CONTENTS
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[CHAPTER XIII.] The Young Pirates—Going to the Rendezvous —The Camp—Fire Talk [CHAPTER XIV.] Camp-Life—A Sensation—Tom Steals Away from Camp [CHAPTER XV.] Tom Reconnoiters—Learns the Situation—Reports at Camp [CHAPTER XVI.] A Day's Amusements—Tom Reveals a Secret—The Pirates take a Lesson —A Night Surprise—An Indian War [CHAPTER XVII.] Memories of the Lost Heroes—The Point in Tom's Secret |
ILLUSTRATIONS
CHAPTER XIII
TOM'S mind was made up now. He was gloomy and desperate. He was a forsaken, friendless boy, he said; nobody loved him; when they found out what they had driven him to, perhaps they would be sorry; he had tried to do right and get along, but they would not let him; since nothing would do them but to be rid of him, let it be so; and let them blame HIM for the consequences—why shouldn't they? What right had the friendless to complain? Yes, they had forced him to it at last: he would lead a life of crime. There was no choice.
By this time he was far down Meadow Lane, and the bell for school to "take up" tinkled faintly upon his ear. He sobbed, now, to think he should never, never hear that old familiar sound any more—it was very hard, but it was forced on him; since he was driven out into the cold world, he must submit—but he forgave them. Then the sobs came thick and fast.