Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1139) (1903 07)
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x Sow Q- ———_ 3 en ene Times ea Copyrieat, 1878, By BeapLe & ADAMS, Mo, 1139, The Ocean Bloodhound; oR, The Red Pirates of the Caribbees. BY SAMUEL W. PEARCE, Author of *‘Fhe Boy Detective.’ Published Every Month. CHAPTER I. THE STRANGE SCHOONER. Lier a vail of fire, the sun was slowly sinking be- low the western horizon. Homeward bound, after the completion of a most profitable trading cruise, the brig Nancy Jones lay nearly becalmed in the West Indies. Overhead, the heavens were serene and beautiful, with never the smallest sign cf danger. And yet the keen, gray eyes of the Yankee skipper, imptain Zeke Jones, wore an anxdous and uneasy look—a fact not long in attracting the poetiey of his mate, Job rs. Yhat’s in the wind now, Cap?” he asked, with a curt- ous air. “So far as I can see, every- thing is straight enough except shis tarnal ht breeze, and that's dyin’ away with the sun yonder.” Very marked was the con- trast between the two men as they stood there together. tain Zeke—as he was usualy called—was a raw-bon- ed Yankee, fully six feet in hight. His skin, roughened by ears of exposure, could be ikeaned to nothing better than a plece of sole-leather, both in yh me and texture. Over fifty years of age, he had followed the sea from his boyhood up, Witch his ripe ex- perience, he read the signs of the heavens as if they were an open book, Generally eng, he was & man of few words; but, let an CL prema arise for action, and—to use his own expression —“the old man was right thar.” Sociable and friendly with his crew, who were all Down- EKasters like himself, he still managed to enforce the most exact obedience. There was not A man among them but synuld have implicitly obeyed bis every order. The brig Nancy Jones—so named in honor of the skip- per’s wife, now awaiting him at home—was a strong and well-built vessel, with a good capacity of cargo and a cor- responding sacridce to speed. She had for past year been trading along the western coast of Africa, taking inivory, skins and other valuables in exchange for cheap and showy row-Piws. ~ From there she had crossed to South America and com- ted her cargo with what vould sell at an amazing profit, +) a * States.”’ on ot last she sailed from anciro, homeward bound, with a store of valuables Sa es oe eee Serer “DIM rrr lV Hn RK we rt my . SQA eee (JAMES SULLIVAN, Propnrivror), 379 Pearl Street, New York. such as was seldom gathered in the hold of one ves- sel. Job Rogers, the mate, was also an American; ‘but he hailed from the State of ** York.” In hight he was not over five feet. Broad-shoulder- ed, yet not too stout in frame, his every movement cencied the bull-like strength for which he was noted. Yet with all this, he was a remarkably quiet man in general. Never seeking to provoke a quarrel with any one, he was never known to turn his back when one was forced upon him. ‘**'Tain't so much the weather, Job,”’ said the skip- per, ree ay to take a fresh bite of his favorite ‘pig-tail.” ‘I'd be glad enough if this breeze would on’y freshen up a bit, that’s sartin; but that ain't what I was thinkin’ on.”’ ‘What then?” The skipper rolled his huge quid under his tongue thoughtfully, and looking his mate squarely in the eyes, he replied: ** Pirates /” The word, spoken in a low tone, was uttered SANTILLEZ, ' AEA URN MAA AN JULY, 1908, Vol, XLVI PRICE 5 CENTS. Vol . 50c. a year. in & manner that showed the speaker to be in earnest, “Shol” exclatmed the mate, carelessly; “guess ye’ve made a ake fer once, cap'’n. Thar ter be a few nests of them scoundrels in these parts, I'll allow, but they war all cleaned out a few years ago.” “Tve got sartin intelligence,” said Captain Zeke, slowly. “Just afore we cleared Rio t a line from our consul thar, sayin’ that Pedro tillez— may be choke to death ona hot potato—had takes up his quarters among some of these tlands," “Pedro Santillez?’ repeated the mate, “that’s the name of the scoundre! that cleaned o and destroyed so many vessels. He ran away at last a or three cruisers that tried to capture m md the same infernal shark,” assented the captain. ** But, Cap, there's a flaw in your story, somewhar. “ He newer s da Hving soul 'thout it might be a woman that he wished to carry to his den.” “True again, Job; but\this news came from a chap that sprung overboard with a plank when his ves sel war boarded by Santil- lez. He was picked up twenty- four hours arterward by a Brazilian bark, and carried to Rio. No one knows for sartin where the fellow has his ‘rendevoo,’ but it’s some- whar in this neighborhood that the affair happened. [ ain’t thinkin’ so much of my- self, though the cargo air purty valuable an’ this alr my last cruise. We've plenty of a: aboard, an’, with the help @ our gun for'ard, we might him as good as he sent should tackle us. It's thought of Kernel Sand lady and her child, down in the cabin, that bothers “ Bad luck in having a coat on board, anyhow. marked the mate, who, like sailors, had unlucky omens go 5 ** You're right thar, #4) allow; but, you see, t em nel was called home to ta States so suddintly that he had to leave ’em behind, He hails from my own place, you know, an’ so when his wife met me in Rio, an’ axed fur a passidge, I couldn’t refuse,”’ “You'd bean a hog—beggin’ yer parden fer the word—it you had,’’ replied Job, prompt- y; ** But—’ “Sail ho!’’ came the ery at that instant from the look-out stationed in the foretep-mast cross-trees, “Whar away, you lubber?” cried Captain Zeke, as he snatched his telescope from its brackets. “Two p’ints off the lee quar- ter, sir. Looks like a schooner.” Captain Zeke adjusted his glass and gazed long toward the point indicated. “Wall?” asked the mate, in- quiringly. “TI can’t see very well for “tie sun,’’ was the reply; “but I don’t like the chap’s looks. You've seen sarviee in these latitudes afore; let’s have your opinion of that chap.” Job Rogers was less time in coming to a conclusion. ‘Bare poles,"’ he muttered; “low in the water, an’ built fey
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2 ———-___.. —-————— a a big spread of canvas. Anchored, too, I should judge. She’s got a kinder wicked look to me, cap’n, and— Consarn it all, thar goes the sun, an’ it’s on- sartin what that chap ralely is.” “At any rate we’re safe enough from him for the present,”’ replied Captain Zeke, ‘That chap’s a "See piece to leeward, an’ if I ain’t mistaken we'll ave another breeze afore eight bells, Best say nothin’ yet to the crew about what we think until we're more sartin.”’ “All right, sir.”’ ‘‘ An’ keep a sharp look-out in every direction, for there may be more of them fellows around. I'll snatch a few hours’ sleep now, so as to be ready if anything should turnup. Call me at onceif you sight anything suspicious.” 6 mate began gis) the deck, uneasily watch- tng the flapping sails, and occasionally whistling for abreeze. He paused at length beside the sailor who Yeld the wheel. ““Steerageway on yet, Tom?” “ Barely, sir; she keeps her head, and that’s all. Beggin’ er pardon fer the question, Mr. Rogers,” he added, “but, what war that craft to leeward?” “Don’t know, Tom. Some coaster between these islands, perhaps.”’ **No coaster in these parts, sir, you knows it,” was the grim reply, “at least not schooner-ri “You've a good pair of top-lights, Tom,” said the mate, dryly; and fearing the inquisitive man might ask too many questions, the mate left him. In those latitudes the sun sinks very rapidly; hence by this time it was dark; but, contrary to the usual custom, not a light was shown on bo the brig. The mate had intimated to the crew that they were in ee ha waters, but that was all. Nothing but the flapping of the sails against the yards served to denote her presence in the darkness, The mate, lighting a pipe, had perched himself upon the weather-rail, and was busy revolving in his mind the subject of the strange craft they had mene. n deck, the crew on watch were listening to a yarn, spun by one of their number. “Steerageway’s gone now, sir,"’ announced Tom Longstreet, the helmsman, in the course of another half-hour. “Tl just take a smoke myself while we're waitin’ for a breeze.” He filled his pipe carefully, and struck a match. As he was about to apply itto the tobacco, his keen éeye—for he could almost see in the dark like an owl —suddenly glanced over the rail. “Sail on the weather-beam!”’ he shouted, as the watch dropped unused from his fingers. “Thunder! she’ll be into us if they hain’t careful.” CHAPTER 1, THE PIRATE'S PRIZE. “Sym's bringin’ the wind with her!” he added, quickly, ‘Then, raising his voice, he yelled: “Sheer off, you lubber! Are you drunk? You'll be afoul of us in another minute!”’ The mate, who had been sitting with his back to- ward the spot, turned suddenly to see an immense spread of canvas slowly but surely bearing down up- on them; but, even then he did not suspect the truth aa until the stranger rounded up and shot along- 8. The next instant a crowd of swarthy villains were clambering over the sides. * “Defend yourselves, men! We're boarded by pi- rates!’ rung out the deep voice of Job Rogers. vy Hold the deck for one minute and I'll bring you help!’ ‘““Down with the pirates!’ cried Tom Longstreet, seizing an iron belaying-pin from the fife-rail. As he spoke, the first villain in his reach dropped to the deck with a crushed skull. Alas! the alarm had beer given just five minutes 4oo late. Like a swarm of angry bees, the pirates poured over the side of the brig. _Brave Tom Long- ety went down under a savage blow from acu Job Rogers, the mate, had placed one foot upon the companion-way to give the alarm. -\. At that instant the leader of the villains struck him over the head with the butt of a pistol, but not be- fore he had managed to yell out—“ Pirates aboard, In less time than it takes to narrate the affair, the Brig Nancy Jones was in full possession of the pi- tes. rates. : The latter—some two dozen swarthy ruffians in all -~stood grouped together near the quarter-deck, Savage-looking fellows they were, that regarded a human life as nothing. Desperadoes of ¢very nation were represented in their motley faces, Their pis- tols and cutlasses still glittered their murderous hands. The crew of the brig who were still unharmed had managed to retreat to the forecastle and bolt them- selvesin. Their enemies were now waiting an érder from their leader before renewing the attack. The tatter, a giant in size, was standing near the wheel, a ' of sardonic satisfaction resting upon his ugly eatures. His black, wiry hair was partly concealed by a gaudy handkerchief twisted around hig head. mho liar of his shirt was thrown wide open, reveal- lag ahairy, muscular chest, tanned by exposure.. ilor to the core, ae was none thé less a hagdened scoundrel. “Well done, my brave lads!” he exclaimed, in zomewhat thick tones, as if he was already under the influence of liquor. ‘‘ Well done, I say! Have you finished the crew, Carlos?” és ‘‘hey're barred in the forecastle, sir,’’ replied the gailor addressed, “aw! haw!” roared the pirate; ‘caught like Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. rats ina trap,eh? By all the saints! we'll have some rare sport with them before we leave this craft. Some of you jump on board the Isabelle and get fen- ders out that she may not rub all the paint from her oc sides. The rest of you can guard those tricky CHAPTER ML A SUDDEN INTERRUPTION. In another instant, the pirate had recovered his scattered wits. ‘Ha, curses on me, but who is this?” he cried, as ankees, until I see what kind of a prize we’ve stum- his pisto] flashed from his belt. bled on this time.”’ So saying descended the companion-way. Two of the pirates had already been before him to clear the way. As he entered the cabin, his eye fell upon Captain Zeke, whose arms were now pinioned tightly behind | him, There was a ghastly wound in his left temple, from which the blood was still flowing. “A crack in the skull, eh, Cap!” exclaimed the pirate, with a coarse laugh, as he leaned against the cabin table and eyed the bound man with a sa- tanic grin, ; “Sorry to make you so much trouble,” he added, coarsely, ‘but, you see, we’ve been somewhat out of luck lately, as you Yankees say, and sc we had to take up with even such trash as this, althoveh it ain’t what we deserve.” “You'll get it yet, never fear—a rope arouna your villainous neck,” said Captain Zeke, defiantly. “Keep a stopper on your raplre a, shipmate,”’ growled the villain, deliberate iv spitting a stream of tobacco-juice in the face of his helpless victim. Talk a little more civilly to me or I'll toss you over to feed the sharks. Where’s your papers?” Wounded as he was, his arms tightly pinioned to his sides, and at the mercy of the cutthroat before him, it would have been madness to refuse an an- swer. “*You’ll find them in my desk in the state-room yonder,” he said; reluctantly. Sr pirate turned on his heel and proceeded to the spot. The first article upon which he laid his hands, was a heavy canvas , “Gold! he muttered, ‘gitepman f as he shook it up to listen to the musical jingle of the coins, ‘ Not such a bad haul, after all! Now, then, to see what there is below hatches.” Tossing the bag carelessly upon the cabin table, he next drew Out a bundle of papers and sat down to peruse them. He was a poor hand in aig lg. | the English language, and it took him seme little time to stacy out the articles enumerated. ‘Not a bad cargo,” he exclaimed in satisfaction. “It’s a long time since I’ve seen so much capital be- tween one vessel's decks., By all the saints, here’s a assenger list,as I’m a sinner! Mrs, Colonel San- ers and—a petticoat aboard, eh? That's better yet! That is, I mean, if she happens to be young and good- looking. I say, skipper, whereaway have ye stowed this bit of cargo?” The old captain’s face was as pale as death. “For God’s sake, spare her /’’ he gasped the brig and all that’s in her, if you ,b the lady from your clutches.” “Oh, ho!” chuckled the pirate; ‘‘ how comes it that osx so deeply interested m the matter? Maybe he woman is a widow and you’re looking after her ourself? However, you'll have enough to do to ke care of yourself, just now, I fancy."’, There was a dangerous glee in the rascal’s eye as he turned and left the after cabin. His eye had caught sight of a door which he rightly conjectured led to the lady’s quarters. “Take ut spare No sooner was his back turned than the two’ scoundrels who had remained to guard the skipper, proceeded to help themselves to liquor. Their roy- ng eyes had been quick to see the decanter which stood in the captain's state¢-room. So sudden and complete had been the capture of the brig that even the watch below had not been disturbed in their sluambers, Nor was it strange that the lady—a sound sleeper and ignorant of danger—had not been disturbed. The pirate turned the knob of the state-room door. Tt was locked from the inside, Tn no way disturbed by the fact, the pirate drew off fora moment. Hurling the weight of his pow- erful frame against the obstacle, the door pore way with a crash. As it flew open, the lady started up suddenly from a sound slumber, with a cry of ter- ror. The swinging lamp above her threw a dim light on the scene. ey Instinetively divining the truth, she cried, in ac- cents of terror: ‘* For God's sake, spare my boy!” ; “Bother take the brat. I’ve not laid eyes on him yet,” exclaimed the pirate, gazing gloatingly on the woman before him. Blind to all but that, he had not ‘ before neticed the cot of the sleeping child close be- side him. z “ Ah, there he is,” he added, as the child awoke with a cry of ‘‘mamma.,”’ A sudden thought darted through the pirate’s evil heart. Snatching the tefrified child from his couch, he eyed him with a savage scowl. His ruse was successfui. Without a thought of her own danger, actuated on- ly by a mother’s instinct to protect her own, the beautiful woman sprung forward to snatch her child from the ruffian’s grasp. . As she did so, the villain released the child and threw his brawny arm around her. ‘*Ha, my beauty!” he said, ‘‘give us a kiss from those ery lips, and you—”’ But the sentence was never completed. At that instant a door at the opposite end of the cabin flew open with a crash. With one bound a dark object was upon him, and an iron first struck the vifteh, a blow that sent him ee against the wall, half-blinded by the sudden attack. he returned his cutlass to its sheath and | | ing from the nse + craft were yawing about. As she approached near “Job Rogers, the mate of this craft, you black- hearted scoundrel!’ was the cool reply. It was indeed the courageous mate, who, recover- irate’s blow, and ag. the quarter- deck deserted, had crept around and entered the cabin by the forward door, to be on hand at a most critical moment, ‘*Mate?” snarled the meat in another moment. Job Rogers stood watching his enemy with a gleam of defiance in his eyes, but he made no reply. Seeing that his enemy was unarmed, the pirate ut- tered a contemptuous laugh and shoved the pisto} back in his belt. Confident in his own strength, and on his guard, he feared no living man. The woman, her eyes turned pleadingly upon the pirate, waited breathlessly for what would ensue. ‘T haven't had that kiss yet, my beauty,” said the scoundrel, as he again made a movement as if to snatch the child. But, even as he did so, Job Rogers was upon him like a thunderbolt. : Ere the pirate could fairly realize the fact, the - iron fingers of the mate were clutched in a viselike gripe around his throat. } 4 “Help!” gurgled from his ay as vain to release his pistol from his belt, It would have been all up with him in another mo ment, had not the two rascals from the after-cabin hurried to his aid. A strong blow from the butt of a pistol caused the mate to relax his Seeing his da pirate; “you'll be shark's he strove in er, and before the pirate could col- lect his scatte senses, the mate turned upon his new assailants. Striking out right and left the clear- ed his way, and with one bound reached the deck. The three men were close behind him. As the first one touched the deck he received a blow from that iron fist that laid him bleeding and senseless at the mate’s feet. Quick as a flash the latter seized the pistol that had fallen from the ruf- fian’s grasp. Turning it full in the faceef the second scoundrel, as he touched the deck, the resolute de- fender pulled the trigger, and the man dropped dead, his brains scattered around him, The leader at that instant leveled his own weapon and fired. has Job Rogers felt a sharp, stinging sensation in his left arm, but in his excitement he heeded it not. Reaching out those terrible arms, he seized his ene- my in his powerful grasp, and poising the bulky, form for an instant in the air, he hurled him over the vessel’s stern into the sea. The rest of the pirates, taking the alarm, came rushing aft in a body to their leader's aid. A storm of bullets began to whistle around the head of the courageous mate; pulling the slide of the compan- ion-way, he sprung into the cabin and closed the doors, then he sprung to the captain's side and bur- riedly released him, ; “Keep a stiff upper lip, Cap!” he ‘aid, coolly. “We kin hold our own ag’in’ the whole pack of ‘em, now.’ ‘“Ah, if we could only get a chance to arm the crew!” sighed the old man. ‘As it is, the scoun- drels will only scuttle the ship and drown us like rats ina cask. Thank God, the lady is spared from these wretches, at least. Better go down in the old craft, like brave sailors, than die like dogs at the hands of such rascals.” While this scene was transpiring below, a no less important one was taking place above. e wind had gradually risen, though still light. Glancing to windward, one of the pirate’s crew ut- tered a cry of alarm. The moon was slowly rising, and in its faint light they could see a large ship bear- ing down upon them. A sudden panic seemed to seize theni at the sight, Like a pack of frightened wolves, they hurried pell- mell on board the schooner. As they reached her deck, they saw the form of their leader rane pee eg renched from his recent yop and supported on each side by the arms of two of his followers, his eyes shone like those of a demon, The spot where he stood was red with blood, and no wonder, p One of the pirate’s feet was entirely missing! Still, the determined villain was the master of his men, “Bring the woman with you, lads,” he cried, hoarsely. “Too late, senor,” was the reply. “The mate has taken the odd trick by barring the cabin doors, and yonder comes a fellow that means us mischief.”’ bad pirate glanced over his shoulder at these words. : Then he cried suddenly: ‘Pass up that keg of owder, boys, and cut the fuse to five minutes. ‘Throw it down the brig’s hatchway, and bundle on board the schooner. Lively, now, lively!’ The men needed no urging now, for their experi- enced eyes had shown them that the ship approach- was a man-of-war and meant fight. 3 quickly as possible the brig’s hatches were lifted and the powder-keg lowered among the goods, with the fuse burning. Then the line holding the schooner to the brig was cut, and dropping astern, the pirate put up her helm and fell over before the wind. Her huge spread of canvas and light draught en- abled her to walk rapidly away in the rising breeze. The pursuing vessel at first only suspected ng wrong from the manner in which the two
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+ a The Ocean Bloodhound. er, however, her commander realized the truth, but by this time the schooner was well clear of her vic- tim. ; The cruiser began piling on her canvas from truck to water’s edge. “Ourses on our luck!” ground the pirate leader, writhing in agony upon a couch placed on deck so that he could watch his pursuer, The cause of the strange catastrophe that had be- fallen him is soon explained. He who had lately threatened to make shark’s | meat of his enemies, had narrowly escaped that hor- rible death himself. The pirates on the schooner were lifting him from the water, when there was a rush, a snap of a pair of voracious jaws and one of the pirate’s feet had dropped into the gullet of a monstrous shark. Raining terrible curses on his misfortune, the pi- rate was still game to the last. Supporgal by his men, he had actually determined to board venge upon his victims. At all hazards he had de- termined to secure the woman. The sight of the cruiser, however, caused him suddenly to abandon his purpose. “At any rate,’’ he growled, “they'll meet their death in another way.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘‘One minute more,” he hissed, ‘‘and I shall see my revenge. Only a minute more,” coe ne] his eye fixed upon the silent brig astern—*‘ then the accursed Yankee craft yonder will be blown to atoms. Keep our eyes on her, my lads, and you'll see some fine hrewovke: Curse them all, I say.” CHAPTER IV. SAWBONES IN A NEW ROLE. Nor long did the pirates have to wait to be assured of the character of their pursuer. There was a sudden flash, but it was not the ex- ._pected explosion. No, the round shot that whistled over their deck was proof positive that the ship in pursuit had opened her batteries. Very swiftly, now, the wind continued to rise. Every stitch of the pirate'’s canvas was drawing to the best advantage. As the cruiser passed under the brig’s stern, the pirate schooner’s helm was suddenly put hard-a-lee, and the next instant she was heading close up in the eye of the wind. b A thorough sailor was the man who commanded er. R The cruiser was unable at that moment to follow his example without colliding with the brig. She eould do nothing until she had run to leeward of the Nancy Jones. Then it was too late, for the schooner now had the weather gauge and was making the best of it. It was fhe very thing upon which the pirate had calculated, and, thous its of the cruiser’s ability to harm him seemed to trouble him but little now. Another important matter claimed his attention at the time, “Two full minutes hae the time and yonder craft is still above water. Pedillo, come here!” cried the desperate chief. A swarthy Spaaiard approached the reclining pi- rate with a crestfallen air. ‘* You arranged the powder-keg as I told you?” de- manded the chief, with a darkening scowl. ‘* Si, senor.’ “Tt was to have how many minutes to explode?” ‘Rive, senor.”’ i “It ia now three minutes oad the time, you dog. rake that for your infernal yoni Be As he uttered the words he snatched a pistol from _ belt and fired point blank at the wretch before m. The man dropped dead to the deck, without a roan. A low angry murmur broke from the pirate’s crew as they witnessed the act. ; “Avast there, my hearties!” shouted the pirate chief, his eyes shooting fire. .‘‘The first dog that grumbles shall have the same dose.”’ Well had these’ savage wretches cause to protest against such base ingratitude. The man shot down before their.eyes was one of the two who had short- ly before saved him from a watery grave; but a real human brute, the leader was deaf to all feeling of gratitude; indeed, he even blamed his rescuers for not having been an instant quicker with their as- sistance, for that instant would have saved him the awful mutilation, “Send. John Frazer here!’’ said he, as the crew slowly scattered. ee man alluded to presently appeared before the pirate. He formed a strange contrast tothe rest of the crew. / Tall and well-built, he had an air of quiet self-con- trol about him that marked him as no common per- son. Nor was there anything in his face that betrayed any traces of cruelty in his nature. Out of place he certainly was, and yet, how came he there? John Frazer quictly eyed the writhing scoundrel before him and waited for orders. “What are you gapir B at me for?’ growled the pirate, angrily, ‘Don’t you see that I’m losing ood from the bungling way those chaps tied up my stump? Get to work at once and have your job over with as quick as possible.” As he spoke, a second round shot from the cruiser’s guns came whistling over their heads, Tt was followed by a splintering of wood and the maintop-mast of the schooner dropped over to lee- ward, carrying with it the gaif top-sail, e second time in order to take terrible re- | “Up with you, boys, and clear away the wreck!" ordered the pirate, coolly. | more trouble for we’re leaving him behind fast, and it spoils his headway to use that gun.”’ | Frazer was making a critical examination of the pi- | rate’s wounded limb. *“Well?”” asked the latter, inquiringly. “The leg will have tocome off just below the knee, sir,’ was the cool reply. : | ‘“*Murder me a second time, eh?” replied the pi- | rate. ‘* Well, if there’s no help for it go ahead!” and the pirate sunk back upon the couch, | No keen surgical tools were brought into service; neither was the patient stupefied with chloroform to | deaden the pain. He merely took a huge draught / of rum, and then lighting a cigar, he watched the cperstop while the flesh was cut away with a sharp- sheath-knife. An ordinary handsaw was brought into requisition to sever the bones, Notwithstanding the rude instruments, the opera- tor evidently understood his business thoroughly. With dextrous fingers he tied up the exposed blood- vessels, and ended his task by tightly incasing the limb in bandages. Despite the pain the pirate must have suffered, he did not allow his cigar to go out during the whole transaction.’ No one, by looking at his impassive face, could have guessed what a terrible struggle the effort cost him. Courage, even if it is only of the brute kind, will always win admiration. At the sight of their leader’s iron nerve, his men stood yet more in fear of him. His temper, however, had suffered by the ordeal he had passed through. Under his cool exterior, a desperate and savage mood was raging. “Furies!’’ he muttered under his breath, “ and what will the captain say when I make my report? Curses on my luck. I’d rather have lost the other leg than to go back to him with that pretty spar mis- sing. Nearly half the crew, too, lost since I begta this unlucky cruise! How was I to know that the cruiser was around in these waters? I believe it’s our old enemy, the ‘ Vixen.’ I’m pretty certain I re- cognized her rig. However, we’ve shown her a pret- ty clean pair of heels again, and by daylight she'll not be seen, I fancy.” It was even as he said. When the sun arose the next day, no trace was to be seen of their late pur- suer upon the distant horizon. Not until he was certain of this fact, did the pirate direct his men to convey him below. Then, for the first.time since the cruiser’s attack, he turned over his command to his lieutenant. ‘* Head for the rendezvous,” he said, gruffly; ‘‘ but if you happen to see any sail in the meantime, let me know at once,” “Si, senor,’ was the reply, and closing the door upon his wounded chief, the man regained the deck. Meanwhile the pirate crew had gathered in a knot wpen the forecastle. Spaniards, Portuguese, Lascars; what a motley crowd they seemed by daylight! The gabble of their various tongues seemed a Ba- bel of sounds to the uninitiated listener, Most of their conversation was carried on in the Spanish tongue, understood by them all. “T call it an infernal shame,” said one of them. “T feltlike putting my knife through him for it,” The conversation was upon the subject of Pedillo’s death at their captain’s hands. His shipmates nodded assent to the boldly spoken words. The mysterious individual, John Frazer, stood leaning thoughtfully upon the rail not ten feet Gis- tant. Distrustful of him as the pirates were, there was no attention paid to his presence from the fact that he was supposed to understand nothing of the tongue they were using. d they observed the twinkle in his eyes, they might have had doubts of his ignorance. _ A few of the ruffian crew were in favor of inflict- ing summary vengeance upon their leader. The ma- jority, however, stood too much in awe of his cour- age to make the attempt. It was almest certain death to him who should undertake the task. Tt was finally agreed between them that the whole matter should rest’ quietly for the present. Should a favorable opportunity arise, however, it w9s to be seized at once. They were about to separate, when the cool voice of John Frazer—now speaking in excellent Spanish —chained them to the spot: _, _ Wait, my lads,” said he, quietly, ‘I’ve heard it all, and have a better prone) to make to you.” Spellbound to think that they were discovered, and uncertain for the moment of the man’s inten- tions, they gazed angrily upon him, A dozen hands were laid upon the hilts of their sharp knives. Not one of them but was able to throw those knives with deadly precision of aim, and the assur- rance that the man before them was an enemy, pas ing knives would be buried in the speaker’s 1eart. _ Undismayed by it all, with an almost impercept- ible sneer on his lips, John Frazer said, quietly: “T will aid youin your purpose, men, if you will aid me in mine.”’ “You know ours already,” said one of the pirates; ‘let us now hear yours.”’ “Tt is soon stated. Agree to put me ashore as soon afterward as possible, and I will promise to aid you by all means in my power.” “‘ He speaks fair,” declared one of the men, in an undertone, to his companions. ‘‘ What think you? would it be safe to trast him?” It was settled, at lengta, that they should do so. “*T fancy he'll give us no | 3 born leader. To their muddled and rather contradictory plans, he brought a brain quick to see the practicable and | While he was speaking, the man known as John | discard the reverse. John Frazer showed them, in a few words, that the schooner at that moment carried treasure enough to supply all their wants for a lifetime, He also cemented their confidence in him by stat- ing that his share could be divided among them, for he had sufficient wealth of his own it allowed to reach it, He showed them that it would be an easy matter to run into some small port, take their trea sures to other countries, and spend them as they pleased. - The picture he drew of their future was a most flattering one to the pirates. They had become ra- ther tired of the discipline to which they had so long been subjected. Supplied with all the wealth neces- sary for their needs, what wonder that the bait was so highly attractive? Before John Frazer had finished his harangue, they had fully resolved to follow him to the deat if need be. No other man in their number co have exercised such a wonderful influence and con- trol over them, He had boldly declared his payee of killing their enemy with his own hand; and they had seen enough of him to know that he was as brave as their own disabled leader. In his cabin below, the latter was writhing un- easily upon his couch, and plotting how to make his report as favorable as possible to the captain ashore, whom even he dreaded. : On deck, his crew had just finished a plan that, if successful, would render such a report out of the question. CHAPTER V. THE HUMAN TIGER IN BIS LAIR. On a small rock-bound island, distant but a few miles from the spot where the brig was so lately at tacked, stood the pirates’ rendezvous, To all out- ward appearance it seemed nothing more than a barren, deserted spot, gees on every hand by dangerous reefs, over which the long billows dashed Aone Viewed from seaward, it seemed an in- accessible island and nothing more. " For all that, there was a channel enente it by devious paths among the sharp rocks and submarine reefs—a channel barely widé and, deep enough to admit the pirates’ schooner, and which ended in a smooth rock-bound basin, which a jutting cliff effect» ually screened from any prying eyes seaward, should any such chance to pass the spot. Half-way up that steep ledge, and hollowed in the rock itself, stood the quarters of Pedro Santillez, the dreaded pirate chief. A small window, easily concealed if sleeping-room. ; The place was reached by a succession of narrow stairs hewn in the face of the rocks; and at their foot, an armed pirate always stood upon guard. The main room of the pirate’s quarters were some twenty feet square. With the exception of a small turkish rug in the center, the rocky floor was bare. The rest of the apartment, however, was furnished in the most costly manner. The choicest treasures of every clime had been brought into service to satisfy the pirate’s fastidious taste. Maps, charts, and weapons of every description, from Malay kreese with its razor-like edge, to the a modern blade of civilization, were upon the walls. The center of the apartment was occupied by a small Leinsorney carved table, while the rest of the furniture was in keeping with it. From the main apartment two doors led to rooms adjoining. nderneath the brightly colored rug was a small trap-door, leading by a secret staircase to the treas- ure cave below, In those quarters no man of his crew ever ventured without an express command. : His followers were provided with a number of low huts on the open space behind the cliffs. It was early in the morning. Seated at the table, now spread with a snowy cloth and resplendent in silver vessels, the pirate chief was quietly eating his breakfast. Close behind him stood a dwarf awaiting his master’s orders, Pedro Santillez seemed a man of thirty or there- abouts, A trifle above the medium hight, he pos- sessed a frame powerful in proportion. |'He was clothed in a rich suit of black velvet, ornamented with buttons of gold. Around his waist beneath the belt containig “is weapons, was a knotted sash of heavy crimson silk which showed in rich contrast against its velvet background. In his belt were thrust a pair of handsomely mounted pistols. His keen, heavy cutlass was missing, but in its place a small and keen poniard. His black wavy hair was yok concealed by a close-fitting-skull cap matching his suit and sur- mounted by a large golden tassel. A B eo of heavy boots reaching to his knees, in- cased his feet. “A fine-looking man,"' would be the general ver- dict on first glancing at his well-shaped features. His actions, too, were easy and graceful like those of one accustomed to the best society. Still, a hele siognomist, studying his face closely, would ve distrusted those thin, bloodless lips and cat-like, un- ving a wide view seaward, and esired, opened from the pirate’s #@asy eyes; and in truth his was a nature insensible Selfish- passions of his life. to the finer emotions of the human heart. ness and cruelty were the ruling gine) ee a oma tore racemes ergy
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&y _ cigar. hen he strolled over to his window and looked out, _A sail rounding the neighboring headland imme- diately attracted his eye. Snatching a telescope from its bracket, he gazed long and earnestly at the Gpproaching craft. A cruel, vindictive smile spread | over his face as he did so. “So, ho!® he muttered, savagely, ‘‘ my burly Trux- illo has been tn a fight with the schooner, it appears! My pretty ‘Isabelle’ has lost her main-topmast; and there’s a couple of shot-holes in her canvas. But never mind, my beauty, you shall be amply avenged for it all, never fear.” : He touched a cali-bell as he spoke, and instantly | the dwarf appeared before him, Terribly misshapen, he possessed, nevertheless, a frame as powerful as | that of a gorilla. “Baba, my beauty,” said the pirate chief, grimly, * go down and tell the men below to stand by to give the ‘Isabelle’ a hand in picking up her cable; and as soon as the schooner is secured, i wish Truxillo to come to me.” ‘Si, senor,”’ responded the dwarf, as he hurried off to obey his master’s orders. Very ook eek with a quick, cat-like tread, San- titiez paced his apartment, Often he would stop to again criticise the schooner, now working her way into the channel. J At length the rotting of the blocks, as the sails were lowered, told him that the schooner was at an- chor in her asual place. A few moments afterward, the burly form of Trux- fllo was seen hobbling ashore with the aid of crutches. “ Ah, ha!” sneered the pirate, with a demoniac smile. “So it seems that my drunken lieutenant has received his own share of bad luck! Never mind, my man; it’s only another item in the long list I've ot against your name.” ie ee Oo) dowly and laboriously made his way up | the steep stairway. : At last, after many muttered curses at the pain the effort cost him, he reached the narrow oar fronting the pirate’s quarters and knocked at the door. ‘‘Ceme in, Truxillo!” said the chief, in a hard, metallic tone. ‘ You're rather a stranger to these parts, Let me see; I believe, three months since, | ou left us for a cruise, Lost a leg, too, it seems? | po ell, it might have been your neck just as well. | Take a chair yonder, and let me hear how you have enjoyed yourself with my pretty schooner. he words were spoken in a mock-humorous tone that foreboded mischief; and the lieutenant realized that his neaster was in one of his dangerous moods. He waited sulle for an opportunity to speak; but, ae running rs in that same strain, the chief continued: ‘Been in a bad blow, too, I suppose? I see the main-topmast is carried away. great pity, too, for it was a shapely spar. By the way, I noticed a couple of patches in your canvas. They looked as if they m a have been made with round-shot, but that can hardly be.” “What's the use of growling over bad luck when if, can’t be jelped, senor?’’ retorted the late com- mander of the schooner. : ‘ “ Bad luck, 2h?’ retorted the chief, with a danger- ous curl of his thin lips that showed his gleaming white teeth. “Has it come to pass, then, that my pretty Isabelle aas esca so often under my charge only to begin it in your hands?”’ “So it seems, senor,” replied Truxillo, sullenly. “A wan can only do ris best and if luck is against him —why, that’s the 2nd of it.” “T'don’t iike to hear of bad luck,” replied the chief, with a wicked glitter in his dark eyes. ‘‘ How did you lose that leg? Did you tumble down a hatch- way in a drunken fit, or how?”’ “Tf you'll only stop bee chaffing I'll tell you all about it, senor,” growled Truxillo, “Thefactis, we overhauled several craft on the start without getting anything much worth our trouble. I didn’t care to come back empty-handed, Yesterday afternoon we sighted a brig, which looked as if she might be worth the risk. As soon as it was dark we ran down to her with a gentle breeze, Afore they knew it, we had full possession of her deck, She wasa trader from *Rio’ me in lookin’ over her papers I spied the name of a woman passenger. “You eae her along, of course. Where is she nh asked the pirate, his scowl relaxing, some- ah it. ‘| tried to,” was the reply, “ but to tell the truth, I was interrupted by the mate who was a regular devil. He got clean away from three of us. We chased him on deck but he turned as quick as light- ning and settled two men, Afore I could fire but one pistol, he had picked me re in his. arms like a baby and flung me clean over the stern. The boys in the schooner pulled me out but not afore an in- fernal shark had grabbed my leg.” “So you came short by @ foot,” said the with a harsh laugh. seems; go ahead, A fine revenge you must have taken for all this.” 5 “J would, if [had been given time,” was the reply. * Just as I was getting ready to go back on the brig irate, what should we see but a cruiser bearing down upon | ” ‘“\ Where was your look-out?” ‘On deck with the rest of the boys, I believe; at any rate, the first we knew the cruiser was close aboard.” “And you ran?” “ Not ators we had passed a keg of powder aboard” “This is getting interesting, it | Having finished his meal, Santillez carelessly lit a / | replied Truxillo, his ey~s glowing with the recollec- | first privilege to éxplain your strange conduct,” | calmly upon those of the pirate, | sneer; * have ing next to him; and very volubly he proceeded to the brig with a five-minutes fuse,” replied Truxillo, growing nervous as he spoke. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. CHAPTER VI. PIRATE AGAINST PIRATE. Tne burly lieutenant knew that what was to come would anger the chief far more than anything he had yet told. ‘*You see, senor,”” he continued, “ the brig’s crew had retreated to the fo’castle and barred themselves | in, The mate I was telling you of had got clear of | our men, and diving into the cabin, shot the bolts. There wasn’t time to smoke ’em out, so we just lighted the fuse and left.” “So all you gained by the attack was the loss of | a keg of powder and the blowing up of the brig, it seems,” snarled the chief. *‘And the woman went | down with the vessel, of course. Was she old and ugly, as usual?” "AS retty e craft as ever I laid eyes_on, senor,” y : tion of her beauty. ** Bad luck was with us all through the affair. We hadn’t time to scuttle the craft as usual, and some- how or other, the powder didn’t explode.’ ** What!” cried the chief, with a sudden start that made the lieutenant jump. He saw the dark storm gathering in his leader’s face, and yet there was nothing left him but to make a clean breast of if all. So he proceeded to describe the chase and the man- ner in which he had at last evaded the enemy. “That isn’t all, senor,’ he added; “for that same night the crew laid a plan to kill me and seize the schooner.” : The chief’s eyes flashed lightning. ‘* Why should they to do that?’’ he asked. ‘Well, you see, senor,”’ began the lieutenant, un- easily, ‘‘ I shot the man who bungled the job in blow- ing up the brig. It happened to be Pedillo, one of the two that pulled me out of the water. The crew seemed to think I ought to have spared him, for that, I believe.” “ How did you find it out?” “Through one of the crew, senor. Hecame to me and told I clapped the ringleaders in irons at once and locked ’em up. The fellow, John Frazer, that you've allowed so much liberty to, was at the head of it all. You see, the crew didn’t suspect who had betrayed ‘em, so they was sort of confused.”’ ** John Frazer was the ringleader, you say?” asked the pirate chief, who had now recovered his com- sure. “Yes, senor; I had a notion at first to string him up at once, but then I thought I’d better wait till I had seen you.”’ “Lucky you did,” said the chief sternly, in tones of mingled scorn and passion, Thén suddenly check- ing himself, he said, a Go down and assemble the men on shore at once; then brin: Fg? prisoners ashore and wait till Icome. I will join you as soon as possible.” With these words and an pre glance toward the open door, the pirate chief closed the interview. A very short time afterward he appeared in the pi- rates’ quarters, where his coming had been awaited. On the left arm of the pirate chief, rested a long coil of snowy white cotton rope, light but strong, In the end of it was fixed a running noose, Across a stunted palm tree ee close by. there hung a short, stout spar having a block affixed to one end. “Up, now, and reeve our halliards!” exclaimed | the pirate, tossing the coil to the man nearest him. The prisoners, four of them, and still tightly bound, stood silently watching the proceedings. John Frazer, the man who was to have been,their | leader, was as cool and collected as if he was only to | be aywitness of the scene. He, at least, was pre- | ared to meet his death with the same brave front he had always shown. } : As the long rope came twisting and squirming round to the ground, the pirate chief stepped in the midst of his followers. T _ were black looks gath- ering upon the faces of the pirates, as, with low- ering brows, they watched the proceedings. The pinioned men were watched with looks of co- vert sympathy. They looked like men who only awaited a leader to break out into open revolt—all of which did not escape *” 2 sharp eyes of Pedro Santil- lez. a ; Striding fearlessly among them, he held up his hand as a si for silence. ; “Men,” said he, in deep, determined tones, ‘ you all know that the late cruise of the Isabelle was a most unlucky one. Only afew paltry ounces of gold has been added to our treasure store, while, to offset that our gallant Isabelle has been battered up until she looks like an old drogher. But, as if-that was not sufficient for one trip you must plot.to get up a mutiny on board.” Darting a terrible glance upon the pinioned men, and from them to the dangling rope, he proceeded: **T do not propose to be unjust, and hang a man without a hearing. John Frazer, you shall have the The man addressed fixed his eyes quietly and ‘Tf you hope to hear an excuse from me you will be disappointed,” said he. ‘‘I only regret that we failed.’ ; “You admit the fact then,” ou no defense? ** Not a word that could influence your cruel heart, you monster,”’ was the defiant paige “7 have, though,” said another of the gang, stand- said the pirate, with a | narrate the cause of disaffection among them, and the particulars of Pedillo’s death. A low murmur of anger ran through the crowd as | they listened, and many were the black looks be- stowed upon the lieutenant standing by. ae “Tt was a piece of ingratitude, I admit,” said on cme the chief, sternly; * but even that waz no excuse for mutiny.’ Turning toward the remain pirates, he said: “Now, my brave lads, I shall make you the judges in this case. Shall you string up these men alone, for wishing to avenge your companion, or ’~—with a glance full of mafediction on Truxilio— shall we first run up the man whose drunken and care less management has been the cause of-all the trouble?” Acry of surprise and approval broke from the throats of the swarthy crowd, The bull-dog face of the lieutenant presented a picture of rage and terror. The cry broke into a roar. “Hang the lieutenant, senor chief! lieutenant!” “You hear the verdict, Truxillo,”’ said the pirate, addressing him in tones of mock regret. Your mates have heard the case and decided against you. Well, sobeit. It will be only the end of your usual bad luck, you see.” The cowed villain made no reply to these taunts. His right hand slipped to his side. Then he quickly snatched a pistol from his belt. He raised the Hang the weapon to avenge himself upon the chief, who had Ying 'y been instrumental in securing his death sen- mce, But, the k, keen eye of Pedro Santillez had no ticed the lthy movement. Quick as lightning, almost, his right described a circle in the air. There was a flash of bright steel in the sunlight. The next instant the voniard of the chief, flying with deadly precision through the air, bu its point deep in the villain’s wrist. Truxillo dropped his pistol with a howlof rage and “Seize him, lads, before he tries any more tricks,” said Santillez, coolly. In another moment the doomed lieutenant was bound and helpless in their hands. “Up with him,” ordered the chief, in the same hard, cruel tones. ‘Careful, there, of that injured leg, though it will not long trouble him now.” Despite the terrible struggles of the villain, the fatal noose was slipped over his head and drawn Ment. ith a fiendish yell, a dozen of the pare ees the other end and ran him up to the block, body bringing up against it with a sharp jerk. There were a few by iain, 3 np a quiver of the massive limbs, and then the hardened scoundrel was aeady The only pity was that his executioners who so richly deserved the same treatment, escaped the same fate. Satisfied that life was extinct, Santillez directed the body to be lowered. Once more the noose was readjusted in prepara. tion for the next victim, CHAPTER VII. SANTILLEZ'’S DARING GAME, Nor one of the pirates but was certain that John Frazer would be the next man to pay the penalty for his rashness. ; ** Release all but John Frazer,’’ commanded San- tillez, sternly. ‘‘As for you,” said he, to Frazer, “I have a word to say. You saved my life some two months ago, and I owe you something for that. Mu- tiny even among pirates deserves punishment by death, StillI am not the ungrateful dog that Truxilo was. A life for a life, says an old maxim, and I spare yours this time.” A cheer broke from the pirates’ lips, for John Frazer’s courage had now the sympathy of all. ‘*Remember,”’ added Santillez, sternly, ‘* we stand quits now.’ The first suspicious move on your part will be the signal for the death you have this time so narrowly escaped. Release him, men.” This order was obeyed with alacrity. It looked like a most magnanimous act on the part of their bold leader. Little did they suspect that the crafty Santillez had decided m that very result, u | the instant the lieutenant had finished his report. Frazer, he took his release from death as pers Aaa he had prepared to meet it. Not a muscle of face had changed through- out the whole terrible scene. As the cords dropped from his wrists, he gave the chief one undaunted glance and walked quietly away, without a word. ‘*Sancho,” said the chief, turning to one of his men, ‘from this moment you are next in command, Ferdinand, I appoint you second lieutenant of our crew. Tell Carlos that my men are to have a double allowance of liquor, to-night. Ah, here he comes I wonder what brings him hither, in such haste?” The pirates, who had begun to scatter, quickly re- gathered as they saw the man stavioned on the look- out hurrying toward them. Out of breath nearly, from his rapid haste, the et managed to gasp, as he hastily touched his at: As for the man, John senor chief, and she looks "A vessel in the offing, chased us off Jamaica, twe like the ‘cruiser who c years ago.”’ : “Tt’s the same one that chased us last nigh then,” remarked one of the men, who had form | one of the Isabelle’s crew. “To your posts, every man!" ordered the chief. ‘*T will go to the look-out at once and see if Carlos is right. Sancho, you will get ready the carronades on the cliff. We'll give yonder chap all the work he wants if he grows too inquisitive.” So saying, the pirate strode with rapid steps to his quarters on the cliff. Taking up his most powerful | telescope, he leveled it at the sail visible in the dis. tance. “Full-rigged and carrying royal-masts,” he mut- : 3 |
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ee hymen Melny ges 1S EA REL SRR Ss one sera éered sav: **Can it be that the drunken scoun- agely. drel I have just hung has betrayed the Rarer ae of | es, | the Isabelle in some of his carousals ashore? that is the Vixen, asI live} Curses on the Yankee! He is heading straight for the island! Well, then, if he insists upon it, we will give him a warm recep- tion.” It was late in the afternoon before the distant sail Peecrcue near endugh for her hull to be plainly ble from the island. The breeze was but a light one, pen ah re | the cruiser was able to make but slow progress. Nearing the island, she fell off a few points, until her whole length was visible. From his post of observation, the pirate saw that their glasses were leveled on the island, but San- tillez’s foresight had already provided for this emer- gency. The vines trained over his window effectually con- cealed him. As for the schooner, screened as she was behind the bold bluff, she was as effectually concealed as if she had not existed. Neither was a trace of human habitation visible from the sea, while the pirate’s crew had been or- dered to remain out of sight. The cruiser, however, acted as if she had resolved to investigate the island still more closely. ; In a short time she went about again, now running a course parallel with the reefs beyond. “He means to stand off and on until morning,” muttered the pirate. chances are he will be far enough from power to harm us by that time. If I’m not mistaken in m reckoning, and the barometer is not a liar, there wi be an old-fashioned hurricane in these parts before morning. Those reefs yonder would make a fine end of the reckless Yankee. By all the saints!” he added, suddenly, ‘she shal bleach her bones there, if it’s in my power to make her!” A sudden ing resolution had taken possession of the pirate chief. ‘ Summoning Sancho to his side, he gave him a few hurried orders. “Have the schooner’s heavy canvas bent at once. Make everything secure on her decks, and be ready to slip the cable at a moment’s notice. By the by, you can countermand the order for a double allow- ance to the aes om steady hands for the work before us this he new lieutenant had been conducted through the secret staircase. In turning to depart, he was about to pass out the other door, **Stop! you fool!” cried the pirate, fiercely. ‘‘ Don’t ou know that there’s a dozen glasses watching this nd, every moment? Take the secret stairway, by which you came, and caution the men again, not to show so much as a head to those Yankees yonder. Away with you at once.” The red sun sunk in the ocean with an angry lare. Far off in the horizon appeared a small cloud, owly wing larger and ominous of mischief; then Ae ann clo upon the scene, with the cruiser still hovering near the island. Already the schooner had been prepared for ser- vice. The sails, so recently reefed by his orders, were set when he reached her decks. Her bows ahi with the tide, were already pointing toward e sea. In a very few moments the cable was slipped that — her. Then she began to gather headway for her Never before had the gallant schooner passed through that channel save by daylight. It was dangerous even then; but doubly so in the darkness of the night. Santillez himself seized the wheel. With his black eyes seeming to pierce the dark- ness, ke steered toward the opening. The wind had been rising rapidly. Already it was blowing in a manner suggestive of worse to come. “Send the men aft,’’ commanded Santillez quietly. In a few moments the crew were assembled before “My brave men,” said he, coolly, ‘you have seen the cruiser yonder, watching our islandallday. She is still suspicious of the place for she seems to be waiting until to-morrow’s sun to make a closer exami- Nation. In spite of all our security, the Yankees number us two to one, so it would never do to give them a foot- on the island. This is the third time yonder ves- gel has been on our track and it shall be the last. Be- fore the morning dawns, this infernai Yankee shall be crushed to pieces on the reefs or our brave ‘‘ Isa- belle ’’ shall herself to the bottom. The ocean is not wide enough for both of us. Once forall it shall be settled between us. What say you, men?” A hoarse cheer was his answer. “Good! And now to your posts. Let no man flinch from his duty this night.” CHAPTER VIII. "HE SEA RACE THe wind to whistle ominously through the Isabelle’s as _she gathered headway and rounded the hat shut her off from the sea. The darkness of the night was intense. It leoked as if no mortal eye could pierce the gloom that surround- Standing aft, his muscular hands ing the spokes of the wheel, the Sta chief s reso aed to his dan us task. is cat-like eyes seemed in- deed abie pierce that intense darkness, Anon he would cast a swift glance over the side, as the hoarse voice of the breakers sounded nearer than Then a few swift turns of the wheel and they would glide safely by the dangerous obstacle. 7 Fae er ep frase ee” a, | speak when I call on him! “Well, if he does that, the | gang, at present, We will need clear’ | through the scudding clouds, | tagonists were enabied to get occasional glimpses of The Ocean Bioodhound. Holding their very breath in fear, the crew stood firm to their posts. With - their confidence in their leader’s nerve and skill, they felt that they were engaged in a most daring and desperate un- dertaking. The swerving of a schooner’s breadth from that narrow channel, would dash their light vessel like an eggshell on the treacherous rocks, The silence of the scene was unbroken save by an occasional sharp order from their leader as he directed a pull on the sheets to turn her course. At length after what seemed to be an endless half- hour to the waiting crew, they heard the roar of the breakers disappearing behind them. They had run that dangerous gantlet in safety, thanks to the iron nerve of their leaGer. ““A narrow shave,’ he muttered coolly; “ but a miss is as good as amile, Now then, to see whether that cursed Truxillo has left his bad-luck as a legacy to the schooner. Slack off your sheets, men,” he ee as he allowed the schooner’s heac to fall off a rifle, ‘““So then! Belay all! Now, off with that cover from the long-tom amidships! Get kim ready to ok to the carronades for’ard, and see them in order.” The schooner began to dart ahead with increased speed in the rising wind. Buoyant as a bird she rose and fell as she dashed on. Surrendering the wheel to his lieutenant, Sancho, the pirate chief strode forward to the bows. There he stood with his hand to his ear, straining forward to catch the slightest sound, For some time he remained motionless. ‘Hal’ he exclaimed, suddenly, as the quick rat- | tle of sheaves in the blocks and the flapping of reet points against the canvas was borne to his ears. “The * Vixen’ has gone about, I aes We'll be across her bows in ten minutes more. Is the long- tom ready, boys?” * All ready, senor captain,” ‘* Stand by to fire when I give the order, Ferdinand! We'll make that Yankee think he has stirred up a hornets’ nest before we're through with him.” Still, nothing could be seen in the darkness to de- note the presence of their enemy, which as a meas- = of precaution, had omitted to show her side- ights. ut, the sharp eyes of the pirate had seen more than his men. The faint glow of a lantern in the officers’ wardroom glimmered through the port and revealed to Santillez’s eyes the position of his ene- my. % Luff a little, Sancho,” said he, striding aft. “There, steady you go!” On- rushed the saucy schooner in a direction cal- culated to carry her ctly across the bows of her enemy. rion of the pirates, with a burning fuse concealed under his tarpaulin, stood by the breach of the long- tom amidships. “ Ready!" cried Santillez, in the same low tone, as the wash of the water under the cruiser’s bows be- came plainly audible to their ears, “ Hire!” he cried the next moment, as a dark ob- ject loomed up on their lee-beam, There was a loud report and the iron messenger went crashing into the bulwarks of their enemy. ‘Well done, boys," cried the pirate, exult ngly “Hard up your helm, Sancho! e'll give the Yan- kee another dose before he wakes up.’ The schooner, careening over until her lee-rail swept the water, swung ley 4 on her keel and made for her antagonist in. But the pirate had mistaken the time it would take for the Yankee to “wake up.’ Before the schooner could deliver her second at- tack and take to her heels, the keen, shrill whistle of a boatswain-pipe came to the pirate’s ears. ‘* All hands to quarters! Clear away your guns!”’ The next moment, the Yankee’s ports dropped as if by magic ard dozens of battle-lanterns gleamed through the darkness like so many fire-flies. The pirate saw that he had made a mistake; but there was nothing left now but to carry out his man- euvre and take his chances. Again his long-tom spoke as they swept under the enemy’s stern. As she did so, the ecruiser’s head fell off until her broadside was brought to bear. “Ready! Fire!’’ came the quick, sharp tones of her commander. A dozen iron throats belched forth their missives of destruction at the same instant. , Unfortunately for the cruiser, the schooner had at that instant sunk into the hollow of a huge wave, and the iron messengers meant for her destruction, passed through her rigging with little Gangs. By this time, the moon began to show her face y which the two an- each other. As it stood, the cruiser had the weather-gauge, a fact that her commander was not slow to recognize, Contrary to their expectations the pirate wore short round on his heel, and with his sails wide spread, like a flying bird, he darted on with a free wind. ‘What think you of that maneuver, Mr. Jones?” asked the commander of the Vixen, addressing his first-lieutenant, who stood beside him. A “Tt appears to me like a ruse of some kind, sir, re- plied the young man respectfully. ‘‘He must know hat we can overhaul him before long with the wind free for us who carry the most canvas.’ fe “The fellow is evidently prepared for hard work, averred Captain Clark, thoughtfully. ‘IT see he is reefed down as if he expected hea weather, and I would not be surprised if he right.” 5 qui + Henk 80, too, sir,’’ the young officer responded, etly. “Mr, Jones,” remarked the captain, slowly, “if you were in command of this ship what would you do under the circumstances?” “Do?” was the prompt reply, “‘I’d run that seoun- drel to the bottom, or carry away every mast in the attempt.”’ ‘**Bravo!l”’ said the captain, with a quict suse. ‘“You’re a man after my own heart, sir. Well, that is jus the decision 7came to from the moment that fellow showed his teeth. It bothers me, though,” he added, ‘‘to see how he managed to track us 80 suddenly, We are evidently mistaken in the charac- ter of the island we've been watching all day, Even had a vessel been concealed behind those rocks, she could not have run out through those reefs in this darkness.” “Tt certainly does look impossible, replied the offi- eer. “It strikes me, sir, he has got news of our movements through stopping at some of the islands we have lately visited. You know, the majority of these islanders are in sympathy and collusion with these scoundrels.” “*T believe you, Mr. Jones,” said the captain, con- fidently. ‘‘Some years ago I was in pursuit of this same sea rover. We had Got upon his tracks after a at deal of trouble, and fancied we should soon ave the pleasure of capturing him, We even knew his place of resort. Well, we ran down in that direc- tion only to find that he had ggg his followers, acked up his treasures and left. We did get upon nis track afterward, itis true, but he had too much lead for us to capture him, I learned later that a Spaniard on a neighboring island at whose house we had been well received, was the traitor who had be- trayed our purpose to the buccaneer,”’ “Speaking of traitors, sir,” responded the you officer, “reminds me that I have pretty good evi- dence there is one among the pirates.” “A traitor among the pirates?’ repeated the cap. tain in amazement. ““What grounds have you for making such a strange declaration?” “Very good ones, indeed, sir. You remember those fellows tried to blow up the brig when we sur- prised them so suddenly?” “Yes; but what has that got do with your state- ment? I remember that we were the gainers by u keg of powder in that transaction,” said Captain Clark, with an amused simile. “Nothing, sir!’’ was the dry reply; “ only I hearti- ly wish that all the powder in the pirate’s magazine was of the same qu , Ot “You awaken my Yankee curiosity, sir; please speak out at once and keep me no longer in sus- pense, ‘Well, sir, in plain words, the keg of adie left to ris up the brig was in reality only a keg of black sand.” CHAPTER IX. A DARE-DEVIL CHASE, THE commander of the “ Vixen” uttered a low whistle of surprise. “How did you happen to make this discovery, Mr, Jones?” he asked, “Well, sir, one of the men told me that the fuse had burned completely up before our second cutter reached the brig It puzzled me some to see how it had failed to igrite the powder. Afterward I exam- ined the keg and became convinced that it was really black sand, In order to assure myself that there could be no mistake, I took a small portion and touched a match to it. It failed to ex lode, and I afterward threw another small quantity in the cook’s galley, with the same result.” “That is a very queer discovery,” said Captain Clark, thoughtfully, ‘*One thing is certain; those scoundrels are not given to Bn Sed Bag jokes,” “IT think, sir,’’ remarked the lieutenant, “‘ that they have a traitor on board; or, rather, Some person who is trying to thwart them by every possible means It must be some one of considerable influence also, or he would not get the opportunity te make such a substitution as that." “Look!” cried the captain, once more glancing toward the schooner, “ we're gaining re idly on the rascals, Ah! the P kd is grees | or the southern end of the island, It must be there is a passage somewhere through the reefs that he is acquainted with. If he gets into the i? water beyond he will be very apt to vei through our fingers. Well, we will soon see whether he is able to trick us so éasi- The wind by this time had increased almost to a gale, The “ Vixen'’s’’ masts bent under her heavy press of canvas, for, as yet, not a single reef ntaken. Her massive shrouds st htened out under the strain until they stood rigid as iron bars. Every moment it seemed as if something must give way under that terrible force. And stil] the comman- der of the Vixen watched the chase, his eyes restin Reon ceaty: on the straining masts with looks anxiety. All possible precautions had been duly taken. Pre- venter-braces and stays: chafing-wales to prevent wear on rigging, and every ay emncd to guard ate accident were long since in their places, pidly the heavy cruiser was gaining upon her lighter-heeled but more cautious adversary, Four inen now, instead of the usual two, s' by the heavy double wheel. Even then it was no easy mat- sab keep control of the rudder in that heavy wind and sea, : Suddenly a sound from aloft broke upon their ears like the report of a cannon. All eyes were turned upward enly in time to see a mass of white disap 2
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6 ; Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. ear in the darkness ahead, like a flying cloud. The oretopsail had been blown clear out of the bolt-ropes. ‘Twill catch the pirate before we @%, at that rate,’’.said Captain Clark, grimly, ‘‘ but we can af- ford a dozen suchif we can only run down our game.” He then gave orders to get a new top-sail from the | sail-room and bend it at once. In a very short time the empty yard was crowded with daring sailors. It was no child’s Bey, they were now called upon to ac- complish. And yet, in twenty minutes’ time a new top-sail had been sheeted home and mast-headed, by a hundred powerful arms. “Every moment tells now,’ said Captain Clark, “Tf it wasn’t for deadening our headway, poy fully. *d be tempted to send him our compliments from | the bow.gun. Never mind, though; let us*once get | near enough and we'll give him a dose that will be ae more effective, Ah! there he goes, as I expect- ! opening in yonder reef. Go for’ard, Mr. Jones, and watch his course if you can. The Vixen shall follow him through there or go to the bottom in the effort. It shall never be said that a Yankee has been out- done in daring by a scoundrelly pirate.” Even with a moderate breeze, and by daylight, the run through that long, winding, narrow passage was a most desperate undertaking. It can be easily imagined, then, what nerves of steel were required to attempt itin the darkness. Overhead, the wind howled and shrieked like de- mons clamoring for their prey, and the black clouds scudding across the heavens occasionally shutting out fora moment the moon’s fitful light. On dashed the pirate schooner, however, through the narrow opening, which, a short distance away, was scarcely Reeeuee. Pedro Santillez had determined to run that gant- let, at. all hazards. Too well he knew the de- termined character of the cruiser’s commander be- hind him, It was on that same reckless disregard of danger that he had counted from thestart. He knew that there were but seventeen feet of water in the passage at high tide, while the cruiser astern drew eighteen, at least. At that moment—by his calcula- tion—the depth was not more than sixteen feet, scarcely sufficient to clear the keel of his own vessel. | | tense darkness was sf on the scene. 2 Should the cruiser then attempt to follow, she must certainly be dashed to pieces upon the cruel rocks. Away. like .a. bird, the pirate schooner dashed through the entrance. sharp, black rocks reared their angry heads, while the surf breaking over them was thrown high in the air in crested foam. Hardly a cable's length behind her came the gal- lant cruiser, her captain watching everything with a critical eye, Far out on her bowsprit, wet to the skin with the dashing spray, the brave young lieutenant watched and noted every turn and twist of their slippery enemy. ; ae On! on! rushed the frigate like a creature of life that seemed to have caught and shared the excite- ment of the chase. She, too, now has entered the narrowest part of the pcre. Starboard!” cried the young officer, in clear, ring- ing words, which are passed from mouth to mouth to the helmsman, for no human voice can be heard far in that gale, The huge ship changes her course a trifle, just in time to avoid a sharp section of the reef. So narrow was the escape that a broad strip of paint was scraped in an instant from her painted sides. “ Bteady 1” and she is off again in the chase. And 80 qaiekly and. surely came the orders from the look-out that the huge cruiser doubles and bends safely through the tortuous channel. Far beyond, they could see the clear open sea, the int for which the pirate chief washeading. Stand- ng by the wheel, the latter individual was keenly watching every movement of his determined’ adver- sary, and every moment he expected to see her dash- ed to-pieces upon the rocks.’ But, minute after minute pantey and yet the expected catastrophe came ni * Curses on her luck!” he muttered, ‘She seems to bear a charmed life, May her helmsman’s arm be oar lyzed, but I fear she will run through, after all. ‘(ue pirate had left out one most important item in his ealeulation. He had not considered the fact that the strong gale was driving the waters in to an yousups Copth. His only hope now was that his adversary might make the least mistake; for the smallest deviation from that narrow channel meant instant destruc- tion. * At Jeast we shall ave him a pretty chase,” he gsnaried as he gla toward the open sea just ahead; Still onward came the cruiser, her bows answeri promptly, to the rudder. Once only her keel gra sharply on the rocks, beneath as she ed over an unusually shallow spot; but, never for an instant did she lose her flying headway. The schooner's knife-like bows emerged into the n sea. , ‘Good!’ muttered the pirate; ‘‘ we are safely out of that scrape at last.” The next vt his helm was put hard down. As the Isabelle's head came up in the wind, the sheets were flattened and away she flew, Teepe over with the force of the e and heading well up in the wind’s eye. CHAPTER X. THE ILL-OMEN. Ox, swept the Vixen, resistless as fate. She too made the opening safely and her d r was “Wow, my boys,” roared Captain Clark, pone On either side of her, the | He is heading his vessel through that narrow | his trumpet, “round in the lee braces! Aloft, some of you, and—”’ ut before he could complete the sentence a gust of wind struck the devoted ship with the force of an avalanche. Away went her canvas, torn into ribbons, and away went the fore-topmast broken short off at the cap! The race was lost / A ery of triumph, swallowed up in the shrieking storm, broke from the lips of the pirate’s crew. Their own craft had heeled far over under that blast, but righted instantly and dashed gayly on. There were heavy hearts on board the “ Vixen" at that moment. ‘That ends the chase, for this season,” said Cap- tain Clark, bore “How those scoundrels must enjoy this sight. Yonder they go, as saucy and de- fiant as ever, and I dare not even cast loose a gun in this heavy sea.” Under nothing but bare poles, the cruiser’s head was put before the wind, while the crew were busil engaged in getting new sails bent on the topsail rards. Quietly and rapidly they worked at their sk. Then the new canvas was close-reefed, the staysail set e<-, shey once more headed up in the wind. s Captain Clark still held a faint hope that some- thing might, meanwhile, happen to disable his oppo- nent and give him a chance to overtake her. The wreck of the foretopmast, banging to lee- ward, was cut adrift, for it was impossible to save it | then. Sea after sea struck and broke over the cruiser’s bows, but the ship was -aidy and stanch, and it did no other injury than drenching her crew. And still the wind increased in violence until they were at last compelled to take in the mizzen topsail, already closely reefed. It was indeed a regular hurricane, such as the pi- rate had counted upon and prepared for. The black clouds by this time had shut out all light, teat | his course impossible to be noted by the ‘* Vixen.” The last the frigate saw of the schooner she was flying on as lightly asa bird. Then that pall of in- “Pipe down the watch below!’ shouted Captain Clark, when the last traces of the wreck had been cleared away. ‘‘ Let the watch on deck examine the guns and see toit that they are securely lashed. Let the life-lines bestretched along the deck. “We will be able to do no more with that rascal until we have run into port and’repaired damages, I fear. The scoundrels are game to the backbone, that’s certain. Who would have thought they would have dared to pitch into us in that lively manner?” He passed his trumpet to the officer of the deck as he spoke, and, with a sigh of regret, descended the companion-way to his cabin, Meanwhile the crew of the Isabelle were jubilant over their escape. Close-hauled on the wind, they knew that no square-rigged vessel could hope to catch her, Pedro Santillez was alone pearponte’ with the re- sult, The marvelous escape of the cruiser in running | that narrow gantlet troubled him. Notwithstanding the calamity that had afterward overtaken her, he looked upon it as an ill-omen. True, his enemy was temporarily disabled from pares, but then, the broken spars could be replaced an en— He ground his teeth in rage as he whopent of what would then ensue, Any other man in his position would have at once resolved to leave the locality which had grown so warm, to continue his career where he would meet with less persistent enemies; but this pirate’s blood was up and he stubbornly re- solved to fight it out. *“No,” he growled, ‘I'll beat that infernal Yankee yet, or go to the bottom in the attempt. At least,’ e added, as he descended into his cabin, ‘I can blow the schooner to atoms if the worst comes to the worst. It shall never be said that they captured her, If I must be conquered, I shall die a death be- fitting my name.”’ He glanced, as he spoke, toward the end of a fuse projecting through a hole in the cabin bulkhead, Of all on board, Pedro Santillez alone knew that the other end of that fuse connected with the maga- zine, and there was sufficient powder therein to blow them all to atoms in the twinkling of an eye. | The thought seemed in a measure to calm his un- easy feelings. Going to his locker, he took out a brandy bottle, and tossed a huge bumper down his capacious throat. He was beginning to recover his confidence, At that moment there was a tap at his door, and he turned to see the crafty face of his lieutenant Sancho, peering into the room, “What now?” demanded the chief, ree ‘Pardon, senor,”’ was the reply; * but one of the men has top been washed down in the lee-scuppers by the last heavy sea that struck us, We got him out as soon as possible, but he’s badly hurt. Some - ims ribs are mashed in, and I think his left arm is roken.”’ *What’s all that to me, thaf you should trouble me about it?” demanded the pirate, in some irrita- tion. ‘‘Couldn’t you send Frazer to him at once, without disturbing me?”’ ‘* John Frazer, senor?” “Gertainly! Must I speak twice before you can get my words through your thick skull?” } “But, senor captain, it is impossible; the man is not on board.” A red flush of e swept over the pirate’s face. His eyes. + pen th a dangerous light, but, con- trolling himself by an effort, he said, sharply: “Surely, you must be mistaken, Ganann I my- _-- self told you to see to it that every man except Baba should be on board this night, and you have never disobeyed me before.” ‘Nor did I this time, senor. board when we raised our sails. John Frazer was on I myself saw him | while we were cutting the cable, and so did the rest of the crew.”’ ‘* Then he must be here now, unless he has been washed overboard,” said the pirate, decidedly; but, as the recollection of the individual’s courage and daring came over his mind, he changed color, What if John Frazer were at that moment en- aged in some plan to disable the vessel, and throw 1er in the hands of theirenemy? And there was the unguarded powder-magazine! “Let the schooner be thoroughly searched at once,” the pirate sternly ordered. ‘‘ Not a place big enough for a rat must be missed. You will fin him, never fear, and when you do, tie him securely, ae ag him a me.”” ancho turned away to give the necessary orders, while the pirate chie hasdlly grasped the end of the prongs fuse, and drew it through into the cabin, J A dozen yards of it lay at his feet as he finished. “T nearly forgot that,” he muttered. “It would never do to have the men know what a jolly fate I have prepared for vhem if all goes wrong.” He threw the coil out of sight in his state-room, and sat be! as wa f waiting for the missing man to be brought before him. A full hour passed slowly by, and the pirate was beginning to grow impatient. But he would not go on deck to inquire, and thus betray his anxiety. At last, the ugly face of Sancho reappeared. He was alone. etna your prisoner?” demanded the pira grily. ** Pardon, senor; but the man is not to be found. I'll stake my life he is not on board the schooner." Yes, the mysterious individual known as John Frazer was missing. Had he been washed overboard in the gale unno- ticed, or what had become of him? “Another ill-omen,’’ thought the pirate as he wallowed a second glass of brandy to steady his nerves. Then he said: ‘*‘ You men are as blind as bats. I will look for him myself,” CHAPTER XI. WAKING UP JOB ROGERS AGAIN. , Far more uneasy than he cared to reveal, the pirate proceeded to carry out his purpose. As a matter of precaution he satisfied himself that his istols were in order before starting. Then, conceal. ing nN rn up his sleeve he proceeded with the search. r It was not such a very difficult task either, for the schooner had been unloaded of her late spoils. Only the usual water casks and provisions took u the yoom in the hold, together with the spare and rigging always carried. The space over the keel was taken up with heavy pigs of, lead securely bolted down and serving as ballast. Close by the cabin bulkhead, stood the magazine, built of heavy timbers and covered with sheet lead. It was closed by a peculiar lock andthe key to it was in the pirate’s own possession, The heavy ribs of the schooner, plainly visible, offered no place of refuge. So the search was fruitless. fy Who was the last man that saw him?” asked the pirate. But all his keen questioning elicited was that Frazer had been seen just previous to the run from their retreat. There had been too much excitement since then to pay heed to who was around them and Frazer never was very sociable. ‘“*He must have drowned himself then instead of pe ey go to the bottom in our company, lads,”’ said the pirate with a harsh laugh. “Well, I am glad we are well rid of him, anyhow.” The pirate returned to his cabin with a heavy scowl darkening his face. A eae flashed across his mind that perhaps the man had swum ashore at the last moment. But, even if that were possible the dwarf would discover him, and he could do no harm a long as the powerful dwarf was there te oppose him. radually, however, he dismissed this th as impossible, and settled down to the belief that the man had been washed overboard unnoticed, Once more having recourse to the bottle, he threw himself on his b and was soon sleeping soundly. At dovlight the next morning no on was to seen of their late pursuer. “So,” mutte the pirate ‘he’s. concluded to haul off and repair damages, it seems. We shall have pence for a couple of weeks at least, It will take him fully that time to get such a spar as he needs, Meanwhile, Sancho, you can keep the schooner head- edassheis. Tell the look-out to keep his eyes open. We will have plenty of time to pick up a few prizea and get back to the island before that Yankee can get after us again.” ey e a abated Fame re Ag the wind was going down. pping o: ong enough 27 on out her reefs the schooner cain dashed ahead. Toward six bells (11 o’clock) in the forenoon, thé look-out reported a sail ahead. The pirate snatched up his glass hurriedly. ‘** Broad in the bow as a tub,"’ he muttered. “ Well, who knows but that she may be worth our time? Been badly shaken up in last night’s gale, too. Keep the ig ieeacioned as she is. We'll take a closer look at , anyhow.’ The bled vessel, most of her top-ham rar- ried away, wes staggering slowly on ander = teed
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_ spread of canvas,and within an hour her hull was plrinly visible from the pirate’s deck. “Send all the men below but a half-dozen,’’ San- tillez ordered. As he spoke he disappeared in the cabin. When he returned he was clad in the rough garb of an or- dinary sea-captain. Presently a flag fluttered out from the main-mast of the merchantmen, As it unfolded to. to the breeze : displayed the well-known Stars and Stripes, union own. ‘“* Another Yankee, and he wants assistance, eh?” hissed the pirate, savagely. ‘‘ Well, they owe us somethin or the run their cruiser gave us last night. Hoist their own. colors, Sancho; I don’t care to have them suspect us yet. You can lay our own ape where it will be ready when we want it!” As the well-known ensign fluttered from the schoo- ner’s peak, a pun was fired to windward from the brig in recognition. “So they are armed, too, it seems?” growled the pirate. ey must have something, then, worth our trouble. They shouldn't waste their powder so carelessly, though, for they'll need it pretty soon.”’ While he was speaking, Sancho was surveying the vessel through the glass. “Pardon, senor,”’ said he, “but that’s the same craft we boarded when the cruiser came down on us go suddenly.” ‘Are yousure of that?” “Ay, senor, that I am, I noted the fellow’s rig sett name OMe Then they'll recognize us and give us a lively fight.” ‘*No, senor, we boarded her in the darkness, They had no chance to notice us before we were on them.”' **So,” mutterad the pirate, his eyes gleaming with a new light. “I am in luck after all, it seems, Truxillo told me that she carried a heavy treasure, and ‘then there’s that lovely yin he was telling about thrownin, The last petticoat that fell in my hands was an old crone as homely as Satan. It was unfortunate for her, for she had to walk the plank with the rest of them. Well, I shall soon see if the dead rascal was right in his description.” The brig, meanwhile, had hove to and was waiting for the schooner’s arrival, Captain Zeke was standing aft, watching the schoo- ner through his glass. “A handsome craft,’ he exclaimed, admiringly. **T'll bet a dollar against a sixpence she’s Baltimore built.” ‘* Looks so to ma, too,”’ responded Job Rogers. Less than a quarter of a mile intervened between the two vessels now, Suddenly the Stars and Stripes dropped from the schooner’s mast, and the hext in- stant the black flag shot up in its place! “Pirates again!” excitedly exclaimed Captain Zeke, but in a moment he had regained his cool- ness. ‘Serve out the arms at once, Job,”’ was his ouick order, ‘“‘and pass rs the shot for our gun for’ard. Lose no time, for that feller is coming fast. Fight like true Yankees, boys, for yonder rascal gives no uarter, It’s death.to every man of usif they take the brig.”’ ; No need of further preing. As rapidly as possible the forward gun was loaded. “T’ll take keer of this. shootin’-iron, boys,” an- swered the mate, running his eye over the si rhts as he spoke. ‘Give a pull on that port tackle! There, stand back!” Grasping a handspike he lowered the breech until he had gained the necessary elevation, His sharp gray eyes once more ran over the sights and then he applied the match. There was a flash and a stunning report, followed by a puff of smoke. As the wind swept the latter away all eyes were fixed upon the schooner, “Good shot!” cried Captain Zeke, approvingly. “You've knocked his jib-boom clear to thunder, Mr. Rogers! Give him another dose of the same.” To fact the shot had carried away most of the pi- rate’s head-gear and considerably impeded his pro- Tess, e'Santillez was not slow to return the compliment from his long-tom amidships, but the ball went wide of the mark. f Now that the pirate had thrown off his mask, his decks were filled with villainous faces. “There's a better mark for you,” exclaimed Cap- tain Zeke, as the schooner fell off a couple of points, ** Give ’em Hail Columby this time!” ** Here she goes, then,” was the reply, as the gun was again discharged, This time Job was still) more fortunate in his aim, tor the shot raked across the pirate’s forecastle, making a huge breach in her bulwarks and sending death to a half dozen pirates who were engaged in repairipg damages. Still the schooner kept steadily on with grin de- termination, while again her gun spoke—this time sending its shot across the brig’s decks but injuring none of her crew. . ‘Wait a bit, my hearties,”’ shouted the mate, cheerfully, “we'll give you another dose.”’ Bang! went the gun as he spoke and a roar of de- light broke from the brig’s crew, for that last shot had struck the carriage of the long-tom, knocking it to splinters and killing the man who was at that mo- ment about to apply the match. ‘‘Hurrah?’’ cried Captain Zeke; ‘ a few more doses like that and I fancy that chap will feel like dropping us as he would a hot potato,” But, Captain Zeke understood not the determined character of the man he had to deal with. The pi- rate kept on as unconcernedly asif nothing had hap- Pe caiterk'te your places!" was shouted from his The Ooean Bloodhound. deck and back before the brave mate could again bring his weapon to bear, the sharp bows of the pi- rate schooner grated against the brig’s side. With a fiendish yell, the pirates swarmed on the New Englander’s decks, Desperate indeed was the odds against the Yan- kee crew, ie CHAPTER XI. THE NIGHT PROWLER, Wnrat had become of the mysterious man whose disappetrance had caused the pirate no little un- easiness? Sancho had spoken the truth when he declared he had been seen on board the schooner at the moment of her departure; but, that was before the vessel had begun to gather headway for her run through the channel. No eye was upon John Frazer as ie quietly lowered himself over the bows, and silently swam away in the darkness. In the excitement of the danger ahead and sur- rounded. by darkness his absence passed unnoticed, He had at last eluded his watchful enemies. Before the schooner had rounded the cliff and en- tered the channel, he had clambered up the sloping beach and disappeared. “So much gained, at least;’’ he said, in deep satis- faction. ‘I had almost begun to fear that I should never be able to evade their suspicious eyes. Oh, that the vengeance of Heaven might overtake those wretches and scatter their bones upon the reefs yon- der! Must I be compelled to drag out a weary ex- istence in this horrible spot while my friends mourn for me as lost? No. Heaven is merciful! There in be some means by which I may yet outwit my oes.” As he spoke, he walked slowly on to the foot of the staircase eading to the pirate’s ) aphy He was about to ascend, when he suddenly paused with the remark: ‘No, I must not take unnecessary risk. I forget that Iam not yet the sole inhabitant of this island. The dwarf still remains to keep guard over his mas- ter’s treasures. Well, I shall have to be doubly cautious in my movements until he is rendered harmless, that is all.” He passed around the foot of the rock to that part of the cliff facing the sea. Proceeding but a short distance, he again paused. It was intensely dark, yet he acted like a man who understood thoroughly what he was in search of. ‘This is the spot from whichI have seen the dwarf emerge when he fancied no one was watching his movements. There must be a secret spring about here somewhere, and now to find it.”’ To all outward appearances, however, there was no sign of a door, 1 before him was apparently the solid face of the cliff, Stooping down, he began carefully groping over the surface. It was a good eal before he found anything to reward his search, Finally, his hand rested upon a small iron knob almost concealed by the rank sea-grass that lined the shore at that point. - Pressing his foot upon this, a small section of the rock slid ‘back, followed by a rush of cold air from within. The space thus revealed to him seemed scarcely large enough.to admit a human body; but, stoopin down, with much exertion he forced his way throug the aperture, As he did so, the door slid back into its place with a sharp click. “Tt is lucky I thought to provide myself with a candle,” said the man, quietly, as*he produced it from his pocket. This, after a few trials, he suc- ceeded in lighting, carefully shielding it with. his hand from sudden draughts. He found himself in a long and Very narrow pas- sageway. The marks still plainly visible upon its rugged sides showed that it was the work of man, With cautious steps he proceeded until he found his further passage barred by the solid rock. A careful search for hidden doors failed to reveal any. **Am Ito be baffled at the very outset?” he said, sadly, as he slowly retraced his steps; carefully ex- amining the walls on either hand. Presently he uttered an exclamation “f satisfac- tion. He had solved the mystery. On one side of the wall were a number of niches cut in the rock and barely sufficient for a foc*hold, Placing his feet in these, and bracing his back against the opposite wall, he slowly ascended, and emerged at length upon a narrow shelving rock, Another narrow passage led from this; but, unlike the other, this was a natural cleft in the rock. Passing through this a distance of about fifteen feet, he found his further advance barred by another door; but found the spring without difficulty and pushed it open. A surprise was in store for him. He found himself in a small apartment nearly fill- ed by a bed, upon which lay the huge, misshapen body of the dwarf! He was soundly sleeping. Shutting the door behind him as lightly as possible to avoid disturbing the sleeper; the man passed through another door and left him. “ Baba sleeps unusually sound to-night,’’ he mut- tered, softly. “I little thought that I would stum- ble upon him thus; but, all the better for me—and him. So long as he sleeps we Shall not quarrel. He evidently believes that he is the sole inhabitant of the island to thus relax his usual vigilance,” The room which John Frazer had entered was the pirate’s main apartment, already fully described. On the table lay a number of papers thrown care- lessly down, They were the same ones brought in by Truxillo when ie made the report of his bad luck which afterward proved his death. John Frazer stuck his candle into the neck of an empty champagne bottle upon the table. Then he stepped to a carved swinging book-rack and careft examined the volumes it contained. A pleased ite spread over his face as he selected a small volume whose sides were covered with sheet lead, Pipeien ey | at the title heread: ‘* United States Navy Signals.”’ he volume was thus bound to insure its sinking if thrown overboard to escape the enemy's hands, * Good!’ exclaimed Jone Frazer, coolly, ‘*I had begun to fear that I might be unable to find this, af- ter all. I wonder how he managed to secure twe copies: for I know thereis one on board the schooner. Pedro Santillez must consider his quarters very safe from intrusion at all events, or he would not allow such valuables to lie around so loosely. Now, then, for pen, ink and paper." The required articles were very soon found and placed upon the table, i Drawing up a chair beside them, John Frazer saf own. He was careful, however, in doing so, to choose r osition giving him full view of the door leading rom the dwarf’s bedroom, Cautious to a degree, he . also carefully examined the pistol which he took from the wall and laid it down upon the table withiv easy reach of his hand. Then, opening the book, he began rapidly to copy the signals from its pages. “Help!” he remarked, thoughtfully, as he jotted down the corresponding number, ‘I'll need thatsig- nal, by all means. I wonder whether I will be as lucky with the next? Let me see now. P—i— Ah, here I haye it, sure enough! Pirates—No. 734, There, I have that down. Those two signals will be all-sufficient for my purpose, Even if I should suc- ceed in my intention during the pirates’ absence, it will be no easy matter for a strange vessel to find her way through the channel. However, I'll see some way to get over the difficulty if that emergency should arise, “The next thing on the programme is to hunt up some bunting with which to make the necessa signals, I wish there was some way to barri- cade Baba's door,"’ he added, eying it distrust. fully as he spoke. ‘This place seems to be full of a on every hand. The first thing I know, I if find myself caught in one, and then my long-looked* for opportunity will be thrown away. It would have been an easy matter to have ended the dwarf’s career forever.” Many aman in John Frazer’s place would have done so as a measure of self-defense; but the mys. terious and daring individual was! repugnant. to tale ing life if it could be avoided. He glanced at the door again, but there was no bolt from the side to ward him. “Never mind; I must run the chances, I “4 pone said he, coolly, as he again picked up candle. He opened another door, leading to the pirate's bedchamber. n “A pretty nest for such a scoundrel,’’ said he, uietly, as he Rurvere the handsome bedstead, with | ngs; “itis about as appropriate » its rich silken hang as 2 gen a hyena in a church pew.” n every hand were scattered treasures and knick- knacks of immense value, thrown down in a state: of indescribable confusion. i In one corner of the room stood a small ebo table, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, Lying upon it was a small, handsomely-mounted pistol. John Frazer picked this up, and satisfied himself that it was loaded before thrusting it in his pocket. Then, hearing a sudden noise, he wheeled quickly around and cocked the weapon, ; CHAPTER XII. THE UNWILLING SLEEPER. Hrs alarm, however, was groundless, The dwarf had started up in his sleep, but that was all. The articles John Frazer was in search of were not in that room, as he soon discovered. Satisfied of this fact, he retraced his steps to the larger Ppartment, Two more doors were opened, but they proved to be closets, 7 “Strange,” muttered the searcher, ng thoughtfully around. “I know that there is an ye iy to the treasure from this spot, if\I can but nd it.”’ The Turkish rug in the center of the floor caught his attention, He pulled it hastily aside; and there before him lay the secret to the passage—a smak trap-door let into the floor. rasping an iron ring secured in its face, he threw it open. frolaing down his light, he could see # flixht of steps leading downward, ery cautiously the man began his descent. There was no telling what pitfalls might lie concealed be fore him, At the foot of the stairs he was confront ed by an iron door, which was closed with heavy bolts from the inside. It was but the work of a moment to slip these back. The door swung open, giving him ingress to a large roomy cavern, that was half-filled with boxes and bales of costly: goods, for the pirates,’ never troubled themselves with anything but. the choicest of what fell into their hands. , After a short search, John Frazer came across @ number of rolls of various-colored bunting. With the aid of his knife, he cut off such & quantity of each as he thought would suffice his poFPose, and bundling them together, he prepared to return to the apartment above. \ Fortunately, he had taken the precaution to shoot out the bolts of the door by which he had entered. ; We say fortunately, for it was built in such 4 man ner as not to be discernible from the solid rock of the cave when it closed. Passing through, he secured the door as he found it and ascended again to the room above. Every i .
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8 a thing there was as quiet as when he had left it, but a few minutes before. Placing his ear to the door leading to the dwarf’s room, he listened intently. A deep, regular breath- show 2d him tht Baba was still soundly sleeping. Satisfled on this point, he again seated himself at ue table. The papers lying scatiered upon it caught us attontion. 2 Ship's papers,’ he muttered. ‘This is part of the result of Truxillo's crui: se, | suppose,’ We picked them up, one after the other, and glanced over their contents. “The last clew that exists of their fate,” said he, sadly, ‘I must take a note of these vessels’ names in case it might some time serve to clear up the mystery of their fate. ‘Wrecked at sea,’ will be the eneral verdict when we fail to arrive. Ah! how lit- le will they suspect the horrible truth that they have fallen victir ns to the cruel hands of the ‘ terror of the seas,’ Could I have succeeded in my plan to capture the fleet Isabelle, I should very soon have found a way to bring justice upon the heels of this monster, Surely, some power higher than his own must have put it into his heart to save my life when he was about to have meexeeuted. As for his pretend- ed feeling of gratitude for saving his life, he is in- oopene of such a feeling. Well, while lifé remains all continue to hope. If I must perish, after all, i will die the easier for caer that I have left no means untried to thwart him in his plans, Little did any of them suspect why that powder-keg failed to blow up the brig. While thus musing, he had been engaged in jotting er the names and destinations of the fated ves- Be As he slowly unfolded another document, his face turned ashy pale. A sharp cry of surprise ‘and pain broke from his lips, It was the manifest of the brig, Nancy Jones. In answer to that ringing cry the door before him fiew open, and the face of the dwarf, lit up with an en of demoniac rage and surprise, confront- The long, sinewy Supers were clutching the air convulsive ely, and the y crouched for the fatal BP Un. ortunately for John Frazer, his usual self-com- mand seemed swept away for the moment by the terrible shock he seemed to have received that mo- ment; but only for a single instant did his wonderful presence of mind desert him. The next, he was the same cool, quiet individual we have seen before The misshapen dwarf looked like an euraged wild beast whose lair had been invaded. His eyes burned like coals, and a hoarse, savage cry issued from be- tween his clenched teeth. John Frazer rose-slowly to his feet, his eyes glow- ing with a deep, peculiar light. They fixed them- selves full upon the fiendish face of the dwarf. As the lion-tamer keeps his beasts in subjection by the magnetic power of a deep, unflinching gaze, so did this man seem to bring the human brute before him into subjection. A strange thrill shot through every nerve and fiber of the dwarf’s body. His furi- ous looks began slowly to disappear, leaving a blank, Siuvensionten stare upon his hideous features. A mysterious power was acting mo his savage na- ture, and he was compelled to submit to a master. Still standing quiet and unmoved, John Frazer began making slow, graceful passes in the air, A qarveene suddenly seized upon the frame of the Like a fascinated animal, his eyes were now fixed in astony stare upon those of the master before him, His body had become asrigid asiron—the very impersonation of petrified rage. rpetnte / cried John Frazer, in a deep, command- in, ihe 1 rigidity of the dwaff’s body slowly relaxed; and in a moment more he sunk unconscious to the floor, his eyes still wide open and fixed upon va- cance John Frazer stepped forward and took the dwartf’s hart in his own. ‘The Isabelle!’ he cried, in clear, ringing tones, “Follow her, slave, and describe her movements.” A shiver sed through the dwarf’s frame, but he answered, the words coming from his lips in sharp, ace sentences as if torn from his lips against his “*T see—her—now, but the—darkness it is great—”’ he said, with an effort. The mysterious man made a few more impera- tive over the dwarf’s body. Fou must see!” he said, sternly. ‘‘ What make you out now?” “They are—sighting—the long-tom amidships—” came in spasmodic seven from his lips. ‘Ah, there is a ship on her lee beam.” The words seemed to come easier now; for the sleeper seemed to have caught the excitement of the scene he was describing. ‘“*What now, slave?” “They have’ fired the gun— There are lights flash- cr on the ship’s decks— She answers with a broad- Perdition! it is a ship of war and the schoon- er flies.” “Proceed!” cried John Frazer, impatiently, his heart beating high with hope. one er now and at long intervals the words from the dwarf’s lips. he ship is in diahe-aie: seems to fly, Ah! the eer is) headed for the lower reefs—she will take the Roseanne. Now she has entered.”’ “Gan it be that the scoundrel is fated to escape stice again?’’ muttered John Frazer, under his th, He stooped to listen again for the dwarf was speak- once more. *The ship is still in pursuit~ Ah, she intends to _ Beadle’ ‘Ss HalfDime Library. : SS try the channel, too. Good! she will be dashed to pieces on the rocks! Furies! no. She has made the run safely, and is in deep water again.—Crash! what was that?—The full force of the hurricane has struck her.—There goes her fore-topmast over the side!— She loses headway! The Isabelle is flying off in the darkness. My master has triumphed again.” CHAPTER XIV. THE WILL-SLAVE. allor began to overspread the face of the dwarf. The terrible strain upon his newly-used powers was beginning to tell. John Frazer read those signs with a practiced eye. Again his hand moved in those passes as he released the subject from the trance and said sternly ; * Awake!” Like a man, suddenly roused from a sound slum- ber, the dwarf stirred uneasily and opening his eyes sat up with a confused air. “What has—” he began, then his eyes fell! upon the silent form of the man beside him and he trem- bled violently. He remembered nothing of the scene he had been so lately describing. StiJl he realized that he had been overcome in some mysterious way. Ignorant to the lowest ¢ oh ye he was correspond- ingly superstitious. <A lo of undisguised terror passed over his evil face. There wasa rping choking cry. He sprung to his feet only to fall back, the next moment, his body writhing in terrible con- vulsions. * Bad!’ muttered the mysterious man; ‘I did not mean to punish the wretch thus. He possesses less will-power than I thought.” go, Sprung to one of the closets as he spoke and & “Ah, I am in luck!” he exclaimed, taking from a shelfya small and handsome case. Setting it down upon ‘the table, he threw open the lid and hastily lifting the,bottles, glanced at their labels. Selecting One of these and a small horn spoon, he hastily poured out a few drops as he Sppreactiod the dwarf, still writhing in agony before him. The’ sufferer presented a terrible rr dng From between tightly Gaviched teeth, issued a mass of bloody froth. John Frazer looked unusually grave as he kneeled by the sufferer’s side. Me Horrible!’’ he cried in deep pity, as his eyes took in the whole truth. Yes it was horrible. In one of his s A GHASTLY ms, the dwarf had caught his Lon e between his teeth and actually had bitten it in wain. Kneeling by his h his every look tinged ‘with regret, and razer—in an interval of re- if John lief—sueceeded in n pouring the liquid down the throat of the tortured creature. It acted like magic In a few minutes more the stiffened limbs began to relax their tension, “Be quiet now, slave!” ordered the man sternly, as he saw that the dwarf once more recognized him. “Listen tome, You have bitten off your tongue in your unluelky fit. Unless you keep very quiet and allow me to do what I can to relieve you, you will surely bleed to death, Do you understand me?” Sitting up and spitting out the blood which filled his mouth, the dwarf uttered a guttural sound of assent. John Frazer once more had recourge to the medi- cine-chest, In a short time his skill had sueceeded in Stanching the flow of blood, ‘Now, Baba!" said he. slowly and impressively. “fromm this moment you are my slave. No secret fi your heart can be hidden from my know vi You are thinking now of revenge upon me. are to move a hand and I will strike you dead as quickly as the forked lightning shoots from the skies. The dwarf turned pale at these words, and a look of terror swept_over his face, Right well the man before him read what, was gathering in his evil heart. He was notslow — fol- low up his advantage. “So long as ye obey me implicitly you si... « re- main unharmed,” he continued, “ Attempt any act against my life ‘though and you shall die. Now to your room and let no living mortal know what your eyes have seen,’ The dwarf rose slowly to his feet like a man weak from a long illness, e turned to reach his room, only a half-dozen steps away; but, ere he reached it, and while his back was still trrmned toward the mysterious man, the latter suddenly made a sweep- ing downward gesture. Not a word did he utter, yer the dwarf was arrested as suddenly as if stricken y a thunderbolt. Fora full moment he remained there, as motionless as a statue, Then, with another quiet move of his hand, John Frazer’ released him and said: ‘ Go!” tt was enough, Fear lent strength to the limbs of the dwart. He leaped into the roam at one bound, and slammed the door behind him. ‘I guess he will not dare to attempt any tricks upon me after that,” said John Frazer, lightly, and with an air of confident assurance. Then in a mus- ing tone he added: ‘* What a terrible power page magnetism may become when properly handled. never thought of it as a weapon against the Gwart until I saw by his eye that he was a good subject. Much amusement have I caused in the past by the exhibition of my power; but, never did I imagine that it would one day answer me such a good purpose, I wish Baba, though, were a better clairvoyant,” he added thoughtfully, as he proceeded to return the medicine-chest to i place, and again seated himself at the table. ‘Had he possessed more vital power, I might have : learned more of this cruiser; but he will teke an- other twenty-four hours at least to recover from Ins exhaustion. The ship he described must be the same cruiser that has been watching the island to- day. Ah, I begin to see through it now. That dar- ing attack upon her was made to draw her on in pur- suit. ““Santillez must have hoped that his enemy would follow his daring lead and be dashed to pieces on the reefs. But, Providence has thwarted him in hi wicked design, and for once the pirate ee made ¢ mistake. After his late narrow cacene. ne will be disposed to give the island a wide be: rth, for a few days at least. It remains to be seen yet Sohete the cruiser will return to examine the island, or run off to repair the damage she had received. May Heaven guide her footsteps here, is my earnest prayer!” His head dropped upon his hands and he remained for a moment in silence, Suddenly he raised up and his eyes fell upon the paper which bad caused him such trepidation. Ah, my brave friend, Captaim Jones,” he said, sadly, “‘“ittle did youor i dream how short was the distance that separated us in your moment of peril! Truly you escaped the hands of your enemy as if by a miracle, But I am losing valuable time,” he ex- claimed, starting up suddenly. “I must carry out would succeed,”’ m plans at once if M aking a quiet pass in the direction of the dwarf’s. room, he said in strong terms: “ Slave! you are wanted!” The next instant, the pallid face of the dwarf ap peared in the doorway. ‘Bring me sewing materials at once!” command- ed John Frazer. Like a figure impelled by hidden mechanism, the dwarf obeyed. Entering the pirate’s sleeping-room, he soon returned with a dainty work-basket, which spoke more eloquently than words of some fair vic- fi m, As he sat it down upon the table, his master said, quietly: “You may go, now, and sleep. Iwill summon you when I need you.—I shall have a treasure in that fel- low, hereafter,’ he mused as the dwarf disappeared. “I’m sorry the poor wretch has lost his power of speech, but that was no fault of mine, It may in the end prove of great advantage tome. Ignorant as he is, he will be unable to communicate what has hap- ened to his master, should I fail. It looks like the Enger of an overruling Providence. Ah, could I but uge the powers I possess to read the future as Ido the. past and present; Phat, alas, that is impossible!” CHAPTER TY. THE PIRATE'S CAPTIVE, Noprty indeed did the Yankee crew ‘rally’ to defend their lives. At the head of his men, the daring pi- rate leaped upon the brig’s deck, As he did s0,a slash from a cutlass, in the hands of Captain Zeke, laid his right cheek open to the bone. oint-blank the pirate fired his pistol at his antagonist, Shot through the shoulder, the brave captain drop- ped like a log to the deck, while over his fallen bo rushed the advancing pirates. “Into them, men! roared Santillez, fiercely. “Let not a man escape you! Death to them all!” The crew of the ise had gathered near the main- mast as the pirates clambered over the side. Slowly, a fighting with desperate determination against such overwhelming odds, they retreated step. by step to the port side of the’ quarter-deck. Cut and wounded unto death, as somne of them were, they still kept their courageous front to their ene- mies. But, it was Renting ges fate; they must be compelled to give in at Just at the critical moment when all hope seemed to have fled from their hearts, a voice from the bow thrilled them like an electric shock: “Death to all pirates!” Clear and distinct rung out that stern cry Santillez flashed his eagle eye in the direction of the sound. Even his bull-dog courage and nerves of steel falt- ered at the sight which met his eyes. “Flat on your faces, men!’’ he managed to gasp, dropping as he spoke. is words came too late for many of his hardened wretches to take in their meaning, It was indeed a sight to appall ihe stoutest heart The brave mate was standing by the bow-gun Joad ed to the muzzle with grape-shot, A smile of avenging triumph rested upon his bronzed features as his right hand applied the match to his terrible weapon. Before half the pirates could obey their leader's warning, a tremendous report shook the brig form stem to stern, and as the smoke lifted, a sickening sight was rey ealed. Nearly half of the pirate’ 8 Crew had been blown to atoms. Only those Bo had heeded their leader’s sudden warning esca p Like, an enraged tiger, Santillez sprung to hiz eect. ** Follow me, lads /” he shouted, The crew of the brig, prepared for that terribie catastrophe, had sprung to the opposite side of the deck at the sound ef that warning from the mate's lips, and escaped unharmed. We say crew, but there were only four men le/t of their ember Two of them went down before the pirate’s i rritic onslaught. The others were literally swiji tc the deck and trampled under the feet of lis fel lowers. Straight for that terrible ee they rushed, anc with good need, for brave Jo Rogers was al that moment hurried] ramming homeanother cartiidr: He stoo: to another round of grape, wien he saw that he was too Already the pirate chief was within six feet f
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er his pistol raised to fire. Ducking his head to avoid the expected shot, the mate snatched up the A dozen pistol-bullets whistled around him at the same instant. Santillez’s aim had been truer than the rest. His bullet struck the brave sailor full in the breast, ** All is lost!’ he Seaped: With one last superhuman effort, he staggered to the rail, and threw himself headforemost into the Better, at Ieast, death from such a source than slow torture at the hands of his enemies. The smoke of that Jast discharge hid his move- ment from the pirates’ eyes. Instinctively they guessed the ‘truth. A dozen devilish faces peered over the rail, ready to finish their victim if he still showed signs of life. But the deep waters beneath gave no sign of the victim they had swallowed up in their depths. . The form of the stricken man rose no more to the surface. “He's gone to Davy Jones’s locker at last!’ ex- claimed the pirate chief, with a savage oath. ‘ What very devils these Yankees become when their tem- perisup! Ah! if I had but fifty such men under me, I would fear ao ore “Well, boys,” added the pirate, as he cooll wiped his reeking blade upon the sleeve of his shirt, ‘‘ we have had a harder fight than I expected to take the brig. Perdition seize me; but I don’t remember to have ever been in a epater spot in my life. I gave myself up for gone when I saw that gun covering: us and that cool Yankee applying the match. Luck is with us, after you see. e’ve lost half of our brave boys; but, there'll be the fewer of us to divide the treasure among," Well did the crafty leader understand how best to reconcile his men to what had happened. A grim look of satisfaction swept over the face cf the crew at his words. Then, like a flash, there came to the pirate'’s mind the remembrance of the woman his lieutenant had spoken of, A demoniac smile of triumph shot across his face as he wiped the blood from his wounded cheek, ‘ Stay on deck all of you!’’ said he, addressing his men. “If any of the brig’s crew are still alive, you ean pass a cord around their arms; but do them noharm, I have a fate in store for them worse than death, Sancho, you will see to it that a keg of pow- der is placed in the main hatchway. If there is anything in the hold particularly valuable, you can pass it over to the schooner’s decks.”’ Turning on his heel as he concluded, the pirate strode aft to the brig’s cabin, and disappeared. “Now to have a peep at the pretty bird in her cage,” he muttered, “It’s caused me no little trouble to secure her.” Descending the ak his eagle eye took in everything at a glance, The victing he was looking for was not there, _ **Could it be possible,” he asked himself, ‘* that the omen had thrown herself into the sea to escape his nds? But the look of Sonera accompanying it speedily vanished. His eye had noticed the door leading to the forward cabin, With a quick stride he laid his hand upon the knob and threw it open. ; The sight that greeted his eyes was sufficient to have moved the heart of ademon. Kneeling prayer- fully before him, her right hand raised appealingly to ticaves, the other hand thrown protectingly around the waist of a lovely boy, was the object of the pirate’s search, . No thrill of pity crossed the flinty heart of the wretch as he gazed on the scene. No; only a look of gloating triumph that he had gained so rich a ¥ She started up at his entrance, her beautiful face turned pleadingly poe him in a look of suppiica- tion more eloquent than words. : “Spare us! in Heaven’s name, spare us!”’ she eried, { “Nobody shall harm a hair of your head, my beauty,” replied the pirate, with a glance that made ber shudder, Mga can I afford to lose half my crew to gain such a prize as you.” ; “Have you no 4 of pity in your heart?” cried the woman, pleadingly. b ue pirate interrupted her with the coarse re- mark: ““Ay, my lass, I've plenty of heart when there's such dainty craft as you to be had for the taking. Pity? Ay, I pity rea too much to send you to the bottom in this old hulk, You shall be my own sweet lass; never fear. You have still many years of life before you yet, if you but make the best of it. A look of fixed, terrible despair crept into the woman's eyes at those fearful words, ** All is lost!’ she cried. ‘Father in Heaven, for- give me for this act!” CHAPTER /XVi. LOOKING DEATH IN THE FACE, As the woman uttered those despai words, she snatched a keen stiletto from the folds of. her dress. Another moment and she would have accomplish- ed her purpose, but with one bound the stalwart pi- rate sprung forward and wrested the weapon from her , cutting his fingers badly in the effort. ve) ot ry fast, my Pog bird!” he cried, angrily ; “‘ what are you about?” “T would take the life of myself and child,” she ed, eeprey, * rosie 3 nny ge verge mercy.” rt-broken sigh esca as she murmur- ed: mit is Heaven's: will that I should fail,” . , } } . ‘ \ ‘ O oies oe haat de ‘ : 2 Ris : ; » =) 7 “Take my advice and don’t try any more such foolish tricks,’ said the pirate, with a wicked glitter in his eyes. “Tam the master, now, and you are todo as please. There'll be time enough for that when—”’ He was about to add, when he was tired of her company, but he suddenly checked the words. “And now,” he added, ‘‘ you are to a ged your time in picking up such things as you think you will need. You will have fifteen minutes given you for that purpose. It will take me that time to gather up What spoils there are in the after-cabin. No tricks, though ’’—with a look full of savage menace—“ re- member I shall wing: an eye on you.” What a wave of terror surged over the woman’s heart as she listened. Slowly and like one in a preg she proceeded to obey the pirate’s sugges- ion. The child at her side, unconscious of the terrible calamity that had befallen them, gazed into his mother’s despairing face with looks of wonder. All hope had fled from her heart at last. She could do nothing but obey the bidding of the human monster, who, keeping a wary eye upon her movements through the nS aioe was busying him- self in gathering up the ship’s instruments, the bag of treasure and all else that seemed to him worth the trouble of taking. These he thrust indiscriminately into an empty ag. Then throwing it over his shoulder he again ap- proached the lady’s state-room. “Ah! you are all ready, eh? That is well, for I like srompepes. By the way, you'd better throw a vail over your pretty face. I would not care to have my own men see what a prety prize has fal- len into my hands. They might become jealous, ou see,” a That was not the real motive that actuated him. Of all the victims that had fallen into his hands, none of his men had ever seen their faces; but no one ever knew what was the reason for his queer preeaution. The woman obeyed him without-.a word, Her hand was still tightly clasped in that of her child as if she feared for his safety. “Never fear for the little chap, m inp 4 ” said the pirate, carelessly, ‘I’ve no particular o' jection to the youngster remaining with you, so long as you act sensibly.” What a terrible threat was implied in those few aa yma esa words, The face of the woman turned deadly pale as she heard them. It was only bya strong effort that she retained her senses. How long would her brain stand proof no that fearful strain fore she would go m Slowly, and with faltering steps, she fullowed her me) the deck, and soon Santillez saw his victim ely in the cabin of the schooner, Fearing she might cecape him again, he pushed her into a state-soom, and bolted the door, Then he again returned to the brig and looked around him. Three of the brig’s crew, though badly wounded, were still alive. : Added to these was Captain Zeke, her late com- mander. A bullet-hole in his shoulder, pale as death from weakness, he was still watchful and defiant. The pirates had bound the prisoners’ arms tightly behind them. Santillez surveyed them coolly for a moment, and then said: ‘“‘ Bring them here to the hatchway, and lash them fast around it,” The hatches had already been removed, and the keg of powder lowered in the hold, The cargo had been lifted out until the bottom of the keg was only a few feet from the keel of the doomed vessel. Santillez snatched up a long coil of fuse lying on the deck. Determined there should be no chance of failure this time, he descended into the hold. Removing the cover from the keg, he carefully coiled the fuse upon the open powder. Then he lit the end and hurriedly sprung out. ‘“* Back to the schooner, boys!” he cried, as he led the Miho _ , Well he knew the frightful risk he ran. or stray spark from the frse dropping into the powder might blow them up at any instant, ’ cured to the hatchway in snech a ition that they could easily see the fate in store for them, the woundea survivors of the Birste's vengeance looked for instant annihilation. Literally ‘vere they com- pelled to stare death in the face. With a fiendish malignity, worthy of such a hard- hearted scoundrel, had the pirate carried out his: infernal plan. A half-dozen yards of fuse lay coiled upon the open poavder, Slowly, but none the less surely, the fatal spark prayer on its mission. ‘ _ The pirate schooner, with all sail set to catch the ht breeze, moved slowly away from the spot. ith what superhuman strength the wounded wretches tugged at the cords which confined them; but, all in vain! ‘The pirates had done their work only too well. A Sees ith one accord they saw the hopelessness of the attempt, and ceased their struggles. Their lips mov : mechanically in prayer to the Father of all mercies. Oh, that the Heavens would open in a second de- luge to drown out yonder fatal spark. ith bated breath they waited for the dreaded moment, ; Instants of time became hours, and minutes ears. : The spark still crept slowly on its murderous way, ‘ Only one coil now remained upon the open pow- er. ; ai : ’ hog “ty ae ory Ame an ar hry 07] 9 ag Le a a cen TTS 7 TST Two minutes more, and the explosion would hurY them to atoms. Just at that instant, something scraped harshly against the side of the brig. In the awful intensity of their danger, they heed- ed it not. It is doubtful if they even heard it: “Sate! Thank God/" said a hearty, though en- feebled voice. Slowly clambering over the side, came the power- ful form of Job Rogers, the mate. Captain Zeke gazed upon him as if he had seen ar apparition. Then in an instant he saw that the form before him was in reality flesh and blood. Expecting instant death himself, he resolved to make the effort to save one life at least. ** Overboard agate for your life!” he shouted. ‘““We are doomed men.”’ The rest of the crew, unheeding the mate's pres- ence, were gazing with fascinated eyes upon the powder beneath them, ‘ With one bound, Job Rogers sprung to the hatch- combings and looked down, The next instant he had lea nto the hold. ery eeruly he picked up the lighted fuse then but a quarter of an inch short of contact. Crushing out the tiny spark in his hands, he tossed it upon the deck above. eakened as he was, the exertion had been teo great for him. For the first time in his life, the strong man fainted—his body falling across that fa- eg. ; A cry of frankigsving broke from the lips of the witnesses, They laughed and cried by turns like men crazy with joy. Heaven had indeed answered #heir prayers, when all human aid seemed capes. There was still one drawback to their cup ot happiness. Secured as they were, they could do nothing to aid their brave rescuer, What if that act was the last of his life? Their fears were soon brought to an end. Nature came to the relief of an iron constitution. In afew moments the brave mate ReGen nd Tee ce nae eee Slowly and painfully he dragged himself to the k above. He geve one cautious glance in the direction of the retreating schooner, G5 this time the latter was disappearing in the dis- ce, Drawing a keen poniard from the belt of one of the dead pirates, the mate quickly severed the bonds that confined his companions, He worked painfully as if the effort cost him a hard struggle. Then descending into the cabin he soon reaprear- | ed with a bottle of brandy, from which he served out to his companions a good allowance. The fiery liquor—valuable ind at such a time— served to stimulate and put new spirit into their weak- or Koon a etift lip, my hearties; all 4s not lost ‘Keep a stiff upper my 08 5 yet,” paid the mate hopefully. CHAPTER XVII. AFTER THE CONFLICT. Despite the mate’s brave words, there was a page Hepes ietin brine prtesctches, ad Sengned elpless vic n the p s clutches, an for a fate far worst than death. Severely wounded as were the survivors of the brig, there were hopes of life yet, and the Yankee skipper was not a doctor. Unheeding his own wounds, Captain Zeke at once p ‘to attend to the wants of his companions. pnetag up the vessel's medicine-chest, which luckily the pirate had left undisturbed, he was soon busily engaged in pre- paring bandages, Job Bogers was assisting in this task, when, a of a sudden, he was noticed to turn pale; and then, with a gasping cry, he sunk to the deck. For the second time, the strong man had fainted. ‘Captain Zeke dropped his work with o startled air. ‘Help me strip him, men," said he hurriedly, ‘TI fear he must be dangerously hurt,” It may seem a little strange to the reader that this fact was not sooner noticed. lt must be remembered, though, that the plunge overboard had washed away all traces of blood from his wet ciothing. Added to aes) the salt of the ocean had partly checked the ow, It was the violent exertions the mate had after- ward made that started the bleeding afresh, Stil, like a martyr of old, he had preferred to keep hi» suffering secret until the needs of the others had been supplied. ; With trembling hands, they tore open his shirt and bared his bosom. The onptain’s fave was very stare aa he saw the ragged hole where the bullet en . - Very close to the mate's heart it was. Ab! little hope now had they of his recovery. Si captain made a hasty examination of the wound. : ‘We can but ease his last moments, I fear,” he said sacty, Suddenly a great flash of joy spread over his rug- ged features. “Heaven has spared his life to us,” he\cried, in a tone of devout thankfulness. ‘ “See!” he added, pointing to a hard, round vig on the victim’s side. “The bullet has struck a and Yow gi aside. ; i ‘“‘Hand me that stiletto, Dick! Hurry, before he comes to,” . Sia Taking the keen weapon, the captain—his hand now firm as steel—made a slight incision over the it ea id next moment he held the leaden bullet an e has fainted from loss of blood,” said a | he proceeded to bind up the mate’s wounds, y “3
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ee eee 10 while he was thus engaged, Job Rogers slowly opened his eyes. ‘*T’'m weak as a cat, boys,"’ he apologetically mur- mured. “ Ain’t it queer, though, that I should drop off that way again like a great lubber? Ah, cap- tain,” he added, as he saw what was being done, “I’m afeared it’s all of no use. I’ve hung on hard, but I’m afeared those rascals have given me a settler this time.”’ “You'll live long after they’re in their graves, I hope,” replied Captain Zeke, with tears of quiet joy running down his bony cheeks. ‘‘ Here’s the bullet that did all the mischief. It missed spe heart by a hair’s breadth only. Your life will spared to us after all.” " Job Rogers glariced from one to the other as if to assure himself that they were not trying to encour- | on this point, he | pe with false hopes, Satisfied replied: R Then I may yet have the pleasure of seeing that scoundrel hung. I’d give something for that sight. Ah! it’would be worth a dozen years of ~~ ‘lotted life to see them rascals swinging in the air with a good piece of half-inch stuff knotted around their necks. Poor Mrs. Sanders! It riles me when I think of her being in the clutches of that beast of a Spaniard. Pass me the bottle, boys; I feel weak when I think of it.’”’ Captain Clark turned away to hide the emo- tions that swept through his honest heart at the words. “The breeze is freshening up once more,” he said presently. ‘May Providence grant that we may be spared another hurricane in our disabled condition, om,’’—addressing one of the three sailors—‘ do you feel strong enough to take the wheel a bit?” “TH oy cap’n,’’ was the brave reply. Tt will remembered that the brig had a few sails set at the moment the pirate appeared in sight. Bringing the wheel into service, she began to slowly forge ahead. ‘Ugh! exclaimed the mate as he glanced at the decks littered with the dead men, ‘‘it was a terrible fight, What shall be done with these pirates, cap’n? They don't deserve Christian burial.” ‘*We’re too Short-handed to give it to them, any- how,” replied Captain Zeke Saf “We'll toss the bodies overboard at once. As for our own five brave lads, we will at least bury them decently. Lay them side by side in the main gangway. Poor fel- lows! I little thought they would leave me thus.” Pausing only to possess themselves of the dead gis a tr they proceeded with their sicken- ng task, Then the dead crew of the brig were tenderly laid side by side on deck, Over. their silent bodies was stretched the flag un- der which they had fought so nobly. There they must wait until the enfeebled survivors could perform the last solemn rites over their re- mains before consigning them to their last home. This unwelcome task ended, they threw a few buckets of water over the deck to wash away the last traces of the frightful scene so lately enacted. The mate, still weak, but firm of will as ever, pro- ceeded to light ‘a fire in the galley for their mi oa meal, for the cook was one of those now lying de under the national emblem. While the water was heating the mate rejoined his ay oe pe onthe quarter-deck, “How was it you managed to slip out of their clutches, Job?” asked the captain, “It’s a puzzle to myself, cap’n,”’ was the reply. “ You see, I bad just rammed the powder home for a second dose afore the rascals were on top of me, so to speak. It wasn’ta time for foolin’ just then, soT at touched off the powder slap in their faces. The ullets war flying around me then'thicker’n hair on adog. The fust thingI knew I felt something hit me kerslap in the chest, an’ that war a bullet. It war eertain death to face the rascals longer. ‘Well,’ thinks I, ‘better go to the bottom at once than ter wait fer them devils to sead me there.’ With that I jumped overboard, You know I was allus a good swimmer, I didn’t feel hurt much in the excitement. and when I went under I staid as long as I could. if came he at last, on the other side of the bows. From what I heerd ’em say, I knew they'd given me up er a gone coon, sol jest kept quiet. Lucky for me, the end of the main-sheet was dragging overboard, so I jest h on to.it like grim death. m where [I war I could overhear that scoundrel in the cabin, The way the lady pleaded with him went straight to my heart. She might as well have axed a favor of the iron anchor for’ard, Thunder! but it made my blood boil to hear the villain tell her he war her mas- ter. I'd have given mate to hev bin in the cabin, get at that minnit. Howsomever, that warn’t possi- ola, Thar was nothing left for me to do but lay low so long as them bloody rascals war on deck. It seemed like a mighty long time afore I heard him give the order to leave. I expected of course, to find you all dead and the ship scuttled. Still, I darsn’t show my head on deck so long as they war around, you see. I hadn’t the least notion, though, of what the scoun- drels had really done, ‘‘ Why, that was a wuss torture nor I ever heerd tell on among the Inguns, an’ they don't purfess to be civilized.”’ ‘Ain't. that a sail yonder, cap’n?” exclaimed Tom Longstreet, His long, tens , er was pointed w toward the same point from elr late assail- ants had appe u Captain Zeke caught up his telescope and gazed in the direction indicated. ** Yes, you’re right, Tom,” “What do you make her out, cap'n?” asked the mate. ‘“‘I hope we aim’t goin’ to be visited by any more pirates y.” ‘‘Wot this time,’’ was the reply. “It is a large ship. Her foretop-mast has been carried away and some of her head-gear gone. Hurrah!” he added, in another moment; ‘‘it isa man-of-war (I can see her guns) and she flies our own colors!” Our signal of distress is stilly flying, and she will be sure to see it.” But, one hour, and still another passed by without a sign of recognition. 3 In fact the two vessels were every moment draw- ing further apart in their,course. Mga i miss us, after all,” said Captain Zeke, sadly. “Thunder!” exclaimed the mate, suddenly; ‘“* what hev we been thinkin’ on all this time? We can make her see us by firing our bow-gun.”’ He rushed toward it:as he spoke only to meet a heavy disappointment. The piece was split from end to end. CHAPTER XVIII. A MOTHER’S SUBLIME THREAT. Prpro SAnviLLez, after getting safely clear of the brig, stood watching her with basilisk eyes as the schooner siowly glided away. “Ah, Sancho!” he remarked to his lieutenant, ‘that was alucky thought of mine. How those fel- | lows must enjoy the amusement I’ve prepared for them! It may be, too, that a stray spark will send them up at any minute. Thatwas the reason I was in such a hurry to leave her.” ’ Sancho laughed in unison with his chief. It was ——s that the latter was in such a wonderful good umor. “How long before the fuse will burn out, senor?”’ ‘Perhaps an hour yet. We'll be too far away to see the fun, but the report will reach us.” Ah, little did he dream that his deep-laid and in- re plan was destined to be so wonderfully frus- trated. Soon afterward, the man on look-out reported a sail in sight. It was but parely, visible from deck. The pirate seized his glass and ran aloft to investi- ate, “Tt’s the Yankee cruiser’ again,’ he muttered, with an oath. ‘‘ We've nothing to fear from her, just now; but I don’t care to have them see me, at pres- ent. I must not have my lady-bird below disturbed by ay more excitement,” he added, with a grim smile. ‘On deck, there!’’ * Ay, ay, senor.” **Keep her off.a couple of points.” *'Two points off it is, senor.”’ The pirate watched the cruiser a short time longer. Then, feeling assured that the latter had not noticed him, he descended to the deck. ‘Now I must go down and see how my beauty is getting on,” he muttered. “I must keep a sha eye on her, too, or she will give me the slip. Ah! have a plan.” Descending to the luxuriantly furnished cabin, he no tf reed the door of her room was locked from the nside. ‘ “Thinks to lock me out, eh?’’ he said with a light laugh. ‘As if bolts and bars could keep me from her! Open the door; my beauty,” said he, speaking as soft and gentle as possible. But no sound greeted his listening ears. ‘“*T hope she hasn’t done herself an injury,’’ was the anxious thought that flashed through his mind. “Come, my birdie, open that door and save me the trouble of bursting it in,”’ Still no answer. The pirate drew back to put his threat in execu- tion, but paused and began feeling his pockets. “Whatafoollam! I forgot I had a key.” Producing it as he spoke, he inserted it i the door and softly turned the knob. “ Ah, she is asleep,” he muttered; ‘that is well.” He spoke truly. Worn out with’ excitement and fatigue, the woman had thrown herself upon the cot and was soundly sleeping. Nature had come to blot out, for a while, her troubles. i How the P adn eyes gazed in admiration upon her lovely form! Her hair; golden as the sun, escaped from the comb, and lay in rich masses upon her pillow. The left arm with delicately molded wrist and shapely hand upon ch glittered a heavy gold wedding-ring, was extended: while up- n that arm, nestling close to her side; was the autiful child she loved so fondly, Lovely as the mother who bore him, he seemed, He slept the sleep of innocence, little dreaming of the savage whose gloating yey vere fixed upon the mother he adored, * Ah!’ muttered the pirate softly. ‘ Fairer woman than that my eyes have never seen, My drunken lieu- tenant was right when he described her pena Never would my eyes have rested upon her, though, if he had captured the prize. Luck is with me again. I could find no better chance to get rid of arow. ll just take the little brat out of the way before she wakes. She will be all the easier to manage when the youngster is in my hands.” So sa he stooped over and very softly raised the little sleeper from the bed. The mother stirred uneasily in her sleep; but did not waken. Moving for- ward on tip-toes the pirate crept toward the cabir with his burden. Just as he reached it, the child stirred as, if to awaken, ek as aon a the pirate’s huge paw u was clap over its mo Ascending to the deck he said hurriedly: ‘“ Here, Sancho, take this brat forward and tell one of the men to take good care of him. I may want him <n before long, and—”’ words were suddenly cut short by a cry of ter- ror, so wild, so piercing that it seemed to freeze the very life-blood in their veins. **Quick, Sancho!” exclaimed the pirate, tossing .are, until morning. Perhaps she Ay, the mother had indeed discovered her terrible | loss, and as the pirate chief turned, he saw that his prisoner had gained the deck. In one glance she took in the whole scene. ‘** Men!” she cried wildly, “if there be humana hearts in your bosoms, give me hack my ehild!” She spoke in clear, fluent Svanish. The little fellow, now wide awake, was crying lustily to be restored to his mother’s arms, The crew gazed entranced upon the woman’s face, and from that to their chief, as if uncertain how to act. “Out of sight with the brat, I tell you!” cried the pirate, fiercely, as he started forward to secure the woman. She divined his purpose, and with one bound reached the low rail at the stern. Her eyes flashed with a deadly purpose. ‘* Bring back my boy!’ she cried, in clear, ringin, tones; ‘or, as true as there isa God above us, I wi throw myself in the sea!” Well, indeed, had she calculated upon the power her beauty had made upon the pirate’s feelings, for heart he had none. Pedro Santillez hesitated. She placed her right foot upon the low rail for the’ fatal plunge. “Hold! I yield to beauty,’’ exclaimed the pirate, with a forced laugh. “Ho there, for’ard! Bring the brat to me.”’ He raised the frightened child in his strong arms, anc approached the mother. ‘Back!’ she cried, seeing his purpose. ‘‘Come not near me, monster, or the child shall see his mo- ther’s sacrifice.” The pirate grated his teeth in rage. “Ah, my lady,” he hissed, softly, ‘‘ you will lose much of that fiery spirit before I am through with - ” ou. Aloud, he said, in pretended indifference: “You are needlessly alarmed, my sweet one. However, you shall have it as you please.”’ He placed. the little fellow upon the deck. The child seampered to his mother’s 8. **Oan I oblige you in anything further, my dear?” asked the pirate, with an attempt at conciliation. “Yes; go away, that I may again reach my room undisturbed,” ** Certainly, I will oblige you in that,” replied the irate, with alacrity, for he was far from easy so ong as she remained in her present position. ell aa snew what a desperate woman is capable of oing. As he strode forward a few yards, the woman’ stood gazing thoughtfully after him. ‘Then she glanced for a moment into the blue waters below. ‘* Would it not be the best for us both, my child?” she murmured sadly. ‘Ab, my boy, you little real- ize the dangers that surround us. No,’ she added, with a sigh; ‘‘ Heaven’s will must not be defied. God sees the terrible danger we are in. pray to Him together, my darling.” 2 With these words she disappeared in the cabin. “Ah! but that was a most narrow pe!’ ex. claimed Santillez, breathing freer. ‘She half a notion to ‘slip her moorings’ and leave me, after all, Til see to i fright like that.” **Senor,” said Sancho, Bppene sung him, “it is growing night. Whither shall we head our course?” ‘To the island,’’ was the quick reply. ‘‘Make the channel by morning, if you can.” With these words he disappeared in the cabin. ** He’s clean gone on his prize,’’ muttered Sancho, with a- scowl. ‘* He’s like a youngster with a new toy when he gets hold of a pretty lass. me; but f wouldn’t mind making love to her myself. What a screech she gave when she missed her brat! Ugh! It makes me nervous to think of it,” and “the ging his shoulders uneasily, he again turned to 8 duties, Once more the pirate found himself baffled. The door of the prisoner’s room was bolted from the in- side. ‘“‘ Well,” he muttered with a look of rage and dis-: appointment, *‘there’s no use in raising another row just at present.’ I'll let things rest pug ds as they n a better humor by that time.” So saying, he threw himself heavily upon his cot and was soon soundly etc His trusty lieutenant awakened him at ig ‘Pardon, senor; but the island is in sight. ere are some queer flying from the cliffs.”’ The pirate was wide awake in an instant, and iat up his telescope he sprung on deck ata und, CHAPFER XTX. INFERNAL DEVICES. Joun Frazer took up the sewing materials laid be fore him and was soon busily e ed upon the var ous-colored bunting at his feet, and long in the night he continued his task. At length it was completed, Before him Jay ten curiously shaped flags, each one of which represented a figure, from one to naught. By their various combinations, aided by the informa- tion already gained, he could signal the truth to any ship belonging to the American Navy. “There!” he remarked, quietly, as he Jaid aside his work, “I’ve made a better job of it than I ex. pected hope that. my plans may not fail in their pe se, There is work still ahead of me before Rytiht I must be careful that the dwarf does not suspect Mi urpose. a dactne, be athered up the flags, and pausing . only long enough to assure himself that the dw: was sleeping, he out of the front entrance. Dencending the , stairway he picked up a light ; % fy ee % ig We will’ that she does not give me another: Perdition seize:
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The Ocean Bloo Sor designed for a tent-pole. Procuring a small block and light line from the crew’s quarters, he pro- ceeded to reeve halliards. Lashing the block to the end of the pale, he wrapped the line along its length. Then raising it to his shoulder, he again ascended the stairway. He reached the narrow ledge leading to the pirate’s quar- ters. Leaning the pole against the face of the cliff he cleared the halliards. Taking the end of these in his hand and wrapping the flags around his body, he began the steeper ascent. Sure footed as a chamois, he gained the summit at last, and then, pulling on the rope, he raised the pole to his side. ; After a little search, he found a narrow cleft in the rock upon which to plant his flagstaff. The wind whistled around his ears with violence. It was no easy matter to raise the pole to its place; but+he did so, at last, and wedging the foot of it se- curely in its place with fragments of rock, he un- rolled his py Selecting three of these, he attached them to the halliards and hoisted them to the peak. “There,” he exclaimed, in satisfaction, as he placed a heavy stone upon the rieemgrs 4 flags and ain descended, “I fancy that even the dwarf’s s ma eyes will fail to see what is directly above his head. I must be on my guard to-morrow, too, for should Santillez take it in his head to return, his eyes must not rest upon what I have done in his absence,”’ So saying he re-entered the pirate’s quarters. The task he now set him: to perform was no easy one. It was none other than to remove the pi- rate’s gold and jewels to a hiding-place known only to himself. It was laborious ‘work, indeed, but he ii stubbornly on at his task. t daylight he awoke the dwarf and ordered him to prepare breakfast, is was soon placed before him, but as he sat down to the table, he noticed, that the dwarf seemed fearful and uneasy. Knowing well the latter’s revengeful and treach- erous disposition, he watched him narrowly. As he raised a cup of fragrant coffee to his lips, a peculiar light glittered in the dwarf’s eyes, He set the cup down without tasting. . “Baba,” said he, very quietly, but with a danger- ous flash in his dark eyes, ‘‘ you will force me to kill Sag et. Take away the coffee and bring me a bot- e of wine instead, I do not care to be poisoned.” The dwarf trembled in re limb at these words. His craftily-laid scheme had failed. Doubly true did it seem to him now that this terri- ble master was indeed able to read his very thoughts. For the present, at least, he was staggered in the hope of being able to outwit the man he hated. he mind of the dwarf was racked with conflict- ing fears. On the one hand an invisible and power- ful influence compelled him against his will to serve the man he hated. Again a tremor seized him as he pes of what would be his punishment when his rightful master returned, How was he to reveal the truth when the only means of doing so—his tongue—was powerless to perform its duty? It was death to defy his present master, and most likely the same from the true one. He began seriously to think that the only way out of the dilemma would be to throw himself into the sea and thus escape them both. “That was a narrow escape for me,” said John Frazer, thoughtfully. ‘Had Baba been a little less ignorant, and more able to conceal his emotions, I should have swallowed his dose, without suspicions. Danger on every hand. I seem to be treading the verge of a precipice Would that! could but see my way clear from the labyrinth that surrounds me! Ah, my loved ones, how little you dream of 'the dangers that envelop me at this moment!” He pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. Se- lecting a cigar from the pirate's store, he lit it and approached the door. gas) cautiously around to assure himself that the dwarf was notin sight, he icked up a telescope and ascended to the top of e cliff, from which he could sweep the horizon in sae? direction. Adjusting the focus of his glass, he gazed long and earnestly over the sea. Not a sail in sight. ‘ “The cruiser must have abandoned her search for the pyesent,” he sighed. “Ah, if she would but come this way before that villain takes it into his head to return! ‘ It may be months before such an opportunity will ain occur.” uoyed with hope he remained at his post the livelong day; but no sail appeared toreward his eyes. 4s the sun began slowly to sink beneath the wa- ters, he sadly descended from his post. “Supper, slave, at once!” he said, peremptorily, coming suddenly upon the dwarf. The latter hurried to obey. Keenly on the alert as usual, John Frazer noticed that a handsome arm-chair had been drawn to the head of the table for his accommodation. He glanced at it with suspicion. ‘Nothing like being upon my a i he mut- tered, as he proceeded to examine it critically in the dawart’s absence. ‘“‘There may be a trap in this thing, for alll know. I'll wait and see.” Soon afterward the dwarf reappeared, loaded with tempting dishes. Ashe set them down his body came directly in front of the chair. Standing behind his back John Frazer reached for- ’ ward, grasped him by both shoulders and forced him back in the seai. ‘ It was all done so quickly the dwarf had no chance dhound to save himself. He fell back with a gurgling cry and then the mystery of the chair was revealed, From cunningly concealed sockets, there suddenly sprung out long curved bands of steel, and the oc- cupant of the chair was a helpless prisoner. Feet, arms, and neck were encircled in their grasp in such a manner that it was impossible to escape! “Foiled again, Baba!" said John Frazer, coolly. “You see itis of no use. I hardly think it will be worth my while to spare your life. However, I'll consider the matter while I’m eating my supper. Meanwhile I shall allow you to occupy the chair you so kindly provided for my accommodation.” And, eat his supper he did, watching the’ terror- stricken face of the helpless dwarf with undiszuised satisfaction. Having finished a hearty meal, he said, quietly; ** Now I will see what can be done for you. first place you must tell me the secret of the spring or I’m afraid I shall have to leave you there unti your scoundrel of a master returns,” The dwarf’s eyes rolled violently. He made a backward motion with his head and uttered a gur- gling sound. “In this neighborhood, ehy’’ said John Frazer. coolly. ‘Ah! this must be it, then,’’ pressing asmall round knot as he spoke. As he did so the steel bands shot back into their hiding-places with a sharp click, “I’ve thought it all over, Baba, and_ concluded to spare your life ‘Ais time,” said John Frazer, as the dwarf sprung to his feet. ‘‘ Beware, though, how you try any more such experiments on me again! ow clear away the table.” So saying he picked up a book from a handsome rack hanging against the wall and ine fog to be interested in its contents, but in reality, was covert- ly watching the dwart’s every movement. The latter proceeded with his task, with marked trepidation. There was evidently something preying upon his mind. Moving back the fatal chair against the wall, the dwarf next took the one that Frazer had lately oc- cupied and carelessly set it over in one corner of the room, He was unusually long in clearing away the dishes, Even then he soon after returned to the room. In one corner, close to the spot where he had placed the second chair, a handsome awinging lamp depended from the ceiling. This the dwarf lighted and then proceeded to tidy up the apartment. “Till change my seat while he’s tidying up,” thought John Frazer, as he started to rise. In doing so, he rested his weight somewhat heavily upon the corner of the table, There was a sudden crash and then a section of the floor underneath the lamp, just lighted by the dwarf, cap oanne’ disappeared! The unoccupied chair standing on the spot was in- Stantly swallowed up out of sight! Ns piel its fall, came the sound of wood upon steel. ‘Trap number three,” said John Frazer, his face slightly pale. He looked around for the dwarf; but the latter had disappeared in the darkness of the night, and walking over to the spot, he looked down, A shud- der ran through his veins as he did so. The light overhead revealed a deep well-like cavity; some five feet in diameter, Its sides were lined with sharp, murderous-looking blades, their points projecting outward, CHAPTER XX. FRIENDS IN COUNCIL, THe cruiser ‘‘ Vixen’? was pursuing her way with her bow pointed toward the nearest port where she might be enabled to replace her lost spars. The faces of her officers were sad and despondent. Fate seemed to have aided their enemies, when victory was almost within their grasp. “Well, there is no use in crying over what can'¢ be Lelped,” said the first lieutenant, with an attempt at cheerfulness, to the officers seated around the ward-room table. “What makes it worse,’’ continued the speaker, “is to think that he boarded that brig right under our noses, as it were, and yet we missed him, By the way, Mr, Wilson, I forgot to ask you her name,” “Not a very poetical one, I ‘must confess,” an- swered the second lieutenant, with a smile. ‘ she was the Nancy Jones, from ‘Rio’ to New York, with a mixed cargo,” But the latter part of the sentence was scarcely heard. Every eye was turned in surprise upon the first lieutenant, Springing to his feet, his every nerve quivering with excitement, he said, hastily: +f There was no one killed, I hope?” “No,” was the reply. “The captain had a, hard rap on the head or something of that kind, and I be- lieve the mate was hurt; but nothing serious. Why do you ask?” “Because, the captain of that vessel is my own Sa- ther! Oh, to think of the danger he was in, and I suspected nothing of it at all!” ‘* Allthe better for us, Ishould say, Paul,” remark- ed Captain Clark, who had been listening to the con- versation. ‘ Had you known the truth, you would have been for jumping the ‘ Vixen’ ever the reefs pare ane instead of taking to the channel, as we id.” There was a general laugh at this sally, and then Mr. Wilson said, quietly: “Mr, Jones comes of good old fighting stock, that is easily seen. [had a report of the affair from the mate of the brig. He told me that the captain defi- ed his enemies even when he was helplessly bound and ia their power." In the. | she may carry a Yes, brave Job Rogers had fully extolled his cap- tain’s courage; but he said never a word of his own heroism on that occasion. Like all true heroes he was very modest in sounding his own praises. “We interrupted the chap in the very nick of time,"’ said the second lieutenant, continuing hia story. There was a lady on board whom the villaing tried to capture just_as they sighted us, but they left the brig in such haste that they even forgot ta take with them the bag of gold they had throwa on the table,”’ If will be seen that the story was far from being correctly told; but then Job Rogers had given him the outlines, ‘At any rate, Paul, you ean now rest easy in your mind,” said Captain Clark, kindly. ‘ By this time our father is far enough away from this locality to ear nothing more from Santillez. ‘“*¥ou’re right there, captain,” chimed in Mr. Wil- son; “and, what is more, the pirate will not—” “ Officer of the deck reports a sai) in sight, sir,” announced a youn middy, suddenly appearing in the doorway and saluting the captain, ** Let us go on deck, gentlemen, and:gee what it is,"’ and the captain proceeded to the look-out. ‘I hope re spar that we can borrow.” “She seems to be in distress, sir,"’ said the officer in chargé, as.the commander of the Vixen step upon the bridge. “TI can make out a flag flying; but Sr pae, distance it is impossible to distinguish the colors.” “ Bring me my telescope, RS ho 1 nd ordered the captain to the boy who attended him. : i was a costly and powerful instrument. Hardly had he glanced through the tube before he said: “Itis a merchantman in distress. Put the ship about at once.” The necessary orders were quickly carried out. The huge ship swung round on her heel and head- | ed directly for the strange sail. “Will you allow me to take that glass for a mo- ment, captain?” asked the first lieutenant, with a tremor of agitation in his voice, * Oertainly, Mr. Jones: What! are you still ner- vous about your father’s safety? He must be many miles away ere this.” “You forget the storm last night, sir," was the re- spectful reply as the young man took the glass. “Ah! he ac ded, suddenly, with renewed excite |} ment; ‘‘ITam not mistaken; yonder craft is my fa’ ther’s brig.” “Never mind, Paul,” said Captain Clark, with ¢ quiet smile; ‘ we'll run down te her just as quick ae we can. Inever pass a vessel in distress,”’ ; Very impatiently did the officers of the Vixe» watch the vessel they were slowly approaching. “She has been roughly handled in the storm, J see,’ remarked Captain Clark, to the sailing-master besidé him; ‘‘most of her top-hamper is carriéd away.”’ Lowering his tone,so that his Neutenant should not overhear him, he added: *‘Tcan only see five men on her deck. ‘The rest of them must have been washed overboard in the gale last night, else they would surely be on deck when they know we are coming to their aid.” A half-hour later, the Vixen was hove to, within a short distance of the brig and a boat lowered, the first lieutenant in the stern sheets. “Give way strong, men,” he cried to the crew, “I have a deep interest in yonder vessel.” Little need bad the men of urging. The young of- ficer was well liked by them all, Their broad backs were bent to their oars until it séemed as if the tough blades would break under the pressure. As the cut- ter’s side scraped the brig, the young officer grasped the rope thrown him, and sprung on deck. The first man to receive him was his own father! The old man’s face was pale, but the indomitable spirit he possessed still snapped in his eyes, ‘s Jerusalem!” he exclaimed, delightedly; “I de- clare if it ain’t my own Paul.” The next moment father and son were waned in each other's arms. As the young officer released himself from that embrace and glanced around, he said, hurriedly: “What has happened to you? You all seem to be hurt; and what bas become of the rest of the crew?” “Dead, my lad,” said the old man solemnly. 4 “Wor Heaven's sake what do you mean?” 7) Pirates!”’ replied Captain 7 ake, “We've had a most wonderful escape.’ * But I thought—that is, I heard you did not lose a man.” * Nuther we did, Paul, the fust time.” The young officer started as if he had been stung. ““What!"’ he gasped, “you don’t mean to say the scoundrel paid you a second visit?” “Not the same chap; but I’m pretty sartin now, that it was the same gang.” ‘When did all this happen?” “ Not four hours ago.’ “Describe their vessel,” “As trim a schooner as ever I set eyes on, Paul, and sailed by as big a scoundrel as ever went un- hung.” iy Tictisve all that,”’ replied the young officer quick- ly, ‘‘for we’ve met him before.’ Why, it was ‘only last night that we chased the villain and carried away our foretopmast without being able to over- haul him. You must go back fo the ‘Vixen’ with me and tell Captain Clark the whole story.” * But, I can’t leave my ship, Paul. e’re. short- handed enough as it is and—’ *“You needn’t make any more excuses, father, for here comes a second boat's crew to your relie Captain Clark is a regular trump. Irather think he suspected something wrong from the start. ie “Well?” he asked inquiringly as the second boat
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vhot along side and a young middy climbed over the rail as agile as a monkey. “ Captain Clark’s compliments to the first lieuten- ant and he wishes you to return with Capt. Jones,” ratited off the middy rapidly. ‘ I am ordered tore- ean here with the second cutter’s men until further orders.” | “You see, Iwas right, father,” said the young mtn with a pleased smile. In a few moments more, the first cutter was pull- ing back to the ‘‘ Vixen.”’ Not long afterward, the brave Yankee skipper was shaking hands with the officers on board the cruiser. Yassing down into the wardroom they took seats | around the table and lisf*ned in mute wonder while Captain Zeke detailed the exciting events his vessel had so lately passed through. This time the mate’s bravery and lion-heart came i in its true colors, told by the captain's truthful ps. As he went on to describe the pirate’s escape with | his victim, and the terrible fate planned for the brig’s survivors, a cry of horror broke from the listeners’ lips. Their fists were clenched and their | eyes flashed fire. The “ Vixen’s ” commander was no less excited. “Oh that I could but catch sight of him once | more!’ he cried in righteous anger, ‘‘ He should not | long live to triumph in his wickedness. I'd give | every dollar I am worth for a new foretopmast.’ “You can take the brig’s, cap’n,” said Paul’s father. ‘‘It will answer your purpose, I guess, and it shall not cost you a cent. Why, I'd give the whole craft, cargo and all, to see those fellows’ bodies dangling from a yard-arm.”’ ““Ah,’”’ said Captain Clark sadly, ‘‘it is easy enouzh to say what we should so much desire to see. In our excitement we have forgotten a most apo? question, and that is, ‘‘ where shall we find im? “In his lair, sir,” replied Paul Jones pranenyy, with an air of conviction. “ His greed is satiate with what he already has geined. Rest assured he will retire to his den and glut himself, content for awhile with what he has in his possession.” The majority of the officers agreed with him in this opinion. “TI do not dispute you, Paul,” said the captain, slowly; “ but, where shall we find his rendezvous ?” CHAPTER XXtI. CAGING HIS PREY. As the Pirate glanced through the glass at the da.ree small flags fluttering from the highest wf the island, a muttered curse escaped his lips. ‘** What can have seeientS now?” he cried, “ and what does Baba mean by that, I wonder?” The next moment a cry of unbounded rage broke from his lips. “What am I thinking of, anyhow? Baba knows nothing of sigaals, and couldn’t tell one letter from another.” As he spoke, he sprung down into the cabin, to re- turn presently with a book similar in appearance to the one he had left ashore, Over this he ran his eye swiftly, down the page. Suddenly the moving finger stood still. All the wicked passions of his nature seemed to rise to his fuce at the discovery he had made. “Help! Pirates {” *S that is what mean those signal flags, eh?’’ he hissed bei ween his clenched teeth. ‘‘An enemy is on the island, and would betray us. Who can it be? dburely not Baba, for itis out of his power to read. And yet, how happens it that he has allowed that signal to be raised over his head? Well, we shall 20n solve this mystery. Crowd oa all sail, Sancho. eey moment is precious while yonder bunting is tving.”’ On sped the swift vessel, while the impatient and wogry, pirate walked the deck with mattered curses pou his lips. Oftendid he raise his glass and sweep uat portion of the island visible from the sea, in the tope of getting some clew to the mystery. But, his ceen eyes saw nothing to reward their vigilance. Not even the dwarf’s familiar figure co, ld be dis- dinguished, | At last, the schooner shot into the chanael, and, . teered by the steady hand of the pirate, sooa reach- 6d her usuaJ] mooring-place behind the sheltering cliff. Hardly had her sails been lowered, befo.2 the pirate ordered his boat, and was hastily landed. Up the narrow rocky svaircase he mounted with surpris- ang peritity. nce inside the door of his quarters, he saw xt a glance that they had been visited in his absence. Nor could it have been the dwarf. He was quick to read sizns, and the open book lying on the table, with a few other circumstances he noted, told him plainly that it was not the work of his slave. : Bursting open the door of the latter’s apartment— which had been bolted from within—he saw that Baba was soundly sleeping. “May perdition seize you, you dog!” he cried, grasping the dwarf in his vigorous clutch, and drag- ging hii to the floor, ‘*‘ What has happened here in my absence? and how comes it I find you asleep, in- siead of being on watch for my return? How came those flags flying from the top of the cliff?” Black lightning shot from the pirate's eyes as the questions came thick and fast from his excited ps. The dwarf eyed his master with terrified, rolling eyes. A low, ryrgling sound, dreadful to hear, is- sud from his lips, “W.li you speaks!” cried the pirate, laying his | hand flereely on the hilt of his dagger, ‘or must I | use persuasion first?” The dwarf dropped on his knees, Still uttering bP eines, 12 Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. that horrid sound, he opened his lips and displayed his mutilated tongue, “Ah!” ejaculated the pirate, his anger against his slave somewhat abating. ‘‘Who is this that has dared to take such liberties in my absence?”’ The dwar?f’s features worked -convulsively. His lips moved; but no articulate sound came from | them. “TY shall have to solve this riddle in some other way, I see,’’ muttered Santillez, Novos Eerowing. a look of disgust upon the dwarf, he turned on his heel and strode into the openair. His first act. was to scale the cliff and tear down the ob- noxious signals, a “At least they have been discovered in time. Now to look into this mystery.” Descending to the beach, he joined the rest of the ‘men who had just landed. a few words he related all that he had discov- ered. “ Seatter at once, men,” he ordered, ‘“‘and search the island from end to end. When you find your zame, take it alive and bring it before me at once. o no more injury than you can help. Pedro Santil- Ly will show you it is no child's play to trifle with nim,” The words came from his lip» fie the hiss of a serpent, 1e peates hastily scattered to do their bidding, while Santillez returned once more to his quarters. Every nook and corner of them was thoroughly searched by the pirate. The dwarf joined him in the task with alacrity. He felt confident that his master would be more than sufficient to shield him from the man who had so strangely controlled him. Even the secret passages were thoroughly ran- sacked, lest by any chance the mysterious individu- al had been uainted with the secret of their ex- istence, But all their search was powerless to solve the mystery. No thought of the missing John “razer entered | the pirate’s mind. He had long ago settled into the belief that the man had been washed overboard that | night. Unluckily, too, the dwarf, naturally stupid, could see no way to give the chief a clew. It was past noon before the pirates began to strag le into their quarters again. Every part of the little island had been thoroughly ex- plored; but nothing had occurred to reward their | search. Their faces bore a look of perplexity, and their superstitious fears began to be awakened. “ Tt’s all the woman’s doings, mates,” averred one of their number, in a low guarded tone. “‘ We'll have shark following in our wake from the time we parted from the brig, and you all know what that means. It’s bad luck every time.” ““We will have to shoulder it, then,’’ replied one of his companions with an uneasy air. ‘“'There’s no use telling the chief what we think. Too well I Dae what the messenger would get for his trou- e ” our hands,”’ remarked another. Santillez received the news of the men’s failure with no sign of the uneasiness that troubled his mind. Unlike the rest of the gang, there was not a particle of superstitious fear in his nature. Whathe did dread was that some human mortal might steal upon him unawares and plunge a knife in his heart. Putting the best face possible on the matter, and watchful as a hawk, he sat down to his dinner. Then he started out to see that his vessel was prop- oy moored and to bring ashore his beautiful vic- m, Finding her state-room still barred from within, he Ha it open and roughly ordered her to accompany rim. To refuse was worse than useless. Without a word the lady lifted her /tild,in her arms, and fol- lowed her captor to tlie-tledk. Then she took her place in the boat and was landed on the beach. With alook of calm resignation upon her sain features, the woman slowly ascended the steep stairway with her burden. True, the pirate offered to relieve her of it; but with a look of intense loathing she pushed aside his i a hand, shuddering at the instant con- Act, . ’ “Never min 1, my lady,” thought tue villain, grim- ly; ‘‘a few days will be sufficient to cake the spirit out of you, I fancy.” Reaching the main apartment of his quarters, he touched a spring in the wall. A concealed door swung open, revealing an apartment excelling in richness of interior his own luxuriant one. Opposite the door, on the side toward the sea, were two pocd-aize? windows which served to give light to the apartment. These windows were con- cealed from without by matted vines. Notwith- standing the luxury of the apartment it was a pris- on. Crossing the windows were heavy iron bars whose p se was obvious, me is to be your own quarters, my beauty,” an- nounced the pirate, with a triumphant smile. ‘I shall often come to keep you company; never fear. I’m sorry I can't stay longer, just now; but you see aman in my position has a good deal on his hands. However, you will not be out of my thoughts. Your meals will be rip saree to you at the proper tim without the aid of hands, “We can but make our report and have the job off | “Supper for three tonight, Baba,” he ordered. “Sancho and Ferdinand are to sup with me.” Soon afterward the two alluded to ap eared, and the party sat down to a table loaded with delicacies. ‘““Any news yet, of our strange enemy?” asked the chief, ‘“None, senor,’’ was the reply, ‘‘and the men are uneasy. They say the island is haunted.” ** Nonsense,” retorted the pirate; ‘‘show me some sign, and—” The words died out on his lips. Bold as he was, a sight met his eyes that made him tremble. CHAPTER XXII. THE WRITING ON THE WALL. Goop cause indeed had the iron nerves of the pf- rate to quail. Even as the bold challenge trembled on his lips, the three candles ranged around the walls flickered and expired at the same instant. Over on the rocky wall in letters of luminous light, appeared these warning words: “ Pirates, your days are numbered |” Speechless with terror, with staring eyes, and teeth rattling like castanets, the pirate gazed in dread fas- | Cination upon those warning words, His challenge had indeed been promptly answered. ** Lights! Baba!’ he shrieked, hoarsely. ‘By all the fiends, bring lights at once!” The terror-stricken dwarf with shaking limbs has- tened to obey; fresh candles were produced and lighted, but all attempts to make the old ones burn, ailed. “More of them!” cried the pirate, and candle after candle was added to the number, until the room was | a blaze of licht. _Then, and not till then, did the human sea-tiger be- gin to breathe easier. Every moment, while the darkness enveloped him, he had expected to feel the avin grasp of his mysterious enemy upon his throat. Filling his glass to the brim, he tossed its contents down his capacious throat. Another and another followed until the flery stimulant had re- stored his courage. His two subordinates were even more terror-strick- en than himself. “Ha! ha! a pretty good joke, my comrades,” ex- claimed the pirate with a laugh, terrible in its hollow mockery. ‘‘ Nevermind what you've seen, thougt for I’ve a plan in my head that will set things all right again. ‘The fact is, our quarters here are get- ting rather uncomfortable. ou’ll agree with me in that, no doubt. Well, the world is large and | there’s as good dens for us as this has been. In no more luck until we're well rid of her, There wasa | e To-morrow morning t } shall again have the eanire of calling upon you, so | look your prettiest when I come. All you want is to be bud for the asking. You shall dress like @ queen and have gems by the bushel Surely no woman could ask more.” So saying, he retired with a mocking bow and closed the door behind him rf ¢ 7 Ri eo Mice brief, I've decided on gathering up our traps and leaving the island. How those Yankeés will rage | when they come back and find we have flown? What think you of the plan?” ‘Nothing would suit us all better,” said both men inabreath, ‘ Besides, senor,”’ continued Sancho, ‘* so long as the men are troubled with the dread of spirits pt will be no better than a pack of cowards. !'m 1 they baven’t actually seen anything to upset hem as yet, so they are still manageable. Think, though, what would have happened had words of fire epreenes before their eyes. Let us once more be clear of the island, and they will be the same brave men as of old.” Very suddenly, indeed, had the pirate chief come to his determination. the suggestion been made to him five minutes before his eyes were stag- | gered by that warning, he would have laughed it to scorn, Crafty to a degree he was still shrewd enough to make it appear that his resolve had been slowly formed, “Yes,” said he, “I bave already arranged my plans. The cruiser will doubtless return as quickly as possible. Once our hiding-place is surely known an hey. will be around our ears as thick as hor- — e shall find his game has once’ more slipped im. ‘““We will to work at once to load the Isabelle with our choicest goods, The balance we will bury until there is a good chance to return for them. You, Sancho, will take half the men ard work till midnight. Ferdinand will relieve you then with the remainder, and by daylight we will leave this place for good.” He leaned back in his chair wi(4: the air of a man who felt that he had made a great concession. His lieutenants looked at each other uneasily® There was evidently some subject still on their mitds which they had as yet failed to introduce. Pedro Santillez was not slow to note the fact. “You bave something more io tell mec,” he ex- claimed, sharply. ‘“‘ Out with it at ovee.” “It is your duty, you know,” remarked lerdinand, in a low tone to his companion, “And an ugly one it is,’ muttered Sancho, in re- ply. Then aloud, with an air of bravado he was far from feeling, he said: “The fact is, senor chief, the men have got a queer idea in their heads,” ** Well?” “They've made up their minds already to leave the island to-night.” “* Have they’ roared the pirate. “That shal! he as I please, Go on with what’ you Lave to say!" he commanded, with a sneer. “Tt was all talked over among them, this after- noon, senor,” continued Saneho, rapidly ard eying his chief nervously as he spoke. “They count on your consentiug to the plan of course, but—”’ “Out with it!” roared the chief. . “Well then—they say—the woman must be—/¢/t behind.” The secret was out at last, “Do they!’ snarled the chief, with flashing eyes.
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et vmney are very considerate, indeed, to arrange my plans for me, Perhaps as they’ve been kind enough to do that they will choose another to lead them—y ourself perhaps.”’ The words were spoken lightly but there was a deep meaning beneath them., The pirate evidently fancied that his chief officer had been working to supplant him in authority, and distrusted him ac- cordingly. Sancho had got safely through the most difficult put of his task. He had greatly feared that his life would pay the penalty for telling the chief the men’s determination. The rest of the task was compara- tively easy. ; eye all the man’s faults he was still loyalf ‘is chief. “No, senor,’’ he replied, “‘ you cannot mean that. Rest assured they would fight under no other leader but yourself. They say, though, that the woman’s ery Wen you robbed her of her brat, still disturbs their dreams. She has brought a curse with her, and no good luck can come of it while she is with us.” “Probably, they would be content if I should throw her over the cliff!” the chief suggested, with evident scorn, “They might, senor; I cannot say,’’ replied San- cho, not heeding the sarcasm that lurked beneath his chief's words. ‘Shall I see what they say to the proposal?” “No, you fool! Think you TI have ruled this band so long, only to be dictated to now? When Lleave the island, he woman goes with me. Tell the dogs that is my answer, They can accept it if they choose or stay where they are until doomsday, Go to them and report my words, and let me hear their answer at once.” \ It was Solr half. an hour before the burly lieuten- ant returned. “They refuse to listen to it, senor,” said he grave- vy. ) ever have I seen men so determined as they. “Then they can stay where they are.”’ ‘Pardon, senor, but they swear they will not re- main on the island until daylight.” “Ha!” gasped the pirate, springing to his feet, “this is mutiny! The devils shail not defy me thus,’ CHAPTER XXITI. THE PIRATE'S HOARD, . Tue right hand of the irate pirate rested upon a cocked pistol, “It is no fault of mine, senor,” said Sancho, dog- diy. ‘‘ No mortal man can say aught to turn them Front their purpose.”’ Yor a full minute Santillez stood undecided how to act. His burly lieutenant expected instant death at his hands. At sp a crafty, cruel smile crept over the pirate chief's face. Thrusting the pistol slowly back in his belt, he again seated himself. “Very well, Sancho; need must go when the devil drives. Tell the men that I grant their kind request. It is the first time I have been called upon for such og er i and they can rest assured it will also be the fast.” No mistaking his meaning, now, Well they knew that a menace lay beneath those quiet-spoken words, The two men touched their caps in salute and re- tired. Glad enough were they to escape unharmed from cae prenencn of their angry and excited leader, “Twouldn’t go through such a job as that again for a handsome sum," remarked Sancho to his com- panion when they were well out of the pirate’s hear- ing. Tt Nor I, either,” was the laconic reply. ‘““At any rate, we have done better than I expect- ed. Rest assured, though, he means to have satis- faction upon us. Wait until we are safely in our tes quar’ and you will see I have spoken right- Y. é Meanwhile, Santillez was pacing the floor of his Sperenens like a crazed beast. The men he had lways looked upon as merely slaves to do his bid- ding had actually defied his power! Turn in what direction he would, the chief could see no way to "#- gain his lost power. ‘It is useless for me to fight against them now,” he muttered, with an angry scowl. ‘Let them be- ware of the future, though! Pedro Santillez neither forgets nor forgives, And now I suppose I must see to it that my gold is ready for removal.” So saying, he turned and entered the room he oc- cupied as a*bedchamber, , ** Here I was safe,”’ his thoughts ran, his mind still brooding over his troubles. “Tt will be long before J can bien & spot with so many accommodations as | have here. Walking toward a small closet, he opened the door, but only to start back with a loud ory * “What!” he gapped. . ‘‘ Js i¢ gone ?” _ Yes, he had spoken truly. Instead of the heavy bags of gold and the glittering bars of the precious metal, his eyes fell upon—emptiness! _ A hoarse cry of rage broke from his pallid lips. : “Perdition seize me!’ he gasped. “AmI dream- ? Baba, come here!” The dwarf appeared at his side. ““What means this? Where is the gold I left in ur keeping?” veThe dwarf lanced for a moment at the empty closet. Then he dropped on his knees atthe pirate’s in abject terror. ; : ea (o knows nothing of ita ens aiasrany ‘ ivi on Sr: San @iez, wiving the poor dwarf a ¢6 “ny uous kick. ‘* Who, then, is this mysterious person that steals gold when he can by no means carry it away? I cannot tell the men (his, else they would tear me to pieces, They would declare that I had hidden it for my own use, for spirits are not in the habit of performing such tricks. Baba, leave me!” “I see my way out of it, at last,” said the pirate when he was again alone. I must tell them it is too much to risk all our treas- ures at once in the schooner. The gold, then, is securely hidden until we can re- | turn for it without fear of our Yankee enemy, That story ought to satisfy them and it must. He saw = is that if the crew believed him to be the sdle possessor of such a secret, they would be | far less liable to do him an injury. Feeling anxious to know how much influence he still possessed over his desperadoes, he prepared to go down among them. A wicked smile crept over his scarred face as he skill, and thrust if up his sleeve. removing their valuables from the cave. They worked on moodily and in silence. He strolled carelessly in among them. Not an eye met his own; but a look of grim deter- | mination rested upon the faces of all, and turning on his heel, he returned toward his own quarters. As he ascended the rocky steps, something glit- tered at his feet in the moonlight. Actuated by mere curiosity, he stooped and picked it up. Suddenly his whole manner changed to one of in- tense excitement and surprise. He hurried back to his room to examine the article more closely by candle-light. It was a small and curiously-shaped pocket-knife mounted in silver, which he had more than once seen in the possession of one of his men, and that man was John Frazer, whom he had be- lieved dead. He saw his mistake now. | ment opened on the face of the cliff. He coul He found the men busily engaged in the task of The truth of the whole mystery came to his mind like a flash. The individual who had inyad- ed his quarters in his absence was the man whom he had once so nearly hung. This, then, accounted for much that had ap- peared mysterious. All but the late handwriting on the wall, and that at least could hardly be pro- duced by human agency. “Ah!” hissed the pirate, between his set teeth. “he thinks to measure skill with me, does he? But he shall not escape from me thus. Nor shall the Isabelle hoist a sail to leave the spot until he is found. With him alone rests the secret where the gold is hidden. He shall reveal it if I have to tear it from him by slow torture. I begin to see my way clear at last.”’ : Let us go baek to the man now uppermost in oe pirate’s thoughts, and see what he has been oing. ; For once in his life, John Frazer had been caught off his guard, Worn out with his exertions in carrying away the pirate’s beg to his own hiding- pace, his body was unable to stand the strain. is overtaxed energies were compelled to rest. As he dropped the last bag of gold among its fellows, he sat wearily down to rest, and in a mo- ment more he was emer f sleeping. Little did he calculate how long would be that slumber. Na- ture at last held full sway, and kept it until she was satisfied. When John Frazer again awoke, the st noe | 0 the ; well up in the heavens, He groped his wa narrow crevice that formed the mouth of his hid- ing-place, and looked out. rom this spot he had a clear view of the chan- nel, To his unbounded dismay, he saw the pirate | schooner approaching the channel under a full spread of canvas. ‘He has seen the signal and taken the alarm,” said Frazer, coolly, _ ** Fate seems to be against me still,” he remarked; “but, while there is life there is hope. T have taken all due precautions. Ere long he will See something that will make even his nerves trem- ble, I fancy. It is a fortunate thing that I secured that case of chemicals. They may prove to be of considerable value to me yet.’ : Let us pause for a moment to explain to the read- er the meaning of his words. Among the pirates’ stores he had found a valuable case of chemicals. As the peoie knew nothing of the nature of the contents, he had Peay taken the case for the fine workmanship on it. In this case was a vial of phosphorus. Withthis substance John Frazer had traced upon the wall of the pirate’s room the warning which had caused him such terror. With another substance he had painted a ring around each candle at the same distance from the bottom. All this had been accomplished in the dwarf’s ab- sence, so he was ignorant of it, At the time he had merely done it as an act of precaution, little think- ing that it would soroally be of service, ow was it, theugh, that the daring man had so cunningly contrived to escape the prying eyes of his enemies? The answer is soon given. f Well up on the face of the cliff, with an entrance So narrow that it seemed a mere crevice in the rock, was the spot he had chosen. So narrow was the en- trance that it was with difficulty he could force his way vbrough it. So smooth was the face of the cliff be.ow him that it seemed impossible for a man’s | foot to scale its sides. Not a man save himself knew of its existence. Situated as it was, it formed a most admirable place for his purpose. Within, the cave was ‘nearly three-sided, and about six feet in its widest part. In that spot every particle of the pirate’s ill-got- At any rate | 13 at — a $n ten gold was safely lying. Beside it was a quantity of provisions sufficient tc sast the occupant for a few days at least, ying prone upon his stomach, his keen, gra eyes peering through the entrance, he had seen his blood- thirsty enemies pass beneath him in their search. From the words carelessly dropped from their lf he gathered the information that they were search- ing blindly. He saw that they did not even suspect his identity. This surprised him not a little, and he resolved to use the information to good service. Motionless as a log, he remained until darkness closed in upon the scene. Then slowly and cautious- ly he emerged from his retreat. There was little fear in his heart now of being discovered, The cliff faced toward the sea, while the pirates’ quarters were upon the other side of the rocky wall, As light-footed as a mountain goat, he proceeded to make his way up the steep face of the cliff in a di- | agonal direction. He intended, if possible, to gain took up the deadly poniard he could throw with such | the spot where the windows of the pirate’s apart- see the place clearly in the faint light of the rising moon, Foot, by foot, he crept on his aero way. One careless step and his body would be dashed to pieces on the rocks below, Every line of his features be- trayed astern purpose. He was within a dozen feet of the place. Suddenly he stopped, and, bending forward, listen- ed with bated breath. GHAPTER XXIV. SANTILLEZ DEFIANT, Iv was the voice of the pirate chief that had thus arrested his attention. € was speaking impera- tively to some one, and that one evidently a woman. John Frazer had gained the spot at the moment San- tillez was ushering his victim into what was to be her prison. The listener strained forward to catch her reply; but the woman remained silent. As the pirate uttered his parting threat, the steely gray eyes of John Frazer flashed fire and his fist clenched tightly. ‘ Again he reached forward to listen, for the woman was speaking earnestly enough now. Ah, yes! She was oo her bended knees, praying ney to Heaven for deliverance from her ‘ene- mies. ‘That prayer is heard and will be answered,” was the thought that crept into John Frazer's ‘heart. “Heaven designs me for the instrument that is to : thwart the villain in his purpose. Now I in to see wy my former plans have been allowed to fail,” 6 listened again, but all was now silent, ‘Tf it lies in my power, I will gladden her heart with the knowledge that a friend is near,” said he, yenzel Unfortunately for his urpose, the spot from whence the sound proce ed wat thydert the win. dow of the pirate’s room. " More than that, the face of the cliff at that point was absolutely inaccessible. No chance there to find a foothold he saw at a glance. Nothing but a few one vines clinging to its face with their delicate ten. v4 t He slowly made his way forward until he had — gained the pirate's window, and again listened. He could hear the voices of the pirate’s lieuten- ants as they greeted their chief, He was also a de- lighted listener to the pirates’ terror fat_the sight of that strange handwriting on the wall. His eyes glit- tered with pleasure at the success of his plans and the turn affairs had takén, ; He reasoned in a moment that the pees would not wish to take his victim's life, On the contrary, he would probably contrive some Wiles return for her after his men’s fears had been lulled to rest in their new retreat, He at last understood thoroughly the nature of the villain he was endeavoring to outwit. Should his reasoning but prove true, he could easily release the prisoner the moment the island was abandoned, It puzzled him some, though, to think how he had managed to overlook the apartment whose existence he had now, for the first time, become aware of, While the pirate was cursing his luck and hurling anathemas upon the head of the man who had stolen - his treasures, the thief—if such he could be called— was enjoying his discomfiture within a few feet of where he stood, ; When at last the pirate left the room to join his men below, John Frazer proposed to carry out the daring plan he had already conceived. First assuring himself that his way was clear, he pushed aside the vines and crept gia, Passing from the bedroom into the er apart-— ment, he came suddenly vpan the dwarf. e latter was now. completely terrified by the complication of strange mysteries & ng on so rapidly around him. He gave one startled glance in the face of the man be- fore him, and dropped on his knees in an attitude of mute entreaty. e had survived all fear of his mas- ter’s wrath now, and life was doubly dear to him. But, John Frazer had no wish to do him an injury “if it could be avoided. . “To your room, slave!” he cried sternly; “I need you not,” With an expressive glance of relief, the dwarf obeyed. \ Opening the trap-door in the floor of the apart- ment, John Frazer descended the narrow steps lead- — ing to the secret entrance to the cave, Reaching the bottom, he could distinctly hear the pirates as they busied themselves in removing the treasure. For a long time he remained motionless, for every scrap of conversation that dropped from their lips . / et was valuable. From them he gathered the informe
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La ae nr en ——— tion that the majority of them were in favor of leav- ing the island at the earliest possible moment. A few of their number, however, were still coura- geous enough to face the mystery for a day lon- ger. The reason for this was that they did not care to run the channel by night a second time if it could be avoided. While they were thus busil they were suddenly startled ** Depart /” The voice, low, deep and powerful, seemed to emerge from the very ground at their feet! With a yell of terror, they dropped the goods they vipa ceerying and with one rush gained the open air eyon heir lieutenant, Sancho, was sitting outside, calmly smelsing a cigar. The mysterious voice had not reached his ears. ““What now?" he demanded, uneasily, as the men, shy “ap a little, began to assemble in a group. One of their number stepped forward and briefly told what had transpired. The recollection of that handwriting on the wall was still fresh in the lieutenant’s.mind. He could not doubt the truth of their words. A panic seemed to have seized upon the hearts of the former darin scoundrels. Human foes they would have face , Loldly; but nothing could induce them to face what they believed to be an avenging be No threats or persuasions could compel them to step foot again in the cave. “Stay!” exclaimed Sancho, suddenly. ‘It wants but a half-hour of midnight. Say not a word to the rest of what has happened. It will be but a short time now before Ferdinand will relieve us with his ga If they, too, receive the mysterious warning, we shall know it is advisable to leave the island at once, In the meantime, you can take these cases around us and carry them down to the schooner.” The men grumblingly assented to his proposition. There was no division of opinion among them now. The boldest among them was ready, ay, and anxious to be gone from the spot that held such mysteries. Promptly, at midnight, they were relieved, as upon. i edro Santillez, who had gone on board the schooner for some errand of his own, had been in ignorance of what had transpired. As Ferdinand’s men busied themselves at their task, Santillez strolled toward the cave. Suddenly, he was startled by a rush from the entrance, In the excitement of the moment, he fancied his life was to be attempted, and laid his hands upon his weapons. _Asecond glance, however, showed that he was un- heeded, The expression upon the faces of the men, as they rushed past him, was absolute fear. It was some moments before he could gather from ‘their frightened lips what had happened; then it transpired that tuey, too, had received the same ghostly warning that had alarmed the others. “You have becy fooled by your imaginations,” said the pirate, sternly. “Send Sancho hither, at once. If his men have heard anything unusual, I shall be inclined to believe you.” His face zpaled slightly, however, as the lieutenant told his tale. It agreed exactly with what he had heard from the lips of those around him, Still, the pirate stubbornly refused to admit its truth. He wae standing close to the entrance of the cave, as he “Men! if you are cowards to be frightened at nothing, I am not. This is a plot among some of your number to hurry us away from the island. Are there five men among you that will volunteer to help me search the cave?” . 0, there was not even one man to respond to that . challenge. “Very well,” said the pirate, coolly, as he laid his hand upon his weapon; ‘then T will go alone,” As he finished s cing, and turned to enter the cave,a deep rich voice issuing from the solid rock above said sternly: * Enter here at your peril !” engaged at their task, y the stern command: CHAPTER XXV. EVIL VOR EVIL. A DEATH RACE. Tue pirate’s cheek paled as those ringing words fell upon his ears, rave as he undoubtedly was, he feared to face that terrible and mysterious voice. His followers drew hastily back and. watched their chief with interise eagerness. Would he still dare to brave those hidden dangers? Santillez read the thoughts that chased over their countenances. His own face suddenly assumed a look of iron determination. “Men,” said he, “you refuse to aid me in this. Let me show you that I at least am not to be defied. Ay, I will enter now, though all the devils in perdi- tion should séck to oppose me, I fancy, though, that it will only turn out to be a human being.”’ So saying, he carefully examined the priming of his pistols. Then snatching a lantern from the hands of one of his men, he passed in the entrarice with a firm unfaltering step. At that instant a fearful explosion shook the ye ground beneath their feet. Huge volumes of black sulphurous smoke came rushing from out the mouth of the eave, enveloping them all in its thick folds. Well indeed had that mysterious voice fulfilled its threat! Terrified beyond measure, blinded by the smoke, the pirates with one accord rushed for the schooner ond. Heedless were they now of the rich goods ng scattered along the shore! Had they been bars of f Noch’ glittering diamonds, they would have passed by unnoticed. sp __———_————_—— re a Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. —~ A terrible fear had seized upon them all. Their only thought now was to fly from the spot that held such horrors. Their Lieutenant Sancho hurriedly gave his orders to get the schooner under way when informed by Ferdinand of what had a amt There was little need of hiswords. The crew were already madly working to that end. And foremost among them was Baba, the dwarf! Never had he been known to step foot upon the schooner’s deck since his first arrival among them. Frightened at the sudden meeting with his mysteri- ous enemy, he had hastened from his old quarters. Uncertain at first what to do, he had finally joined Ferdinand’s gang. His eyes had also beheld the awful fate of his master. Very swiftly did the pirates do their work. With- in ten minutes’ time from the moment of the explo- sion, the schooner’s sails were spread, her cable cut loose, and she began to gather headway. Sancho seized the wheel himself. There was a wild light in his eyes and his. brawny hands were a trifle unsteady. The scenes he had passed through that night had caused him to drink deeply and often. He showed it plainly enough, too; but the men were too much frightened to pa; heed to him then. The moon was partly hidden behind flying clouds. Occasionally its light would disappear altogether, and then the pirate at the helm was compelled to trust to luck. Outside, the wind was blowing neavi- ly, throwing the spray high in the air, as the waves broke over the reefs. The schooner, as if possessed with the same wild frenzy that had seized her crew, reeled unsteadily on her course, for her helmsman was unfit for the task he had undertaken. Ah! well did she need the strong sinewy arm of her former commander at that critical moment! Had he but heeded that terrible warning, he might now be with his followers, instead of lying a black- ened corpse in the cave yonder. But there was no time then for vain regrets. Half a mile distant was the open sea; but the most dan- gerous part of their task was still to come. Crash! The schooner’s side rasped against the black rocks with a grating sound that threatened to tear the timbers from her frame. Every tongue was mute, : Then the schooner dashed madly on her way again. Reeling like a drunken man, she struck the rocks on the other side witha force that nearly car- ried them from her feet, Clear once more and rushing on; but by this time the crew has realized the truth, ‘Aft with us, boys!” cried the second-lieutenant, who stood among them, ‘That drunken fool will send us all to the bottom in another minute.” desi ding his lead, the pirates made a rush for the wheel. For an instant they hesitated. The helmsman, now literally maddened with liquor, leveled a pistol at ther heads. ‘Back, you fools!” he cried, in thick, husky tones. * T command this vessel now, and I'll stand no non- sense.”’ Only for an instant did the crew hesitate. Then,. with one desperate rush, they,were upon him, There was the sharp report of a pistol and Ferdinand dropped to the deck shot through the heart by San- cho’s hand. In an instant more, the madma hting with desperate strength, had been forced back, from the wheel, It was instantly seized by one of the pirates, while the rest strove te disarm their leader. Thrice did he break from their united hes and strive to reach the wheel; but, foiled in this, he seized a handspike, and swinging it around as a club, mowed down his nearest enemies. Before he could again raise his terrible weapon, the crew were upon him, With one wild rush they bore him to the deck. There was a flashing of knives in the moonlight. In another moment the had found a bloody ‘sheath in the heart of their fallen comrade. Then, seizing the quivering body they hurled it over the side, with a yell of inferna’ triumph, *Revenge!”’ they cried, little thinking in their ex- citement of the perils still surrounding \ It was to be a night filled with terrors, The pi- rate at the wheel had glanced over the side as the body of the madman was swept astern, That short interval of time was fatal. He did not notice that black rock raising its head just before him. Once more the struggling schooner struck heavily against her hidden enemies. Away went the main-boom, broken short off at the neck, and away went both topmasits at the caps. The gallant vessel recoiled gangs from the shock; then slipping away from the shelving rock that had obstructed her path, she darted on again like a wounded bird. : A dozen contradictory orders fell from as ony. different lips. The crew were wildly demoralized. There was no clear head among them now, to assume command, and bring order out of confusioz, No man among them now believed the timbers would hold together after that last terrible collision. Some one, more thoughtful than the rest, sounded the pumps. A foot of waterin the hold and still the open sea was not yet reached)! A scene of indescribable confusion reigned ox. the deck of the doomed eraft. The schooner’s days were fast drawing to a close. The fact of her going to the bottom was only a questionof time. Tt might be an hour or it might be but ten minutes. They knew not. ' What wonder then that they stoodappalled. Many of them were in favor of attempting to reach the island again, Their mysterious foe could hardly be as much dreaded as the certain fate that awaited them there. They had not even a boat to depend on. In the excitement of leaving the island and gaining the schooner’s decks, no one had thought of securing the painter, and so that was lost. Nven had they possessed it, not half their number could be placed within it. While they were still hurriedly debating the ques- tion, the schooner had gained the open sea. Pre- sently the moon emerged from the clouds, with re- newed brilliancy. “The cruiser/” they cried, in a breath, as ‘they saw a huge ship bearing down toward them. ‘ We must run for it now.” No one had noticed it before in their excitement. Half a mile distant, with every sail set and flying like the wind,’the avenging cruiser bore down upon them. She had sighted her foe and her bow-gun al- ready spoke her purpose. No desire had the pirates, now, vf being hunted into their holes like rats. Bet- ter at least to take the desperate chance of escaping by a fa even though they knew that their g t vessel had received its morta’. wound, CAAPTER XXVI. THE MISSIVE AND THE MISSILE. WHERE was the pirates’ rendezvous? That was the question that puzzled the officers of the Vixen to answer. Right quickly would they have entered upon their vengeance did they but know where to find their daring foe. While they were debating the question, and trying to get at some tangible clew, a young tar appeared in the doorway. **Second cutter has returned, sir,’ he announced, respectfully. ‘“How’s this?” demanded Captain Clark, a little angrily. ‘‘I told Mr. Jackson he was to remain on board until further orders.” “Mr. Jackson is still on board, sir,” replied the messenger, promptly. ‘‘He told me to put this note and this bottle into your own hands immediately.” As he spoke he handed a _ note to the captain and deposi an unsealed bottle upon the table before m, rot mind his eye over the missive, the captain read aloud: “CAPTAIN CLARK, OF THE VIXEN: “Dear Str—I have the honor to report that the accompanying bottle—tightly sealed—has just been picked up by one of the cutter’s men alongside, ‘As soon as I read the contents I concluded to send it to you at once, as it contains news of great importance, if true. As I cannot retura myself, un- til further orders, I place it in the hands of the cox- swain for delivery. , “Very respectfully, “ ARTHUR JACKSON, Midshipman.” With a rather shaky hand, Captain Clark snatched Py the second paper protruding from the neck of the ottle, It ran as follows: * haan honest man in whose hands this may chance to Sa ‘““This is to inform the world that I am a prisoner in the hands of pirates. Six months ago I was a pas- senger in the s ip Albatross, bound from Rio Janeiro to New York. hile in these waters we were cap- tured by Pedro Santillez, the pirate, otherwise known as the Bloodhound of the Seas. Of all the souls on board, I am the only one surviving, and my life was ared by the merest chance. Under great difficulties T have learned the secret of the pirates’ retreat. ‘It is a small, rock-bound island, surrounded by reefs, and entered by a narrow channel running between two tall cliffs. This is the tenth missive I have cast into the sea in the hope of making my situation known to some kind heart. Please forward it to the United States Government, to which Ls oc I belong. every movement is closely watched .by the scoun- drels, so that it is with the greatest difficulty I write this. Even now—” The writing ended abruptly with a long scratch of the pencil, as if the writer had been suddenly startled and compelled to leave his task unfinished. The faces of the officers were a study as the cap- tain dnished his reading and glanced toward them. Surprise, delight and exultation were expressed upon them all, We must except one, and that one was their new acquaintance—the father of their first lieutenant, e arms of the Yankee skipper were resting upon the table, and his face was buried in his bronz- od hands. He seemed as if stricken with some great calamity. “What now, Captain Jones?’ said the Vixen’s commander, in some astonishment. ‘* Here the very information we've been Midge a1 for has suddenly dropped into our hands at the righ moment, and yet you do not seem to share in our re- joici Te fs the will of Heaven and the hand of Provi- dence that has done this,’ answered the old man, reverently, ‘It is wrong for me torepine. When I tell you why I am sad, you will wonder no longer. My late passenger’s husband was suddenly called home, as I have already told you. I believed that he was safely there, before this; but, the letter you have just read tells me I am indeed mistaken. He was one of the passengers in that fatal ship." A deep silence fell upon them all at these startling words. Captain Clark was the first to speak. N * Allis not lost yet,” said he, Kindly, ‘* May it mot ¥ a ‘ ‘ . - > . - LS ae On ne i a pen ei a gs an = er a ig nay as
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ne re ny re yep ae i Se ee a mg egg er ar ee ee :. —_— be possible that the writer of this letter and Colonel Sanders ure ove and the same person?”’ “Impossible!” said the old man, sadly. “JT know his determined nature only too well. While a drop of blood was left in his veins he would use it to fight his enemies. The pirates do not spare the lives of such men ashe. There were two other passengers on the ‘‘ Albatross,’ I know. Colonel Sanders tried to Wg ba a passage for his'wife in the same vessel, ut her captain refused. He had a belief that, it would bring him bad luck to have a woman on board his vessel. As the colonel could not wait longer, he was compelled to leave her behind him. Well, Pro- vidence is merciful in this case. The colonel would not have survived the loss of his wife and child, for he loved them to distraction.” Ens Ath ‘Then that same Providence shall use us as its in- strument to avenge them both,’ declared Captain Clark, earnestly. . ‘‘We know now where to find our enemies. Sur ancher shall not again rest on bot om until the whole nest of cutthroats are swept from the sea.”’ The looks of warm approval that spread over the faces of the officers at these words fully expressed their feelings. ie oe “You will. need my hg now, cap’n,”’ said the Yankee skipper, rousing hi sf to action. * My eraft yonder is® but little more than a wreck, any- how, and I want to see those villains hung afore I ‘int for home again.” s€ “IT accept your offer with pleasure,” replied Cap- tain‘Clark. “If there is any thing I can do in return for your kindness, let me know at once, for we have no time to lose now.” “Nothing, except to send your doctor aboard to atch us up a bit,” was the reply, “for we’ve been Enockedl to pieces nearly as bad as the old brig. I’m not much good at patchin’ up a man, either,’” he ad- ded, with a smile. His request was promptly granted. Five minutes later the second. cutter was pullin back to the brig. She was closely followed by the Vixen’s launch, wit a crew of sailors in her to remove ve loaned fore- topmast. Not an hour afterward it was safely hoist- ed alongside the ‘‘ Vixen.” Then the cruiser, without losing a moment of her valuable time, forged slowly ahead, her crew, busy as bees, engaged in fitting the new spar to its place. The brig slowly followed behind. The second cut- ter’s crew had been placed on board to relieve her own, They had naught to do but look on while the new-comers, with practiced skill, proceeded to re- store her rigging to its proper reg A spare spar from the frigate served in place of the one lost. : Making the best: use in their power of the materi- als at hand, the ‘* Vixen’s” men soon restored things toa presentable shape. } ; Under the circumstances, the old brig was getting along remarkably well. The two vessels were but a few miles from the spot where they expected to find their foe. The officers of the “Vixen” had recog- nized the very island described in the letter as be- ing the same one they had before watched in suspi- cion, On board the “‘ Nancy Jones ” the cruiser’s surgeon proceeded to examine the extent of her survivors’ wounds. He pronounced none of them serious, if they were careful to keep as quiet as possible, As for the victims of the pirate’s wrath, lying be- neath the flag, they were quietly sewn in hammocks, A round shot was placed at the feet of each, , Captain Zeke himself read the solemn service pver their remairis, while the tears coursed silently flown his cheeks. Then the bodies were committed to their deep and last resting-place. By midnight the Vixen had approached close to the island she was in search of, Half an hour after- ward, her crew were awakened to excitement by the ery from the mast-head. ' ‘Sail ho!” “Where-away?” cried Captain Clark. ** Dead ahead, sir!” . The captain seized his glass and hastily mounted ron rigging. All ears were ready to catch his words, - * Set to'gallant sails and royals!” Aloft, sail-loosers!’” The men flew to their posts at the word. Very quickly the cruiser began to gather renewed speed as the sails were sheeted home. _ “Gentlemen,” announced Captain Clark, as he re- joined his officers on the quarter-deck, ‘ yonder vessel is the pirates’ schooner and she’s running out ef the channel. Beat to quarters at once.” The long roll of the drum, slow at first, then in- creasing to a rapid tattoo, sounded over the'ship. The gallant sailors were hurrying in every direc- tion. In half a minute every man was at his post and awaiting the next order. “Olear away the bow-gun!” Nae engl ap he eee “I want you to put a hole through the hull of yonder scoundrel. Are you all ready?" “* Ready it is, mr? “ Then, frre l , CHAPTER XXVIL THE BLOODHOUND’S DOOM. Nosry indeed was CORR ET Oney carrying out his acheme of vengeance upon his savage enemies. As the reader has doubtless dineady surmised, it was his agency that had caused those mysterious warni He was an accomplished ventriloquist. Standin, at the foot of those stairs and separated from his foes by a partition of thin rock, he had cau- sed his voice to appear as if it came from the ground at their feet. From bis position, he could even over- RAPS wa The Ocean Bloodhound. hear much of the frightened pirates’ conversation at the mouth of the cave. As Ferdinand’s men fled, at that second warning John Frazer opened the secret door and enterec the darkened cave. He moved like a man who thoroughly knew his ground. For a few moments he busied himself in the dark- ness, and then, with a low exclamation of satisfac- tion, he hurried back to his place of concealment, It changed to one of dismay and irritation as he heard Santillez utter his bold resolve. It was then that he uttered the words: ‘‘ Hnter at your peril {” **T hope he will heed the warning in time,” he Sag . “TI have a different fate in store for im,” He paused only long enough to assure himself that the hes was still determined. he hastened up the narrow stair’2y. : He had barely reached the top before that muffled rumbling sound was heard. The powder he had so carefully prepared had done its work and with it departed the life of his bitter enemy. Then he raised the trap-door, and re-entered the pirate’s quarters. The dwarf was nowhere to be seen. Assuring himself first that the latter, was not in hiding somewhere around, John Frazer walked to the door and glanced down in the moonlight. He could dimly see the forms of the terrified pirates be- low, as they fled like frightened sheep toward the | schooner. A smile of intense delight and triumph shot over his face at the sight, Taking a night-glass from the wall, he could clear- ly distinguish his enemies’ faces. Long and keen was the scrutiny. But that of the daring chief was missing from among them. ‘Well, the world is at last rid of one great villain,” said he, quietly; ‘t but I should have preferred to see him swinging from a yard-arm. ow I will run down to the carronades at the mouth of the harbor. If Providence will but aid me, I will sink the schooner before she clears the channel,” _He turned, and snatching up a lighted candle, hur- riedly descended the secret stairway to the shore, Alas for his plans! The explosion in the cave had ruined the passage also. He returned to the other entrance. The moon, shining full upon the rocky stairs, would reveal him to his foes. _There was a chance that the pirates might roca: nize him, suspect his agency in what had transpired, and return. He possessed toc much wisdom to take a risk that might ruin his carefully-laid plans. So, with a sigh, he abandoned his purpose. Then, peering through the glass, he watched the schooner as she began her perilous passage through the channel, : ‘She is badly steered,” he muttered, in surprise. “Tf they are not more careful than that, they will —ah!” The exclamation that broke from his lips was caused by the schooner scraping sharply against the rocks at that moment, Suddenly, there came to him the recollection of the woman imprisoned near him, With a wild de- sire to share /)is joy with her, he determined to seek the entrance to her room, Knowing that the secret door must open from the main apartment, he began a hurried search. While he was thus engaged, a dark object bounded into the apartment, with a howl of rage. It was the form of a man that showed in the dim light; but the face was blackened and begrimed with powder, ard the veivet clothing hung in rags. The pirate had escaped with his life, after all; but too late to rejoin his crew! With a fiendish yell, he pene A at the throat of the man who had caused his terrible punishment. One bound and he was upon him. Over and over the two men rolled in that terrible death-grapple, John Frazer was still cool and wary. Watching a favorable opportunity, he seized his enemy by the head, and dashed it upon the stony floor, and thus the pirate was knocked senseless. Springing to his feet, John Frazer's eye fell upon the arm-chair that had so nearly caused his own destruction, Tt was a quick way to secure his foe, he thought, as he picked i the pirate and forced him within its strong clutches. Nor did he notice at th> time where the chair was standing. Then he hastily resumed his search for the secret door, In a moment more he touched the spring and the door flew open. He sprung forward, only to stand still thenext moment as if turned to stone. The lady sprung up with an exclamation of terror, but almost instantly it changed to one of Breas joy. The beautiful boy gave one glance in the face of the man before him. Then, with one glad ery of ‘* Papa/” he sprung in- to the outstretched arms. The spell was broken. Yes, it was true. The man and woman so sudden- ly brought face to face were husband and wife! All thoughts now of the flying pirates were drown- ed in the great joy of ‘that mocking! Little had he dreamed, when he heard the woman’s voice in pray- er, that it belonged to one so dear to him, Very hurriedly she stated her story. ‘ In return, the man, no longer a mystery, related how he had come to be the only survivor of the fated ‘** Albatross.’’. The ship had been nobly defended by her crew to the last. Feeling that his own death was shortly to come, he had yet humanely ~g i to relieve the agony of a wounded pirate. The lat- ter, grateful, demanded that his life be spared and Santillez granted the favor te him, Not so much, though, because his follower asked it, but because he saw that the man was likely to prove of value to him. His judgment in this case was good, for Colo- ay 2 et aie meee i. lis fate-be upon his own head, now,” said he as | nel Sanders had been an army surgeon before aining his present title. Not caring to hear his 10nored name soiled by contact with a pirate’s life, he had called himself John Frazer, and as such was known among them, Not long afterward, in attack- ing another ship, the pirate chief was badly wound. ed, and to John Frazer’s skill he owed his life. It was in consequence of that same wound, compelling him to remain quiet for awhile, that he had intrust- ed the command of the schooner, for a short time, to his lieutenant. John Frazer had been sent to ac’ company them in case his ey prs skill should be needed. It was he who had damaged the keg of powder by means of chemicals until it was as harm- ess as black sand—which it much resembled, Little did he think at the time that the act was destined to save the life of the woman he loved so dearly. So engrossed were they in their {py that neither of them Leard the distant guns which told that the pi- rates were stil! surrounded by difficulties. Pedro Santillez had once more regained conscious- ness. Held in that vise-like grasp, and unable to stir, he had heard every word of that yen meet- ing. He gnashed his teeth in imPotent rage as he listened. His bloodshot eyes per rom. his blackened face, made him a sight fearful to behold. He would have given all the wealth the island con- tained for one more chance at the man who had se completely beaten him. With all his wei fa strength, he tugged at the springs which bound him, It was hopeless. He wag but as an infant in its grasp, Horror! the chair was standing upon that fata) trap lined with sharp knives. An accident might hn that secret spring that would hurl him into 10se awful depths below. Ah, Pedro Santillez! Did you remember at that moment the slow torture you prepared for those poor wretches on the brig? Then you must have felt something as they did when they saw that tiny spark slowly creeping down to that deadly powder. Great beads of perspiration stood out on his be- grimed face. ‘“Mercy!"’ he shrieked hoarsely; ‘spare my life, and all Il have is yours!” At that instant, Colonel Sanders, his arm thrown lovingly around the slender waist of his wife, en- tered the larger apartment. The other hand was clasped in that of his child. “Do you ask mercy, scoundrel?” he asked, in » voice of terrible scorn. ‘‘Was you ever known to grant it to others, you bloody monster? You shall have justice; I shall surrender you into the hands of the law you have so long defied, and you shall hang as a dog at oP facing ait A sigh of intense relief broke from the pirate’s lips. It was like a reprieve to a sentenced man, Just at that moment the curly-haired boy espied the telescope which his father had laid down on the table. He broke from his father’s grasp and sprung forward to reach it. ~ As his little hand rested upon the edge of the ta- bie to grasp it, there was a sudden cry of terror from the pirate’s lips. With that wild cry upon his hardened lips, he dis- appeared from their sight! ; The child had become the innocent avenger of them all. Hisslight weight bearing upon the spring had sealed the pirate’s fate. CHAPTER XXVIII. HOME AGAIN, Unrortunatey for the schooner, her enemy was approaching from windward. On the other side they were shut off by those black, treacherous rocks that had already done them such in Sat Still, like’ ld ov brave scoundrels as they were, they held out against such heavy odds. Their ’essel was leaking rapidly, and the injury to her angry retarded her speed, The cruiser was flying down toward them, her \ guns held in readiness to deliver an effective broad- side, Nearer and nearer came the Vixen, like an avenging fate. Her gunners’ standing by their pieces, were im atiently awaiting the order to fire. Captain Clark had just delivered it when he be- held a sight that made the gunner pause. A thick mass of red flame shot up from the schooner’s decks, followed by a deafening roar, As the smoke @leared away, all traces of the pirate’s vessel had disappeared! The Vixen's boats were hastily lowered and rowed to the spot in order to rescue any that might have escaped that fearful explosion. One gasping wretch, and a few blackened bodies which the hungry sharks quickly seized upon, was all that rewarded their search. But one man of all the pirate’s craw re- mained to tell the story, and death soon afterward relieved him of his sufferings, But, it was not the crew of the schooner that had “blown up their vessel as the commander of the Vixen had first thought. aN ; that act was due to the malice of their former chief, When Sancho had informed him of the men’s in- tentions to leavé the island that night, and without him if nece , he had sworn a terrible revenge, toing on board the schooner, soon afterward, he had deliberately lighted the fuse whose existence was known only to himself. “There,” he had muttered, with a grim smile af satisfaction, ‘if they go without me they shall pay» the penalty. If I conclude to go with them,—why it is easy to put out the fuse, at any time.” It was the last dastardly act of as desperate and cold-blooded a villain as ever cursed the earth and sea with his presence,
Page 16
16 The crew of the Vixen were piped down, and the watch below retired to their hammocks, There was nothing to be done until daylight now, and all dan- ger was over, As the sun’s rays onee more climbed up the east- ern horizon, the Yankee brig hove in sight. Signal- inz to her, the commander of the Vixen telegraphed the single word,—** Done.” Soon afterward the Nancy Jones was hove to, and th» second cutter, carrying the Yankee skipper and b 3 mate, pulled alongside the cruiser. With mur- murs of satisfaction they listened to the details of th: chase and its end. “Thank God! tie lady is still safe, I’ hope!” ex- claimed the Yankee skipper, for the dying pirate ha! told them what the reader already knows. Nive minutes later, two of the Vixen’s boats left ber side and pulled toward the channel. It was a lovely morning, and the sharp rocks on either hand were clearly visible above the smootdé waters, As a matter of precpution lest the dyin pirate had “urposely misled them, the men were fully armed. ‘hey bad nearly reached the narrow entrance when & strange-looking object floating upon the water, attracted Captain Clurk’s attention. Directing his coxswain to steer toward it he was startled to find that it was a dead man confined to a chain, The body was so thoroughly hacked to xieces that recognition was impossibie. Not even 19, bon Zeke—sitting beside the Vixer 5 commander —dreamed that they were gazing upou all that re- mained of the once dreaded pirate. Yet it was even so, The bottom of that terrible trap communicated with the sea, and the tide had borne its victim into the light. Puzzled to account for the mystery, the boats again headed for the still waters beyond, Close to- gether, the two captains ascended the rocky stair- case. No living soul greeted their sight as they entered the late pirate’s quarters. ‘We shall find the lady hereabouts, I reckon,’ remarked Captain Zeke, with a quaver of dcubt in his honest voice. As he spoke he pushed open the door leading to the pirate’s sleeping-room. The scene that met their eyes held them gspell- bound for a moment. vn tew d upon the bed, their arms lovingly clasped around each other, Colonel Sanders and his wife were sleeping, in blissful ignorance of the surprise in store forthem, At their feet lay the innocent child. His golden curls shone richly in the rays of the at sun stealing through the vines at the win- ow, * Well—TP'U—he—blowed |” burst: out the honest Yankee, with a roar of delight, At that explosive sound, the sleepers awoke, Astounded they gazed upon the scene before them, Joyous indeed were the greetings exchanged be- tween them all. {t was long before they had each finished their wonderful ng It appeared, though, that the pirate had not been reg :rdiess of his victin’s comfort. Her meals had been delivered to her through a concealed trap in the floor. When it was finished, the table contain- ing it sunk slowly out of sight’ This, then, was the * curious way " to which the pirate had alluded. it transpired, afterward, that these remarkable pieces of mechanism were designed for him by a man who had fallen into his power, and who had couirived them all in the hope of getting the pirate’s favor and securing his own liberty. The pirate’s pa- pers, however, revealed the fact that the man had suddenly ae ared soon after his work was eom- pleted—probably by that same manner in which the pirate met his fate. On examination it was fourd that the pirate’s trea- sure aggregated an immense sum, of which the brave colonel and his wife afterward received a soodly share, The gold was immediately transferred to the Vixen's cabin, with the exception of the'bag taken from the Nancy Jones, which was returned to him nntouched, Nearly a day was consumed in transporting the remaining valuables to the decks of the cruiser. Late in the afternoon the task was completed. Then the last traces of the pirate’s resort were demol- ished. Having completed their work to their satisfaction, the two vessels headed for the nearest port to repair damages before proceeding homeward. Nearly two months afterward Colonel Sanders reported himself for duty and related bis strange story. ; Siortl afterward at his wife’s earnesv request. the gallant colonel tendered his resignation and retired to enjoy the remainder of his life in peace. The Brig Nancy Jones arrived safely at her des- tination at last. With the profits of thaé cruise, the Yankee skipper forever abandoned the sea, His last act in connection with his vessel was to make her over as a gift to the krave mate whose courage had saved his life at a critical moment. Captain Zeke’s son, the young lieutenant, after- ward carved out a name for himself that lives in his country’s history. The daring pirate and his deeds have almost passed into oblivion. Only the musty records stored away in the secret receptacles of the govern- ment, remain to show something of the deeds of him who was once the noted Bloodhound of the ocean. THE END, BEADLE’S Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. Half-Dime Library. 1 Deapwoop Dick. 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