Chapter I: Preface

"BOYS OF THE FORT" is a complete story in itself, but forms the fifth volume of a line of works issued under the general title of "Flag of Freedom Series."

In penning this tale I had it in mind to acquaint my young readers with the ins and outs of military life at one of our Western forts of to-day, showing what both officers and privates are called upon to do, and what troubles the Indians and the bad men of that locality are still in the habit of making. The field is one about which little has been written, although abounding in interest, and one which is worthy the attention of all who have the proper development of our country at heart.

To some, certain scenes in this book may appear overdrawn, yet such is far from being the case. In this wild territory there are those who have lived all their lives beyond the pale of civilization, men who grow up dwarfed and crooked in mind, and who resent every effort made to better their condition.

The young captain is a fine specimen of the wide-awake American army officer, yet he is no more brave and dashing than are thousands of others, officers and privates, who serve under our Flag of Freedom. He is trained to do his duty, and he simply does it, regardless of possible consequences.

Once more I take this opportunity to thank my young friends for the kindness with which they have received my former stories, and I earnestly hope this present tale merits equal commendation.

CAPTAIN RALPH BONEHILL.

_July 1, 1901._

CONTENTS.

I. BOUND FOR THE FORT

II. CAVES IN THE MOUNTAIN

III. AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION

IV. LOST IN THE FOREST

V. THE BIG BLACK BEAR

VI. DARRY MAKES A DISCOVERY

VII. AT HANK LEESON'S CABIN

VIII. THE STEALING OF THE HORSES

IX. ARRIVAL AT THE FORT

X. THE RESULT OF A SWIM

XI. SOMETHING ABOUT DRILLING

XII. DEER HUNTING

XIII. A FISH AND A SNAKE

XIV. OVER THE MOUNTAIN TOP

XV. THE RESULT OF A HURRICANE

XVI. CAPTAIN MOORE'S ADVENTURE

XVII. THREE PRISONERS

XVIII. BENSON PUTS SOME MEN IN A HOLE

XIX. ESCAPING IN THE DARKNESS

XX. SOMETHING ABOUT WHITE OX

XXI. A TRICK OF THE ENEMY

XXII. IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY

XXIII. A PANTHER IN CAMP

XXIV. THE SKIRMISH IN THE BRUSH

XXV. A LUCKY MEETING

XXVI. THE ENEMIES WITHIN THE FORT

XXVII. SIGNALS AND WHAT FOLLOWED

XXVIII. THE DEMANDS OF THE ENEMY

XXIX. OPENING OF THE BATTLE

XXX. SIGNALS IN THE DARK

XXXI. BURNING OF THE STOCKADE

XXXII. RELIEF AT LAST--CONCLUSION

List of Illustrations

DEFENDING THE FORT.

"NOW DARRY'S RIFLE SPOKE UP, AND THE BEAR WAS HIT AGAIN"

"AT LAST HE PUT THE GUNS IN THEIR HANDS AND LET THEM MARCH WITH THE PIECES."

"HE LEAPED BETWEEN THEM AND CAUGHT THEIR RIFLES."

BOYS OF THE FORT.