Chapter I: Preface

Apart from the thrilling interest of Aimard's new story, which I herewith offer to English readers, I think it will be accepted with greater satisfaction, as being an historical record of the last great contest in which the North Americans were engaged. As at the present moment everything is eagerly devoured that may tend to throw light on the impending struggle between North and South, I believe that the story of "THE FREEBOOTERS," which is rigorously true in its details, will enable my readers to form a correct opinion of the character of the Southerners.

The series, of which this volume forms a second link, will be completed in a third volume, to be called "THE WHITE SCALPER," which contains an elaborate account of the liberation of Texas, and the memorable battle of San Jacinto, together with personal adventures of the most extraordinary character.

L.W.

7, DRAYTON TERRACE,

WEST BROMPTON.

CONTENTS.

I. FRAY ANTONIO
II. INDIAN DIPLOMACY
III. DOWN THE PRECIPICE
IV. TWO ENEMIES
V. GENERAL RUBIO
VI. THE HUNTER'S COUNCIL
VII. AN OLD FRIEND
VIII. QUONIAM'S RETURN
IX. HOSPITALITY
X. THE LARCH-TREE HACIENDA
XI. A METAMORPHOSIS
XII. THE SUMMONS
XIII. THE SIEGE
XIV. THE PROPOSAL
XV. A THUNDERBOLT
XVI. THE CONSPIRATORS
XVII. THE SPY
XVIII. THE PULQUERIA
XIX. AT SEA
XX. THE PRIZE
XXI. A STRANGE LEGEND
XXII. THE SURPRISE
XXIII. EL SALTO DEL FRAYLE
XXIV. THE LANDING
XXV. FORWARD!