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diff --git a/old/56198-0.txt b/old/56198-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index e97555c..0000000 --- a/old/56198-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5015 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Abandoned Country, by Luis Senarens - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Abandoned Country - or, Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a New Continent. - -Author: Luis Senarens - -Release Date: December 17, 2017 [EBook #56198] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ABANDONED COUNTRY *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -[Illustration: FRANK READE WEEKLY MAGAZINE Containing Stories of -Adventures on Land, Sea & in the Air] - - _Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Application made for - Second-Class Entry at N. Y. Post Office._ - No. 84. NEW YORK, JUNE 3, 1904 Price 5 Cents. - -[Illustration] - - Frank and Randall placed Mains on - the ice, at one side, and then drew - Barney up. The Celt came up as - lively as a cricket. “Sure it’s hard - to spile a bad egg, or to kill an - Oirishman,” he cried. - - - - - CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER I. A WONDERFUL TALE. - CHAPTER II. PLANS ARE MADE. - CHAPTER III. IN SOUTHERN SEAS. - CHAPTER IV. UP THE FIORD. - CHAPTER V. THE RUINED CITY. - CHAPTER VI. ACROSS THE LAKE. - CHAPTER VII. BARNEY’S AND POMP’S ADVENTURES. - CHAPTER VIII. A GEOLOGICAL PHENOMENON. - CHAPTER IX. ON AN ISLAND. - CHAPTER X. A STARTLING DISCOVERY. - CHAPTER XI. A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. - CHAPTER XII. WHICH IS THE END. - - - - - FRANK READE - - WEEKLY MAGAZINE. - - CONTAINING STORIES OF ADVENTURES ON LAND, SEA AND IN THE AIR. - - _Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Application made for - Second Class entry at the New York, N. Y., Post Office Entered according - to Act of Congress in the year 1904, in the office of the Librarian of - Congress, Washington, D. C., by Frank Tousey, 24 Union Square, New - York._ - - =No. 84.= NEW YORK, JUNE 3, 1904. =Price 5 Cents.= - - - - - THE ABANDONED COUNTRY; - OR, - Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a New Continent. - - - By “NONAME.” - - - - - CHAPTER I. - A WONDERFUL TALE. - - -“So you think the earth has been thoroughly explored, and that there is -no such thing as an undiscovered continent, do you?” asked Percy -Randall, as he lit a cigar and seated himself comfortably in a chair in -the office of Frank Reade, Jr., for a social chat. - -The young inventor, who hardly needs an introduction to the reader, so -well is he known the world over, turned from his desk and regarded his -visitor with a quizzical smile. - -“Still at that old theory, Randall?” he said. “I thought you had -discarded it after that last expedition of yours.” - -Randall, a bronzed, athletic man of thirty years, but with heaps of -experience as a globe-trotter and explorer, winced, but replied lightly: - -“Well, I did have a hard time. We lost our ship in Desolation Channel, -and were forced to take to an iceberg. If we had had an overland machine -like your Electric Scorcher, we could have easily crossed that ice -barrier and set foot upon the new continent, the most wonderful part of -the globe. But as it was we were carried north into Cape Horn waters on -the berg and finally picked up by an Argentine vessel.” - -Frank looked interested. - -“Then you really believe that there is an inhabited and undiscovered -continent beyond that ice barrier?” he asked. - -“Why, I have old Jack Wendel’s word for it.” - -“A sailor’s word is good except when connected with a story. The telling -of a yarn is ample license for stretching the imagination.” - -“Very good,” rejoined Randall, “but old Jack has given his davy on it, -and all sorts of oaths. Oh, I firmly believe him.” - -“I would much like to hear his story,” said Frank. - -“You would?” asked Randall, eagerly. - -“Yes.” - -“Then you shall. I brought him here to-day for that purpose. He is just -outside the door. I will call him.” - -Randall opened the office door and called: - -“Wendel, come in here!” - -The next moment there appeared in the doorway the figure of a sailor of -the old-time type, who spliced the mainbrace and made sennit in the -forecastle in the palmy days of the “tea wagons” and seventy-four gun -frigates. - -Jack Wendel pulled his foretop respectfully before Frank, and said: - -“With submission, sir, just come aboard, and at your service!” - -“Glad to meet you, sir!” said Frank, warmly. “Sit down. My friend here -tells me that you have a wonderful yarn to tell.” - -Wendel shot a shrewd glance at Frank, then said: - -“It is not a yarn, skipper. It is a true story, on my honor!” - -“Very good,” said Frank. “I should be glad to have you repeat it to me.” - -“And you, sir?” - -Wendel looked at Randall, who said: - -“Certainly, Jack: fire away.” - -The old salt clasped his hands over his knees and began: - -“It was in ’53, and I went out from Baltimore in the Mary Luce. Captain -Barnaby, for Peru. There never was a stauncher ship, mates, nor the -Luce. She stood up like a church in a running gale, and it was no light -storm that put her under the rollers. - -“Well, we were forty-three souls aboard—crew, officers, and a few -passengers. We had a lucky voyage all the way across the Equator and -down the coast until we struck ther Horn seas. Then there was the Old -Harry to pay. - -“We hit into a south storm, and for four days we were unable to tell -where we were. The seas came aboard like avalanches and cleared the deck -to the masts fore and aft. That was a leetle the toughest trip I ever -had. And I haven’t forgotten it. - -“Well, the way the wind did howl and the sea run! When at length the sun -shone long enough to take an observation our skipper swore that we were -south of the Antarctic Circle. - -“And with that our bosun’s mate came up to say that the ship was leaking -a hundred strokes a minute, more or less. We all turned to the pumps and -worked like madmen. - -“But what was the use? We could never hope to make land under many -weeks, and the ship could not float that long. We were put to it pretty -desperate, and finally the end came. - -“There was no way but to take to the boats. What was worse, a little -squall came up and made it almost impossible to launch ’em. Then the -ship began to settle. - -“I can’t tell ye just all about what followed. The captain’s boat was -lowered and swamped. The longboat cleared with fourteen aboard, but was -caught between the rollers and capsized. All hands went down. - -“There were over twenty of us left on the ship’s deck, and a regular -fight was made for the remaining boats. They were put out and two of ’em -got clear and made off. But whatever became of ’em nobody ever knew. Six -of us were left behind, and we had given ourselves up for lost. - -“But the ship water-logged and did not sink as soon as it was thought -that she would. That gave us time to make a raft. We put some stores on -it, and set out in a calmer sea. For six weeks we floated in those icy -seas. - -“Luckily for us, it was the Antarctic summer, and we managed to get -along with our thin clothing until we suddenly hailed land. Yes, it was -actually land, away beyond the icebergs. - -“There were mountains and a smoking volcano. At once our boys were -decided to pay it a visit. - -“The raft drifted on into the edge of the ice floe. Then we left her and -cut out across the icefield. - -“It would lake a long time for me to tell ye all that happened us on -that long walk. One of our men slid into an air-hole and we never saw -him again. - -“Another died of exhaustion. But we kept on, though the cold was -something awful to bear, until at last we came to a cut in the shore -line. It was the mouth of a big river, and was jammed full of ice. - -“It looked like a clear country beyond. We saw fir forests and evidences -of a game country. So we pushed on over the ice-packs in the river. - -“For fifty miles we followed the course of that icy river between -fearful mountains and through deep gorges. At length we noticed a -peculiar warmth in the atmosphere, and one of our boys, sniffing the -air, declared: - -“‘On my word, mates. I can smell land!’ - -“And, in fact, we could. The awful chill of the ice world was gone. Hope -revived in our breasts. We kept on, and the farther we went the more -evidences we found of the existence of a land clear from ice. - -“At length we came to clear, open places in the river. Water was -visible. There were bare patches of shore and hillside. - -“The soil was auriferous, and we found slight evidences of minerals. Now -a warm breeze relaxed our stiffened muscles and removed the tension from -our lungs. We pressed on. - -“A few days later we left the ice region behind us entirely, and came -upon the wonderful Polar country. I couldn’t begin to describe it all to -ye mates, but it was unlike any other part of the earth. - -“Well, we wandered around for six months. It was easy to live there, for -there was plenty of game. In the valleys were cities and towns, and at a -distance we saw the Polar people. These are not to be classed with the -Esquimaux, and seemed quite equal to the Europeans of the lower class. - -“But we were not sure of a warm reception, so we did not venture to make -their acquaintance. We kept out of sight in the hills. - -“Well, we lived a year in the Polar country. We liked the life, but -after awhile we tired of it as sailors will. Jim Welch wanted to go back -to his wife in Salem: Rod Smith had a sweetheart in Buzzards’ Bay, and -Jack Olson had promised his mother to stay at home with her after this -voyage. - -“So we figured out our position. We knew that in April the ice-fields -would move north. Many of the big bergs would drift nearly to the -Equator. We decided to make our way to one and take our chances on being -picked up by a ship. - -“So we made us suits of fur. Then we traveled down the river to the -coast again. - -“Here we found a big berg in a good position and made us a camp on it. -We dug a deep cache and filled it with frozen meat and fowls. We dipped -fresh water from small wooden troughs set in the top of the berg, which -filled with water the first rain. - -“When the proper time came the berg began to drift out to sea. Then we -got into the Equatorial drift. It was a rough and strange experience. - -“For months we lived on the berg, watching every day for a sail. Day by -day the warm waters licked the ice away until all that was left of the -big ice structure was about an acre in area. Then we knew that a great -danger threatened us. - -“One day Jim Welch, with a white face, came out, and said: - -“‘Did ye feel that shiver in the berg a moment ago, lads? I tell ye -she’ll turn turtle before two days!’ - -“You know that all bergs, after melting to a certain point, will grow -top-heavy and turn over. That would settle our ease. And yet no sail. - -“But the next morning at sunrise a Venezuelan schooner lay off our lee. -The Gringo skipper answered our hail and took us off. He carried us to -Caracas and we then shipped for New York. - -“We were glad to get home, and none of us wanted to go back. But we -could say that we had visited a part of the world that was never -explored. - -“And in that light we felt as big as Columbus, for there’s no telling -what may some day come out of the discovery when trade is opened up. And -that, mates, is the whole of my story!” - - - - - CHAPTER II. - PLANS ARE MADE. - - -With this the sailor arose, touched his cap, and started for the door. -But Frank, who had listened with the most intense interest, said: - -“Wait! do not go yet, Jack. I may want to ask you some questions.” - -“At your service, skipper.” - -“Well,” said Randall, triumphantly, “what do you think of it now, -Frank?” - -“I own that I am much interested.” replied the young inventor. “It is a -remarkable tale, and a valuable discovery.” - -“So I believe,” cried Randall. “Here is evidence of the existence of a -new and undiscovered continent. What better field could a man want?” - -“How is it, Wendel?” asked the young inventor, turning to the sailor, -“could my Electric Scorcher travel easily through that region?” - -“Ay, sir, I believe it could, after ye left the ice behind,” replied the -sailor. - -Frank knit his brows. - -“How great a distance would we have to travel over the ice fields?” he -asked. - -“Not over one hundred miles.” - -“I have a plan,” said the young inventor. “I can attach my new skate -shoes with the ice-crank to the wheels. That would enable us to cross -the ice, and we can remove them when we strike land.” - -An ecstatic cry escaped Randall’s lips. - -“Oh, then you really think of going?” he cried. “That is splendid, -Frank. It will be a wonderful experience.” - -“Ah, but I have not promised absolutely,” said the young inventor, -quickly. “But I will say this, that I will think the matter over -seriously.” - -“Only think of the glory of the thing!” - -“That is true, but the feasibility of the enterprise must be strongly -considered. You have tried it——” - -“And failed. But you see, Frank, I had not the resources which you -have—the fertile brain for devising expedients, and the Electric -Scorcher.” - -Frank turned and pressed a small call-bell. The door opened and a negro, -black as soot, appeared. - -“Pomp,” said Frank, “where is Barney?” - -“Dat I’shman, sah? He am jes’ outside, sah,” replied the coon, with a -duck of the head. - -“Call him in. I want to see both of you.” - -“All right, sah.” - -A moment later a shock-headed native of the Emerald Isle appeared with -the darky. These two men were Frank Reade, Jr.’s most faithful -colleagues and companions in many a wonderful voyage. - -“Wud yez loike to see me, sor?” asked Barney, with a scrape. - -“I want to ask you if you have put the supplies aboard the Scorcher -yet?” - -Both bowed. - -“Shure an’ we have, sor.” - -“It am all ready, Marse Frank.” - -“Good enough,” said Frank, in a pleased tone. “I have news for you. Mr. -Randall and his friend have told me of a wonderful country beyond the -Antarctic Circle which I think of paying a visit to. In that case it -will not be long before we shall leave Readestown upon a new and -wonderful voyage.” - -Barney gave a cry of delight and turned a flip-flap. Pomp cut a pigeon -wing. - -“Golly, golly, dat am jes’ fine!” - -“Bejabers, I’m glad of it!” - -“Now, be off, both of you,” commanded Frank, “and get the machine all -ready for the start.” - -Away scurried the two jokers, and Frank turned to his companions, with a -smile. - -“They will leave nothing undone,” he said. “We are practically all ready -to start at once.” - -“That is good!” cried Randall. “Frank, you are a rusher!” - -“Of course, you will be one of our party?” asked Frank. - -“Delighted, and ——” Randall looked toward Wendel. - -“Of course, we shall have to include your friend, if he will consent to -go.” - -Wendel pulled his foretop, and replied: - -“At your service, skipper. I didn’t think I’d ever ship for that -latitude again, but I’m with ye.” - -All shook hands. - -The compact was made. - -They were about to undertake what seemed a herculean task, namely, the -paying of a visit to an unexplored and comparatively inaccessible part -of the world. What chances there were against them could easily be -enumerated. - -There was the possibility of never emerging from the deadly ice-floes, -where the temperature was so fearfully low as to mitigate against human -life. Wild beasts and wilder inhabitants were only a few of the perils. - -But Frank Reade, Jr., was not the one to take backward steps once he -assumed an undertaking. - -“Now,” he said, briskly, “let us get down to business. We must first -consider the means of getting to the Antarctic with the Scorcher.” - -“Very good,” said Randall. “Can you suggest a plan?” - -Wendel here pulled his foretop and said, respectfully: - -“With respect to my superiors, sir, I think I can give ye a trick at the -proper course.” - -Frank and Randall turned. - -“Very well,” said Frank, pleasantly. “We will be glad to hear it.” - -“I have a friend—a former shipmate,” said Wendel, “who owns a staunch -brig—just such a vessel as can stand the rough winds and the ice. His -ship lies in New Bedford harbor now. His name is Captain Isaac Ward, and -the name of his ship is the Black Pearl. He would, I think, undertake -the voyage without any doubt.” - -“Good!” cried Frank, with alacrity. “How soon can we see him, and -where?” - -“I will wire him now!” said Randall, excitedly. “If we can charter his -brig we shall be all right.” - -A few moments later, a telegraph message was speeding on its way to New -Bedford. An hour later an answer came: - - * * * * * - -“FRANK READE, JR.: My brig is in commission and ready for a cruise. I -will agree to reasonable terms and will be in Readestown to-morrow. - - “ISAAC WARD.” - - * * * * * - -All that the adventurers could now do was to wait for the coming of -Captain Ward. Frank arose from the desk, and said: - -“Would not you gentlemen like to take a look at the Scorcher?” - -“Delighted,” was Randall’s reply, and Wendel nodded eagerly. So they -left the office with that purpose in view. - -When Barney and Pomp went forth they were in hilarious spirits. They -crossed the yard with a hop, skip and jump, and approached the heavy -iron doors of a high, truss-roofed structure. - -“Ki yi!” cried Pomp, clicking his heels together. “I jes’ ’lot on seein’ -dem icebergs. Huh! dat be a berry good place fo’ yo’, I’sh.” - -“Phwat do yez mane, naygur?” interrogated Barney. - -“Bekase it am so cold.” - -“Phwat has that to do wid me, yez grinning misfit av an ape?” - -“Hi, hi, hi! Don’ yo’ know? Ice am a’right fo’ to preserve green fings.” - -Barney made a biff at Pomp. - -“Be me sowl, it’ll make yez more conspicuous fer yer color, naygur!” he -cried. “Shure, ye’ll froighten the whole counthry.” - -“Huh! reckon dere am brack men in all pahts ob de worl’.” - -“Divil a wan will yez foind on the old sod.” - -“Dat am a berry unfortunate fing fo’ de island,” retorted Pomp. “Ki, -dar, look out fo’ dat big snaik!” - -The darky simulated terror and pointed to the Celt’s feet. Of course, -there was no snake there, but the exclamation caused Barney to leap and -yell with terror. - -When he saw how he had been sold he made an angry biff at Pomp. - -“Begorra, I’ll have yer skhin fer that!” he yelled. - -But Pomp put out his foot and tripped the Celt up. However, Barney -caught the darky’s ankle and brought him down, too. - -Then there followed a mix-up. For a time it was hard to tell which had -the best of it. - -But suddenly approaching footsteps and voices were heard. - -“Whisht!” cried Barney. “That’s Misther Frank. Be off wid yez.” - -And they scurried away just in time. Frank, with his visitors, came up -and opened the big doors. There upon a small platform stood the new -invention. - -The Electric Scorcher was built for speed, and with an idea to economy -of space and lightness. It weighed hardly a thousand pounds, but on its -pneumatic tired wheels ran apparently as light as an ordinary bicycle. - -The symmetry of its build and the grace of its contour were remarkable. -In these was seen the master hand of the builders and the mechanics. - -The body of the Scorcher was made of bullet-proof plates of steel. It -rested upon light but strong running gear. There were four plate-glass -windows upon each side and one in the rear. - -Above the desk rose a structure of steel netting—a sort of cage in which -the voyagers could remain with unimpeded view in all directions. In this -cage there were loopholes for firing upon a foe, if such a thing as -defense should become necessary. - -Over this cage was a small deck, and upon it was mounted a long, light -steel cylinder. This was Frank Reade, Jr.’s most wonderful invention—the -pneumatic dynamite electric gun. - -This was a very deadly weapon, capable of throwing a dynamite shell two -miles with frightful effect. - -Just forward of this cage was the pilot-house, with heavy, plate-glass -windows. The rear of the Scorcher was graced with a steel hood—much like -the top of a chaise. In this there were kept the dynamos and electric -engines. - -In the pilot-house there was a keyboard by which the machine could be -regulated and operated. Over the pilot-house was a powerful searchlight, -with a wide range. - -The equipments and furnishings of the machine throughout were of the -best, and there were stores aboard sufficient for a year’s journey. -Nothing had been left undone. - -The Electric Scorcher was quite ready for the trip. - -The two visitors looked the machine over with wonderment and delight. -Then they went back to the office, where final arrangements were made. - -And thus was undertaken the remarkable feat of making a voyage to an -undiscovered continent. - -It was an arduous and perilous undertaking, but our adventurers were -pledged to it, and what their success was we shall see. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - IN SOUTHERN SEAS. - - -And now, with the reader’s permission, we will change the scene of our -story to the high seas south of the Equator. - -The Black Pearl, staunch brig, was plowing her way through a -white-capped sea. Unusually good weather had favored the party thus far. - -There had been no difficulty encountered with the doldrums or head-winds -even, and the Pearl had made a quick passage. - -The sun was fiercely hot, and they were yet able to realize that they -were in the tropics. But they knew that every hour now brought them -nearer to their destination. - -On the deck a canopy had been erected, and under this all were fond of -reclining. - -The principal pastime was of discussing the probable results of the trip -and the peculiarities of the Antarctic land. - -As near as Frank could figure, the fiord or river outlet, by means of -which Wendel and his companions had entered the Antarctic country, was -off the coast of Graham Land. - -In that case a course due south from Cape Horn would be pretty sure to -bring them into the right locality. So the brig held that course. - -The arrangement was that Captain Ward should land them as near the -Antarctic coast as possible on the icefield. - -Then he would return to Montevideo and remain four months, after which -he would come back to the edge of the icefield and cruise about for a -month. - -Finding no signs of the voyagers then he would go back to Montevideo for -two months more, thence returning to the ice-pack for a month. - -After three such attempts, consuming about a year in time, he would then -be assured that the adventurers would not come out alive, and he could -go wherever his fancy dictated. - -This was the plan. - -Frank had chartered the Pearl and crew for one year, paying them a -liberal bonus, for the voyage was a more arduous one than the ordinary. - -There were eighteen men in the crew, all plucky and hardy fellows, who -were ready to fight at command. - -Captain Ward was intensely interested in the project of exploring the -Antarctic Continent, and more than once hinted at a desire to leave his -ship and accompany the Scorcher’s party. - -But our adventurers took great pains not to encourage such a thing, for -there were already enough in the party. - -As is usually the case, the forecastle also got hold of the matter and -the result was that a pretty yarn was soon going the rounds. - -This was to the effect that there were fabulous gold mines back of the -great ice-belt, and that the voyagers were bound thither to work the -newly discovered mines. - -Now, if there is one thing which will inflame the minds of lawless men -it is the yellow metal. - -At once a thrill of excitement ran through the ship. - -The fever was on, and it had a lamentable and disastrous effect upon the -sailors. - -They neglected their duties and crowded in secret knots about the ship. -Look into the eyes of any one of them and there you would see the demon -of avarice, the haunting, restless spirit of gain and greed. - -Of course, such a state of affairs as this could not help but be bad for -the ship and all on board. - -The crew might mutiny. - -Frank was the first to notice it, and said to Randall: - -“I am afraid that idea is going to make trouble. Even the captain has -the foolish fancy.” - -“You are right,” agreed Randall, “and it has worried me not a little. -What ought we to do about it?” - -“Is there any way in which we can dispel the illusion?” - -“I can think of no way save to call them to quarters and have the -captain tell them what the real errand of the Scorcher is.” - -“Will they believe it?” - -“Perhaps not, but I see no other way.” - -“Very well.” - -So Randall held a consultation with Captain Ward, and the result was -that the men were called aft and lectured. - -The mission of the Scorcher was enlarged upon, but even as he berated -his crew it could be seen that the captain was not himself convinced. - -Frank shook his head ominously at this. - -“I am afraid that trouble will come out of it all,” he said. - -Below the Tropic of Capricorn the weather grew cooler and more rapid -progress was made. - -One day some islands were sighted off to the southwest. Captain Ward -closed his glass, and said: - -“The Falklands, gentlemen. Do you wish to stop there awhile?” - -“No!” replied Frank, emphatically. “Let us get into southern waters as -quickly as possible.” - -“Aye, aye, sir!” - -Straight southward the brig held her way. But progress now was slow. - -They encountered rough seas and heavy storms. For weeks the brig fought -her way through mountain rollers, until at last, somewhat battered, she -sighted distant land. - -The captain consulted his chart, and said: - -“I reckon that is Graham Land. But there are fifty miles of ice-floes -this side of it. Perhaps, though, we can find a channel for the brig.” - -Down among the ice-floes the Pearl sailed. It was difficult work, but -after many days of struggling she anchored in a little lagoon in the -icefield and not ten miles from the coast. - -And Wendel pointed to a distant break in the coast and cried: - -“There is the fiord or river mouth up which we steered.” - -This caused intense excitement. Preparations were at once begun for -unloading the Scorcher. - -The sections of the machine were taken off upon the ice-pack. Then -Barney and Pomp went to work to put it together. - -In a short space the machine was all ready for the start. All this -while the captain and his men had stood by eagerly watching. - -The captain had asked Frank many questions, all of which the young -inventor had thought it no harm to answer. - -At length the adventurers went aboard the Scorcher and all was ready for -the start. The ice-shoes had been fitted to the wheels, which were in -turn rigged with chains. - -Under each wheel was a sharp cog arrangement which struck into the ice -and thus propelled the Scorcher over the smooth surface or the clinging -snow. And thus the start was made. - -Frank and his companions had shaken hands with the captain, and the -young inventor said: - -“I suppose you will soon be on your way to Montevideo, Mr. Ward. You -will need to make haste to avoid getting shut up in the ice-pack for the -coming winter.” - -“I will look out for that!” replied Ward, stiffly. - -He was offended. - -Then the Scorcher glided slowly away across the icefield, leaving the -brig yet in the little ice-bound basin. - -The progress across the icefield was by no means easy. - -There were sections of it where the ice-cakes had crashed together and -made long mounds or high harriers. Sometimes these were fifty feet or -more in height. - -But the travelers pushed on. - -They were used to overcoming obstacles. - -It was often necessary to make a smooth road over or through these -barriers, and this took much time. The light of the waning Antarctic day -was none too bright. - -But steadily our adventurers drew nearer to the mighty cliffs and -headlands, which opened to create the deep fiord. - -The trip, however, was not without incident, for just as they were -skirting a high pinnacle of ice, it cracked, crumbled and fell. - -The descending avalanche, fortunately, did not fall squarely upon the -Scorcher, else the result might have been serious. - -It, instead, massed itself about the machine and half buried it. For a -time the adventurers were in a virtual panic. - -They feared the Scorcher might be injured. - -But as soon as the crashing ice settled into place, Frank sprung out of -the pilot-house and began to examine the running gear of the machine. - -“How is it?” asked Randall; “has anything smashed?” - -“Nothing,” replied Frank, joyfully. “I feared the worst.” - -“I thought we were doomed.” - -“So did I, but thanks to Providence we are all right.” - -“Save for the ice.” - -“Hang me for a whale,” exploded Wendel, “I don’t see how we’ll ever -squirm out of this, mates!” - -“Well, you shall see,” said Frank. “Barney and Pomp, here’s work for us. -Let all hands fall to.” - -In a few moments all had doffed their fur garments and were working like -beavers. - -The ice was cleared from the deck after twenty minutes of hard work. -Then Frank hit upon an idea. - -He went into the pilot-house and brought out a number of heavy wires. - -“What are you going to do, Frank?” asked Randall. - -“Wait and you will see,” said the young inventor, vaguely. - -“I will do so,” agreed Randall. “I suppose it is as good as settled that -we are out of here without further effort?” - -“Don’t be so sure.” - -“Oh, you never fail. If I had half your resource and inventive faculty I -would be a king among men.” - -“Pshaw!” said Frank, testily. “Don’t talk nonsense!” - -Over the ice-heap the young inventor went with the wires. Then he -brought out small dynamite cartridges and placed one at the end of each -wire. It was now that Randall clearly saw his purpose. - -“Will not the explosion injure the machine?” he asked. - -“It is not sufficient in quantity,” replied Frank. “If it was in a mass -it might, but such small charges will only shake the ice to powder. Once -we can clear it away from the wheels we are all right.” - -However, the voyagers watched Frank’s work with some anxiety as well as -interest. After awhile it was completed. - -Then the young inventor connected the wires with the dynamos. A touch of -the electric button and the charge was off. - -There was quite a sharp explosion. - -A quantity of loose ice shot up into the air, and the whole mass -gradually settled lower. - -The huge cakes were split and riven in twain, and made easier to handle. -As they were clearing them away Barney gave a sharp cry. - -He picked up a block of ice in which was imbedded a man’s skull. It was -a hideous looking object. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - UP THE FIORD. - - -In an instant all were crowded about the Celt, and interested in his -strange discovery. - -“Shure, phwereiver did this poor sowl come from?” cried the Celt. -“Shure, he must have died here!” - -“Golly! did yo’ ebber see de beat ob dat?” cried Pomp, in amazement. - -“A human skull!” ejaculated Randall. “How is it, Frank? Is not that -proof that these frozen latitudes are inhabited?” - -“It is proof that they have been visited before by man,” agreed Frank. -“It looks like the skull of a civilized man.” - -“And so it is, mates,” cried Wendel. “Now I remember, when we crossed -this icefield John Morgan, one of our men, died and we buried him here -in the ice. I reckon that is his skull.” - -“The mystery explained,” cried Randall, “but where is the rest of the -body?” - -“That question is readily answered,” replied Frank. “The constant -shifting of the ice may have disintegrated the body and distributed -parts of it everywhere. Lively now, and let’s get the machine clear. -Time is valuable.” - -Ten minutes later the Scorcher glided out of its bed of ice and crossed -the high line of ice-blocks to the smooth icefield beyond. - -“All aboard!” cried Frank. - -The rest of the way to the coast was easy traveling. Then the mouth of -the fiord was entered. - -It was the gateway to the unknown world of the Antarctic, and it need -hardly be said that all in the party were intensely interested. - -High up on the rocky steeps of the fiord snow-burdened firs hung over -the abyss. At times a bear or a fox might be seen among the icy rocks. - -Great flocks of penguins and other water fowl were in evidence. There -was an abundance of game. - -The Scorcher soon came to a long, level reach of smooth ice. Over this -the machine sped with ease. - -Miles flew by and soon the snow-burdened region began to unfold itself. - -Wendel suddenly pointed to a distant range of mighty mountains, and -declared: - -“Look ye, mates! Beyond that range is the new continent. Do you see that -column of smoke?” - -“The volcano!” ejaculated Frank. - -“Just so, skipper. We crossed the range to the west of that. This river -rises somewhere in those heights.” - -“How far distant are they?” asked Randall. - -“About seventy miles,” calculated Frank. - -“Yes, fully one hundred,” declared Wendel. “Distances are greater in -this sort of atmosphere.” - -“That is quite likely,” agreed Frank, “but it looks to me as if we must -have rough traveling to get there.” - -“Stick to the river,” declared Wendel, “then there will be no trouble.” - -The voyagers now kept their gaze constantly upon the distant volcanic -range. The blue haze which seemed to hang over their black summits was -certainly fair proof that a land free from snow and ice existed beyond. - -It was easy to understand why snow and ice did not cling to the volcanic -mountains, for the internal fires doubtless banished it. But what was -beyond would have been a matter of conjecture but for Wendel’s story. - -The gloom which hung over the Antarctic country had begun to increase -largely, until it became certain that the Polar night was at hand. - -The sun had not been seen above the horizon since entering the fiord, -and there were times when it became almost necessary to use the -searchlight. - -But they had soon covered most of the distance to the volcanic hills. As -they drew nearer, they were compelled to leave the river, as the ice -melted and huge stretches of open water appeared. - -But fortunately the surface of the ground was such that they had little -trouble in making their way along, until finally long, level tracts of -green slopes lay between them and the volcano. - -An eruption was in progress, and the spectacle was a grand one. - -The ground trembled even where they were, and great fiery streams of -lava were seen coursing down the crater’s side. - -Immense shafts of fire, smoke and ashes shot up from the crater to an -enormous height. - -While the eruption was in progress it was not deemed best to approach -nearer. It lasted fully two hours. - -When it ceased Frank sent the Scorcher ahead. Between the volcano and an -adjoining mountain he saw a deep pass, and into this the machine -plunged. - -It was as dark as Erebus, but the searchlight made the way clearer. -Great walls of basalt rose upon either side. - -Wendel, however, assured Frank that this pass was the true entrance to -the warm valleys beyond. So the young inventor did not hesitate. - -The snowshoes had been removed from the wheels, for they had now left -the snow and ice region behind. - -The air had rapidly grown milder, and it became necessary to remove all -their heavy clothing. Indeed, the air which now rushed through the gorge -was like a hot blast. - -In a short while, however, as Wendel had predicted, the walls of the -gorge began to widen, and now for the first time our voyagers beheld the -land of promise, the new continent. - -There it lay before them, green and fertile and beautiful as far as the -eye could reach. - -From their exalted position they could see a great panorama, smooth, -green plains, clumps of trees, winding streams and beautiful lakes. They -gazed upon it spellbound. - -For months they had beheld nothing but stormy waters, cold icebergs and -inhospitable rocks. - -It was a relief to the senses and to the soul to now gaze upon this -wonderful revelation of Divine Nature. - -Wendel and Barney and Pomp raised their caps and cheered. - -“Be me sowl, it looks foine down there!” cried the Celt. “Shure, I’d -loike a dip in that clear, cool wather!” - -Everybody laughed at this. - -“What, so soon after leaving a region of ice, Barney?” cried Randall. -“Really I should not think your blood would heat so quickly as that.” - -But Barney hung to his hobby and announced his intention of taking a -swim whenever the Scorcher should have reached the right locality. Pomp -did the same. - -The intense gloom which prevailed over the ice region for some strange -reason did not seem to exist here. A peculiar, bright light, which -seemed like a reflection from the zenith, made the Polar Continent quite -light. - -For a time our adventurers regarded the panorama below them. Then Frank -started the Scorcher down the mountain slopes to a series of plateaus -just below. - -Wendel was right in his element. - -He recalled many scenes and incidents upon all sides, and never tired of -telling of them. - -Frank inquired: - -“But the cities and towns, and the Polar people. We have seen nothing of -them yet!” - -“Well, it is high time,” replied Wendel. “I think we will see them from -lower ground.” - -So all looked forward eagerly to this possibility. The Scorcher, with -brakes on, slowly made its way down the mountain side. - -Soon, after a descent of a few thousand feet, not unattended, with risk, -the machine slid out upon a plateau. Here the surface was comparatively -smooth and free from obstructions. - -The Scorcher rolled forward to the verge of the plateau. - -Then glasses were brought out, and all looked for the habitations -described by Wendel, but the old sailor was given a great surprise. - -They were nowhere visible. - -Words can hardly depict his supreme amazement. The eyes of all were -fixed upon him. - -“Well, I’m blowed,” exclaimed the old sailor. “I can say that there were -cities and towns and people here, when I was here before! I don’t see -how they could take wings and fly away!” - -“That is very curious, Jack,” said Randall. “Are you sure this is the -locality visited by you?” - -“Sartin it is, mate.” - -Presently Frank and Randall descended from the deck of the Scorcher, and -strolled along the verge of the plateau. - -“In every other respect,” said Randall, “the old fellow’s story has -proven correct.’” - -“That is true,” replied Frank, “and yet it seems hardly possible that he -could be mistaken in regard to seeing the people and their towns.” - -“Exactly! How, then, do you explain the discrepancy?” - -“There is one way.” - -“What is it?” - -“Perhaps they have departed for some other part of this region.” - -“Abandoned the country?” - -“Just so!” - -“But—what would be their reason?” - -“That can hardly be explained without further investigation. Perhaps an -enemy descended upon them and swept them out of existence. Perhaps a -pestilence or a flood.” - -“There must have been some reason for it.” - -“Just so.” - -“Well, what shall we do?” - -“I propose that we push our way down into this abandoned country. We -will doubtless find some trace of the Polar people, perhaps the ruins of -their town.” - -“I agree with you, and I am eager to go on. Let us lose no time.” - -“One moment, please!” - -Frank placed his glass to his eyes and studied some objects in the -valley below for a few moments. - -Then he exclaimed: - -“Have you a glass, Randall?” - -“Yes.” - -“Take a look to the east of that little clump of trees down there. Do -you see anything?” - -Randall complied with this request. His face changed. - -“It looks like a building of stone.” - -“Exactly!” - -“If there are others, or if it is one of a town, they are hidden behind -the trees.” - -“So I believe. Wendel has told us truly. Let us go down there at once. -How far is it?” - -“Ten miles.” - -“Yes, all of that.” - -Hastily the two explorers made their way back to the Scorcher. It needed -but a glance for the others to see at once that something was up. - -“Wha’ am de word. Marse Frank?” asked Pomp, eagerly. - -“Move!” replied Frank. “We shall go ahead, and I believe important -discoveries are near at hand.” - - - - - CHAPTER V. - THE RUINED CITY. - - -All received this word with a cry of joy. - -In a few moments the Scorcher was descending to the next plateau. Here a -revelation was accorded the adventurers as Frank had promised. - -For there, just beyond the fringe of trees, was indeed visible quite -plainly the white ruins of a town. - -It was surrounded by a demolished wall of stone, resembling marble. All -about this were trees of a pomegranate and mulberry type or species. It -was plain that great gardens had once surrounded the town. - -The buildings were all shattered and riven, as if by the force of an -earthquake or a bombardment. It was evil dent that the city was -destroyed by some force as yet unknown. - -And the inhabitants—were they destroyed also? - -With great interest and powerful curiosity the voyagers watched the -ruined city as they drew nearer to it. - -A long, level prairie now alone intervened. To cross this did not -require a long space of time. - -But the Scorcher now struck into what looked like a sort of road, -leading down to the town gates. Part of the way it was fringed with a -hedge of firs. - -And at intervals the ruins of strange-looking houses were seen upon -either hand. The adventurers regarded them wonderingly. - -On ran the Scorcher at a fair rate of speed. - -And it followed that very soon the machine crossed a causeway of white -stone and rolled between two high pillars into the main street of the -town. - -It was noted then how curiously the place was laid out. - -The entire town described a circle; all the streets beginning at the -gate and extending in circles about a hollow or amphitheater in the -center. - -It was a strong reminder of a coliseum, the houses occupying the -position of the seats. In the center of the public square, or circle, -rather, there had stood a tall shaft of stone, fully one hundred feet -high. - -Doubtless this was a monument, commemorating some heroic deed or mighty -occasion. In this sentiment, at least, the Polar people resembled their -civilized neighbors beyond the ice belt. - -“By Jove!” exclaimed Randall, “these people were the equal of the -ancient Aztecs. Their architecture shows that.” - -“They may be our equals,” said Frank. “We have as yet no means of -proving the contrary.” - -“That is very true.” - -There were some obstruction in the street of the Polar city, but the -Scorcher managed to pick its way along without great difficulty. - -Not until the central part of the city was reached did the machine stop. -Then Frank stepped out on deck, and cried: - -“Well, friends, here we are. We have accomplished the great feat of -crossing the Antarctic barrier and invading the Polar Continent. We have -discovered a ruined town, and evidence that this was once an inhabited -region, though now abandoned. Let us, therefore, set foot on Polar soil -and devote some time to exploration.” - -Cheers followed this declaration, and all leaped over the rail. - -There was little need of guarding the Scorcher, for no living foe was in -the vicinity. Barney and Pomp began a frolic on the green turf, while -Frank, with Randall and the sailor, began the exploration. - -They scrambled over the ruins of the building, and were impressed with -the fact that their architecture had been of a tasty kind. - -“These people were not savages,” declared Frank. “They understood the -arts. Look!” - -He picked up an object which all saw at once was a helmet or head-dress. -It was basinet shaped, and of a strange kind of bronze-like metal. - -“What is the metal?” asked Randall, as he examined it. Then he gave a -sharp cry. - -“What is the matter?” asked Frank. - -“Do you know what kind of metal this is?” asked Randall. - -“No.” - -Frank knew that the other was an expert metallurgist. So he awaited the -announcement with interest. - -“Well,” said Randall, slowly, “its chief component part is gold!” - -“Gold!” - -“Yes, also in the alloy is silver and iron. That proves that these -people knew the use of metals. It proves more!” - -“Well?” - -“That gold is one of the common ores of this region.” Frank and Wendel -gave a start. Their eyes shone. - -How easy it is to arouse the gold fever in the human composition! It is -as natural as breathing. - -But Frank regained himself. - -“That adds to the value of our discovery!” he cried. “At no distant day, -doubtless, gold-seekers will forsake Australia and Africa for the Polar -mines.” - -“Exactly! I have no doubt that rich deposits exist here!” - -“Well,” said Frank, “they are of little use to us just now. Ha! What -have we here?” - -As he spoke the young inventor had taken a step forward. - -At his feet yawned a deep pit. There were stone stairs descending into -it. - -What seemed like a crypt, or underground chambers, were doubtless below. -This reflection was enough. - -Exploration was the order, so Frank hesitated no longer but prepared to -descend into the place. - -Randall waited curiously for Frank to descend. Then he followed. - -They stood in a little square chamber, apparently cut out of solid rock. -Beyond was a narrow passage, but black as Erebus. - -“What is it?” asked Randall. “It looks like a tomb.” - -“And so it may be,” agreed Frank, “or perhaps a treasure vault. At any -rate, we will explore it.” - -He stepped into the dark passage, but before he had proceeded ten feet -he abruptly halted. - -In the darkness ahead there blazed two fearful balls of fire. -Instinctively Frank shivered. - -He knew that some fierce animal—a panther or wolf—had made this hole its -den. - -He was face to face with the creature, and it was by no means a -despicable foe or an enviable situation. In this dark place it would not -be easy to defend one’s self. - -A deep, hoarse growl came from the depths. Then Frank gasped: - -“A bear!” - -He retreated backward precipitately, hoping to reach the outer chamber, -but the glaring eyeballs were close upon him. - -Frank had for weapons only a revolver and a knife. - -He drew the revolver and fired point blank at the eyes. Before he could -fire again it was struck from his grasp by a huge paw, and he had to -fall back on his knife. - -Another blow of the paw brought him to his knees, and he was obliged to -clinch with his foe. - -Meanwhile Randall and Wendel had grasped the situation. - -The former tried to drag Frank from the dark passage, and in the -struggle both man and bear emerged. This was a better chance for Frank. - -The bear was of a monster black species. Frank was driving the knife -into its carcass, but it seemed to have no effect. - -It was Wendel who saved the day. - -He luckily had his rifle with him. Rushing forward he placed it at the -bear’s head and fired point blank. - -The ball crashed through bruin’s brain and ended the struggle. Frank -detached himself from the brute’s embrace. - -By a miracle he was comparatively unharmed, having only a few hard -scratches to show for his struggle. - -But it was a close call. - -“By Jupiter!” gasped Randall, “I thought you were done for that time, -Frank.” - -“I owe my life to you,” said Frank, gripping Wendel’s hand. - -“I am glad of that, mate,” replied the sailor, heartily. - -“Do you think there are any more bears in there?” asked Randall. - -“No,” replied Frank, “but it is well to use precaution. Let us proceed -with care.” - -Once more they crept into the passage. In a few moments they stood in a -gloom-filled chamber. - -At one end of this was another pit and stairs. They evidently led down -to deeper regions. - -It was too dark to proceed farther at haphazard. So Frank turned about -and said: - -“If one of us can go back to the Scorcher and get an electric lantern I -think we can go farther.” - -“I’ll do that,” agreed Wendel, and away he went. - -It was not long before he returned with the lantern. This had a powerful -burner and lit up the subterranean chambers fully. - -Down the second flight of steps the explorers now proceeded. A -remarkable discovery was in store for them. - -Down and down a winding way they went. - -Soon it was seen that the walls of the passage were of natural -conformation and that they were really in a cavern. - -It trended downward for what seemed an interminable distance. Then -suddenly a startling surprise was accorded all. - -For they had emerged into a mighty, high-domed cavern chamber. Its -limits could not be seen. - -But it was nearly occupied with a mighty subterranean lake. The water -flashed in the lantern’s glare. - -“An underground sea!” cried Randall. “What a wonder!” - -“And access to it by the Polar people,” mused Frank. “What was their -purpose?” - -“Perhaps to get water or to fish,” suggested Wendel. “Eh! what kind of a -craft is this?” - -As he spoke he bent down over a sort of coracle which lay in the sands. -Paddles were against the thwarts just as it had been left by its former -owners. - -The little craft was examined and found to be quite staunch. - -But just at that moment Randall gripped Frank’s arm. - -“Look!” he whispered. - -He pointed across the domed lake. There was a strange leaping, fantastic -glare of light. It appeared at intervals and was intensely weird and -fanciful in its shapes. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - ACROSS THE LAKE. - - -Of course, the cupidity and curiosity of the explorers were aroused. - -Not one but had a keen desire to know what the meaning of the light was. -So after a few moments Randall said: - -“That beats me! What is it?” - -“Give it up,” said Wendel. - -“We ought to investigate it. Eh, Frank?” - -“That’s what we’re here for,” replied the young inventor. - -He stepped into the coracle. It would hold three easily. - -A moment later they were boldly sallying forth upon the waters of the -underground lake. Frank, however, was very careful to keep his bearings, -leaving the lantern to mark the spot they had just left. - -Wendel and Randall used the paddles, while Frank steered. Thus they made -their way over the underground waters. - -They were placid, even dead, for there was no breeze to ripple their -surface. - -But there was another power, and it was felt before the voyagers were -half across. - -Suddenly the coracle began to wabble and turn. Randall and the sailors -pulled harder at the paddles. - -But it did no good. The little craft began to rock most violently. - -“What in the deuce is the matter?” asked Randall, excitedly. “What ails -the boat?” - -“I think the waves are rising in the lake,” said Wendel. “Yes, there is -really some commotion under us, mates.” - -“Right!” cried Frank, as he balanced the coracle. “Keep steady, or we’ll -be over.” - -It seemed as if the boat had become a boiling cauldron. - -The water foamed and surged and pitched until the three voyagers were -certain that they would go to the bottom. - -But they did not. - -A distant, sullen, booming sound was heard, like rumbling thunder. Then -there was a muffled explosion, a hissing cloud of steam surged across -the lake, and then all became quiet again. - -The coracle rested safely once more upon the placid waters. - -Then the voyagers collected their wits. Light from the electric lantern -yet shone obliquely across the little craft, and in the water Frank saw -some small objects floating. - -He put his hand over the thwarts and picked up one. - -It was cold and slimy and slid out of his hand into the bottom of the -boat. - -“What’s that?” cried Randall. - -“A fish!” ejaculated Frank. “The water is alive with them. Something has -killed them.” - -This was true. - -The surface of the lake was covered with the dead fish. Surely some -internal convulsion had taken place. - -The red fire at the other end of the lake could now be seen plainer than -ever. - -It was like looking into a veritable Hades, or through the yawning jaws -of a red-hot furnace. The voyagers gazed wonder-struck at it. - -Then they paddled on slowly. - -“Shall we go ahead, mates?” asked Wendel. - -“Why not?” ejaculated Randall. - -“Nothing, only if another whirl of the waters took place again like that -we might have to swim.” - -“I am willing to risk it,” said Randall, looking at Frank. - -“It will probably not occur again,” declared the young inventor. - -“Then we will go ahead.” - -“Yes.” - -Randall and the sailor gave way at the paddles. The coracle sped on and -every moment drew nearer the fiery furnace. - -Then it was seen that the cavern here enlarged into a mighty, yawning -pit, which was filled with smoke and flames, and from which arose -fearful fumes. - -It was evidently a volcano. - -A gallery ran from the lake shore to this pit and divided the two by -about fifty feet of solid rock. The heat of the furnace was intense. - -But the voyagers did not hesitate to draw the coracle up on the shore -and walk over to the fiery pit. - -It covered fully an acre. High above it was a funnel-like shaft. All in -that instant Frank guessed the truth. - -“By Jove!” he exclaimed, “I know where we are!” - -“Eh!” exclaimed Randall. - -“We are in the volcano!” - -“The volcano?” - -“Yes.” - -“Impossible!” - -“Not so! If you remember, we have traveled a good ways underground, and -it has carried us without a doubt under the plateaus and straight into -the heart of the mountain. Probably this is only one of half a hundred -or more internal craters.” - -The logic of this assumption was at once obvious. - -Certainly in no other way could this crater of fire be explained. For a -time the three men were silent. - -They studied the strange scene awhile, then Randall said: - -“Well, Frank, what shall we do about it?” - -“Follow me,” said the young inventor. - -Frank led the way around the gallery. It trended upward, and soon shot -off at right angles into a serpentine course beyond the wall of the pit -of fire. - -It was as if this corkscrew-like passage had been bored for just such a -purpose as it was now used. Frank led the way. - -It was like ascending a winding stair in a tower. But before they had -gone far Randall asked: - -“Where are we going, Frank?” - -“To follow this passage to its end,” was the reply. - -“Where do you think it will end?” - -“I don’t know. It may come out on top of the volcano.” - -“But—is there no danger of losing our way?” - -“I think not.” - -“And if we come out on top of the mountain, shall we return this way?” - -“We shall see.” - -As they advanced now, the situation became one filled with terrors. - -It was as if they were in a literal pandemonium. All sorts of strange -sounds were about them. - -There was a rumble of thunder, the gurgle of molten liquid and the hiss -of steam. Then terrific explosions came with fearful echoes through the -cavernous depths. - -It was sufficient to strike fear into a strong man’s bosom. For a time -even Frank Reade, Jr., himself was a trifle daunted. - -“Is it quite safe, Frank?” asked Randall, with some apprehension. -“Suppose a stream of lava should come tearing down this passage?” - -“It would cook us,” said Frank, imperturbably, “but we won’t anticipate -that.” - -“Ugh!” exclaimed Wendel, “I think we’d better get out of here as soon as -possible!” - -“And so we will,” declared Frank, “but this is a watercourse. I don’t -believe we need fear lava. We ought to be near the summit.” - -But they toiled on for another hour. Then, however, they emerged into -the open air. - -The transition was for a moment surprising. Even the semi-gloom of the -Antarctic night was dazzling. - -But they were high in the air, and a mighty panorama of country lay -before their gaze. - -To the northward, shrouded in dull gloom, was the barrier of ice and -snow; to the south, the Polar Continent, in its green hue. - -To the east, the great pass, and west, the line of mighty craters, which -belched at intervals their fiery contents a thousand feet into the air. - -It was a spectacle which literally appalled the adventurers. They were -truly on a new continent in an unexplored world. - -Then Randall exclaimed: - -“How is it, Frank? Shall we stay here long?” - -“No,” replied Frank. “I have accomplished my object. Let us now return -to the Scorcher.” - -Randall was about to re-enter the downward passage, but Frank cried: - -“Not that way!” - -“What?” - -“We will not return that way.” - -“Why not?” - -“It is too far, and too perilous. We can just slide down the mountain -side here easier.” - -“But we left the electric lantern on the shore of that lake——” - -“Hang the lantern,” cried Frank. “We’ll let it stay there. We’ll not go -back for it now, at least.” - -“All right,” cried Randall, “I’m more than agreeable. Let’s slide on -down.” - -And down the crater side they proceeded to travel. Leaping from rock to -rock they went rapidly down. - -Soon the plateau below was reached. Then they saw the Scorcher dimly in -the distance down the valley. - -It was quite a long tramp down over the steeps to where the machine was. -Barney and Pomp were not in sight. - -When the three explorers reached the Scorcher after threading their way -among the ruins they were surprised to find the two jokers missing. - -What had become of them? - -The truth was, they had gone upon a little exploring expedition of their -own. - -When Frank and his companions disappeared in the old ruin, the Celt -turned a handspring on the pavement, and cried: - -“Be me sowl, naygur, phwat do yez say av we have a little exploration av -our own?” - -“I’se wif yo’, I’sh. Wha’ am we gwine fo’ to explore?” - -“The whole town, yez ignoramus! Shure, it’s loikely we may foind some -valuable relics ourselves. Thin Misther Frank will be afther thankin’ us -fer thim!” - -Pomp hesitated. - -“Wha’ do yo’ fink ob leavin’ de Scorcher?” he asked. - -“Shure, that will be all roight. Don’t yez have no fears about that, at -all, at all!” - -“A’right, I go yo’ I’sh. Jes’ yo’ lead de way an’ I follers on!” - -“Which it’s proper yez should, considerin’ me superior advantages.” -declared Barney, in his puffiest way. “Do yez see that big heap av -sthone down yonder?” - -“Yes.” - -“Well, I believe that’s some koind av a ruined temple or the loikes, an’ -we’ll thry that first off!” - -“A’right, I’sh. Yo’ go ahead.” - -In a few moments they were among the ruins of a huge building, which -Barney said might have been a temple. - -They passed among a heap of fallen pillars, and just as the others had -done found a descending stairway. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - BARNEY’S AND POMP’S ADVENTURES. - - -“Phwere the divil do yez suppose that goes to?” cried Barney, glancing -somewhat timorously down into the place. - -“Golly! I cudn’t guess so hard a one as dat, I’sh.” - -“Be me sowl, I belave there’s a big treasure hid away down there! Who -knows but that murtherin’ ould spalpeen, Captain Kidd, left his gould in -this spot?” - -Pomp’s eyes glistened. - -“We ain’t gwine to find out unless we tries it,” he said. - -“Yez are roight, naygur. Jist climb down there an’ take a look about -whoile I load up me pistol.” - -“Yo’ go yo’sef!” sniffed the darky. “Yo’ am de leadah. Kain’t play no -tricks on dis chile!” - -“Begorra, I’m not afther thryin’ to do that,” cried Barney, indignantly. -“Go an wid yez fer a big coward. Shure, it’s afraid yez are!” - -“I ain’ afraid.” - -“Yez are!” - -“Youse ’fraid yo’sef!” - -This was enough for Barney. He gave the darky a look of withering -contempt, and then ventured down into the place. - -Down the steps he blundered and soon found himself at the bottom of -them. A dim light showed him the way through a long corridor. - -This was paved and extended far beyond the range of his vision. The Celt -halted a moment. - -“Be me sowl, we kin do moighty little widout a lanthern, naygur. Wud yez -go back and get one?” - -“A’right,” agreed the darky. - -So back to the Scorcher went Pomp. He soon returned with a lantern. - -This aided the two explorers very materially. They were able to easily -see their way now. - -Along the passage they proceeded and came to another flight of steps. As -they descended these ’Barney remarked: “Shure, they seem to be a bit -shaky, naygur. Luk out fer thet lower one.” - -“A’right, I’sh!” - -In fact, it did not look to be a difficult thing to tumble the whole -pile of masonry down. However, the two explorers now entered another -passage. - -Suddenly they came to a curious niche in the wall of stone. Barney -scanned it a moment carefully in the light of the lantern. - -Then he said: - -“On my honor, naygur, this is a big dure in the wall.” - -“A door, yo’ say?” asked the darky. - -“Yis.” - -“A stone door? I don’t see it.” - -“Begorra, yez will!” - -Barney put his hand in the niche and began to pull upon a metal bar -which he saw there. It was consumed with rust, and crumbled in his -grasp. - -But the pressure was sufficient to cause a huge slab of stone several -feet square to move out of place, leaving an aperture. - -This was large enough to admit the body of a man. Barney flashed his -lantern rays into it. - -The sight which he beheld gave him a chill. - -A small apartment hewed out of the solid rock was seen. Its walls were -damp and moldy, but what transfixed the two explorers with horror was -the fact that the place was a literal charnel house. - -There, exposed to their view, were four human skeletons. They were in -various positions against the crumbling wall. - -For an instant Barney thought that the apartment might be a tomb. - -But second thought told him better than this. The position of the -skeletons disproved the theory. - -“Mither presarve us!” gasped the Celt in horror. “Phwat do yez say to -that?” - -“Golly fo’ glory!” echoed Pomp, “dey shut dem po’ chaps in dar to die!” - -“Be me sowl, that was a hard fate fer thim!” cried Barney. “An’ Hiven -rist their sowls! Shure, whoiver do yez suppose they cud av been?” - -“Huh! I done fink dat dis was a big prison, I’sh, an’ dat dese were some -ob de prisoners.” - -“Av coorse, yez blockhead! But who may the poor divils be? Howld the -lanthern, an’ I’ll be afther takin’ a bit av a look at thim.” - -With which Barney crawled into the place. - -All raiment which the dead men might have worn had fallen to decay. -There seemed nothing left but the bones. - -But of a sudden Barney’s keen eye caught some lines in the black surface -of the stone wall. They were scratched quite deep with some sharp -instrument. - -To the Celt’s surprise they were in legible English, and thus he read -them; - - * * * * * - - “July 10th. 18—. - -“Heaven have mercy upon our souls, and should this ever meet the gaze of -civilized beings, pity us. - -“We sailed from Montevideo in January, after Southern seals. Nipped in -an ice-patch, our good ship, the Hester, went to the bottom. For months -we wandered about the accursed ice country, until finally we discovered -this Polar land, free from ice and snow. But we were surrounded by the -Polar people, whose traditions forbade the coming among them of any -being beyond the ice belt. - -“So we were condemned to imprisonment and death by starvation. We are -confined in this awful hole to die. There is no hope of rescue, no -chance for life. We must die. Already the awful shadow of the eternal is -descending upon us. Our names are: - - “John Fenton, Shipmaster. - “Alec Smythe, Mate. - “Jed Manson, Seaman. - “Pierre Martin, seaman apprentice. - -“I, John Fenton, scrawl these lines. This is all we can leave behind us. -Heaven rest our souls, for we are buried alive; lost forever! Farewell -to earth and friends. Requiescat in pace. - - “JOHN FENTON. Salem. Mass.” - - * * * * * - -Barney read all this aloud, and then he and Pomp shivered as they -regarded the skeletons. - -“Golly!” gasped the coon. “Dat am do mos’ orful fing I eber heern tell -oh! Come out oh dar, I’sh! Lot’s get out ob dis place!” - -“Divil a bit until I’ve found out if there are any more av the same -koind here.” declared the Celt. - -And he went on down the passage. His quest was not unrewarded. There -were other cells, and in some of them were skeletons. - -But in no other place did he find a record. Also, the conformation of -the skulls satisfied him that these victims were doubtless criminals of -the Polar nation, and not civilized men. - -These vaults were doubtless part of a great prison. They extended a long -distance underground. - -But the two explorers soon tired of the quest, and decided to get out of -the grewsome place as quickly as possible. - -“Golly, I’se seen nuff ob dis place,” declared Pomp. “I’se ready fo’ to -get a breaf ob fresh air.” - -“Cum on, then,” said Barney, “shure, we’ll have something to tell -Misther Frank, anyway!” - -“Dat am right!” - -So they set out along the corridor. But when they reached the foot of -the shaky, stone staircase they were confronted with a horrible -discovery. - -It had caved in, and a section of the wall also yielding, the entire -passage was closed. - -They were shut off from the outside world by a depth of earth and rocks -which they could not easily calculate. It was a stunning reflection. - -They might never escape! - -For a moment neither could speak. - -“Gor’ a’mighty!” finally ejaculated Pomp. “We’se in fo’ it now!” - -“Be me sowl, it looks loike it!” - -“Shuah’s you’se bo’n, we’se buried alibe ’long wif de res’ ob dese -people!” - -Barney had turned a grayish pallor. - -“Bejabers, Misther Frank will be afther gettin’ us out,” he declared. - -“Marse Frank neber fin’ out whar we gwine ter; we’se in de soup, yo’ kin -bet!” - -Trembling and faint, the two jokers sank down onto the damp pavement. -Both were plucky, keen-witted fellows, and they tried to think. - -Finally Barney rose. - -“Wha’ am yo’ gwine to do, I’sh?” - -“Begorra, I’m goin’ ter thry an’ dig me way out av this,” declared the -Celt. - -“Dig?” - -“Yis.” - -“A’right; I’se wif yo’.” - -They had no spade or pick; but they had strong hands, and soon got to -work. Their efforts were not without avail. - -The earth was coarse and gravelly, and much easier displaced than as if -it had been solid dirt. - -In a very short time they had cleared quite a space in the heap of -debris. Then they came upon two large slabs of rock, a part of the stone -staircase. - -However, beneath their most intense exertions these rocks were moved -aside and they fell to digging again. - -It seemed as if they had been in the place for an eternity, and they -were getting exhausted without seeming to be any nearer the outer -passage than ever, when Barney suddenly stopped work and began to -listen. - -Pomp looked up in surprise. - -“Wha’ am de mattah, I’sh?” he asked. - -“Bejabers, I belave there’s some wan digging beyant us,” he declared. - -“Yo’ does?” - -“Yes, I do.” - -Then they fell to listening. - - * * * * * - -When Frank and Randall and the sailor reached the Scorcher and were -unable to find any trace of Barney and Pomp, they were not a little -alarmed. - -They shouted and fired their pistols, but no answer came. - -“That is very odd!” exclaimed Frank. “Where the deuce can they be?” - -“Can anything have befallen them?” asked Randall. - -“That I am unable to answer. I certainly hope not.” - -“With due respect, sir,” said Wendel, “perhaps they have gone off on a -little cruise of their own and missed their course.” - -“I believe you have the right of it,” agreed Frank. “We must look them -up, or track them if we can.” - -“Could we follow their trail in this hard soil?” asked Randall. - -“We will try.” - -With this the quest began. As good fortune had it, Randall found his way -quite accurately to the staircase in the demolished prison. - -In the dust on the steps were the mark of footprints. - -“We have found them, Frank!” he cried. “Here are the footprints!” - -In a moment the young inventor was on the spot and closely examining the -marks. He was at once satisfied that the trail was found. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - A GEOLOGICAL PHENOMENON. - - -There were the footprints of two men just as they descended the stairs. -But there were no return marks. - -“They’re down there yet,” declared Frank, positively. - -Randall looked at him keenly. - -“Is this another entrance to the volcano?” he asked. - -The young inventor shook his head. - -“I think not,” he said, “though what should detain them down there I do -not understand.” - -“Well, suppose we go down?” - -“Certainly.” - -The three men went quickly down the staircase. They were soon in the -passage which had been followed by Barney and Pomp. - -But they did not follow it far. Their progress was checked. A great wall -of earth and stone confronted them. - -At once the truth flashed upon Frank. - -“A cave-in!” he declared. “They are imprisoned!” - -Randall was deadly pale as he turned to Frank. - -“My soul! You don’t think they are under that debris?” - -“Let us pray not!” - -“What shall we do?” - -“There is but one thing!” - -Frank threw off his coat. Then he turned to the stairs. - -“Where are you going?” asked Randall. - -“After shovels and picks. We must do some hard digging. I shall not -leave here until I have brought them out dead or alive!” - -“Amen!” cried Randall. “I am with you, Frank!” - -In less time than it takes to tell it the tools were brought and work -begun. And it was at this juncture that Barney and Pomp heard their -deliverers. - -At once they grasped the truth, and Barney joyously cried: - -“Whurroo! we’re goin’ to git out of here, naygur, shure. It’s Misther -Frank afther us!” - -Then the two imprisoned fellows went to work like beavers. In a short -while they were able to shout and be heard on the other side. - -The rest was easy. - -Before long they crawled out of their captivity, and none too soon, -either, for the air was getting extremely foul and dangerous. - -But soon they were above ground and safe. It was a joyful moment for -all. - -Further exploration of the ruined town was made, but nothing of great -interest was discovered, and finally Frank concluded to go on. So all -went on board the Scorcher, and it rolled away across the Polar country. - -Everywhere was that same desolate, abandoned appearance. What had become -of the Polar people, it was not easy to guess. - -Cities and towns to the number of a dozen were encountered in the next -week. Then, the explorers came to a high mountain range, which Frank -declared marked exactly the locality of the South Pole. - -It must have been ten or twelve thousand feet in height, and was all of -solid granite. - -Sheer from the green plains the mountain walls rose to a dizzy height. -It was a stupendous sight. - -Nowhere did they seem possible of ascent. But as he studied them an idea -occurred to Frank. - -What was on the other side of them? - -Was there a fertile region like this, or was it a desert waste? Who -could say that the mysterious disappearance of the Polar people was here -capable of explanation? - -Perhaps they bad abandoned the region this side of the range for a land -of milk and honey on the other. Frank had a powerful desire to see what -was on the other side of that impenetrable and insurmountable wall. - -But he saw no easy way of scaling it. It was shut in on both sides by an -equal wall, extending for over a hundred miles in both directions. - -Mystery—mystery! This was in the very air of the abandoned country. He -was unable to solve it. - -The Scorcher traveled along the wall for several days. But there was no -break which would allow the machine to cross it. - -“Well, I’m beat,” muttered the young inventor at last. “This beats all -the puzzles I ever attempted.” - -“It’s a mighty curious part of the world, mates,” declared Wendel. - -“I agree with you,” said Frank, “but there must be some explanation of -the mystery.” - -And he continued to grope for it. But the days passed and he was no -nearer success than ever. - -Meanwhile the Antarctic night was wearing on. - -While the sky remained clear of clouds the semi-gloom of the landscape -was not bad. But when clouds obscured the heavens, then at times the -darkness was most intense. - -At such times it was often necessary to abandon the quest and wait for -the darkness to pass. - -The searchlight, of course, would dispel the gloom, but as it would be -slow work pursuing research at such a time, Frank suspended all -operations. - -And thus time wore on. - -But thrilling events were in store. - -One day the Scorcher rested at the base of the high mountain wall. Frank -and Randall had left her for a walk over the green turf. - -Randall was an expert geologist, and had spent much time in examining -the strata of the region. - -Now, as they strolled along, he cast his gaze upward critically along -the great rock wall. Suddenly he came to a halt. - -“Frank,” he said, “I think I have hit upon a discovery.” - -“Eh!” exclaimed the young inventor. - -“It is true, and if my theories prove correct, it is a most important -one.” - -“What is it?” - -Randall pointed up to several distinct lines of various heights on the -mountain wall. - -“Do you see those lines?” - -“Yes.” - -“The highest one is fully two hundred feet.” - -“That is true.” - -“Well, have you never seen lines like those before?” - -Frank studied the face of the cliff a moment. - -Then he said: - -“Yes, I think I have. They look like high water marks upon cliffs at the -seashore.” - -“Just so. Now, if they are water marks, it must mean that there have -been times when this whole basin, this entire Polar country, has been -under water.” - -Frank was astounded. - -“At the glacial period?” he asked. - -“Glacial period be hanged! Within a hundred years, more or less.” - -“You don’t mean it?” - -The two men gazed at each other. Frank looked incredulous, but Randall -was convinced. - -“Mark you,” resumed the geologist, “I have closely examined the drift -and strata of this region. All point to this conclusion. Also that the -basin has been occupied by water at different intervals. What I mean, is -that the presence of water has been periodical.” - -Frank rubbed his eyes. - -“In that case——” - -“The place may become submerged again, and I believe that the period is -not far distant. If my hypothesis is correct,” continued the geologist, -“we have a very logical explanation of the abandonment of this country -by its inhabitants.” - -Frank was so overcome by the astounding force of this declaration that -for a time he could not speak. - -After some thought he said: - -“You have certainly hit upon a logical idea, Randall. But if it is true, -where does this flood come from, and how would the people know it?” - -Randall pointed to the distant column of smoke rising from the volcano. - -“Do you see that?” he asked. “It means that this entire region is -governed by volcanic forces. Now, the action of the internal forces, of -which we know little, may be capable of bringing a vast volume of water -periodically to the surface from subterranean basins. The pressure would -be sufficient. Synonymous with certain actions of yonder volcano, this -beautiful land of promise is flooded to the brim.” - -Frank gazed keenly at Randall. He had not given him credit for so much -penetration. - -“And that is why this country has been abandoned?” - -“Just so! It is easy to see how the people could tell when danger -threatened. The eruptions of the volcano are doubtless periodical. The -Polar people knew just when to abandon the valley.” - -“Whew!” exclaimed Frank. “Then, according to that, it is apt to become -flooded at any time now!” - -“Just so.” - -“Randall, you are keen.” - -“Pshaw! It only requires a little study. Do you see that little rivulet -trickling out from under the mountain wall?” - -“Yes.” - -“Well, that was not there yesterday.” - -“Eh?” - -“It is true!” - -Even as he spoke, Randall gave an exclamation. He pointed to a patch of -turf near, and whispered: - -“Look—look! You cannot want better evidence.” - -Frank gazed in the direction indicated, and both beheld a most -astounding thing. - -The little patch of turf had begun to throb and heave. Soon dew-like -moisture was seen on the blades. - -Then up shot a little bulb of boiling water. It momentarily grew larger. - -The turf was gently thrust aside and disintegrated, while a tiny stream -flowed away down the incline, making its own course and momentarily -growing larger. - -A spring had burst into life in that moment! - -It was wonderful! - -“That is only one of many,” declared Randall. “You shall see.” - -Deep in the center of the Polar valley was a lake. - -It was true that this was steadily rising above its banks. All this was -prima facie evidence. - -Astonished, Frank watched the phenomenon. - -Then he turned and swept a glance up at the mountain wall. - -“It seems to me that our position, then, is one of peril.” he said. -“What is to save us if the valley fills as you aver? We would be drowned -like rats in a trap.” - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - ON AN ISLAND. - - -“You are right,” agreed Randall, “and it will not do to tempt fate.” - -“What shall we do?” - -“We must leave here.” - -“Where shall we go?” - -“Back to the mountains. From there I believe we can watch the whole -wonderful phenomenon.” - -“All right,” agreed Frank, with alacrity. “It shall be as you say; but -one thing puzzles me.” - -“Well?” - -“What has become of the people who abandoned this doomed country?” - -“It is easy enough to guess. Doubtless they have made their way to other -parts of the Antarctic, as yet undiscovered by any one.” - -“Before I leave this land of wonders I must find them,” declared Frank. -“I must have a look at them.” - -“I don’t see why we cannot accomplish that,” declared Randall. “Then we -will return to the other end of the valley, will we?” - -“By all means.” - -In a few moments more Frank and Randall were aboard the Scorcher. - -They said nothing to the others of the subject uppermost in their minds. -But Frank started the machine at once back up the valley. - -Scarcely twenty miles had been made, however, when a strange, grayish -bank of clouds began to rise upward toward the zenith. - -Thus far our adventurers had not experienced a storm of any violence. -There had been only some slight rains. - -But the moment Frank saw the strangely tinted clouds he became alarmed. - -“On my word, Randall,” he said, “I believe we are going to have a rough -storm.” - -The geologist’s face was grave. He studied the sky a moment. Then he -swept the landscape. - -“Which is the highest point of land near here?” he asked. - -“I think it is yonder hill,” said Frank, pointing to an elevation about -five miles distant. - -“How far is it over there?” - -“Five miles.” - -“Well, I think we had better make for it. If there should come a -cloudburst or even a heavy fall of rain in these lowlands we might get -swamped.” - -“I believe you are right,” agreed Frank. “We will do that.” - -He changed the course of the Scorcher at once. Five miles was quickly -covered, and they reached the hill. - -The great, angry cloud had swept up to the zenith. A blackness most -intense was settling down over the landscape. - -“Ugh!” exclaimed Wendel, “we’re going to have a bit of a blow, mates.” - -“Bejabers, av that’s so, I’m afther thinkin’ we’re on high enough land -to git the whole benifit av it.” - -“That’s true, Barney,” said Frank, “but it’s better than getting -drowned.” - -“Phwat’s that, sor?” asked the Celt in surprise. “Shure, there’s no -chance av that, is there?” - -Frank saw that he had put his foot into it, to speak metaphorically, and -was decided now to make a clean breast of the matter. - -So he called Randall up, and said: - -“I think it would be wisest to explain our situation and our fears in -full to the others.” - -“Well,” agreed Randall, “I guess you are right.” - -With this, Frank called the others up and told them the truth. It caused -them some surprise, but Wendel said: - -“Well, mates, all of our family were seafaring men, and all have found a -grave in the sea but me. I don’t expect to be an exception.” - -“Bejabers, the naygur an’ mesilf are good swimmers! Eh, naygur!” - -“Yo, kin bet we is, I’sh!” - -“Very good!” said Frank, with a laugh. “Then we need fear nothing. Yet I -believe we had better turn the machine head on to the wind and trig the -wheels well.” - -This was done. And now all awaited, with some apprehension and -eagerness, the coming of the storm. - -As is usual with tempests, it was not long in coming. Over the volcano -it swept, bringing down into the valley a vortex of ashes and soot. - -The approach of the storm was like the bellowing of a thousand wild -lions. In the utter darkness its coming could only be felt, not seen. - -It struck the Scorcher with terrific force. For a few moments it seemed -as if the machine was in the clutches of destroying fiends. - -Then the wind passed as quickly as it came, and the rain followed. - -Torrents of water surged about the machine and over the deck. It seemed -as if it would be engulfed. - -For hours the storm raged. - -Then, in a lull, Frank went on deck and turned on the searchlight. The -sight revealed was startling. - -The electric light fell glaringly bright upon flashing waters. All about -the Scorcher, as far as the light could penetrate, was a mass of -water—an inland sea. - -Randall clutched Frank’s arm. - -“It has come!” he said. “My hypothesis was correct.” - -“Eh!” exclaimed Frank, in dismay. “Then we’re in a fine trap.” - -“That is, if the waters rise higher.” - -“Yes, or if not.” - -“Why?” - -“We are imprisoned on an island made by the top of this hill. The waters -may not subside for a year. Nobody knows how long!” - -This was the certain truth. The situation was certainly a most appalling -one. - -But there was one source of comfort left. The rain was beginning to -subside. - -In a short while the sky began to grow lighter, and soon the blackness -passed away. The valley became quite light. - -Then the true position they were in was seen by the voyagers. Almost the -entire valley was one vast lake. - -Only the higher land was exposed. In some places the water must have -been of considerable depth. - -One thing was certain. It was impossible for the machine to travel -through it. The adventurers were anchored to the hilltop isle. - -What was to be done? - -Frank knew well that the water was rising all the while. It was a -desperate situation. - -In the hold of the Scorcher there was stored a portable rubber boat. In -this all could doubtless have made their way to the higher land and -escaped. - -But they would have been compelled to leave the Scorcher. - -This would have been equivalent to signing a death warrant, and they -knew it well. So Frank did not accept the chance. - -He stepped down from the Scorcher’s deck and walked about the hilltop. -At one end was a clump of giant pines. - -And, as his eyes fell upon these mighty trees, a sudden, swift plan -suggested itself to him. He saw one forlorn chance. - -But Frank Reade, Jr., was never the one to yield to despair. Scant as -the chance was, he decided to adopt it. - -He went hurriedly back to the Scorcher. - -“Come here, all of you!” he cried. “I have hit upon a plan.” - -This was enough. - -With alacrity all came forward. And now Frank unfolded his plan. - -“Do you see those big pines?” he said. “Well, in them lies our chance. -If we can hew down enough of them to make a raft to float the Scorcher I -believe there is a chance for us!” - -For a moment there was silence. - -Then all gave a loud cheer. - -“We’ll do it!” cried Randall. “Give us some axes. Come, boys! It is for -our lives we are working!” - -Barney and Pomp ran to get axes. Wendel and Randall and even Frank -himself selected a tree. - -The axes rang merrily in the soft wood, and steadily all worked, each -man at a tree. - -In a comparatively short space of time five of the trees were down. Then -each set to work upon another. - -But now that the trees were down the hardest part of the work began. -This was to trim the huge logs and bind them together for a raft. - -But this was finally accomplished. The logs were firmly bound, two tiers -deep. This was reckoned sufficient to float the machine. - -Then the Scorcher was run upon it. There was little time to spare. - -The rise of the inland sea was so fast that already the water was up to -their knees as they worked. The Scorcher was secured to the raft. - -Then all waited for the water to cover the top of the hill and float the -raft. - -They had not long to wait. - -It was already skimming over the highest point. The raft began to rise. - -The voyagers had provided themselves with long poles to push the raft -off and propel it with. Soon it was afloat. - -It required several hours of hard work to propel it to the upper end of -the lake or the slope of the volcano. - -Here, however, a landing place was found, and the Scorcher was run off -the raft upon terra firma. - -A position was selected above the high water mark on the slope of the -volcano. The eruption, somewhat singularly, had ceased altogether. - -The reason for this was not apparent, but it was possible that the -rising of the waters had extinguished the internal fires. - -The voyagers were engaged in watching the slow rising of the inland sea, -when suddenly a great cry came from Barney. - -“Be me sowl, there’s a lot av the spalpeens up there among the rocks,” -he cried. “Shure, have an eye out fer thim, or they’ll be afther comin’’ -down onto us!” - -“Where are they?” cried Frank, springing to Barney’s side. - -“Up there, sor!” - -Frank was just in time to see that the Celt was right. A number of forms -were scrambling over a heap of bowlders far up on the crater’s side. - -This was the first sign of human beings other than themselves in the -abandoned country. It is needless to say that all were excited. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - A STARTLING DISCOVERY. - - -No one doubted for a moment that the forms scrambling over the crater’s -side were really the Polar natives. - -Frank picked up his rifle and cried: - -“Come on, boys. Let’s have a look at those chaps.” - -“Shall we go armed?” asked Randall. - -“Of course. Men who have the nerve to confine white visitors in -underground vaults to die of starvation are certainly men to be strongly -dealt with.” - -So Randall and Barney followed Frank up the mountain. - -Pomp and the sailor remained to guard the Scorcher. - -Up the crater ran the pursuers. - -Yet they advanced cautiously, for they had no means of knowing what -manner of weapons the fugitives had. - -But before the summit was reached Frank received a surprise. He saw four -men huddled behind a bowlder. - -A voice in unmistakable English cried: - -“For Heaven’s sake, mates, don’t blame us—we’re under orders!” - -“Jack Mains, mate of the Pearl!” gasped Frank. “What on earth are you -doing here?” - -“I swear, sir, it is not our fault. Captain’s orders!” declared the -Pearl’s mate, as he and his companions came forth. - -“Your captain’s orders?” exclaimed Frank. “Where is he?” - -“I—can’t say, sir. He went down into that valley. Maybe the water—you -can guess.” - -The astonishment of all was great. - -“And do you mean to tell me,” exclaimed Frank, “that your captain—that -Isaac Ward actually followed us hither?” - -“I do, sir,” replied Mains, tremblingly. - -“Where is the ship?” - -“Deserted, sir. For all I know, back in the ice-pack, and not a soul on -board.” - -“But,” exclaimed Frank, in sheer amazement, “what on earth impelled you -all to leave the ship?” - -“Gold, sir.” - -“Gold?” - -“Yes, sir; Captain Ward thought you were down here after a great -treasure, sir, and wanted to claim a share.” - -This was a revelation to Frank, and the others, too. - -For a moment he was speechless. - -“Well,” he said, finally, “that is the worst fool’s trick I ever heard -of. You say he left the ship to the mercy of the ice?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“And he went down into the valley?” - -“Yes, sir; all went down there except me and my three friends here; we -stayed back.” - -“My soul!” exclaimed Frank. “They have not returned. Then the flood -overtook them. This is the plain result of avarice.” - -For a time all were silent. The four sailors looked wretched enough. - -“We are nigh dead from starvation,” Mains said, finally. - -“Then come with me,” said Frank, moving down the mountain side. “This is -a terrible affair!” - -“God bless you, sir,” cried one of the sailors. “We will die for -you—only take us back to America.” - -“Humph!” exclaimed Frank. “It looks mighty doubtful now whether any of -us get back or not.” - -Back to the Scorcher they went, and Pomp gave the surviving sailors food -and drink. - -Then the folly of Captain Ward’s move was dilated upon. The result was a -disappointment to Frank. - -“I had intended remaining here for the waters to fall,” he said, “but -now all depends upon our reaching the Pearl before the ice-pack breaks -up. If we do not reach the ship in that time, we may give ourselves up -for lost.” - -“And go to swell the number of explorers who have invaded this accursed -land never to return!” declared Randall. - -There was certainly need of dispatch if the party was to reach the ship -before the pack should break. - -It was a long, arduous trip back through the fiord. It would require -much time to make the trip. - -Frank would have started at once, but he felt in duty bound to first -learn the fate of the captain and his men for a certainty. There was a -faint possibility, of course, that they had made their escape. - -So a party was made up and sent along the mountain side. Frank and -Barney and Randall were the members of the party. - - Before he returned Frank was determined to accomplish one thing, and -this was to gain the summit of the southern mountain wall and take a -look at the country beyond. - -They were well armed, for there was no telling what perils they might -encounter on the way. They struck out along the southern verge of the -crater. - -Soon they were out of sight of the Scorcher among the huge bowlders. -Frank led the way. - -But they had little idea of the character of the region through which -they were now compelled to travel. - -It was fearfully rough and in places almost inaccessible. - -They climbed along the mountain wall for hours and yet the southern end -of the valley looked an interminable distance away. Finally they sank -down from sheer exhaustion. - -There was nothing for it but to camp on the spot, and this was done. In -a little pocket among the crags a sheltered spot was found. - -They had brought some provisions with them and were enabled to make a -good meal. Then they stretched themselves out upon the ground and slept. - -How long they slept they knew not, but when they awoke it was to find a -peculiar state of affairs. A heavy mist hung over the mountains and rain -was falling slowly. - -It was evident that the storm was at hand, and for a moment Frank was -nonplussed. He knew the peril of their situation at once. - -The difficulty was to proceed on their journey in the dense fog. - -It would be almost impossible to tell where they were going. It was -impossible to get accurate bearings. - -It would be just as difficult to find their way back to the Scorcher. -Here was a predicament. - -What was to be done? - -There seemed no other way than to remain where they were until after the -storm should pass. How long this would be it was impossible to guess. - -Now, to Frank, this was especially irritating, for he knew that time was -valuable. He was exceedingly impatient. - -And yet he was at a loss to know how to remedy the difficulty. There -seemed no way but to wait until the storm had passed. - -It shut down now blacker than ever. Soon the mist lifted a trifle and -the rain fell harder. - -Hours passed and they seemed like months. At length Frank could stand it -no longer. - -“That settles it,” he cried. “We cannot do worse than stay here. Let us -make an effort to return.” - -“And give up the expedition?” asked Randall. - -“Yes; we are obliged to do that. If we can return in safety to the -Scorcher that will be all I will ask.” - -“I’m with you, Frank,” agreed the geologist. “I think we’ve done our -best, and we had better return to the ship. Perhaps we can venture a -trip of exploration hither at some other time.” - -“It will have to be so,” declared Frank. - -“Be me sowl, I’m afther thinkin’ we’ll lose our way in this mist,” said -Barney, apprehensively. - -“Oh, I think not,” said Randall. “What if we fired signal guns? Perhaps -those on board the Scorcher will hear us.” - -This suggestion seemed not a bad one. So, as they wandered on through -the mist, Randall fired his rifle at intervals. - -It was not long ere an answer came. It was a faint shot, and far in the -distance. - -But it was enough. - -It indicated the fact that the Scorcher was not beyond hearing. Frank -tried to locate the searchlight’s glare. - -The sound of firing seemed to come from a point higher up the mountain -side, and the adventurers accordingly kept on in that direction. - -At intervals Randall fired his gun, and the answer came. But one fact -impressed the trio curiously. - -This was that the firing sounded more and more distant, though they were -going as the sound guided them directly toward it. - -The meaning of this was not easy to understand. - -Fainter and fainter grew the answering shots. Then Randall halted. - -“We are certainly going in the wrong direction!” he declared. “Pretty -quick we won’t be able to hear those shots at all.” - -“You are right,” agreed Frank. “It must be that the mist transfers the -sound to different points of the compass.” - -“Begorra, we kin go no furder dis way, anyhow!” cried Barney, who was a -little in advance. - -“How is that?” asked Frank. - -“Shure, sor, there’s a steep place here, and a big hole. Will yez have a -look at it?” - -Frank and Randall ran forward. At their feet yawned a deep abyss. - -It was the crater. - -They had climbed the cone to the very summit. There was little wonder -that the sounds of firing had grown so faint. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. - - -Frank now began to make more accurate calculations as to their exact -position. - -The result was that the party was soon scrambling down the mountain side -and rapidly approaching the Scorcher, for the firing every moment grew -more distinct. - -Suddenly a dull glow was seen through the mist. Frank gave a cry of joy. - -“That is the searchlight,” he cried. “We shall soon be there!” - -And his prediction was verified. After a hard scramble the Scorcher was -reached. - -All were glad of this. - -The expedition around the range had been a failure. The fate of Captain -Ward and his men remained unsolved. - -But it was safe to assume that they had perished in the waters of the -inland sea. All were agreed upon this point. - -Frank examined the barometer with some alarm. - -“I’m afraid,” he said, “that if we do not make a move very quickly to -return to the Pearl that we will never get there.” - -“That’s correct, mate,” declared Wendel. “I agree with ye. The winter -storms will block the fiord. If the ship stands the nipping the spring -thaw will carry her into the northward current and we shall never see -her again.” - -“Enough!” cried Randall. “Why do we delay here, then?” - -“I fear to start out in this deadly mist,” replied Frank. - -“We must risk it!” - -A long and earnest consultation was held. - -Of course, there was no telling how long the mist would last. It might -disappear in a few hours: it might not do so for a week. - -However, it was finally decided to make the attempt. - -The searchlight was trimmed to its fullest power, and the Scorcher began -to feel its way down the mountain side. - -Mains and the three sailors rode on the deck, for there was not room for -all in the cabin comfortably. - -For hours the Scorcher made its uncertain way down the mountain to the -plain, and the pass which would take them into the fiord. - -It was not an easy matter to thus fumble along in the darkness. There -were innumerable perils. - -But Frank kept the machine on its course as well as he could, and -exercised all due caution. - -At length the pass was reached. - -Here the mist lessened and it was easier to see the way. The machine -threaded its way through the defile with greater ease. - -And when its end was reached the plain and river extending to the -ice-belt lay clear of mist or cloud. - -The storm was peculiar to the volcanic region alone. Frank was even -enabled to dispense with the searchlight. - -A chill wind blew from the north, and the voyagers were obliged to wrap -themselves up warmly. The machine ran along the banks of the river. - -The spirits of all began to rise. Even the seamen on the Scorcher’s deck -were much lighter of spirit. - -“If we only find the ship unharmed,” cried Frank, “we will be able to -find our way home yet.” - -Home! - -The word seemed to have a magic charm to each one in the party. It was -true that it had been a long time since they had seen it. - -Indeed, it had seemed at times as if they were doomed to spend their -lives in this place. That it was to become their tomb. - -But there was a chance of liberation, and all looked forward hopefully. - -Camp was made on the river banks. Barney and Pomp improved the -opportunity to try fishing. - -There were delicious trout in the clear waters, and they rose readily to -the fly. - -They returned with a goodly mess, and it was an agreeable change from -the stale food which they had been eating. - -Down the river’s course the Scorcher went until patches of ice and snow -began to appear. - -Soon they crossed the belt and were in the ice region. - -It became necessary now to don their fur suits and prepare for the chill -winds. Frost formed on the pilot-house windows exceedingly thick. - -The four seamen were ensconced in cramped quarters in the cabin, for -they could not have existed outside. All preparations were made for a -rough trip. - -And this was what they had, as events will prove. - -Soon they were in the heart of the fiord and upon the surface of the -river. - -Here the first mishap befell them. - -It happened this way: - -Barney was at the wheel and the Scorcher was gliding between two huge -bergs of ice, when there was a crash and a sullen roar and one of them -fell. - -It struck the forward trucks of the machine. There was a ripping, -rending sound, and then the machine pitched forward heavily. - -Not a man but was thrown upon his face and all realized that the machine -had met with a serious mishap. - -Luckily no one was injured. - -Frank sprung out of the cabin door. He gave a cry of dismay at the sight -before him. - -There lay a heap of crushed material, the trucks and forward running -gear of the machine. They were fearfully mixed up with the ice. - -Here was a catastrophe of no mild sort. Pallid and nerveless he was -joined by the others. - -“Gee whiz!” exclaimed Randall, in dismay, “we’re done for, Frank!” - -“Begorra, the masheen is spoilt, intoirely!” wailed Barney. - -For a moment Frank seemed utterly unable to act. - -Then he walked slowly about the Scorcher. He examined the broken gear -long and slowly. - -Then he said: - -“Barney and Pomp, bring out tools and help me clear away this debris.” - -The two jokers hastily obeyed. - -Frank proceeded to disentangle the wreck. All went silently to work to -help him. - -The forward part of the Scorcher was set upon a support, while Frank -endeavored to repair the wheels. But presently he said: - -“My friends, I’m afraid we are badly stuck. These wheels can never do -service again.” - -It was an ominous statement. - -A groan went up simultaneously. - -“Confound the luck!” cried Randall. “The fiends are after us! What is -the next best thing we can do, Frank?” - -“There is, fortunately a way out of the difficulty,” said the young -inventor. - -At this the faces of all brightened. - -“As we are upon snow,” continued Frank, “wheels are not a prime -necessity. I think we can rig up a temporary sledge to go under the -forward part of the machine and yet go ahead.” - -A cheer arose at this. - -It was fortunate that the power of the Scorcher was connected with the -hind wheels, where the driving cogs were placed. Therefore, the loss of -the forward trucks did not interfere with the machinery or driving -power. - -Frank now set to work to rig up a sledge. - -This it was not difficult to do with the remnants of the truck. In a few -hours the machine was provided with sledge runners. - -These worked clumsily and very seriously impeded the speed of the -Scorcher. But they were better than nothing. - -This accident was a bad one for the chances of the voyagers and all felt -secretly discouraged. - -It seemed almost a certainty that the ship would be nipped before they -could get to her. But Frank said: - -“Don’t give up yet. We have a good chance and we’ll hang onto it.” - -Slowly the Scorcher now made its way down the fiord. - -The days passed into weeks before finally the great headlands were seen, -and all craned their necks for a sight of the ship. - -But an immense barrier of ice had risen just off shore. It was fully two -hundred feet high. - -This showed that beyond a doubt the pack had been at work. There must -have been terrific crowding and crushing to have raised this barrier. - -What, then, might be the fate of the ship? - -Was she lying on her beam ends, a crushed and worthless wreck? Or had -she gone to the bottom? - -It could hardly be believed that she had altogether escaped mishap. The -adventurers were in a fever of anxiety. - -It was frightfully cold. Nothing like it had ever been experienced by -any one in the party. - -No one dared to remain out on deck for long. He would have been -converted into an icicle. - -The machine was brought to a halt by the great wall of ice. The Scorcher -could not surmount it, nor did there seem any pass to go through. - -What was to be done? - -The party was intensely anxious to get a look at the ship. There seemed -but one way. - -This was to leave the Scorcher and go forward on foot. This plan was -discussed. - -The cold, by good fortune, now began to moderate. It brought signs of -snow, but it enabled the voyagers to go forth without the extreme peril -of freezing to death. - -A party was quickly made up to scale the icy heights. These were -Randall, Frank Reade, Jr., Barney and Mains. They wrapped up as warmly -as possible and set forth. - -It was no light undertaking. - -To climb that immense barrier, with its treacherous surface, with its -hundreds of chasms and pitfalls, was a feat. - -But they armed themselves with steel-tipped poles and set forth. Soon -they were clambering over the ice. - -It was a rough and dangerous ascent. Before they had made half it, a -startling thing happened. - -Mains and Barney were in the lead. Suddenly and without warning they -vanished. - -There was a slight upheaval of the blocks of ice. Then they disappeared -from view most effectually. - -“Great Scott!” exclaimed Randall, “did you see that, Frank?” - -“I did,” replied the young inventor. - -“What does it mean?” - -“It means that if we don’t go to the aid of those chaps instantly we may -never see them again.” - -They clambered furiously up to the spot where the two men had been, but -not a trace of them could be found. - -There were a few marks of the penstocks on the ice, but this was all. -There was no visible pitfall or cavity. - -What did it mean? - -Of course, they must have fallen into something of the sort. Their -disappearance could be explained in no other way. - -Frank placed his penstock under a corner of the huge block of ice. He -was not able to lift it, but the penstock slipped down into a certain -cavity beneath. - -“Give me a hand, Randall,” he said. - -Together they tried to lift the block of ice, but it would not budge. -Their strength was not adequate. - -Frank was in a quandary. - -He knew that his two colleagues were somewhere beneath that immovable -block of ice which had fallen into just the position to close the cavity -into which they had fallen. - -How deep the pitfall was he had no means of guessing. He placed his ear -to the crack and listened. No sound came up. - -Various horrible possibilities occurred to Frank. - -Suppose the cavity was so deep that it extended all the way down to the -water, or was really in itself an air-hole? They would certainly go to -the bottom of the sea. - -In such a case they were beyond earthly aid. But Frank did not believe -yet that such was the case. - -He hoped to find both alive, though possibly unconscious, at the bottom -of the pit. But first of all it must be opened. - -So he drew his hatchet from his belt and began work. Randall did the -same. - -Their purpose was, if possible, to split the big cake of ice and thus -open up the trap. They worked hard and fast. - -With rapid blows Frank quickly cut a deep channel into the ice block. -Deeper it grew, and Randall advanced to meet him. - -Then one united blow cracked the ice-block. They put their shoulders to -it and hurled it down the slope. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - WHICH IS THE END. - - -As they did so both nearly fell into the cavity. They clung to the edges -desperately. - -Then, recovering, they saw that a dark hole yawned beneath them. How -deep it was they could only conjecture. - -But Frank shouted: - -“Hello! Are you down there, Barney?” - -Again and again the hail went down. Then something like a gasp and a sob -came up. - -A voice muttered: - -“Phwere the divil am I? Shure, it’s kilt I am, an’ this is purgatory!” - -“No, it isn’t!” shouted Frank. “It’s only a hole in the ice. Lively now, -old fellow. How is the other fellow?” - -“Misther Frank?” shouted Barney. - -“Yes, it’s me!” - -“Shure, what’s the matter?” - -“Oh, you fell into a hole in the ice, that’s all!” - -“Och, shure; I remember now. An’ the other feller—Mither of Moses! I -belave he’s dead!” - -“Wait and I’ll lower a rope to you,” cried Frank. “Tie it around him and -we’ll haul him up!” - -“All roight, sor!” - -Frank had provided himself with a hundred feet of stout line before -leaving the Scorcher. This now came into play. - -He lowered it quickly into the pit. In a very few moments Barney gave an -answering tug. - -“All roight, sor! I have it fast!” - -Then another voice was heard below. It was evident that Mains had also -recovered his consciousness. - -“It’s a hard v’yage, shipmates!” mumbled the sailor. “Fell clean from -the maintop into the waist of the ship. Ugh! my back is broken!” - -“Be off wid yez!” cried Barney. “Ye’re wuth tin dead min already! Put -this line undther yez arms.” - -“All right?” asked Frank. - -“Yis, sor. Pull away wid yez!” - -Frank and Randall gave way at the line. Up from the depths came the limp -form of Mains. - -He was quite seriously shaken up and unable as yet to stand on his feet. -But the air revived him. - -Frank and Randall placed Mains on the ice at one side and then drew -Barney up. - -The Celt came up as lively as a cricket. - -“Shure, it’s hard to spile a bad egg, or to kill an Oirishman!” he -cried. “It’s sorry I am fer the other man. Phwat will we do wid him, -Misther Frank?” - -Frank hardly knew what to say to this question. But Mains answered it -himself. - -“Don’t worry about me, mates! Go on up to the summit, an’ I’ll wait here -till ye come back.” - -“Will yez?” cried Barney. - -“I will: only keep an eye out for ice-holes. I hope ye’ll sight the -ship, for it’s sick to death I am of this region.” - -“Same here, bejabers!” cried the Celt. - -So it was arranged that Mains should remain where he was until the -others should return. - -He was fixed in a comfortable position, and the trio went on up the -steep incline. No further mishap befell them. - -They stood upon the highest pinnacle. With his night-glass Frank scanned -the ice fields. - -Suddenly he gave a sharp exclamation. - -“There she is!” he cried. - -“I see her!” shouted Randall, at the same moment. - -“She stands up well.” - -“She is not nipped yet.” - -“No—and—by Jove, she is in open water. The bay has not filled in yet, -Frank.” - -This was seen to be the truth. It was a gratifying fact. - -Frank’s face wore a relieved expression. - -“Then there is a chance for us,” he cried. “We will do the best we can.” - -“Back to the Scorcher!” cried Randall. “We must lose no time. There is -snow in the air, and if it comes down before we reach the ship it may -spoil all our plans.” - -“You are right,” agreed Frank. “Back to the Scorcher!” - -Down the slippery ice hummocks they went. They found Mains where they -had left him. - -The sailor was upon his feet, but he was not deemed strong enough to -walk back to the Scorcher. - -So Barney and Randall carried him between them, while Frank went ahead -with the penstock to pick the way. - -They were not long in descending to the level below. Those on board the -Scorcher saw them coming and shouted joyfully. - -It was good news which they learned when the three explorers went -aboard. There was certainly a chance for them. - -In the cabin of the Scorcher an elaborate discussion was held. The ship -was in sight and it would be easy to reach her on foot. - -But what of the Scorcher? - -How could they hope to get the machine over that mighty ice barrier? It -was a sheer impossibility. - -The matter finally resolved itself into two alternatives. - -One was to remain aboard the Scorcher until spring, and the ice barrier -should fall, and then trust to luck in getting aboard the Pearl before -the northward current should take her. - -Or, they might accept the “dernier ressort,” and abandon the machine. - -Frank considered the matter for some while. He realized that the -Scorcher had seen its best uses. - -The destruction of its forward gear had shaken it up greatly, and it was -hardly likely that it could be repaired to be of much further service. - -The electric engines were valuable, but he could easily reproduce them. -Frank did not like the idea of leaving his pet invention in the -Antarctic, but on the other hand he could not see any ready way to avoid -it. - -What should he do? - -There were many valuable effects aboard. These could in the main be -transported to the ship. - -“Gentlemen,” he said, finally, “I have thought the matter over -seriously. I believe it is a question of life or death with us. - -“Life if we get away on that ship before the rigorous winter sets in. -Death if we have to remain here nearly nine months until the northern -channels open again. - -“We are not bred to this climate. We could not stand the rigorous cold. -We would perish. It is only the question of the Scorcher, and I have -decided what to do. - -“We will abandon the machine.” - -There was a profound silence. Then Frank resumed: - -“Life is of paramount importance. We will transport such of the -Scorcher’s effects us we can, and start at once for the Pearl.” - -Instantly a wild cheer went up. The sailors ran forward and embraced -Frank as their deliverer. - -No time was lost. - -It was decided to take the electric gun, the searchlight, and one of the -smaller dynamos. - -None of these were heavy. Also a case of the dynamite shells was taken. -Other articles of necessity were carried away. - -But all the stores, the rich equipment and luxuries of the Scorcher were -left behind with it. They were never seen again. - -To many, Frank’s course might have seemed heroic, but it was at least -justifiable. - -The long Antarctic winter is against human life. As Frank had predicted, -few of the party would have lived to see the spring. - -But the serious part of the undertaking was not over yet, by any means. - -To climb the ice barrier with all their effects was no light task. Four -trips were made over it. - -But at length they were enabled to set out for the ship. Fortunately the -weather yet held moderate. - -But at any moment the grim old tyrant of winter was apt to descend with -pitiless, blasting breath and lock up every channel and basin of open -water. - -So our voyagers journeyed on without rest. - -Luck was with them. They reached the ship and got aboard. The Pearl was -anchored in the middle of the basin. - -But the boat in which Captain Ward had come off was yet in a cleft in -the ice. In it all were safely transported to the ship’s deck. - -The Pearl was found in good, seaworthy condition, and there was no -reason so far as that went why she should not sail north at once. - -But there was another reason. - -The channel by which she had entered the basin was closed. Great -ice-blocks had wedged in and closed it. - -Here was a dilemma. - -It was fifty miles to the open sea. Doubtless the channel was open in -places, but there were sufficient obstructions to hold the vessel back. - -What was to be done? - -The crew all looked dismayed. - -It looked as if the Pearl must stay in the Antarctic after all. But at -the last moment Frank Reade, Jr., came to the rescue. - -He had not as yet, by any means, overtaxed his resources. - -He gave quick and sharp orders. - -“Bring the pneumatic gun forward,” he commanded. - -Two men brought the cylinder of steel and its pivotal carriage forward. -It was quickly mounted in the bow. - -The connections were made with the pneumatic chambers and the dynamos. - -Then Frank placed a projectile in the breech. He trained the gun upon -the blocked channel. - -One moment he drew the sights, then he pressed the electric button. The -effect was thrilling. - -The shell struck fair in the midst of the ice-blocks. There was a -terrible crash—a sullen, thunderous roar. - -Up into the air one hundred feet went a column of water and ice -fragments. It was a marvelous spectacle. - -The ship pitched and rocked violently. Then Frank sent another shell -into the heap. - -The ice-jam gave way. For fully five hundred yards the channel was open. -A northward current moved the crushed ice rapidly away and in an hour’s -time the channel was clear as far as the eye could reach. - -The Pearl sailed out into the channel amid the cheers of the crew. - -In the fifty miles of circuitous sailing among the ice fields the -electric gun did valiant service. - -In due time the Pearl emerged into the open sea. She met fearful weather -for the first week. - -But she steadily and stanchly fought her way northward, inch by inch it -seemed, until at length she was in Cape Horn seas. - -The rest was easy. - -A week later she was in Montevideo harbor. Here a fresh crew was shipped -and a new captain procured. - -Then she proceeded to Rio and took on a cargo of coffee, so that her -homeward cruise might not be unprofitable. - -In due time she reached New York. Captain Ward’s wife was inconsolable -over his loss. The ship was sold and the sum given to her. - -Frank also paid to her again the sum of the charter, which was a -provision against want, and some recompense for her terrible loss. But -nobody could deny but that Ward himself was solely to blame. - -The seamen survivors of the party scattered when New York was reached. -Jack Wendel returned to his seashore home, and Randall went on to -Readestown with Frank and Barney and Pomp. - -Needless to say they were glad to get home. - -In a large measure the trip had been a success. - -They had accomplished the feat of discovering the abandoned country, but -neither Frank nor Randall were satisfied. - -“I shall have another try at that game some day,” declared the young -inventor. “I want to explore the rest of that strange land.” - -“By all means take me with you,” said Randall, eagerly. - -“We will talk it over,” replied Frank. - -And full of the idea he went back to his work. Whether he ever carried -out his project or not we will wait for the future to tell, and with -this announcement bring our story to - - - THE END. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -Read “OVER THE ORIENT; OR, FRANK READE, JR.’S TRAVELS IN TURKEY,” which -will be the next number (85) of “Frank Reade Weekly Magazine.” - - * * * * * - -SPECIAL NOTICE: All back numbers of this weekly are always in print. If -you cannot obtain them from any newsdealer, send the price in money or -postage stamps by mail to FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 24 UNION SQUARE, NEW -YORK, and you will receive the copies you order by return mail. - - - - - “HAPPY DAYS,” - - - The Best Illustrated Weekly Story Paper Published. - - ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY. - - “HAPPY DAYS” is a large 16-page paper containing Interesting - Stories, Poems, Sketches, Comic Stories, Jokes, Answers to - Correspondents, and many other bright features. Its Authors and - Artists have a national reputation. No amount of money is spared to - make this weekly the best published. - - A New Story Begins Every Week in “Happy Days.” - - OUT TO-DAY! OUT TO-DAY! - - - Charley, the Cattle King; - - OR, - - THE BOY WHO OWNED THE RANGE. - - By R. T. EMMET. - - Begins in No. 505 of “HAPPY DAYS,” Issued June 3, 1904. - - PRICE 5 CENTS. - For Sale by All Newsdealers, or Will Be Sent to Any Address on Receipt - of Price by - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, ❧ ❧ 24 Union Square, New York. - - - - - WILD WEST WEEKLY - - - A Magazine Containing Stories, Sketches, etc., of Western Life. - - BY AN OLD SCOUT. - - 32 PAGES. PRICE 5 CENTS. 32 PAGES. - - EACH NUMBER IN A HANDSOME COLORED COVER. - -All of these exciting stories are founded on facts. Young Wild West is a -hero with whom the author was acquainted. His daring deeds and thrilling -adventures have never been surpassed. They form the base of the most -dashing stories ever published. - -Read the following numbers of this most interesting magazine and be -convinced: - - - LATEST ISSUES: - - 33 Young Wild West and the Ranch Queen; or, Rounding Up the Cattle - Ropers. - - 34 Young Wild West’s Pony Express; or, Getting the Mail Through on - Time. - - 35 Young Wild West on the Big Divide; or, The Raid of the Renegades. - - 36 Young Wild West’s Million in Gold; or, The Boss Boy of Boulder. - - 37 Young Wild West Running the Gantlet; or, The Pawnee Chief’s Last - Shot. - - 38 Young Wild West and the Cowboys; or, A Hot Time on the Prairie. - - 39 Young Wild West’s Rough Riders; or, The Rose Bud of the Rockies. - - 40 Young Wild West’s Dash for Life; or, A Ride that Saved a Town. - - 41 Young Wild West’s Big Pan Out; or, The Battle for a Silver Mine. - - 42 Young Wild West and the Charmed Arrow; or, The White Lily of the - Kiowas. - - 43 Young Wild West’s Great Round Up; or, Corraling the Ranch - Raiders. - - 44 Young Wild West’s Rifle Rangers; or, Trailing a Bandit King. - - 45 Young Wild West and the Russian Duke; or, A Lively Time on - Mountain and Plain. - - 46 Young Wild West on the Rio Grande; or, Trapping the Mexican - Coiners. - - 47 Young Wild West and Sitting Bull; or, Saving a Troop of Cavalry. - - 48 Young Wild West and the Texas Trailers; or, Roping in the Horse - Thieves. - - 49 Young Wild West’s Whirlwind Riders; or, Chasing the Border Thugs. - - 50 Young Wild West and the Danites; or, Arietta’s Great Peril. - - 51 Young Wild West in the Shadow of Death; or, Saved by a Red Man’s - Bullet. - - 52 Young Wild West and the Arizona Boomers; or, The Bad Men of - Bullet Bar. - - 53 Young Wild West After the Claim-Jumpers; or, Taming a Tough Town. - - 54 Young Wild West and the Prairie Pearl; or, The Mystery of No - Man’s Ranch. - - 55 Young Wild West on a Crooked Trail; or, Lost on the Alkali - Desert. - - 56 Young Wild West and the Broken Bowie; or, The Outlaws of Yellow - Fork. - - 57 Young Wild West’s Running Fight; or, Trapping the Reds and - Renegades. - - 58 Young Wild West and His Dead Shot Band; or, the Smugglers of the - Canadian Border. - - 59 Young Wild West’s Blind Ride; or, The Treasure Trove of the - Yellowstone. - - 60 Young Wild West and the Vigilantes; or, Thinning Out a Hard - Crowd. - - 61 Young Wild West on a Crimson Trail; or, Arietta Among the - Apaches. - - 62 Young Wild West and “Gilt Edge Gil”; or, Touching up the - Sharpers. - - 63 Young Wild West’s Reckless Riders; or, After the Train Wreckers. - - 64 Young Wild West at Keno Gulch; or, The Game That Was Never - Played. - - 65 Young Wild West and the Man from the East; or, The Luck that - Found the Lost Lode. - - 66 Young Wild West in the Grand Canyon; or, A Finish Fight With - Outlaws. - - 67 Young Wild West and the “Wyoming Wolves”; or, Arietta’s Wonderful - Nerve. - - 68 Young Wild West’s Dangerous Deal; or, The Plot to Flood a Silver - Mine. - - 69 Young Wild West and the Purple Plumes; or, Cheyenne Charlie’s - Close Call. - - 70 Young Wild West at “Coyote Camp”; or, Spoiling a Lynching Bee. - - 71 Young Wild West the Lasso King; or, The Crooked Gang of - “Straight” Ranch. - - 72 Young Wild West’s Game of Chance; or, Saved by Arietta. - - 73 Young Wild West and “Cayuse Kitty”; or, The Queen of the Broncho - Busters. - - 74 Young Wild West’s Steady Hand; or, The Shot that Made a Million. - - 75 Young Wild West and the Piute Princess; or, The Trail that Led to - the Lost Land. - - 76 Young Wild West’s Cowboy Carnival; or, The Roundup at Roaring - Ranch. - - 77 Young Wild West and the Girl in Green; or, A Lively Time at - Silver Plume. - - 78 Young Wild West’s Long-Range Shot; or, Arietta’s Ride for Life. - - 79 Young Wild West and the Stranded Show; or, Waking the Prairie - Pilgrims. - - 80 Young Wild West’s Life at Stake; or, The Strategy of Arietta. - - 81 Young Wild West’s Prairie Pioneers; or, Fighting the Way to the - Golden Loop. - - 82 Young Wild West and Nevada Nan; or, The Wild Girl of the Sierras. - - 83 Young Wild West in the Bad Lands; or, Hemmed in by Redskins. - - 84 Young Wild West at Nugget Flats; or, Arietta’s Streak of Luck. - - 85 Young Wild West’s Grizzly Hunt; or, The Rival Rangers of the - Rockies. - - 86 Young Wild West’s Buckskin Brigade; or, Helping the Cavalrymen. - - FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS, OR WILL BE SENT TO ANY ADDRESS ON RECEIPT - OF PRICE, 5 CENTS PER COPY, BY - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. - ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── - - IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS - -of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be -obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill in the following -Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and -we will send them to you by return mail. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME -AS MONEY. - - * * * * * - - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. ....190 - - DEAR SIR—Enclosed find ... cents for which please send me: - - .... copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos................................... - .... copies of WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos............................... - .... copies of FRANK READE WEEKLY, Nos............................. - .... copies of PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos................................. - .... copies of SECRET SERVICE, Nos................................. - .... copies of THE LIBERTY BOYS OF ’76, Nos........................ - .... copies of Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos............................ - - Name............. Street and No............ Town......... State.... - - - - - These Books Tell You Everything! - - A COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA! - - -Each book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper, in clear -type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrated cover. Most of the -books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treated -upon are explained in such a simple manner that any child can thoroughly -understand them. Look over the list as classified and see if you want to -know anything about the subjects mentioned. - - * * * * * - -THESE BOOKS ARE FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR WILL BE SENT BY MAIL TO -ANY ADDRESS FROM THIS OFFICE ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, TEN CENTS EACH, OR ANY -THREE BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE CENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS -MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N.Y. - - * * * * * - - MESMERISM. - -No. 81. HOW TO MESMERIZE.—Containing the most approved methods of -mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds of diseases by animal magnetism, -or, magnetic healing. By Prof. Leo Hugo Koch, A. C. S., author of “How -to Hypnotize,” etc. - - PALMISTRY. - -No. 82: HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the most approved methods of -reading the lines on the hand, together with a full explanation of their -meaning. Also explaining phrenology, and the key for telling character -by the bumps on the head. By Leo Hugo Koch, A. C. S. Fully illustrated. - - HYPNOTISM. - -No. 83. HOW TO HYPNOTIZE.—Containing valuable and instructive -information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also explaining the most -approved methods which are employed by the leading hypnotists of the -world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.S. - - SPORTING. - -No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete hunting and fishing -guide ever published. It contains full instructions about guns, hunting -dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, together with descriptions of game -and fish. - -No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully illustrated. Every boy -should know how to row and sail a boat. Full instructions are given in -this little book, together with instructions on swimming and riding, -companion sports to boating. - -No. 47. HOW TO BREAK, RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSE.—A complete treatise on the -horse. Describing the most useful horses for business, the best horses -for the road; also valuable recipes for diseases peculiar to the horse. - -No. 48. HOW TO BUILD AND SAIL CANOES—A handy book for boys, containing -full directions for constructing canoes And the most popular manner of -sailing them. Fully illustrated. By C. Stansfield Hicks. - - FORTUNE TELLING. - -No. 1. NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM BOOK.—Containing the great oracle -of human destiny; also the true meaning of almost any kind of dreams, -together with charms, ceremonies, and curious games of cards. A complete -book. - -No. 23. HOW TO EXPLAIN DREAMS.—Everybody dreams, from the little child -to the aged man and woman. This little book gives the explanation to all -kinds of dreams, together with lucky end unlucky days, and “Napoleon’s -Oraculum,” the book of fate. - -No. 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES.—Everyone is desirous of knowing what his -future life will bring forth, whether happiness or misery, wealth or -poverty. You can tell by a glance at this little book. Buy one and be -convinced. Tell your own fortune. Tell the fortune of your friends. - -No. 76. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES BY THE HAND.—Containing rules for telling -fortunes by the aid of lines of the hand, or the secret of palmistry. -Also the secret of telling future events by aid of moles, marks, scars, -etc. Illustrated. By A. Anderson. - - ATHLETIC. - -No. 8. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE.—Giving full instruction for the use of -dumb bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, horizontal bars and various -other methods of developing a good, healthy muscle; containing over -sixty illustrations. Every boy can become strong and healthy by -following the instructions contained in this little book. - -No. 10. HOW TO BOX.—The art of self-defense made easy. Containing over -thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the different positions of a -good boxer. Every boy should obtain one of these useful and instructive -books, as it will teach you how to box without an instructor. - -No. 25. HOW TO BECOME A GYMNAST.—Containing full instructions for all -kinds of gymnastic sports and athletic exercises. Embracing thirty-five -illustrations. By Professor W. Macdonald. A handy and useful book. - -No. 34. HOW TO FENCE.—Containing full instruction for fencing and the -use of the broadsword; also instruction in archery. Described with -twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the best positions in -fencing. A complete book. - - TRICKS WITH CARDS. - -No. 51. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing explanations of the -general principles of sleight-of-hand applicable to card tricks; of card -tricks with ordinary cards, and not requiring sleight-of-hand: of tricks -involving sleight-of-hand, or the use of specially prepared cards. By -Professor Haffner. Illustrated. - -No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Embracing all of the latest -and most deceptive card tricks, with illustrations. By A. Anderson. - -No. 77. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing deceptive Card -Tricks as performed by leading conjurors and magicians. Arranged for -home amusement. Fully illustrated. - - MAGIC. - -No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and card tricks, -containing full instruction on all the leading card tricks of the day, -also the most popular magical illusions as performed by our leading -magicians; every boy should obtain a copy of this book, as it will both -amuse and instruct. - -No. 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sight explained by his -former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining how the secret dialogues -were carried on between the magician and the boy on the stage; also -giving all the codes and signals. The only authentic explanation of -second sight. - -No. 43. HOW TO BECOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing the grandest assortment of -magical illusions ever placed before the public. Also tricks with cards, -incantations, etc. - -No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS.—Containing over one hundred highly -amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. By A. Anderson. -Handsomely illustrated. - -No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing over fifty of the latest -and best tricks used by magicians. Also containing the secret of second -sight. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson. - -No. 70. HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—Containing full directions for making -Magic Toys and devices of many kinds. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. - -No. 73. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Showing many curious tricks with -figures and the magic of numbers. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. - -No. 75. HOW TO BECOME A CONJUROR.—Containing tricks with Dominos, Dice, -Cups and Balls, Hats, etc. Embracing thirty-six illustrations. By A. -Anderson. - -No. 78. HOW TO DO THE BLACK ART.—Containing a complete description of -the mysteries of Magic and Sleight of Hand, together with many wonderful -experiments. By A. Anderson. Illustrated. - - MECHANICAL. - -No. 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR.—Every boy should know how inventions -originated. This book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, -hydraulics, magnetism, optics, pneumatics, mechanics, etc. The most -instructive book published. - -No. 56. HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEER.—Containing full instructions how to -proceed in order to become a locomotive engineer; also directions for -building a model locomotive; together with a full description of -everything an engineer should know. - -No. 57. HOW TO MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.—Full directions how to make a -Banjo, Violin, Zither, Æolian Harp, Xylophone and other musical -instruments; together with a brief description of nearly every musical -instrument used in ancient or modern times. Profusely illustrated. By -Algernon S. Fitzgerald, for twenty years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal -Marines. - -No. 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTERN.—Containing a description of the -lantern, together with its history and invention. Also full directions -for its use and for painting slides. Handsomely illustrated. By John -Allen. - -No. 71. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRICKS.—Containing complete instructions -for performing over sixty Mechanical Tricks. By A. Anderson. Fully -illustrated. - - LETTER WRITING. - -No. 11. HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LETTERS.—A most complete little book, -containing full directions for writing love-letters, and when to use -them, giving specimen letters for young and old. - -No. 12. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO LADIES.—Giving complete instructions for -writing letters to ladies on all subjects; also letters of introduction, -notes and requests. - -No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO GENTLEMEN.—Containing full directions -for writing to gentlemen on all subjects; also giving sample letters for -instruction. - -No. 53. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS.—A wonderful little book, telling you how -to write to your sweetheart, your father, mother, sister, brother, -employer; and, in fact, everybody and anybody you wish to write to. -Every young man and every young lady in the land should have this book. - -No. 74. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS CORRECTLY.—Containing full instructions for -writing letters on almost any subject; also rules for punctuation and -composition, with specimen letters. - - THE STAGE. - -No. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOKE BOOK.—Containing a great -variety of the latest jokes used by the most famous end men. No amateur -minstrels is complete without this wonderful little book. - -No. 42. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPEAKER.—Containing a varied -assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch and Irish. Also end men’s -jokes. Just the thing for home amusement and amateur shows. - -No. 45. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE AND JOKE BOOK.—Something new -and very instructive. Every boy should obtain this book, as it contains -full instructions for organizing an amateur minstrel troupe. - -No. 65. MULDOON’S JOKES.—This is one of the most original joke books -ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It contains a large -collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, etc., of Terrence Muldoon, the -great wit, humorist, and practical joker of the day. Every boy who can -enjoy a good substantial joke should obtain a copy immediately. - -No. 79. HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—Containing complete instructions how to -make up for various characters on the stage; together with the duties of -the Stage Manager, Prompter, Scenic Artist and Property Man. By a -prominent Stage Manager. - -No. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKE BOOK.—Containing the latest jokes, anecdotes -and funny stories of this world-renowned, and ever popular German -comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome colored cover containing a -half-tone photo of the author. - - HOUSEKEEPING. - -No. 16. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing full instructions for -constructing a window garden either in town or country, and the most -approved methods for raising beautiful flowers at home. The most -complete book of the kind ever published. - -No. 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books on cooking ever -published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, fish, game, and -oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of pastry, and a grand -collection of recipes by one of our most popular cooks. - -No. 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSE.—It contains information for everybody, boys, -girls, men and women; it will teach you how to make almost anything -around the house, such as parlor ornaments, brackets, cements, Æolian -harps, and bird lime for catching birds. - - ELECTRICAL. - -No. 46. HOW TO MAKE AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A description of the wonderful -uses of electricity and electro magnetism; together with full -instructions for making Electric Toys, Batteries, etc. By George Trebel, -A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty illustrations. - -No. 64. HOW TO MAKE ELECTRICAL MACHINES.—Containing full directions for -making electrical machines, induction coils, dynamos, and many novel -toys to be worked by electricity. By R. A. R. Bennett. Fully -illustrated. - -No. 67. HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a large collection of -instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, together with -illustrations. By A. Anderson. - - ENTERTAINMENT. - -No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST.—By Harry Kennedy. The secret given -away. Every intelligent boy reading this book of instructions, by a -practical professor (delighting multitudes every night with his -wonderful imitations), can master the art, and create any amount of fun -for himself and friends. It is the greatest book ever published, and -there’s millions (of fun) in it. - -No. 20. HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A very valuable little book -just published. A complete compendium of games, sports, card diversions, -comic recitations, etc., suitable for parlor or drawing-room -entertainment. It contains more for the money than any book published. - -No. 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little book, containing -the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, backgammon, croquet, -dominoes, etc. - -No. 36. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all the leading conundrums -of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches and witty sayings. - -No. 52. HOW TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little book, giving the -rules and full directions for playing Euchre, Cribbage, Casino, -Forty-Five, Rounce, Pedro Sancho, Draw Poker, Auction Pitch, All Fours, -and many other popular games of cards. - -No. 66. HOW TO DO PUZZLES.—Containing over three hundred interesting -puzzles and conundrums, with key to same. A complete book. Fully -illustrated. By A. Anderson. - - ETIQUETTE. - -No. 13. HOW TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—It is a great life secret, -and one that every young man desires to know all about. There’s -happiness in it. - -No. 33. HOW TO BEHAVE.—Containing the rules and etiquette of good -society and the easiest and most approved methods of appearing to good -advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church, and in the -drawing-room. - - DECLAMATION. - -No. 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS.—Containing the most -popular selections in use, comprising Dutch dialect, French dialect, -Yankee and Irish dialect pieces, together with many standard readings. - -No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAKER.—Containing fourteen illustrations, -giving the different positions requisite to become a good speaker, -reader and elocutionist. Also containing gems from all the popular -authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the most simple and concise -manner possible. - -No. 49. HOW TO DEBATE.—Giving rules for conducting debates, outlines for -debates, questions for discussion, and the best sources for procuring -information on the questions given. - - SOCIETY. - -No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation art fully -explained by this little book. Besides the various methods of -handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it -contains a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is -interesting to everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy -without one. - -No. 4. HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsome little book just -issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instructions in the art of -dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, how to dress, and -full directions for calling off in all popular square dances. - -No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to love, courtship and -marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to be observed, -with many curious and interesting things not generally known. - -No. 17. HOW TO DRESS.—Containing full instruction in the art of dressing -and appearing well at home and abroad, giving the selections of colors, -material, and how to have them made up. - -No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.—One of the brightest and most valuable -little books ever given to the world. Everybody wishes to know how to -become beautiful, both male and female. The secret is simple, and almost -costless. Read this book and be convinced how to become beautiful. - - BIRDS AND ANIMALS. - -No. 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated and containing full -instructions for the management and training of the canary, mockingbird, -bobolink, blackbird, paroquet, parrot, etc. - -No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AND RABBITS.—A useful and -instructive book. Handsomely illustrated. By Ira Drofraw. - -No. 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Including hints on how to catch -moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds. Also how to cure -skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harrington Keene. - -No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—A valuable book, giving -instructions in collecting, preparing, mounting and preserving birds, -animals and insects. - -No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving complete information as to -the manner and method of raising, keeping, taming, breeding, and -managing all kinds of pets; also giving full instructions for making -cages, etc. Fully explained by twenty-eight illustrations, making it the -most complete book of the kind ever published. - - MISCELLANEOUS. - -No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful and instructive book, giving -a complete treatise on chemistry; also experiments in acoustics, -mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and directions for making fireworks, -colored fires, and gas balloons. This book cannot be equaled. - -No. 14. HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A complete hand-book for making all kinds of -candy, ice-cream, syrups, essences, etc., etc. - -No. 19.—FRANK TOUSEY’S UNITED STATES DISTANCE TABLES, POCKET COMPANION -AND GUIDE.—Giving the official distances on all the railroads of the -United States and Canada. Also table of distances by water to foreign -ports, hack fares in the principal cities, reports of the census, etc., -etc., making it one of the most complete and handy books published. - -No. 38. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A wonderful book, containing -useful and practical information in the treatment of ordinary diseases -and ailments common to every family. Abounding in useful and effective -recipes for general complaints. - -No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Containing valuable information -regarding the collecting and arranging of stamps and coins. Handsomely -illustrated. - -No. 58. HOW TO BE A DETECTIVE.—By Old King Brady, the world-known -detective. In which he lays down some valuable and sensible rules for -beginners, and also relates some adventures and experiences of -well-known detectives. - -No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER.—Containing useful information -regarding the Camera and how to work it; also how to make Photographic -Magic Lantern Slides and other Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated. -By Captain W. De W. Abney. - -No. 62. HOW TO BECOME A WEST POINT MILITARY CADET.—Containing full -explanations how to gain admittance, course of Study, Examinations, -Duties, Staff of Officers, Post Guard, Police Regulations, Fire -Department, and all a boy should know to be a Cadet. Compiled and -written by Lu Senarens, author of “How to Become a Naval Cadet.” - -No. 63. HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADET.—Complete Instructions of how to -gain admission to the Annapolis Naval Academy. Also containing the -course of Instruction, description of grounds and buildings, historical -sketch, and everything a boy should know to become an officer in the -United States Navy. Compiled and written by Lu Senarens, author of “How -to Become a West Point Military Cadet.” - - PRICE 10 CENTS EACH, OR 3 FOR 25 CENTS. - Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. - - - - - THE LIBERTY BOY OF ’76. - - - A Weekly Magazine containing Stories of the American Revolution. - - By HARRY MOORE. - -These stories are based on actual facts and give a faithful account of -the exciting adventures of a brave band of American youths who were -always ready and willing to imperil their lives for the sake of helping -along the gallant cause of Independence. Every number will consist of 32 -large pages of reading matter, bound in a beautiful colored cover. - - - LATEST ISSUES: - - 99 The Liberty Boys in New York; or, Helping to Hold the Great City. - - 100 The Liberty Boys’ Big Risk; or, Ready to Take Chances. - - 101 The Liberty Boys’ Drag-Net; or, Hauling the Redcoats In. - - 102 The Liberty Boys’ Lightning Work; or, Too Fast for the British. - - 103 The Liberty Boys’ Lucky Blunder; or, The Mistake that Helped - Them. - - 104 The Liberty Boys’ Shrewd Trick; or, Springing a Big Surprise. - - 105 The Liberty Boys’ Cunning; or, Outwitting the Enemy. - - 106 The Liberty Boys’ “Big Hit”; or, Knocking the Redcoats Out. - - 107 The Liberty Boys “Wild Irishman”; or, A Lively Lad from Dublin. - - 108 The Liberty Boys’ Surprise; or, Not Just What They Were Looking - For. - - 109 The Liberty Boys’ Treasure; or, A Lucky Find. - - 110 The Liberty Boys in Trouble; or, A Bad Run of Luck. - - 111 The Liberty Boys’ Jubilee; or, A Great Day for the Great Cause. - - 112 The Liberty Boys Cornered; or, “Which Way Shall We Turn?” - - 113 The Liberty Boys at Valley Forge; or, Enduring Terrible - Hardships. - - 114 The Liberty Boys Missing; or, Lost in the Swamps. - - 115 The Liberty Boys’ Wager, And How They Won It. - - 116 The Liberty Boys Deceived; or, Tricked but Not Beaten. - - 117 The Liberty Boys and the Dwarf; or, A Dangerous Enemy. - - 118 The Liberty Boys’ Dead-Shots; or, The Deadly Twelve. - - 119 The Liberty Boys’ League; or, The Country Boys Who Helped. - - 120 The Liberty Boys’ Neatest Trick; or, How the Redcoats were - Fooled. - - 121 The Liberty Boys Stranded; or, Afoot In the Enemy’s Country. - - 122 The Liberty Boys in the Saddle; or, Lively Work for Liberty’s - Cause. - - 123 The Liberty Boys’ Bonanza; or, Taking Toll from the Tories. - - 124 The Liberty Boys at Saratoga; or, The Surrender of Burgoyne. - - 125 The Liberty Boys and “Old Put”; or, The Escape at Horseneck. - - 126 The Liberty Boys Bugle Call; or, The Plot to Poison Washington. - - 127 The Liberty Boys and “Queen Esther”; or, The Wyoming Valley - Massacre. - - 128 The Liberty Boys’ Horse Guard; or, On the High Hills of Santee. - - 129 The Liberty Boys and Aaron Burr; or, Battling for Independence. - - 130 The Liberty Boys and the “Swamp Fox”; or, Helping Marion. - - 131 The Liberty Boys and Ethan Allen; or, Old and Young Veterans. - - 132 The Liberty Boys and the King’s Spy; or, Diamond Cut Diamond. - - 133 The Liberty Boys’ Bayonet Charge; or, The Siege of Yorktown. - - 134 The Liberty Boys and Paul Jones; or, The Martyrs of the Prison - Ships. - - 135 The Liberty Boys at Bowling Green; or, Smashing the King’s - Statue. - - 136 The Liberty Boys and Nathan Hale; or, The Brave Patriot Spy. - - 137 The Liberty Boys “Minute Men”; or, The Battle of the Cow Pens. - - 138 The Liberty Boys and the Traitor; or, How They Handled Him. - - 139 The Liberty Boys at Yellow Creek; or, Routing the Redcoats. - - 140 The Liberty Boys and General Greene; or, Chasing Cornwallis. - - 141 The Liberty Boys in Richmond; or, Fighting Traitor Arnold. - - 142 The Liberty Boys and the Terrible Tory; or, Beating a Bad Man. - - 143 The Liberty Boys’ Sword-Fight; or, Winning with the Enemy’s - Weapons. - - 144 The Liberty Boys in Georgia; or, Lively Times Down South. - - 145 The Liberty Boys’ Greatest Triumph; or, The March to Victory. - - 146 The Liberty Boys and the Quaker Spy; or, Two of a Kind. - - 147 The Liberty Boys in Florida; or, Fighting Prevost’s Army. - - 148 The Liberty Boys’ Last Chance; or, Making the Best of It. - - 149 The Liberty Boys’ Sharpshooters; or, The Battle of the Kegs. - - 150 The Liberty Boys on Guard; or, Watching the Enemy. - - 151 The Liberty Boys’ Strange Guide; or, the Mysterious Maiden. - - 152 The Liberty Boys in the Mountains; or, Among Rough People. - - 153 The Liberty Boys’ Retreat; or, In the Shades of Death. - - 154 The Liberty Boys and the Fire Fiend; or, A New Kind of Battle. - - 155 The Liberty Boys in Quakertown; or, Making Things Lively in - Philadelphia. - - 156 The Liberty Boys and the Gypsies; or, A Wonderful Surprise. - - 157 The Liberty Boys’ Flying Artillery; or “Liberty or Death.” - - 158 The Liberty Boys Against the Red Demons; or, Fighting the Indian - Raiders. - - 159 The Liberty Boys’ Gunners; or, The Bombardment of Monmouth. - - 160 The Liberty Boys and Lafayette; or, Helping the Young French - General. - - 161 The Liberty Boys’ Grit; or, The Bravest of the Brave. - - 162 The Liberty Boys at West Point; or, Helping to Watch the - Redcoats. - - 163 The Liberty Boys’ Terrible Tussle; or, Fighting to a Finish. - - 164 The Liberty Boys and “Light Horse Harry”; or, Chasing the - British Dragoons. - - 165 The Liberty Boys in Camp; or, Working for Washington. - - 166 The Liberty Boys and Mute Mart; or, The Deaf and Dumb Spy. - - 167 The Liberty Boys At Trenton; or, the Greatest Christmas ever - Known. - - 168 The Liberty Boys and General Gates; or, The Disaster at Camden. - - 169 The Liberty Boys at Brandywine; or, Fighting Fiercely for - Freedom. - - 170 The Liberty Boys’ Hot Campaign; or, The Warmest Work on Record. - - 171 The Liberty Boys’ Awkward Squad; or, Breaking in New Recruits. - - 172 The Liberty Boys’ Fierce Finish; or, Holding Out to the End. - - 173 The Liberty Boys at Forty Fort; or, The Battle of Pocono - Mountain. - - 174 The Liberty Boys as Swamp Rats; or, Keeping the Redcoats - Worried. - - 175 The Liberty Boys’ Death March; or, The Girl of the Regiment. - - 176 The liberty Boys’ Only Surrender, And Why It was Done. - - 177 The Liberty Boys and Flora McDonald; or, After the Hessians. - - 178 The Liberty Boys’ Drum Corps; or, Fighting for the Starry Flag. - - For Sale by All Newsdealers, or will be Sent to Any Address on Receipt - of Price, 5 Cents per Copy, by - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. - ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── - - IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS - -of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be -obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill in the following -Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and -we will send them to you by return mail. =POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME -AS MONEY.= - - * * * * * - - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. ....190 - - DEAR SIR—Enclosed find ... cents for which please send me: - - .... copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos................................... - .... copies of WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos............................... - .... copies of FRANK READE WEEKLY, Nos............................. - .... copies of PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos................................. - .... copies of SECRET SERVICE, Nos................................. - .... copies of THE LIBERTY BOYS OF ’76, Nos........................ - .... copies of Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos............................ - - Name............. Street and No............ Town......... State.... - - - - - FRANK READE WEEKLY MAGAZINE. - - Containing Stories of Adventures on Land, Sea, and in the Air. - - - BY “NONAME.” - - EACH NUMBER IN A HANDSOMELY ILLUMINATED COVER. - - A 32-PAGE BOOK FOR FIVE CENTS. - -All our readers know Frank Reade, Jr., the greatest inventor of the age, -and his two fun-loving chums, Barney and Pomp. The stories published in -this magazine contain a true account of the wonderful and exciting -adventures of the famous inventor, with his marvellous flying machines, -electrical overland engines, and his extraordinary submarine boats. Each -number is a rare treat. Tell your newsdealer to get you a copy. - - - LATEST ISSUES. - - 25 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Electric Ice Ship; or, Driven Adrift in - the Frozen Sky. - - 26 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Electric Sea Engine; or, Hunting for a Sunken - Diamond Mine. - - 27 The Black Range; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Among the Cowboys with His - Electric Caravan. - - 28 Over the Andes with Frank Reade, Jr., in His New Air-Ship; or, - Wild Adventures in Peru. - - 29 Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a Submarine Mountain; or, Lost at the - Bottom of the Sea. - - 30 Adrift in Africa; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Among the Ivory Hunters - with his New Electric Wagon. - - 31 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for a Lost Man in His Latest Air - Wonder. - - 32 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for the Sea Serpent; or, Six Thousand - Miles Under the Sea. - - 33 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Prairie Whirlwind; or, The Mystery of the - Hidden Canyon. - - 34 Around the Horizon for Ten Thousand Miles; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s - Most Wonderful Trip. - - 35 Lost in the Atlantic Valley; or, Frank Reade, Jr., and his - Wonder, the “Dart.” - - 36 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Desert Explorer; or, The Underground City of - the Sahara. - - 37 Lost in the Mountains of the Moon; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Great - Trip with the “Scud.” - - 38 Under the Amazon for a Thousand Miles. - - 39 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Clipper of the Prairie; or, Fighting the - Apaches in the Southwest. - - 40 The Chase of a Comet; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Aerial Trip with the - “Flash.” - - 41 Across the Frozen Sea; or, Frank Reade Jr.’s Electric Snow - Cutter. - - 42 Frank Reade Jr.’s Electric Buckboard; or, Thrilling Adventures in - North Australia. - - 43 Around the Arctic Circle; or, Frank Reade Jr.’s Famous Flight - With His Air Ship. - - 44 Frank Reade Jr.’s Search for the Silver Whale; or, Under the - Ocean in the Electric “Dolphin.” - - 45 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Electric Car; or, Outwitting a - Desperate Gang. - - 46 To the End of the Earth; or, Frank Reade Jr.’s Great Mid-Air - Flight. - - 47 The Missing Island; or, Frank Reade Jr.’s Voyage Under the Sea. - - 48 Frank Reade, Jr., in Central India; or, the Search for the Lost - Savants. - - 49 Frank Reade, Jr. Fighting the Terror of the Coast. - - 50 100 Miles Below the Surface of the Sea; or, The Marvelous Trip of - Frank Reade, Jr. - - 51 Abandoned in Alaska; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Thrilling Search for - a Lost Gold Claim. - - 52 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Twenty-Five Thousand Mile Trip in the Air. - - 53 Under the Yellow Sea; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for the Cave - of Pearls. - - 54 From the Nile to the Niger; or, Frank Reade, Jr. Lost in the - Soudan. - - 55 The Electric Island; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for the - Greatest Wonder on Earth. - - 56 The Underground Sea; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Subterranean Cruise. - - 57 From Tropic to Tropic; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Tour With His - Bicycle Car. - - 58 Lost in a Comet’s Tail; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Strange Adventure - With His Air-ship. - - 59 Under Four Oceans; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Submarine Chase of a - “Sea Devil.” - - 60 The Mysterious Mirage; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Desert Search for a - Secret City. - - 61 Latitude 90 Degrees; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Most Wonderful - Mid-Air Flight. - - 62 Lost In the Great Undertow; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Submarine - Cruise in the Gulf Stream. - - 63 Across Australia with Frank Reade, Jr.; or, in His New Electric - Car. - - 64 Over Two Continents; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Long Distance Flight. - - 65 Under the Equator; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Greatest Submarine - Voyage. - - 66 Astray in the Selvas; or, The Wild Experiences of Frank Reade, - Jr., in South America. - - 67 In the Wild Man’s Land; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in the Heart - of Australia. - - 68 From Coast to Coast; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Trip Across Africa. - - 69 Beyond the Gold Coast; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Overland Trip. - - 70 Across the Earth; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Latest Trip with His New - Air Ship. - - 71 Six Weeks Buried In a Deep Sea Cave; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Great - Submarine Search. - - 72 Across the Desert of Fire; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Marvelous Trip - In a Strange Country. - - 73 The Transient Lake; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Adventures in a - Mysterious Country. - - 74 The Galleon’s Gold; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Deep Sea Search. - - 75 The Lost Caravan; or, Frank Reade, Jr., on the Staked Plains. - - 76 Adrift in Asia With Frank Reade, Jr. - - 77 Under the Indian Ocean With Frank Reade, Jr. - - 78 Along the Orinoco; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in Venezuela. - - 79 The Lost Navigators; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Mid-Air Search. - - 80 Six Sunken Pirates; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Marvelous Adventures - In the Deep Sea. - - 81 The Island in The Air; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Trip to the - Tropics. - - 82 In White Latitudes; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Ten Thousand Mile - Flight. - - 83 Afloat in a Sunken Forest; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Submarine - Cruise. - - 84 The Abandoned Country; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a New - Continent. - - For Sale by All Newsdealers, or will be Sent to Any Address on Receipt - of Price, 5 Cents per Copy, by - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. - ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── - - IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS - -of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be -obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill in the following -Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and -we will send them to you by return mail. =POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME -AS MONEY.= - - * * * * * - - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. ....190 - - DEAR SIR—Enclosed find ... cents for which please send me: - - .... copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos................................... - .... copies of WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos............................... - .... copies of FRANK READE WEEKLY, Nos............................. - .... copies of PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos................................. - .... copies of SECRET SERVICE, Nos................................. - .... copies of THE LIBERTY BOYS OF ’76, Nos........................ - .... copies of Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos............................ - - Name............. Street and No............ Town......... State.... - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. Added Table of Contents. - 2. Silently corrected typographical errors. - 3. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - 4. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. - 5. Enclosed bold font in =equals=. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Abandoned Country, by Luis Senarens - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ABANDONED COUNTRY *** - -***** This file should be named 56198-0.txt or 56198-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/6/1/9/56198/ - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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