PREFACE.

Apart from the thrilling interest of Aimard's new story, which I herewith offer to English readers, I think it will be accepted with greater satisfaction, as being an historical record of the last great contest in which the North Americans were engaged. As at the present moment everything is eagerly devoured that may tend to throw light on the impending struggle between North and South, I believe that the story of "THE FREEBOOTERS," which is rigorously true in its details, will enable my readers to form a correct opinion of the character of the Southerners.

The series, of which this volume forms a second link, will be completed in a third volume, to be called "THE WHITE SCALPER," which contains an elaborate account of the liberation of Texas, and the memorable battle of San Jacinto, together with personal adventures of the most extraordinary character.

L.W.

7, DRAYTON TERRACE,

WEST BROMPTON.

CONTENTS.

I. FRAY ANTONIO II. INDIAN DIPLOMACY III. DOWN THE PRECIPICE IV. TWO ENEMIES V. GENERAL RUBIO VI. THE HUNTER'S COUNCIL VII. AN OLD FRIEND VIII. QUONIAM'S RETURN IX. HOSPITALITY X. THE LARCH-TREE HACIENDA XI. A METAMORPHOSIS XII. THE SUMMONS XIII. THE SIEGE XIV. THE PROPOSAL XV. A THUNDERBOLT XVI. THE CONSPIRATORS XVII. THE SPY XVIII. THE PULQUERIA XIX. AT SEA XX. THE PRIZE XXI. A STRANGE LEGEND XXII. THE SURPRISE XXIII. EL SALTO DEL FRAYLE XXIV. THE LANDING XXV. FORWARD!