wound made by the terrible fangs of the cobra, which had entered the flesh and caused several drops of blood to flow. Bat there was no visible swelling, and a certain pungent odour about the mouth of the animal showed that he had been eating some kind of a vegetable growth. . Whether the ichneumon can survivo the bite of a cobra without the help of some medicinal herb I am not prepared to say, though there is excellent authority for be lieving he can do so; but the incident I have' described seemed to point the other Elveryone expressed his strongest admira tion for the bravo little fellow, and Mr; Godkin and Tom Bradford concluded they must have the animal to send to me, even though compelled to pay double the ordinary suppose it asgumed a greater value in ati ?:.theifeyes because, like a celebrated racer, it ". '" possessed a ' record.' SWell,' said the elder, after giving the woman a handsome bonus, ' it is yet early in the day, and we munt lose no more time in getting to work.' It was decided by our friends to constitute the hut their' headquarters, returning to it whenever inclined, while they mado excur sions into the surrounding country inquest of curiosities. The direction taken by the party led them to a portion of the smoa jungle whero they had had their stirring adventures before. the trip to the Nizam. Since their horses were useless in the dense wood, they were left with the native, who could' be relied upon to give them the best of care.; It was natural to expect a greater success by a division of the party, though not to the extentof sending them all in different direc tions., The natives, therefore, were bidden to nmke search in one quarter, while . Mr. Godkin add Tom did the same in another. If either partyb should require the services of the other, they could be readily obtained by means of sinals. It had come to be the practice of Mer. iGodkin to put Tom to the front when making these little excursions. You understand, of course, that his only object in this practice was to give his plunky comrade the best possible show. The elder was always so close . at hand that he could furnish any help that might be called for. ?RIteaching the same stream, which both had noticed before, the arrangement that Ishavo noticed was repeated, though Tom protested becauseo it senteed to be showing hun more favour than he was entitled to.,. Confident that his young friend would not have to go far before discovering something, Mr. Gsodkinmanaged'to fall behind until theo ]ad was barely visible as he picked his way forward with the care of a real Indian. Sure enough, before long, Tom suddenly stopped and turning about waved his hand fortlhs gentleman to keep silent. The expression of the lad's countenanco showed that he had made a startling dis :overy. 'I wonder what it can be,' thoughlt Mr. Godkin, who stopped in his path listening, looking aud speculating as to whattnew adventure was at hand. -Tos Bradford was picking his way along the stream with the utmost care, when' a faint 'splashing apprised him that some animated object was just in front of him. Parting the undergrowth he caught sight of an extraordinary birth, whose idovtity he recognised at once. ,Standing in an erect attitude, it was'fully sixxfect high, while its extended wings would have measured fifteen feet from tip to tip. Its legs were extremely long, and it stoed so far out in the stroeam that half of them were inonersed. Its head and neck were nearly bare, a sausage-like pouch hanging from the under plrt of its neck, while its bill was of enormous This remarkable bird (Leptopilfs aglasi) has b?en ichristened, by the 'English'residents of India the ' adjutant,' and a generation ago it was entirely unknowunto naturalists. The uipper part of its thighs furnish beautiful plhned, msuperior to'those of 'the ostrich. The splash which warned Tom of its proximity was caused by the darting of its huge bil under the water and the snatching up of a fish that weighed several pounds. There was a spasmodic working of the capacius bill .for a second or two, during which the adjutant took several steps back ward, when the fish was'swallowed in its en .tirety. It is.worth stating that this extraordinary bird will dispose of rats, and even cats, in the Samnewholesale style, so that its rapacity in some respects is equal to that of the ostrich or camel bird. ' '.['ho backward steps which the bird took fbrought it out of the water, so that it stood ou shore .close to the stream. Having ob. :tanied its menlt it may have been on the point of loasing the immediato vicinity. ,.:It was at this juncture that Tom Bradford did soinething harlly in accord with the good judgmenut he generanlly showed on other occa ' Droping his gun, lie sprnsng fovrward anid thmrow Iis arms about the neck of the creature, determined to make it ia prisoner. Now, having told you thow big the adjutant was, you ethl admit that the youth was audacious to the ipint of rashness, for a bird of that size is msre to be possessed of great strength, and is equally certain to fight against capture, as was tihe ase with the famous aw-wole-os in the Nizam. :'"- As ostriclh, under such circumstalnces, would :deliver a kick-forisarid, not backwi,'d--that l.would have killed a full-grown man. "Although, as I have said, Toll Bradford k iskow thlat it was an ' adjutant' withll which he ".dad granppled, he quickly formed the opinion S.that it was a full-blossomed ' major-general. wlhe birdl was quite astonishaell, to put it uslillay, and for an instant hlie must Ihave been at a Jlss to uinderstanld lwhait it was that find gan'cpod hinn around the neck. A.'wakesuing to the fiact, hiowever, that in attack 1usd en miado upon hins, hle etruggled with a joIueu and fierceness which inot only thlreatctcd sspeedily to free himself, but to in flict seriou ultr"3' .to Isis assaiilhnt. His first act was not eitlout its element of absurdity, for opcuing his immenuse bill, he 1 caught tlhe hat aiad headL of tlhe lad betweenI the iupper and lower parts, just as he would kave done with an unusually large soriel sdi~c ehh meant to swallow. 't 'Iere was one ascond,' enid Tenom, ' when I. resa/Jled the style in which hlie hbuad gulped down the big filsh, thant I thought hlie mnight be able to seses me in thie same falshion.I I sneant to fight nattlset being nmide a JiOlsehl of, and I knuew n if I went down I wouild kick up a Iunipuia in Isis ininrior dlepalrtmetnI which wo?ld couvi?u c him ti:.'t li hshads swallowed 1 ssomething that dlidn't iagree witllh hiin.' iut if such was the intention of thle stupid * Ilrd, hie quickly gave over the ithss,'nit as is 'ains onle, and hIeganu to ine hIis legs like . Isir af pitosu rods, thlrestesing to beat lis in nsalisant to deiath .usless he relcsed hIis hold svithosut delay. iBut the very vigour of the birnl'si efforts, 'itihieai huIlsdrred and thirty odd liunds attn. ei pended alx jst his neck, eauseld himi to loss his tualaneo, ansd le ll I upon one side, still hlsp ping fdis wingis nsl ll ying his powerful hlegs pidhtf.arfd taply:. It was at this critical suefuro tshat Ifr. Godkiun bounded Ulon the uacre and took a jand.in the sitrango combat.

Throwing himself forward on his ?ands and knees, he seized one of the pounding legs, and by putting forth all his strength, held it immovable. ' Let go of his neck,' he called to Tom, ' andseize that other leg, or he will kill you.' Tonm obeyed on the instant, but for a few seconds he did not believe ;it possible to master the weapon, which feltlike a cold bar of iron in his grasp. With a sagacity that didhim credit, Mr. Godkin whipped out the bundle of strone cord whiclh he always carried witl him, and wound it around the ankles, so to speak, of the adjutant fully a dozen times, waiting till he had tied it firmly before he drew his knife and cut off the piece. The captive continued his struggles with greater fie?ceness.than before, rising to his: oet several tinmes, but instantly losing his balanco and falling down again. He kept his wings going, and a blow from either of them was enough to knock a person sense less. Once or twice he came near drowning by falling in the water and coutinuing his blind struggles, but he speedily floundered out again, and standing back out of his reach, the friends waited for him to exhaustn himself, uncertain whether his wings would not enable him to rise from the ground and soar away afterllU. By-and-by he ceased his efforts, only to renew them again on the approach of his captors, who feared more than once that he wNtild either killor seriously injure himself. Eventually the ' adjutant' quietened down, and he was snoured and taken in triumph to the village. (ro or cosrnsFc..)



Chapter LXIV AN UNEXPECTED DROP

THE YOUNGYrOLKS. MY PLUCKY BOY TOM; OR, SEAROCHING FOR CURIOSITIES IE INDIA FOR MY SHOW. BT P. T. BAarwv. Corana LXIV.-AY UNEXPECTEID InoP. The following day Tom and Mr. Godkin anuntered out for a crocodile hunt in the river, which was in seine parts alive with those creottures:. They took with them some alit, which was made intosuitable shapes and loaded with gunpowder. At one endof the bait was a short fuse, which upon being ignited would explode in a very little time. Thoyehad not travelled far before they came to a spot where a large specimen of the anurian tribe was disportinghimself in happy unconsciousness of approaching danger. After a little bit of angling on the part of Tom and Mr. Godkin, the powerful monster was enticed to swallow one of the delusive 'tit-bits.' Certainly nothing could have been more sudden than the taking off of the crocodile when hoswallowed the loaded bait, which was no more than fairly within his interior when it blow him into a thousand frag monts. Could this hugo victim of misplaced confi donce have understood the part he was to play ore he was dissolved into absolute nothingness, he might have found some consolation in the fact that hle did his folldws a good turn by furnishing them with the grandest dinner they had had in a long .time. .-Hardly had his fragments descended on shore and stream, when it seemed as if fully twenty other crocodiles darted from every direction and began a soramblo for what could be found. -Hither and thither their snoute were ."thrust; ustil the water was lashed into a foam, and there was absolutely nothing left to quarrol over. Tom Bradford and Mr. Godkin watched the eurious proceedingswithno little interest, for they had seen something of 'the kind before. But the crocodiles were not the only creatures that were summoned to the spot by the explosion. Several wolves, evidently former com panions of the victims of his own greed, thrust their noses from the jungle, seemingly scenting prey; but these nuimals are cowards by nature, and observing the two hunters, they sneaked back again and were seenno more. Among the numerous crocodiles was one that looked as largo as the one that had been blown up. Wherever he went the others gave him room, but since lie could not be in a dozen places at once, he was perforce obliged to allow the rest of the crowd to get a share of the feast. Evidently the second big fellow, despite his streng·lh and invincibility, obtained only enough to whet his appetite; but seeing nothing within his immediate reach except some of his own kind (which he did not care to attack unless wounded), he resorted to watching and waiting, after it fashion peculiar to his species. Crawling entirely from the stream, he lay on the bank, as if he had decided to take several hours' nap. All his companions, however, knew better than to molest him. One sweep from that enormous tail, or a quick snap of those pro digiois jaws, was enough to knock tihe breath of life from any creaturo at which they could gaina fair chance. jBut the crocodile had been in the position I have named only a few minutes, when the very unlmals to tempt his anger and trifle with his feelings appeared on the scene. Among the branchec of the tree directly over him were seen half a dozen monkeys, who, it was plain, had fixed their attention on the hugo fellow. These animals were of large sire, and as full of mischief as they could hold. 'Look,' said Mr. Godkin, who, with Tom, was standing where they had a plain view of all parties concerned, there's going to be somoe fun, or I am much mistaken.' The biggest monkey, who was evidently the leader of the mipschievous gang, had a long stick in one of his paws, and was now lottmg himself carefully down from his perch in the- tree, until he reached a point directly over thoe head of the crocodile. Here he paused, as if measuring the space with his eye, and debating the next thing to do. Reaching as far down as he could, he struck the head of the saurian a sharp whack with the stick, repeating the blow several times and with all the power at his command. This, although considerable, was alto gether insuffioient to cause the monster any hurt. In fact,,it might have been tenfold harder without doing anything of the kind. The crocodile did not stir, but both Tom and Mr. Godkin plainly saw his eyes open just enough to allow him to observe every thing, when they instantly closed again. There was nothing to tempt him to stir, and ho lay still. The object of the monkey was to tease the crocodile, and he failed to do so, so long as the reptile did not stir. The other monkeys, as well as the one wielding the stick, were not satisfied until they could drive the giant fellow into a rage. Suddenly the leader of the tormentors dropped to the ground within a few paces of the crocodile, the others keeping their places in the lowermost branches. It was hard for Tom and Mr. Godkin to keep from laughing outright when the monkey stole softly forward, as if afraid of waking some sleeping baby, and tickled the end of the crocodile's snout with the stick. 'Again, the eyes partly opened, but there was not the slightest movement of any part of the body. ' He's waiting for you,' said Tom, with a smile; ' but he intends to keep on waiting till lie tempts you nearer.' Of course, as long as the arocodilo remained motionless, the anticipated fun of the monkeys could niot materialise. It was necessary to provoke him into activity. The tormentor seemed to become impatient at the indifference of the other, and stepping still closme, grasped the stick with both his paws, and brought it down with spiteful .forco on the head in front of hinm. Itwasat this juncture that the spectators hbserved aslight convulsive movement rnm along tihe hngth of the erocodile, the mean ing of which was understood by both. ' linding that this demonstration did not arouse the reptile, the monkey inow began sr ning blows non the lhugeliear d as fastand This evidently was what the crocodile was waiting for. With a quickness, incredible in asuch an immensecreatlre, lie swunig hldfway round, and struck lt the monkey with his tail, the blow being almost sufficient to shatter a tree. But it was easily avoided. A warning cry from tie other uunimahs notified the leader of his danger, thosogh lie diii not need thi notice, and, springing Sniubly upward, he grasped tie 1prw of one of tihe monkeys and, quick us was thIe swirl of Stie crocodiles tail, his tormeitor was ten feet Atbove'whero it whizzed through tihe air. The saurian uhaving tirck his fruitless blos-, settled hack in precisely the saiii pos ture 118 before, while the uosnlceys chattered .nad ian back and forth among the linibs with delight. The amnmals were ovcrrsliing witll erijoy. ment, for they had reused their huge victim at last. WVith ittle delay, their Icledr dropped lightly upon the ground in firot of the reptilo and renewed his torsuntiug perfor inanco. The sticlc which le grasped hid been wrenched fronm sonc tree b, tho e aniusls, so that the larger cdi wes jigged and qulite Thits waus jabbd ellsarlply3a gainiist the hlesld of tho reptile, 5 though it is hardily to he beloeved thatit icaised anytlsing more thou un irritation. After punihing hiii scveral timues, the unimal begaii hamimearing him again. IITois going to try different tactics this · aried Mr. Oodikin, referring to the

crocodilo ;'he will not try to hit him'with his tail, but his jaws will be the weapon.' While the reptile did not appear to stir, yet a twitching of his short legs showed that ha was movin" by inches toward the monkey, which was oblivious ofthe fact, whiie he con tou.d vigorously to bang away at the cast iron head. All at once the jaws flow apart, and the crocodile shot forward with the same amazing celerity as before. And as before, the monkey made an up ward bound, seizing with one paw the paw of a friend as it was extended down ward from among the lowermost limbs, and whisking upward before the cavernous month could get hold of him. Alas, for the leading monkey, however I Whether it was his fault or that of his partner can never be known, buttho grip was just uncertain enough to fail. When a dozen feet above the crocodile, and at a point where he was absolutely safe, the paws loosened and the monkey dropped. The saurian saw him coming, and, opening his upturned mouth to its widest extent, ro ceiveduhis prize, just as a coal-hole receives the shovelfull of coal flung into it. The monkey vanished so suddenly that his agonised yelp was cut in two in the middle, and his former friends were struck mute for the time with grief. ' Too bad,' said Mr. Godkin, ' but accidents will happen, and that crocodile's patience is at last rewarded.' ' There's one thing that we have forgotten in our excitement over the crocodile,' said Tom. ' What's that?' 'The natives were signalling awhile ago in a way which sounded as if they wanted us in a hurry.' ' True, and I have heard nothing from them since the blast you sent out while on the crocodile's bank. Inasmuch as there are eio more worldsfor us to conquer here, lot's see what they:have for us to do.' Tom's saturated garments caused hinmsome inconvdniihed, but nothing iii the nature of a chill, which might be considered almost a luxury in a country like India; but the moisture rapidly dried out of thoem- while picking his way along the bank, this time with his friend in advance. After travelling far enough, as they thought, to reach the spot whence came the call, they still failed to discover anything of the natives. 'They can't be far off,' remarked Mr. Godkin, as they came to a halt, ' though they may have given us up and gone on down stream to look for somethin etls.' But a tramp of several hundred yards further was equally fruitless, so far as gaining knowledge of Jo, Jim, and Jack was con cearried; they were nowhere in sight of hearing. Suddenly it occurred to Tom that it would be a good idea to use the signal which had been agreed upon. Once more, therefore, the shrill sound echoed along the shore and through the surrounding jungle. Listeningattentively, they caught thoreply, so faint as to show that it ewsa long distance off. N' ot only that,' said Mr. Godkin, ' but it is from across the stream.' Looking to the other shore, where, until that moment, they had not thought of search ing for their servants, they saw nothing of them, though Tom agreed with 3fr. Godkin that the answer had come from that bank. ' The sound showed thalt they were some distance inland,' added the eider. 'VWhat means have they taken to get across, for I don't believe any boats are to be found aroundhere ?' ' It is not a hard task for three active fel lows like them to construct a raft buoyant enough to support all, with which they could paddle or ferry themselvesto the other shore.' ' But we ought to have noticed that.' ' Weo were too much interested in the cro codilo about that time; and furthermofo, the stream nmakes so much of a bend just above this point, that, if we had been looking, they would not have been in sight, except for a short distance.' ' It seems to me that somebody is over yonder,' remarked Tom, a few minutes later, indicating a point on the other shore, and a considerable distanco above the spot where they were standing. ' There is, certainly; and it is one of the natives, too; he seems to be alone at least I can sea no others; can you make out what he is driving at?' Theo two watched the fellow for several minutes, and then concluded that he was trying to push some kind of a craft from land. I3e was observed to be holding a long polo, with which he was working hard, as though the structure had been drawn up so far that it resisted his efforts. 'He has probably boon sent down to an swer our sigal,suggested Tom, 'and finds its hard work to launch his craft.' ' Ah, he is free now.' Such was the fact, and the native was plying his polo like an experienced waterman. Something like dismay was caused on the part of the speetators by slgst of an object on the logs which resembled the figure of a man, who seemed to -be either dead or badly hurt. The fear was that one of the natives had met with some griovous misfortune. $ It looks as if they had their share of rough experiences as well as we,' observed Tom. ' If so, it must be Jim or Jo, for that is Jack using the paddle, which he does with good skill. A fair idea of the depth of the compara tively narrow stream was given when Jack was near the middle. The polo which he employed to propel the raft was fully twenty feet in length, and yet, when he pressed It against the bottom, he leaned so far over that his face was within a few inches of the surface. The depth, as Tom has found from his ex perience with the crocodile, was considerable, even close to land. At this moment, when Jack was only a short way off, M3r. Godkin broke into laughter. The only person on the raft is the one with the paddle.' Such was now seen to be the truth; that which had been taken for one of the natives was ashort, block leg, though why itlay there would have been hard to guess, since it could not add anything to the buoyancy of the structuro. A few minutes later, the raft touched the bank, and Jack stepped ashore, greeting his cmployurs with thie respect which he invu rablyhwed them. ' Yhere ire Jim and Jo ? asked Mr. God kin. ' In thj jungle, sahib,'o thte other side.' SVnititq' for pen, sahib.' ~*' STWhy did you cross the stream P' STo chase the rhinoceros, sahib.' Ir BE NcerW a).



Chapter LXV A HEAVY CHARGE

THE YOUNG FOLKSt'j; MY PLUOKY BOY TOM; fc OR, SEAROHINYG FOR OURIOSITIES IN: INDIA FOR MY SHOW. - SB P. T. Banjtxa. CRaiRn 'LXV.-A HIEsv CincoiE.s .' The news that the natives had beenfollow- d ing a rhinocerois was interesting to say the g least, for our friends had no thought of meetinganyof thegigsnticanimals in that part of the coontry, though; as you know, a great n many of the one-horned variety are found in India. • Jack explained tht he' and his ci mpanionnso were tfrending their way along'the bank'; of 11 the streami, when, without the least' prelinl- o nsry warning, a hnge rhinoceros plunged through thoundergrowthnearbynndsplashed into the water. Those boasts are fond of bathing, and love ° to wallow in the mud along shore, until r their flabby skin" is o' heavily coated that u they oman defy the pestiferous insects which often make life a burden in tropical countries. Tie one which came so suddenly to view, n however, showed no disposition 'to tarry on the shore first reached,' buat sinking into the n water,-so that his hugo head and projdcting horn, with 'a small part of his body, wore slightly sabove the urfaco, he strsick out, for the other bank. " SIt was at this .juncture, that Jack began - sigsnlling nnd kept it upluntil ,the .resound-. inugblast of "om Bradford notified liin' that his nuimnons had been heair, arid would ts' oboeyed. . ' - ' , r F; earful that the beast' might eseapo them, f th natives determined to pursuno him, though 'they rain no little risk, since they were armed 'only.with spears and knives, and the species a sbmetimes proves the .most formidable of adversaries. Wr here there was such an abundance of rwood, it was an easy task to construct a i raft buoyant enough to support the three. Lo'gs and heavy branches were bound Stoget icrwvith withes,'a long polo cut with the help of their sharp knives, and the raft set out almost at the same minute that the rhinoceros rose from the water on the other I side; so you will see that the natives lost no time. S The question that naturally occurred to Tom and Mr. Godkin was what the natives expected to accomplish by pumrsing the rhinoceros, since they would not dare attack t him with their primitive weapons. At the same time, the animal conld not fall r to leave a spoor that could be followed without dilliculty. however, Jalck and his companions took up the pursuit, and. were pressing it with ardour when the second signal of Tom Brad ford reached them. STho rhinoceros is one of the most sluggish P of animals plowing ponderously through the weeds and grasses, with his frightful head n low down and his immense hanginglip only a e few inches from the ground ; and since the specimen followed by the natives was in no Slhaste to reach any point he may have had in mind, he had progressedonly a short distainco 0 when the pursuers were checked by tlihsignal n of Tom. Jack then decided to go back and guide the a man and boy to the spot, inasmuch as the raft was necessary to bring them across the l stream; and it was taken for granted that 'l they would be eager to hunt down the colossal game. S'WVo will go along, of course,' said Mr. 11 Godkin; but,' ho added, turning to his young frioend, ' we nro short of ammunition.' ' Vel have a charge in each of our rifles, .o and our pistols aroloaded ; when the weapons 10 are emptied, we shall be more defenceless' a than Jack and his friends.' The elder stood a minute, debating whether it wal not best to call back the natives, ind adjourning to the friendly lit bytlhe wayside. wherethey lihad spent a couple of nights, send e one of their number to Licknowfor a supply of ammunition, and then take up the hunt in the regular way. 'tBy that timeno he may be beyond reach,' ° suggested Ton, 'and I think itis safe to run thIe riske as it is.' r 'Very well, I am 'willing,' replied Mir. Godkin, stepping on'the raft, whero.ho was quickly followed by Tom, both sitting down i on the short log which caused them so much misgiving it short time before. ' What purpose is this meant for?' asked the hitter, referring to the log and addressing hinmself to Jack afterhe had shoved the raft out in the stream. The native smiled, so as to show his fine teeth, and replied iri his modest way: i 'Ittthere for sahib to do what hiedo.' a In other words, Jack intended the' log to 0 answer for ats set for the two passengers whom lie wasferryingneross. It was asnmall n aset on his part, but showed a thoughtfulness hardly looked for under the circumstances. The structure, which displayed much more [. buoyancy tliain would have been expected, was speedily propelled to the other bank, a where one corner was drawn far enough upon g land to provent its being carried away by the Y current. This was hardly donie whlen 1 tllhree were S tstartled by the, sotind of an object ioioving l hurriedly through the vegetation ait short distance below, iand only a little way inland. ' Something is up,' whispered Tom, placing himself in readiness for defence, whle lo r. Godkin did the same, remarking: i ' I wonder whether it can the rhinoceros.' 'It doesn't move heavily cnogh for i tit-Helloa !'gh At that moment Jim and:.To puished tl;eir 1 way into silght, their faces showing they Swere labouring under considbrublo excite meont.. Seeing their friends, they hurried to them, quickly explainiug their unexpected greeably to the plan they had fomied, thes' remained to watch the rhinocerous, whdo Jack hurried back to convoy Mr. t Godkin and Tomn to the spot. I The nnimal showed a disposltion more than once to resent their survel anee, and several times 'their situation estunmed a critical character. Finally, to their consternation, the'beast 1 swung around and started for them iat hIis heavy gait, which, after adl, often attains a' speed that puts a ivoll-trained horse to his' best. ' ' ' ' 'It is nc?edless to'say tlhat tJim an:Jo did' the' inest rnuning of' wlieh' 'th.y '..ro cat lhey ght hve escaped by elinbing, for, 1 thlough th ground at tlhati place wis mtaralshy amnd tull of grss, there wore plenty 'of liarge trees within easy reach; but by making 1 sharp bend in their course, thley thlrew elf Stheir terrible pursuer, tllough' their talarmn t was so great that they continnod their flight. Their fear was that the rhlinocerous wouild come. upon Jack or his friends so suddenly that they would .be destroyed before they Scoulddo anything to protecct'themselves. But no sight or sound resched the piarty to tell lwhere tl mnssiivo animal was. '.IHe has. grown, tired of. chasing tlhit I which 'hlo 'can't. sec,' remarked Mr. Godkin, Sand lhas gone bqsk to the grass and rushies. ' Let us follow him thlither,' said Tom, all eangernressover the prospecte of ain encousnter with such interestinggame.: "' ' ' 5' I woidan't heiitate 'a 'ninuto if we only i - hada foP mnro rounds'of' amiunition, hut as Tlio ,ipeaker checked himself, anmd every e yo 'was tunired towaird a point down the stream, where the rhinoceros!had appeared,' with the sanmoe unioxpcuted suddenness Writh which h'le first presented himself to he natives. ' t h: He had ohemrged"from to'uheuidergrowth, whilch, wilth the nsa growth of trees, was so notieebble on' loth listeres, and stood ion i the baink w'itlslis'hutge head 'and dtirvltng horn thrust no fur .fomred that tlh?ypro Jocted slightly over the edge oif the witer,. LHere ho , tood, the picture of sluggish power anid marvcllois ugliness, meditating 0 upon--alnatf • The distance between hlim and the hulnteirs tl was something like 'a' hltinidred yaids, the relatvo'sltuation 'of tho:e partics being such that they wvero ii plain viw o0f each other. i I Btt thuighi the bipedas had lIoen quick to ri disceni the uUdreuped,. the 'latter 'was 'slow., in ?utidiug thipen. ." ' al He herucd to0 gacing. sleepily across th ta

stream, undecided whether to plungo in and p swim to the other shore, to stay whore he was, or to'turn" about and go back to his feeding grounds. it Several. wisps of grass hung from his e jaws, showing that he had ceased eating rather abruptly, and no doubt had set out to chastise the dusky natives that dogged him r so persistently. 'I'bolloveho is looking for. s,' whispered h Tom, noticing that theservaits hid crouched t down, and were creeping back in the under- a growth as if,tho believed the same thing. a WI'atch hilm SThe head of the rhinoceros. slowly swung t round, something like the moving of a loco motive on a tirn-table, until his snout was i pointed toward the man and lad. For one minute he remained motionless, as if striving to grasp the idea that a couple of vietims stood so near. v 'I guess he sees us,'- said Tom... ' Thoro can b bno.doibt of it.', Thlrowas good cause for this exclamation on the part of Mr. Godkin, inasmuch as the I rhinoieros. at that, moment, charged directly upojgthemn. Csji-ren LXVI.-A SxnvoE RrDE. When one man, or a half-dozen, for-that matter, observe an angry;rhinooeros charg ing upon them from a near point, there re mains but one thing to do-that is, to effect a change of base with the loeast possible delay. SJack, Jim, and Jo had already done so. ' Not only had they hastened several rods into the wood, but each was climbing a ,tree with such eagerness that it looked as if .they would be unable to sto.p before reaching 'the topmost branch. . Now, it is not. dilffiolt: mat r hby any means for, a hunter,,to ,kill .a, rhinoceros,_ despite thabollofin,niany,iluarters' that= his flabbyarmour iinvulnirablo' against is-riflo bullot; butt Mr. Godkii and Tom felt.some uneasiness over the fact that if they should make. a bad" shot they-, woere without the means of repairing it. . ,The charging-unimal presented a striking figure; for instead of keeping upon land, hI walked in the margin of- the stream, wheor the watcr and mud caused him at times to sink until his belly touched the surface ; but he wallowed., and threshed forward with a momentum that seemed to be suflisient to overturn a ferryboat if it got in his way. . , ' Lot us take to a tree, said Mr. Godkin the moment hlie saw thei rhinoceros 'start for them ; 'wo haven't got enough ammunition to make a fight on the ground.' The advice was sensible, and Tom did not delay following it.. The two dashed away with as much. haste ias the natives who preceded them in taking to refuge. - The gentleman seized a limb within easy reach and helped himself upward, much after the manner of the lad when the buffalo bull was thundering ut his heels. To do it, however, with the expedition necessary, lie was obliged toleave his weapon' on the ground, just as Tom did. . The latter resolved to keep his gun with him, if possible, while placing hirmself beyond reach of the bulky pursuer. He ought to have used the strap by which the professional sportsman secures his weapon to ius back when riding,- but he was not thus provided, and it was only loft for him to nnitato his friends. 1lying to a sapling, no more than six Jinchesthrough, Tom sprang as high as ho could, and, grasping his rifle in hisloft hand, and using his right andboth legs, he worked 1 himself upward,wvith considerable labour, for some ten feet, where lihe seized the first limb that put out from the main body. This was a great help, and it was not hard to fling one leg astride tho~mranch and as sumo the upright position, with his gun firnly grasped. But events took a most unexpected turn. Tom Bradford, being the last of the party to seek refuge in a tree, and being only at ia moderate distance from the ground, natorally received tie first attention of the rhinoceros, which arrived on the spot just as the lad was getting himself in shape to use his gun from his perch in the crotch of the tree. The banst, cobmprehending that his intended victim was boyomnd his reach, did not attempt to climlb up after him,- but did that which was tenfold moro effective. 'Dropping hia snout, so as to canse his eighteen-inch horn to project straight for ward, lie made ai single plunge at the small tree striking it squarely in the middle of the trunk. You can' understand tlhat such a blow, backed with the moniontunm of the tons of body behind it, was practically resistless. ' The curving horn went through the green wood as easily as a fork is driven through a potato, the point passing several inches" beyond, Tho instant the head was checked the rhi noceros mhdo another furious hinge, more savagoe indeed than before, and pushed over the slivered sapling as though it were a tenpin that he had bowled down. lWhere, all this time, was Tom Bradford, Heo watched the movehionts of his foi with a depth of interest which perhaps may be imagined, but did not realiseo his own danger until lie caught the 'gleam of the yellow ivory through the bisected trunk. . The latter, being split in that fasshion, haild so lost its resistant power, that 'the lad felt himiself going, before the ruin. was completed by the second blow of the beast. 'I made a little mistake tluit time,' was his thought, as lie took a flying leap fromi his perch. His intention was to land as fa ffronm the sapling as he could, and then to try the same plhn lie usedso succes.cfilly in the case' of the buffalo bull, mianing also to secure, if possible, the refuge of which Mr. Godkin had availed himself. But at the moment of making his leap, the sapling was so violently swayed by the crash ing blow that Toms was in the sitmuation of the acrobat beneath lwhom lthe spring-board gives out, at thie inoment lie gathers himnself for ai leap from it. ' As a consequence he came down plump on the back of thirlhinoceros.. It would be' hird to saoy which -wis' the morb natonishled-boy or beast, but there cans be nd doubt that tie former kept his head much the better. . 'Quick to see whero -mo was going,- Tom balanced himself with ia skill that wasi both' natural and acquirod, oand planted his feet so that he stood upright on the broad back, his face being turned toward the horn of the lrhinioceros.. - :. : Thlo latteorstoodinotionless'a second or tive, after having drawn book from thel blow wlhichI demolished the saplfiig,aud turoed his head so' ss to see thie stnnge object oti his back. HIow to dislodge it wss the question which nio doubt stirred the sluggish brnin of the beast. S'Jump !' shouted Mr. Godkin, who, like the lh:tlu natives, was watelhilg the dex hibition with breathless interest. SThere's no hurry about it,' was tlhi reply of tie dariig youth, who was thlrilled by tie conscionsness that lhe was riding a steed which' few 'other mortals ever dared to mount. ' . " 'If you over live to.shake handls with Mr. Banrnu again,' was 'thoe thought of the genitlomlai, ' he ought to exhibit youn in one of his cegcs.' r SThe rlhinoceros, as I have said, ranks as a stspiid nimnal, but the one beneathl Toift Braslford would have- b-eeo: very stupid indeed if hlo had not basil able to conjuro up a way of slkhting 'off the iasnubus that tor-: mnoted him.------------- -- . - Turning his hesd from aide to side with more celerity than lhe had yet -shown, 'he started nff at a rapid gait, aiming for a pro jeeting brani~liwhich - was only a short dlis-. tance higher from :the ground than his back. ' His plan was to run boncathl this linb and scrapo off thle rider-a plan that wais certain in its operation.' - Both Tom and Mr.: odkin miled, wheni they saw that'tiherliliooeror?h ad' lxed npon tile very branch whiohlhadhleolped the'gentle man to a.place of sfoety. Nothing coiuld sanit me botteC,' muttered thel-hid, as the wind caused by this speed of the iboast begsin brushing by his face. ' Steadying~ hh'isolf -'ith thesajiss akdll ls I ihad lshown in balancing, Toim held himeolft ready, and graspedltholimb, the instant it was reached. The shook caused -eonaider ablb'Jur' butl he sustained himeolf withoutl trouble, au d 'the iuet minlute weas eourehry i

ernce.d within an arm's length of Mr.. (Godkin. . ' It isn't overy fellow than can be boosted into a place of safety like that,' said the exultant lad, steading himself in position. . ' You're in luck,' was the reply of his friend, ' but I think you hlad better give the rhinoeerous the benefit of your single charge.' The huge animal having freed himself of his tormentor by the most acceptable means that the latter could have asked, now stationed himself like a sentinel to watch for a chance to get at one or all of them. " h'How.logg do you suppoao ho will keep that up 1' asked Tom of his friend. - ' It is hard to say ; it may last for several hours, longer than I am willing to stand it.' 't'Well, I'll try a shot at him.: SDo ethe most oxecntion possible.' ' I'll aim for a point back of the shoulder, where I hope to reach his heart.' Tom's elevated position, however, rendered it impossible for him to securo the aim ho wished, the animal persisting also in keeping his hpad turned towards the parties perched in the trees. The lad hold his fire until his friend be came impatient; then he took a quick aim and let drive. . That' he" struck the beast was certain, though he gave slight' evidence of being hurt.. . " He movedhisheadwithsluggishirritability, bmitted a whiffling snort, and turned as if he meant to retreat. - M-Mr.. Godlkin had been waiting for this chance, and in a twinkling he had. dropped from-his perch, ran a few paces and caught up his rifle. o , i t upHe had barely- time-to bring it to his shouldor, when the rhinocerossagaln' swung around, with the urposa of returning to his placo beneath his i?tended victims.- ;':'} -, The motvment. gnvo toe heinti.tlho. &hance ho dosi?ed, and hoefired'the charge in hisgun at the very point'in the bodyof the rhinoceros that he. would lhave selected had he leeon giveonan hour in which to choose. -As before, there was no immnediatoe evidence that the hugo animal' was'struek,' whe in point of facthe was mortally wounded, and within a foew minutes of his death. Turning about, he walked a few steps with his natural steadiness, and then lie was seen to sthgger and hesitate. The next minute ho went down much the same as it load of hay; and was dead. Our friends, who had hastened thither, could not see a wound upon him, nor was a drop of blood visible. ' You know how flabby the hide of a rhinoceros is. A bullot nay pass entirely through his body, but the skin will lap over the wound in such a manneer that it is impossible for the least blood to find its way outside, and the animal bleeds to death inwardly. You will admit that the party had. had some recent stirring experience, but you will observe also that theyworonot securing many curiosities while thus engaged; True, they had already shipped a nmnber to Lucknow, to say nothing of the lion, spit fire, and mouphilon at [adras-enough of themselves to warrant far more outlay than had already been made by my agentos. Tom Bramdford expressed a desire to secure an Indian rlhinoceros to sendhome : but that was clearly impossible, unless they could fortunately find a young one that could be handled without trouble. Since it was out of their power to do anything with a full grown animal of that species, they did not hesitate to give him the contents of their guns when there came a call to do so. The first thing to be attended to was to renew their supply of ammunition, since, as you will remember, all but one or two charges had been used ii firing the powder snno within the internal regions of the crocodile. The party accordingly made their way to the hbt at the wayside, which they had established as their head-quarters, and Jed" who had become a messenger, as may be said, between the hunters and Lucknow, galloped off to the city to obtain thle indispensable supplies. And the next thrilling experience in which they became almost immediately involved was of a nature that no member, of the little bhnd dreamed or suspected. (io ti cosrisceu.)



Chapter LXVII A NEW WEAPON

THEI YOUNG FOLKS.: MY PLUCKY BOY TOM; OR, SEARCHING FOR CUIRIOSITIES IN INDIA FOi? MY SHOW. Bt P. T. BA?m-". CuOtran LXVII.--A NSw WEVao'. The faithful messenger, Jed, required a day and night to rench Lucknow and return, so that our friends, being without the necessary ammunition, were obliged to spendthetimein idleness. Jim, Jack, and Jo seemel to havenequain tauces wherever they went, and they took the day to renew their friendship with parties whom they had not met for a long timeo The native owning the hut busied himself in his usual 'manner, if a man 'can" be said to be busy who does no 'appreciaibl work. About all the labour performed iit that establishment was performed by his sister, the housekeeper, to whom all days were the same. Mr. Oodkin welcomed the hoursof leisure, for the mail brought from Lucknow, repro senting the accumulation of several weeks, required his attention. So he lit his hookah, stretched out in a hammock, and spent a long time in reading and digesting his letters and papers. The most important of these were. the communications from me and my agents, for though my. cablegram sent to Tom Bradford and Mr. Godkinwassuffictint to set the party to work with all energy, yet there weremany suggestions and instructions that followed by maiL These were fortunato 'enough to make a quick passage, and, as I said, there were enough of them to keep my agent in Luck= now busy for a considerable time." ' After reading these, he devoted most of the day to answering them, so that what might be called an of day, proved, after all, to have been one of the busiest of his life. , Among the letters written by Mr. Godk?i was one to me, in which he gave a full and graphio account of his experiences after re celving my instructions in the latter partof November preceling. The most interesting letter, however, was that of Tom Bradford. It must havo taken him the entire forenoon to write it, for it furnishedall the particulars of his adventures, first in the neighbourhood of Lucknow, then away down in the wild district of'the Nizam, and again near Lucknow. From what I have told you about Tom, you will admit that he playcd the ~part of' a here throughout this cuntire experience. SWell, his letter to me was so modest 'in its references to his exploits that I would. never have been able to givoe :you this story which makes up my account of his advcntures in 'India, except for the :letter of Mr. Godkin, which was enthusinatib just where the lad's was silent. Then, too, fully understanding the nature of my pluky young friend, I had all the dataI could nec. " i Before sealing ,his letter, Tom, growing tired of sitting co long and writing with his lead pencil, bade his friends gool-bye for a short time and set out for a stroll. Fortunately for me, the lad left his letter open, for when he returned, he had an ex ceedingly interesting postscript to add.. lie directed his foots psin the direction of Lucknow, but, after walsing less than amile, he turned to the right and followed a less frequented road. This led -through cultivated fields, with jungles so far removed from the highway that nothing was to be feared from the wild beasts, which, as S have shown you, are so abundant inthen: My plucky young friend did not take his rifle with him. Sinco he had discharged the last cartridge, he would have been foolish, to do so, for its weight rendered it quito a burden. Itwas his intention to carry his revolver, but when he stretched out for a short.timo in his hammock, it interfered slightly with his cosisfort, and he laid it aside, purposing to take it up again when he rose, buthaving for gotten it, h was entirely unarmed, if I ex cept the hunting-knife which he always carried with him. This, although contrary tohis rule, caused himno uneasiness,forhodidnotmeantoexpose himself to any danger, no more than may be said to threaten any traveller thronugh the well-settled portions of India, The gentle exercise was so pleasing to the active lad, that he strolled further than he intended. You knew that groves are numerous 'in Iindostan,' tie practice- of. planting them having prevailed there for hundreds of years by wealthy' natives, who hoped thus to pmro ptiate the favour of the supernatural powers by the benevolentaet., SItwas inono of these groves, at the side of the highway, that Tom Bradford sat down to rest himself a little while,; before setting out on his return to the hut of the native, where lr. Godkid was awaiting him. Tom tells me that he had .nob sat long on a fallen tree, when a'strango misgiving came over him. 'Iwonder whether I am tohaveany trouble here.' he said to himself; ' it seenms to me that wherever one goes in India, he is liable to run into some kind of difliellty. 'If it's in tietvillages or towns, it .is. the snakes or may be the ,tige??; if.it's on the streams orrivers, it may be the Thugs ; while in the jungles, it's about everything that a person can think of. ' .. ' Hoe glnced sharply abotut him, but seeing nothing, attributed his nervousness, to tle vivid' consciousness of being unarmed; a condition in which it may be said he had not been since his entry into India., Toinwa'w not drowsy, and it was not: his intentiono to stay long, for it would be nearly dark by the time he rejoined his friend: at the hut where he had left him. .. SYoung as was. my -friend, lie had had enough experience in India to keep his senses about him at all times, and one of the things he had learned was to place 'a great 'dealnof faith in what may be called ,his instincts of danger. SLik' the first iniressibn Wei formn in glanscing at a bank bill, it was generally, more reliable than the conclusion reached by long study and examination. Tom was on the point of rising to -his feet to set out on hisreturn, when a soft,cat-like movement struckhis car, as if made by a serpent gliding over the gr?ss. The younghunter was on his feet in. n instant, glancing sharply about him. 'I suspect it's another cobra,' was hit thought, 'and'I believe I would rather meet any kind of danger than that.' But nothing in the guise of a serpent met his eve, and ihe was wrong in his suspicions. ' If I only lhad my Winchester here-' At this juncture it occnrredl to the lad that it would be a prudent idea to scritihiso the branches overhead, for they often'screen the fiercest of wild beasts: But before he could raise his feyes, some 'ting whisked in front of hIis face, a soft thump followed, and he found himself faco to foe with a cheetah, or humting leopard, that had dropped in front of him. These beasts are held in greater dread by many persons in India than the terrible tigers, besides they are tihe most perfect sneaks known in the animal kingdom. Lacking the strength, cdurage, and feroety of the tiger, they are as stealnthy as cobras in their movcments. Desides, if you will glance at the offcial statement I have copied from a recent nmmber of the 27m,,c of India, you will see that the leopards perform their part in 1 oer Tom was' in a dlistressing situation, being without"rifle or pistol, and face to face with the' most treacherousl of the leopardl kind. lie had Ihis knife, however, and he closed his fingers arounmd the handle, determined to dio fighting if so be Ihis time had come to die. The lad was too wise to turn about n nd runn, for the cheetah, reanding aright his terror, would bound upon his shoulders and tear him to shreds. Nor did he recoil, for that in a lesser degree would amount to the runone thing, and would only delay the inevitable encounter. And at the same time, you do not need to be told that the youngster did not attack the beast, for that wonld have ptrecipitated

the very crisis which he was anxious to avoid. ? Tom Bradford's position was what may be called that of arso I neutrality. It was necessary that he should present an undaunted front to his' enemy, and he did With his hunting-knife drawn and tightly grasped, he assumed the sternest expression possible, and looked straight into the glaring eyes of the cheetah, which was crouching on the ground with its gaze fixed on him. A few seconds later it was evident that the hunting leopard was uneasy over the pair of eyes Ievelled at him. IIHe tried to outstaro the youth, but could not. Hisown ]lancoflitte from side to side in a furtive, hesitating way that left no doubt of his uncomfortable feeling. With the first evidense of this, Tom re called a well-known fact respecting the cheetah and its kind that is, its inability to withstand the power of the human eye. No other animal can hecowed more quickly than he.by the' eagle glance' of man. The power which Van Amburg seemed to possess over all wild beasts, any person of nerve can oxercise over the leopard, and especially the cheetah or hunting leopard. With the recollection of this fact, Tom re gained the confidence that was so shaken by the sight of the beast dropping as if from the sky at his feet in front of him. He did not once remove his gaze, but gave it all the intensity in his power. The cheetah became uneasy ; but instead of retreating, undertook to steal round to thd left, as if to assail the lad on. the flankor from the rear. But the youth turned with him, and he paused, beginning the next moment a .move ment in the opposito direction. Tom continued still to facoe him, and the cheetah was baffled at every point.: The lad felt that the moment had come to press things. Insteadof standing motionless, ho now gradually thrust his head forward, crouched as if hbout to spring, and almost as slowly as the movement of.tho hour hand over the face of tho lock, he advanced upon thocheetah.' ` The latter lay flat on its belly, lashed its tall, growled, and showed' its teeth, but neither advanced nor retreated. k Only for a moment, however, did it re main motionless. The human eye was a now weapon which could not be faced. That terrible weapon was bearing resist lessly down upon it, and itf it remained u minute longer, it would be destroyed. Such must have been the conclusion of thi leopard, for suddenly it wheeled about and scampered into the grove asl.ifa' pack 'I fire erackers had been' tied to its tail an touchid off.. Tom 'Bradford . smiled to think hos fortuiaately ihe had.overcome tho.hostility or this' dangerous creature, and he h decidei that lio"had, stayed loig'enough away fron the hut. ; *My eye served me well enough this time, he said to himself, as he walked homeward 'but it won't do to rely too much upon it The next fol I stumble over may car no mor. for my eye than for my. ear. There's nothing like a good trusty rifle when you are tramping through this part of the world.' Knowing that the ohectah is the prince. ol sneaks, the lad coutinudllvy glanced behine him while moving down the road; but he was disturbed no more by that specimen, which hbd been too thoroughly frightened ti molest him further. Tom. reached the hut without further incident. There he found Mr.' Godkin lazil swinging in his hammock puffing his pipe, and waiting for his young friend to join hin at the evening meal, of which their host hal partaken long before. Jim, Jack, and Jo were still absent, bul were sure to be.on hand in the morning. C : enra? n LXVIII.--IoaLr GA.E. Only afew miles from the scean of the tiger hunt, about which I told you at the beginning of this story Tom Bradford and lir. God-kii accompanied by their sorvants, Jim, Jo, and Jack, halted on the edge of a broad, grassy plain, beyond which stretched another vast expanse of jungle, wherein, ns matter of course, were countless birds, beasts and' reptiles, the haeting of which might have kept the party busy until they sueo cumbed 'with old ago--unless, what was more probable, some of the denizens of the jungle took the one effective moans of pro. vcntihg them from dying of longevity. SThey had seen elephants, leoards, pythons and narrowly missed another tiger fight. ' , But the latter specimen was more. anxious to avoid than to bring about 'an, encounter, hnd took himself off so hastily in tihe jungle that it was impossible to followi'hiri: Neither : Mr. Godkin nor' Toni- felt, very eager to overtake him, wisely concluding that since they-had secured tho~ kitte :and had had a pretty fortunatb'escape, it was wiser te pay more attention to other kinds'of curiosi ties.. I need not tell you that the' party were fully supplied with ammunition and all that was necessary to push their search with vigour and success.' " Having to travel a considerablo distance ti reach the hunting ground, the white members of the, party rodo their pbnies' while the natives, as usual, went afoot, Jed remaininl behind for the time being. ' The afternoon was about half gone, and the tenmperature was growing quite pleas?t, when Jack, who had 'been prowling in the neighbourhobd of the camp, brought in word that an immense wild boar passed along' the edge of the plain, and could not be far off. SHe "would give us royal hunting,' re marked Mr. Godkin, 'if 'we were only in 'shape for him.' W~'Vhat do you mean ? ' : ' Imean if .wo had' the' right kind' o weapons.,' .:_ ..... " 'beliove tho rule is to hiinttho"wild boar with a short, strong spear, made specially for the purposdo! " ' : .... . . , i' "Ys;, no real sportsman hunts in- any other way; anid h'ois the "animal that makes the liveliest kind of fun.- You have neves had any experience with 'a wild'boar, and may not know that he is the only gamoe that ovbrslhdw?a anything like chivalry for a Tom looked inquiringly at his friendi S' If a, hunter, during his fight with'a boar, explained MLr. Godkin,"' happens to be flung to the ground, the boar not infroquently re fuses to disturb him.' '.In other words, lie won't hit a manwhen, h isdowsn.' '. ' ' This seems a strange fact, b;ut I,lmew it traitlfh frbm experience, and buit for the for bearamieo of the animal Iwodid'f niot" be her this minute. ie was the same follow that6I aw soniao time beforeu backed up 'aginist 'a tree, defying a couple f leopards that dared ' I managed' the spear,' said Mr.?:'Godldn' ' so that in accordance with the rule the boat ran upon it, but he was not much hurt, and the next thing I knew he drove his twelve inchl tusks' clean to. the hilt in my horse': belly and ripped the life out'of hiun. I wa: sent fltin to the ground, ivherd I was sc stunned t lsat I lay senseless' for several minutes. As soon as I was able to under' stand matters, I' looked up and saw my horse stretchedl dead only a few paces off, while the hoar was calmly standing near, waiting for me to rise; so that he might set upon me again. 'Theo fellow was too manly to attack me wlille I was hIelpless, when he might have done so alnd finished me in shortorder. Well, I needn't tell yeou I didn't try to get up in Ia huary.. One surveyo of that tremendous fellow was enough to keep me lying still until he grow impatient and trotted off. ' I am glad to hear he got away,' said Tom, with a aInugh, 'for any animsal that would show such a spirit deserved to get away. 'lYes, and I am sure he felt less effeeto from tie scrimmage than I did, for I wans stiff and sore for a fortnight, while the serailng lhe got from nmy spear couldn't have troubled himn much.' You may be siure that Tom Bradford wao ready for unytlhing that promised a stirring advenitlare, beside which tlhe'wild boar is so different fromn the kind of game he lhad en countered up to this tinme that the promiso of a novel change was specially attractive. lar. Godkin and lhe, therefore, mounted tlheir ponies, aiind rode toward the spot where it was reported the #ld boar had ern seen.

' Since there 'was no likelihood that. the natives would be called upon to take part in the hunt, they stayed behind in camp. By rising to their feet, however, they could look a long way over the grassy plain, and observe the manouvres of the horsemen, if they should be fortunate enough to start the wild boar. .Mr. Godkin at first was inclined to arm himself and companion with the spears that the natives used, but they were so long and slender, that they were ill-fitted for the pur pose ; beside which, Tom was so unaccustomed to their use, that he could feel no confidence in them, and they were likely to prove a hindrance rather than a help. Furthermore, Mr. Godkin thought it doubt ful about their seeing the wild boar at all. These brutes, as they grow older, do not associate with the herds of wild bogs, but ibrowse by themselves. If- Tom should be fortunate enough to catch sight of 'a boar, his intention was to ride as closely as possible and take a shot at him. If the bullet were well aimed, he might bring down the game, but the chances were against his success. Riding out to thoeedge of the grassy plain, therefore, the friends halted side by side, while both looked over the tract with the penetrating eyes of true sportsmen. (vs Da: covriTcoD.l



Chapter LXVIII. (CONTINUED.)

THE YOUNG FOLKS. MY PLUCKY-BOY TOI ; OR, SEARCHING FOR CURIOSITIES IN INDIA FOBi MtY SHOW. Bx P. T. DBAxmr. Cat?n:r. LXVIII. (Co: L:Truc.) ' Yonder,' said Mr Godkin, indicating a clump of trees on the edge of the jungle, ' grows a species of nut, of which the wild bour is very fond. It is the time of the year when the ,ints fall, and I am sure if this fel low has been here quite recently, he will soon be back, if indeed lhe is not there now.' ' Unless I'm mi.ntaiken,' said Tom speaking slowly, and using his bright eyes with all the power at his command, ' there is something moving in the gress on the further side; tell mle what you muake of it.' ' It's the boar, as sure as we're alive ! WVo're in luck to-day.' ' That remains to be seen. Iow shall we proceed ' ' You may ride towards the trees, while I will take a course parallel with thojungle.' ' What is the reason for that?' ' I want to give you the first chance. You have never had any fun with a wild boar, while I have. If you need any help in closing accounts with this one, I'll give what I can.' Tom appreciated the consideration of Lis friend, who had shown the same disposition more than once before. With a confidence born of what he had already passed through, the lad felt no misgiving of the result, so uar as it concerned limself. It stnruck Tom that, if he drove the animal from beneath the trees, he would dart into the jungle, where it was impossible to follow him on lorseback, or on foot with any pros pect of overtaking him. The wild boar can trot with amazing swiftness, and ai few minutes must decide whether the plan of campaign adopted by our friends was a wise one. The lad had ridden but a short distance, when he saw that the boar was really under the trees, pushing his snout over the ground among the grass in quest of .the nuts of which he was so fond. It was not until the hunter was within three or four rods that the boar becameaware of his approach. Thou he throw up his head, and, with his month half full of the fruit, stared at the intruder. He was a formidable beast indeed, and Ton, checking his pony, surveyed him several minutes with wonder, not unmixed with admiration. Of course you have seen thousands of pigs. They belong to the sldx family, which in cludes also peccaries and wart hogs. I have had specimens of these innmyehowfor somany years, that you do not riluire anything in the way of description. The wild boar, which is the favorite game in Germany, is covered with long, coarse bristles; stands high on hislegs ; is generally gaunt of frame, with sharp, elongated snout and tusks, which sometimes grow to the length of sixteen or eighteen inches. These tusks form fearfulweaponsof attack. They curve upward and backward from the lower jaw, projecting outside of each upper raw, and may be compared to keen sword blades in the hands of an ambidextrous person with the power of a giant, for the stren of the wild boar almost surpasses For a full minute Tom Bradford and the gigantic wild boar confronted each other, staring as if anxious to take the other's measure. The intelligent pony, which had displayed great intelligence and nerve on more than one occasion, took part in the staring busi ness, and it was plain that he held the boar in wholesome fear. He must have known something of the creature's prowess, for it is a fact that a wild boar when he meets a tiger in the jungle, often compels him to yield the path. When Itell you this, I have said enough to convince you of the formidable charecter of the royal game. When you read about the great Iraiser William of Germany engaging in a sport with his attendants and bagging several wild boars, don't commit the mistako of supposing herides out and engages the animals in a fair fight, Tho German people love theis good ruler too much to permit him to run any such risk as that. The hog is not an intelligent brute, buat the boar did not have to stare long at Tom Bradford to grasp the situation. The Iight of a second horseman, further out on the plain, was too suggestive for the boar to mistake its meaning. With a whifting grunt he started off on a trot. Instead of entering the jungle, as Tom feared he would do, he took a course parallel and so close to it that, had hechosen to do so, he could have plunged among the trees at any instant. It seemed to Tom as he galloped after the game, that it looked like anything except a wild boar. He was tall and gaunt, and with such long legs that he could have been easily mistaken for some other animal. There was no mistake in this case, how ever. Glancing along his thin hatmehes as he trotted leisurely away, his enormous tusks could be seen curling up in front of his eyes, with the tough, pointed snout which could belong to no other animal. Although the brute was trotting easily and Tom's pony was galloping, the lad was sur prised to notice that hoe was not gaining in the least. He, therefore, spurred his steed to a sharper pace.. This lessened the distance so fast, that in a few.minutes Tom, believing that-he had. reached the right point, brought his gun to his shoulder and blazed away. " . : ?ore than likely he hit the target, though if such were the fact, the boar gave no evi dence of it, but continued his usual trot, neither faster nor slower. It was probable the ball struck some part of the snout or head, and glanced off with out drawing blood. SIf you can got in fifteen or twenty more shots like that,' shouted Mr. Godkin, 'maybe you can persuade him to pay some attention to you.', Tom thought it dignified to pretend he did not hear this disrespoetful remark, though he smiled to himnelf, feeling that his friend was entitled to his own fun. A second' cartrid"o wasB quickly in place, and he made ready for another shot. But during the brief spell required to get his gan ready, the pony had slackoned hii pace, aiid, ais a consequence, the boar was further off tlhan before; the intervening" space must be much decreased, and Tom spnrred his horeso forward. As he did so he observed a fact which con 'iniedhin thernwas little chance of gaining the covectd shot after all. . Cnarean. LXIX.-A Wo.onnru- r Runa. Tho grassy plain;,. over:whlich all parties wor~ohastcning, termiuated not far off, the jungls sweephig around : in.,fronti so that unless theo game wasv brought down before the termination .was reached, he was.likely to got away altogether. . STom Bradford, therefore, devoted a minute or twoo to placing .hinself closer to the onimal. TThe pony, in accordancc'- .with:a habit he haod formed, slackened his pac and shwred a disposltion to draw off after his ridor fired..-; *. ! .",.'-... . I Thisprobably'was on the theooy that the hunter:astrido of him required ol a single shot .to :bring down his game.. hsfatth was no doubt .complimoentary to the hunter himself, biut, as yon.will perceive, it had its dlsadvantagos.. . Thoe horso was also quick to comprehend his duty, nd .now that heo was headel toward the bear once more, hlo did his level best, gradRhally bat surely lessening the space sepnranting himn from lhis wiftly fleeiinggieme. '-Don!t aim at his hindil leg this timo I, called Mfr. Godkin, 'for ihe can rm on three legs as well as four.' Tom, rmude no reply, for hle could think of none that promieed to silence his friendd; he had enoughl to look after the gamne, whilch was likely to get sway aftoroll. Dtepte toall the pony could do, it was not until the boar reached the further edge of the plain that Tom felt hin-'if nigh enough to risk another ch;.. Ha was ouly a trifle

further off than before, when he levelled his rifle and fired again. To his mortification, the pony at that instant half stumbled over some obstruction in his path, so disturbing the aim of the rider that he knew, without looking, that he had missed entirely. ' Well done ' shouted his tormentor, whose laugh rang across the plain ; that shot didn't go more than ten feet above his hiead. Can't we coax the follow to stand still a minute Swhile you poke your gem into his eart' 'It's too la?s now,' replied Tom, checuking i his horse, as he saw that the boar was close to the end of the plain ; 'but your gun is loaded; suppose you shbow s how to do it.' Tomn was looldking at Mr. Godkin, who instantly began gesticulating in a way that showed he was greatly excited over sonle r thing. 'tht is not too late,' lihe called back; ' load quick ! you've got a better chance now than before.' The lad turned his head, and saw to his amazement that the boar, instead of taking refuge in the jungle, had turned eluarely about and was coming back over the same route lie had just followed. But the lad's grm was unloaded, and his pony come to ia full stop. Nothing could be done until a new eartridge was put in place, and lie set about repai:tg his forgetfulness with all haste. This compelled the young hunter to with. draw his attention for the moment from the boar. Brief as was the time required to recharge his weapon, hI had not yet finished doing so when sMr. Godkin, who was riding toward him, called: 'Look out, Tonm ! he's coining for youn ' A glance showed the youth that Ihis friend spoke the truth. The boar had wheeled about, not with the purpose of keeping up his flight, but to punish the parties that lhad presumed to molest hLim while peacefully groping for dis dinner. Running alongside the jungle until oppo site the point where Tom had halted, he turned sharply to the right, and, with his head lowered, charged upon the horseman at full speed, coming with such a cyclone rush that he was upon the terrified pony before the latter could gather himself for flight. In accordance with what scenis a naturtl instinct with the boar, he ran his head directly beneath the horse, with the intention of disembowelling him by an upward flirt of those fearful tusks ; but, in his rage, he drove his snout beyond the steed, so that when it was flung aloft it missed the body of its victim, and the blado-liko ivories clove empty air instead of flesh and bone. But the swing of the head lifted the pony entirely off his feet, and he fell. broadside across the neck of the boar, kicking and striving frantically to freeo imself from the brute beneath him. And now took place something which seems incredible, but which I assure you is actual fact; and, furthermore, that to my own personal knowledge this strangeincident does not stand alone. Tom had flung down his rifle, and he strove to leap from the backof his horse; but before ihe could do so, the latter had fallen, and tho bs;y' foot was caught inextrioably in tie stirrup. Thus it was that the boar supported on his neck not only the full weight of the kicking pony, but thatof the rider also, and holding them there he resumed a swift trot, as though the ineumbrance caused him no incon venieneo. It was a strango sight upon which Mir. Godkin looked, though his astonishment was not great, for he was familiar with the vast strength of the wild boar. The pony lay on his side across the neck of the boar, with Tom Bradford also entangled, the two held in place by some means that the hunter could not understand. To Mr. Godkin, the only plausible explana tion was that the boar had driven histusks so deeply into thesido of the horse that he was impaled and held inmovably there; but unless the gentleman, who was making all haste toward the spot, was mistaken, appearances indicated that the steed was uninjured. The distance at the least was fully two hundred yards, and incredible as the statement may seem, the boar trotted it all, carrying the pony and Tom Bradford all the way. Mrie. Godkin was frantic lest his young friend should be killed. Leaping from his own saddle, he ran forward with the intention of planting a bullet back of the boar's foreleg, but the risk of hitting either the pony or the rider was too great, and he held tis fire. The natives, from their position on the edgo of the plan, saw that something serious was amiss, and hurried to the aid of their friends; shouting, brandishing their spears aloft, and eager to do all they could to help the imperilled youth in whose powers they held ouch unlimited faith. They were so far off, however, that they could not iossibly arrive in time to give any nasistance. To Mr. Godkin it looked as if Tom's chief danger was from the hoofs of thohorso, which were not still for an instant. Indeed, the vigour with which the pony kept np his struggles was proof that he could not be very badly hurt. ' 1ut on the very edge of thoplain, the pony managed finally to fight himsolf.fteo, and lihe went tothe ground, tholad going with him. The boar gave no farther attention to either, but without increasing dr diminishing his pace, trotted into the jungle and disap peared... - o'. . .. "Vhile the horse was clambering to his feet in a bewildered way Mr. Godken ran for. ward and bent over tise boy, who lay so still that he fearedho was dangerouslw hurt. !.Are . you. suffering, . Tom 1. he asked tenderly.. ' :·,- •.... . ' No ; I'm bruised a little, but I don't think anybones are broken;. help. me to shako my selftdgether.' . -;:. . With thUeo assistance of his companion lie was soon on his feet, and began what might be called an inventory of himself. His hat 'was gone, and his. clothing pre sented a sorry appearance; but it was just like Tom, after finding no bones broken, to lookup in the face of M?r. Godkin, and with a quizzical expression ask: (ow is the boar getting along?' 'I don't thiul he has a scratch oi him: and he seoem?d to be in the enjoyment of his ususd health lwhen I saw him last.' ' I'm glad to hessr tshat, for I had some fear that I might have caused hin a littloe annoyance.' 1 'I'm quite sure he is not aware of it.' The next question, whichl ought to hIave been the first, was as to how the pousy had come out of hIis rough experience. It was evident, too, that he was not badly hurt, for he had got upon hiL feet and was skurrying acroes the plain, Islr, mane, bridle and stirrups flying, while Ies snorted whit fright. Surely if ever horse was warranted in going on a ponie itwis he. [lut he wans heading towarld the three natives, runuing to thohelp of their msisters. Seeing him comning, they spreid out over the plain; and, as ho wiass weil-t~rinbd steed, he suffered himself.to b caught'"hby'Jak,' who fourid his so weak and trembling that he could hardly stand.. ' Wlien, however, the native.s nidcrtiok to lead him ,back to .whisre his owntr was standing, ho refiised to move. His usage iu tlhat part of the pliin wee such that hie was not anxious to receive any moro of tlhe same. ;Accordingly I3ack remained . with him, while his companions hurried forward.. : '?Vell,' nlaughed Mr. Godkin, unspeak ably relieved to find that Tom Imad not been injured, ' what do yoi thinle of the wild boar as. game to be lsunteil 1' SI know one of them thlat is able to ]hold his owni against me sit lIst.' ' es, and againsst ]Ihlf a dozen. I am astonished that hie failed to kill your pony. ' So I judge the poony must be, for he dloesn't seem to be hurt, is viewed frontu A few mninutes Ilier they reached t] o spot where Jalck was holding the horse, which was rapiidly recovering from its fright, s un uexamitnationioueyued the pleas ing fset that the steed lsad autiferd no snore than Iis master. SHis glossy hide was riuled somewhat, and

doubtless he was bruised, but he moved about without any signs of lameness, though he kept glancing toward the spot where he had parted company with the boar, as though he wished to keep as far away from it as he could. ' It was the boar's ardour to kill the pony that saved him,' remarked Mir. Godkin; 'he drove his head forwerd with such fieroenoes that he overshot the milk.' ' But he had onlv to draw bnak a step or two to cut the horse fatally,' ?tlggestel Tomh. 'I wonder that he did not do si; but having got you both on his neck, he was willing to give you a ifree ride.' 'It's the kind of ride I wouldn't take again for all the curiosities we have gathered for Mr. Barnum. No one can imagino my feelings during those two or three minutes when the boar was running along under inm with the pony on top.' ' I fearelhe would kick your brains out.' 'IIe came mighty near it, and I can't understand why lie did not. 3My foot weas caught in such a way that I couldn't possibly get it out of the stirrup, though I nearly wrenched it off trying.' 'His whole weight was not upon you ?' ' It could not have been, though I felt as if mty breast was crushed in by the mountainohu weight bearing me down. I fought and kicked, too, but cold see nothing lainly, and it was all a blind struggle for ' But you did get your foot loose.' ' When the pony toppled off, he usit have twisted the stirrup in such a way that my foot drew out. By that time overythinig wasa looking dark, and you saw I was a little dazed when you came up.' ' It was most providential that you were not killed outright.' ' I fooel that, and I shall thank Heaven as long as I live for preserving monotonly from this peril but from the others bywhich 7 have been threatened.' * It is better to be boren plucky than rich,' was the truthful remark of 'Mr.' Godkin. ' I judge wo have had eaough, huntinggfor some time.' y ;; ;Pr '[Tom,"'r. Godlin, Athoor, Zhip, and one or two natives landed one fine morning in New York harbour with a wealth of curiosi ties from that land of strange crcatures, India. To recapitulate the manyhairbreadth sescapes of our friends and. their captives by land and sea would fill many more of our colunms, and we have contented ourselves with selecting some of the most stirring adventures chronicled by the "IPrince of Showmen," Mr. Barnum. L"My Plucky Boy Tom," if published in the orthodox book form, would make one of the most interesting and instructive narratives of adventure, pluck, determination and judgment that could be placed in the hands of youthful readers.]