Chapter I: Front Matter

BY DR. GORDON STABLES, R.N.

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The Hermit Hunter
of the Wilds

BY

GORDON STABLES, C.M. M.D. R.N.

Author of “‘Twixt School and College” “To Greenland and the Pole”
“The Naval Cadet” “Westward with Columbus” &c.

_WITH FOUR PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS_

BLACKIE AND SON LIMITED

LONDON GLASGOW AND BOMBAY

CONTENTS.

CHAP. Page

I. By the Firelight, 9

II. “It was on just such a night as this, sister,” 17

III. “The fearfulness of our situation can hardly be realized,” 28

IV. Among the Woods of Craigielea, 42

V. “The whole world is full of changes,” 53

VI. “Run, run!” cried Tom; “the man must not die yet!” 65

VII. “Here hangs his brother’s scalp,” 78

VIII. “Never before had Tom experienced such a feeling of awful danger,” 89

IX. “The whole sea of mist turned to clouds of mingled gold and crimson,” 101

X. “In the forests strange shrieks and sounds were heard,” 111

XI. “The trees went down before it like hay before the mower’s scythe,” 121

XII. “A shower of poisoned darts fell pattering on the stockade,” 132

XIII. The dying Ayah tells of Bernard, 142

XIV. “Filled with gold doubloons-- Sirr, are ye listening?” 153

XV. “Next instant the ship was struck and staved,” 163

XVI. “A vast green and flowery valley surrounded by romantic hills,” 174

XVII. Strange Life on the beautiful Island, 185

XVIII. “He was convinced now he had seen a spectre and nothing else,” 197

XIX. “Under the grave you dug are gold and precious stones,” 205

XX. “O, Bernard, it is your father’s ship!” 214

ILLUSTRATIONS

“TOM CROUCHED LOWER AND LOWER” _Frontis._ 100

TOM INTRODUCES HIS CAT 84

“BEHOLD YOUR CHIEF!” SHE CRIED 145

GIANT TORTOISE RIDING 216

THE HERMIT HUNTER OF THE WILDS.