Chapter XVII

THE SHOEMAKER WHO ROSE TO BE REAR-ADMIRAL OF ENGLAND.

Cloudesley Shovel was born at or near Cley, a small town on the north coast of Norfolk, about the year 1650. At that time Cley, which is about ten miles west from Cromer, had a good harbour, and a considerable shipping trade; but the harbour has been since silted up, and the rising generation of the place in this age are not brought so directly into contact with ships and maritime affairs as young Shovel, who was named Cloudesley in homage to a rich relative from whom the family had great expectations, which were not realised.

The boy was sent to learn the art and craft of shoe-making and mending, which did not accord with his inclination, and, from which he ran away,--and, offering his services to Sir John Narborough, was accepted by that famous seaman, and served as his cabin-boy. Sir John had himself commenced his naval career as cabin-boy to Sir Christopher Myngs, and probably took kindly to the runaway youngster, from that fellow-feeling which makes one wondrous kind. The lad showed great affection and respect to Sir John, who had him thoroughly instructed in navigation and other branches of useful knowledge. He proved an apt and diligent pupil, and became in due time an able and thoroughly capable seaman.

Sir John Narborough was the ever-ready and generous patron of merit, and had sufficient influence to obtain for his apprentice a lieutenant’s commission. Shovel served in this rank at the close of the second Dutch war.

The pirates of Algiers and Tripoli greatly harassed the traders of our own and other countries with the Levant, and a squadron was sent out in 1675, under the command of Sir John Narborough, to chastise their insolence, and, if possible, put an end to their predacious practices. Sir John found the corsairs in great force, and ready to give him a warm reception. The Algerines and the Tripolines combined in their defence, had their war ships in position, protected by the guns of the fort. Sir John had been instructed to try negotiation in preference to force, and, in view of the strength of the confederates, thought it might be well to at least attempt to obtain treaty promises of amendment by diplomacy, although he had little hope of a satisfactory result from this method. He despatched Lieutenant Shovel to the Dey of Tripoli as his representative. The Dey, despising the youthful ambassador, treated his message with contempt, which Shovel duly reported to his commander. He was sent back with a second message, and was received with even greater discourtesy than on the first occasion. He bore all patiently, however; appearing to be quite cool and unobservant, at the same time noting the number and disposition of the pirate ships. Returning to Sir John, he duly reported the insolent reception he had received, and added to the report a strong recommendation that a night attack should be made upon the enemy, with the object of burning their ships, stating his readiness to conduct the expedition. His recommendation was adopted, and at midnight on the 4th March, Lieutenant Shovel at the head of the boats of the English fleet, well manned, and well supplied with inflammable materials, put off, with muffled oars, from their own ships, and, stealthily approaching the pirates, boarded and set them on fire,--leaving them a blaze to light them back to their own vessels. This brilliant service Shovel accomplished without suffering the loss of a single man on the English side. The corsairs destroyed included the _White Eagle_ of fifty guns, the _Mirror_ of thirty-six guns, the _Sancta Clara_ of twenty-four guns, and another ship of twenty guns, besides smaller vessels. The Tripolines were struck with amazement by this successful action, and sued for peace. When an attempt to treat was made, however, they refused to accede to the proposed terms, so far as regarded making good the losses that had been sustained by the English. Sir John cannonaded the town, but produced little effect. He drew off to a place about twenty leagues distant, where he destroyed a vast magazine of timber, stored for shipbuilding, but still failed to reduce the pirates, and sailed to Malta, whence, after staying a short time, he returned suddenly, and renewed his attack with so much spirit and success that the enemy were glad to conclude a peace on the terms that Sir John had proposed. Shortly after this, a number of the corsairs’ ships that had been at sea plying their nefarious vocation, returned to port. They repudiated his treaty and deposed the Dey for having made it, and continued the perpetration of their lawless practices. Again Sir John returned, this time with a force of eight frigates, which arriving before Tripoli, commenced a vigorous cannonade, and so battered the place as to make the inhabitants eagerly sue for peace. Peace was, for the time, concluded, and the authors of the late disturbances were brought to punishment. Lieutenant Shovel took a leading part in these actions.

In 1676, Shovel, whose conduct was warmly reported upon and commended by Sir John Narborough, was given the command of the _Sapphire_, and not long after of a larger ship, the _James Galley_, in which he continued till the death of Charles II.

Captain Shovel was not a pronounced politician, but such leaning as he had was in the opposite direction to the Jacobite side. King James thought it to his interest, doubtless, to conciliate and employ such an able commander, and appointed him to the command of the _Dover_, which he held when the Revolution took place in 1688. He closed heartily with the new Government, to which he rendered active and successful service, that brought him rapid promotion. He was in the first naval action in this reign, the battle of Bantry Bay, in 1689, in which he commanded the _Edgar_. In this action his valour and activity were so conspicuous as to lead the king to confer upon him the honour of knighthood. During the winter of 1689 he was employed in cruising on the coast of Ireland, to prevent the enemy from landing recruits. Here he received advice that several ships of war, French and Irish, were in Dublin Bay, where, at low water, they lay on the sands. Sir Cloudesley immediately stood for the bay, in which he noticed an English ship of good size, a French man-of-war, and several other ships filled with soldiers. These forces were not sufficient to deter Sir Cloudesley, who determined to destroy the ships, in sight of King James’s capital and of a powerful garrison. He left the flag-ship, and went on board the _Monmouth_ yacht. At a little more than half-flood, with the _Monmouth_, two hoys belonging to men-of-war, a ketch, and the pinnaces, he passed over the bar with dashing bravery. The Irish fleet cut their cables, and sailed as close in shore as the sands would permit, and fired a few shots at the threatening force, calling also for assistance from the Dublin garrison. Sir Cloudesley, despite the fire of the ships, and the shower of bullets from King James’s militia, pressed forward, and as soon as he was near enough, signalled the fire-ship to advance. The soldiers deserted the largest ship, and those on board the others ran them aground. Sir Cloudesley ordered the boarding of the largest ship, the _Pelican_, of twenty guns, and directed her load to be lightened, which was done, and the ship was towed away, to the confusion of the witnesses ashore. The _Pelican_ was the largest man-of-war then in King James’s possession. It had been taken by the Scots the previous year from the French, on the occasion of their having conducted forces to the assistance of the Highlanders, then in rebellion. In turning out of the bay, the wind, which had veered, drove one of the hoys aground. At the lowest ebb the hoy was upon dry ground; thousands of people crowded the strand, King James and his guards amongst them. Cloudesley’s crews remained in their boats, ready for any encounter. The Irish battalions discharged a volley or two, which were warmly returned. As soon as the rising tide permitted, the English left the bay with their prize, very much to the chagrin of King James and his adherents.

In June 1690, Sir Cloudesley was appointed to convey King William and his army to Ireland. In this service he had command of five men-of-war, six yachts, and a large number of transport vessels. Unfavourable weather was encountered, but the landing of the whole force at Carrickfergus, on the 14th June, was successfully accomplished. The king was so highly pleased with the skill and dexterity displayed by Sir Cloudesley in this difficult transport service, as to promote him to be rear-admiral of the blue, and he delivered the commission with his own hands.

On the 10th July the king received information that the enemy intended to send a fleet of frigates into St. George’s Channel to burn the transport ships, and Shovel was ordered to cruise off Scilly, or in such other station as he should think best for frustrating this design, and to send scouts east and west to gain intelligence respecting the movements of the French fleet. Nothing remarkable came of this cruise. The remainder of 1690 was spent by Sir Cloudesley chiefly in cruising, till he was appointed to join Sir George Rooke’s squadron, which escorted the king to Holland in January 1691. All the services of Sir Cloudesley were not alike brilliant, but all were well intended, and his courage and sincerity were never questioned. His promotion by the king, in the spring of 1692, to be rear-admiral of the red, gave general satisfaction. On his return from Holland in that year, Sir Cloudesley joined Admiral Russel with the grand fleet, and had a great share in the danger, and a deserved share in the glory attaching to the famous naval battle off La Hogue.

The combined fleet sailed from Spithead on the 18th May 1692. Admiral Russel, in the red squadron, had his flag on board the _Britannia_ of 100 guns; his vice and rear admirals were Sir Ralph Delaval in the _Royal Sovereign_ and Sir Cloudesley Shovel in the _London_, each of 100 guns. The blue squadron was commanded by Sir John Ashby in the _Victory_ of 100 guns; his vice-admiral was Sir George Rooke in the _Windsor Castle_ of 90 guns, and his rear-admiral, Richard Carter, in the _Albemarle_ of 90 guns. The English fleet comprised 63 ships carrying 4504 guns and 27,725 men, to which was united a Dutch fleet of 36 ships under Admiral Allemonde, carrying 2494 guns and 12,950 men. Total, 99 ships, 6998 guns, 40,675 men. The French fleet consisted of 63 ships of war, of which 55 carried from 104 to 60 guns each, and 8 from 58 to 50 guns each. In addition the French had 7 smaller vessels, 26 ships _armée en flute_, and 14 others; in all, 110 vessels. The design of the French was the restoration of James to the English throne.

On the 18th May the fleet sailed from Spithead, the most powerful, probably, that had ever assembled in the reign of the wooden walls of England. On the morning of the 19th the French fleet was sighted to the westward. At 8 A.M. the line of battle was formed, the Dutch in the van, Admiral Russel in the centre, and Sir John Ashby in the rear. At 11.30 the French flag-ship, the _Soleil Royal_ of 104 guns, opened fire upon the English admiral’s flag-ship, the _Britannia_. The light air of wind having died away, the rear division was prevented from closing with the enemy; the red division bore accordingly the brunt of the battle. The _Soleil Royal_ was so shattered as to have to cease firing, and was towed out of the action. About noon a dense fog came on, and the firing consequently ceased. The fog continued till the evening, and the weather being calm, the ships drifted with the tide, and got considerably mixed, friends and foes, so as to make firing dangerous as touching unintentional billets for the bullets. The rear of the English fleet became partially engaged from about 7 till 9.30 P.M. After the day’s action the allied fleet stood to the north-west, and on the following day proceeded in chase of the enemy. The ships that escaped capture or destruction took refuge in the harbour of La Hogue, which gave the name to the glorious action. Sixteen French sail of the line were captured or destroyed by the English. In the action on the 19th, and the subsequent pursuit of the defeated enemy, Sir Cloudesley’s activity and valour were conspicuous; his ship fought in superb style, and he was entitled to the principal share of such credit as attached to burning the French ships of war.

The next notable action in which Sir Cloudesley took part was one of the few that have detracted from England’s glory and renown as “mistress of the seas.” In the battle of Beachy Head the glory was appropriated by the Dutch; if shame attached to any party in the contest it was to the English; but for mismanagement or failure Sir Cloudesley was in no degree responsible. He was responsible for the handling and fighting of the ships under his command, but had to take the orders of his admiral for the plan of action. In June 1690 the French fleet, under the Count de Tourville, embracing seventy-eight men-of-war, chiefly of large size, and carrying an aggregate of four thousand seven hundred guns, with twenty-two fire-ships, sailed from Brest, with the intention of creating a diversion in favour of King James, and, with this view, made a descent upon the coast of Sussex. Intelligence having reached Spithead of the enemy’s approach, the British fleet, under the Earl of Torrington, put to sea on the 21st June, and soon came in sight of the French. The English were joined by a Dutch squadron of twenty-two large ships, under Vice-Admiral Evertsen. On the 30th, at daylight, Admiral Torrington signalled to bear up in line abreast; and the Dutch in the van bore down with their characteristic bravery, and did not bring to until closely engaged with the French van at about 9 A.M. The blue squadron, following the example of their allies, gallantly attacked the rear of the French; but the centre, under the command of Lord Torrington, hung back, and did not close with the enemy. The French, taking advantage of the backwardness of the red division, kept their wind, and, passing through the wide opening in the line, completely cut off the Dutch squadron, that still, however, kept up the fight with dogged bravery. The fight lasted throughout the day, and at 5 P.M. the allied fleets anchored, but at 9 weighed anchor, and retreated eastward. One English ship, and three of the Dutch ships, were destroyed or sunk. The Earl of Torrington was tried by court-martial for his conduct of this action, and acquitted.

In September 1694, Sir Cloudesley sailed with a frigate squadron for an attack on Dunkirk. Commodore Benbow was in command of the smaller ships of the squadron, and had with him a Mr. Meesters, and a number of infernal machines invented by him; he had also a number of Dutch pilots. On the 12th September, the fleet, consisting of thirteen English and Dutch men-of-war ships, two mortar vessels, and seventeen machines, and small craft, arrived before Dunkirk, and on the 13th commenced the attack with the boats, and two of the machines, which were to be directed by the engineer, assisted by the pilots. The first machine took fire before it had reached near enough to damage the enemy, and the second machine was caught by piles the French had driven to obstruct the approach. Sir Cloudesley found Dunkirk too strong for the appliances at present at his command. He sailed for Calais, which he shelled, and destroyed a large number of houses. He was interrupted in this occupation by a gale of wind, and returned with his fleet to the Downs.

In 1703, Sir Cloudesley was sent on special service to Vigo, to look after and bring home the spoil of the French and Spanish fleets that fell to Sir George Rooke in the previous year. In this action, seven French ships, with 334 guns and 2030 men, were burnt and otherwise destroyed, and ten ships were taken by the English and Dutch, the total loss of the French being seventeen ships, carrying 960 guns and 5832 men, and, in addition, some Spanish galleys. Sir Cloudesley, left in charge of the prizes, succeeded in rescuing a large portion of the treasure from the sunken galleons, and recovered the _Dartmouth_, a fifty-gun ship, that had been captured in the previous war. He also took out of some of the French ships, which were lying aground severely damaged, fifty brass guns, and a larger number of guns from the shore defence. Before leaving the port (Vigo), he completed the destruction of every ship he could not tow away.

In 1704, Sir Cloudesley served under Sir George Rooke in the Mediterranean, and in 1705 was promoted to be Rear-Admiral of England, and shortly afterwards made Commander-in-chief of the British fleets. In 1705 he co-operated with the Earl of Peterborough in taking Barcelona.

Sir Cloudesley, having determined to open the passage of the bar, where the French were strongly entrenched, directed Sir John Norris, with four English and one Dutch ship, to sail into the river. They advanced to within musket-shot of the enemy’s works. He opened a well-directed fire, and the cavalry, with the greater portion of the infantry, taken by surprise, and quite unprepared for the sudden attack, quitted the camp. Sir Cloudesley, noticing this, ordered Sir John to land with the sailors and marines, and attack the French in flank. This service was effectively performed, and the French fled in confusion from the entrenchments, clearing the way for the Duke of Savoy, our ally, who passed up the river without meeting with any resistance.

On the 17th July 1707 an attempt was made upon Toulon by the combined English and Dutch forces, assisted by the fleet under the command of Sir Cloudesley Shovel. A hundred guns were landed from the ships for the batteries, with seamen to serve them; Sir Thomas Dilkes also bombarded the town from the fleet; but the attack did not prevail, and the attacking forces withdrew, not without having inflicted heavy damage and loss upon the French; eight of their largest ships were burnt; several magazines, and more than a hundred houses, were destroyed. Sir Cloudesley was greatly annoyed and disappointed by the partial failure of this expedition, and departed for England upon his last and fatal voyage. He left a squadron to blockade Toulon, under the command of Sir Thomas Dilkes.

The fleet had got so near home as the Scilly Isles, when, in the night of 22nd October 1707, Sir Cloudesley’s ship, the _Association_, and two others, struck the rocks known as “The Bishop and his Clerks.” Not a soul of the eight hundred on board with Sir Cloudesley was saved. The catastrophe was seen from on board the _St. George_. The _Association_ went down in less than five minutes after striking the rock. Sir George Byng, in the _St. Anne_, had a very narrow escape. With Sir Cloudesley, on board the flag-ship, were his two stepsons, sons of Lady Shovel and Sir John Narborough, his brother James, Mr. Trelawney, eldest son of the Bishop of Winchester, and other persons of distinction. Sir Cloudesley’s body was cast ashore, and recovered next day. His remains were deposited, with the honourable and solemn ceremony due to his worth, in Westminster Abbey.

PRINTED BY MORRISON AND GIBB LIMITED, EDINBURGH

JAMES NISBET & CO.’S

SELECT LIST OF BOOKS

SUITABLE FOR

PRESENTS AND PRIZES,

BY

WELL-KNOWN AND POPULAR WRITERS.

Profusely Illustrated and handsomely Bound in Cloth.

_A Complete List will be forwarded post free on
application to the Publishers._

21 BERNERS STREET,
LONDON, W.

Works by Mrs. MARSHALL.

“Readers who value culture and refinement, but, above all, seek for
truth and unction, will recommend her tales, especially for young
ladies.”--_Churchman._

=Price Six Shillings. Extra crown 8vo. Bevelled
Boards. Gilt Top=

LADY ROSALIND; OR, FAMILY FEUDS. A Novel. With Frontispiece by
ENOCH WARD.

With numerous Illustrations.

=Price Five Shillings each. Extra crown 8vo. Bevelled
Boards. Gilt Edges.=

UNDER THE LABURNUMS.
ONLY SUSAN.

=Price Three Shillings and Sixpence each. Crown 8vo.=

THE LADY’S MANOR.
LIZETTE. A Story for Girls.
THE CLOSE OF ST. CHRISTOPHER’S.
NEW RELATIONS. A Story for Girls.
THOSE THREE; OR, LITTLE WINGS.
LAUREL CROWNS; OR, GRISELDA’S AIM.
HOUSES ON WHEELS. A Story for Children.

=Price Two Shillings and Sixpence each.=

IN THE PURPLE.
DAPHNE’S DECISION; OR, WHICH SHALL IT BE?
THE ROSES OF RINGWOOD. A Story for Children.
EASTWARD HO!
CASSANDRA’S CASKET.
SILVER CHIMES; OR, OLIVE.
STORIES OF THE CATHEDRAL CITIES OF ENGLAND.
POPPIES AND PANSIES.
REX AND REGINA; OR, THE SONG OF THE RIVER.
DEWDROPS AND DIAMONDS.
HEATHER AND HAREBELL.
MISTRESS MATCHETT’S MISTAKE. A very old Story.
PICTURES ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE LORD’S PRAYER.
With Appropriate Stories for Children. Medium 4to.
THE LIFE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR VERY
YOUNG CHILDREN. 12 Illustrations. Medium 4to.

DULCIBEL’S DAY-DREAMS; OR, THE GRAND, SWEET SONG. With
Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 2s.

=Price One Shilling and Sixpence each.=

With Illustrations. Crown 8vo.

SIR VALENTINE’S VICTORY, AND OTHER STORIES.
OLIVER’S OLD PICTURES; OR, THE MAGIC CIRCLE.
RUBY AND PEARL; OR, THE CHILDREN AT CASTLE
AYLMER. A Story for Little Girls.

=Price One Shilling each.=

With Illustrations. Small Crown 8vo.

MASTER MARTIN.
SIR BENJAMIN’S BOUNTY.
LETTICE LAWSON’S LEGACY.
NATURE’S GENTLEMAN.
THE BRIDE’S HOME.
PAT’S INHERITANCE.
MY LADY BOUNTIFUL.
STELLAFONT ABBEY; OR, NOTHING NEW.
GOLDEN SILENCE.
WHEN I WAS YOUNG.
MATTHEW FROST, CARRIER; OR, LITTLE SNOWDROP’S MISSION.
MICHAEL’S TREASURES; OR, CHOICE SILVER.
MY GRANDMOTHER’S PICTURES.
THREE LITTLE BROTHERS.
THREE LITTLE SISTERS.
THE STORY OF JOHN MARBECK: A Windsor Organist
of 300 Years Ago. His Work and His Reward.
THE LITTLE PEAT-CUTTERS; OR, THE SONG OF LOVE.
TO-DAY AND YESTERDAY:
A STORY OF SUMMER AND WINTER HOLIDAYS.
A VIOLET IN THE SHADE.

=Price Ninepence each.=

LIGHT ON THE LILY; OR, A FLOWER’S MESSAGE.
A ROSE WITHOUT A THORN.
A CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK.
FAN’S BROTHER.
FRAMILODE HALL.
DAISY BRIGHT.
HEATHERCLIFFE; OR, IT’S NO CONCERN OF MINE.
PRIMROSE; OR, THE BELLS OF OLD EFFINGHAM.

By R. M. BALLANTYNE.

“The fathers, mothers, guardians, uncles, and aunts who wish to find an acceptable present for a healthy-minded boy cannot possibly go wrong if they buy a book with Mr. Ballantyne’s name on the title-page.”--_Academy._

=With Illustrations. Extra crown 8vo. 3s. 6d. each.=

THE WALRUS HUNTERS: A Tale of Esquimaux Land.

THE HOT SWAMP: A Romance of Old Albion.

THE BUFFALO RUNNERS: A Tale of the Red River Plains.

CHARLIE TO THE RESCUE! A Tale of the Sea and the Rockies.

BIG OTTER.

BLOWN TO BITS; or, The Lonely Man of Rakata. A Tale of the Malay
Archipelago.

BLUE LIGHTS; or, Hot Work in the Soudan.

THE FUGITIVES; or, The Tyrant Queen of Madagascar.

RED ROONEY; or, The Last of the Crew.

THE ROVER OF THE ANDES: A Tale of Adventure in South America.

THE YOUNG TRAWLER: A Story of Life and Death and Rescue in the North
Sea.

DUSTY DIAMONDS, CUT AND POLISHED: A Tale of Arab City Life.

THE BATTERY AND THE BOILER; or, Adventures in the Laying of Submarine
Electric Cables.

THE GIANT of the NORTH; or, Pokings Round the Pole.

THE LONELY ISLAND; or, The Refuge of the Mutineers.

POST HASTE: A Tale of Her Majesty’s Mails.

IN THE TRACK OF THE TROOPS: A Tale of Modern War.

THE SETTLER AND THE SAVAGE: A Tale of Peace and War in South Africa.

UNDER THE WAVES; or, Diving in Deep Waters.

RIVERS OF ICE: A Tale Illustrative of Alpine Adventure and Glacier
Action.

THE PIRATE CITY: An Algerine Tale.

BLACK IVORY: A Tale of Adventure among the Slavers of East Africa.

THE NORSEMEN IN THE WEST; or, America before Columbus.

THE IRON HORSE; or, Life on the Line.

THE FLOATING LIGHT OF THE GOODWIN SANDS.

ERLING THE BOLD: A Tale of the Norse Sea-Kings.

THE GOLDEN DREAM: A Tale of the Diggings.

DEEP DOWN: A Tale of the Cornish Mines.

FIGHTING THE FLAMES: A Tale of the London Fire-Brigade.

SHIFTING WINDS: A Tough Yarn.

THE LIGHTHOUSE; or, The Story of a Great Fight between Man and the
Sea.

THE LIFEBOAT: A Tale of our Coast Heroes.

GASCOYNE, THE SANDALWOOD TRADER.

THE WILD MAN OF THE WEST: A Tale of the Rocky Mountains.

THE RED ERIC; or, The Whaler’s Last Cruise.

FREAKS ON THE FELLS: and Why I did not become a Sailor.

=With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d. each.=

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES OF BOOKMAKING, &c.

HUNTED AND HARRIED.

A COXSWAIN’S BRIDE; or, The Rising Tide. And other Tales.

THE GARRET AND THE GARDEN; or, Low Life High Up: and JEFF BENSON; or,
The Young Coastguardsman.

THE CREW OF THE WATER-WAGTAIL.

THE MIDDY AND THE MOORS.

LIFE IN THE RED BRIGADE. A Fiery Tale.

THE PRAIRIE CHIEF. A Tale.

THE ISLAND QUEEN; or, Dethroned by Fire and Water.

THE MADMAN AND THE PIRATE.

TWICE BOUGHT: A Tale of the Oregon Gold Fields.

MY DOGGIE AND I.

THE RED MAN’S REVENGE.

PHILOSOPHER JACK: A Tale of the Southern Seas.

SIX MONTHS AT THE CAPE.

BATTLES WITH THE SEA; or, Heroes of the Lifeboat and the Rocket.

* * * * *

THE KITTEN PILGRIMS; or, Great Battles and Grand Victories. Crown
8vo. 1s.

=MR. R. M. BALLANTYNE’S=

MISCELLANY of ENTERTAINING and
INSTRUCTIVE TALES.

With Illustrations. 1s. each.

_Also in a Handsome Cloth Case, Price 20s._

The “=Athenæum=” says:--“There is no more practical way of
communicating elementary information than that which has been
adopted in this series. When we see contained in 124 small
pages (as in _Fast in the Ice_) such information as a man of
fair education should possess about icebergs, northern lights,
Esquimaux, musk-oxen, bears, walruses, &c., together with all the
ordinary incidents of an Arctic voyage woven into a clear connected
narrative, we must admit that a good work has been done, and that
the author deserves the gratitude of those for whom the books are
especially designed, and also of young people of all classes.”

FIGHTING THE WHALES; or, Doings and Dangers on a Fishing Cruise.

AWAY IN THE WILDERNESS; or, Life among the Red Indians and Fur
Traders of North America.

FAST IN THE ICE; or, Adventures in the Polar Regions.

CHASING THE SUN; or, Rambles in Norway.

SUNK AT SEA; or, The Adventures of Wandering Will in the Pacific.

LOST IN THE FOREST; or, Wandering Will’s Adventures in South America.

OVER THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS; or, Wandering Will in the Land of the Red
Skin.

SAVED BY THE LIFEBOAT; or, A Tale of Wreck and Rescue on the Coast.

THE CANNIBAL ISLANDS; or, Captain Cook’s Adventures in the South Seas.

HUNTING THE LIONS; or, The Land of the Negro.

DIGGING FOR GOLD; or, Adventures in California.

UP IN THE CLOUDS; or, Balloon Voyages.

THE BATTLE AND THE BREEZE; or, The Fights and Fancies of a British
Tar.

THE PIONEERS: A Tale of the Western Wilderness.

THE STORY OF THE ROCK.

WRECKED, BUT NOT RUINED.

THE THOROGOOD FAMILY.

THE LIVELY POLL: A Tale of the North Sea.

=THE HALF-HOUR LIBRARY OF TRAVEL,
NATURE, AND SCIENCE.=

_In attractive binding, and containing nearly 100 Illustrations in
each volume. Crown 8vo, 2s. 6d. each. Gilt edges, 3s._

1. HALF-HOURS ON THE QUARTER-DECK. Lives of British Admirals. The
Spanish Armada to Sir Cloudesley Shovel, 1670.

2. HALF-HOURS IN AIR AND SKY. The Marvels of the Universe.

3. HALF-HOURS IN FIELD AND FOREST. Chapters in Natural History. By
Rev. J. G. WOOD, M.A.

4. HALF-HOURS IN THE DEEP. The Nature and Wealth of the Sea.

5. HALF-HOURS IN THE TINY WORLD. The Wonders of Insect Life.

6. HALF-HOURS IN THE HOLY LAND. Travels in Egypt, Palestine, and
Syria. By NORMAN MACLEOD, D.D.

7. HALF-HOURS IN MANY LANDS. Arctic, Torrid, and Temperate.

8. HALF-HOURS WITH A NATURALIST. Rambles near the Seashore. By the
Rev. J. G. WOOD, M.A.

9. HALF-HOURS IN THE FAR NORTH. Life amid Ice and Snow.

10. HALF-HOURS IN THE FAR SOUTH. The People and Scenery of the
Tropics.

11. HALF-HOURS IN THE FAR EAST. Among the People and Wonders of India.

12. HALF-HOURS IN WOODS AND WILDS. Adventures of Sport and Travel.

13. HALF-HOURS UNDERGROUND. Volcanoes, Mines, and Caves.

14. HALF-HOURS AT SEA. Stories of Voyage, Adventure, and Wreck.

15. HALF-HOURS IN THE WIDE WEST. Over Mountains.

16. HALF-HOURS IN EARLY NAVAL ADVENTURE.

=By AGNES GIBERNE.=

“Tales that bear Miss Giberne’s name are ‘the best of the best.’
No writer excels her in this department of literature.”--_Fireside
News._

“That the story is Miss Giberne’s guarantees refinement and
Christian principle.”--_Churchman._

=With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d. each.=

THE DALRYMPLES. With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.

“An interesting tale, exhibiting some striking
situations.”--_Church Bells._

“LEAST SAID, SOONEST MENDED.” 2s. 6d.

“To say that it is by Miss Giberne is at once to recommend the
story highly to girls.”--_Quiver._

NUMBER THREE WINIFRED PLACE. 2s. 6d.

“A delightful story, and, we need hardly add--being Miss
Giberne’s--is full of the highest and most profitable religious
teaching.”--_Record._

“Miss Giberne’s book is for gentler readers. It appeals very
delicately to their softer sympathies, and introduces them to one
young girl at least who may serve as a model or ideal to them. It
is written in a pleasing sympathetic style.”--_Scotsman._

MISS CON; or, All Those Girls. 2s. 6d.

“Constance Conway is a charming heroine. Her diary is an admirable
collection of character sketches.”--_Athenæum._

ENID’S SILVER BOND. 2s. 6d.

“Enid’s nature is essentially heroic.... The other characters are
cleverly sketched.”--_Times._

ST. AUSTIN’S LODGE; or, Mr. Berkeley and his Nieces. 2s. 6d.

“A very good example of the author’s well-known style. It is
carefully written, and is in all respects a conscientious
performance.”--_Academy._

BERYL AND PEARL. 2s. 6d.

“One of Miss Giberne’s most delightful tales.”--_Record._

KATHLEEN. 2s. 6d.

“A fascinating tale.”--_Record._

THE ANDERSONS. Illustrated. Extra crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.

“A well-written tale, wholesome and pleasing.”--_Churchman._

READY, AYE READY! 1s. 6d.

“A charming story, which displays all this well-known writer’s
knowledge of girls and their habits of mind.”--_Scotsman._

FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS. 1s. 6d.

“Youthful readers have reason to thank Miss Giberne for having
written this capital story.”--_John Bull._

DECIMA’S PROMISE. 2s.

“One of the best and soundest books we have seen.”--_Public
Opinion._

DAISY OF OLD MEADOW. 2s.

“There are few boys or girls to whom this story will not prove
interesting reading.”--_Court Circular._

OLD UMBRELLAS; or, Clarrie and her Mother. 2s.

“The book is bright and lively, and will be read with pleasure and
profit.”--_Christian._

MILES MURCHISON. Illustrated. Small crown 8vo. 1s.

MARIGOLD. Illustrated. Small crown 8vo. 1s.

=By J. MACDONALD OXLEY.=

With Illustrations. Extra crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.

IN THE SWING OF THE SEA.

“A lively romance such as boys and girls love.”--_Record._

ON THE WORLD’S ROOF. A Tale of Adventure.

=By S. M. S. CLARKE (Mrs. Pereira).=

THE KING’S RECRUITS; or, In the Days of Frederick the Great.
Illustrated. Gilt edges, bevelled boards. Extra crown 8vo. 5s.

BARON AND SQUIRE. A Story of the Thirty Years’ War. From the German
of N. NOELDECHEN. With Sixteen Illustrations. Extra crown 8vo. 3s.
6d. Gilt edges, bevelled boards.

“It is a romance of the school of Sir Walter Scott, abounding in stirring incidents, and not without a certain value as vividly calling up the scenes and events of real history.”--_Scotsman._

THE DUKE’S PAGE; or, “In the Days of Luther.” A Story for Boys.
From the German. Sixteen Illustrations. Extra crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.
Gilt edges, bevelled boards.

“A capital story for boys.”--_Guardian._

“This is one of the most fascinating historical tales we have ever read.”--_British Weekly._

=By Rev. J. REID HOWATT.=

A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM. Fifty Years After. Freely rendered by the
Rev. J. REID HOWATT. Long fcap. 8vo, 1s. in leatherette. 1s. 6d.,
cloth boards.

LIFE WITH A PURPOSE. Small crown 8vo. 1s.

CHILDREN’S PRAYER BOOK. For use amongst the Young. Extra pott 8vo.
1s.

FAITH’S STRONG FOUNDATIONS. Small crown 8vo. 1s.

“In this charming book of a hundred pages we have the essence of
Christian teaching on God, Revelation, Sin, Redemption, Faith,
Duty. Many of our theological writers are hard and prosy, but Mr.
Howatt is vivid, picturesque, and lucid.”--_Methodist Times._

YOUTH’S IDEALS. Small crown 8vo. 1s.

“So bright and cheerful, so clever and well written, and yet so
full of deep Christian earnestness, that we should like to see it
circulated by tens of thousands.”--_New Age._

AFTER HOURS. Small crown 8vo. 1s.

THE CHILDREN’S PREACHER. A Year’s Addresses and Parables for the
Young. Extra crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.

THE CHILDREN’S PEW. Extra crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.

“Sunny, musical, breezy, as full of glad, buoyant life as it can
be.”--_Word and Work._

THE CHILDREN’S PULPIT. A Year’s Sermons and Parables for the Young.
Extra crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.

“Simple, suggestive, and singularly happy in illustration and
treatment.”--_Word and Work._

THE CHILDREN’S ANGEL. A Volume of Sermons to Children. Crown 8vo.
2s. 6d.

“These sermonettes are eminently practical, while their homely
style and freedom from cant are delightful.”--_Christian
Commonwealth._

=By GORDON STABLES, R.N.=

OFF TO KLONDYKE. A Story of Adventure. With Eight Illustrations by
CHAS. WHYMPER. Extra crown 8vo, bevelled boards, gilt edges. 5s.

A FIGHT FOR FREEDOM. A Tale of the Land of the Czar. With Six
Illustrations by CHAS. WHYMPER. Extra crown 8vo, bevelled boards,
gilt edges. 5s.

THE PEARL DIVERS AND CRUSOES OF THE SARGASSO SEA. A Tale for Boys.
With Illustrations by CHAS. WHYMPER. Extra crown 8vo, gilt edges.
5s.

THE CRUISE OF THE ROVER CARAVAN. With Illustrations by CHAS. WHYMPER.
Extra crown 8vo, gilt edges. 5s.

FROM PLOUGHSHARE TO PULPIT. A Tale of the Battle of Life. With
Illustrations. Extra crown 8vo, gilt edges. 5s.

“This delightful story.”--_British Weekly._

“Dr. Gordon Stables is as fresh, as entertaining, and as tactfully
didactic as ever, and we can heartily recommend ‘From Ploughshare
to Pulpit’ to all boys.”--_Spectator._

“The story is lightly told and capitally illustrated, and sure to
please a boy.”--_Scotsman._

=By Mrs. GEORGE CORBETT.=

THE ADVENTURES OF A YOUNG STOWAWAY. Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 2s.

=By SARAH TYTLER.=

TUDOR QUEENS AND PRINCESSES. Illustrated. Gilt edges, bevelled
boards. Extra crown 8vo. 5s.

=By DARLEY DALE.=

SPOILT GUY. With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 1s. 6d.

“A pretty tale, and contains excellent religious
teaching.”--_Church Sunday School Magazine._

CISSY’S TROUBLES. With Illustrations. Small crown 8vo. 1s.

“A very charming story.”--_Yorkshire Post._

LITTLE BRICKS. With Illustrations. Small crown 8vo. 1s.

“The story is fascinating from the interest which is excited and
maintained. It is written with power and insight.”--_Courant._

=By Mrs. SAXBY.=

THE SAGA BOOK OF LUNDA. Illustrated by C. O. MURRAY. Crown 8vo. 2s.

TOM AND HIS CROWS. Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 2s.

“Mrs. Saxby is as charming and fresh as ever.... Children will be
delighted with the story, it is so simple and natural, and the
humour is remarkably spontaneous.”--_Spectator._

VIKING BOYS. With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 2s.

“Wholesome and manly in tone, the book is thoroughly fresh and
natural.”--_Morning Post._

“We prophesy that the tale of the Viking boys and their wild deeds
will become as popular as ‘The Lads of Lunda,’ and all the other
stories with which Mrs. Saxby has delighted us.”--_Athenæum._

THE LADS OF LUNDA. With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 2s.

“A perfect book for boys--generous, wholesome, manly in tone, and
withal thoroughly young, fresh, and natural. We recommend the book
heartily, not only to all boys, but to everybody who knows and
likes brave boys.”--_Guardian._

“A capital book. The tales are full of fun and pathos.”--_Athenæum._

THE YARL’S YACHT. With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 2s.

“‘The Yarl s Yacht’ is a delightful sequel to the ‘Lads of
Lunda.’”--_Times._

* * * * *

THE HOME OF A NATURALIST. By JESSIE M. E. SAXBY and the Rev. BIOT
EDMONSTON. With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.

“We would fain linger long over the scenes which this excellent volume brings up before us. The authors have put together a very refreshing set of memories.”--_Saturday Review._

=By EVA TRAVERS EVERED POOLE.=

LOTTA’S LIFE MISTAKE. With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 1s.

GOLDEN LINKS IN A LIFE CHAIN. With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.

“GOOD-NIGHT” THOUGHTS ABOUT GOD; or, Evening Readings for the Young.
Small crown 8vo. 1s. 6d.

=By ELLEN L. DAVIS.=

HIGH AND LOWLY: A Story of Hearts and Homes. With Illustrations.
Crown 8vo. 1s. 6d.

YOKED TOGETHER: A Tale of Three Sisters. With Illustrations. Crown
8vo. 2s. Gilt edges. 2s. 6d.

“A quiet domestic story of deep interest, with several striking
situations, described with considerable power.”--_Leeds Mercury._

A BOY’S WILL. With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 1s. 6d.

“The book is full of life and character, and would be a fitting gift
alike to the Sunday-school teacher and the scholar.”--_British
Messenger._

=By the Rev. GEORGE EVERARD, M.A.=

MERRY AND WISE. Talks with School Girls. 16mo, 1s.

FIGHT AND WIN. Talks with Lads about the Battle of Life. 16mo, 1s.

LINED WITH LOVE. Friendly Talks with Young Girls about the Yoke of
the Lord Jesus. 16mo, 1s.

SALVATION AND SERVICE. Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d.

STRONG AND FREE. A Book for Young Men. 16mo. 1s.

YOUR SUNDAYS: Fifty-Two Short Readings. Especially intended for
Schoolboys. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.

“YOUR INNINGS:” A Book for Schoolboys. Sixth Thousand. Crown 8vo. 1s.
6d.

EDIE’S LETTER; or, Talks with the Little Folks. 4to. 2s. 6d.

=By Miss HAVERGAL.=

MORNING BELLS. Being Waking Thoughts for the Little Ones. Royal 32mo,
9d.; paper cover, 6d.

LITTLE PILLOWS. Being Good Night Thoughts for the Little Ones. 32mo,
9d.; paper cover, 6d.

MORNING STARS; or, Names of Christ for His Little Ones. 32mo. 9d.

THE FOUR HAPPY DAYS. 16mo, 1s.

BEN BRIGHTBOOTS, and Other True Stories. Sm. crown 8vo. 1s.

BRUEY. A Little Worker for Christ. Sm. Crown 8vo. 1s. 6d.; paper
cover, 1s.

* * * * *

MEMORIALS OF LITTLE NONY. A Biography of Nony Heywood, who was the
First Collector for the Bruey Branch of the Irish Society. By her
Mother. With Preface by Miss HAVERGAL, and a Portrait. Crown 8vo.
1s. 6d.

=By E. LIVINGSTON PRESCOTT,=

_Author of “Scarlet and Steel,” &c._

THE MEASURE OF A MAN. Extra crown 8vo. 6s.

“A good romance, full of illusion, and with fine effect.”--_Daily
Chronicle._

“A notable success.”--_Scotsman._

THE RIP’S REDEMPTION. A Trooper’s Story. With Frontispiece. Extra crown 8vo. 6s.

“Heartily welcome ... always interesting ... will well pay
perusal.”--_Scotsman._

“Well written ... brightly coloured ... peculiarly
attractive.”--_Dundee Advertiser._

=By L. T. MEADE.=

ALL SORTS. Extra crown 8vo, 6s.

THE CLEVEREST WOMAN IN ENGLAND. Extra crown 8vo, gilt top, 6s.

GOOD LUCK. With Illustrations by W. LANCE. Crown 8vo, 2s.

A LONDON BABY: The Story of King Roy. With Illustrations. Crown 8vo.
1s. 6d.

“Very touching and sad, though the end is happy.”--_Athenæum._

THE CHILDREN’S PILGRIMAGE. With Illustrations. Small crown 8vo, 2s.; gilt edges, 2s. 6d.

“Displays vivid conception of character, and clear,
graphic description. The story is full of incident and
adventure.”--_Literary Churchman._

=By SARAH DOUDNEY.=

KATHERINE’S KEYS. Illustrated by CHAS. RICHARDSON. Extra crown 8vo.
Gilt edges, bevelled boards. 5s.

WHERE THE DEW FALLS IN LONDON. Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 2s.

A VANISHED HAND. Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 1s.

BITTER AND SWEET. Illustrated. Small crown 8vo. 1s.

Transcriber’s Notes

Punctuation, hyphenation, and spelling were made consistent when a predominant preference was found in the original book; otherwise they were not changed.

Simple typographical errors were corrected; unbalanced quotation marks were remedied when the change was obvious, and otherwise left unbalanced.

Illustrations in this eBook have been positioned between paragraphs and outside quotations. In versions of this eBook that support hyperlinks, the page references in the List of Illustrations lead to the corresponding illustrations.

Some prices in the Book Catalog have been repositioned.