Chapter XXXI: Days of Peace—conclusion

It was indeed James Morris who lay on the ground at Jean Bevoir’s feet.

The trader had not been killed, only seriously wounded, and for days had lain between life and death, in the care of an old Indian medicine man. Many a time the French trader had thought to slay him, but had hesitated, thinking he might some day make use of his prisoner.

James Morris was still so weak that he could do nothing for himself, yet Jean Bevoir wanted him to mount a horse and ride away, to a cave up the river, where, in years gone by, the French trader and his trappers had had a regular rendezvous.

It made Dave’s blood boil to see his father so abused, and forgetful of everything else, he ran forward, leveling his rifle at Bevoir’s head as he did so.

“Dave! My son Dave!” cried James Morris, and there was a ring of relief and joy in his tones.

“Father!” was all the son answered. He still kept his eyes on the French trader, who shrank back in consternation.

“Come on, all of you!” cried Joseph Morris, who now saw that further secrecy would be useless. “Surrender, you villains, or we’ll shoot you down like dogs!”

“Thet’s the talk!” came from Barringford, and as he saw one of the Indians raise a gun he shot the warrior through the heart.

The next instant the entire camp was in alarm. Thinking a large body of English had arrived, the few Indians present took to their heels and disappeared into the forest as if by magic. The Frenchmen tried to follow, fighting as they did so. Jean Bevoir aimed a pistol at Dave and fired, the bullet striking the youth in the side. As he staggered and fell Henry fired at the French trader, and so did two others, and Bevoir threw up his arms and pitched headlong into the smoldering campfire, scattering the embers in all directions.

Inside of five minutes the battle was at an end and the English were in complete possession of the camp and had also gained possession of their horses and a large portion of their stores. What was left of the French and Indians disappeared, and that was the last seen of them.

Dave’s wound was but slight, and his first thoughts were of his father. The two embraced over and over again, the tears of joy standing in the eyes of each. Joseph Morris, Henry, and Barringford were likewise more than happy to learn that the trader was really alive.

“I am the only one living to tell the tale,” said James Morris. “The others were killed or mortally wounded.”

“Not all,” answered Dave. “Peaceful Jones escaped and told us the news, and that is what brought us here so quickly.”

“You have had a great fight. I could hear some of the shooting,” continued the trader.

“Yes, and we might have had the worst of it, only White Buffalo came to our aid.”

“And where is he now?”

“Gone in pursuit of Moon Eye and his followers.”

After that James Morris told his story in detail, to which Dave and the others listened with much interest.

“At first I was kept at the post,” said he. “Jean Bevoir pretended to be kind and considerate, but I soon found out his object. He had drawn up some documents stating that I surrendered to him all my rights and interests in the trading post and he wanted me to sign them. When I refused he got angry and wanted to kill me. But some of the men interfered and then I was brought to this place. Then, of a sudden, I was treated better again. From the Indians I learned that Bevoir had an idea that if he got cornered later on he would use me in some way for his benefit—as a hostage, or something like that.”

“Just what he wanted to do with me, when I was a prisoner,” said Henry. “It is queer that I didn’t see you when I was here,” he added.

“They must have kept us apart purposely, Henry.” James Morris drew a long breath. “How good it feels to be together once more. I declare, it seems to brace me up wonderfully!” And his face showed his relief.

Somebody had dragged Jean Bevoir’s body from the fire just after the man fell. The trader was not yet dead, and lay groaning and writhing in a fearful manner. Nothing could be done for him, and he died at sunrise. It was the last of a misspent life, full of golden opportunities which the rascal had trampled under foot. His body was laid in a hollow and some flat stones placed over it, to keep off the wild animals. His pockets were searched and the fraudulent documents confiscated by Joseph Morris.

“We must get back to the post as soon as we can,” said Barringford, after the excitement was over. “Remember, we don’t know how matters are a-goin’ there.”

“I have heard no shots,” answered Henry. “And that is a good sign.”

“I do not see how anything can be wrong there,” said Dave. “We have wound up the Bevoir crowd and you can trust White Buffalo to take care of Moon Eye’s tribe.”

Nevertheless, the start for the trading post was made as soon as matters could be gotten into shape for the journey. The two sick men were carried on stretchers made of blankets tied to long poles, and all took turns at the task. Dave did not mind the load at all, and in the joy at finding his parent forgot all about his own injuries, which, fortunately, proved slight.

The strange man who was sick wanted to know what it all meant, and smiled when told. Then he heaved a sudden sigh.

“I, too, have had many troubles,” he said. “Many, many troubles. I wish that I could get some help.”

“We will aid you all we can,” said Henry, kindly.

“Yes, yes, I know. But my head—it is not clear. My brain whirls when I try to think. The past is such a blank!”

“You were hit on the head, that’s the trouble,” went on the youth. “But I think you will get over it soon.”

“Perhaps—some days I know I feel better. But then my head whirls again and I am in the dark! Oh, it is awful!” And the sick man sighed as before.

“Can’t you remember where you came from at all?”

“I remember the sea—the great boundless ocean, and a great storm. I was alone then—all alone. And I remember before that,—a beautiful garden and kind friends and relatives, and the babies, the beautiful babies! And then I remember—I remember——” The man paused. “It is cloudy again—dark—I can remember nothing, nothing!” And he lay back and closed his eyes.

“Maybe as how he’ll never be jest right ag’in,” whispered Sam Barringford. “It’s terribul, no two ways on’t! I wish I could do somethin’ fer him.”

“It will take time,” said Joseph Morris. “It is useless to worry him now, it will only make matters worse.” And so they let the strange man rest in peace. They had previously searched his pockets, but had found nothing by which he could be identified.

The journey to the trading post accomplished, they found matters quiet there. No more of the enemy had appeared, and nothing had been seen of White Buffalo and his followers. The old Delaware chief came in about noon, bringing the news that Moon Eye’s tribe had been completely shattered.

“They will never trouble my white friends again,” said White Buffalo. “Those who are left alive have learned a lesson which they will never forget.”

The old Indian chief was more than glad to learn that James Morris was living, and shook hands warmly.

“You have done me and mine a great service, White Buffalo,” said the trader, gratefully. “We shall not forget it.”

“White Buffalo knows his real friends,” answered the aged chief, calmly. “He is glad to serve them.” Then he and his warriors went off to get something to eat, for they had had nothing since the day before. They were treated to the best the post afforded.

Among those found living after the battle at the post was Benoit Vascal. He had been sorely wounded and trampled upon in the mêlée, and it was evident he could not long survive his hurts. He was placed on a rude couch and there he remained, since he could swallow neither food nor water. He groaned continually and bitterly bewailed the fate that had brought him to the place.

When the strange sick man was brought in he was placed on a cot not far from where Benoit Vascal was resting. For some time the two did not notice each other. Then, of a sudden, the Frenchman glanced at the other and uttered a shriek of amazement and terror.

“’Tis he! ’Tis he! Tis the judgment!” he screamed in French. “Take him away! I cannot bear to face him!”

At the sound of Vascal’s voice the strange sick man turned over and gave him a wandering look. Then he also started up and gave a cry.

“You! you!” he screamed. “You! I know you, Benoit Vascal! What have you done with my children!” He staggered from his couch, fell forward, and caught the Frenchman by the arm. “Tell me! My children, what of them?”

“What’s the matter here?” demanded Sam Barringford, who chanced to be close by.

“This man!” panted the strange sick man. “He—he stole my children! He is the rascal I have been hunting for—he and another, a Paul Camont. They took my twin boys! Ah, I remember it all now! Where are my children? Don’t dare to say you killed them!”

“Your children—twins,” gasped the old frontiersman. “Can it be possible thet you air Mr. Maurice Hamilton?”

“Yes! yes! that is my name! How strange I could not think of it before. Maurice Hamilton, yes, of London.”

“Well, by the eternal!” came faintly from Barringford. He looked at the sick man sharply. “It must be so—ye look alike, same eyes, same nose, an’ all. This staggers me!”

“Let me go!” came faintly from Benoit Vascal. “He has ze children—I haf zem not, no! Let me go!” for the other man now held him by the throat.

The cries and loud talking had attracted a crowd, and all pushed forward to learn the cause of the disturbance.

“It’s the greatest thing ye ever heard tell on,” said Sam Barringford. “This man is Maurice Hamilton, and the father o’ the twins.”

“Can it be possible!” exclaimed Dave.

“But where—where are my children?” asked Maurice Hamilton.

“They are safe—leas’wise they war, the last I heard o’ ’em,” answered Barringford. “But this gits me! I never dreamed o’ sech a thing.”

“Nor did I,” added Joseph Morris.

After that there remained nothing to do but to tell Maurice Hamilton all about his little ones, how Barringford had found them, and how they had been cared for ever since by the Morrises. The sick man could not take it all in, but he understood enough and the tears of joy streamed down his wan face.

“How I long to see them—my darling boys!” he murmured.

“And you shall see them,” said Joseph Morris. “But first you must get well.”

“And what of—of that rascal who robbed me?”

“He is dying—let him rest,” was the planter’s soft answer. And then, for the time being, Maurice Hamilton was silent. From that hour on he mended rapidly, both mentally and physically, until, two months later, he was as well as ever. Benoit Vascal died two days later, and was buried in a common grave, along with the other Frenchmen who had fallen in the battle for the possession of the trading post.

Maurice Hamilton’s story was a long one, and I have no space to relate it here. He was a fairly well-to-do man who, after the death of his beautiful wife and his father and mother, had come to America to seek his fortune. Upon arriving here his twins had been stolen from him by Benoit Vascal, aided by Paul Camont. He had in vain tried to follow the rascals up, although he had received several letters offering to compromise the matter for a certain amount. He said that his wife, when a girl, had received an offer of marriage from Vascal and had refused him, and this had made the Frenchman so bitter. The two gold lockets the twins possessed contained the portraits of Mr. Hamilton’s father and mother.

“This clears up that mystery,” said Dave to Henry. “I must say I am glad of it—on Mr. Hamilton’s account.”

“Yes, and also on account of the twins,” answered his cousin. “But Sam will hate to have them go, and mother and Nell will hate it, too.”

“Well, such things can’t be helped.”

Now that the fighting was over, all hands found a great many things to do in and around the trading post. A new gate was put into place, stronger even than the other, and the stockade generally was also strengthened. The stable was enlarged, so that the numerous horses might have proper quarters, and another room was built to the main building. In the meantime some of the trappers and Indians went out on the hunt and brought in plenty of meat and not a few skins of value.

With the coming of spring came a fresh alarm, and it was not deemed wise to send an expedition eastward. Pontiac was trying his best to combine the Indians in another conspiracy. But his plans failed, and in the end the noted Indian chief fell, brained by a tomahawk in the hands of another Indian. So perished one of the most gifted and at the same time one of the most warlike Indian chiefs this country ever saw.

At last the way seemed clear for a start for Will’s Creek, and an expedition set out, by way of Fort Pitt. Among those to go along were Joseph Morris, Sam Barringford, Mr. Hamilton, and Henry. Mr. Hamilton was feeling in the best of health once more, and he and the old frontiersman had become warm friends. The gentleman wanted to reward Barringford for what he had done, but the latter would not listen to it.

“Let me see them twins now an’ then,” said the old frontiersman. “Thet will be reward enough fer me.” And so it was arranged.

It was a great day when the party reached the Morris homestead. Maurice Hamilton hugged his children tightly to his breast and kissed them repeatedly, and Mrs. Morris was so affected that she wept.

“They are good boys,” she said. “I’ll hate awfully to have them go away.”

“Then supposing I leave them here for the present?” answered Maurice Hamilton. “I have no home of my own.”

“Yes! yes! Do leave them, please!” cried Nell; and so it was arranged, much to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Here let me add a few words and then bring to a close this story of “Trail and Trading Post,” and likewise this “Colonial Series.”

During the ensuing summer matters fared very well both at the Morris homestead and at the trading post. The twins grew up healthy and strong, and looked upon Sam Barringford as their uncle, which pleased the old frontiersman mightily. Mr. Hamilton came and went, for he had property on the St. Lawrence and near Philadelphia to look after. He was glad to have his children in such excellent care.

“I hope them little chaps never see sech fightin’ as we’ve seen,” said Barringford to Henry one day, as he was dancing both on his knees.

“I don’t think they will,” answered Henry. But he was mistaken. The twins did see some spirited fighting—during the Revolutionary War—the particulars of which I may relate some other time. They were such sturdy, manly chaps that nobody could help but like them.

During the summer the trading post was attacked just once, by a band of Indians, under an old chief who in years gone by had been one of the Morrises’ worst foes. The warriors were defeated without a loss among the whites, while the Indians lost several men, including the chief. After that the red men remained away from that territory for many years to come.

As soon as peace was firmly established, other traders flocked to the Ohio, followed by regular settlers. Many of the posts were valuable, but none more so than that belonging to the Morrises. More than this, James Morris and Dave dealt fairly by all who wished to do business with them, be they whites or Indians, and as a consequence they soon established a reputation that was known far and wide. The very best skins and furs were offered to them, and they began to make money rapidly.

“How things have changed since first we came out here,” said Dave one day. “And what a number of events have happened since then!”

“Let us be thankful that all has ended well,” replied his father. “Many have suffered deeply, while we have escaped.”

“I am thankful,” said Dave, reverently. “Very thankful indeed!”

White Buffalo, who stood near, nodded his head slowly.

“The Great Spirit has watched over us all,” said he. “Blessed be the Great Spirit, both of the white man and of the Indians.”

THE END

------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDWARD STRATEMEYER’S BOOKS

Old Glory Series

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By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

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_THE GUN CLUB BOYS OF LAKEPORT_

_Or The Island Camp_

=321 pages= =Illustrated= =Price $1.25=

A bright, breezy, outdoor story, telling how several lads organized a gun club and went camping in the winter time. They had with them a trusty old hunter who revealed to them many of the secrets of Nature as found in the woods. A volume any boy who loves a gun will appreciate.

This story of camping and hunting will appeal to every American
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VOLUME TWO

_THE BASEBALL BOYS OF LAKEPORT_

_Or The Winning Run_

=315 pages= =Illustrated= =Price $1.25=

With the coming of summer the boys turned their attention to baseball and organized a club, and played many thrilling games. The rivalry was of the keenest, and the particulars are given of a plot to injure the Lakeport nine and make them lose the most important game of all.

Will appeal to every healthy American boy.—_American, Baltimore,
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VOLUME THREE

_THE BOAT CLUB BOYS OF LAKEPORT_

_Or The Water Champions_

=300 pages= =Illustrated= =Price $1.25=

This time the scene is shifted to the lake. The boys all know how to row and sail a boat, and they organize a club and have fun galore. During a squall on the lake something of great value is lost overboard. The abduction of a little girl adds to the interest of the volume. Every lad who loves the water will read this volume with pleasure.

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DAVE PORTER SERIES

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

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_DAVE PORTER AT OAK HALL_

_Or the Schooldays of an American Boy_

=312 pages= =Illustrated= =Price $1.25=

Never was there a brighter, more manly, thoroughly up-to-date boy than Dave Porter, and all boys who read about him, and girls too, for the matter of that, will be sure to love him from the start. How, as a green country boy, he went to Oak Hall, how he was hazed, and how he had to fight his way through is told with a naturalness that is true to life.

The story is told with great fidelity to real life.—_Eagle,
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VOLUME TWO

_DAVE PORTER IN THE SOUTH SEAS_

_Or The Strange Cruise of the Stormy Petrel_

=286 pages= =Illustrated= =Price $1.25=

Dave is the same bright, wide-awake youth he was at school, and his adventures on shipboard and among the unexplored islands of the South Seas will render him dearer to the hearts of the boys than ever. Dave is trying to solve the mystery of his parentage, and several of his school chums are with him during his wanderings, some sharing his perils. A great tidal wave sends the ship into a strange harbor and there follows a mutiny which places a number on board in great peril.

Mr. Stratemeyer’s heroes are full of fun, and the activity that goes
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VOLUME THREE

_DAVE PORTER’S RETURN TO SCHOOL_

_Or Winning the Medal of Honor_

=304 pages= =Illustrated= =Price $1.25=

In this volume the scene is shifted back to Oak Hall, and once again Dave becomes the centre of as interesting a group of schoolboys as it is possible to imagine. There is a strong plot, with plenty of fun, and not a few rivalries on the athletic field, and the whole volume has a swing and a dash that are irresistible.

A good wholesome story, full of fun and go.—_Christian Work, N. Y._

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VOLUME FOUR

_DAVE PORTER IN THE FAR NORTH_

_Or The Pluck of an American Schoolboy_

=285 pages= =Illustrated= =Price $1.25=

In this book Dave is still at his well-liked boarding-school, Oak Hall, with his lively but manly comrades, who rejoice with him that he not only has discovered his parentage, but has a father and sister living, though unaware of his existence. Dave cannot rest until he finds those of his own family, and having secured leave of absence from school and accompanied by his chum, the son of a United States Senator, he goes to England only to find that his father has left on an expedition to the upper part of Norway. The boys follow in a most exciting pursuit which is replete with adventure.

The success of the “Dave Porter Series” is already surpassing Mr.
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SOLDERS OF FORTUNE SERIES

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

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_ON TO PEKIN_

_Or Old Glory in China_

=Cloth= =330 pages= =Illustrated by A. B. Shute= =$1.25=

The hero, Gilbert Pennington, goes from the Philippines with the Ninth Regiment to take part in the rescue of the beleaguered British Embassy at Pekin by the international forces. Mr. Stratemeyer has risen to the occasion by giving, in addition to one of his very best stories, a store of information concerning China and the Chinese, conveyed in a natural and entertaining manner.

The demands of boy readers are peculiar, and the author who can satisfy them, not once or twice, but uniformly, must possess rare ability in an extremely difficult field. Such an author is Edward Stratemeyer.—_Sunday News, Newark, N. J._

VOLUME TWO

_UNDER THE MIKADO’S FLAG_

_Or Young Soldiers of Fortune_

=320 pages= =Cloth= =Illustrated by A. B. Shute= =Price $1.25=

“Under the Mikado’s Flag” relates the adventures of two young Americans in Korea and Manchuria during the outbreak of the great war between Russia and Japan, one of the leading characters being Gilbert Pennington, the hero of “On to Pekin,” and the other, Ben Russell, who with his brothers, Larry and Walter, is so well known to the thousands of readers of the famous “Old Glory Series.” It closes with the great Battle of Liao-Yang, and is as valuable for the information conveyed as it is interesting as a story.

Mr. Stratemeyer is undoubtedly improving very greatly on the average book for boys.—_Star, St. Louis, Mo._

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VOLUME THREE

_AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR_

_Or A Young American in the Japanese Navy_

=300 pages= =Illustrated by A. B. Shute= =Price $1.25=

This story relates, primarily, the adventures of Larry Russell, who is on board his old ship, the _Columbia_, which is carrying a cargo for the Japanese government. The young sailor joins the Japanese navy, and under Admiral Togo assists at the bombardment of Port Arthur. Life in the Japanese navy is described in detail, and also life in Port Arthur during the siege and bombardment, which has few parallels in history.

“At the Fall of Port Arthur” is very well told.—_Chronicle, San
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A rattling good story for boys.—_Republican, Denver, Col._

VOLUME FOUR

_UNDER TOGO FOR JAPAN_

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=310 pages= =Illustrated by A. B. Shute= =12mo= =Cloth $1.25=

The “Soldiers of Fortune Series” is a continuation of the famous “Old Glory Series,” and enjoys equal popularity. The principal characters are Ben and Larry Russell, Gilbert Pennington, and the fine old gunner, Luke Striker, all of whom are well known to thousands of readers. The climax of the book naturally deals with the Battle of the Sea of Japan and Admiral Togo’s wonderful victory, in which Larry and Luke Striker bear an honorable part. The fortunes of Ben and Gilbert Pennington on land also furnish much that is of interest.

The youth who finds a good story of war adventure on the sea to his
liking will gain his heart’s desire in “Under Togo for
Japan.”—_Philadelphia Press._

Young readers will find the volume entertaining from first to
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Will undoubtedly prove a favorite with the boys.—_Advertiser,
Newark, N. J._

No more popular book for boys could be imagined just at this
time.—_Christian Endeavor World._

PAN-AMERICAN SERIES

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

VOLUME ONE

_LOST ON THE ORINOCO_

_Or American Boys in Venezuela_

=12mo= =Cloth= =Illustrated= =Price $1.25=

This volume tells of five American youths, who, with their tutor, sail from New York to La Guayra, touching at Curaçao on the way. They visit Caracas, go westward to the Gulf of Maracaibo and lake of the same name, and at last find themselves in the region of the mighty Orinoco, and of course they have some exciting experiences, one of which gives name to the book.

Its pictures of South American life and scenery are novel and
instructive.—_The Literary World, Boston._

The scenes described are of the sort to charm the hearts of
adventurous boys.—_The Outlook, N. Y._

VOLUME TWO

_THE YOUNG VOLCANO EXPLORERS_

_Or American Boys in the West Indies_

=12mo= =Cloth= =Illustrated= =Price $1.25=

The boys, with their tutor, sail from Venezuela to the West Indies, stopping at Jamaica, Cuba, Hayti, and Porto Rico. They have numerous adventures on the way, and then set out for St. Pierre, Martinique, where they encounter the effects of the eruption of Mt. Pelee, and two of the boys are left on a raft to shift for themselves. Life in the West Indies is well portrayed.

VOLUME THREE

_YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE ISTHMUS_

_Or American Boys in Central America_

=306 pages= =Cloth= =Illustrated by A. B. Shute= =Price $1.25=

Relates adventures in a tour covering Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and the Isthmus of Panama. The party travel the various canal routes, and have a number of highly interesting experiences. The volume contains a vast amount of timely information, and will be read with interest by young men as well as boys.

VOLUME FOUR

_YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE AMAZON_

_Or American Boys in Brazil_

=300 pages= =12mo= =Illustrated by A. B. Shute= =Price $1.25=

An absorbing tale of sight-seeing and adventures in Brazil. The five boys and their tutor travel the whole seacoast from Rio de Janeiro to Para, and then move up the Amazon into the rubber country and beyond. The volume is filled with pen pictures of life as it exists in Brazil to-day, and will be heartily enjoyed by all young people.

The Pan-American Series by Edward Stratemeyer has been declared by
the boys of this country to be the most up-to-date of all reading
for the young. Filled with action and good fellowship.—_Waverley
Magazine._

VOLUME FIVE

_TREASURE SEEKERS OF THE ANDES_

_Or American Boys in Peru_

=310 pages= =Illustrated by Charles Nuttall= =Price $1.25=

This volume takes the young explorers from the head of the Amazon River to the coast of Peru and then into the mighty snow-topped mountains. One of the boys obtains possession of a secret regarding a Spanish treasure and, with a companion, goes in quest of the same, and both get lost in a series of caves. The volume is up-to-date and will please both young and old.

Mr. Stratemeyer has acquired the art of weaving a good deal of solid
information with his web of startling adventure.—_San Francisco
Bulletin._

COLONIAL SERIES

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

FIRST VOLUME

_WITH WASHINGTON IN THE WEST_

_Or a Soldier Boy’s Battles in the Wilderness_

=Illustrated by A. B. Shute= =302 pages= =$1.25=

Mr. Stratemeyer has woven into an excellent story something of Washington’s youthful experience as a surveyor, leading on to the always thrilling Braddock’s defeat. The hero, David Morris, is several years younger than Washington, with whom he becomes intimately associated. Pictures of pioneer life are given; scenes with friendly Indians; and old-time games.

SECOND VOLUME

_MARCHING ON NIAGARA_

_Or The Soldier Boys of the Old Frontier_

=Illustrated by A. B. Shute= =Price $1.25=

The story relates the doings of two young soldiers who join the Colonial forces in a march on Fort Niagara, during the time of the war with France, when the whole territory between the Blue Ridge and the Great Lakes was in a state of unrest. Many side lights are thrown into the colonial homes, and much useful information is given of the pioneers who helped to make our country what it is to-day.

David Morris is a fine fellow, and about him is woven a fine “Injun”
story that is sure to delight the boys.—_Universalist Leader,
Boston._

THIRD VOLUME

_AT THE FALL OF MONTREAL_

_Or a Soldier Boy’s Final Victory_

=Illustrated by A. B. Shute= =Price $1.25=

This volume relates the adventures of Dave Morris and his cousin Henry during the two last campaigns against the French for the possession of Canada and the territory below the great lakes. The scaling of the heights of Quebec under General Wolfe, and the memorable battle on the Plains of Abraham, are given in detail. There are many stirring scenes of battle, and there are also adventures while fishing and hunting, and with the Indians.

The chief charm of Mr. Stratemeyer’s stories lies in the fact that
an enormous quantity of valuable information, collected from the
most reliable sources, is deftly woven into the narrative without
taking away from the interest.—_Philadelphia Inquirer._

FOURTH VOLUME

_ON THE TRAIL OF PONTIAC_

_Or Pioneer Boys of the Ohio_

=Illustrated by A. B. Shute= =Price $1.25=

This volume tells of times in our country immediately after the war with France for the possession of Canada. A fight with the Indians and the French in a snowstorm is especially realistic, and the entire book carries with it the atmosphere of colonial times.

Boys are attracted to stories by Edward Stratemeyer, and they will
enjoy “On the Trail of Pontiac.”—_Plain Dealer, Cleveland, O._

VOLUME FIVE

_THE FORT IN THE WILDERNESS_

_Or The Soldier Boys of the Indian Trails_

=306 pages= =Illustrated by A. B. Shute= =Price $1.25=

This story is one of the best tales of Colonial days penned by this favorite author for young people. A central figure is the noted Indian warrior, Pontiac, and the particulars are given of the rise and fall of that awful conspiracy against the whites, which will never be forgotten, and vivid pen pictures are given of fights in and around the forts and at a trading post on the Ohio.

VOLUME SIX

_TRAIL AND TRADING POST_

_Or The Young Hunters of the Ohio_

=320 pages= =Illustrated= =Price $1.25=

A fine closing volume to this deservingly popular series. Here we again meet the Morris boys, and many other friends. The plot centres about the possession of a certain trading post on the Ohio River at a time just previous to the Revolution, and there are some encounters with the unfriendly Indians and with some Frenchmen who wished to claim the post as their own.

There are few authors whose books have so wide and so thoroughly
satisfactory a reading as those by Mr. Stratemeyer.—_Courier,
Boston._

GOOD BOOKS FOR BOYS

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

_TWO YOUNG LUMBERMEN_

_Or From Maine to Oregon for Fortune_

=320 pages= =Cloth= =Illustrated= =Price $1.25=

A splendid story, the scene shifting from Maine to Michigan and the Great Lakes, and then to the Columbia and the Great Northwest. The heroes are two sturdy youths who have been brought up among the lumbermen of their native State, and who strike out in an honest endeavor to better their condition. An ideal volume for every wide-awake American who wishes to know what our great lumber industry is to-day.

Mr. Stratemeyer’s books are not only entertaining but
instructive.—_Daily Press, Portland, Me._

Profitable reading for its information concerning a great American
industry.—_Outlook, New York._

The book is an excellent one for youngsters.—_Republican,
Springfield, Mass._

A rattling good story.—_Herald, Baltimore, Md._

Mr. Stratemeyer is able to give an air of reality to his work which
commends it.—_Chicago News._

_BETWEEN BOER AND BRITON_

_Or Two Boys’ Adventures in South Africa_

=Illustrated by A. Burnham Shute= =354 pages= =Price $1.25=

Relates the experiences of two boys, cousins to each other, one American and the other English, whose fathers are engaged in the Transvaal, one in farming and the other in mining operations. While the two boys are off on a hunting trip after big game the war between the Boers and Britons suddenly breaks out, and while endeavoring to rejoin their parents the boys find themselves placed between hostile armies.

A stirring story of the South African War.—_The Journal,
Indianapolis, Ind._

Mr. Stratemeyer certainly gets right next to the boys’ heart in his
excellent stories of adventure.—_News, Providence, R. I._

The author is one of the most accomplished writers for the
young.—_San Francisco Chronicle._

Both Sides of the Great Civil War

_DEFENDING HIS FLAG_

_Or A Boy in Blue and a Boy in Gray_

By Edward Stratemeyer

=431 pages= =Eight full-page illustrations by Griswold Tyng=
=Beautifully bound in colors and gold= =Price $1.50=

This tale relates the adventures of two boys, or rather young men, during the first campaign of our great Civil War. One enlists in the infantry of the North, while the other throws in his fortunes with the cavalry of the South. Of the story Mr. Stratemeyer himself says:

“In writing this work I have had but one object in view, and that
was to give a faithful picture of a part of the Civil War as seen
from both sides of that never-to-be-forgotten conflict. During the
war, and for years afterward, grown folk and young people were
treated to innumerable books on the subject, all written from either
the Northern or the Southern point of view, thoroughly biased, and
calculated to do more harm than good. I think the time has come when
the truth, and the whole truth at that, can be told, and when it
will do positive good. Since the Spanish-American War, when some of
the gallant Southern officers and men made such records for
themselves under Old Glory, the old lines have been practically
wiped out. The reconstructed South is as firm a part of our nation
as was the old South during the first half of the last century, and
it has a perfect right to honor the memories of those who, while
wearing the gray and marching under the stars and bars, fought so
gallantly for what they considered was right and true.”

The mantle of Henty, as a writer of books of history and travel for
boys, seems to have fallen on Mr. Stratemeyer.—_Zion’s Herald,
Boston._

Everybody knows that Edward Stratemeyer is the most widely read of
all living American writers for boys.—_Dispatch, Pittsburg, Pa._

American Boys’ Biographical Series

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER

VOLUME ONE

_AMERICAN BOYS’_

_LIFE OF WILLIAM McKINLEY_

=300 pages= =Illustrated by A. B. Shute and from Photographs=
=$1.25=

Here is told the whole story of McKinley’s boyhood days, his life at school and at college, his work as a school teacher, his glorious career in the army, his struggles to obtain a footing as a lawyer, his efforts as a Congressman and a Governor, and lastly his prosperous career as our President, all told in a style particularly adapted to boys and young men. The book is full of interesting anecdotes, all taken from life, showing fully the sincere, honest, painstaking efforts of a life cut all too short. The volume will prove an inspiration to all boys and young men, and should be in every library.

For nearly a year Mr. Stratemeyer has been gathering material and
giving careful study to the life of the young William, his
childhood, his boyhood, and all his inspiring and romantic history.
The story was nearing its end when the awful finale came and tragedy
ended the drama of President McKinley’s life.—_New York Journal._

VOLUME TWO

_AMERICAN BOYS’ LIFE OF_

_THEODORE ROOSEVELT_

=300 pages= =12mo= =Illustrated from Photographs= =$1.25=

This excellent work for young people covers the whole life of our strenuous executive, as schoolboy, college student, traveler, author, hunter and ranchman, as assemblyman, as civil service commissioner, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, as a daring rough rider, as Governor of New York, and lastly as President. Full of stories taken from real life and fold in a manner to interest both young and old.

We unreservedly recommend Mr. Stratemeyer’s books for boys. They are
wholesome, accurate as to historical details, and always
interesting.—_Boston Times._

------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

1. P. 2, changed “there any unfriendly Indians” to “there are any unfriendly Indians”. 2. Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. 3. Archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings retained as printed. 4. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. 5. Enclosed bold font in =equals=.

End of Project Gutenberg's Trail and Trading Post, by Edward Stratemeyer