Jack Archer by G. A. Henty

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JACK ARCHER

A Tale of the Crimea

By G. A. HENTY

Author of "The Boy Knight," "With Clive in India," "True to the Old Flag," Etc., Etc.

CONTENTS

Chapter I. The Midshipman Chapter II. An Adventure at Gib Chapter III. The Escape Chapter IV. Gallipoli Chapter V. A Brush with the Enemy Chapter VI. The Alma Chapter VII. Before Sebastopol Chapter VIII. Balaklava Chapter IX. Inkerman Chapter X. The Great Storm Chapter XI. Taken Prisoners Chapter XII. Prisoners on Parole Chapter XIII. A Nominal Imprisonment Chapter XIV. A Suspected Household Chapter XV. A Struggle for Life Chapter XVI. An Escape from Prison Chapter XVII. A Journey in Disguise Chapter XVIII. The Polish Insurgents Chapter XIX. To the Rescue Chapter XX. In a Lion's Den Chapter XXI. Back at the Front Chapter XXII. The Repulse at the Redan Chapter XXIII. The Battle of the Tchernaya Chapter XXIV. A Fortunate Storm Chapter XXV. The Capture of Sebastopol Chapter XXVI. Conclusion

CHAPTER I.

THE MIDSHIPMAN

The first day of term cannot be considered a cheerful occasion. As the boys arrive on the previous evening, they have so much to tell each other, are so full of what they have been doing, that the chatter and laughter are as great as upon the night preceding the breaking-up. In the morning, however, all this is changed. As they take their places at their desks and open their books, a dull, heavy feeling takes possession of the boys, and the full consciousness that they are at the beginning of another half year's work weighs heavily on their minds.

It is true enough that the half year will have its play, too, its matches, with their rivalry and excitement. But at present it is the long routine of lessons which is most prominent in the minds of the lads who are sitting on the long benches of the King's School, Canterbury.

As a whole, however, these have not great reason for sadness. Not more than a third of them are boarders, and the rest, who have in truth, for the last week, begun to be tired of their holidays, will, when they once get out of school, and begin to choose sides for football, be really glad that the term has again commenced.

"So your brother is not coming back again, Archer?" one of the boys said to a lad of some fifteen years old, a merry, curly-haired fellow, somewhat short for his age, but square-shouldered and sturdy.

"No. He is expecting in another six months to get his commission, and is going up to town to study with a coach. My father has lodged the money for him, and hopes to get him gazetted to his old regiment, the 33d."

"What is he going to a coach for? There is no examination, is there? And if there was, I should think he could pass it. He has been in the sixth for the last year."

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