It was a fine, hot July day on the banks of the Severn river at Tewkesbury, that quaint, old-world, and somewhat decayed town, which offers to the inspection of the visitor and the archæologist some of the most ancient and interesting buildings to be seen in any part of broad England. There was some stir on the banks of the river, for two public schools, one of them situate in the west of England, the other hailing from a Midland shire, were about to contest with one another in their annual boat race. From the Western school a considerable contingent of lads had come over; these were discussing, with the enthusiasm of schoolboys, the prospects of the races. On the banks, gathered near the winning-post, were also to be seen a number of other spectators, some from the town itself, others from the neighbouring country-side.The fateful moment at length had come; the two boats were to be seen in the distance, their oarsmen battling with one another with all the desperate energy that youth and strength and an invincible determination could put into their task. As they drew nearer it was to be seen that the Midland school was leading by nearly half a length. A quarter of a mile remained to be rowed. Loud cries from the Western school resounded along the banks. Hope struggled against hope in every youthful breast; yet it seemed that if the oarsmen of the Western school were to make that final effort for which they were famous, it was now almost too late. But, no! the Western stroke is seen to be calling upon his crew; their flashing blades dip quicker, and yet quicker; they are well together, all apparently animated by the vigour and the reserve of force displayed by their leader. Foot by foot they diminish the lead of their adversaries, who are striving desperately, yet ineffectually, to retain their advantage. A hundred yards from the winning-post the Western lads are level; and as the post is passed they have defeated their adversaries, after one of the finest races ever rowed between the two schools, by a quarter of a length.Amid the exultant and tremendous cheering that now greets the triumph of the Western school, both crews paddle to the boat-house and disembark. The boats are got out and housed, and all but the Western captain and stroke, Guy Hardcastle, are inside the boathouse, bathing and changing their clothes. Guy Hardcastle, a strong, well-set-up lad of seventeen, lingers on the platform in conversation with his house-master, Mr. Brimley-Fair, who has come down to congratulate him on his victory. He is a good-looking lad, fresh complexioned, with fair brown hair, a firm mouth, and a pair of steady, blue-gray eyes, which look the world frankly in the face, with an aspect of candour, friendliness, and self-reliance that most people find very attractive.CONTENTS1. School Days2. Bamborough Farm3. Up-country Life4. The Gold Spoor5. The Trek Begins6. The Shadowers and the Shadowed7. Adventures in the Veldt8. The Elephant Country9. In the Thirst-land10. Tom\'s Story.--The Baboon Boy11. The Berg Damaras12. The Lion Camp13. Guy is Missing14. Poeskop to the Rescue15. The Kloof16. Gathering Gold17. The Shadowers\' Attack18. The Last of Karl Engelbrecht19. Homeward Bound Views: 247
The Flip Side & The Funny Side is a collection of Pam Crane's wittiest poems, a mix of scathing social and political commentary, clever parody, pure fantasy and gentle humour, including three long, imaginative ballads which are complete stories in verse.'The Flip Side & The Funny Side' is a collection of Pam Crane's wittiest poems, a mix of scathing social and political commentary, clever parody, pure fantasy and gentle humour, including three long, imaginative ballads which are complete stories in verse. In these colourful, beautifully crafted stanzas nothing and no-one is immune - God, USA, humanity, government, age, dogs, spelling, ambition, aliens, transport, media, medicine and famous poets. Views: 247
This holiday season, teddy bear shop manager Sasha Silverman must solve the slaying of Santa Bear . . . Sasha and her sister Maddie are thrilled that the Silver Bear Shop and Factory has won the Teddy Bear Keepsake Contest, which means they get to produce a holiday specialty toy, a wizard bear named "Beary Potter." Promising to be just as magical is Silver Hollow's annual tree-lighting ceremony and village parade. Only one hitch: the parade's mascot, Santa Bear—played by Mayor Cal Bloom—is missing. After a frantic search among the floats, Bloom is found dead. When the outfit is removed, it's clear the mayor's been electrocuted. Who zapped hizzoner and then stuffed him into his Santa Bear suit? While the police investigate the grisly crime, Sasha attempts to track down the murderer herself, with some help from the Guilty Pleasures Gossip Club. Can they wrap up this case in time for Christmas—or will Sasha meet her own shocking... Views: 247
After seeing his friend Stanley Featherstonehaugh Ukridge for the first time in years, author Jeremy Garnet is dragged along on holiday to Ukridge\'s new chicken farm in Dorset. Hilarious situations abound with Garnet\'s troublesome courting of a girl living nearby and the struggles on the farm, which are worsened by Ukridge\'s bizarre business ideas and methods. Views: 247
stories in verse about a group of furry friends. they have a lot of fun and adventures together.stories in verse about a group of furry friends. they have a lot of adventures and fun together. Views: 247
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. Views: 247
When I was sent to earth, I had no idea what awaited me... My creator summoned me. Then wiped my memory of him. Now I stood in a human body, my wings tucked into my back. The city that my angel group had landed in needed our help. Life for the people that lived here had become worse than bad. When I was sent to earth, I had no idea what awaited me... My creator summoned me. Then wiped my memory of him. Now I stood in a human body, my wings tucked into my back. The city that my angel group had landed in needed our help. Life for the people that lived here had become worse than bad. Avoidables and Perfects are separated by discrimination. People are shunned because of their looks or various gifts. Avoidables are dangerous, living from fear of survival. Perfects are callous, living from fear of feeling. The city is divided in two. One set of people hated the other. That had to change. They had to unite into one human race again. I would be the angel to make that happen. Avoidables Angels is a spin off from Avoidables. You can read either book first, it doesn't affect the story. This book follows four angels as they navigate their new bodies and their earthly purpose. If you enjoy dystopian fantasy, you'll love this page turner. Buy Now! Views: 247
Daniel Defoe (1660?-1731) was a prolific English writer who became one of the first Western writers to write novels and turn them into a sought after literary genre. During his life, Defoe wrote more than 500 books, pamphlets and journals on topics as wide ranging as politics, crime, religion, psychology, supernatural events, and even economics. While those are all impressive accomplishments, Defoe’s name has lived on through Robinson Crusoe, one of the first and finest novels ever written. The book is written as a fictional autobiography of Robinson Crusoe, a castaway who spends nearly 30 years on a tropical island, where he encounters all kinds of danger and adventures. Published in the early 18th century, the novel may have been inspired by a real Scottish castaway, Alexander Selkirk, who lived for nearly 5 years on a Pacific Island. That island’s name has since been changed to Robinson Crusoe Island. Robinson Crusoe was a stark departure from the typical literature of the day, which was still based on ancient mythology, legends, and history. Views: 247
It was their thirtieth reunion at John Adams College for the brothers of Zeta Chi. When one of them is found dead and the authorities refuse to investigate due to lack of evidence indicating foul play, the brothers say, “If you won’t investigate, we will.” Who knew it would turn into a murder investigation involving international terrorists, the CIA, and the U.S. Treasury cops called FinCEN.Y.I.T.B.: It means Yours In The Bonds. It was how they signed their letters and their emails to each other. They were The Brothers of Zeta Chi, and they vowed decades earlier that their pledge meant more than having drinking buddies for life. For these brothers it was an assurance that they’d be there for each other in good times and bad, and that their bond would go far beyond the occasional stock tip or job reference. For them, being able to count on each other was for real. It was their thirtieth reunion at John Adams College and they’d come in from all over for the momentous occasion. Bones was there, as was Stokes and Fighting Al. The Zen Master came in from Philly, Doc from Chicago, and Ducky brought wife number three, only too proud to gloat over the other brothers as to how he managed to marry a fine-looking dish like her, who also happened to be the local assistant district attorney. Harry “Dirty Harry” Curlander had organized the event, and he’d managed to convince all twelve brothers from their pledge class to attend; the only one missing was his roommate from back in the day, R. Todd Hutchinson, known to the brothers simply as Hutch. Hutch never did make it to the reunion, but he had a good reason. Hutch was dead, found locked in his car outside the bar where the other brothers were waiting for him. Was it suicide, or an accident? Was it due to natural causes? None of the explanations were satisfactory, and when the police, the DA, and the medical examiner all refused to authorize an investigation due to lack of any evidence indicating foul play, the brothers said, “If you won’t investigate, we will.” Who knew it would turn into a murder investigation, and that it would lead Harry and The Brothers into a showdown involving international terrorists, the police, the CIA, and the Financial Crimes and Enforcement Network inside the U.S. Treasury called FinCEN. Views: 247
Nedward Simmons is living a regular Earth life when he stumbles across an artifact from an alien civilization. Its protective powers are more intriguing than useful to him, until the aliens themselves arrive. Unable to hand over the power he has unwittingly acquired, Ned decides instead to travel with them in an attempt to master his power and defeat the Anacron army.Nedward Simmons is living a regular Earth life when he stumbles across an artifact from an alien civilization. Its protective powers are more intriguing than useful to him, until the aliens themselves arrive. Unable to hand over the power he has unwittingly acquired, Ned decides instead to travel with them in an attempt to defeat the Anacron army, which threatens their freedom. But Ned soon learns that his Plasma Crystal is not the only source of mysterious power in the galaxy. Ned and his comrades must deal with a vast space armada, enemy Plasma Masters, and even a monster or two as they search for a way to penetrate the enemy fortress of Venom and restore peace to their empire. Views: 247