Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1014) (1896 12 29)
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[aNaNaMlatallaallla| ——) | MMW y hes \\ y J NY _S— RN - < 7 a SY \ KY RAs FY, or el (ht! lt! Ln tl is ‘Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1896, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, December 29, 18y6, No 1014 $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, Vol be x I x ° ' a Year. No, 92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. , ‘ — Nica ciwil = Wri YY AS A Wi Mssoyr2 Wa
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Midiv Ned, the Runaway. Middy Ned, the Runaway; Hairbreadth Escapes Afloat and Ashore. The Story of the Great Commodore's First Year at Sea. BY T. J. FLANAGAN, AUTHOR OF ‘*‘THE TWO MIDSHIPMEN,” ‘‘ MID- SHIPMAN DARE,” ETC, CHAPTER I, THE FUTURE COMMODORE AS A RUNAWAY, **1'w through with this kind of work!” ** Hold on, Ned! Where are you going?” ** Anywhere—to get away from digging pota- toes,” and the speaker walked away, leaving the field in which, with his six brothers, he had over an hour been digging potatoes, The first speaker was E.iward Preble—then a boy of sixteen, and afterward the celebrated commodore—and the other an elder brother, Their short conversation took place in a po- tato field outside the town of Falmouth (now Portland); Maine, to which General Preble— better known as ** The Brigadier,” on account of baving risen to the rank of brigadier-general in his native colony of Massachusetts—had re- moved during the year made memorable by the Declaration of Independence. At the outbreak of tse Revolution, ‘‘ The Brigadier” was seventy years of age, and as, in that day and region, laborers were not to be had for the asking (so many of the young men of the country being absent in the army, or on private armed vessels of war), General Preble was often compelled to take the field, at the head of his sons, in a capacity less martial than had distinguished his previous enterprises. On a pressing occasion, he ordered all his boys to take their hoes, goto the proper place, and be- gin digging potatoes, Young Edward did his part of the work for an hour or two, and then suddealy threw down his hoe, exclaiming: **Pm through with this kind of work!” He left the field, and, while his brothers were calculating what would be the consequences of the next meeting between The Brigadi-r and Ned, the latter was making the best of his way toward what was left of Falmouth, which, like other Eastern seaports, had been ruthlessly fired by the British at the beginning of the Revolution. Ned had stopped work just before noon, and long ere he reached the town felt very bungry; but there was no way of appeasing that want until Falmouth was reached, and, as pursuit was probable, he trudged along. Half a mile from the sow, Hed came across an old woman who implored bis assistance in crossing a rough piece of the road. The young runaway not only did this, but, forgetting all about his haste, accompanied the old woman to the town, and, on the way, learned her She was a widow, with one son in the army, and another at sea, These sons had left their mother quite comfortable in Falmouth, but, when that town was destroyed, the widow’s house was first to suffer. ‘ * And now,” she concluded, ‘“‘ I don’t know what to do. lve been stayin’ with my sister-in- law until to-day, but her husband’s a hard man, and would keep me no longer, though I was willin’ t? work, ’n’ did work hard, too.” ** Have you no friends?” asked the runaway ** [don’t know, but I’m goin’ to ask a neigh- bor t’ let me stay till my son’s ship comes back, Ten miles I’ve walked this blessed day to get to her, and not a morsel have I eaten since last nigbt.” Ned had just one shilling in his pocket—bis total capitai, but the old woman’s story touched the boy’sheart. ‘* Here, madam, is a shilling,” he said, draw- ing forth his treasure, ‘‘ and there is a very good inn where you can get something to eat.” ‘**May Heaven bless you!” exclaimed the mother, tears in her eyes, Ned burried away toescape her thanks. ‘*She wanted it worse than you did,” he said to the protesting stomach, and bent bis footsteps toward the shipping. Several vessels were in port on which the lad sought employment, but his age was against im, and evening found him wandering back gast the inn, supperless and moneyless, ‘* Better luck to-morrow,” he thought. ‘‘I can sleepin some barn, and if that poor old lady could go for twenty-four hours without eating, I’m sure I can,” as he bad to do, and would have gladly endured a whole day of potato-digging for a good breakfast, the pext ry ee after passing the night on the hay-mow ofa i Ned bad hardly left the barn in which he ‘“‘Jodged,” when he met the owner, who looked at him in surprise, saying: ‘* Good-morning, Master Preble! You’re out pretty early, to-day!” Asit was just about sunrise, Ned was com- pelled to admit that he was out “‘ pretty early.” The farmer, never dreaming that the boy was a runaway, went on to the barn, leaving Ned —feeling angry and miserable—to resume his way toastream a half-mile away, for a wash- up and drink, ‘* Now [ must get away from here,” be said; ‘that fellow will be sure to say he saw me.” After a good drink and a face-and-hands bath, Ned returned to Falmouth, and finally, near noon, climbed aboard a beautiful, armed schoo- ner, and asked if a boy was wanted. ‘* Dunno, sah, Cap’n’n’ mos’ all de rect gone onshore,” replied the cook, whom Ned met com- ing out of the galley. ** Dar’s de bosun; mebbe ke tell you,” added the cook, asa tall, thin man, with a long black beard, and sad, black eyes, came toward the vessel, which was named the Volunteer. ‘* Want a boy?” echoed the boatswain on com- ing aboard. ‘* Well, l dunno but we do. But ere pretty young!” looking sharply at the ad + Over fourteen, sir!” promptly apoken. “Hum! Well, ye kin wait ’round till the captain comes,” ’ CHAPTER II. SKIPPED, DELIGHTED at even the hope of shipping, Ned Preble the future commander sat down on a coil of rope, just as the schooner’s bell was rung eight strokes, and he asked: ‘* What is that for, sir?” ‘* Right bells, my boy, which means twelve o'clock, and dinner-time, too.” ** Dinner-time?”’ repeated Ned, looking wist- fully toward tbe galley, from which most savory odors were issuing. The boatswain caught the look and tone, and partly guessing the rest, said: ‘* Ay, my lad, dinner-time, and glad am I of it. hat d’ye say to takin’a bite, Let’s see what Scip’s got for us.” And see he did—the h iest boy in town! Pea soup and corned beef—or ‘‘ salt horse,” as sailors term it—with potatoes and crackers, composed tbe meal to which the half-starved Ned was ushered, ‘* Looksas if ye werea little hungry,” observed the boatswain, smiling at the ravenous manner in which the boy devoured the food placed be- fore him, ; Ned colored deeply, and in explanation was forced to confess that he had not tasted food for thirty-six hours, ‘*Ph-e-ew! Runaway from home!” His chances of employment would be very slim if he told the truth; that he knew ; but scorn- ing to lie, he told his story. ‘It's a poor sailor that goes on a cruise with- out stores,” commented the boatswain; “‘ why didn’t ye bring somethin’ with ye?” ** Because I didn’t expect to have much trou- ble in shipping, and I had a shilling when I started, but—” ** Well, what did ye with the shillin’?’ demand- ed the boatswain, looking curiously at Ned. ‘I gave it to a poor old lady; she wanted it more than I did; she was starving.” “That was. yesterday afternoon, near the inn at the edge of the town?” asked the sailor, strangely excited, ‘* Yes:—did you meet her?” asked the much- surprised lad, Springing up, and seizing Ned’s hand, the boatswain replied: * Yes, thank God, I did meet her! It wasmy own dear old mother ye helped, my lad, an’ while Tom Turner’s got a shot in the locker youll never go hungry ag’in—nor want a friend!” Tuen, before the astonished boy could speak, the grateful seaman plunged one hand into his pocket, and withdrawing it full of gold and sil- yer, which he laid before Ned, continued: ‘* There, my lad, help yourself!” “‘I'd rather not, sir,” protested the runaway; ‘but I would like you to get me on this vessol.” “We'll talk about that,” returned the boat- swain, selecting several pieces of gold from the heap, ‘‘ we'll taik about that, my lad; but first, take these! You’ll need them for your kit, if ye do ship, an’ you must keep them for your kind- ness if ye don’tship.” Paying no attention to Ned’s protest, the boatswain told bim on arriving at Falmouth, he found his motuer’s cottage destroyed, his mother missing, and noone, apparently, certain whether she was dead or alive, and not until the previous day had ber son got traces of her. That day, however, he met a friend who sug- gested that Mrs. Turner might have taken re- fuge with her sister-in-law, su the sailor started at once for the latter’s farm. On tbe outskirts of the town was an inn, at which he stopped for a ‘‘bite”—bread and cheese and ale—and met his mother! ‘*Oniy for you, my boy, she’d never have got there,” declared the boatswain. ‘“*And now about your shippin’,” continued Turner. ** You've done mea great service, and it don’t seem tie best way to repay ye to inter- juice ye t’ alife that’s hard at its best, but pur- ticlerily aboard this craft, D’ye know she’sa letter-o’ marque?” ‘¢ What’s that, sir?” “ Well, it’s a kind of a commission from this Government, t? do t’other one all the barm ye can, There’s money in it—sometimes, and dan- ger at all times, so you'd better wait a bit, and see what your father will do for ye.” ‘Tf I can’t go with you, I will with some one else,” said Ned, determinedly; * I'll not go back to the farm,so I do wish you would belp me to et here.” “ Well, il talk t’ the captain; but if he says you're too young, I hope you'll promise t’ go home, an’ not try any cruise—just yet, any- how.” It so happened that the captain, (who came aboard while they were talking,) was acquainted with the brigadier, but bore no good will to- ward bim, and when the boatswain spoke of Ned, be thought it an excellent way to pay off old scores with the father, by shipping the son, “Preble!” he exclaimed, “‘ why, yes, I guess we can make use of that boy. Send bim here.” “Captain wants t’ talk t’ ye, Ned,” said Tur- ner going forward to where the boy was wait- The captain laughed heartily on hearing the story of the potato digging, told Ned he wasa tine, spirited lad, and the ranaway was engaged as cabin-boy. ‘¢ We sail to-morrow,” announced the captain ‘‘and when you write your father—as, o course, you will, and [ will see to the delivery of the letter—be sure to tell him your captain’s name is Bill Brown. Don't forget it’s Bill—not William.” That night, under the supervision of the watchful boatswain, Ned purchased an outfit, and on his return to the Volunteer wrote a let- ter to his father, informing him of his good for- tune in having secured a berth with Captain Bill Brown. This letter, which was intrusted to the cap- tain, was delivered next evening while the Pre- ble family were at supper, and The Brigadier read it aloud. Except Mrs. Preble, who burst into tears, and cried: ‘‘ Oh, Edward, how could you leave me?” none of the family dared make any comment until after The Brigadier spoke, — ‘¢ There's no use crying,” hesaid; ‘one voyage with that pirate will cure Ned of his love for the sea—that is; if he ever gets home again!” CHAPTER III, OUT OF THE FRYINGPAN, Havine got rid of his letter, Ned's first thought was to get acquainted with his ship- mates, and leaving the cabin, where the captain had allowed, or rather ordered, him to write, he sougbt the boatswain in the forecastle, The Volunteer carried ten gans, and forty men, and Ned found most of the latter sitting and lying around Tom Turner, speculating, as usual, as to their destination, and the probable financial results of the cruise. “Dye know, Tom, I’ve an idee she’s goin’ out as a slaver this time,” one of the crew was say- ing, but, when Ned made his appearance, stop- ped short, and gazed inquiringly at the boat- swain, while the others stared at the stranger. “Come here, Ned, my lad,” said Turner, and making room for the boy beside him, put his hand protectingly on his shoulder. That was sufficient for the others, but the boatswain wished to settle all doubts, and said: “ Heave ahead, Dick—I’m answerable for this youngster. Ye all know how I looked, and | Ps
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| a looked, for my poor, old mother—well, this is the lad that gave up his last sbillin’ t? her, and that put me in the way o’ findin’ her.” After that, no one commanded more respect and good will in the forecastle than Kdward Preble, and a fine-looking, well-built youth of sixteen, who was sitting at the boatewain’s feet, with his head resting against the latter’s knee, turned and took a look—long and deliberate—at our young adventurer, after which he shook chands with him, ** Well, as I was sayin’, I’ve an idee she’s goin’ out as a slaver,” resumed Dick, ‘‘The cargo that be’s put aboard—printed cottons ’n’ hard- ware ’n’ irons for legs ’n’ arms—don’t look like the last cruise.” ‘* That’s rightenough, Dick,” returned Turner, “but | know ve go to France first, ’n’ it’s like- ly the printsan’ hardwareare for there, As for ‘the irons, ye all know how it was when them chapr escaped six months ago,” There wasa general murmur, in response to the boatswain’s last words, and he continued: ‘*To-morrow’s a long day, boys—powder ’n’ shot, ye koow—an’ for one, I’m goin’ t’ turn in, The men, following Turner’s example, arose and retired to their bunks, and after being in- troduced to Frank Horton, the youth who had shaken hands with him, and whose successor he was, Ned did the same, : Next day was a busy one for all hands, and when everything was stowed, and the order was given to ‘‘man the windlass!” Ned breathed a sigh of relief. he clattering of handspikes preceded the sailor’s song. Then came the heavy labor by which the anchor was lifted from the bottom, and, in'a few more minutes, the ship was re- leased from her hold upon the land. The wind came fresh off the ocean, charged with the saline dampnesz of the element. As the air fell upon the distended and balanced sails, the Volunteer bowed to the welcome guest; and then, rising gracefully from its low inclina- tion, the breeze, that music so grateful to a sea- man’s ear, was heard singing ttrough the rig- ging. Ere ten minutes had gone by, the lighter sails were set, the courses bad fallen, and the Volunteer’s bows were throwing the spray be- tore her. Ned enjoyed all this very much, but before night he began to feel very queer; then very sick, and Beatty, was helped below by Turner, pea iy in his hammock, where he remained in gale of wind of three days’ duration, bewil- dered, confused, puzzled, and every minute knocking his head against the beams, with the pitching and tossing of the schooner. “And this is going to sea,” thought Ned; "no wonder father was opposed—warned me against it,” be gale abated on the evening of the third day, the next morning the sea was nearly down, and there was but a slight breeze on the wa- ters. The comparative quiet of the night before had very much recovered Ned, and when the hammocks were piped down, he dressed himself and went on deck, ‘*Hello! All right again?” asked Horton, eS. i bas Captain Brown been wanting me ‘*Captain Brown? Who the deuce is Captain pos 2d asked Horton, looking very much sur- prised, ** Why, isn’t that the captain’s name?” counter- questioned Ned, equally surprised. ‘*No—the captain’s name is Kiddle. The only Captain Brown I ever heard of is a regu- jar pirate. How did you get that name into your head?” In reply Ned told how he had come to ship on the Volunteer, and the captain’s instructions re- garding the letter to The Brigadier, “It was only a joke,” declared Horton, and then proceeded to instruct Ned as to his duties, which were anything but heavy, until the schooner entered the Bay of Biscay. Then Kiddle began drinking heavily, and Ned suffered as well as the rest, for nothing could be done to the satisfaction of the cap- tain, who was a demon when under the influence of liquor. When within one day’s sail of Bordeaux, a squall struck the schooner, bringing the half- drunken captain on deck, and the first person he met was Ned, who had hitherto escaped the kicks and blows, now so freely distributed among the crew. ‘* What are you doing here? Why aren’t you »t work?’ demanded the captain, seeing the first officer had the vessel in ponpee trim, and having nO One else to find fault with. ee a Middy Ned, the Runaway. ** You told me to clear out—to go on deck a half-hour ago,” replied Ned. ‘*Ye lie!” roarei the captain, catching the boy by the shoulder and shaking him. ‘ Ye lie, Isay! Don’t ye lie?” ** No, sir, I don’t lie!” exclaimed Ned, wrench- ing himself free, and at the same moment a sud- den lurch of the vessel threw the captain on his back, where he lay yelling and cursing, until Turner hel him to his feet. ‘* Where's that young scoundre]?” he demand- ed, as soon as he was standing up, and catching sight of Ned, who was some distance away, or- dered him to come aft, at the same time threat- ening to break every bone in his body. As Ned had no desire to put bimself into the brute’s hands, he remained where he was, and, warned by the recent fall that he could not cross the slippery decks, the captain ordered the men to “‘ seize that young imp and clap him in irons,” but— Not a man stir.ed to obey the order! CHAPTER IV. ESCAPED, ‘* Hal Mutiny would ye!” cried the captain, and pulling a pistol from his pocket, lurched for- ward, calling upon the men by name to seize Even the latter saw that this was done to bring matters to a head—that refusal by the men would be met by at least one pistol-shot from the captain, and for a moment every manof the crew was ripe for mutiny. They were tired of the captain’s brutality, and now that it meant murder, all that was needed was a leader, Ned, however, put an end tothe incipient mu- tiny, by saying to one of the men ordered to put him in irons: ms Take me down, Silas; I don’t mind it a bit.’ The man addressed laid his hand on Ned’s arm, and, followed by the other threatened man, the three went below, where the boy was left in the forehold—but not in irons. That evening the Volnateer made the mouth of very Garonne, and anchored off-shore for the night, ed had had several visitors during the after- noon, andone of them, Frank Horton, after re- porting the captain as drinking himself into a drunken stupor, said: * Ned, I’m tired of this, and I guess you are, too, What do you say to taking French leave?” ** Run away?” ** Yes, I can’t stand that brute any longer ;— we will not talk about it now, To-night, when I come off watch, we'll arrange how to get away.” Atone bell in the middle watch (8:30 ». M.) Horton came below, looking somewhut excited. ‘* We've got to get away to-night or not at all,” he said, on entering the hold, ** Turner heard the captain, before he got too drunk to talk, tell Bruce [she first officer] to have the gig ready to goushore to-morrow morning, andthat as soon as he returned, we would set sail again— where to, nobody knows, but more than likely, for the Gold Coast, because the people he’s going to see are agents for coffee, sugar aad other planters, who need slaves all the time.” ‘* Well, ’'m ready, but I can’t swim very far, Frank,” ; “Swim? Who's talking about swimming? You steal into the fo’ks’lein a few minutes, and make up a bundle of your best duds. Then about seven bells (11:30) come on deck, and we'll put off in thedingy.” ** That's all right, Frank, but what about my being seen in the forecastle, not to speak of on deck?” ** You needn't be afraid of being seen in the fo’k’sle; the men won,t say anything about it, As for being seen on deck, Turner will look out for that part, He's officer of the middle watch, in place of Bruce, who is sick.” ‘Ob, if that’s the case, ll begin now,” said Ned, and his friend offering no objection, he entered the forecastle, where, a8 predicted, no one seemed to notice anything strange about his appearance, although the conversation changed almost immediately to Bordeaux, and the best ys | places for runaway sailors in that town. Ned quickly perceived that this talk was for hie benefit, and paid strict attention to the names, prices and places mentioned, until the men sought their hammocks. He then made up a small bundle of articles deemed most necessary and at seven bells slipped up on deck, The boatswain was standing on the forecastle head, his face turned to the sea, and going aft, Q Ned, leaning over the taffrail, saw Frank ‘n t's small boat, which was directly under the cabin windows, “* Quick!” said Frank, in a low voice, and holding taut the rope by which the boat fos secured, for Ned to slide down, which the latter quickly did. ** Sit in the stern,” he continued, cutting looss from the schooner, and taking the oars headed for Bordeaux. After a half hour’s stiff rowing, the young ad- venturers effected a landing, and picking up their bundles started to find one of the hiding places mentioned by the sailor. In this Frank’s knowledge of the French language, which he had picked up from the crew of the Volunteer, proved of great assist- ance, Indeed, without it, they might have searched all night, Two or three inquiries, however, and a shil- ling toa ragged boy of twelve or thirteen, who was their final guide, brought them to Monsieur Pitou’s cafe—a miserable looking wooden shanty, situated in an even more miserable looking, out of the way alley. Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, the boys found the bar well filled with seamen of almost every nationality, and others who were there to assist them in spending their hard earned money, Eutrance had not been obtained without diffi- culty, but once inside the appearance of his new guests assured Monsieur Pitou of their character, anc. his first question was how much money they had. ** Don’t tell him!” warned a voice from behind the boys, but in so low a tone, that, amid th» noise made by the half-drunken sailors sittin: round them, if escaped the landlord’s notine. Acting on the hint, Horton displayed a sovereign, saying: “If you canship us before that is gone, th: balance js yours, and my friend will give you another.” ‘* Now give us something to eat and drink,” continued Frank, cutting short further ae tioning, and turning, as if in search of a place, saw the man who had warned him, He was a big, muscular-looking fellow, sitting alone, and taking a seat on the opposite side of the table, Frank made an excuse for talking to him by saying: ** Will you jo‘n us, shipmate?” ‘For the sake o' talkin’ t? ye without bein’ no- ticed, I will, my lai, but don’t you go squander- in’ yer coin on me, or any o’ these bloody land- sharks,” replied the stranger, and the landlord having brought a small bottle of claret for the boys, and cognac for the man, he continued: ** As soon as you’ve finished eatin’, go to yer room, ’n’if yelike, I'll go up’n’ talk with ye— but, anyhow, don’t stop down here,” A waiter now appeared with some cold meat and bread for the three, and, while eating, the stranger, who told them his name was Blood, said: ‘*This is the first I’ve had to-day. A week ago I came here with seventy pounds—this mornin’ I hadn't tuppence, “Tf you've got any coin, keep it t’ yerself, or they'll bleed ye as they did me. **Did you have to run away, too?” innocently asked Ned, ‘* Yes—from the customs officers,” replied Blood, with a grin. “Smuggling?” asked Frank, Blood nodded, and the meal being finished, the party retired to a room on the floor abcve. CHAPTER V, INTO THE FIRE, Up-stairs, Frank told the story of their run- ning away, andin return Blood, who had seen all kinds of service, in every quaxter of the globe, related the story of bis connection with a band of twenty smugglers, who had been sur- prised two weeks previous by the customs offi- cers,’ He had escaped by jumping overboard, nab all his comrades had been killed or cap- tured. ** Now,” said he, ‘I suppose you're anxious t? get back bome, ’n’ from the offer ye made that land-sbark below, it won’t be long afore you'll be shipped. He'll tell ye it’s for America, but, a as likely as not, it’ll be some other place, cause he'll be crazy t’ get rid o’ ye,” This was anything but a pleasant outlook, and Ned came to the conclusion that running away wasn’t such a fine idea after all—it didn’t seem to agree with him. It was all very well to run aps and go where you like, but quite another ng to run Jobe ee MN Bey kee Th fe ce At aes eA lh SOS os ec. ASS Roi Nil a MTS iw NS Yeats ny ¥ eo 3 ? as an . of as ‘' . P xe ¢ 4 ~~ an , : ie ig ay : " ata Aes t * ve, u abe 0 i ’ 4 od 9; @ 7 a 7 . ma? aa 5 he a i eT Wiese eveuele nage < , mee a pe e
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4 away and go where another fellow likes—not to speak of the other fellow being a drunken brute. ‘* Pm goin’ t’ ship t’-morrow ’r next day,” con- tinued Blood, ‘‘but for where I don’t know ’n’ don’tcare. My money’s all gone, so he got me a sbip t’ get rid o’ me,” After a little further conversation, and much friendly caution, Blood left the young adven- turers to take such rest as they might be able to % get out of the miserable apology tor a bed with which the room was furnished, Be Buta sailor’s life is not one which renders jJuxurious, or even ordinary, sleeping quarters a mecessity, and soon both were sound asleep. Next morning, the boys were awakened by a loud rapping on the door, and, on opening it, found Blood, with a small bundle under his arm, standing outside, waiting to bid them gvod- by. “Be careful, boys; that chap’s liable t’ do anythin’,” were his parting words, and when Ned released the ex-smuggler’s hand, he lefta ‘ sovereign in it—shutting and locking the door to ; prevent its return, Ned had taken a great liking to the big, bluff ne greene and knowing he had no money, and seeing the size of his ‘‘ kit,” bad taken this means of expressing his thanks for the friend- : ship shown to Frank and himself. . e could easily afford it, too, for before re- ‘tiring the ab Adore night, Frank handed him a chamois-skin bag, fastened like a tobacco-pouch, saying: ' “* For fear of accident, Ned, you had better take charge of this, It is yours—given me by Tom Turner to give to you with this message: " ““If you attempt to return it, or refuse to ac- cept and use it, he will believe that you do so merely because you consider yourself so much above him that you will not accept a favor at his bands,” ‘* And I think you'll be a fool if you refuse a it,” added Frank. ‘ ‘I shall accept it—as a loan,” returned Ned, a who because of the wording of the message, " would have done almost anything rather than ; de under the imputation of being too proud to o it. 3 , Going down-stairs, the boys found the land- . lord in great good humor. He had shipped sev- eral unwelcome guests, at a good price, that morning, and was ready to get rid of more, “Ah! Good-morning, gentlemen!” he ex- iy claimed. ‘I have good news for you, I believe. ), You can ship to-morrow, if you wish, for your owncountry. I am anxious, you see to earn the § other sovereign.” e When this pleasing intelligence was interpreted ,: , for Ned’s benefit, he impulsively struck the pocket containing the bag, exclaiming: ‘Tell the old blood-sucker he can have two if is he gets us off to-day.” ; Monsieur Pitou’s small eyes sparkled as he 4 heard the ring of the gold, but he received et Frank’s explanation of his friend’s words: ; ** We wish to goas soon as possible!” with the most innocent and confiding air imaginable— notwithstanding the fact that Monsieur under- rt what Ned said fully as well as Frank ; ! 3 a That day was a long one to the boys, most of it being spent in their room, and it was a relief to be summoned to dine—by special invitation— Ny with the landlord, “lt is your last night,” he said; ‘‘ so, as you have been profitable guests, you shall dine with me, ‘“*T wonder what the land shark, as Blood k calls him, is up to?” said Ned, as they sat toa oa well-filied table. Frank made no reply—he felt suspicious of : this sudden display of liberality, in view of bar Blood’s warnings, and refused to take any of the Bee claret until he saw the host drinking it, } Shortly after the meal was disposed of, both Frank and Ned began to feel a little drowsy, and refusing Monsieur Pitou’s repeated invita- ey. tions to remain below, retired totheir room. a: It was eight o’clock when they retired, and a ‘ few minutes both were asleep, ¥ ~ It was eight o'clock when they awoke—eight o'clock the following night—and a few minutes after, Ned, who was first to recover his sensés, * saw the face of Blood bending over him, ee. ** How the deuce do you come to be here?” ask- rs ed Blood. Ned stared in stupid surprise. There was something wrong with bis head—what tie could not imagine, but although it certainly was not ; clear, he quickly realized that he was not longer “eve in his room at Monsieur Pitou’s refuge for tf f ronaways—bis surroundings and the rolling of fan the ship told him that much. How he had come ‘the dimly-lighted forecastle. There was some- Middy Ned, the Runaway. to be aboard ship he did not know, and so in- formed Blood, ‘* Well,” said the ex-smuggler, * 0’ ye carried aboard at three bells watch (1:30 A. M.) an’ here ye’re layin’ like logs ever since—drunk, as I thought—an’ we’ve had t’ be so careful ’bout gettin’ away, that I didn’t geta chance t’ seeif | knowed ye.” ‘* Careful about getting away? Why, what's wrong—whatship is it?” asked Ned, in alarm, ‘* That’s what bothered me when I saw who ye were—I couldn’t make out bow ye came ship on her; but I see now how it was—that old ras- cal drugged ye. Is yer money safe?” No, the heavy purse was gone! but, more anx- ious about the ship than the money, Ned again asked what ship he wason, aud like one forced to tell a disagreeable truth, Blood replied: ** Well, my lad, I tell ye the plain truth—’n’ ership the crew (like ps ie )areapretty rough lot—I don’t think any of ’em suspect she’s any- thing worse’n a slaver, (which she may be) but I know that ber captain, Bill Brown, was a pirate when I ran across him last time,” A pirate! All the wealth of the Indies would not have tempted Ned from that detested potato- digging, if he could again have the choice be- tween that and running away. He listened like one in a dream, while Blood continued: ** Of course, it d6n’t matter ’bouta chap like me, though ] never got down t’ piracy, but to run the necks of two young chaps, like you, into the halter— I'll wring thatold scoundrel’s neck for itif ever we get back.” The fierceness of the threat, and the doubt as to their return, startled Ned, and he was not re- assured by Frank’s quiet comment: ** Out of the fryingpan into the fire!” Frank had been awake for some time, listen- ing to what was going on, and after uttering the above quoted words, got up and looked about I saw the pair in the mornin’ thing familiar about it, and he asked: ** What’s the name of this ship?” “That changes as often as the seasons,” re- plied Blood, ‘‘but she left Bordeaux as— B George! It’s your old ship, tbe Volunteer!” ** And the captain?” gasped Ned. ‘*Is the some captain, whatever name you knowed him by.” The runaways looked at each other in dismay. ** Po-e-e-w!” whistled Frank, ‘‘ now we are in for it.” Ned was past speech, but for the next few minutes he did wh peg deal of thinking from which he was roused by the hoarse call; ** All hands on deck !” CHAPTER VI. IN THE FIRE. Tuk runaways were not at all anxious to meet the captain, but they did not dare disohey the summons, so they joined the men who hur- ried on deck, urged by the boatswain’s cry : an “agen A there! Tumble up! Tumble up!” The call that summoned the men brought the captain on deck, but, as soon as the squall , he returned to the cabiv, without having noticed either Frank or Ned, among the largely increased crew of the Volunteer. The squall passed as quickly as it came, and the men returned to the forecastle, where the appearance of Frank and Ned created much surprise, and some alarm, among those of the old crew who were in the watch below. ‘* Howsumever, he’s off his liquor now,” said old Dick, while talking of the runaways’ chances of escaping punishment, ‘‘ an’ mebbe he’ll forget all about it, He don’t gen’rally re- member anythin’ when he sobers up, but you [Ned] stand the worst chance—’cause why, your station t’-morra mornin’ is in the cabin. But ye can’t tell nothin’ about it—mebbe he’ll forget ye entirely, ’n’ mebbe he won't.” This was cold comfort for Ned, but the very expression of the boatswain’s countenance, when he came below and discovered the runaways, made it worse, Turner agreed with old Dick, that Ned’s only hope lay in acting as if nothing had hap- pened, y ‘Go right in,” he said, ‘‘and, if be does re- member that you’ve been away, why, just swear that he gev ye liberty ashore, an’ we'll back ye up. . But this Ned refused to do. As cabin-boy, midskipman, lieutenant, commander and com- modore, the most striking trait of his character was his undaunted courage—more so even than his temper—and he would not lie to save him- self from the captain’s vengeance, ‘*You’re nothin’ better’n a foo]! exclaimed old Dick, when Ned declared his intention of telling the truth if questioned, **T don’t care—he can’t do more than kill me!” was the dogged reply. There was little sleep for the future commo- dore that night, Pictures of the grating and cat-o’-nine-tails floated before the eyes of his: imagination, and, when he did doze off, his sleep was troubled by horrible dreams of the captain and a “cat,” compared to which the sword of Damocles was as nothing. i Next morning, however, Ned resumed his du- é ties in the cabin without any remarks bein } passed on his absence, but the grim smile wit which Captain Kiddle—or rather Bill Brown, the pirate—greeted his appearance, indicated that it had not been unnoticed, and that the | first drinking spell would be ‘cruelly punished, ‘I’m afraid you’re right—he’s only playin” with ye,” said Turner, when Ned expressed. this as his opinion, From the first night, when the boatswain told them how Ned gave up his last shilling to aid his (Turner’s) mother, the cabin boy had been a. favorite with the crew, and the old bands were - anxious about him all that day. When night came, and Ned—his duties in the cabin bein ended—entered the forecastle, an eager crow gathered around him, hut he had nothing to tell, except as above narrated. ‘© All right—then ‘let him‘look out for him- self!” exclaimed Blood, when Turner coincided with Ned’s opinion that the first drmking bout would bring punishment, ‘‘ All right—then let himn look out for himself! I’m good for neither king nor country ’n’ the first time he lays a fin- per on ye, my lad, I'llput my knife through im! I’ve got t’ die anyhow, ’n’I might as well die for a good cause as a bad one!” The speaker looked around as if bidding de- fiance to tale-bearers, but there was no neces- sity apparently—even the new men joined in the murmur of applause that greeted his threat. The new hands were already beginning to learm something of the character of their captain, and it was quite evident that those of them in the starboard watch did not relish what little they had learned, Encouraged by the sympathy sbown by his: mates, the reckless sailor continued: ‘*T don’t want any 0’ y» t’ get in trouble on my account, butif ye’r’ men, ye’ll stand by t” keep that brute from this here boy.” There was another responsive murmur, but Turner quickly saw that it came from the old hands, who were now in the minority, aud he py it was hetter for all to stop this kind of talk, ‘‘There’s no use borryin’ trouble,” he said, ‘“everythin’ is goin’ smooth, ’n’ it may keep s0,. ‘* Tt’s gettin’ late, let’s turn in, lads,’ As the boatswain observed, everything was running smoothly, and did continue so, Not ovly that, but at the end of the second week it was clear that, pirate or not, the Voluntecr was: shaping her course for the Gold Coast, whether to trade for slaves, or ivory and gold-dust only the captain knew, Whichever it was, both Ned and Frank felt a great relief that they had escaped piracy, Blood, however, wasstill suspicious, and would not believe that the captain had shipped such a large crew to engage in a respectable business— for slave-traders in those days included many large merchants in England, as well as America. After a rapid run of four weeks, the Volunteer anchored off the coast, and then, after a boat- search for a hidden river, of which Captain Brown appeared to possess some mysterious in- formation, the schooner hauled inshore, The hidden river wasfound, the Volunteer ran up and anchored about a mile from its mouth. Trading for wax, ivory, gold dust, ete,, was be- gun almost immediately, and while it was going on Captain Brown went ashore with a dozen men armed to the teeth, He did not return until next morning, by which time a great deal of ivory was piled on shore, ready for embarkment, and came accom- panied by several negroes in charge of a file of twenty slaves, fastened to a bamboo pole, which confined them all together. The unfortunate slaves were put in ironsin the i forehoid, and, while this was being done,the _ 3 captain exhibited his goods, with which the © principal black man seemed much pleased. They “oie had a long conversation in the cabin, during — ‘ which the negro cast many glances at Ned, who _ was called in several times, as was Frank, and ; then the slave escort left the schooner—all but wer one, who remained till next morning, uy CHAPTER VII, ans - SLAVES TO A SLAVER! hae THAT night it became noised through the ship, that the negro who remained was to act as quid haemo Di 4 wl
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and this proved true. ito a party to besent into the interior next day, Twelve men, under com- mand of the first mate, Bruce, were to guard the gold-dust carriers from the king to the ship. As the party were about to push off from the shore, the captain called to them to wait, and continued: ‘* Here, you, Horton! Getready to go along. You, too, Preble! You boys like to go ashore, if is memory serves me right.” his was the first time the captain had referred to their running away, and the malicious grin accompanying the words, made both boys feel rather uneasy. “ There'll bea couple packages for each of you to carry,” continued the captain, ‘t So you will not beableto take any arms, The packages are in the cabin—burry now!” The packages were neither large nor heavy, and could have been divided among the men without thesligbtest inconvenience, ‘*That villain means mischief, and [’m not going to be'unprepared!” exclaimed Frank, as he noted the size and weight of the packages. There was a@ small flat case containing a pair of pistols lyimg on a shelf, and, seizing this, Frank thrust it into the bosom of his loose shirt, ‘*We have our knives, besides,” said Ned, as the captain, withan angry oath demanded what was detaining them, and picking up the packages ssa! hurried on deck, he boatswain and Blood were standing aft mear the captain, when the latter after a sus- picious glance at the boys, said with the same malicious grin: ** Now, boys, I hope this run ashore will be enough until you get home. Hurry up—the boats are waiting.” With bis hand on the haft of his knife, Blood looked eer at the boatswain, but the lat- ter shook his head negatively, and the next mo- ment the boats pushed off—Frank in one, and Ned in the other. The king’s quarters were one and half day’s journey from the river, and, the party having camped out one night, arrived late in the after- noon of the second day. During the night they were in camp, Frank extracted the pistols and ammunition from the case. He also examined the contents of the packages, without being detected, and finding, among otber things, several pairs of pistols, he Selected two of the kind called horse pistols, to- gether with a quantity of ammunition, and di- viding the weapons with Ned said: ‘*It would be worse than foolish, not to take advantage of this opportunity. These heavy pistols are almost as good as guns, and will an- swer for wild animals as well as men.” ‘“*Why not run away from them, if you feel so sure of our being danger?” asked Ned. ‘* We could get away easy enough, for they pay no attention to us—even when we are a hundred yards behind.” ** That is probably because they are so sure of as,” returned Frank, ‘‘ Asforour danger—I am ot sure of that, and, besides, it may not be so bad as having to choose between turning pirate, and walking the plank. ‘* But they are taking slaves aboard—that isn’t piracy,” objected Ned. ‘*No, itis not, but, Ned, you don’t know that fellow as well asI do. He’s as cute as a rat, Why, if he sold his soul to the devil, and had one minute’s start after death, he’d beat the Old Boy out of his bargain.” “ But the slaves?” ** Are, probably, only a blind. He has taken aboard twenty, and they will serve to keep up the character of a slaver, for when overbauled by a cruiser he can say the rest died, Whether be means to cheat this negro king, as he calls himself, and leave us to his vengeance, or has some other plan to punish us, I cannot, of course, tell, but we are not sent with this party for any good purpose,” Ned had learned to respect the advice of his ‘ave old-mannish companion, and asked: ‘* Well, what shall we do, Frank?” ‘* Watch and wait, The danger hanging over uscan hardly be greater than those we would encounter in running away into this dense for- est,” replied Frank, adding: “Hide your knife and pistols down the legs of your trowsers, for these savages will steal whatever we show, if we should be left at their aot ‘** What do you mean?” asked Ned, “T bardly know myself, Better. doas [ say, and go to sleep,” Arriving at the negro village, the king was found sitting ja front of a Kut of palmetto leaves, He made rather a curious appoarance, ee ——————L— sen ———— rE Middy Ned, the Runaway, wearing a cocked hat and laced coat, but no other garment of any description! Whatever inclination to mirth the king’s dress might excite, the diabolical ferocity imprinted on his grim countenance was more than suffi- cient to repress, He was raw-boned and lean, and of very large frame—a living type of brutal strength and barbarity, Behind him stood several grim savages, who held his weapons, and on each side, at a greater distance, were rows of negroes, with their heads bent down and their arms crossed, awaiting his orders, With tne me of the king and four young negro women who attended him, all the negroes were quite naked, The four young women, (who were the king’s wives,) wore blue cotton gowns from hip to ankle, and another piece of the same cloth over the shoulders, while round their necks were rows of gold beads, As the party drew near, Bruce ordered them to halt and advancing with the guide, entered into conversation with the king, who directed many glances toward the waiting group. After some time Bruce returned to his party, and bade Ned and Frank kneel before the king, and open, and present to him, the contents of their packages, ‘* Kneel?” exclaimed Ned, ‘' I kneel only to God, Mr. Bruce.” : Frank, if not thus incited to rebel against it, would not have objected to this, apparent- ly, mere matter of form; but, now encouraged by Ned’s stand, he said: ‘Pm not going to kneel to that savage, Mr. Bruce.” Apparently, Bruce, who was a fitting repre- sentative of ‘his captain, did not wish to commit any act of violence in the presence of the kinz, for he contented himself with cursing them roundly and—wishing they were coming back to the schooner! ‘*When I give the signal,” he continued, **you, Herrick, bring up the packages, and do as I’ve told these mutinous dogs to do, But, they'll be glad to kneel to him before long!” With this order and threat, Brace left the party and again entered into conversation with the king. In a few minutes he raised his hand, and Herrick advanced, and presented the pack- ages inthe manner directed by his superior. W hilethis was being done, the men, who were the worst of the new hands, were regarding the boys in a pitying way, and at length one said: “ You two are t’ be left here for slaves, Bet- ter cut ’n’run while you’veachance, We'll be blind for a minit or two—eb, mates?” The suggestion met with murmurs of appro- val; but it came toolate. Even asit was made, a half-dozen negroes advanced to seize the boys, who, with an instinctive knowledge of their pur- pose, turned and fled toward the woods, It was useless, however, and as they were dragged past the white men, Frank appealed to them to save his companion and himself, Hardened and crime-stained as they were, the men were moved by his appeal; but while the stood hesitating, Ned decided the matter by call- ing them cowardly, treacherous hounds, who had led Frank and himself into a trap, and hop- ing that they soon would receive their just de- serts at the hand of the hangman! This caused the men to abandon their half- formed purpose to rescue the boys—which would have resulted in a genernl massacre, as there were fully three hundred savages in signt—and Frank and Ned were bound and thrown into a hut, The door had scarcely closed on them, when Ned began to reproach his companion, asking how much better off were they than if they had taken their chances in the forest. “There,” he said, ‘‘ we could fight for our lives. Here wearetied up awaiting the pleasure of that black beast, who can order our heads off at any minute—and probably will, without de- lay. Oh, yes, you’re very wise, but I wish you had kept your wisdom for yourself.” Frank did not reply, and after a while Ned, too, became silent and thoughtful, They were in a dangerous position—more 80, even, than they imagined, as they found, when a couple hours after they were thrown into the hut, the negro who had acted as guide to the party, and who spoke pretty good English, came and told them that the white men had returned to their ship; that they bad been taken in ex- change for twenty negroes because the king was tickled over the idea of having white slaves; and that the king—at the suggestion of the white chief (Bruce)—intended to sco’ them intosub- mission, and keep scourging them until they were killed, or cured of their dislike of kneeling to him, After telling them this, and advising them to Mf eS oy. cata ea oe Cs “~S 2) Se SS eee a - submit before the scourging was begun—which would be early next morning—their late guide withdrew, and was replaced by two negroes with calabashes of water and cusb-cush (corn boiled to a thick paste.) Neither bad any great desire for food, but Frank forced himself to eat, while Ned content- ed himself with drinking water, and watchin his companion in misery ‘‘ out of the corner his eye. About the time the meal was finished, Bamwa, the guide, appeared, and asked if the boys wanted more food before their hands were rebound, Frank replied that he did not, and Ned’s un- tasted food was sufficient answer that he needed none, but, while the savages were tying his hands, the former complained bitterly of the tightness of his bonds, and Bamwa ordered that the cords be relaxed, Had he not warned the prisoners of what was in store for them, Bamwa would have removed their bonds altogetber, for there was little chance of escape, and even if they did succeed, death in one hundred forms awaited them in the forest, It was dark now, but outside the door—which was nothing but a rude hurdle swung between two ee prisoners could see a negro guard sitting on a mat, smoking. Neither spoke, nor had addressed a word to the other since Ned had ceased reproaching his com- panion, The latter was engaged with a plan for their escape, while the former was reflect- ing on the injustice he had done his friend, who would never have been in his present perilous position but for his devotion to him (Ned), While thus er Ned fell asleep, and did not awake until roused by a rough shaking. Looking up, he found Frank bending over him, and, to his astonishment, both were free from their bonds. Not only that, but, after makib a sign for silence, Frank pointed to the rear o the hut, where an opening large enough to through had been cut in the woven twigs that formed the walls, j Outside sat the negro on bea gore) Fa his huge stone pipe occasionally, and nodding continually, half asleep, and wholly uncon- scious of what was going on within. * Quick! Out through there, but don’t stand up,” whispered Frank, and Ned crawled out on bis hands and knees, in which position hé re- mained until the former joined him; then they took a survey of their situation. The hut from which they had escaped was near the center of the gladein which the vil- lage was situated. It was late—nearly mid- night; the fires built during the early part of the night were burning low, only a few of the savages were stirring, and choosing a path which seemed least dangerous, Frank laid him- self at full length and began rolling over and over toward the edge of the forest, Ned follow- ing his example, - Stopping every few minutes to look about, and moving with the greatest caution, it re-— quired a full half-hour to pass the line of fires, but after that they moved more rapidly, and in a few minutes stood erect within the trees on the edge of the glade. ‘“* We are safe!” exclaimed Ned, ‘* Yes, for the present, but we must push on as fast as possible. At the latest, daylight will find the negroes in pursuit,” CHAPTER VIII. IN THE FOREST. WITHOUT a compass or the stars to guide them, ignorant of the country, and with only a vague idea of the direction in which the river and coach lay, the young adventurers plunged into the dark, dense forest, and wien ro a came had placed many miles behind them, Both were thoroughly tired out at daylight, and Frank assented to his companion’s proposi- tion that they should rest for a few minutes, There had been no time for conversation dur- ing their hurried flight—avoiding the low bang- ing branches of trees, and the wild beasts whose cries rendered the night hideous, had occupied the attention of the fugitives,/but Ned was anxious totalk to his friend, and now that they were at rest, he opened witb: x drink of water would go good, now—eh, k? ** Yes, it would—I hope you'll not suffer—that is; we we'll soon run across some,” Fran spoke anxiously and turned to look at his companion. As his eyes fel] upon Ned, be started and turned pale, but controlling himself by a powerful effort, he quietly continued: “4 res es
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oe i ; f ‘ ee 6 “Sit still, Ned—still as a statue. There’s something near you I want to hit, and if you move amuscle you'll scare it,” While speaking, Frank had drawn out and leveled the heavy horse-pistol at a large snake | which was coiled and waving its head, its forked tongue darting in and out, awaiting the first movement of tne unconscious Ned to strike. With the last word, Frank fired at the forked tongue. His hand was steady as a rock, hisaim good, and when Ned turned his head to see the game, the huge snake, with half its head carried off, was writhing a half-dozen feet away. Ned grasped the situation in an instant, and turning to express his gratitude, saw Frank pale and trembling, and almost fainting, The strain bad been so great, that had the poor fellow been on his feet when his nerves relaxed, | he certainly would have failen, “How can I thank you!” exclaimed Ned, his remorse for the injustice of the previous day in- creased by his friend’s agitation, ‘Oh, don’t speak of it,” said Frank, shud- dering, ‘‘ let us go and look for water.” As they proceeded on their uncertain way, Ned, anxious to make amends for the past, and express his pratitude for the present, said: ‘*I acted and spoke very meanly yesterday, Frank, but I hope you'll overlook it—and to think of your saving me from a horrible death to-day!” He had commenced quietly and penitently, and the outburst of genuine gratitude and self- reproach with which he finished proved too much for Frank, who laughingly asked: ** And what would you have had me do, Ned, let the snake bite you because you were a little rusty yesterday?” Ned looked confused, and muttered something about being down right mean instead of a little rusty, but the laugh put them on the old foot- ing, and he went on with renewed vigor, not- withstanding his constantly increasing thirst. Soon, this thirst became almost unbearable, end both were in a very exhausted condition, when, about noon, they came upon a small stream of rather brackish water, Ned was dashing forward when Frank re- strained him, ‘*Go easy,” he said, ‘tif you are too eager, the result may be as bad as none at all,” Still under the influence of the renewal—as he considered it—of their friendship, Ned submit- ted, and did not at once indulge in the tremen- dous draught he had promised himself, which was very fortunate for him, as, bad he done go, tue result might have been seriousiillness. Having satisfied their thirst, the next question was how to obtain food, and Ned remarked that he would like’to have some of the cush-cush he tad refused the previous evening, ‘* But, not at the same price, Tpresuiier? said Frank. **No, no! What do you think of our chances of getting away?” asked Ned, ** From that particular tribe, I think we are safe,” replied Frank, ‘* Rolling over the bare, hard earth, we cannot have left any marks by which to trace our course, but we must look out for other tribes, Tbis river must lead to the sea and by following it we shall not only reach the coast, but be certain of water and food!” ** Food?” echoed Ned, **Yes—fish. I’ve got a line in my pocket, and, while I’m digging for worms, you gather some dry wood, and dig a hole in which to bake the fish.” Springing up as he spoke, Frank set about looking for bait while Ned hurried back into the woods, In a few minutes the former, (having pro- cured all the worms he needed,) began fishing and almost immediately hooked a fine fish, He had just landed it, when several sharp cries, fol- lowed first np Ba report of a pistol—whbich he knew to be Ned’s—and then by a roar such as Frank had never before heard, reached him from the forest, Dropping the fish, and drawing the heavy pis- tol as he ran, Frank dashed into the forest, and guided by a second pistol-shot, arrived upon the scene of a battle between Ned and a native on one side, and a huge gorilla on the other. Although wounded in several places, the go- Trilla had all the advantage when Frank arrived onthescene, He had the native—a mere boy Fe yg Ne yn under one foot and had just knocked Ned senseless with a blow that would have broken his skull, had he not dodged and received it slantwise, On the appearance of his third enemy, the illa advanced waving his club nn ae y. Be bad come within ten yards of Frank, who stood stock still awaiting him, when the Middy Ned, the Runaway. | native, who had been playing *possum, hurled his spear with surprising strength. It struck / the gorilla in the right arm, causing bim to | drop his club, and with a humanlike cry of rage and pain, he turned on his assailant, | The native had come dangerously closs, and | little fellow was stricken down by the king of the African forest, the latter in turn fell with a bullet fired through the ear, and into his brain, | Frank hadrun up to within two yards of the | gorilla before firing, and the result was instant death, It was with his own spear that the native had been struck; the blow did no damage to his hard bead, and he was on his feet running to lock at Ned as soon as Frank. Ned was already recovering consciousness, and on discovering this, the native testified his delight by dancing around him and uttering joyous cries, Then he went back to the dead gorilia and danced around him, but the cries he uttered were those of contempt and defiance, accompanied by threatening gestures, While the really plucky fittle fellow—he was four feet in height—was thus engaged, Ned sat up and became so interested and amused that he forgot, for the moment, the splitting pain in his head, Suddenly the native caught sight of him, and runnivg to him, knelt and kissed his hand, Then prostrating himself before the as- tonished boy, the native raised Ned’s foot and placed it on his neck—all of which Frank, who was an interested spectator, understood as meaning that the native was Ned’s slave, ‘* How do you feel? Good enough to eat some nice fish?” asked Frank, ‘“T’ve got a splitting head, but it hasn’t spoiled my appetite,” replied Ned, He arose, and began to gather up the wood as hespoke, but the native took it from him, and completed the work, causing Frank to laugh and say: ** You're all right now, Ned—you’ve got a ser- bank of the stream, but, on seeing the fish Frank had considered such a prize, snorted con- temptuously, and in a few minutes speared two much larger. These he quickly cleaned and cooked, and they were soon disposed of—gun- powder proving an excellent substitute for salt, and humger all the “‘ sauce” that was Qn . While eating, Ned told how he had, in ‘his search for dry wood, come across the native aod the gorilla. The former had foolishly thrown a spear, wounding and enraging the animal, which, otherwise, would not have molested him, and when Ned’s attention was attracted by the shrill cries of the man and the thunder-like roars of the animal, the native was about to have his brains beaten out. While stillsome distance away, Ned fired the horse- pistol, and missing, came quite close to render the small pistol more effective—so close that, as he fired, the gorilla sprung and knocked bim down, ‘* And you know the rest,” said Ned, in con- clusion, ‘* Which isthat you’ve made a friend at the risk of your life—and a valuable one be’d be, if he could only talk English! However, we must keep moving along,” and Frank aroseas a signal for their immediate departure, Ned and the native followed Frank’s example, but the direction they were taking seemed to alarm the negro, who, plucking Ned’s sleeve, motioned bim to go in the opposite direction, Ned called his friend’s attention to this, but Frank only laughed, saying: ‘* He wantsto take you back and introduce you to his friends,” Although said in jest, this was the truth, and the little native exhibited great perplexity as well as alarm on seeing they intended to pursue the course they had taken. After a few minutes he again plucked Ned’s sleeve, and motioning that he was going away, but would return, started back at full speed. vant,” The native not only carried the wood to the | CAPTURED—ESCAPED, Nep called attention to the great rute at which the native was traveling, and this was the first notice of his departure Frank received, He looked very grave, as he turned and saw the met flying along the narrow path on the river nk, ** What's the matter?” asked Ned, CHAPTER IX, | ** Nothing—yet. I hope your black friend is with a few mighty leaps the gorilla was upon | him, but Fravk was not idle, and as the plucky | allright. He looked like an honest fellow—but- we mustn’t trust to looks in this place morethan any other, so, stir yourself, my boy.” Ned ‘‘ stirred” himself, and they made good progress until nightfall, when they camped for the night, Frank’s line furnishing«fish, and the neighboring trees (where Ned espied some birds? nests,) eggs, which the latter roasted in the ashes of the fire that baked the fish, Both were hungry, and eat heartily—with the result that the drowsy god claimed them much earlier than usual, it being but nine o’clock when both were sound asleep. An hour after, they were awakened to find themselves again prisoners in the hands of Kitonga—the negro king, to whom they had been sold—and, in less thana quarter of an hour, they were back in the village from which they bad escaped the previous night. As if to show the hopelessness of another attempt to escape, the boys were placed un- bound in the same hut through which Frank had ory the hole, but now a guard stood on each side, “This looks dangerous,” commented Frank, adding: “I can now understand the little black fellow’s alarm. We must have made a loop after leaving here, and he saw we were walking back to our starting point.” **T wish,” he continued, after a moment,” that I had not been so confoundedly sure—conceited —of what I was doing.” He evidently expected more reproaches from Ned—indeed he'was inviting reproach—but the latter had learned a lesson from the past, and soothingly replied: ** Never mind, Frank, never mind—you did. your best, and angels can do no more, ‘* Perhaps the little fellow, seeing the way we were traveling, has gone for oun ‘*Why, do vou think he belongs to another tribe?” asked Frank. **IT do. I was looking at him pretty closely, and I think he’s a dwarf. One thing, I feel sure of—that although so small, he is much older than you or I,” Further conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Bamwa, the interpreter, who ap- peared to have taken a liking to the boys, and who told them that, notwithstanding their run- ning away,he had, through the king’s wives, prevailed upon Kitonga not to torture and kill - them, ashe had declared he would when their escape was reported to him. ** Your guard’s head was cut off five minutes after you were missed,” concluded Bamwa, ‘And what will be done with us?” asked Frank. ‘* After you have prostrated yourselves before the king, and obtained his pardon, you will be given to his wives, whose slaves you will be. They are much interested in you, and your du- ties will be light,” ‘¢ Much obliged to them for their interest,” said Frank, while his companion in misfortune asked: ‘‘ Suppose we don’t prostrate ourselves and ask the old brute’s pardon—what then?” Bamwa gasped on hearing the epithet Ned ap- plied to his royal master, and looked around in terror to see if the guards had hbeard4t, forget- ting that they did not understand English. ‘Hush! You will not be so foolish; you would be tortured to death until you died. 'Noth- ing but the interference of the king’s wives bas saved you from that to-night,” he replied, and, asif fearing to hear more treasonavle expres- sions, hurried out of the hut, For a few minutes after Bamwa’s departure silence reigned in the hut, There was plenty of food for thought in the interpreter’s communi- cation, and although by obeying his instructions unishment could be avoided, still they would be slaves, subject to every whim of the king and his four (young) wives. ‘© Well, what do you think of it?” asked Frank, after a while. ‘* Shall we stoop to con- quer—submit for the present, and watch our chance to escape? Slavers areliable to call here at any time, and they would never refuse to help us. traws show which way the wind blows, and the many little incidents which it would not be of interest to relate here, but which revealed to Frank the intensely independent character of his comrade, led him to expect a scornful rejec- tion of any suggestion tending toward submis- sion, To his astonishment, Ned quietly replied: “J don’t sea anything else we can do, For- tunately, they don’t appear to suspect that we are armed, so when it comes to the worst, as it must some day, we won’t cross the Styx without company.”
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Middy Ned, the Runaway. 4 This was so different from what he expected, that Frank could not refrain from saying: “* That’s taking a sensible view of it, Ned, and I'm glad ycu look at it that way.” He knew it was not fear that caused the change in Ned, but he had no suspicion that the next words he himself uttered gave expression to the thought which rendered the usually hot- tempered, independent boy so submissive, “Of course,” continued Frank, ‘‘if you would not do as this fellow says we must, I should have to stand by you, but it would only end in our being killed,” ‘* Oh, there’s no use butting ove’s head against a stone wall,” Tbe words were spoken carelessly enough, and gave no indication of the anger and in- dignation, which Ned suppressed, at the thought: ‘I’ve brought. him into this trouble, and if I don’t submit, he won’t—and that will be the end of him,” More at ease now, Frank suggested that they should resume their inter: upted sleep, and using the floor-mats for pillows, both stretched out on tbe hard earth which formed their bed—quite different, as it occurred to Ned, to the big feather-stuffed bed-tick in the farm-house near Falmouth. Next morning, they were aroused by the en- trance of Bamwa, accompanied by two negroes carrying cush-cusb and water. ‘**’You will do asI told you last night?’ asked the interpreter, almost anxiously, when his com- panions had gone, eNed merely nodded, while Frank replied that they would, _ It is well,” said Bamwa, looking much re- lieved, ‘‘I will come when the king is ready to receive you. Be very careful, and do nothing toanger him. If you pass the morning safely, you need fear ptr As slaves of the king’s wives you will be well treated, and your life a happy one,” om the standpoint of the African, ever careless of the future, Bamwa’s assertion was probably the truth, but the boys were not des- tined to test it. After again warning the boys to be careful— his words being directed at Ned—the friendly negro went to ascertain if the king was ready,. and what humor he was in, An hour elapsed before Bamwa returned to announce that *‘ the Great Kitonga would deign to listen to the petition of his slaves,” ‘* You must speak to me for a little while,” said Bamwa, ‘‘and I will make your petition for nee. _Notwithstanding the danger that this peti- tion (which was no matter of form) might be retused, and his head ordered off, Ned grinned at the interpreter’s high-flown speech. thereby causing that well-intentioned person much un- easiness, _‘* Be careful!” was Bamwa’s parting injunc- tion, as, halting them some distance from Kitonga, he hastened forward to announce the = rtd (?):of the slaves to make their peti- 1on, The desired permission being granted, and the boys being on their knees before the ferocious- looking king, Bamwa said to Frank: ‘** You must now talk to me for a few min- utes. Look sad—sad as you can, for the danger is not past,” The in reter spoke more truth than he knew—the danger was only approaching. Assuming as meek and lowly an air as he could, Frank said: **T guess my face is fit for a funeral, and, backed by your eloquence, it ought to carry me through. “As this isn’t a very easy position, you might sail in now and tell him my heart is too sad to say any more,” Despite the fact that he was in the presence of royalty, Ned grinned on hearing this, and un- fortunately Kitonga caught him in the act— much to the dismay of Bamwa, who delivered the petition (/) in a rather confused manner, Apparently, not noticing his interpreter’s con- fusion, Kitonga motioned Frank to arise and pra aside, while Bamwa told Ned to say a few words, “Oh, fire away! Say what you please, but make it brief. There’s a confounded stone un- der my right knee, and I feel like a hen on a hot griddle,” This response, delivered ina carelessly im tient tone and manner, alarmed Bamwa, who, assuming ao air of severity, warned Ned that the king was watching him, and implored him to say something more, with an assumption of sadness, se a i=” Out of regard for the friendly interpreter, Ned did assume a most miserable expression of countenance, but spoiled the effect by com- pletely upsetting Bamwa when he replied: “All rigbt! Let the ugly brute look—it may improve the expression of his countenance, and it can’t be made worse. He’s the worst look- ing case I’ve ever laid eyeson.” Gamwa was horrified at this speech, but again Kitonga passed over his confused address, and motioning Ned to stand up, spoke to the inter- preter, who in turn informed the reckless boy that the king desired a drink, pointing as he spoke to a gourd and cup standing on a mat midway between the master and slave, Picking uy the gourd and the cup, Ned ad- vanced and, following Bamwa’s instructions, knelt and handed the cup to the king, who held it while his slave filled it. Then, with a malicious grin, Kitonga dashed the water in Ned’s face; but, he reckoned with- out his host, The water had scarcely touched Ned before Kitonga was knocked off his mat, being struck in the face by the water gourd which the angry bov had hurled at bim with all bis strength, For a moment the warriors, who stood back of the king as already described, appeared to be paralyzed with horror, but as Kitonga scrambled to his feet,they rushed forward to avenge his outraged majesty. Meantime, Ned bad drawn both his pistols and prepared to die where he stood, us was evidenced by his ery: ** Have nothing to do with this, Frank! They won’t hurt youif you stay out of it! Good-by!” By way of reply, Frank fired his heavy p'stol, — as the leading warrior fell, sprung to Ned's side, **Come on! Tothe woods!” he cried, At the same moment several gun-shots rung out from the woods, and the savages balted irre- solutely as a half-dozen sailors, headed by Blood and Turner, made their appearance at the edge of the forest! The halt was only momentary, however, and before the boys were half-way across the opening, the savages, led by Kitonga, were close upon them, ‘* Wheel and fire! Then turn to the right!” panted Frank, He turned as he spoke, as did Ned, and both fired at the nearest of the pursuing savages. Which fired the fatal shot was never known, but between them lay the honor of killing the ferocious Kitonga, The fall of the chief created a panic, which was increased by a volley from the sailors, who, now that the boys had divided—Ned running off to the right, and Frank to the left—had an op- portanity to fire without damage to their com- rades, Circling about as they ran, the fugitives had almost reached their friends, when, recovering from the panic caused by the fall of their chief, the savages again rushed forward, uttering yells of rage, and firing showers of arrows as they came, It was a critical moment. Several of the sailors had been wounded by the arrows, The savages were coming on, regardless of the vol- leys from guns and pistols, and were close upo ! the whites, when a shower of arrows and spears issued from the forest, over the heads of the sailors, It was a deadly shower in more than one sense, for not only wero many stricken down, but every man struck died. Following the discharge of arrows and spears a swarm of little men—none over five feet in height—led by Ned’s ‘‘slave,” dashed into the opening. The oe pursuers now became the pursued, for without a moment’s hesitation they turned and fled, terror-stricken by the deadly character of the dwarfs’ spears, the poisonous character of the dwarfs’ arrows, The first to grasp Ned’s hand, and then Frank’s, was the little fellow rescued from the gorilla the previous day. He was accompanied by one of the tribe, who proved to be an inter- preter, and who informed the wondering white men that the ‘‘slave” was the son of the chief of the Akkas, and that the latter wished to thank those who had saved the young chief's life, CHAPTER X, WITH THE DWARFS, THE rout of the Kitongas being complete, their village destroyed, many of their best war- riors dead (and many more prisoner:) the Akkas were ready to return to the camp, where they ae left the old chief, with a guard to protect m, ** Longa, son of Batwa, awaits your pleasure,” said the interpreter, when all the ‘ spitfire” warriors—as Blood called them—had returned from the pursuit of the Kitongas, and taking this asa hint that they wished to depart, Ned, to whom the words were addressed, signified his readiness to proceed to the camp. On the march, the boys learned, that, having received a hint of what bad happened from one of Bruce's party, Blood and Turner, with four of the old hands, had deserted the schooner, and traveling day and night, arrived on the outskirts of the Kitonga village, just as Frank and Ned were brought before the king. Through the interpreter, they learned that after leaving them, Longa had burried back to his father, who with a part of his tribe was traveling to the sea coast, to makearrangements for trading a large quantity of ivory, gold-dust, wax,ete., either with ships, or with tribes near the coast, Fall of the spirit of adventure, Longa—who by the way, was much older than either of the boys—had traveled many miles ahead of his par- ty, and the return journey was long and ardu- ous, He had seen the danger the boys were more than likely toencounter, and, on acquaint- ing the old chief of his rescue, the latter imme- diately dispatched Longa, and nearly all his men to their rescue, Batwa, who was a stout old man about as tall as hisson, greeted the white party very cordial- ly,and made a speech to his people, which, from his gestures, and the acting of the listeners, it was easy to see, was a recital of the story of Longa’s rescue, There was much cheering at the conclusion of the®’speech, and the Akkas began tocrowd around the boys, but the young chief drove them away, while the interpreter informed Ned that he and Frank were to eat with the old chief, and their friends with Longa, During, and after the meal, (which was quite alengthy affair, and more sumptuous than any- thing the boys had tasted since leaving port) the old chief heard the story of Ned’s adventures since leaving home, which, of course, included Frank’s story. *“*How do you expect to get back to your country ?” asked the chief, when Ned’s story was finished, Being told that they were trying to get tothe coast, where they would ship on the first vessel found, the old chief showed great pleasure, and summoned his son, evidently to tell him the good news, ‘* But vour friends—they cannot go back to the rascal, your captain?” asked Longa. **No, poor fellows, they lose everything— money and clothes—like Frank and myself,” re- plied Ned. The young chief seemed rather pleased to hear this, and after some conversation with his father, said that if the party would accompany the Akkas to the coast, and assist in the trad- ing, the chief would gladly allow them a share of the goods, ‘* We have some gold-dust and wax witb us,” continued Longa (of course, through the inter- preter), ‘“‘ but there is much more, and a great deal of ivory, for which we will send back car- riers, if you will only join us, for, if you are there, we will not be cheated.” This offer was too good to be refused, and the boys having signified their acceptance, Longa immediately dispatched twenty-five men for the balance of the ivory and gold-dust. While the young chief was thus engaged, his father asked many questions concerning the country from which the boys came. but at length, growing drowsy, he permitted them to retire, and, accompanied by the interpreter, they joined their friends, to whom Ned related the conversation with Batwa, and his acceptance of the latter’s offer, Ned was still talking, when Longa joined the party, and when the boy finished, the young chief made a lengthy speech, which, being in- terpreted, proved to be an offer to recover what belonged to the men from the captain of the Volunteer. **Some of his ivory must be yet. on shore,” said Longa. ‘*‘ We will seizeit and keep it, if he does not give what is yours. Our carriers will not return for ten days, and we can start before suprise to-morrow, so there will be no danger of missing our people on their return,” This offer, too, was promptly accepted— Blood, in particular, being delighted over the prospect of forcing Captain Brown to pay what was due, and give them their kits, Accordingly, next morning, before dawn, the entire party, consisting of one hundred and
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twenty-five Akkas and the eight whites, started to bring Ciptain Brown to terms. Wito the exception of the old chief and a guard of ten men, who traveled slowly in the rear, the party pushed on so rapidly that about nine that night they were within a quarter-mile of the Volunteer. Leaving the main body, Longa, with the white men, went forward to reconnoiter, and quickly discovered a dozen Kitongas lying near a piie of elephants’ tusks—evidently awaiting embarkation, Lying out in the river was the V olunteer, and from the noises and boisterous singingon board, Captain Brown and his men were eujoying themselves to the fullest that unlimited rum and freedom would permit, ‘*He’s probably carried the piracy question to-day, ’n’ they're celebratin’ the golden pros- pects t’-night,” said Blood, as they listened to sounds of revelry. ‘* Bet he didn’t say anythiu’ about their beauti- ful chance of a hempen halter,” returned Tur- ner. Longa, meantime, had returned with the main body, and, placing his menso as to surround the Kitongas, stepped into the light of the fire, and demanded their surrender—promising that they skould not be harmed if no resistance was made, Having no right to expect sucht leniency, the Kitongas, being hopelessly outnumbered, eager- ly accepted Longa’s terms, and were bound and placed under guard, This was scarcely done, when the fun aboard ' the Volunteer changed to fighting, first simply fisticuffs, (as the watchers afterward Jearned,) eae this quickly gave place to knives and pis- 8, Even had they wished to go aboard those:n shore had no means of reaching the schooner, and they could do nothing but listen to the y«lls and curses of their late comrades, who were forestalling the work of the hangman by shoot- ingand stabbing each other, Soon, two or three jumped or were driven overboard, and the cries that followed announced their fate. Slaves invariably attract sharks, “They must be getting used up,” observed Frank, as at the end of a half-hour, the shots became less frequent, while the cries and groans increased. The fighting which began below, had been carried on later on deck, where the struggling forms could be plainly seeh in the moonlight but one by one these disappeared from view, un- til at the expiration of an bour none remained, and nothing broke the stillness of the night, save “op groans and curses of the wounded and dy- ny. **Isn’t it horrible!’ exclaimed Ned, shudder- ing as his imagination pictured the scene of slaughter, ‘* Very—but we ain’t in it, an’ it’s on’y a case o’ dog eat dog after all,” returned Blood, ** Yo see, mates, what we've escaped by tryin’ t? do these here lads a good turn,” said the boat- swain, turning to the other sailors, ** Ay, ay, Tom; an’ lucky it was we shaped our course ’cordin’ t’ the way Blood ’u’ yerself advised,” replied old Dick. ‘*T wish we could get aboard; we might be able to do something.” putin Ned. ‘Just listen to those groans!” ‘* Let ’em groan!” growled Blood, in a barsh tone, ‘‘let ’em groau all they like! What ’d they do with you?” Ned remained silent, and Blood continued: “We can’t do anythin’ until mornin’, any- how, an’ not then till we build a raft; so we might as well turn in,” CHAPTER XI, THE BLACK FLAG—AND WHAT FOLLOWED. AS no one could rest—at least, no white man— within hearing distance of the schooner, the en- tire party moved further up the river, where, large fires being built, and sentinels stationed, they rested undisturbed until morning. ith the first streaks of dawn Ned was up. He could scarcely rest until then, thinking of the wounded and dying, withoutanyoue to give them a drink, for he had decided that it had been a bt to the death; as, indeed, it proved. was inclined to be angry when Ned awakened him with a uest to ‘* get up and build that raft,” but, his lizing for the boy over- came his dislike for those aboard the schooner, -and, arousing the entire party, he set them at work, and by the time breakfast was prepared, the raft was lying on the beach, ready for launch- in . The river was shallow, and, after breakfast, saplings were cutand trimmed into poles. With Middy Ned, the Runaway. the aid of these, and the tide favorinz, the first y—which consisted of all the white persons —reached the schooner, There was no sign of life as they approached, nor a sonnd heard as they made fast to the Volunteer, and Ned expressed the opinion of all when, inan awed waisper, he said: ‘“* They areall dead,” Climbing aboard, the first form that met the gaze of the visitors was that of the captain, a bloody cutlassino his band, and a half-dozen men witb cloven skulls lying about him. Allover tbe deck blood-covered men lay in twos and threes—some shot, some stabbed, and all but a few dead. Below the scene was not so bad. There was not enough room for much fighting, but in the cabin the first and second mates were found locked in deadly embrace, Allfound below were dead; but, of those on deck, sevenrecovered altogether, and a few more lingered fora day ortwo, These men were un- conscious wher: founi by Ned and Frank, who immediately, on boarding theschooner, began to search for the living, while their companions, apparentlv, cared only to see who were dead, and how they fell. The first man to recover consciousness was one - the old hands, who related the story of the bt. As Blood had surmised, the captain called all hands aft, the previous evening, and after pic- turing the profit and pleasures of a pirate’s life, apnounced his intention of hoisting the black flag, and ordered those who objected to sailing under it to s'ep forward. Only one man bad toe inclination, or the cour- age, if possessing the inclination, to obey the or- der, and him the captain shot dead before he could speak a word, The man thus brutally murdered was known as ‘* Chips,”—the ship’s carpenter, a quiet, good- natured fellow who was liked by ali on board, and there wasan ominous muttering among the men as he fell, but tuis ceased, as the captain, pistol in hand, roared: ** Don’t stand there muttering like monkeys! If any of you have a complaint to make, step out and make it! We might as well finisn tbis business, while I’ve got my hand in.” The men shrunk back in silence, and he con- tinued: ‘*No complaint, eh? Lucky for ye! To- morrow all must take the oath; to-night all ¢an do as they please, Heave up a barrel of rum, and drink success to the ' Jolly Roger ’!” The men were not s'ow in availing them- ; selves of the captain’s liberality, and poor ‘** Chips” was forgotten until they began to get drunk—which was shortly before the capture of the Kitongas. Then the fate of ‘‘ Chips” be- came the subject of conversation, and much muttering and discontent was being manifested when a message from the captain summoned all hands to the cabin, The captain, who, with Bruce, had been drinking in the cabin, knew what was going on forward (having been informed by one of the new men), and, when the half-drunken crew staggered into his presence, began to abuse and tbreaten them, calling them mutinous dogs, and swearing he would shoot the first man ~ spoke or stirred until he gave the order to 0 80. As he uttered the threat, the second mate, who was among the men, lurched forward and the captain fired, missing the intended victim, but killing the man behind him, Even then the fighting might not have begun had not Bruce grappled with the second mate, who called on the men to stand by bim, On bearing the mate’s call for assistance, the captain fired another shot; then the battle be- gan—a dozen or more of the new men fighting against their comrades, These men were armed, ‘and bad been ordered to remain sober, which gave them a great advantage over the others— and Bill Brown was a host in himeelf, Before this story was finished, the two boats, which were sent ashore immediately after boarding the schooner, returned with Longa, and all of his people that could crowd into them, but if they came with sight-seeing inten- tions only, they mst have been sorely disap- pointed, for, at Turner’s request, their young chief set them at work washing and cleaning up the decks, Many hands make quick, as well as light work, and by the time tbe sailors had carried the wounded to their hammocks, and attended to their wants, the dead bad been tossed over- board and the decks washed down, The ‘‘medicine-man” of the Akkas, who came aboard in one of the boats, proved a veri- A , err table medicine man, for his knowledge of herbs, and skill in caring for wounds, enabled some of the men to leave their hammocks that eve- ning. ; Immediately after seeing the wounded placed in the hammocks, Ned’s attention was attracted by noise in the forehold, and, remembering the twenty slaves, he, with the assistance of Frank, removed the hatch, The unfortunate negroes were in a pitiable condition, baving had neither food nor water since noon the previous day, and had been driven frantic with fear during the fight. Ned immediately notified the boatswain who, after removing the irons, supplied the astonish- ed slaves with food and water, and then sent them ashore to be cared for by Longa’s men— the young chief promising to guard them to their home in exchange for their acting as car- riers as far as the village of the Akkas. After the removal of the slaves, an examiua- tion of the hold revealed the cargo, just as 16 was when the Volunteer left port, and, on in- quiring among the wounded, Biood learned that the suspicion he had expressed, namely, that the captain intended to cheat the natives out of the goods, was nothing more than the truth, ‘Well, I don’t see why Longa need wait for any other vessel,” said Frank, who had been among the party exploring the hold, ‘* we’ve got everything he wants.” ‘‘And we've got what we want—a vessel to bring us home,” smilingly ooserved Ned, “Yer? both mgbt enough,” said the boat- swain, ‘but who’s a-goin’ t’ navigate? I kin sail her, but who’st’ navigate her?” “Tl attend to that part of it,” quietly re- plied Blood. ‘You! Kin you navigate?” asked Turner, staring in astonishment, like the others, at the idea of a common seaman understanding navi- gaticn. ‘* | gaid I would attend tothe navigation,” re- plied Blood, a little testily. ‘“ I was not talking for emusement, but if you doubt my ability, you are at perfect liberty to manage it your- self, This language caused even more astonishment thaa the statement that the speaker understoud navigation, and, evidently annoyed by the at- tention be had attracted, Blood walked aft, ‘** Just where he belongs,” remarked the boat- swain, as he watched the ex-smuggler, pacing back and forth. ‘' Just where he belongs, mates —regular quarter-deck talk ’n’ quarter-deck walk, Jim Blood may’ve had {a come-down, but he didn’t learn that kind o’ talk in no fo’k’sle.” Better "lect him cap’n,” suggested one of the men, and the boatswain’s prompt and hearty assent settled the question. ‘You two go’n’ask him what we're t’ do, ‘n’ tell him we've "lected him cap’n” said Tur- ner, addressing Frank and Ned, who were as much astonished by the change in the ex- smuggler as any of the others, “Very well; I will act as captain until we reach port,” Blood agreed, when Ned had, in his own way, made known the wishes of the men. “* And your orders?” suggested Ned, “‘[ will deliver my. orders,” replied Blood, and walking forward addressed the crew: ‘‘T understand it is your wish that 1 should actas your captain. That I am willing to do, but unless you are prepared to obey my orders without the slightest besitation, it will be better to appoint another. Do not let my knowledge of navigation prevent your doing so, for what I know is at your service,” Removing bis cap, and making an awkward bow, the boatswain replied: ‘*Cap’n, you’re the man for the place, ’n’ the on’y one. If you'll ’tend t’ the navigation, Pil tend t’ the *bedience. Just give yer orders, if ye please—rizht, mates?” ; “ Ay, ay!” came the prompt and hearty re- sponse from the seamen, CHAPTER XII. A DANGEROUS SPORT. Srx weeks after the fight among the pirates, the Volunteer was again near the mouth of the Garonne—a spot much frequented by cruisers and privateersmen. At that particular period England and France were—fora wonder—at peace, Bordeaux, there- fore, wes a neutral port, and the Volunteer was still without the three mile limit, when the wind died away, leaving her rocking idly in a dead calm as night approached, ‘‘We have enough hands to manage, but not to fight her, so, we must keep a sharp lookout, — BS: aS = a 4s ¥4). oy igen. = hk: 1, cae ~ie = 4 en, . we gw por Pod. pear se Eee se > pk cs mee EY} x = ‘ “en eS
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Middy Ned, the Runaway. 9 for this is a dangerous spot,” warned Captain | a Blood, who was, of course, well-acquainted with y all that part of the coast. 1 “AY, ay, sir; as you say ’tis a dangerous ya assented Turner, who was acting as first ‘officer, ; ‘*An’it’ll take a sharp eye t’ see anythin’ t’- Teg aight with the fog that’s settlin’ down on us,” be added, referring to a white mist that was surrounding the vessel so thickly as to prevent their seeing any great distance, It was just eight bells, (midnight,) and the captain and Turner were standing forward, l.oking anxiously about them, while these re- marks were being made. Ned and Frank now came on deck with the others whose watch it was, and the former go- ing forward was in time to hear: ‘You are right, Turner; we may wake up to find onrselves among a whole nest of cruisers, and privateersmen. There’s no seeing anything to-night,” This caused Ned to glance around, and seeing the truth of the captain’s remarks, to wonder why a boat was not sent ashore for hands—to ship whom was th» main object of putting into Bordeaux, for there were but fifteen of the origi- nal crew of the Volunteer left. ; Ned and Frank had been made midshipmen, ¥% and with Turner, assisted the captain in the At ia Fr aa yotns management of the schooner, so that the former was not out of place in suggesting: ‘“*Couldn’t we send the long-boat ashore for ¥ more men, captain?” © The captain looked thoughtfully at Turner, ; who nodded approvingly, saying: . ‘We're not more’n four or five miles off $2 shore.” ? ‘“Well, the idea’s a good one; our only hope of being in shape sen ee lies in adopting it—but ; whois to go ashore? I cannot leave the vessel rs while she’s in such a dangerous position, and you are unacquainted on shore,” A ‘‘Why not send the youngsters, sir? They fs got ashore all right before, an’that old thief a that sent’em back t’ us will do anythin ‘for t money.” its ‘It isthe only way,” assented the captain, af- > \ ter a few moments’ hesitation, adding: ‘* Better go at once, and take four good men with you, Ned,” ; x ** Ay, ay, sir!” joyfully returned Ned, pleased ay Ale an opportunity of calling on Monsieur j itou. ‘* And you may warn the rascal that I am in command of the privateer for which the men are wanted, and that he will suffer sore for the least trickery or treachery.” : ‘That will prevent him from attempting any double dealing, I believe,” added Blood, as the jong-boat pushed off. ** And he won’t findit an easy job t’ fool them boys a second time, anyhow,” commented Tur- ner. ‘ Very likely; but I think the fact that they will state the men are for a privateer, of which {am commander, will prevent any attempt to trick them,” ‘*Not a doubt of it, sir—an’ trick on him,” chuckled Turner, “*Tt was no trick—that is, if you and the old hands will see things from my point of view,” quietly returned Blood. ‘Of course,” he continued, “a privateer without papers, would be treated as a pirate, and all a upon our escaping contact with cruisers of every kind and country, until we can get tothe French authorities at Bordeaux, I[f we succeed in doing that, our story will be be- lieved, the vessel and cargo condemned, and our share—the four officers—and the old crew, if necessary—will enable us to to take her out with a French commission.” a0 “‘T reckon it would, sir—but you're a Britisher ae yourself?” «seo, SEG TR A Son ARN SS yee it was a good nA LS is. depeche ae oS Pan “Ob, yes!"—with a bitter laugh—‘I’m a * | Britisher, as you say, but my allegiance to the + ah. English crown not prevent my accepting a aa ty French commission to get this vessel to the “ee _ United States.” Turner stared, put made no comment. The other had proved himself one who would tolerate “e neither question nor comment, ruling as abso- Winey / lutely as the captain of a man-of- war, es ““If we are fortunate enough to get into A ie Bordeaux to-morrow,” continued Blood, ‘ we va e.| -will be able to correct any mistakes in the men 3 that may be sent us to-night, and, then, if any- i thing smaller than a frigate comes athwart us a ‘we'll try our metal with it—our sailing is good % : ‘ ep pare I’ve ever met,” sa He was ti ig more to himself than Turner, er and the latter would not have interrupted him, Re es had he not noticed that the mist which envelop- ed them was lifting. ‘** Fog’s liftin’ a little, sir,” he observed, **So much the worse unless those boys are on the way back. Send a couple men aloft—and you had better beginsending up rockets,” ** Ay, ay, sir!” The mist continued to clear, until just before daylight they could see quite a distance on either side, and with the first streaksof dawna long, low craft, without a stick of canvas set, was revealed floating in the water about a mile astern, and to windward. ‘* ’'m afraid that fellow’s goin’ t’ give us trou- ble, sir,” observed Turner, ‘‘ There’s a wicked look about him—more like a French privateer than any other craft I— See! she is lowerin’ her boats!” ‘**T see,” quietly returned the captain turning his glass leeward. ‘ Load with grape, and have all the muskets on deck, If the calm remains with us for an hour, we may beat him off,” * Four boats, ’n’ fifty or sixty men! We're nine, all told,” The captain smiled at this vailed comment on his assertion, He could afford to, he thought, for just coming out of the mist to leeward was the Volunteer’s long-boat, accompanied by two others, all crowded with men. ‘‘ Friends and enemies at equal distance,” smilingly observed the captain, pointing to the boats to leeward, ‘Sure enough, sir!” joyfully assented the first officer, but in a moment his face darkened, and his voice was unusually stern as he ordered; **Lively there with those boarding nettings! The Frenchmen will be aboard, before the others are half way!” CHAPTER XIII. THE DANGER DOUBLES, CAPTAIN BLoop looked astonished at Turner’s declaration, and the latter explained: ‘*Our people have been pullin’ overloaded boats for four or five mile—ag’in the current, too, I guess—while t’ other chaps are startin’ outfresh, with the right complement o’ men,” A glance at the respective parties proved the correctness of Turner’s assertion, and the captain was quick to perceive and prompt to act. ‘*You are right, Turner!” be exclaimed, and with a look at the arrangements made to receive the visitors, continued: ‘*Those fellows [the boats from the stranger] do gain on ours, and we must be ready for taem. ‘* Don’ fire a gun until there’s no chance of wasting a shot! Then use your muskets as fast ag you Can with certainty!” “Ay, ay, sir! We'll keep ’em off till our lads | get here anyhow!” stoutly assured Turner, who, | like all on board, had implicit confidence in the ex-smuggler, ‘* Bring twoof those larboard guns to bear on the boats, end keep them so, but stand ready to meet them astern, and starboard, when they divide! “Hang it! They must know we are short- handed! ‘*Tf we had but one of those boat-loads, I'd | put springs on the cable—” A gun from the stranger interrupted the cap- tain, and caused him to glance toward her, and then, seeing the smoke curling from a lee port— which could not reach the Volunteer—toward | his long-boat and its companions, « The long-boat was dashing along at a lively rate, carrying a dozen men, now, instead of | twenty, and a second glance showed the captain that she was coming on faster than the French, as well as the cause of the gun—the others stop- ing in a bunch to pick up the men who bad umped from the Volunteer’s boat. ‘*By Jove! That was a good idea, eh, Tur- ner?” cried Captain Blood, “(It was just that, sir! We'll have a dozen more men aboard before they can reach us.” This proved to be the case, the long-boat out- stripping all the others—friend and foe—and a dozen brawny fellows, headed by Ned, came on board in time to permit the boarding nettings to be opened and closed before the Frenchmen hen close enough to direct fire to be opened on em, As the crew of the long-boat boarded the Volunteer, cheering from the other boats min- gled with the reports of firearms, and a couple of boat-guns, called attention to the fact that two of the stranger’s cutters were engaging those coming to the assistance of the schooner, while the former’s launch and jolly-boat held on their course, a _ “Now we've got the fools!” cried Blood, ex- SS ~ te ultantly. ‘‘ Begin with solid shot on that launch, Turner! If the fools had come on all together, and divided our fire, we'd have had a lively time holding them off,” ‘It sartinly was a foolish caper—but how did our boats get so far t’ windward?” re- turned Turner, as he pointed a gun at the launch, “Sure enough! The shore boats have run athwart and compelled them to engage! How could they have got there in time?” Turner made no reply. It was a beautiful day and distance for gun practice; he was de- sirous of making his mark, and determined to show the captain that he knew how to handle a gun. ‘*Our people will suffer for their temerity in closing with boats carrying guns,” continued the captain, watching the four boats now close together and about a half-cable’s length from the Volunteer. Boom! went Turner’s gun, and as the report died away, a cheer arose from those aboard the sechooner—cries of agony and curses of rage from the crew of the launch. Darting a glance in that direction, Blood, who had been watching the opposing bows, shouted: ‘* Well done, Mr. Turner! Another like that for the jolly-boat! ‘“* Here, some of ye—any of ye, tbat can handle a gun—see if ye can disable one of those boats!” 6 was walking aft to one of the stern chasers as he spoke, evidently expecting nothing more than assistance in directing the gun, w.ten Frank sprung to bis side, saying: ‘* Our boats have guns, sir, as well as cutlasses and pistols,” ; Blood stopped a moment—astonished at hear- ing this—and ny a | a glance toward the boats, saw the truth of Frank’s words. The shore boats were firing the guns, and driving the ene- my before them, notwithstanding their over- loaded condition, which greatly impeded their movements, ‘* By Jove, you are right? If we had a breath of air, I'd undertake to board that craft—and take her, too!” muttered Blood, and even as he spoke Turner’s gun spoke again, The first shot had gone through the center of the launch, from bow to stern, tearing away the latter—and the survivors had been taken care of by the jolly-boat. The latter was the target of Turner’s second shot, and again he made a bull’s-eye, although the damage was all done to the boat—the shot striking it squarely on the bow, smashing it, and five minutes afver the occupants were cling- ing to the wrecks of the launch and jol)y-boat, A gun now burst from the stranger, and a re- call signal fluttered from her rigging for a mo- ment—then fell flat for lack of wind to distend t. ** Little need t’ cali’em back—they’re goin’ as fast as the Lord ‘Il let em!” commented Turner, with a grim smile. Blood’s glass remained riveted on the stranger fully a minute longer. Then turning, and look- ing significantly at Turner, he asked: “Did ye see that signal long enough to notice it was English?” “No, sir; wouldn’t know it if I did. But, even if she is, we’ve given her a pretty sharp hint to sheer off. There’s no danger of her comin’ back for more, I guess?” **Perbaps not,” coolly returned Blood, ‘‘ but that’s no reason we should allow them go unpun- ished for attempting to board us,” ‘*She’s an English man-o’-war brig,” he added, “and ”—with a queer smile—‘tI think I know her —and her captain, too,” The tone, the expression of Blood’s counte- nance, the words themselves—all combined to cause Turner to stare in incredulous amazement, and the former—in pretended wonder—asked: “Surely you are not afraid of eighteen guns because Englishmen bappen to be behind them?” ** Afraid!” angrily began Turner, but glanc- ing about the decks of the Volunteer, and then at the approaching boats, which had left the oo cutters in a sinking condition, quietly re : ‘With the thirty-five or forty men about t’ come aboard, an’ the twenty-one now with us, I don’t see any reason for bein’ scared o’ anythin’ —but you’re an Englishman yerself, sir?’ ““True—yet no man hates the country worse! Why, sir, I am an outcast—an outlaw— use I dared resent the insults of a titled tyrant— But enough of that! Here are the boats, and Oe Ags ap, ca caai iliy-gan Haglieh tet y, ay, sir—an’ a fifty-gun Eng rigate, too, or I’m a Dutchman!” i ‘“Hal Yes, you are right!” exclaimed Blood,
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Se PN ee NO A EN Fon em eet pene en en etn ee et tA ea am = ae mare ° ee to turning quickly and looking, (as Turner had been,) seaward, The frigate showed no colors, but to the ex- : ee mares eyes of those gazing at her there was ttle doubt of her nationality. CHAPTER XIV. A DARING EXPERIMENT. “Yrs, "tis my old friend, the Nymph, with- out a doubt,” continued Blood, after examining the fugitive through hisglass, ‘* Curse her, and blast him who commancs!” he added, with a sudden and startling access of rage. ‘I'd give my right arm for the command of the smallest frigate afloat for one hour!” hat he would do during that bour was ob- vious enough to the wondering Turner, from the expression of hatred with which the speaker watched the rapidly-approaching frigate. In a few moments—probably recalled to him- self by Turner’s attention—Blood grew calmer, and quietly ordered: : ‘“*We must run for it this time, Turner—and # fast, too. Set every rag of canvas that will ae draw!” oe There wasno time to be lost. The brig had I already set her topsails, while coming right A.‘ down with the wind, which was rapidly dis- I persing all traces of the fog, was the frigate, and notwithstanding his wonder, Turner’s or- ders rung out in those sharp, terse sentences which command the confidence of the seaman, Ht and his prompt obedience. cal Those on board the Volunteer had been so en- gaged in watching the fight between the boats, and Turner’s sinking of the launch and jolly- boat, that the frigate had come almost within long gunshot range before she was perceived, but in five minutes the beautiful schooner was under way, aud out of danger from that quarter. The dull boom of a heavy gun now came over the water, and the frigate displayed the English MALES aA SSS — _ “a ‘* That's the lion’s roar—now we'll hear from the cub,” commented Blood. Even as he spoke, a cloud of smoke burst from the bows of the brig, and a shot flew across the stern of the Volunteer, j Blood smiled contemptuously, glanced back at the frigate, which, being hopelessly out of range } of the light-heeled schooner, was already reduc- es ing sail and preparing to heave to, signaling the yk brig at the same time. ' ** Follow us in, eh? By heavens, he'll regret it, if he dares!” indignantly exclaimed Blood, reading thesignals. The brig, in obedience to orders, was bearing down to cut off the schooner, but this was not likely to happen, unless the latter should lose some of her more important spars within a : very few minutes, for she would then be safe in neutral waters—or rather should be, Blood, however, had read the order to follow him, and was just in the humor to gratify his pursuer, ‘ ‘* Give thatfeilow a gun, and hoist our colors!” ’ he ordered, adding: “‘See if you can’t improve on their gunnery, Mr, Turner—some of the new hands may be able to do it.” ** Can’t I take a crack at her, cap’n?” Notwithstanding the title, the tone was de- cidedly familiar—too much so to suit the man who, since taking command of the Volunteer, had maintained the most rigid discipline, de- manding and receiving the most implicit obe- 7 dience and respect from his former messmates, ‘“*Hal Who—” fiercely began Blood, turning : quickly on the man who had addressed him, ss “ Beg yer pardon, sir!” interruptec the man, i, shrinking back, and speaking in an entirely dif- ferent tone, ‘*I knowed ye hadn’t noticed me, - an’ as ye wor in the waist—” pe Petts A . a rize would fall to the frigate, and angered a o S the latter in one—that is, ina | | | } h lead of her pursuer, and kept,| body asked him: jl Blood could not forbear smiling at this hp | simple way of describin ia well picture—the tumult created by the he gional ‘this temerity, the commander | v: nz, hyp eee brig prepared to round to, and pour in | cri ‘Careful, now, Turner! There—lower away!” ordered Blood, as the brig yawed to with all her sails set, ** Ah! she has surrendered!” was the universal and regretful comment of those on shore, ua, in obedience to the order, the main and fore- sails of the Volunteer were ip an instant down on deck—the former in almost—apparently in to- ken of submission. So, too, thought the delighted captain of the brig, for his orders could be distinctly heard on board the schooner: ‘Marines cease firing! Hands shorten sail, and clear away the first cutter!” But the heavy press of sail which the brig was carrying was not to be so quickly reduced as that of the schooner, and as she rounded to she shot past the supposed prize, A half-minute before, the low order ran from ‘stem to stern of the schooner: ‘* Ready there, you starboard gunners, and you sail-trimmers! Keep that mainsail up a trifle!” As the stern of the brig swept by the jib- boom of the schooner, those on the former ves- sel were amazed to hear: ‘* Hoist away the jib-sheet! Up that main- sail! Port—hard-a-port! Steady—fire!” At the first word, Turner had taken the helm, and at the last, uttered as the beautiful schooner wore across the stern of her late pur- suer, the starboard battery was poured in. The range was murderously short, and the six double-shotted guns, in broadside, with the Long: Tom’s load of grapeshot, wrought terrible havoc —spars, sails, ropes, and men being cut down in. heaps. : lt wasa daring and skillfully executed, though terrible, punishment for a flagrant violation of the law, and as the Volunteer, with all sail set, began to draw away from the crippled brig, Blood leaped to the taffrail, and through his trumpet shouted: ‘*Next time you undertake to break the law, be sure you can do it with impunity! You de- serve another broadside!” A Asif confirming his words, a dull roar came murmuring over the water. It was the cheer- ing of the excited spectators, wholined the shore in thousands, and who salated the Volunteer, when she shortly afterward entered the Garonne, with deafening cheers. “That was a bright idea of yours, Hansen— engaging the cutters, We might nut have had an opportunity to leave her in that state, if you hadn’t prevented all four boats from ee at u3 at once,” observed Blood to the secon lieutenant (pro tem,), as the Volunteer bore away for the river. , ‘* The idea was bright enough,” returned Han- sen, elevating his eyebrows, ‘‘and it ran with inclination, but your youngster is the one en- titled to credit for it—not me,” ‘*Eh? Which one?” asked the surprised cap- tain, ‘¢ The youngest.” ‘‘Ned! Come, Hansen, no joking on the quarter-deck,”’ “Not atall, sir, I have but stated the fact— it was Ned, as you call him, who directed that your long-boat sbould be relieved of its over- load and then proceed to the schooner, while he and I, with the remaining boats, should attack the enemy’s boats,” ‘‘To him, also, belongs the credit of forcing two carronades out of that inborn thief, Pitou, added Hansen, “The deuce he did!” exclaimed the other, in astonishment, ‘ How did he do it?” ‘* After securing all of my late crew and your former comrades, by using your name, he and the other youngster demanded some money and — goods which Pitou bad stolen from them, ‘* He—Pitou—protested innocence, but every- body knew the thief, and son oy a thief, was ly- ing, and all joined in promising him a warm bed over bis own fire if he delayed in returning what was stolen; but this jad restrained the men, $5) ‘ though they were rather glad of an excuse to pay off old scores at parting, and it would seem he had an idea of what was coming, for he pro- — posed to allow Pitou time to find the missing money and an of the carronades,” nee “To which, of course, the old scoundrel glad- ly consented?” Bae AE, ‘**T don’t know about that, At all events, no- | him; we just took them,” — 4 what he could reful seamen; the shivering, thie ritical landlord; the inaignifc ’ actually all-powerful Hansen taking no act v goods in exchange for the loan by ; eant-looking bu’ e h
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_ Frank’s eye fixed upon him inguirin and ‘noting the rather bed exzeaian ch 7; is cheerful youth’s face. S000 as the _ am empowered to offer each of you a com- _ “TL have, myself, acce by taking com- mand of 6 38-gun frignte, and the Pent were —S—_—_— part, perhaps, though encouraging the men by bis non-interference, and the two ** youngsters” masters of the situation, He laughed aloud as he pictured the scene: > 94 then, as the thought occurred to him, ask- ed: “By the way, you covered a tremendous stretch of water there ina very few minutes af- ter the long-boat left you. How did you man- | age that? It puzzled me when after seeing you allin company, and a long distance from the brig’s boats, to find you engaged with them when I looked again a few minutes after- ward.” “*That was because one of us happened to mention that there was a strong current setting toward the other boats, and, that there would have to be some stiff pulling, or we’d run in among them. The youngster caught the words, relieved and started your boat«to the schooner, while we pulled right in the current to cut off the cutter—which we did. “It was his idea, and done by his orders— for he was one of your representatives, and claimed to be an officer, s0 we obeyed him,” added Hansen, ‘‘and I venture to say that lad will make his mark in the profession he has | chosen.” Never did prophet predict more wisely. ‘* [agree with you,” returned Blood, thought- fully, ‘he’s hot enough to suit a fire-eater— . nae he’s long-headed where anybody other than imselfis concerned. I must look after him,” The Volunteer was now entering the river, and the deafening cheers which greeted her, precluded further conversation. A pilot came aboard at the mouth of the Ga- ronne, and left her safe under the guns of the castle-fort three miles further up, where Blood, as soon as his beautifui craft was at anchor, went ashore, “There is no permission, either to go from, or come aboard, this vessel,” he said to Turner, and at Hansen, The former returned the customary “ay, ay, sir!” and the latter bowed, while exchanging a significant look with the captain, ully two hurs elapsed before Blood returned, during which the Volunteer was besieged by hundreds of admirers, but all were trea alike, and kindly but firmly refused permission to come on board. As soon as he reached the quarter-deck, the captain summoned all hands aft, and addressed them as follows: ‘*My lads, you will all be at liberty to go ‘ashore within an hour, if you so chooge, Mr. Turner will give each of you a guinea going, and to, any of you who expect any of the license usual on board a merchantmen, and sometimes permitted on a privateer—or a smuggler, for instance, [ woula say—don’t come back, for un- evr me you will be treated to the strictest disci- ne, / ‘I hope, however, to see you all on board at noon to-morrow, I should not care to part with a single one, for a finer body of seamen never trod a ship’s deck, Nevertheless, if not fully precores to yield implicit obedience, don’t comie ack, ; . ‘* Mr, Turner! Mr, Hansen! Come with | me! \ As the captain ceased, and turned to go be- low, one of the men called out: i ‘Any harm t’ give three cheers, cap’n? Just | t’ relieve our feelin’s ye know,” ** Cheer away!” hastily returned Blood, ‘“‘ Then here goes—t’ the cap’p, lads! Take the time from me!” The speaker was Jason, the gunner, a prime favorite among his comrades, and the cheers were given with a hearty good will, while Blood gtood istening in astonishment, ** Now, three more for the first an’ second an’ ee: Jad what handled the boats an’ brought us ere! This was done with equal vigor, and the men dispersed in great good humor, - Tne reference to Ned seemed to recall some- thing to the captain’s mind, and, as he again turned to go below, he called out: _“*T shall want to talk to you by and by, Preble, Don’t go ashore when the men leave!” ; “You, too, Horton!” he continued, catching that usually gentlemen,” began the captain, as athens weve seated. fr tiie Fabin, “I ow. bry bt French one, of course, 7 eee i. Middy Ned, the Runaway. so pleased with your work this morning that they wish me to retain every man I can, and in such rank as I see fit to place him. “To you, Mr, Turner, I offer the rank _to which I think you are best adapted, and which I’ve no doubt you prefer—that of master. ““To you, Mr. Hansen, I offer the first lieu- | tenancy; no man can fill the bili better. ‘* Now, gentlemen, what is your decision?” Both officers expressed their thanks, and promptly accepted the proffered commissions. ‘Very good! I will go ashore to-morrow and arrange matters. Now,send down Preble.” CHAPTER XVI. AT THE COMMANDANT’S RECEPTION, THE captain was buried in thought when Ned entered the cabin, but starting up waved the lad to a seat, saying: ** T have a few words to say to you, Ned, re- garding yourself and your prospects. ** You did a clever bit of work in cutting off those boats this morning—so clever that the French officials areeager to meet you, and I have promised to bring you ashore this evening.” Ned flushed with delight on hearing this, but it was at thecaptain’s praise, and not, as the lat- ter supposed, at the prospect of meeting the eager French officials, Mistaking the cause of Ned’s quite evident delight, Blood shook his head doubtfully, and warned: ‘* Don’t be carried away by flattery, my lad. It is to put you on your guard against that, that Iam now talking to you. ‘* The French are very polite—effusively so— and to-night you wil) find yourself quite a hero. “T have accepted command of a frigate, of which Mr, Hansen will be first officer, and Mr, Turner master. These are my own selections, and I might choose the other lieutenants from the ship’s company, were there men capable of filling the vacancies, but there are none, and the Government must supply the two officers,” The captain paused a moment—like one who has eras disagreeable tosay, and then con- tinued: ** So ‘far, everything is perfectly satisfactory tome; but these Frenchmen are erratic devils, and unfortunately (in response to their inquiries) I dilated a little t»0 much on the value of your really long-headed work this morning. ‘* And, what do you think is the result?” Full of wonder at all this explanatory talk, from one who seldom deigned to explain any- thing, Ned made no response other than a nega- tive shake of the head. ‘* Why, they wantto make you something ex- traordinary—a wonder—by appointing you a junior lieutenant—the fourth of the frigate I am to command! ‘** Of course, it’s all nonsense,” continued Blood, noting Ned’s amazement, with an approving nod, ‘* You are entirely unfitted for the posi- tion, and it would not only make you a laughing stock, but prevent you from ever properly ac- quiring the knowledge necessary to fit you for that rank. Still the Frenchmen insisted against my protests that the question should be laid be- fore you to-morrow, and you will probably hear something of it to-night, , “Tt sounds very nice to be made a lieuten- ant; but, as you say, sir, it would be nonsen-i- cal when applied to me,” remarked Ned, when the captain paused to note the effect of his words, ‘ “That's the talk!” exclaimed the iatter, look- ing greatly relieved, ‘*That’s thetalk! Stick to that to-night, and they'll understand you are not to be made a monkey—a toy for the satis- faction of their caprice, Indeed,” continued Blood in a thoughbtfal tone, ‘‘it would be wise not to acceptany offer; but, never mind; I’ll arrange that. “*T am going to place Horton's name before them for a midshipman’s commission, and you May accept the same appointment. When we arrive in American waters, your father must decide whether you will continue in the service, “Tam glad you bave shown yourself so sensi- ble. Get ready to accompany me, and send down Horton.” Ned left the cabin in quite an excited state of mind, and informing Harry that he was wanted a Se captain, went to prepare for his visit ashore, : ay We must pass over the grand reception to which Ned accompanied Blood that evening, and the attentions paid to both while there, contenting ourselves with saying that, but for the warning he had 1eceived, the former cer- tainly would have surrendered to the flattering influences brought to bear npon bim. | ’ . . a Se 2 1 Mak oe 25 = When the people began to leave, Ned sought the captain, (from whom he had been kept. separated almost all the night, and found bim surrounded by a knot of officers, ‘Fine feathers may not make fine birds,” thought Ned, commenting on the difference be— tween the appearance of Blood the smuggler, and Blood the captain, ‘‘ but, they do seem to help in making the bird look better,” He was slowly approaching the group, admir- ing the fine appearance of his captain, when,. suddenly, the latter, (who was listening atten- tively to the remarks of a white-haired army officer,) started, and stared at a lady who was passing, like one who had received a great sbock, The object of the captain’s attention was a beautiful woman of about twenty-five, who passed through the crowd, escorted by the com- mandant, as if unaware of the presence of any one except her gallant companion. | ‘Who is the lady with the commandant?” Ned inquired of a young Frenchman to whom. he had been introduced, “Ab! It is easy to see you are a stranger,” st ry replied the other, ‘otherwise you would now the beautiful Mademoiselle Elring- ton. ** She is indeed beautiful,” commented Ned, The Frenchman shrugged his shoulders, and. laughed, ‘* So is that statue,” he said; ‘and, were you older, I would warn you against falling in love | with ber, for one would be as likely to respond | to your passion as the other, She is beautiful, magnificent—but an iceberg—and as danger- { ous,” ‘* English isn’t she?” asked Ned. ‘* Yes; the daughter of General Elrington—a. great friend of the commandant, although they a each other on many a hard-fought: field. ‘Thank you for the warning vou gave mea. moment ago, though, as you intimated, there iz no need of it. The fact that the lady is Knglish would be sufficient.” The Frenchman Jaughed heartily at this dis- play of patriotism, and shook his head doubt- ingly. “Patriotism is all right until opposed to love,” he began, but was stopped by loud talk- ing at the other end of the long room, Then, like lightning flashes, came the sounds of blows, a heavy fal!, a scream, and a cry of “ Fire!” With the first words of the noisy talk, Ned had darted away from bis companion, for he had seen that Blood was one of thuse engaged in the altercation, and, as he rushed forward, caught the words: ‘*A deserter from the English service, and a. murderous scoundrel—” It was Blood’s opponent who was talking; but at that point be ceased, further utterance being choked by several of bis teeth, which a blow from the fist of the powerful ex-smuggler set rattling in the speaker’s mouth, The loud talk had gathered the crowd so | thickly around the excited men, as to prevent | the man from falling, but the people fell back, and a lady was crushed into a corner against a | hghted taper, Then came the cry of ‘ Fire!” | Ned bad seen all that occurred, and as he | rusbed through the crowd, snatched a wrap from the shoulders of a lady, who was too ex- | cited to notice ber loss, and amoment after, was | tearing off the gauzy fabric which formed the | dressof Miss Elrington! It bad taken fire in ' several places, but the material underneath was | heavy, and was barely scorched—except one | sleeve—when the excited youth began his de- structive, yet saving work, Throwing the borrowed wrap across the shoulders of the burning women, and drawing its folds around her so as to inclose the burning sleeve, Ned held it tight with one-band while with the other be tore off the burning dress. This was quickly accompliched, hut not until Ned’s rigbt band was severely burnt; then the fabric underneath began to burn. There was a large skin lying underneath the stand from which the taper bad fallen, and see- ing this Ned shouted: j : ) BN acy with that skin! Quick, confound | Not very polite, it is true, but it needed something forcible to arouse tbe the terrified spectators, who appeared to be unable to do | anything more than utter senseless shouts and , cries, and run hither and thitber, each directing the others to do something, but none doing any- we, The whole affair had occupied only two or ) three minutes, and was ended when Ned shouted for the skin, . f : ‘ f > + ro . = . A é . i ee yee SPMD aT ye my ea DAS Voiget ty oa aE socal iste 4 ; bor; : 0 ie” wee . 5 2 eS Je es =) FS Lae es Pn ere rp war mech: oe =
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manag 12 Middy Ned, the Runaway. **Out of the way!” roared Blood, bursting through the crowd; and, snatching up the skin wrapped it around Miss Eirington, who was already half unconscious from fright, and promptly became wholly so when he picked her up. | ‘*Go ahead, and find some of the servants who haven't oe quite mad! Quick, my lad!” directed Blood, _ Angry at their failure to assist him, and smart- ing with pain, Ned’s method of making way through the excited crowd was, like hisjrecent language, more forcible than polite; but it was very effective, Just as he reached the door, closely followed by Blood, the commandant made his appear- ance, calm, but anxious looking, through the exaggerated report of a servant, ‘*This way,” he directed, instantly guessing the truth, and led the way to his wife’s apart- ment, dispatching a servant for a physician while on the way. ‘Of the two, the rescuer came off second best,” reported the physician, coming from Miss Elrington, to dress Ned’s burnt hand, “*She escaped with a blistered arm, that will be healed long before this poor hand— the hand ‘that probably saved her life,” he added, **No, no! It was Captain Blood who saved her life!” protested Ned. ‘The really danger- ous fire was beginning to burn, when he came,” But nobody took any notice of the protest— especially as the captain himself laughed at it, _“*He bad better remain here to-night, and re- tire to rest at once,” decided the physician. -“* Very well, if pe think it necessary,” hesi- tatingly returned Blood, ‘*I do. The hand is severely burnt, and it will be better not to permit him to get more ex- cited than he now is,” ate ato Ned went to bed, and dreamt of a burning iceberg, which suddenly melted into a@ beautiful woman. ‘CHAPTER XVII. MIXED UP IN MYSTERY, Doctor Ramsey, the physician, was a Scotch- man, He had made certain that Ned should sleep by dropping a pinch of morphine into the drink which the latter took before retiring, and it was late, therefore, when he opened his eyes. Ned had recovered consciousness full of his ‘dream, (which, by the way, had ended with the marriage of the beautiful iceberg woman and ‘Captain Blood!) aad could hardly believe himself awake when he found the beautiful woman lean- ing over him, looking at his burnt hand, ‘*“ Ab! You have caught me!” exclaimed Miss Elrington, smiling as she saw that Ned’s admir- iny eyes were open and fixed upon her, ‘** Yes,”he admitted. ‘‘ but I knew you were there,” He still was full of bisdream, and certainly not more than awake—drugs at night are not apt to enliven one’s wits in the morning, ‘* Why, how could you know I was here?” ask- ed the astonished lady. This brought Ned to his senses, and with an m laugh, he explained: ‘I'm afraid I was mixing my dream with the reality.” ‘* Then you were dreaming of me, were you?” asked Miss Elrington, much interested. “* Oh, yes—of you and thecaptain. He saved you from being burnt, you know,” ‘* Why, no; you must bedreaming yet. ’T was on who saved me from being burnt,” laughing- y protested Miss Elrington. ** By no means!” eagerly protested Ned, glad of the opportunity to set things right, from his standpoint. ‘t By no means, Miss Elrington! I d to put out the gauze, but the heavy linen was beginning to burn when Captain Blood ‘wrapped you in the skin,” ** Captain Blood! What Captain Blood?” Miss Elrington looked strangely agitated asshe asked the question. ‘** Not much iceberg about her, now?” mental- ly commented Ned, and aloud: ** Don’t know that I can tell you that, Miss Elrington; but I’m pretty sure he knows you,” * Why—why do you think so?”—with feverish eagerness, ** Well, I don’t think it; I feel sure of it, be- cause he looked as if he had seen a ghost when A passed through the room last night, and there isn’t anything else buman that could do what the mere sight of you did,” _“ Gracious Heaven! It seemed a dream! Still, it was his face I saw last night. Yes, yes— *twas George—poor George!” She seemed oblivious of Ned’s presence, and was buried in thought—sad thought from the expression of her countenance—for several min- utes when, without the least warning, Blood en- tered the room! For a moment, he remained just inside the door, unperceived, but too astonished to take ad- vantage of the opportunity to retire without be- ing seen, before he turned to go. It was too late, however, for the movement—something— attracted Miss Elrington’s attention. ‘*George!” she shrieked, and would have fal- len, had not Blood sprung and caught her, With a bitter objurgation on the carelessness of the servant who had informed him that Ned was alone, Blood ering Miss Elrington in an easy-chair beside Ned’s bed, The ex-smuggler was laboring under great ex- citement, and his voice was thick as he almost whispered: : ‘*Ned, you must leave here as soon as this lady isremoved, I will send some of the ser- vants immediately, Hurry away without say- ing anything to any one, unless you wish to be léft behind!” He was gone with the last word, leaving Ned fairly paralyzed with astonishment, from which he had not recovered when acouple servants entered and removed Miss Elrington, This reminded Ned of what he had to do, un- less he ‘* wished to be left behind ;” and although ee by the words, he jumped out of ed. \ ‘*Secrecy seems necessary, so I must be care- ful,” muttered the ‘‘ patient,” when he had man- aged to complete dressing, and, cautiously open- ing his door, listened. Nothing was heard; no one moving, or talk- ing on that floor; but above there was noise enough to make up for the silence below. ** Attending Miss Elrington,” commented Ned, and moving quietly, the Yankee boy passed out of the commandant’s house without meeting any one, Just outside the entrance he met Frank, who immediately turned and walked toward the river until they reached a little cafe, which the latter entered, ‘* What’s all this mystery about?’ asked Ned, who had followed a shert distance behind his friend, wondering at this new turn of affairs, ‘*Waita bit. Sit down,” replied Harry, and to the waiter who approached: : ** A bottle of your best claret.” ** We are going to sail to-night,” he continued, as soon as the waiter was out of hearing, ‘‘ and youand I are to meét the schooner at the mouth of the river about midnight, **Tn a little while we will leave this hole, hire a boat, and go down the river.” ‘“*Why, what has happened?” asked Ned, more and more astonished, “Don’t ask me, for I know nothing. The captain came aboard a short time before you saw me and bade me wait for you, do as I’ve told you, and say what I’ve said,” Ned emitted an expressive whistle, and Harry nodded grave assent, as the waiter placed the wine before them, Nothing more passed between the lads until they quited the cafe for the water front, where a boat was engaged—the owner of which, re- cognizing them as part of the Volunteer’s crew, refused to accept any security. ‘All right—and many thanks to you,” said Harry,and drawing a guinea from his pocket, continued: **l’ve an equally good opinion of you, 80, if ou’ll take care of this for me, I’!l be obliged. ’m afraid it would be spent before we get back,” The Frenchman grinned as he took the money, little dreaming of the true meaning of the ‘‘ ec- centric American,” ‘*What the deuce did you do that for?” asked Ned, as they pulled out into the stream. “Why, to pay for the boat, or rather the recovery of it, of course.” ‘Hello! Don’t look ’round! Be as deaf as an adder!” continued Frank bending to the oars, and keeping bis eyes in the boat, **Tt’s one of the commandant’s servants,” he explained, as the voice of a man on shore, hailing in French and English, reached them, No attention was paid to the man’s cries, Ned, steering, kept looking straight ahead, while Frank, bending over the oars, was too busy to heed them, and soon the boat was out of earshot, *Tt’s all right; he’s given up.” said Frank, seeing the man turn away in disgust. ‘‘ They’ll think you’ve stolen away for a day’s fun, and won’t suspect the truth until it’s too late.” This proved to be the case. The servant was sworn at ot doctor for not following the boys in another boat, and that ended the matter for the day. Shortly after the unsuccessful messenger’s re- turn, the commandant received an invitation to dine on board the Volunteer that evening, which was promptly accepted because of a line at the bottom: ; ‘*f have something to say in explanation of last night's fracas,” The commandant admired Blood, but he did not like ‘‘a deserter from the British service, and a murderous scoundrel,” and was really anxious to hear the explanation, Long before the appointed time, it was pretty generally known in military circles that, not- withstanding the occurrence of the previous night, the commandant was going to dine with Captain Blood. uring the afternoon, the French authorities received a request to arrest ‘‘ St. George Blood Howard, formerly a lieutenant in Her Britannic Majesty. service, a deserter,and murderer of Lieutenant George Elrington.” This was a very serious charge against the man who had been honored by the commander of a fine frigate, but the very fact that he had been so honored, as well as the promptitude with which the accusation had been resented the pre- vious night in tueir presence, made the French officials cautious about acting upon the request of the Englis’ e-nsul. Shortly after this startling information was received, came the news that the commandant was going to dine with the accused, and there was a general feeling of relief. ‘Bah! It is jealousy!” exclaimed one of the officials, ‘* More than that—revenge for the way the English were beaten yesterday,” said another, adding: " We will await a report from the command- ant. Be assured we shall hear something dif- ferent from him, He is not the man todine with a murderer.” This speech met with a murmur of approval, and, therefore, when, (after the commandant was on board,) the Volunteer lifted her anchor and dropped down the river, no attempt was made to bar her progress, ‘* Merely a little excursion—they will not go beyond the boundary,” asserted the gentleman who had vouched for the commandant. This was quickly confirmed by a report that the Volunteer was anchored at the mouth of the Garonne, right under the guns of a French seventy-four; but, when morning came the schooner was missing! So was the command- ant! For several hours there was great excitement - throughout the city, which became intensified by the arrival of the commandant in a fishing smack, The latter had a long interview with the civil and military officials, after which the British consul, who had been clamoring for information, was informed that the schooner had escaped through kidnapping the commandant ;—and that was all the satisfaction he received. CHAPTER XVIII. THE CAPTAIN’S COUP, A WEEK after the nocturnal flight of the Vol- unteer, his Brictannic Majesty’s man-of-war big Rattlesnake dropped anchor off the mouth of the ie Garonne, and her first lieutenant went asbore, The Rattlesnake looked like the brig which had received so severe, though deserved, a punish- ment fromthe Volunteer, but the French authori- ties were not inclined to be inquisitive, especial- ly asthe English representative had been in a rticularly ugly mood ever since the escape of ood—or, as he was described in the request to seize him, St. George Blood Howard, Personally, the consul ‘‘didn’t care two straws” about Blood’s escape, but he was being pushed by one whose influence carried conside- rable weight at the Foreign Office in London, and he, as well as his assistants, breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced that the Rattle- snake was in the offing. ‘Thank Heaven! Now, if her commander will only see fit to join his ship, we shall have some ,? muttered the consul. “Gracious! Here he comes again!” continued the harassed official, as he heard anauthoritative voice in the outer office inquiring if he was with- in, A moment later a clerk entered to announce “‘ Sir Henry Wilson,” but without awaiting per- mission, the gentleman himself entered. He was the man who bad accused Blood of being a deserter and a murderer, and was the commander of the Rattlesnake.
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“tas1 have told you before, talking to me is ‘means pleasant manner, as if she suspec Middy Ned, the Runaway. 13 The descendant of oa wealthy and influential family, Sir Henry Wilson had little hope of in- heriting the title until] over thirty years of age. Then the death of two persons, standing be- tween him and the title, rendered the heretofore unknown lieutenant a person of some impor- tance, and he quickly became a captain, being given command of a fine frigate—the one which had assisted in the attempted capture of the Volunteer ished, and handed it to Blood. The latter with On succeeding to the title, Sir Henry retired | a melancholy smile, threw it on the table, say- from active service for several years, but a life | ing: of dissipation had undermined bis bealth, and ** So ends all my hopes,” being warned by bis physician that this must be **T learned something else,” said Ned, anxious stopped, he decided to return to sea, for awhile. | to divert the thougbts of thecaptain. The Rat- It was thoroughly understood that Sir Henry’s | tlesnake’s just off the Garonne.” return was only temporary—a mere pleasure ‘Ha! That’s interesting!” exclaimed Blood, cruise; so the admiral recommended the beauti- | his eyes brightening at the thought of their last fuland fast-saiiing Rattlesnake, which the for- | meeting, and his brain already busy with a new mer was pleased to TC scheme, The consul greeted his visitor as cordially as **She is to sail to-morrow,” continued Ned, if he did not detest the very sight of him, and | “‘Isaw her commander coming ashore in his before the former had an opportunity to begin | barge and inquired who he was;—that’s how I his daily tirade, asked: learned it.” ‘Have you heard that the Rattlesnake is re- ** And your informant told you—?” ported as being in the offing, Sir Henry?” ‘That he was the commander of the Rattle- ‘* Indeed! ell, I'm happy to hear it, Any- | snake—Sir Harry Wilson.” thing to get out of this cursed hole!” ‘““What? Wilson in command of the brig? Dentistry, then, was not the fine art it now is, | Impossible!” and the speaker’s mouth still bore the traces of ‘*No, sir. I heard a gentleman who was with Blood’s handiwork, to the secret satisfaction of | him address him by that title.” the consul, who believed that was the real cause | ‘Then, by the Eternal, we'll meet our friend, of hisanxiety to get out of Bordeaux. Sir Henry, where he will not have a frigate at “Officer from the Rattlesnake, with letters | his back!” said Blood. for Sir Henry Wilson!” announced a clerk at **You’ve done well, very well, Ned! Send this point, and the first lieutenant of the brig entered 1 immediately !” ordered the captain greeted the Yankee boy’s appear- ance on the quarter-deck, **Come below,” he continued, and, on reach- ‘ing the cabin, turned and uttered another monosyllable: * Well?” **Gone, sir! General Elrington and his daugh- ter sailed ote | for England!” Ned {drew a letter from his pocket as he fin- down Mr. Hansen, and tell Mr, Turner to turn up the hands,” “Return to the shi the captain, after glancing atthe letters, ‘‘ Have my steward arrange for the accommodation of two passengers, eral Elrington and his oe: will accompany us to England, “If you are in need of stores, get them at once, and let there be no dallying on shore while doing so,” ‘“‘ Afraid they'll hear how he lost the teeth,” was the comment of the consul, as the first liea- tenant retired, x Leaving the consul’s office, Sir Henry burri to the commandant’s residence where he met General Elrington and his daughter about to go out for a drive; but his announcement that the Rattlesnake was ordered home immediately caused them to remain, and prepare for their departure. “* Better see about having your things packed, at once, Alice,” suggested the general, who knew no crime greater than delay in obeying an officialorder, ‘*And, now, general, about Alice,” began Wilson, as soon as they were alone, revealing the cause of the lie he had told regarding the necessity for immediate departure, ‘*My dear fellow,” interrupted the general, CHAPTER XIX, A SUGGESTIVE MANEUVER, ALTHOUGH by no means anxious start, now that he had the fair Alice where she could uot avoid him, Captain Wilson was compelled to keep up appearance before the old general, nd the brig lifted her anchor at noon next day. A the Rattlesnake was got under way, the first officer observed a similar movement on board a vessel lying about three miles to the southward, **Looks uncommonly like that confounded Yankee privateer,” he muttered, after studying the stranger through his glass, but, there was too much to attend to, at the moment, to lose apy time in useless speculation. ** For, even if it should be the Yankee, he’s in too much of ahurry to get home with that lady of his—or to be his—to waste time in a chase,” So peg io the lieutenant, and rightly, too. Captain Wilson had concluded to follow General Elrington’s advice, and avoid any expression or exhibition of his passion until they bad arrived in England, and while in no great hurry to t there, would not think of engaging, much ess chasing, an enemy, where he could avoid it. Of course, the stranger was the Volunteer and yet not the same vessel—in appearance— that had so cleverly punished the Rattlesnake. Then, she was a schooner—now she was a brigantine, flying French colors. In the foretop of the Volunteer was Ned glass in hand, watching, and every now and then, reporting, the movements of the Rattle- snake, and when the latter vessel was fairly un- der way, the Volunteer, too, began to glide through the water, Usually, there were three or four English frigates lying off the Cordovan Light, but as far as the glass could reach, none were to be seen in any direction, and a grim smile played around Blood's mouth, when Ned descended to the deck, and so reported, ‘* Now, it will be each tub on its own bottom, and one of them to the bottom!” he exclaimed, fiercely. : ‘Don’t run too close yet awhile,” he con- tbrowing away time—utterly useless. Talk to Alice’ but take my advice, and wait until we get to England.” ** But she wil not listen to me—appears to have taken a dislike to me, since that sad, un- fortunate—” ‘That will do, that will do!” again, and more hastily interrupted General Elrington. Miss Elrington returned to the room at that moment, and noticing her father's agitation, looked sharply at the visitor—and in a no the cause, Wiison felt uneasy under the fire of the lady’s eyes, and left in the course of a few moments, on the plea of making preparations for the re- ception of his guests. hat night General Elrington and his daugh- ter went on board the Rattlesnake, (which could just as well waited a week for them,) and thus took the first step in a short, but exceedingly eventful journey—one which changed the cur- rent of the lives of all concerned, An hour later, a schooner came to anchor about a couple miles below the city, and shortly tinued, addressing Turner. ‘‘ Let him get well after a boat put off for the shore, out, before you attempt to reduce the distance— “Harry along, my lads, and be careful,” | say about the first dog watch. urged a man in the stern sheets of the boat, ad- | * Mr, Hansen, you will see t6 it that every- dressing two youths who had disembarked—Ned thing is in readiness to begin, at that time,” Preble, and Frank Horton! ‘* Ay, ay, sir!” hour elas before the youths returned The captain went below, and remaine/ in the to the boat, which pulled quickly to the Volua- ' cabin—whether asleep or awake, nobody knew— teer, on the deck of which stood Blood, anxious- untit four o’clock, when the boatswain’s whistle ly awaiting them, symmoned the watch below, and then he re- “Ah!” | tirned to the deck. Although he must have felt pretty certain of the safety of the party, (since they were provided with ets in case of trouble,) an immense re- lief was expressed in the exclamation with which The Volunteer was now about three miles astern and to windward of the Rattlesnake, and Ned—who was again in the foretop—was abcut to descend, when the fluttering skirt of a woman on the quarter-deck of the brig caught his eye. Startled not a little by this unexpected dis- covery, the sharp-eyed youth resumed his watch on the brig for a few minutes, but without. ain seeing either the skirt or its owner, and when summoned to the deck by the first lieu- tenant, he descended in a very perplexed state of mind, Ned was a quick-witted lad, and his brain was busy as he slowly descended the rigging. As his foot touched the first spoke of the Jacob’s ladder, an inkling of the truth flashed upon him, and going to the captain, he : “I'm afraid, sir, there was some mistake in the information I gathered last night regarding Miss Elrington.” : vs What do you mean, sir?” sharply demanded. ood, , “That the servant who told me Miss Elring- ton sailed yesterday was either mistaken her- self, or ——_ misled me,” ** And what do you mean by that?” * Just this, sir: Miss Elrington’s father 1s an: English general, the Rattlesnake’s an English man-o’-war brig, and I’ve seen a woman's — fluttering on the quarter-deck of the g! “It’s against the rules, I believe, for officers to carry their wives,” added Ned, significant- ly. ‘* By heavens, the lad’s right!” cried Blood, as: Ned’s meaning flashed = im, * Are you tive? Did you see the lady?” ‘*No, sir, I did not make her out, It was only a few minutes ago that I noticed the flut-- tering of a light dress, just as I was about to come down from the cross-trees. I looked again,, and kept watching until called down, but it was one. ‘*Sure you're not mist.ken about seeing it at all? Be careful, my lad; it will make no little difference in my mode of attack.” “T am positive, sir, that there is one woman, at least, on the brig,” was the firm reply. placed t reliance in Ned, and for a few moments his countenance expressed the per- plexity he felt. Then his face cleared, and he called to Hansen: * Dve changed my mind, Beat the ‘retreat: from quarters ’!” Five minutes before, he had himself ordered the drummer to “ beat to quarters,” remarking, with a grim smile: ‘* We'll open with bis favorite game of long balls, Keep your weather-eye open, Mr, Turner, to avoid the return of our compliments, ** Begin as soon as we're within range, Mr. Hansen! ‘* An English sovereign for every shot that. hitsan English spar!” he crew, now numbering over one hundred! men, cheered heartily on hearing this, and look- ed and felt all the more gloomy, when the first. lieutenant, without showing the slightest sur- prise, ordered the drummer beat the *‘ retreat.” The unmoved manner in which Hansen receiv- ed, and issued, the order, deceived the men into supposing be was aware of the cause of the sud- den change; but he was, in fact, more astonished than any other man on board, Blood had watched the effect of the order om both officers and crew, and noted Hansen’s calm demeanor with anapproving smile, Then, after the men had dispersed, he summoned the lieu- tenant to the cabin, directing Turner, now mas- ter, to maintain the same distance between the vessels. . While the captain anc lieutenant were below, the sky became overcast and fearing a hurri- cane, Turner was about to send Ned to acquaint the captain of the change, when the latter, with Hansen, returned to the deck, ** Yes, it looks a little threatening,” he care- lessly assented, when Turner spoke of the neces-- sity of preparing for a squall, at least. ‘* Hadn’t we better get in shape t’ meet it, sir?” persisted the master, For a moment Blood frowned—criticisms,. questions and suggestions relative toanything he might do, or say (unless invited) were strictly forbidden, but seeing it was love for the vessel that impelled the question—which was perfectly proper—he answered: . ‘* Yes, you may makesuch preparations as are paeargran | or rather get ready to do so, for we must bold on to the last minute, in order to ge within range before the light leaves us,” ** Surely you're not goin’ t’ —" Turner stopped short in time, and turning to the sail-trimmers and top-men, sent them to their stations, ready at the word to strip the slender, tapering spars of the beautiful brigan-
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it ri 44 bey hue 5 png Cal é . 4 NE Raat ymin OFMinba de ah Ai 14 Middy Ned, the Runaway. The voice of Hansen, meanwhile, was heard forward, directing the clearing away of the two bow-chasers which the Volunteer now carried, while Blood stood on the quarter deck watching over all—onepart of the crew preparing to mest the attack of the elements—the other part to at- tack the enemy. CHAPTER XX, MORE OF THE CONSEQUENCES. THAT the ominous signs of the impending storm—the dark, threatening mass of vapor in the west (which was blending the ocean with the sky in a direction opposed to the currents of air) had not 2scaped the attention of those in charge of the Rattlesnake wassoon apparent, ** He is sending down all hislight masts,” mut- tered the master, and thinking this might in- duce Blood todo the same, repeated those words to the latter. ‘* Yes—I saw that some time ago,” calmly re- turned the captain, and to Hansen: ‘*T think we have her in range now, eh?” +s Yes, sir,” ‘* Very good, Fire as we rise on the crest of the waves, for it’s her spars we want down when this blows over, ‘“*The fool is expecting a hurricane, and he will not be disappointed—but it will be of fire, to which this squall will be child’s play.” This was partly a shot at Turner, to whom Blood now turned, “* Now, sir, place us on the quarter of the brig, and you bee make any preparations you please for tne sqaall. “Keep the weather gaugeat all hazards; and, if possible, remain just inthe angle which will be equally safe from his broadsides, and difficult for any temporary gun to touch from his cabin windows, ** As far as meneuvering goes, the brigantine is in your banus for the present,” “*Thank ye, sir,” returned Turuer, hurrying aft, for the captain was now on the forecastle with Hansen, looking after the guns, and in less time than it takes to record it, the work of pre- paring the volunteer for the impending blast was under way and almost completed, For the previous half hour, the wind had been light and variable, which favored the brigan- tine, and enabled her to gain almost the desired position before the captain spoke, A strong sweeping gust now horalded the near approach of the storm, which burst a few min- utes later with a crash, to which the explosion of fifty pieces of artillery would nave sounded feeble. It was no time for man to war against man. The powers of heaven were loose, and in all their fury. The wind howled, the sea raged, ‘the thunder stunned, and the lightning blinded. But, amid all, Blood was unawed, unmoved, unchecked, and the moment the V olunteer gain- ed a position on the enemy’s quarter, began fir- ing. himself directing the first shot, The brig and brigantine were now within half-gunshot range, but, under such circum- stances, it was, of course, mere chance that caused the first shot fired to carry away the maintopmast of the former, The loss of the spar was at first attributed to ‘the storm (though it seemed unaccountable) for the report of the gun was lost in the roar of the elements, but as another, and still another, spar followed, the people of the brig quickly con- cluded that the craft riding on their quarter was not there by accident, ** Yes, by the gods of war! She is firing on us! I saw the flash of the gun!” cried the first lieutenant of the brig, who was in charge of the vessel, Captain Wilson being below with his alarmed guests, As the lieutenant finished speaking, and turned to notify the captain, a sheet of flame burst from the lee-bow port of the brigantine, The shot struck the mainmast rather low down; splinters flew in every direction, and one of them stretched the lieutenant on the deck, senseless. As a brig carries but two lieutenants, and the second wasrather young and inexperienced, all was confusion when Captain Wilson appeared on deck, having been informed of what had oc- curred by a frightened middy. Whatever else he might be, the English cap- tain was a well-trained seaman, and quickly re- ystored order; but, try as he would, he could not —at all events while the squall lasted—bring a gun to bear on the brigantine, The latter continued to fire shot after shot, ’ and shortly after the captain came on deck, the Rattlesnake’s wounded mainmast fell over the side, while a shower of splinters was knocked out of the foremast at almost the same moment, injuring (though not seriously) both the captain | Springing to one side, Blood, firm asa and his remaining lieutenant, as well as many others. The strife of the elements was nov. abating, but neither the officers nor the crew of the Rat- tlesnake, nor the vessel itself, were in condition to take advantage of it, and Blood seemed al- most disappointed when he observed this, ‘* It’s all up with them,” he said to Hansen, ** We could lie off here and riddle her, but that, as you know, is not my object. Get your board- ers read A ‘*Mr, Turner! Put us across her stern—one raking—then close! ‘Use grape and canister, Mr. Hansen, and the forecastle and quarter-deck guns only! ‘ xe Lively, now, my lads—make short work of t! These orders were Tek obeyed, and one the impossibility of avoiding being raked, an not knowing that the consequent destruction would be confined to his upper deck, and those on it, Captain Wilson was about to lower his flag when he recognized Blood standing on the fore- castle of the Volunteer, sword in hand, at the head of a party of boarders, ‘Never! Never. by the living God! I'll sink her first!” he cried; and, addressing his crew with desperate energy, continued: ‘* My lads! that flag will never be lowered to a deserter!” He was still proclaiming the lie that cost him teeth, but if was only half believed by his own crew. ‘Pikes aud cutlasses! boarders!” As he finished, the brigantine glided’ across the stern of her helpless adversary, pouring in a murderous discharge of grape and canister in passing, and, wearing round, ran alongside—her boarders headed by Blood and Hansen, leaping on the brig fore and aft, Blood was the first to touch the deck, and slipping in a pool of blood, fell on bis hands and knees, He was up in a moment, but it came near being his last, for, as he arose Wilson was springing at him, sword in hand, In direct violation of his orders, Ned, unable to resist the impulse, had followed close on the heels of bis captain, and as Wilson was about to run the latter through, his sword was knocked upward, and almost out of his grasp, by the young privateersman’s cutlass, This gave Blood all the opportunity needed, and, the next instant, the two captains stood facing each other, sword in hand, thirsting for each other’s blood, Both were perfect masters of the fence, and for a few minutes the honors were even, A few minutes later the crews of both ships—the Rat- tlesnake’s men having surrendered —coming from svery direction, were watching the com- bat, which lasted *ully ten minutes before either received a scratch. The presence of his men among the crew of the Volunteer, the cessation of the firing and all other noises, the men hanging in the rigging of the vesse] alongside, all combined to make Cap- tain Wilson aware of the surrender of the Rat- tlesnake, and he fought to kill, careless of the corsequences to himself, Watching his opportunity, the now doubly desperate man, instead of warding off, accepted the point of Blood’s blade through his arm, and shortering his own lunged at the same moment, He aimed at the heart, but “yA grazed Blood’s ribs—an effort to withdraw his sword saving the latter’s life, A piercing shriek startled thespectators of this strange duel as Wilson’ssword protruded through Blood’s clothing, and all turned in the direction of the cabin, whence the sound came—all except Blood, who jerked his sword free, as Wilson turned bis bead, On the quarter deck stood General Elrington supporting hisdaughter. Deceived by the cessa- tion of the noise of the conflict, they had come on deck, and seeiug the men gathered aft, and bear- ing the clash of steel, had gone on the quarter- deck to obtain a better view of what was going on, in time to see Wilson’s blade pass, apparent- ly, through Blood’s side, ‘Ha! Not dead yet!” cried Wilson, recalled by the movement which released his opponent’s sword, and his own at the same time, He fully understood the scene on the quarter- deck, and it was unfortunate for him that he Enraged, maddened by the thought that it was because of the danger of one whom he had done all that jealousy and batred could suggest to ruin, that the woman he had sought so long to win had fainted, Wilson threw prudence to the winds, and rushed blindly at bis antagonist, All bands to repel rock met the rush with his sword-point, which passed clear shrough Wilson’s body! It was a mortal wound, as the surgeon of the Rattlesnake quickly declared, but Wilson was satisfied; his enemy wouldaccompany him to the other world, he thought, and that was all he cared about, ** You will not live long to enjoy your triumph, much as she is interested in you,” he said to Blood, who wasseated on a gun, pale and almost overcome by loss of blood and the conflicting emotions raging within him, ood paid no attention to the dying man’s words, and mistaking the reason, the latter con- tinued: ‘Twas my work—I who spread the report that caused the quarrel between you and ber brother; and when I bad goaded you into firing at me, my work was accomplished; but you accidentally went further than I possibly could bave gone, for your shot struck her brother. Then, you were ruined, for, except nyself, no one suspect- ed the shot was accidental, and you may be sure I made no effort to correct the mistake. ** You miserable wretch! Is this the truth?” excitedly demanded General Elrington, bursting through the crowd, ‘* It is; but it’s too late to do him any good, or you would never have heard it,” replied Wilson, sepia malignantly at the motionless man on the gun. ‘*He was young, handsome, wealthy, and—a Howard. Why should he come between me and the woman I loved? He had all the London beauties begging attention to their charms, while I was devoting myself to one—one who in time would have loved me, had he not come be- tween us. But he has paid tor it—paid most bitterly!” Wilson had spoken strongly and rapidly, very unlike the feeble utterance of one on the verge of eternity, but it was his intenso hatred that lent him false strength, and, when he ceased, his lips were closed, for he never spoke again. Turning from the dead to the living, General Elrington asked: ** Are you badly hurt, Howard?” ** No,” was the dull response, ‘“*Come, come! Rouse up, man! Alice sup- poses you dead. and, if only to relieve her, pull \perctyes together and follow me to the cabin, will prepare her for your coming.” As the general uttered these low-spoken words, the face of the other brightened visibly. and acomee the hand which hed been all along held out to bim, he murmured: * Thank you; I'll go.” CHAPTER XXI, A HAPPY DENOUEMINT. CAPTAIN BLOOD, as we still will call him, en- tered the cabin of the Rattlesnake, but returned tothe cabin a half-hour later, with sparkling eyes and smiling face, ‘*Here, Ned! You are wanted in the cabin of the brig!” be called out, on stepping aboard the Volunteer. ed guessed by whom he was wanted, and smiled, then looked ruefully at his soiled clothes, ‘Never mind your Blood. ‘' She wants to tha life, * Set the men—both crews—cleaning up and repairing,” he continued, turning to Hansen, who had followed him from the brig, ‘* They are already washing down decks, sir, and will begin knotting and splicing as soon as that’s done. There are plenty of spare spars, and as all the damage is above decks, we can have her ip readiness to sail before night.” I’m glad to hear it! Go ahead, Ned! Come below, Mr. Hansen!” “That brig must be permitted to proceed to England,” declared Blood, on reaching the cabin, ‘**So I expected,” coolly returned Hansen, “*Eh? You expected that?” ‘* After the scene on the brig, I did—as does every one else.” ** And the crew: will they not feel sore over the disappointment?” “Let them, if they will; but I do not think so, Every man-jack of them is as deeply inter- ested in your affair with the la—ahem—with the dead man and the old gentleman, as if it were his own affair.” ‘-Much obliged to them, Im sure,” laughed Blood, adding: “Take out everything of value, not neces- sary to the safety of the vessel, She is well sup- appearance !” urged you for saving my yok odd Peay le - AB sy nat eta
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ar ie bmg with arms and ammunition and her bat- y is a pretty one, so the Volunteer’s crew will Zo away altogether empty-handed.” _ Do you go with the brig?” quietly asked Hansen, “Oh, no! The brig’s people—you understand —will come to me, in America, within a couple of months.” “Dm glad. I feared 1t would be the other way,” : **Thank you: You're a good fellow, Han- eet averred Blood, grasping the lieutenant’s and, ‘* And, now, if you please, I'll get back to my work, and quietly let the men know what they already suspect regarding the disposition to be made of the brig, is correct,” “Dogo. If there is any discontent let me ; know, and I will do my best to remedy it,” ‘*There will be none,” assured Hansen; and he was right. There was not the slightest dis- content over the loss of prize money, and when the vessels parted company, next morning, the greatest good feeling existed between the crews ‘of both, _ Ned was one of the two who had occasion to go aboard the Rattlesnake to say good-by, and ; - returning to the brigantine, whispered to Harry: “She is going to come and stay at my fa- ther’s house, by and by, until the captain has his house ready. He’s awful rich, and General Elrington’s going to sell his Pb ane for him,” To close the career of Captain Blood, as a +b aly sera it is only necessary to say that ed’s statement covered all that followed, ex- cept that the Tee of Miss Alice Elrington to St, George Blood Howard was celebrated in the farm-house of General Preble—the “‘ Briga- dier” and General Elrington having become warm friends, notwithstanding the war then raging between England and America, Ds CHAPTER XXII. HOME AGAIN! Rey JUST one month after the capture of the Rattlesnake, two youths in naval dress at- tracted considerable attention in the main street of Falmouth. The Volunteer, under Captain Blood, had re- turned to the port of departure, and, the facts being laid before the authorities, the ves- - sel and cargo were condemned, and the value divided among the crew. \ The boys ‘had just parted with Blood and Turner, it having been arranged that the boat- swain should take care of the captain, for that night, while Ned was to play host to Frank, ‘ize money had been plentiful, and, during the early morning, the captain and boatswain, as well as the boys, electrified the Falmouth shop-keepers by their heavy purchases, A farmer’s wagon ; While the boys were sid standing hesitating as to what they do next, che for, as he frankly admitted, Ned was not at all , certain regarding the character of the welcome ‘BY which would be accorded bim by The Brigadier, ** Pvesomething forevery one of them, except him,” said Ned, as the wagon passed, ‘‘ but what to buy him puzzles me. What do you think I should get for him?” i ** Potatoes!” laughingly answered Frank, : pointing to the farmer’s wagon, Ned jumped at the gestion, and, bailing the farmer, bargained for the delivery of the entire load at General Preble’s farm-house. ‘Now, 1 know what to get him!” exclaimed Ned, looking after the farmer’s wagon, with a win a — ma es ee _ Why, do you intend buying more?” my Moret” repeated Ned, vowby l’ve’only com- menced, [ll put as much stores in the old t en ep as if The Brigadier was going cruis- n it, R Come on!” he continued, laughing at Frank’s astonishment; ‘‘come on! It _ the forenoon, and, then, we must spend an hour Mieg Fiat's er, obo mths, , izin rank’s arm, as he spoke, © now joyfully excited Ned hurried to a nearby pro- vision dealer’s, where barrels of pork and beef, and barrels and sacks of flour. and potatoes, ony > Sg and ordered delivered to Gen- 1 Preble, Nearly a dozen dealers were visited in this ishion before Ned was satisfied, for none of em carried a very heavy stock, and provisions in front of the Preble farm- it noon a wagon, loaded entirely with ‘the driver halloed: take up all. Middy Ned, the Runaway, ‘““Where d’ye want these here ’taters put, Brigadier?” The family were at dinner, and The Briga- dier was just remarking that provisions of all kinds, and potatoes in particular, would be scarcer even than they were, owing to the war, and, with a grim smile, he went to the open doorway, and answered: ‘I'd like first rate to put them in my barn, but it so happens that I haven’t ordered any. ‘*Nor could I pay for them, if I had,” he muttered to himself. “Then into the barn they go!” returned the driver, adding: ‘* Whether you want ’em or not, I got the directions t’ deliver ’em here, an’ have got the money for doin’ it, too!” The Brigadier stared as the speaker turned his team toward the barn, where, a few min- utes after, he began unloading the potatoes, **Eben, go tell that fellow that somebody’s been playing a trick on him, We want, or rather ordered, no potatoes,” said The Briga- dier, turning to his eldest son. In a few minutes the latter returned from the barn, and, seeing that the work of unload- ing was still going on, the father impatiently asked: ** What’s the matter with the fellow? Why don’t he stop bis foolish work?” ‘** He says he’s willing to be tricked, at the same rate, every day; that the potatoes were bought, and paid for at a liberal price, by a young man in Falmouth, this morning, and that he received two dollars extra to deliver them here. ** And he says he’s going to do it, if he has to fight,” smilingly added Eben, “Did he know the young man?” asked Mrs. Preble, sb No, but he says the stranger looked like a sailor,’ ‘“‘ It is exactly one year since Edward left us,” thoughtfully observed the mother, Another wagon stopped in front of the door, at this juncture, shutting off further specula- tion regarding the stranger, This time the driver came to the door, and, banding The Brigadier a receipted bill for a barrel each, of gern seh and flour, and one sack of potatoes, asked: ‘* Where’ll you have ’em put, sir?’ After staring a full minute at the bill, The Brigadier sighed, and, in a helpless way, an- swered; “sy Anywhere, anywhere! Some ef the boys will show you.” Before the second wagon was out of the way, a third arrived—loaded with the same kind, and yew eal of goods, except that the potatoes were reduced to a half sack, Then, as if timing their movements, a fourth, fifth, and sixth wagon stopped before the door, just as the previous one was ready to leave, It was dark when the sixth wagon departed, and The Brigadier looked relieved, as he heard it roll away. “‘ Well, that’s the last of em, I guess,” he sighed, looking very much perplexed, and half e was mistaken, however, for, just as Mrs, | Preble Ri et answered that he should feel grateful instead of angry, a loud “whoa!” accompanied by the noise of horses’ hoofs, an- nounced the arrival of a seventh load! v This time it was a large farm wagon, and, in addition to tho usual eet rk, flour and potatoes, contained fully two dozen packages, each bearing the name of some member of the family, “ Anything for me?” asked The Brigadier, with a grim smile, seeing every onefbut himself busy opening their packages, “Oh, yes!” assured the driver, as he relieved himself of another armful of packages, and ex- tending a folded paper, continued: ‘* That’s for you, sir, It’s a receipted bill for what's on the wagon.” ‘* What is on the wagon?” demanded The Brigadier, without looking at the bill, The driver, unaware of his six predecessors, innocently began: t ia mighty fine lot of stuff, sir. Beef, por * Flour, and potatoes!” angrily Hiren he aed The Brigadier, amid a burst of laughter, which not even his severity could restrain, and in which he himself soon joined. _ “Why, man, I’ve been doing nothing but re- ceiving beef, pork, flour, and potatoes, all this blessed, day! he exclaimed, on recovering his com) re, ..“* You're a mighty lucky man, sir—in these times,” gravely returned the driver, adding: | P 126 142 147 15 **T wish I had a son to do the same for me.” Although able to learn nothing definite from any of the pamoes teamsters, this, now, was § not mauch of a surprise, for the arrival of the a packages, which contained just what each had : desired for years, had led all to suspect that Ned wasthe donor. , ‘Where is he? Where is my boy?” eagerly asked, Mrs, Preble. ‘* Right here, mother!” came the cheery re- sponse from the tees doorway, and, a mornent after, Ned was locked in his mother’s arms, Following the excited boy, came Horton, and it was to the latter that The Brigadier, and the rest of the family, were compelled to ad- dress their questions, and remarks, for the next few minutes, When, quiet being somewhat restored, Ned had told the story of his life for the past year, The Brigadier laid the seven bills for beef, pork, flour, and potatoes, on the table, and asked, significantly :° ‘ ‘* And these?” ve ‘Oh, I didn’t stop to dig the potatoes, so I mn thought it would be wise to buy some before poco] home,” laughed Ned, adding, very soberly: ‘I’ve prayed, many a time, for another chance : to a some!” > ‘*Then, you’ve had enough of the sea?” asked The Brigadier. ‘Yes, sir;—in that way,” declared Ned, ‘*Now, I want to get an appointment as mid- shipman, and one for Frank,’ “Well, we'll see about it, though, since you are determined to follow that life, I may as well begin at once.” “Thank you, sir, cluded?” ‘*Oh, yes; but you are a foolish boy!” insisted a The Brigadier, little dreaming how high that boy’s name would one day stand among the list . of American commodores, The Brigadier ‘‘saw about” the matter so quickly, and energetically, that, one month after their arrival in Falmouth, the boys were appointed to the 36 gun ship Protector, where we will leave them, Of course, Frank is in- THE END, Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY DAN DUNNING. 746 Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy. ! 267 Mac and Jack, the Invincibles; or, The Diabolical Three. S75 Detective Dave's Close Call. 884 Farrel Fox and His Girl ferret. 898 Farrel Fox’s Sweep-Stakes. BY CHARLES MORRIS. 1 118 WIL Somers, the Boy Detective. | 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. / 26 Picayune Pete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in A 42 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, 4 152 Black Beas, Wil) Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods. na and 3 or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 7 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy, or, The Smugglers. Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life, 218 Dashing Dave, ths Dandy Detect pt) av e etective. 220 Tom Tenner? or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy, 242 The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway: or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. / 262 The Young Sharps: o:. 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The Half-Dime Library 1s tor sale vy all Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents eacn. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, — 98 William Sireet, New York. v
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* BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Detiance; or, Double Daggers. GE Dasdvecd Wak ts Wr canie’ ok » Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick's Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity 4 me, the Heroine in Bentwese ore noe ae or, Corduroy Charlie. ad woo ¢ n ecady e. 104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick aa Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’ Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost, 188 Deadwood Dick’s Hiome Bases or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick ot Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreams or, The Rivals of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. Me peaswasd Bien Boon Ly eee vones Adventure, 7 Deadwvo ck’s Dea cal, 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Ronghs and Tovugha, aon ot pe pine rend or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. eadwoo ck’a Death Trall, 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick 5f Oregon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’ Duenats; or, Days in the Diggings. aes hee phere ps es i or, The Terrible Vendetta, eadw ck’a Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’a« Dinesenda.” 421 Deadwood Dick In New York; or, A “Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Dick’a Dust; or, The Chained Hand. bres ee eat eke $r4 a Crimson Crescent Sign. end woo ek, Jr.’s, Deflance, 458 Deadwood Diek, Jr.’« Full Wand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Irs, Biz Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s Racket at Claim 10, +i meer weed pag se Perverts or, Eoeeraan Bill, endwoo ck, Jr.'s o etective, ty pend weed Dilek, Bees in Dendw ood, endwoo ek, Jr.'s, t. 496 Deadwood Meck Jr.’a. Inheritance. oe peagweae Oe Jr.'s pigzings. 5 DPeadwoo Ick, Jr.’s, Deliv ee, 515 Deadwood Dick’ Jr.'s Protegee. — 5622 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Three. 529 Veadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Danger Ducks 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Death Munt. Bi, Becawecd Bick: $e Sia ae vr end woo ck Fe, the W yest V 44 one wene Dick, 3r., on Mis Mette, ob endwoo ck, Jdr., In Gotham, 561 Deadwooa Dick, Jr., in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadetphia, ‘ 48-4 Readwoos Bick, or ip Chicage. 8 Deadwoo ek, Jr. oat. . 554 Deadwood Dick. or. in Denver. 5690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Decree, 595 Deadwood Dick Jr., in Beelzebub’« Basin, 236 ba tele Rieke 5 ie < pe Fly tem endwoo ¢ rs, Leadville Lay. oe bestest Bee a a eadwo ek. Jr. in Cincinnati, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In No Man’s Land, a3 pengwess ere $f se Queer. ead wood e r.. In Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Chase Across the Continent 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. 868 Deadwood Dick? 3r., Back in the Min end wood ek, Jr., Back in the nea, 672 Deadwood Dick, dr. tn Durango; or; “ Gathered In.” BEd Ueadvers UC Sot Sea Te a, Ds a 690 Dendwopd Dick, Jr.’s. Dollara. 695 Dendwood Dick. Jr. at Danger Divide, ' S94 ety ae pee oem ge P eadwoo c Tey 2 ack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick’ Jr., in San Francisco. aug Read seed poy one Still Bunt, 2 eadwoo ¢ rn omtnoes, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Disgulae, WSL Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Double Deal, ear caeg wees Lim ing Teathwaten, cad wood ck, Jr.’s, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deathblow. T5S8 Deadwood Dick, dr.’ Desperate Strait, 508 pantwses pe 5 ah none a end woo ¢ ras Defeat. 776 Deadwood Mek, Jr.’a, Resurrection, TS2 Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s Dark Daya. TST Deadwood Diek Jr., Defied. TIS Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Double Device. T9T Deadwood Dick, Jr’.«, Deaperate Venture, ° 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Diamond Dice, ae nese sats | oe B das ore pam end woo ek, Jr.’a Wenad-off. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, 4Jr.’s, Boom. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Scoop. 884 Deudwood Dick, Jr.’«, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Clutch, 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, High Horse, 852 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devils Gulch, 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Penth-Hole Huatie. +73 feaewees Bek: al = pre eo end wood © dr... In Mexico. S76 Deadwood Dick. Jr’a Decoy Duck, 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Silver Pocket, S9L Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Dead. Sure Game 898 Dendwood Dick, Jr’, Double Drive. ore get hen bm oe Pee aek: cad woor ck, Jr, a p-Top. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jron Double-Decker. 44 posd weed oe ~~ eg a ay aa endwoo ok ree ® us ats, 940 Dead woo Dick. Jr.'s, Shake-up. 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drop, 95L Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Right Bower, 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Ten-Strtke. 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Gold-Dust, Dt Deadwood Dick, Jes, Death-D ‘Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s eath-Doom, Bag heaved Di, diet Gold Drast ead woo ck, Jr., at Go ust. 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Blg Play. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Branded. BY T. J. FLANAGAN. 909 Midshipman Pare, the Pirate Catcher, 925 The Young Cowboy Captain. ‘ 988 The Two Midshipmen; or, The Corsair-Chaser’s First Cruise. 949 The Three Lieutenants ek Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Mand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones, 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy 5 or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. eae pouver Belts Deire Mer The Road Queen. reka m, the Gold-Guatherer; or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. . 885 Yreka Jim's Joker}; or, The Rivals of Red Nese. 894 Yreks Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 44 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 248 Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprinta. 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel ot Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven} or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ¢ or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 48 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 Wigh Hat Warry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon: or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche: or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 92 Canada Chet ¢ or, Oli Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Bossa Bob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love. 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patro); or. The Rival Heirs. 880 Little Qu!ck-Shot3 or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. BTS Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealakin Sam. the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten. 918 Kit Keith, t e Revenue Spotter. 922 Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk, 948 Old Hayseed Among Bunco Men, 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootblack. BY J. C. COWDRICK, 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. naa pveneway ae bey yt Clearing aStrange Case roadway y’a ys” ¥ 657 Broadway Billy’« Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’« Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, ‘lhe Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 628 Broadway Blilly’s Dead Act; or, The League of Seven. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. p44 4 er way 5h elle or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 7 Broadway n over. : oe preséway Billy “ LS or, The River Rustlers. rondway y’s Brand. TIL Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. ee Beesowey ois ood Bab a or, The Gamin Detective, roadway « Business, TBR Brenaway Bnty’s Paros Case. rondway y in Denver. eGo prondway BEL Bargains or, The Three Detective. $25 Hroadway Tillis Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’« Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Brondway Billy’s Teams or, The Combine’s Big Pull. rt 44 otegaeid hi Wh A quizedss tie Dead Alive. oF r a e e at. 800 Broadway Billy Baffled, . 805 Brondway RBilly’s Signal Scoop, 810 Broadway Billy’« Wipe Out. S15 Broadway Billy’s Bank Racket. S21 Rroadway Billy’s Bluff. 826 Broudway Billy Amana Jersey Thugs, S88 Broadway Billy’s Raid. f 889 Broadway Billy’« Big Boom, 844 Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. 849 Broadway Billy’s #100,000 Snap. ye prosd way wanes eer] or, The Bootblack Stowaway. roadway y in London. rey prend vey aay pevecind oe Slums, 874 Broadway y’s French Game. $80 Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys, 869 Shaata, the Gold King 3 or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without » Name, 424 Cibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. . 467 Disco Dan, the Deisy Dude 606 Redlight Ralph the Pririce of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Warvy the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 640 Bareback Reth, the Centaur of the Cirele, 647 Tyrewrilter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the “ Pizenest ’’ Man of Ante Bas, SST Battery Bob. the Dock Detective. 894 Arizona Dick's Wipe-Out, 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee. 906 Satety Sam, the Cyele Sport. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Mot Hustle, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy. 924 Big Boot« Bob, the Fire-Laddle. 980 Kustler Ralph, the Bay Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newshoy Detective’s Chum. 941 The Bowling Green Detective’s Drop. 944 Cowboy Charlie's Double, 947 The Bowery W restler; or, The Butcher-Boy’s Backer. 958 Paddy's Trump Card; or, Silver Sallie, the Girl Sport, 960 The Broadway Sport: or, Flyer Fred’s Clear Case. 967 81000 Rewards; or, The Rival Reporters’ Sleek Scoop. 978 Bantam Rilly, the Corker-Ferret. 978 Plucky Pat. the Street-Boy Detective. 989 Bicycle Bob’s Hot Scorch. 77 997 Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels 1004 Scorcher Sam’« Sweep-Stake s. 1009 ‘Une Gir! Cyclt % W nning Hand, BY WILLIAM PERRY BROWNE. 956 Brooklyn Kob’s Bulge; or, Dodger Dot's Diamond Snap. 968 The East-Side Spotter: or, Turning Down th» Big Three 9%4 Old Sant’s Dark Deal; or, Miner Mat’s Ir. Grip. \ PONE Sara Ne FN cae _ BEADLE’S+HALF-DIMEs LIBRARY. — * BUFFALO BILL NOVELS, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1007 Buffalo Bill’s Sure-Shots. 1000 Butfalo bills Decoy Boys. 7 995 Buffalo Bill’s Drop; or, Dead-Shot Ned , the Kansas Kid. 988 Buffalo Bill’s Lasso Throwers, 981 Buffalo Bill's Fighting Five. ? 975 Buffalo Bill's fle Shots, 968 Buffalo Bill's Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer, 964 Buffalo Bill’s Decoy ; or, The Arizona Crack Shot, 958 Buffalo Bill’s Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Buffalo Bill's Snap-Shot ; or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tally 942 Buffalo Bill’s Tough Tuasle. 986 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Mascot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up, 929 Buffalo Bill's Crack-shot Pard, 650 Buffalo BUDs Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy, 216 Bison Bill, the Prince ot the Reins. 222 Bison Bill’s Clue; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, BY BUFFALO BILL, 55 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. BY CAPT, ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. 8, A, 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. ‘ 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet: or, The Gambler Guide, BY COL, PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 982 New York Nat’s Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Game 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. 920 New York Nat Trapped. 914 New York Nat's Three of a Kind. 908 New York Nat’s Double. 902 New York Nat’s in Colorado. 896 New York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. SS8Y New York Nat’s Deadly Deal. 888 New York Nat’s Crook-Chase. STZ New York Nat’s Trump Card. S7L New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Nat’s Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’« Kidaapper Knock-Out. 847 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. 842 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand. 72 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, T7T Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Biackleg’s Terror, 7R4 Dick Doom; or, The Sharps and Sharks of New York, 788 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks, 798 Dick Doom tn Chicago. 798 Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue, ; 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. " 818 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. ; 819 Dick Doom’« Girl Mascot. 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt. 885 Dick Doom’s Big Haul. 749 Dashing Charlie: or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Traii. d 756 Dashing Charlic’« Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive. ao 760 Dashing Charlie’*« Pawnee Pard, ; 766 Dashing Charlle, the Rescuer. - 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 78% Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylors Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande, 560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. : 719 Pawnee BIl’s« Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Bll: or, Daring Dick. 692 Redfern’s Curtous Case: o, The Rival Sharps, 697 Kedtfern at De vil’« Hanehy or The Sharp from Texas, ‘ 702 Redfern’s Wigh Wand; or, Blue Jacket. : 707 Redfern’s Last Trail: or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, ahs And Fifty Others. ‘ “A BY LIEUT, A. K, SIMS, 5689 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone. 4 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective, ‘as 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumphj or, Black Dan’s Great Combine. i. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of hodge; or, Rustling for Millions, 576 The Silver Sport; or, Josh Peypermint’s Jubilee. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow tip 601 Ha py Hana, the Dutch Vidocg; or, Hot Timesat Round-Up =~ 611 Bilda Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. ; 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. ae 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, ‘ 665 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective. nV 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. : 7 q 689 Billy, the @ypay Spyt or, The Mystery of Two Lives’ | 699 Siraple Sim, the Broncho Buster; or, For Big Stakes. : . 712 The Meameriat Sport; or, The Mystified Detective, 288 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector. 745 Kansas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. ‘ 761 Marmaduke, the Mostanger Detective. ‘ 778 The Rustler of Rolling Stone. 785 Lone Hand Joe, the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. 882 The Doctor Dete etive in Texas, 872 Two Showmen Detectives in Colorado. 987 The Texan Firebrand; or, Brazos Billy’s Snap.Shot. ne 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. ‘\ Jaa . WNEW ISSUES, 1014 Middv Ned, tke Runaway; or, Hairbreadth Escapes Afloat and (Ashore. . By T. J. Flanagan. 5 1015 The Reporter-Detective’s Big Pull. By Wm. P. Brown. Sa The Roy Bugla* in Cuba; or, The Cowboy Clan Qn 1016 ook. By Col. P. Topeka. Pin . v 1017 Idaho Ma't’« Iron & 1p; or, Downing the Desperate ozen. By Ned St. Meyer. ' JUST ISSUED. 1010 Kit Bandy’s Big Six; or, The Kustlers of Jackson Basin. By Ol) Coomes. 1011 Decdeo d Dick, Jes. Dutch Pard; or, Rooting Out the Rascals of Skelcton Gorge. By &. 1, Wheeler. 1012 Th. Cripple’s Dea?-S: re Clinch; or, Trapping the - Old Frand. By Charles Morris. 1018 Buffalo Bill’s Texas Team, By Col. P. Ingraham, © A New Issue Every Tuesday, “The Half.Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mat! on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, ‘ 92 William Street, New York. 4 ae’ |