"Seek and Find" is the third of the serial stories published in "Our Boys and Girls," where it appeared as the sequel of "Breaking Away." The author had no more reason to complain of its reception than of that accorded to its predecessors; and he returns his sincere thanks to all those young friends who have written hundreds of letters to him, containing the most generous commendation, with an occasional criticism, which was by no means unwelcome.
Ernest Thornton is a smart boy—perhaps he is too smart; but his smartness is not worldly cunning; it is made up of those elements of character which constitute a noble and true man—good judgment, quick perception, and manly decision, mingled with those moral and religious attributes which are the leading springs of the true life. If some of the hero's actions are doubtful, his motives are always good. The greatest crime against the moral law is to be without a high aim; and while a thousand errors and short-comings may be forgiven, the want of a good intention is the capital sin which may not be pardoned. While we cannot ask or expect all young men to accomplish what Ernest Thornton did, we may point to his high aims and good intentions, and say to the reader, "Go thou and do likewise."
Harrison Square, Mass.,
November 29, 1867.
CONTENTS.
| CHAPTER I. | PAGE |
| In which Ernest Thornton becomes acquainted with Miss Kate Loraine | [11] |
| CHAPTER II. | |
| In which Ernest listens to the Story of Miss Kate Loraine | [22] |
| CHAPTER III. | |
| In which Ernest calls upon Mrs. Loraine | [33] |
| CHAPTER IV. | |
| In which Ernest releases the captive Maiden from her Prison | [44] |
| CHAPTER V. | |
| In which Ernest is awakened by a loud Knocking | [56] |
| CHAPTER VI. | |
| In which Ernest gets an Idea | [67] |
| CHAPTER VII. | |
| In which Ernest has an Interview with Mr. Tom Thornton | [78] |
| CHAPTER VIII. | |
| In which Ernest visits his Uncle's Library | [89] |
| CHAPTER IX. | |
| In which Ernest, after a successful Retreat, falls into a Trap | [100] |
| CHAPTER X. | |
| In which Ernest strikes a heavy Blow for Liberty | [111] |
| CHAPTER XI. | |
| In which Ernest makes good his Retreat from the Cottage | [122] |
| CHAPTER XII. | |
| In which Ernest obtains some valuable Letters | [132] |
| CHAPTER XIII. | |
| In which Ernest leaves Parkville, and takes the Train for the Eastward | [144] |
| CHAPTER XIV. | |
| In which Ernest wonders what Tom Thornton will do, and finds out | [155] |
| CHAPTER XV. | |
| In which Ernest faces the Enemy | [166] |
| CHAPTER XVI. | |
| In which Ernest makes a Landing on the Hudson | [177] |
| CHAPTER XVII. | |
| In which Ernest outflanks Tom Thornton | [189] |
| CHAPTER XVIII. | |
| In which Ernest calls on several Loraines | [200] |
| CHAPTER XIX. | |
| In which Ernest starts for Madison Place with Kate | [211] |
| CHAPTER XX. | |
| In which Ernest strikes a heavy Blow, and Tom Thornton has a bad Fall | [221] |
| CHAPTER XXI. | |
| In which Ernest visits Madison Place | [232] |
| CHAPTER XXII. | |
| In which Ernest makes the Acquaintance of E. Dunkswell | [243] |
| CHAPTER XXIII. | |
| In which Ernest finds that E. Dunkswell is a disagreeable Room-mate | [254] |
| CHAPTER XXIV. | |
| In which Ernest lands at Crookhaven, and proceeds to London | [265] |
| CHAPTER XXV. | |
| In which Ernest visits Stony Stratford, and E. Dunkswell comes to Grief | [276] |
| CHAPTER XXVI. | |
| In which Ernest returns To Parkville with his Mother, and the Story ends on the Shores of Lake Adieno | [289] |