Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 280) (1882 12 05)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
Pict \ t 1 err in in rere i FCETI See _ Copyrighted im 1882 by BEADLE aND ADAMS, | Single ‘PUBLISHED WE EK KLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol. aa Number. No, $$ WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 280. MERLE MONTE’S I PATE: ‘or, PEARL, THE PIRATE’S: PRIDE. Companion Story to “ Merle, the Mutineer,” “Merle, the Mid y,” ‘* The Midshipman Mutineer,” “The Floating Feath r.” “The Gold Ship,” and ‘Merle Monte’s C.uise. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. Ne A Wan ig ATP iit F i te il is “PRARL, MY BEAUTIVUL DARLING, I WILL. DRIVE } “WORD THROUGH YOUR PURE HEART BEFORE THEIR VILE HANRS SHALL POLLU YOU WITH A 'roucK!”
Page 2
— 2 ee eee Merle Monte’ 8 Fate; oR, PEARL, THE PIRATE'S PRIDE, Companion. Story to “ Merle, the Mutineer,” “Werle, the Middy,” “The Midship- man Mutinoer,” “The Floating Feather,” ‘‘ The Gold Ship, and “ Morle Monte’s | Cruise.” ——— BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM. ——- CHAPTER L MERLE MONTE, Two armed vessels were lying at anchor in a secladed inlet ef what is now the Louisiana coast, and at a time when piracy on the high seas was rapidly becoming a thing of the past, thongh the Gulf of Mexico still floated upon its waters a few daring rovers, too desperate to give up their lawless lives even with a cer- tainty of death upon the gallows staring them in the face. The presence of the two vessels in that akslnded retreat was evidence sufficient to prove that some mystery hung about them, for few craft ever found their way into a place so deso- late, and wholly away from all highways of trade as was the inlet. Tt was a little harborage, large enough te ride at anchor perhaps half-a-dozen vessels, with heavily wooded shores, and a narrow passage- way connecting it with the waters of the Mexi- ean Gulf. Along the low banks all was drear, and the foliage formed a wall almost impenetrable to the eye, with its heavy draperies of moss and faxuriant undergrowth, Even in the darkness that rested upon the scene, the two vessels displayed a trim and somewhat rakish appearance, one being a brig of some three hundred tons, and the other a cutter whose tonnage was not over a hundred. Both vessels were heavily armed, yet their erews were few in number, it seemed from the balf score men visible upon the deck of each. “Bail ho!” The cry rung out in clear tones, and from the deck of the brig, where were visible but two persons standing aft. P One of these appeared to be a youth, and he it was who had given the warning. The other was a woman, and stood leaning listlessly over the bulwarks, until startled by the cry of her companion. ‘Yes, I see it, and she is standing into the inlet,” said the woman.: “Then it is the cruiser, and the end must soon come,” responded the youth, in a low, earnest tone. All eyes upon both vessels were now bent upon the sail, which was visible in the offing, and standing n toward the inlet, - “Ho! the cutter!” He hailed the little cutter, and back came th ™~ in a deep tone: : ‘Ay, ay, sir.” “ Pat your men at the guns, and stand read: et that craft with a broadside, as I shall f she answers not my signal,” was the to do, order. sh ay, sir,” came the res and the men of the two’ : Bly to their er. : It was bright starlight, and the sail in the off- could be fairly seen heading in toward the entrance to the inlet. It might be that she was ona tack that would bring her close inshore,to then stand off again; but it looked suspicious to those on the vessels in the karbor, for she was pointed straight for the channel. ; Nearer and nearer she drew, until the time came for her either to go about and stand off on the starboard tack, or to run straight in. The next moment decided it, for she stood on into the chan and at once the youth on the deck of the brig seized a battle lantern and whirled it five times around his head. Almost immediately, while all eyes were bent pon the stranger, came a se, for a red light was turned once in a circle, and a blue one quickly followed it; both evidently held in a man’s hand. “It is the Sea Wolf, and Merle Moate has been suecessful!” cried the youth. Merle Monte’s Fate. And then on into the inlet came the stranger, shortening: sailas she did so, until luffing up sharp, she dropped anchor not a cable’s length from the two vessels that had been apparently awaiting her coming. Hardly had the anchor of the new-comer found a place upon the bottom, when a boa: put off from her side and approached the. brig. As it came alongside, two persons came over the gangway, one of them in appearance an or- dinary seaman, in pea-jacket and general sailor garb, while the other was in the full uniform of a captain in the United States Navy. “Tam glad to see you back in safety, Captain Monte,” said the youth, meeting the two at the gangway, and addressing the seaman. “And Lam glad to get back, and to bring with me Captain Mayo Meredith, of the Sea Wolf, whom you have before met,” responded the:person addressed, while the uniformed offi- cer grasped the hand of the youth, and said: ‘‘Yes, I have known your lieutenant here, Merle, under several aliases, first as my cabin boy, Little Belt, then as my friend andally, Mr. Belden, whom I believed to be an old gentle- man, and now as—” ‘Lieutenant Belt, the men call me, Captain Meredith, though they know that I am a wo- man, ‘But Iam glad to meet you once more, and it is a happy moment for me now, when I. know 70 have co'ne to take Captain Monte’s prisoner, randt, the Buccaneer,” said the supposed youth in an earnest tone. “Itis a happy moment for me too, Little Belt, I can assure you and by the capture of the noted pirate chief you have all done won- ders, and accomplished what scores of cruisers have failed to do,” answered Captain Meredith. “T sup it was a surprise to you, sir, to see Captain Monte?” “Yes, Little Belt, a great surprise anda glad ne, ‘*My vessel was becalmed off the Delta, on her way up to New Orleans, and Merle boarded in bis little boat and came into my cabin. “In his disguise I failed to recognize bim, and was astounded to hear him say that be had not only killed the Mexican pirate Eduardo, and captured his cutter, but also had taken that Pm Brandt the Buccaneer, and his ves- sel, “No, Captain Meredith, I but aided Little Belt here, and Mrs. Branch, to whom, permit me to present you,” and the speaker turned to the lady, who has already been referred to, Captain Meredith greeted her courteously, while she replied: “Captain Monte is too modest, for it was his daring plan that captured Brandt the Buccaneer, and I was but an instrument to aid in the carry- ing of it out.” * Well, madam, [have you all to thank for it, and the deed will raise the shadow from 1?) Merle Monte that now sits upon him with his | Se and he will yet be restored to full onor. ” ‘‘ Yes, Captain Meredith, I live with that hope in my heart. “T acted in self-defense, and to save my slave, Mezrak, and myself, took life, and for it I was sentenced to death, and am now known as Merle Monte the Condemned Midshipman; but have work ahead of me to accomplish, and | when that is done, then I will ask that my Gov-. ut upon m ernment remove the stain it has th deep feel- name,” and Merle Monte spoke ing. % I wish you would ask it now, Merle, for I can assure you the capture of these two vessels, to say nothing of ha Brandt the Buccaneer in irons beneath your decks, demands that you be honored.” ; ‘Not yet, Captain: Meredith, for I am still to remain the commander of a havenless and flag- less vessel, my Gold Ship, which must continue to cruise until I have kept my pledge to this lady, and removed from the seas one other bold irate. ‘* Ah! can you mean the Sea Marauder?” “*T do, sir. ‘A strange fatality took this lady and her daughter to sea, to join, as she anna her husband, who had departed for Galveston to better his fortunes. ; “He had sailed in the Galveston packet-brig be age which Brandt the Buccaneer had recently ship) a crew upon, and captur when out in the Gulf. f “A foo of this lady’s led her to believe that her busband had sent for her and her daughter to join him, and they started upon the ket- schooner Flyaway which was in a storm. . . -which was tidy in the e: “My vessel, the Gold eis icked up three persons off the wreck—this lady, the captain, and the man who kad inveigled Mrs. Branch and her daughter from their home under b +8 oo® of joining the husband and father in = veston, ‘One of the boats was picked S by the brig commanded by the buecaneer chief, and u which we now stand, and the daughter of \. Branch was unfortunately in that one and hence fellinto the hands of Brandt, who thereby gained possession of both father and daughter, for, as I said, Mr, Branch was a passenger on the vessel when it was seized by the pirate crew.” ‘‘ And now that you have captured the brig and chief, where are Mr. Branch and his daugh- ter,” asked — Meredith, who was deeply interested in Merle Monté’s story. “They were not on board when we captured the Huntress, and Brandt, the Buccaneer, says be released them and sent them by a smack to New Orleans, and I have since learned a a coaster, thac the little craft was overhauled b the Sea Marauder, and Mr. Branch and b daughter were taken prisoners by the pirate, and, the duty I have pledged myself to, Captain Meredith, is to restore to Mrs. Branch those whom she so fondly loves, and in doing so, to capture that third terror of the Gulf, and thus almost end piracy in these waters, ‘* Now come, and we'll go and see the pirate chief, but as there is no longer need of my dis- guise I will cast it aside.” As Merle Monte spoke he went into a state- room, and almost instantly returned, but so wholly metamorphosed that his voice alone seemed the same. The unkempt beard and wig had been thrown aside, revealing a darkly bronzed face of rare power of expression in every feature, and hand+ some and youthful, for he wasnot past eighteen, though be had the appearance of being older on account of the stern resolution that stam his mouth and dwelt in his brilliant black eyes. ‘The pea-jacket and hat had also been cast aside, and he appeared in an elegant black uni- form, trimmed with gold lace, and in his hand was a cap encircled by a gold cord, and with a miniature sbip of gold on the front of it. Such was Merle Monte, a fugitive from his Government, which had condemned him upon the testimony of his rivals, and the commander, though a boy in years, of the Gold Ship, a craft that was known to cruise here and there over the seas, with no nation’s flag at the peak, and no port into which she dare go to drop anchor, yet whose young captain had captured two noted pirates and delivered them up to the yery vessel upon which he had been sentenced to die at the yard-arm., CHAPTER Il THE PIRATE PRISONER. In the guard-room of the brig, which he had daringly seized and turned into a pirate cruiser, sat a man of fine presence, peu manner, and face so stern thatit marred the perfection of his features. His physique was most. striking, for both symmetry and strength, though now upon his wrists and ankles were heavy iron manacles that held him chained to rings in the deck. There was no look of fear upon his face, al- though he knew he was utterly in the power of his foes, and that his crimes were legion, and Sipe any ohe was enough to condemn him to eath. ; / He was attired in an ele-ant, though fanc uniform, and was not enough cast down by bis fearful position to neglect his appearance, me. : Without the door of the guard-room paced a ard heavily armed, and, as though to allow he pirate chief, for he was Brandt, the Bucca- neer, no chances of escape, there were stationed near by several seamen to watch the guard ap- parently, that bribery might not buy the pi oner out of imprisonment, “ Ah! I know that voice. y ‘Tam to have a visitor from my boy captor it seems,” said Brandt, the Buccaneer, glanc- ing up quickly from his brooding attitude, as Merle Monte and Captain Meredith stopped at his door. The guard saluted and step spectful silence, while Merle key in the lock and threw o ‘ Well, Captain Brandt, d aside in re- mte placed the nm the door, have come to tell ou that we part to-night,” said Merle. _, yt Whatt you hang me crithontt trial” asked the-chief. “With your banging I bave nothing to do,
Page 3
oo Merle Monte’s Fate. 3 ee for I have surrendered you and your vessel to this gentleman.” “Ha! Captain “Meredith!” cried the chief, evidently momentarily nonplused, as that gen- tleman stepped into the guard-room. “Yes, Brandt, we mect again, and again do } I accept you as a prisoner from Midshipman Monte,” said Captain Meredith, quietly. ‘Midshipman Monte?” sneer.d the pirate. “Then I suppose his capture of Brandt, the Buceaneer, has given him bis old place and rank in the navy?” ‘Tt would do more than that for him, Cap- tain Brandt, if he would accept it.” ‘fs be such a fool as to refuse?” “ At present he prefers to cruise in his Gold Ship,” quietly said Captain Meredith. ‘The pirate chief looked earnestly at Merle for an instant, and then said: ‘‘Merle Monte, do not be a fool, but accept all you can get for your capture of me, for, if you continue to cruise about without a flag you will one day end as I will, at the yard-arm of a man-of-war.” ; “T thank you, Captain Brandt, for your ad- vice, but I prefer to do as I please in the mat- ter,” said Merle, coldly. he pirate smiled, and turning to Captain Meredith, he said: ‘Strange as it may seem, sir, I like the boy, |, and [I liked his father before him, for he was a good friend to me.” “On moment, please, Captain Brandt. ‘Tt was reported at the court-martial that Fn were none other than Merle Monte’s fa- er, “True, Captain Meredith, and I set that rumor afloat, for I sought to drive Merle from the navy, to further my ends.” Td Au you did save his life by a most daring act? “TJ did, sir, for I was determined not to see him die on the gallows,” “May I ask your motive for this clemency on your part, when you will end your life on the gallows through bim?” ‘Yes, it was to obtain his treasure, for if he died, it would be forever lost.” * But you failed in that?” “T did, through the boy’s nerve, for he re- fused to divulge the secret of where lay his treasure.” ‘¢The same which you now have on the Gold Ship, Merle?’ asked me mee Meredith, turning to Merle, who answered: “Yes, Sos toned Meredith.” 7 ‘It was left him by his father, sir, who was iknown as Montezuma, the Merciless, and created the wildest furore in New Orleans a score of years ago by his extravagant living. “He went to Persia to live, and leaving there, carried his immense riches with him, along with his wife, and this boy was born one night of storm, in the midst of battle, and’ his mother died then; while his father was killed. “The faithful slave, Mezrak, whom you know, being the bead servant, brought the yacht to the Mexican’ coast, I ‘then being an under officer on board, * But I sou to get the treasure, was thwarted = ezrak, and set adrift in an open wears nd the yacht went ashore on an island, \“Mezrak saved the infant boy’s life, and brought him up upon that island, and in long years of search I failed to find them; but when at last I did, I determined never to give up until I had the treasure, too. ‘Now, Ca Meredith, you have’ the’ his- tory of the boy and his treasure, excepting that my vessel was wrecked upon the island. where the-riches were buried, and I escaped death to go and get a vessel to seek the place once more. ‘Tl returned there, to find that the boy had thwarted me pgain, for he had already” secured a heen d gy treasure on board, and it isin that craft, the Gold Ship, that he cruised after me and captured me by a most daring deed. “Now I am your prisoner, it seems, and it looks as though my end had come; but, as I have lived, I will die, without fear,” " The pirate chief had spoken rapidly, and in a manner that proved he seemed anxious to show that Merle Monte was more sinned against than sinning, and Captain Meredith had listened at- téntively to all that he had said, deeply’ in- terested in what he heard of the youth who had in the past bees his protege and friend, and whose life had been one of such strange romance and thrilling adventure. ‘* Well, Captain Brandt, lam glad to know what you have told me regarding Midshipman ae Midshi the ' man Monte,” sneered pirate. “Why, a is as fit to command a seventy-four as you are, and a better officer to-day than half the admirals in the service.” ; “T agree with you, Captain Brandt, for Mid- shipman Monte, for such is his rank only in the navy, is a born sailor and commander, and be shall have all justice at my hands, and 1 thank you for your honest acknowledgment that he | has been wronged. “But my duty compels me to keep you in irons on board my vessel, try you for your crimes, and hang you if you are proven guilty.” | “Why not hang me now and be done -with it, for my trial can bui be a farce,” said’the chief bitterly. “No; if there is one thing in your favor you . shall have justice, sir. “Now I will send a rd for you, and have you carried on board of my vessel.” . “T eare not where I am; but what is Merle Monte to @o?” “Fle prefers to still cruise in his Gold Ship.” “\. y do you not seize it, as in duty bound, fort’ «ve has no flag.” “ Pecuwusea, Sir Pirate, I have honor, and Mid- shipman Monte having trusted in my honor, is free to go as he came, with no act of mine to de- tain him.” “Then I havea favor to ask.” “Name it.” © It is to request Monte to send a message for me,” “Tf he so desires he is at liberty to do so,” said Captain Meredith. ** Will you do this for me, Monte?” “ Yes, if I consistently can.” ** Well, let me whisper to you.” Merle stepped close to the chief, who raised his manacled hands to his shoulders, and drew his ear toward him. Then, quick as a flash of lightning, he sud- denly raised his right hand, and it descended with terrific force straight for the beart of the outh, and in it was a small dirk-knife, with ong, narrow, needle-pointed blade, CHAPTER JIL BACK TO THE GOLD.SHIP, Wirn a ery of borrorat the sudden and daring act of Brandt, the Buccaneer, Captain Meredith had sprung forward to check the blow. But he had been too late, for Merle Monte had himself thwarted the deadly deed of the pirate. He was ever watecl ful, and when he had stepped up to Brandt to have him whisper to him the message, he had s°en a motion of his right arm that was suspicious, and as the hand was raised to bis shoulder his quick eye ‘had caught sight of something held tightly in it, and which . ad evidently been dropped there from up the sleeve. t Thus he was on his guard, and when Brandt, the Buccaneer, bad quickly elevated his hand and brought it down, with’a knife-blade aimed atthe heart, bis arm had beencaught ina grip of iron, which checked its downward flight. though the keen — hadcut through the cloth and pierced the flesh for half an-inch just over the vital spot. i ‘ Then, still grasping the arm with a strength that was'almost superhuman, for Brandt'was a powerful man, he drew a pistol from his belt and struck the knuckles séveral hard raps with the iron barrel, which ca the pirate ary of pain and drop the dirk to the floor, where its point ente: the deck, and it stood quivering like an aspen. - Kicking it away out of reach, Merle released his hold of the bleeding, benumbed hand of the buccaneer, and ae: backward, out of reach, just as Captain Meredith presented his drawn sword at the heart of the intended assassin, for all had occurred in an instant. ‘* Hold! do not cheat the gallows by killing him, ‘Captain Meredith,” cried Merle, seein that that officer was white with rage at thea of the buccancer, and meant to kill him then and there. As he spoke, Merle clutched the blade; and Captain Meredith said quickly: “You are right, Monte, and I thank you for My 9 tema ll h in th ed y' , you have again thwart me by your Birtoear that broke the force of my arm, for I sought to avenge myself by kill- ing you, and make that officer, his anger, shoot me or run me through the heart, and cheat he han ’s ym Merle laughed lightly, -while Cpt Meroe- dith said quickly; ‘Merle, did knife not wound youl” =e oh ao eT “A mere scratch, sir, though his blow was a | terrific one, and well intend lame ‘“‘Now, sir, [ will leave the vessels and the nya P : = 7 utter: | to have you yet)die on | hip with my people.” ) “Tf such is your decision, I have nothing ‘to say, Merle,” answered Captain Meredith, ‘Farewell, Captain Brandt. May God have mercy upon your crime-stained sou). y “Now I will send one down to bid you goed | by, whom you will care less to see than you do | me,” and Merle turned on his heel to follow Captain Meredith, who had step outside of the guard-room, when Brandt, the Buccaneer, said eagerly: ‘Will you still pledge yourself to do mea fa vor, Merle Monte?” ‘© T will.” “Then send a messenger to New Orleans to seek out one Busil Branch, a planter and a gam- bler; his plantation is on the Mississlppi River, and known as The Retreat, ‘Let that messenger tell him that Brandt, the Buecanecr, is a prisoner on board the Sea Wot brig, of-war,” “Well?” “That is all.” ‘What is Basil Branch to you?” “Tt matters not what he is to me.” “You set him and his daughter free when they were your prisoners?” *T did.” “ And you now wish only that message deliv- ered to him?” “That is all.” ‘* Well, he is not in New Orleans.” ‘“What?” asked the chief, in surprise. “T speak the truth.” ‘* Where is he?” a, ‘*On board the pirate schooner known as the Sea Marauder.” ‘Hal And his daughter?’ “Ts with him.” “‘ How came they there?” ‘““They were captured by the Sea Marauder from the smack which you placed them on board of, and the pirate captain holds them for ran- som. risoners in your charge, and return to my Geld te deed ‘*Ha! ha! ha! Little ransom gold will he get out of Basil Branch.” : ‘Well, as I cannot deliver the message, farewell,” and Merle left the -room and re - joined Captain Meredith. ’ Instantly orders were given to have four bost- loads of men sent from the Sea Wolf ‘to relieve the two dozen seamen Merle had in charge oft! » brig and cutter and to take charge of She cap- wh a ; m9 vessels oe their fe ponies v ie these preparations were ow Little Belt slipped down to the guaitbeoesn d- denly confronted the pirate chief. it ehts The prisoner sat in moody silence, his’ hand, which had received such a severe from the pistol of Merle Monte, clasy left, though of the pain he-snfferéed he seemed not to be enor 7 enum ovat “Well, Brentford; we meet again,” sa Belt, who had bade the guard step a being one of Merle’s crew, had readil ee, ham,” ©, C) cnery 8 feet and facing her. lpow f Jar wit ne ‘1 was Belle Denham, Brandt, — r, before.you dragged me from my home ; sorrow and despair upon me,” the chee tee secPomadnajartene Gotyen Sierty at * Soin, ‘sn ‘wha’ ‘ou here, the harm you have brought upon me? v~ i (atten WOU * agely Bkediatw choyal exit . a will tell you, Sir Pirate, what I am‘ ere, “Curses rest on ab Baniorrst = eecpeesiticee Monte’s Island and Dleft yow there” with you when you’ ‘Oh, no, for Dlet you go then, you're: 1 “T knew you would» gain a port” me back to the Tiana for Monte’s treasure, KTaO oats let you fo. ; ’ “T told you then that! lo and ‘hi: e, Mezrak, yet lived, and it was It! bim to get a swift-eailing vessel pigedvhiss ‘ “?, rey on rd, and thus thwart you. _ “He did so, and) more, down and captured you and your vessel, 1 aided him to do so, + pa ott “Now he has given me leave to go to New Orleans, and I not return to the’ until I see you hanged at the yard-arm. ‘Now I will leave you, Bra Brandt, the Bueca- - neer, but remember I ana near you, and when you come to die for your crimes you will see — my face among the others that are: it if you, and upon mine you will read the Jey as baving at last breught you te your dé at the endof a rope.” - ti Bae odie * ee Without another word, but with a mocking ‘
Page 4
4 at his bitter curses, Little Belt tarned and the pirate. Upon reaching the deck she found two boats alongside, with the crews whieh had been on the cutter and brig in them, while Merle Monte a at the gangway talking to Captain Mere- ‘fT have seen bim, and when he is hanged I will rejoin the Gold Ane Captain Monte; but for the present, good-by,” and Little Belt eaicied out oo hand, and Merle Monte grasped it warmly. Then, as his rd, which had been relieved by men from the Sea Wolf, came on deck and ervege the waiting boats, Merle Monte said “New, Captain Meredith, I must leave you, and whem next we meet I h I will be oS aged give iato your keeping the Marauder, her ca in and crew.” ptain Meredith grasped the youth’s hand, and then Merle Monte rapidly descended to his boat, in the stern-sheets of which sat Mrs, Branch awaiting him; the oars were let fall, and the Condemned Midshipman and. his craw lied away in the darkness on their way to heir veesel, the Gold Skip, whieh was hidden in an inlet a league away. CHAPTER IV. THE SEA MARAUDER, Tre Gulf shores of the United States have a formation that constituted them the pirate’s paradise, as there were innumerable biding- maces in the lagoons, bayous, inlets and bays t indent the shores. Upon either side of the Mississippi river were these hot-beds of piracy during the last and in the early part of the toy se century, and even after the free rovers had been swept generally from the seas, there were a few bold freebooters who bad their haunts along these shores. It was in one of these numerous inlets of the Loyisiana coast that Merle Monte had secreted the two pirate vessels he had captured until op- sorteney offered to surrender them to Captain yo Meredith, of the Sea Wolf, and, as I have before stated, his own vessel, a schooner, yet known as the Gold Ship, was then hidden, and most securely, though numerous cruisers were there on the search for the mysterious craft, whieh common ramor said was none other than intricate. and secure were these basins as hiding-places that; at the very time Merle Monte. was pulling slowly fod the shores in bis boats en route to his Gold Ship, after leaving the Sea Wolf and her prizes, he within a few cables’ lengths of a craft lying concealed in the mouth of the lagoon. Byen had it been daylight the boats might have within a hundred feet, or nearer, and not + ir ak mac ny Bar the A Reersis ana), hardly wider than the vessel’s beam, it bad been drawn into a pond, for it wasno more, where it could rest in safety. It is upon . this vessel, so seeurely hidden away, that I would have my reader rena ped and. uw the very night on which Merle the surrender of his prizes. The, in which it.rode so quietly without Saiilor dante meapteneaes bathed an acre in The little or lakelet, was: by no a datieabs pond, t, y. means , for its muddy banks dis- But it:was the very place for a vessel to hide, whose captain cared not to have his where- abdeuta even suspécted. The vessel that had sought this secluded and y refuge was a schooner of a bundred nee a and carried E. agnor e of three \ve-pounders, and a t! -two pivot fore and aft. 4 Me The bull of the schooner was graceful in model, and evidently built with a view to get all the speed possible, and still be a stanch sea- The maste were exceedingly tall for the ves- sel’s pild, and had the peculiarity of having the tepmaste almost the same length as the pone ere nap bipcnds thee high out toa great distance ‘on e sharp bows. Which showed she conld crowd on an immense amount of sail, if necessary, above a very small ball, As there was ne rged for a watch on deck in Merle Monte’s Fate. each a retreat, the men had been allowed to tarn iu, excepting one, who paéed the deck, with a quick, firm tread. He had a cloak thrown over his shoulders, to protect him from the chilly night air, and his ap) was that of an officer. sently he started in his walk, for, though evidently opie meditating, his quick ear had caught the —— of water. It might au alligator floundering in the ey or a fish springing up into the air to fall ck again. ‘Yet he was not one, apparently, to neglect any sound that had a suspicious ring about it, ey he became alert, and peered to- ward'the canal leading into the pond. But suddenly, over the side of the vessel, a peared a human form, and turning quickly, the officer confronted it. ‘“Ha! Peon, is that you?’ he asked, as his hand dropped upon bis sword-hilt. “Yes, senor, I have returned,” was the an- swer of the man addressed as Peon. ‘* You Indians move with such noiselessness, that I heard not your coming, save what must have been the splash of an oar.” “Tt is better to move quietly, senor,” was the reply of the man, whose appearance, as seen in the starlight, indicated that he was a Mex- ican Indian of the class known as peons. “Well, what have you discovered?” asked the officer. “Two boats have just gone up the coast to the Gold Ship, senor.’ “Well?” “They came from the basin, where I told you the pirate brig and cutter were anchored.” ‘* And you said one was the Huntress, Brandt the Buccaneer’s brig?” ** Yes, senor,” “And you thought that the cutter was the pirate craft of Captain Eduardo?” ‘*Tt was, senor. “Then the two mus’ have formed a compact to cruise together?’ ‘No, senor, they were both prizes.” “Prizes! how mean you, Peon?” They were both the prizes of the Gold Ship.” o! “ Ni “True, senor, for the young captain of the Gold Ship captured them, and this night sur- rendered them to the Sea Wolf, the American cruiser,” “ By Heaven! is this true, Peon?’ “Tt is, senor.” “* How know you this?” “Tl went in my canoe under the stern of the brig, and drew myself up to the cabin stern and while there the Sea Wolf came into the basin, and Captain Meredith came on board Seen with Merle Monte, the condemned “laid not hear what was said, but he sur- rendered the vessels to the cruiser’s captain, and with them Brandt, the Buccaneer.” * Hal then at last be will meet his fatef” ‘Yes, senor.” ‘* Well, tell me more that you saw, Peon.” ‘*T only saw the boats leave the brig; and the crew of the Bea Wolf placed in charge of the ‘And who were in the boats?” e the in the fs) crew. take the Gold Ship in the absence of her Y “Yes, senor, but we did not know that, the crew of the Gold Ship had charge of the pirate vessels.” “True; but spo know where the Gold Ship lies at anchor ‘*- Yea, senor, I saw her last night.” “ How far away?” * Half a k from here, senor.” ** Peon, we have sixty men on board; do you think it possible to capture that craft” ‘Her armament is heavier than ours, senor.” ‘Yes, but I mean in our boats?” “ = has a crew of sixty men, senor.” * But we have the advantage of a “Tf we can 8 se them, senor.” ‘‘ How far does she lie from the shore?” “ln the center of the lagoon, senor, which is about a hundred yards wide.” “* And the banks?” “* Are overhung with trees, senor.” “Then we can muffle our oars, Fa ourselves ranches, along under the overhan, ing dash out upon the craft, I believe ean cap- » ture her.” “ We can but try, sener.” : “T will eall up erew, and if we are sue- eessful the cruise of the Sea Marauder shall end for we will get gold enough to suit the most avarieious heart, “Go below, Peon, and order the men ow “deck,” and the officer turned and descended inte the cabin of the Sea Marauder, in which burned a bright light. CHAPTER V. THE PRISONERS OF A PIRATE. Tux officer who entered the cabin of the Sea Marauder paused as he reached the last ste of the companionway, and threw aside his bz // and cloak. His face and form were thereby fully revealed, and while the latter was elegant and graceful, the former was noble in expression, and no such a countenance as one would look for in one who held command on a pirate deck. He was dressed in a uniform that was some- what fanciful in appearance, and wore a belt containing two pistols and a sword, the hilt of the latter being gem-studded. His face was youthful, for he could scarcely have passed his twenty-fifth year; but it was resolute, fearless, handsome, and, as I have said, was not marred by the impress of a life of crime. The cabin was one of luxurious surroundings, and certainly most inviting as a retreat, for a velvet carpet and rich rugs covered the floor, paintings were bung here and there, wherever space offered, ottomans, sofas and easy-cbairs were scattered about, and a table under a swinging lamp had on it arich silver service for wines and refreshments, and a few books. Upon either side of the table was seated a per- son, each of whom glanced up at the appear- ance of the young officer. The one was a man of striking appearance, dressed in a kind of sea uniform, and with a face that was very dark, and almost forbid- dingly stern. The other was a young gfrl of fifteen, per- haps, though there was that about her in calm dignity and roundness of form, which caused her to appear older. Her face was one of rare beauty, though now within her lustrous eyes dwelt a look of sad- ness, commingled with anxiety. “Pardon my intrusion, Mr. Branch, upon ourself and daughter, but <iguiing 3 that you had not yet retired, I sought you for a little talk,” said the pirate officer in a tone of marked courtesy. ‘Be seated, Lieutenant Murell, for, since we have been your prisoners, your kindness to us has been such that we have no need to dread your presence,” returned the genti 5 * Thank you, sir; but I have t which I deemed to be my duty toward though cruel nces over which I had little con- trol, drove me toa puntos deck, I yet have not- forgotten what is due to my fellow-beings in their distress,” “This sentiment does you honor, sir, and I would tbat you felt-itin your power. to release m daughter and m upon the ransom I cr. ry . “T am not, sir, unfortunately, my own master, as you know, and Captain Pierre, who went up to the city.in the ; ’ ack from. which. he took pet ughter, demanded that I k 4 you); his return, shaving refused er of, ransom. you then made, and wait ig Bn 2. “IT can offer no larger sum, tir,” coldly said the qeeasa. iy “ Fie sae geld sin, and baure yo0. i trath is, I am, pot! nowsa mean, having been prt Fy 6 Beond t aa eho puinedl ‘the epee) Uibome andere sailed, and afterward packet up & beat in which was my child here, I had to buy our freedom from him, angen now but the: a oer you.” cannot accept them, sir, I am sorry to say; but as I have a in of hope for you, I = come to make it nnd +f “Oh, sir, what hope have youf” cried the young girl, in a rich, pleading voice. “T will tell you: cheb oceinas tnd tx aeligk cetgengiee: seaman, an t almost Sonhei he desires to. “While fishing, two days ago, in the mouth of the lagoon, | saw @ vessel run in toward a secret bayou up the coast, amd almost at the same time a brig and a cutter seek a haven down the coast, “Tl returned to the schooner, and sent Peon as a spy to discover just what,the vessels were, for two of them I felt sure I recognized. “He returned from up the coast with the néws that the vessel there was the Goli Ship—” “Ha! that craft?’ and the gentleman halt ! sprung from his seat. aye eS
Page 5
“Do you know the mysterious vessel, Mr Brdncht gelvo! * y “as*a craft that is said to contain im- wmensé' treasure, and which Brandt the Bucca- eer was continually searching for, while I was a prisoner on board.” ‘“Well|'sir,the Gold Ship is now at anchor ina lagoon not half a league from here.” be By Heaven! what a chance to capture her!” qsaid Basil Branch ex itedly. 7 The pirate lieutenant smiled, and contin- ued: “But to the other vessels, sir.” ‘“* Ah, yes.” “The Peon went last night to discover the cause of their presence on the coast, and re- turned only a few minutes ago and made his report,” ‘And he found them?” ‘“* He did, Mr. Branch, and one was a Mexican cutter captured by a Captain Eduardo, and which he turned into a pirate craft.” ‘*T have heard of this craft. “She is known as the Gold Hunter, and asea- man who joined us, or rather Brandt’s vessel, reported that she was cruising in search of the Gold Ship, but at the same time boarded and robbed any defenseless vessel found on the high seas; but the other cratt, Lieutenant Mur 11?” “Was the brig Huntress.” ‘* Ha! the vessel of Brandt the Buccaneer?” ‘The same, sir.” ** And Brandt?” **Ts a prisoner, sir.” “Great God! you astonish me!” and Bas'l Branch arose and paced the cabin in an excited way, that surprised both his daughter and the pirate officer, and which c1used the former to say calmly: “Father, why do you allow this news of Brandt the Buccaneer to so unnerve you?” The man flushed, then paled, and throwiug himself again in his chair, answered in a low tone: ‘It is surprise and joy at feeling that Brandt is at last in chains, and will meet his fate; but, lieutenant,” he continued: “Who was the captor of the brig?” “Merle Monte, sir, the commander of the Gold Ship.” “ No!” ** Tt is true, sir, for while Peon was there the American cruiser Sea Wolf swept into the inlet, and the Condemned Midshipman surrendered the cutter of Daptein Eduardo, and the Hun- tress, with Brandt, to Captain Meredith.” “This is astounding.” : “It is indeed, sir; but, as Merle Monte has just retired to his vessel in his boat, and cer- inly will not put to sea to-night, I have de- cided to go and attack her.” “A bold plot, sir, but have you the men to carry it out?” ““T have sixty men.” ‘** And the Gold Sbip?” ‘** Peon reports her with a crew of three score; but [ rely much on my surprising her.” ** Does she lie in a position that will give you that advantage?” “She does, my spy reports.” “Then by all means uttack her, and 1 will aid you,” said Basil Branch with entiusiasm. “Tt was to ask you to do this, sir, thatT sought you bere, for I have no officer to aid me, as we guffered severely awhile ago, in escaping’ from the Sea Wolf.” “You may rely upon me, sir.” “Thank you, sir, and if we capture the Gold Ship I will release yourself and aie A upon my own responsibility, feeling that the treasure thus gained will more than repay my captain for your loss.” x ‘“And should I fall, sir?’ and Basil Branch glanced in a significant manner toward his daughter. 127 ‘*] will regard Miss Branch as my own sister, sir*until I can return her to-her friends.” ‘* And should you fall; lieutenant, will your men release us?” } “I will give my orders to that effect, Mr. Liat and Peon will see that they are carried ou “Enough, I am ready.” “I will call you, sir, when the boats are e well, Miss Branch, and h for the ‘best,” and Vance Mureil, the pirate lieutenant, eft the father and daughter alone in the éabin, CHAPTER VI. A BLACK SPY, } Merle Monte’s Fate, chor ae a lagoon, some half mile from its mouth, The lagoon was deep, the banks were heavily fringed with trees, and the spot was a dismal one, but a secure retreat. from prying eyes on any vessel cruising along the coast, in search of craft that might be of a suspicious character. The watchful lookout on the Gold Ship sighted the boats, and promptly reported their coming to the officer in charge, who was the former captain of the Galveston packet schooner, which had been wrecked in a storm, with Mis. Branch and her daughter on board, but who, with those of his crew that bad been picked up by the treasure craft, had willingly united their fortunes with those of Merle Monte, , Recognizing the boats as those from the schooner, Lieutenant Trenor, the former mer- chant captain, called down the companionway: “Ho, Mezrak!” “Ay, ay, sir,” and there appeared in the compapionway, where the cabin lights fell full upon him, the form of a negro. Black as ebony, deformed in shape, for his legs were short, his body stout and arms of reat length, and with a head of massive size, the person who answered to the name of Mezrak was one to be feared by those who would bring his anger upon them, An Fg he slave, he was the one who bad reared Merle Monte from infancy, and he loved his young master far more than all else on earth, while he seemed to almost hate the rest of man- kind. He was clad in a rich Persian costume, gems of rare beausy glittered upon his huge fingers, and in spite of his appearance he seemed a dandy in dress and Jove of ornaments, He wore a pair of pistols in his sash, and a superb cimeter hung from his belt, the hilt glittering with precious stones. “Your master is pomitng Mezrak, and will doubtless need supper,’’ ca led out Lieutenant Trenor, to the slave. “Ay, ay, sir, I will prepare it,” answered Mezrak, in his deep tones. A few moments after the boats touched the schooner’s side, and Merle Monte was met by his lieutenant, Aiding Mrs, Branch on deck, Merle said: “ Have the boats hauled up, Mr. Trenor, and get all in readiness to sail at daybreak.” “ Ay, ay, Captain Monte,” responded the offi- cer, and he at once gave the necessary orde: and while they were being obeyed paced to an ‘ro. After awhile Merle came on deck, and light- ing a cigar handed one to his lieutenant, to whom he then told the story of bis successful surrender of the two pirate vessels to the Sea oll, > “And Little Belt did not return?” “No, and I will relieve you in ber place to- night, so get what sleep you can.” *I hope no harm befell Lieutenant Little Belt, Captain Monte?” “Oh, no, she but remained to go in the bri to New Orleans and witness the execution o Brandt, the Buccaneer, after which she will re- 19 Us, ; “Poor woman, he has madé her suffer fear- fully,” sighed Lieutenant Trenor, “Yes, and soon she will be avenged for all her wrongs; but now seek rest, for we sail at dawn, and we must hunt down that Sea Marau- der, for that is my one aim now, as her captain holds os prisoners the husband and daughter of poor. Mrs Branch.” The Jieutenant made no reply but left the deck, and Merle Monte told the watch they could turn in and that he would remain up for the remainder of the night. Pacing to and fro he became lost in rend reverie, until presently he started, for his quic ear had caught a strange sound. It was not the ery of the night-birds on shore, nor the snort of the alligator, or croak of a frog, but a sound that had a strange meaning m, u Stepping to the companionway he Reve alow call, and instantly, Mezrak, the Abyssinian slave ap red. “Well master?” asked Mezrak politely. “Il heard a sound over in the foliage, down the stream some few cables’ length; listen and see if you bear it,” Mezrak listened attentively, and for a mo- ment stood thus in silence. wn Thén he said quietly; < Eph t _T hear the splash of of oars.” “T heard a sound, Mezrak, as though an oar y | had broken, andI must be right in believing ES art aoin ay RR ERAET ,,. é ‘Yes, master, but if so the oars are mufited, * Mezrak will see,” Instantly hé cast aside his turban and el costume, and slipping over the side d noiselossly into the water Merle went fe. side and watehed him, for be knew the danger he ran in that lagoon, where alligators bad their haunts, But Mezrak seemed to dread no danger, and swan rapidly away toward the shore, For minutes, which seemed almost heurs, Merle awaited, looking searchingly out over the dark waters, Ro he Reheld a Tile pen the surface sf the lagoon, then a dark o an ae next, Mczrak came over the side. of the schooner. ‘Well, Mezrak?”’ asked Merle quickly, for the rapid pace at which the slave bad returned proved to him that he had made some discoy- 8 ry. ‘* Master, boats, filled with men are coming up the lagoon, and one. awaits opposite the schoon: er, now, for the others to come.” ‘*Ah! you have done well, Mezrak; but you always do that, my brave friend. ‘Now call the men on deck, and tell them te maké no PRE Ane 1 will call up Mr. Trenor Mezrak quickly disappeared to obey his orders. Entering the cabh : The crew were coming rapidly and silently rd and pistol ks as th ere swo) racks as they a five chinutes after Mezrak’s eee schooner all was in readiness to greet" ‘ne, alee the Black Spy had reported coming *“" em. CHAPTER. VII. THE BOAT ATTACK, For ashort time only had the crew of schooner to wait for their foes to show them- selves, and age to them, for they bided the moment breathlessly theres open a flerce conflict, and lay many of their number upon the deck, . The schooner swung starboard broadside to the dark shore, from which the attack was e3- sted, and Merle took up his post on the quar- er-deck near the wheel, while his Lieutenaat eiarat Me abet Ke ot far from Merle Monte was Megrak, whe had resumed his Persian garb once more, and exchanged his handsome blade with the studded hilt, for one of a more businesslike ’ ‘ as far as its capability for killing was con~ cerned, He had also stuck two extra pistols in. belt, and thus armed was a most formidable looking peed ed ies The reg felt by Merle, Monte for the de- formed black was such that he ever. wanted. to pre him from danger, if in his power, though 6 at, well knew Mezrak reveled in mad combat, se he said tohim: » int ott fs ““Meztak, had you not better keep in the cabin, to protect Mrs. Branch, should the fighs go against us on deck?” “Tf master so wishes,” Mezrak. : “It is my wish, Mezrak.” The slave simply bowed and made his way te the companionway, and evenentered the be where he found Mrs, Branch quite anxious re- garding the expected attack from unknown ‘0e8, To keep her mind occupied, Mearak sug ste that she load a number of pistols, and place them convenient for use during 2 fight, and pie Jaye woman at once set work at the SK. { baw “There they come, lads,” ¥ “Await my order to fire,” said Merle, in a low tone, and his words were passed for ; just as four dark objects came ows from the shadow of the shore and moved. swift toward the schooner. It was evident that those in the _ pected to completely carpe the Gold 8} they came on witha rush, und though te were mufiled, the blades splashed loa water. boat calmly respotided py for | a ere itis aati Task zt | tora, rie hailed in rin Tr at set a thri trough his cre, for they avalted the order. that soon must come. i vue. bag Inyoluntarily, as they heard the clarionw~~
Page 6
Merle Monte’s Fate. the oarsmen paused upon their oars, but gave way again with a will, as a stern Bata s . “Pull, you devils, and board before the crew ean eome on deck! Then raising his voice, the sams speaker answered Merle’s hail with: ** Ahoy, the schooner!” “What boats are those?’ cried Merle, ‘*From the American cruiser Sea Wolf!” “Keep off, or I'll fire into you,” ordered ee sternly, convinced that the man spoke alsely. ‘Pull, devils, all together, and the schooner is ours!” were the words then heard, and with a wild yell from their crews, the four boats dashed npon the schooner. “ Fire!” In answer to Merle’s ringing command, the whole starboard bulwark of the Gold Ship seemed to be a line of fire, and sixty muskets flashed forth a shower of leaden hail. Then came the pattering of bullets against wood, the splashing of oars in the water, shrieks of agony, groans, curses and shouts of the offi- cers to “‘seize the Gold Ship and show no mercy!” The next instant two of the boats struck the side of thé schooner, and their crews threw themsalves upon the deck, and at once a fierce and most sanguinary fight bogan, assailants and defenders becoming locked together in a band-to-band conflict. The eco ig Bip ht realized that where they had expected surprise their foe, they had been surprised by finding that foe prepared for them; but the goal for which they fought was the far-famed Gold Ship, the capture of which would make all of them rich, and they deter- mined to win or die. Their young ‘eader, Vance Murell, was the first man upon the schooner’s deck, and he fought with a courage that set his men a good —, and they rallied around bim witha He had boarded aft, and consequently was opposed to Merle Monte and his defenders, and the fight became most desperate. Forward, Basil Branch had boarded the ehooner with thirty men at his back, and he fought with desperation, for he felt how much was at stake for bim. - But from stem to stern of the schooner her crew were held in thorough discipline, and they toet their foes with a cool courage that could not be broken. If outnumbered, they yet cared not for that, and never swerved when the other two boats came alongside and boarded. As small-arms only were used, it was a fear- | ful, striking spectacle, to see the beautiful schooner illumined fore and aft with the flashes of the pistols, which showed plainly the fight of — tion that was being waged upon ber ec Then, too, was heard the clash of steel meeting steel, and groang, curses, cheers, and stern or- ders mingled together. At last the schooner’s crew began to slightly waver when out of the cocoa nied wh darted a black form, and his hands seemed to hold fire in them, so rapidly did he fire pistol after pis- tol, as he rashed upon the attacking party. ‘Hold, Mezrak!” cried Merle, as he saw his faithful slave burl himself into the midst of the side'in wild aed In vain did Vance Murell, the pirate lienten- ant, and his ally in the attack, Basil Branch, strive to stay the current, for their men would not remain longer, and seeing that all was lost ben sought to escape to the boats, It was a mad stampede, and but three of the boa’ away from the schooner’s side, the fourth i m captured by Mezrak, who ptr: de ind if and threw overboard those who had: it ae: And those three, under the fire of their swiftly for the shelter ef the y > lagoon, and kept up their wild it. ere reached the oper water they $s unfurled upon the Gold Ship, and spread above her decks like huge whi wing;, while the beautiful craft sped seaward at a swift pace, as though anxious to leave quickly astern the scene o ©, which had dyed red the dark waters of the sluggish lagoon. CHAPTER VIIL AT A PIRATE’S MERCY. It was with the most intense anxiety that Pearl Branch awaited the return of her father, =e had gone with the boats to attack the Gold ship. So far she had not suspected her father’s com- licity with Brandt, the Bucceneer, so carefully ad both he and the pirate chief guarded the secret that he was really an officer upon the ; Huntress, and not a passenger as he had said, en route to Galveston on the packet brig when she was seized and turned into an outlaw craft, His gambling having brought him to the verge of ruin, Basil Branch, in sheer despera- tion had turned to piracy, hoping in a short tie to redeem his fallen fortunes, build up his estates again, and spend his latter days in what comfort he could with his wife and daughter, for his conscience carried a painful load upon it. But a bitter foe was upon his path in the cap- tain of the Sea Marauder, who sought to revenge slighted love and his hatred of a successful rival, and had inveigled Mrs, Branch and Pearl away from home, under pretense that Basil Branch had sent for them. The wreck of the vessel, upon which they took passage, followed, the separation of mother and daughter, the former being left upon the sinking bulk, with her pretended friend but real foe, and the picking up of the boat, in which was Pearl, by the vessel of Brandt, the Buccaneer, when the maiden and her father came face to face. In the mean time the wreck had been righted by the Gold Ship, and Mrs. Branch, Pierre, ber pretended friend, and the captain taken from it, and then the capture of Brandt, the Bueca- neer, came about, and the poor mother learned that her husband and child had been released and sent to New Orleans, to immediately after hear that they had been again captured, and this time by the Sea Maurauder, whose captain she little dreamed was none other than Pierre, the pretended friend, that had mysteriously disappeared from the Gold Ship one night, when it was anchored eff an inlet, awaiting the dawn to run in and attack the pirate vessel reported to be hiding inshore. While the suspense-haunted mother was cruis- | ing in the Gold ig in search of the Sea it Marauder, that trim little craft, as the reader knows, was hidden within less than a Jeague of her, and sending her boats out to attack the very vessel that was looking for her. After the capture of the smack, upon which was Basil Branch and Pear), Captoin Pierre, the one who sought to avenge fancied wrongs in the past, had recognized his enemy and his daughter, and not wishing to be seen by them, had left them in charge of his lieutenant, with orders to hold them prisoners until his return from the city, whither he went to secure heavier ns and more men, with which to hunt down be treasure craft of Merle Monte. : The lieutenant had obeyed orders by running for the Lost Pond, where the reader has seen the Sea Marauder hidden away; but though cir- cumstances had made bim an outlaw, his heart was not wholly warped from good, and he had pitied both Basil Branch and Pearl. Most kindly had he treated them, and he was anxious to give them their freedom; but he was left in command by Captain Pierre, and would not betray him, so he plotted some way in which they could go free and not compromise him. The maiden had interested him from the first, and the more he saw of her the more his heart warmed toward her, until he was determined to take a bold step for her release from the power of his cruel chief, and that step he decided upon when he learned through his spy, Peon, that the Gold Ship was anchored near, Could he capture that vessel, loaded with fab- ulous wealth, he felt it would be full recom- pense to Captain Pierre for allowing his pris- oners to go free, especially as he would tell him ao Branch had ably seconded him in the at- ick. The reader has seen how bis best laid plans fell through by the determined defense of the crew of the Gold Ship, whose crew was not_as large as the Peon had reported, and _was really outnumbered by the men from the Sea Marau- der; but that the treasure craft would have been taken is certain, but for the quick ear of her boy . commander and the valuable services rend of etrength s ered , who again proved a y cnltioal Soombat of the Reh” a To poor Pearl, knowing, or ‘tee sina did, the motive that prowpted hor far bo ema in the attack, the hours passed their wemy length along. She believed that her father was actuated wholly by a desire for her release and his own, and had thus volunteered, when really his eyes were fastened upon the Gold Ship with hope of gain, for he had in his possession proof that he was one of Brandt’s lieutenants, which, if com- pelled to show what he really was, he felt as- sured would gain his freedom and his daughter’s upon the return of the captain of the Sea a- der, for he little knew that he was a foe of his of long years’ standing. The Gold Ship Pearl had looked upon, from all that she bad heard, as little better than a pirate, and her commander a Condemned Mid shipman who had mutinied and then escaped death at the yard-arm by flight. Hence she did not deem the attack upon her to be unlawful on the part of her father. Unable to sleep, she paced the cabin neryvous- ly, counting the moments as they dragged along, and starting at every sound. Upon the yessel had been left but four men, for Vance Murell knew there was no need of a guard there, and these she did not see nor hear, and therefore her position was one of abject loneliness and gloom. At last she started, for she heard the quick dip of oars, then a low order, and next came feet upon the deck. ; She tried to spring toward the companion- way, but was unable to move, ‘Had her father returned?” ‘“ Had her fatber been killed?’ “Had the Gold Ship been captured?” ‘Tf so, would her father and herself be set free?” Such were the thoughts and questions chasing themselves in rapid succession through her brain, and like a statue, bent forward, hands clasped, eye staring at the companionway, she stood and waited in breathless suspense. A quick step crossed the deck, another order was given, and in the voice of Vance Murell, the pirate lieutenant, and then she saw feet de- scending the companionway steps. Yet still she could not move or utter a cry, It was that of the Then a form ap pirate lieutenant. She seemed to read the sad look upon his face and gas forth: “ My Bethe jh She said the words hoarsely, and in the form of a question. “ Alas! I feel that it is so.” Believing that her mother had gone down with the wreck, and that her father was dead, poor Pear] cried bitterly: ‘“*Oh God! Iam all alone in the world, and worse stiil, J am at the mercy of a te.” She swayed forward as she spoke, her eyes closed, and she would have fallen, had not Vance Murell sprung forward and caught her in his arms, while he cried in thrilling tones: ‘“No, no, my beautiful Pearl, ora not ali alone, for I will live for you and be your very slave. But she heard not his words, for she had sunk into a deep swoon that seemed akin to death. CHAPTER IX. A GOOD DEED REMEMBERED, When aroused to resistance, Mezrak, he slave of Merle Monte, was a very demon, and as merciless as a tiger. Hence, when the crew of the Sea Marauder: turned to fly to their boats and escape, be had pressed them hard, and had cut them down with his huge cimeter without the slightest mercy. ‘On of the attackin he had dragged backward. upon the ne as he sprung upon the bulwark, and the next instant bis head would have been severed from the body had not the prostrate and wounded man fired a pistol alugost i. bis face. he buTlet missed its aim, as it struck the blade of the cimeter and glanced off, doing no harm; but the flash ofthe discharge had illu- mined the face of the Deagnete man and t- ly the murderous was stayed in its y work, P vi Mezrak was one who never forgot a face, met
Page 7
ie) di | 5 we. | under circumstances where there was cause to remember it. The man whom he was about to kill he had met before, and what is more, he recognized in bim.one who had once betriended him. i His mind flashed back to the scene some time before, when a vagabond crowd had pursued him in New Orleans, jeering his deformities and threatening him with violence. Had he turned upon them he could have killed many before he was subdued, but his death would have followed, and knowing it, he kept down his temper and suffered the abuse, though now and then a stone would strike him and cause the blood to flow, Suddenly a carriage appeared upon the scene and drew up, while a handsome, dark, stern- faced man dismounted and instantly command- ed the crowd to desist. They had jeered the deformed black, but they fell back before the bold man who con- fronted them, and he bade Mezrak enter his carriage and at once drove him tothe pier off wuich lay the Sea Wolf, on board of which Merle Monte was then a midshipman. The man now prostrate before him was his bold rescuer that day long before, and by the fiash of the pistol Mezrak bad recognized him and spared his life, and seeing that he was wounded, he raised him in his strong arms and bore him aft. CHAPTER X. THE WOUNDED PRISONER. ‘* Master, spare this man for my sake, for though our foe now, he is the one who served me well long ago, the day the crowd hooted me in New Orleans,” said Mezrak. “Certainly, Mezrak, if he served you once he is my friend now, not my foe. si him. into the cabin, as he seems wounded, and look to him,” answered Merle. Mezrak bore the wounded man into the cabin and placed him upon a lounge, and then hastily returned to the deck, for he did not consider his work there finished. He found the Gold Ship’s crew clearing the deck of the dead pirates, by robbing them and then throwing the bodies overboard. Driven to frenzy by the attack upon his mas- ter and his vessel, Mezrak set the example at once of hurling the wounded as well into the m, and ere Merle Monte, who was quickly told of the act of his maddened slave, could get forward to prevent, the last one of thé pirates had sunk beneath the dark waters. Boats were lowered and an effort made to save them; but too late, as they were unable to keep up, wounded as they were. ‘« Mezrak, you have grieved and angered me,” said Merle, sternly, laying his hand hard upon the arm of the black. “Master, they sought your life and your in- heritance, and they did not deserve to live, and had they lived to recover, it would be but to die u the yard-arm,” was Mezrak’s reply. “ Still ou did wrong, and 1 cannot easily forget it, Mezrak.” ‘ “Alas! master, do not be angry with your poor slave,” said the black, in a low tone that guivered with emotion. “T believed you in the cabin, caring for the wounded man whom you saved.” “He served me, master, and I would not see hirna die. \ “Forgive Mezrak, master,” and the slave stretched forth his huge hand. Merle grasped it. warmly, and instantly the negro dropped to the deck and pressed his lips upon his master’s feet. “Rise, Mezrak, and see to the wounded man in the cabin.” “ And Iam forgiven, master?” “ Yes, Mezrak.’ Instantly the slave sprung to his feet, and valked toward the cabin, while Merle, anxious 2 find the vessel from which the boats had same to attack him, at once ordered the coh ner gotten under sail, and away sped the # craft seaward, determined to stand off and on along the coast to await the coming of day, when a search would be made for their foe. lfa cruiser, Merle knew the Gold Ship could ran away from it. If a pirate, he would fight it, and who really were his assailants he had no means of know- ing, for Mezrak had disposed of the wounded too quickly to find out from them. ‘As the schooner was gliding out of the lagoon, and feeling the waves of the Gulf under her bows, there came from the cabin a wild shriek, which quickly caused Merle to seek to know its cause, “ Gain an offing, Mr. Trenor, and keep her off ' — Merle Monte’s Fate. and on,” he called out to his Hieutenant, as he hesitated an instant before dashing down the companionway. ’ Upon entering the cabin a strange scene met his gaze. pon a lounge lay the wounded man, whom Mezrak had placed there, and hae over him was Mrs, Branch, her form trembling con- vulsively, and low moans coming from her ips. Siete them stood Mezrak, calm and silent. The wounded man seemed conscious, for his eyes were open, and he grasped his wife’s hand, but his face had on it the hue of death. Seeing his master enter, Mezrak said, calmly: ‘Master, it is the husband of this lady that I have saved.” Merle was thunderstruck, and calmly walked forward to where the wife bent over her hus- band, whom she had so strangely found, CHAPTER XI. HOPE AND DESPAIR. Srxme Merle come forward, Basil Branch for ne was the wounded man whom Megrak had saved, turned his eyes upon him, and the look caused Mrs, Branch to start, and glance over her shoulder, ‘Oh, Captain Monte, I have found my hus- band,” she cried, eagerly, Then she continued, speaking rapidly and nervously: “T saw Mezrak bring him into the cabin and lay him here, andI feared at first that it was ou. ra But I knew that it could not be when * saw. his dress, or Lieutenant Trenor either, and yet my + eg seemed to be riveted upon his form. ‘For a long time he lay silent, and so motion- less that I deemed him dead. ‘Then Mezrak came down and bent over him to dress his wound, and I heard him groan with agony, and then speak, ‘His voice told me who it was, and springing forward, I found my ears had not deceived me, for see, itis my husband.” ‘““Yes, my dear madam, and I rejoice that you have found him; but come, I know some- thing of surgery, and Mezrak is well skilled in the cure of wounds, so we will take bim in change now, and you can nurse him back to ‘a, . “But he will live, will he not, Captain Monte?’ eagerly asked the poor woman, “Thave every bope that he will, Mrs. Branch; but he must "he kept perfectly quiet, as the wound is in a dangerous position— See! he has become unconscious.” Merle then drew aside the clothing, and the act revealed a bullet wound in the left side, That it had not touched the heart was evident by the wounded man being yet alive; but that it was most dangerous was also true. A word to Mezrak caused him to bring to his master a case of surgical instruments, and breathlessly Mrs. Branch watched the amateur surgeon as he probed for the bullet, ow and then the wounded man winced and groaned under the pain; but Merle Monte was as gentle as a woman in his touch, and soon drew out the bullet. “Thank God!” fervently said the sorrowing wife, while Mezrak gave a grunt of satisfaction at this result. Then the wound was skillfully dressed, the in- valid made as comfortable as was possible, and the wife left to nurse her husband, while Mez- rak remained near to be of any service should he be needed. Returning to the deck, Merle Monte found all ship-shape once more, for the dead ‘had been buried in the sea, the wounded put in the sick- bay, and the schooner’s decks washed clean, Lieutenant Trenor held the deck, and the beautiful vessel, under the pressure of a five- knot breeze off-shore, was standing off and on, running about half a Jeague each side of the la- — on each tack, as the vessel from which the oats had come must certainly be not far away, the officer had thought. A With the first appearance of dawn tht schooner was cleared for action, the men went to quarters, and every eye on the Gold Ship was searching for a foe. : Kvowing that the water was of sufficient depth to permit it, Merle ran eloser inshore, and then would luff up and send a boat in to search the inlets, and the lagoons as fast as they dared venture. ’ Inthis way he began the long hunt for his foe, whoever that foe might be, for, as Basil Branch yet remained unconscious, and his life hung by a thread, Merle had wot found out that ala his assailants were from the very vessel for which he was so gy searching. di True, knowing that Basil Branch and his daughter had béen captured by the Sea Marau- der, a certain suspicion would cross his mind that the boats had come from that vessel; but then he hooted the idea, when he thought that it would be next to im ble for the wounded man to be fighting with the very pirates whe were the captors of himself and child, and he pesfterred to think that the Sea Marauder had een captured by an English eruiser, the twe, captives released, and that'the planter had joined their crew in the assault on the Gold i believing it to be another buccaneer. : et, if such was the case, where was the cruiser from whence the boats had come? He had noticed in the fight, thav tho assafl- ants seemed to wear the English sailors’ garb, and he had particularly observed the very gai- lant manner in which Basil Branch had fought; but he knew that there was no English ser on the coast then that should be afraid to meet the Gold Ship in combat, and he was in a deep quandary as to why the mysterious and un- ali vessel did not boldly run out and fight m. If he knew it to be a man-of-war, he would not fight, but run, for he was determined te do no act of outlawry, although a fugitive, con- demned to death by his Government. But, should the stranger prove the Marauder, or any other outlaw eraft, most gladly woul he give it combat, Knowing well, that as he sailed, without the flag of any nation above his decks, and that as a havenless craft all vessels of war consider- ed bim fair game, yet he trusted to the speed of his schooner to escape from them, and only in the last moment would have used his guns to protect himself, his treasure and his crew. As the boats had been the assailants, he was determined to find out to what they belonged, and, if it proved to be an outlaw craft, then he would do allin his power to haul down its black flag, and thereby gain another point in bis favor with his Government, to which he had not cast off his allegiance, though it had cast ‘um off, and, more still, branded him as'a 1m.iineer, a condemned officer and a deserter. * f But though seemingly every inlet along the | coast for miles was searched, and days were passed in the work, no trace of the boats, or the craft frou which they had come could be fownd and Merle determined to continue his cruise in the Gulf, in his search for the Sea Marauder. In those days of search, Mrs. Branch had bent over her busband, hoping for his life to et and yet fearing that he would die, most kindly through all had both Merle and Mezrak aided her in nursing bim. At last, just as hope of finding the mysterious enemy was given up, and hope of the recove of Basil Branch became certain, despair seem: to seize upon the wife, who had asked, as soon as her husband dared 5) a word; “Where did you leave our ebild!” » Hanily: iat Myer ibe enews and the we came slowly; but the despairing woman, C) and Megrak heard them: iy ‘On board the pirate craft knowa as the Bea Marauder.” CHAPTER XIL BASIL BRANCH TELLS HIS STORY. Wir these words, which brought despair to the fond mother’s heart, for it told her that her beloved child was in the power of a pirate, Basil Branch could say no’more, He seemed too deeply moved toutter another word, and those who watched over him dared not ask him more for fear the thread of life would break, and the good wife recognized this and forbore from asking, though ier anxiety was intense, ; And on sped the Gold Shi: on its cruise, anxious eyes searching the horizon day and night for some trace of the Sea Marauder, upom which the hopes of all were now centered. At last Basil Branch was pronounced out of danger by Merle Monte, for the crisis had passed and he called to his wife that he wished te tell her all. \ , Merle and Mezrak would have left the cabin, but the wounded man and his wife urged that they should remain, * 7 “T have wanted to speak before,” he said, in ® low tone. = ' “But I dared not trust myself to do so, for ous ’
Page 8
fear I would break down, and I do not wish to |, dle. “(YT have said that our poor Pearl was in the power of a pirate, and she is; for, eraft Brandt the Buccaneer released us, and we were on the way in a small coaster up to the city, we were retaken by the Sea Marauder. ** You have told me, Annabel, when I dared not speak, how you and Pearl were inveigled from home by a foe of mins, and of your being wrecked, and knowing that Brandt had seized the packet-brig Montezuma, upoa which I was ® prisoner, and then picked up the boat in which was Pearl. “ All this is true; but Brandt let us go free, bad as men say he is, and we fell into the elatches of this pirate, Captain Pierre. “Upon the very smack, from which he took us, he went on to the city, pretending to the skipper that he was a rich gentleman who had been captured and released upon payment of ransom. ‘Neither myself or Pearl saw him; but he left us, and his vegsel, in charge of his first officer, a dashing, handsome young man, and a gentleman in manner, whatever bis crimes may “He ordered the lieutenant to a secret re- treat he called the Lost Pond, on the coast some leagues: from the Mississippi Delta, and thither we went, while he visited New Orleans to get more men and several heavier guns for his truly splendid little vessel. that he might eruise in search of the Gold Ship, and finding her, be able. to capture her, “The lieutenant refused the bribes I offered him, to free us, for he would not betray his commander; but he learned, through an Indian spy that his vessel was near, and he determined to capture ber. “He believed, if he could take the Gold Ship, he would be freely forgiven for setting Pearl and myself free, which was his inten- tion, for he seemed to be a noble fellow and pitied us, well knowing the cruel nature of his commander, “Being short of officers, he asked my aid, and I, looking upon this vessel as the world believes it, to be little less than a pirate, will- ingly consented, especially as upon our success depended our freedom. © “T therefore took command of two of the pirate boats, under Lieutenant Murell, and the result you know. “ He, and those of his crew not killed and wounded retreated to the boats and escaped when beaten back by you, Captain Monte, and remained behiud, and our daughter is in the ds of the pirates, who must have reported me ap dead.” “But, from what you say, sir, of this young pirate lieutenant, there is every reason to be- Meve that he will act with honor, now that she ia so wholly in bis power,” said Merle, “Of that, sir, I have no doubt, pirate though be is; but his captain may have.returned, and I know what he is.” There was a certain significance in his tone and words, in referring to the Sea Marauder, that fmpressed those who heard him with the idea that he knew more of the outlaw chief than he had admitted, and Mrs. Branch asked iu a low tone: ‘**Do you know this Captain Pierre, Basil?” “T do, Annabel.” “ Has he come to hate you?” “He has,” “How know you this?” “From certain things I saw, that belonged to him on the schooner, I discovered just who this Captain Pierre Dupont of the Sea Marau- der is. “ Pierre Dupont?” cried Mrs. Branch, start- ing up. “You.” “Why, Basil, that was the name of the man who professed to have been sent by you, for Pearl and myself.” “*T know it.” “He told us to call him Pierre, and we did #0; but bis name was Pierre Dupont.” Merle Monte's Fate, “ And that explaims the mystery of his de serting thesGold Ship, the night we lay off: that inlet; waiting te rea in with dawn and. attack the pirate vessel reported at anchar’ there,” said Merle. “Yes, i¢ was his vessel, and he. escaped by swimming to it, and, in. the darkness, got his boats out with muffled. oars, and, towed to sea,” replied Basil Branch, and he added: “This his lieutenant told me, and more, for he said that his captain had gone to’ New Orleans and sent down word to him to lie in wait for the Galveston packet schooner Fly- away and capture her, and that he would find him, and more valuable prisoners passengers on board. ‘The schooner, so says the Lieutenant Mu- rell, had given chase to the Flyaway, which was a very nimble-footed craft, ‘and had es- caped him in a storm tbat had come on.” “That is true, every word of it, and this Pierre, or Dupont, tried all he could to make Captain Trenor believe that the schooner in chase was an American cruiser. “ That night the Flyaway was wrecked, and you know the rest,” said Mrs. Branch. “ Well, I know just who this Captain Pierre Dupont is, Annabel,” responded Basil Branch. “ And who is he, Basi)?’ “Do you remember that I once detected a man, I believed to be a gentleman, and who was 80 looked upon, in cheating his opponent in a game of cards, on which hung a heavy stake?” “T do remember him,” said Mrs. Branch in a low tone, ‘That man was the one your father had se- lected for your husband, though I believe you did not love him; but my eapose of his ras- cality sent him in dishonor from his circle of friends, and he went from bad to worse, until he become the head of a band of river pirates, known as the Mississippi Marauders, “One night, Captain Monte, I rescued my wife bere, and her father, from that band. “Mr. Tracey, Annabel’s father, was severe- ly wounded, and I had him taken to my plan- tation home, The Retreat, and there he died.” “16 was the very night, too, that. your father died, Basil, and you were standing on the river-bank, sorrowing for his loss, when you heard the fighting upon the river, and came to our rescue; but are you ill?” and Mrs, Branch sprung toward her husband, who had suddenly become livid. ‘No, no, it isa passing weakness,” he said, quickly, ‘Perhaps we are taxing your strength too much,” suggested Merle. ‘*No; let us have it over with now,” he murmured, and then -he continued, and in a stronger voice: : “Well, your old lover, Annabel, led those Marauders that night, and escaped by swim- ming ashore, though he was wounded by me, “Tt was reported that he was killed that night, and so we all believed, as you know, but what I discovered upon the Sea Marauder proved to me that her captain is none other than—” “Dupont Pierson!” almost shrieked Mrs, Branch. Yes, and he has changed his name of Du- pont Pierson to Pierre Dupont, and that of Marauder of the Mississippi, to The Sea Ma- rauder.” “Now I recall him, though his long beard, and the changes in his face that seventeen or eighteen years have made, made him unknown to me then as Pierre,” said Mrs. Branch. “Yes, he is an old foe, and, when in his power to accomplish it well, he sought revenge against us, and though you and have escaped him, Annabel, our child is in his power,” CHAPTER XIIt A MYSTERY SOLVED, THESE were crushing thoughts for the poor mother and the father, to feel that Pearl, their beautiful daughter, was at the mercy of their old foe, who sought revenge against them. eee EEE lll eee Basil Branch took some hope in the. True, thought of what he knew of Vance Murell, the, pirate lieutenant, and felt that he would, pro- tect Pearl all in bis power. Yet still he feared for the worst, and earn- estly urged Merle Monte to do all in his power to capture the Sea Marauder, As he had been, allowed the .freedomyof the deck on the schooner, and even to fish in the lagoon, when Pearl was.on the vessel, he «felt he could again find the Lost»Pond,and he begged Merle to head at once for that part of the coast, and, by the time they reached there, he would be well enoughh,to be lowered into a small boat and, make the search at least. This Merle decided to do, as something might have detained Captain Pierre in the city and the schooner yet be awaiting his coming im the Lost Pond. Merle could also understand, from the de- seription given.of the place by Basil Branch, why he had been unable to find the little vessel. At once, then, the Gold Ship was put about and headed for the neighborhood of the Delta of the Mississippi once more. While en route, one pleasant day, Merle en- tered the cabin, and, telling Mrs, Branch to go on deck and get some fresh air, said that be would remain by the side of her husband. She was utterly worn out with worry and nursing, and readily consented, and Merle threw himself into an easy-chair .beside his guest. “Mr, Branch,” he said, after a few words om ordinary topics, ‘‘may I ask you what claim Brandt, the Buccaneer, had upon you?” The wounded man, turned very. white, and for a 1noment did not reply, Then he said: ‘‘T do not understand you.” “‘T asked what claim Brandt, the Buecwneer, holds upon you?” “None, sir,” the wounded man said, with some indignation of tone. . “Tbelieve you, sir; but. when. I last.saw Brandt, the Buccaneer, when I parted with bim — on his way to the city to be tried. and hanged, he asked me to do him a favor.” “Well, Captain Monte?” “That favor was to send a message ta New Orleans, to seek out one Basil Branch, a planter and a gambler, he said—” “ Sir y ‘Those were his words, Mr. Branch,” “Pray continue, sir,” said the planter, with something yery like a sneer in bis tone. “You shall hear all, sir, ‘‘He asked that my messenger should seek you and make known to.you that he wasa prisoner on board the Sea Wolf. “In Heaven’s name, what good would that do bim?”’ “You are the best judge of that, Mr. Branch,” ‘Captain Monte, you deal in innuendoes,” “T will be more explicit, sir. “When I captured Brandt and his men off Galveston, through the aid of your noble wife, who led him into a trap ‘et for him, I brought him on board of this vessel in irons for safer keeping. “Tn the state-room in which he was confined, Mezrak, my slave, found a roll of papers whic he had evidently dropped there unintention- ally. ‘T have them here, and one is a letter from you to him, telling him that you will get him a crew to seize the brig, and see that her own men desert her from some cause, “ And also, that, as you are driven to de- spair by your losses at the gaming-table, and have beggared your wife and daughter, you will go with him as a lieutenant, to get money enough to raise your family above want once more, and that the world will know nothing or your sin, and those you love will be none the wiser. “This letter, Mr. Branch, lets out the secret, solves the mystery, and more, another paper is a copy of instructions given you to go to New Orleans and get him more men and LL
Page 9
Dr heavier guns for his vessel, and meet him at a certain.rendezy ous. “ Thenj.on the;botfom of this paper are these words in a note, written by Brandt; *** Poor Brangh, he turned,to piracy to save his, family .from,,want, though bis own hand bad boggared..themy, “Now, though he,now keeps this secret from his daughter,;leaving her to believe he was.myprisoner,,and not my lieutenant, all will,one,day,.come, out, for the man who has ence stepped across the threshold of crime, try as he may, cannot hide foreyer from the world’s-eye the knowledge of that crime.’ ” “Oh, God! Haye mercy wpon me!” The, groan came from, the man, wrung by mental agony, and seeing his suffering Merle said; “Mr, Branch, your secret is known to Brandt the, Buccaneer and myself only. “ He will soon.end his life at the yard-arm, and bis pirate crew will quickly follow him, “T pity youin your misfortunes, and your sins, and, for the sake of your noble wife, ard the daughter you so dearly lovo, as also for the good service you once rendered my slave Mez- rak,)/I spare you, “Your wife shall know nothing of the past, and to-day Ioffer you a position with me as an, officer, and I pledge you that in me you shall, not.want for. a friend, “Now, bury the past behind you, and we will,do all that we.can to find your daughter, and wrest her from the power of this Sea Marauder.” Basil Branch tried to speak, but his emo- tions overpowered him, and he could only streteh forth his hand and grasp that of Merle in silenge, CHAPTER. XIV. THE SEA WOLF REACHES PORT. I Must now return ito the buccaneer chief, whom Merle Monte surrendered to Captain Mayo Meredith of the Sea Wolf, When taken on board that vessel and chained te the deck. in the, guardoom, he certainly could|mot, see. the, slightest chance of escape from)thedoom, with:which he was threatened, The Sea Wolf.at,early dawn got under way, and) followed: by, the brig, and next by the cutter, headed out of the inlet. The twocaptured vessels had prize crews on board, and, the Sea Wolf setting the example, all spread their sails to make all of the six- knot, breeze that, was blowing. Had the wind been heavier tho majostic cruiser might; haye beld the lead, but, as it was the brig worked ahead, ‘hich showed that Brandt; the, Buccaneer, bud decided upon a good jwessel:when he selected the Montezuma for, his, new craft, over which to flaunt the pirate flag. The. little cutter, too, forged to the front, and. held: her, own, with the brig, and Captain Meredith and his officers. greatly enjoyed the seaqrace, which showed the respective merits of the-three, vessels, At last. the Delta was reached, and the two leaders shortened, sail to allow the cruiser to leadoup.the)niver. The wind being fair, the three held on up the mighty Mississippi, and when at last their anchorsywere dropped in the murky waters, and it became.known, that the Sea Wolf had returned with: two pirate vessels as prizes, and that one,;was the:cratt of Brandt, the Bucca- neer, who was hims If in-irons on the cruiser, the city went almostiwild with joy But Captain Meredith was no man to wear honors not justly his own, and he soon made known that the Sea Wolf was not the cap- turer of the two pirate vesseis, only their guard, and that they had been taken in battle by the mysterious Gold Ship, and surrendered to bimyand this report be sent on to his Gov- ernment,.at the same time.giving an account of Merle Monte’s; career, since his escape from death..at. the, yard-arm,. and making known other facts to prove that the affair for which. he had\.been branded. as 4 mutineer, and tried days?’ Merle Monte’s Fate. and condemned as such, was the working of rival officers. As soon,.as he. could,,, Captain Meredith | arranged for the trial of Brandt, the Buccaneer, and his pirate crews, and all knew how it must end. : Little Belt, the poor wronged, woman, who could bave slain Brandt many times, yet spared him, that she might one day be instru- mental in bringing him to the gallows, and thirsting to see him thus die, had kept, watch upon the chief all the way to the city. Captain Meredith had told her that he could thoroughly trust his men; but she had shaken her head doubtingly, and begged to be allowed to also keep an eye upon him, if it was not against the discipline of the ship, “Do so, if you wish, Little Belt; but I re- member once you freed this very man, after be reached Washington, where he was to be executed, so perhaps I ought to keep a watch upon you,” said Captain Moredith, with a smile, : “No, for now Iam content to see him die, as it is with my aid he will be brought to the yard-arm, “Then, I bad no band in his capture, and had be been executed without, I would have been cheated out of the joy of revenge. “No, no, Captain Meredith, I have lived but to see him end his days thus, and when all is over I will be content, and my wrecked life will be avenged,” she answered, with deep earnestness, Not wishing to subject herself to to the gaze of those about her, and to save the captain of the Sea Wolf from questions he cared not to answer regarding her, Little Belt went ashore and took up her quarters as soon as the cruiser arrived in port. But ere Little Belt left the Sea Wolf, she sought out each one of the men selected as the guard of the buceaneer chief, and gave them a generous sum of gold, with a promise to quadruple it if the pirate did not escape, The men gladly pledged themselves that the pirate would never get away from them, and then Tithe Belt went ashore with a far lighter heart, for at last the end she had longed for was near at hand, and the revenge she had devoted her life to would be consummated. CHAPTER XV. THE TEMPTATION, At last the day for trial came near, and Brandt the Buccaneer felt that the sands of his life were rapidly ebbing away. ‘ He however kept up a bold front before his guards, and though often lost in deep reverie, no trace of what his thoughts were was to be read in his stern face. Now and then he jested with the guard con- stantly kept.on duty over him, then he would smoke a cigar with apparently the greatest relish, ata his meals with real enjoyment, and when he laid down to sleep, all ironed as he was, seemed to have no fitful dreams and fear- ful nightmares. All of his acts and sayings were reported about the ship, and he came to be looked upon as a wonderful and most fearless man. Each day, since the anchor was let fall in port, Little Belt had visited the ship, and, with a permit from Captain Meredith, had gone to have a look at the prisoner. “You seem to revel in gazing at me in my chains?” said Brandt to her one morning, the day prior to that set for his trial. ‘*T do,” was the calm reply. ‘You hope to see me condemned to die?” he said with a sneer, “Tshall bave that pleasure, for your con- demnation is a foregone conclusion.” “Then why try me?’ ‘Tt is a mere form.” “ About how long will my trial last?” “One day will end it with the evidcence against you.” So soon?” “ Ab! you. would like it to drag out for senna * Oh no, I care not, for I do not sbrink from death,” be said with an air of i while the guard put in with: “T do say that of him, he is the gamest: one. Lever saw to face death, excepting one other.” ‘Who was that, my man?’ asked Brandt, ‘“*The midshipman who was once on board this very craft, and the idol of the men, and whom Government sentenced wrongfully to die, if I do say it as shouldn’t, he a seaman on board a Government vessel.” You refer to Merle Monte?” said Brandt. “ Yes, sir.” “You are right, he is certainly the most fearless being I ever had to deal with, and bis slave is equally so, I must admit.” ‘*He bad no cause to fear death, as you hava, Brandt, the Buccaneer, with all your red crimes. to weigh you down to perdition,” al- most viciously, said Little Belt! The buccaneer chief paused for an instaut, but then laughed lightly, and said: : “Well, Belle, all I ask of you is to come.and see me take my last, spring, and fetch up at the end of a rope.” “T will do so, and shall be bappy in the thought that I was in part instrumental in bringing you to such a death of ignominy.” “Well, I sball be content to see you there, 80 now leave me.” ; ‘For the present, I will: but Brandt Brent- ~ ford, the pirate, beware of to-morrow, and then of what shali follow it.” She spoke in a deep, thrilling voice, and » wheeling suddenly, walked away. “The little one seems not to love. you, . cap’n,” said the guard. y ‘*No, she hates me.” “ She?” “So I said.” “Ts he a she?” “Tt ic a woman,” “The one who just left hore?” ““ Yes.” “ A woman!” “ Yes.” “My gracious goodness! do you mean ie” “T do.” **T declare! then I am upset.” , “Did you not know it?” ** Never had a suspicion.” “Well, she does disguise herself well, | admit!” o ‘She does for a fact, sir. / “But I did think she was awful handsome and trim-figured for a man, yet I hadn't an idee she was a woman.” ol “Does no one else on the sbip suspect her?” ‘‘None, less 'tis the cap’n, sir.” raven “TI think he knows her gaiiag ts, for she . permission from him to on in the ebip and see me banged.” Ss ‘Dl declare to gracious, I am all at sea, é “You see, sir, we looked upon him, or rather her, as a mysterious youngster, and couldn't make out her colors: but wé didn’t © suspec6 her of belonging in petticoats, and kinder thought he was, or she was, you see I do mistake her yet, a young fellow that had ~ been a prisoner on the pirate vessels. i “Yet there was that about her that kept any of us from asking ber about herself.” ‘Well, she is a woman, and one I deemed * long ago dead, and wish to Heaven she bad been, for she.bas dogged me as untiringly as a bloodhound, and has been with me in half a dozen disguises, working to get me to the gal- lows, when I never suspected her. “ “Now she has succeeded, and soon I must’ die,” - “Well, you are cool about it, cap’n.” “No need to be otherwise.” “You don’t seem to care whether you live or die,” “Oh, yes, I wish to live, and I would give much to do so.” ; “But there is no hope for you now, cap’n, for they'll find you guilty and sentence you to the yard-arm all in one breath, so you bad © better make your peace with your Make.” — The chief smiled, and said quietly: ~ ‘ | 4 | ‘ 125 y .
Page 10
& 10 “My man, I never give up the ship until she sinks with colors flying, and if I can escape trial and sentence to-morrow I will do it.” “Bat you cannot.” “T am notso sure of that, my man, for gold will do wonders.” '“ You can’t buy off those that will try you, if you had all of your pirate earnings on board here with you,” “‘I do not expect to buy them off; but now for instance, if I should say to you, my man, that I could make you rich to aid my escape, whet would you answer?” “T would say, sir, that it would be a sad born: pres to any poor sailor, and I would bat¢ to have you offer it to me, and I am glad, for my honor’s sake, that they took ‘your gold from you when they brought you on board,” said the man frankly. Brandt the Buccaneer smiled lightly, and said in a low tone: ““My man, the gold they took from me did not ruin me financially, for I assure you that I have now with me a fortune worthy of a prince. ‘Gems are of small size, even the most valuable, and one can hold vast wealth in his mouth even while he was being searched. “For instance, see this diamond, and tell me whatitis worth?’ and Brandt handed to the guard a gem of great beauty and value. “Lordy! it looks beautiful, and I never saw ene so large before; but I don’t know any more about diamonds then the chaplain does about navigating the ship,” and the man eyed the diamond with unfeigned delight, as it rested in the hollow of his hand, sparkling like & tiny star. CHAPTER XVI. PRECIOUS STONES. “ WHEN you go off watch at eight bells, my man, could you get leave to go ashore?’ asked Grandt the Buccaneer, in bis low, and 10st in- stmuating tones. “ Yes, cap’n.” “Would you like to take a walk up into the eity then?” **T wouldn’t mind.” “Will you do me a favor then?” “If it isn’t ag’in’ orders,” “Oh no, there are no orders against what I would ask you to do.” ‘*Well, sir, I'll do it.” “You mustn’t let any one know about it.” “Not if you wish me not to, cap’n.”” “Well, my man, just take that stone you have in your hand up to Griswold & Company, Jewelers, and ask them to give you’ its exact “You, want to leave it to somebody in your will, sir, and would like to know just how xouch its value is?” “*I would like to know its value, my man, and also the value of this stone.” “Good gracious, it’s redas a drop of blood,” said the guard, taking the second stone handed to him by the pirate chief. “Yes, it is a ruby.” “Tt’s mighty pretty.” “Yes, and is of nearly equal value with the d. “ Indeed, sir?” ~ ‘Well, you will ask the value of it, too?” “Yes, sir, if you wish me to.” “ I do. ” ™ “And you are not afraid to trust me with teem?’ “No, my man, for you are honest.” “Thank you, sir.” “And also see how Griswold & Company value this gem also,” and a third stone was dropped into the band of the guard. He seemed dumb with amazement and delight, and cried: “Tt’s as green as grass.” ‘* Yes, it isan emerald, and may be of like value with the ruby and diamond.” “‘ What do you say they are worth, sir¥” “Well, my estimate, from what I know of precious stones, is that the diamond will bring / eet 2’ stro] Shy Merle Monte’s Fate. you nearly ten thousand dollars in gold, tlie roby perhaps a few hundred less, and the emerald something over seven thousand; but Griswold & Company will soon give you the value of them in round figures.” “Yes, sir, and arrest me for stealing them, or being a pirate, who cut somebody’s throat for them!” bluntly said the man, “Ah! I never thought of that; for they might do so.” “Yes, it won’t do for a poor sailor like me to go to fooling round with such gems as they be about me.” “True, so do not go to them, but to a Jew, Isaac Jacibs, who lives upon Rue Royale. “He will give you their value, if you offer to pay him for the valuation, and I know he will make the three worth more than twenty- five thousand dollars.” “That's a big fortune, sir, for a man to have.” “See here, my man. “Here are three more precious stones of equal size and value, a ruby, an emerald, and a diamond, and when you find out the value of those you have, come back to the ship decided in your mind that when you go on duty to-night you will get all six of them for your own.” ‘How can I, sir?’ asked the guard, in a hoarse whisper, and he turned deadly pale. “Why, in the simplest way in the world.” “ How is that, sir?’ ** Just let me drop out of that port-hole.” “ But you are heavily ironed, sir.” “You can get keys and files ashore to free me of them.” “Oh, sir, this is terrible!” “It will be more terrible for me to die, my man.” “ Bat, sir—” ‘Now don’t say any more, but when you go ashore, go to Jacobs’s, and ask the value of those gems, * When he tells you, then purchase what you need to'set me free of my irons, and then you get these other three stones, and will be worth a fortune,” “But, cap’n, what good will it do me, when they. will hang me up with the rope they had | for you?” “Don’t be a fool, my mam, for I would not leave yon here to suffer, but take you with me.” : “You mean for me to desert, sir?’ ““Of course.” “What would the officers and my shipmates say?’ “* Are you married?” «No, sir.” “Are you alone in the world?” : “Yes, sir, excepting a girl I intend to make my wife.” “* Where is she?” “In Maine, sir.” “When did you ship?” ‘*Two years ago, sir.” “ Where?” “ Here in Orleans.” “ How did you come here?” “Yn a packet from Kennebec to York, sir, before the mast, and then in a schooner from York here.” , “Did you ship under your own name?” “Not adzactly, sir, for the boys call me Jack, though I hail to the name of Jobn, and the ships roll has me down as Jack Johnson, when my real handle is John Johnstone.” ‘*Then the former name will be put abroad as the deserter, and you can return with your fortune and marry the girl of your love. “Come, don’t be a fool, but think of what you can do with your money and how happy you can be.” : “The precious stones tempt the, sir.” “They would tempt any one, even if he was rich,” “But I may be caught, and—” “I will take you with me toa place of safe- ty, and you can remain there for months, until the affair is forgotten. re ; gehen etme sjsipceenee—eea “*Come, I'll give you a line toe friend of mine, and he will be on the river below here with a carriage. “The night is close, this port can be left open, and we can lower ourselves into the river with ropes and then swim shoreward, and go at once to a place of safety. “What say you, my man?” “The precious stones tempt me, sir, and I’ do it if Jacobs says they are worth the money you tell me.” “Then go and see. ‘‘Now be on your guard, for it is nearly eight bells,” and ‘even as the buccaneer chief * spoke the ship’s bell struck the hour, and an- other guard took the place of the one who had been dazzled by the display of gems, and the prisoner saw iv the face of the man who then came on duty that, did he offer him a hundred gems, he could never bribe him to forget his honor and his duty, for be was of different material wholly. CHAPTER XVil. THE JEW AND THE SAILOR. Ir was with a beating heart that John John- stoue asked leave to go ashore, and he felt guilty when it was granted. With the diamond, ruby and emerald clutch- ed tightly in his hand he sauntered up town, and first sought the elegant establishment of Griswold and Company, to gaze in the window at the gems there displayed. “They are elegant, but mine beats ’em,” he muttered, and then he wended his way down the Rue Royale to the shop of the Jew. Tbe three gilt balls hanging over the door told the story of Isaac Jacobs’s business, and witbin it looked dingy enough. But the sailor had made up bis mind to act, and in he went. A young Jew greeted him with asly look, to take his measure, and then asked: “Vell, sailor mansh, vat ish you vant?” “TI don’t want you, youngster, but some- body old enough to attend to business,” “Oh, [ish olt enough to attend to all te pizziness you ish got mit us,” was the preco- cious response, with an emphasis upon the you, which sounded es though the young Israelite had a contempt for the sailor. “Well, I want to do business with a man, and if you keep the shop I’m off to trade else- where.” . ‘Hold on, mine fr’endt, and I vill call my ” ‘‘Well, call your pawpaw, and call bim quick, for I am in a hurry.” The youngster was cunning enough to see that he had a customer before him, and he at once pulled a rope, which caused a bell to jingle barshly in another part of the house, In answer to this summons a Jew ai who, at a glance, the sailor saw was the busi- ness man of the establishment. He was a shrewd-looking man, with a long beard, and a thorough type of the Israelite. “Ts this Mr, Jacobs?” asked the sailor.’ “Dot ish my name,” was the calm reply, “Mr, Isaac Jacobs?” asked the cautious sea- man. ‘*Yesh, mine fri’nt.” “Well, send that boy off, for I have got some important business with you.” The Jew spoke to the youth in Hebrew, and that individual at once decamped, but with an angry look at the seaman, “Vell, my fri’nt vat can I do for you?” “Tell me the value of this diamond,” “ Aha! it ish quite nice. ** Does you vants to sell him?” “T want to know what it is worth.” “ Ah!” and the cautious Jew looked the stone over thoroughly, and then said: ‘‘T give you six thousant tollars for him,” “No you won't, for it is worth nine,” an- swered Jack Johnstone, who had had sufficient dealing with Jews to know tbat they never of- fer near the full value for an article. a “Vell, it ish a nice stone, and I makes # seven t’ousant for him.”
Page 11
———————_— “Gay eight.” ‘Vell, I makes him eight, just te please you, my fr’ent, though I don’t make a cent on him, if I bas to sell him.” “No, I guess not. * Well, tell me what this is worth?” and the ruby was handed over, “Aha! dat ish a pretty one, too.” “What will you giye for it?’ “TI vill give you four t’ousant dollars,” said the Jew, fearing he had hit too low belore. “ Make it just eight.” “Aha! vell, it is more prettier than I first see him. “T makes it eight.” “ And this one?’ The emerald was then handed over. “ Aha! dat ish a very pretty stone, too, “You is have fine taste, my fri’at,” said the delighted Jew, holding his head down to pre- vent his eyes from betraying his*joy at expect- ing to make a rich bargain. ‘Well, what is it worth to you?” “Vell, ash Lish to puy t’e otters, my fr’ent, I make rt four t’ousant.” : “Call it six.” “Vell, mine fr’ent, I take it at six t’ousant.” “No, you won’t, for I want more.” ‘““Worth more, mine fr’ent?” “Yes; the three are worth twenty-eight or twenty-nine thousand dollars, and you know it.” “ Dat ish a pig sum o? monish.” “] know it, and they are fine gems, and you know it.” “Vere did you git ’em, mine fri’nt?” ‘That is none o’ your business, Jew; but | they cost me enough to make me get’ their value out of them instead of you, and 1 want just twenty-five thousand dollars for the three, in good crisp notes.” “I make him twenty-four.” “*Not a dollar .Jess,” “ Twenty-four t/ousant five hundret,” “Not a dollar less, Jew.” “Vell, mine fr’ent, I takes ’em at dot price, but I makes me very little on ’em.” “You know better, for yeu can get several hundred on each before night. “ Now out with the money, and I want good crisp bank notes, do you hear?” T&e Jew knew he had made a good bargain, and he hastily opened his safe and counted out the money, at the same time doing a stroke of dusiness by selling the sailor a belt to carry his riches in for a dozen times its real value, and chuckling over it in high glee to himself, Thus armed with his belt of money, the sailor wended his way toa hardware shop, and having an idea of the kind of keys tv fit the chains that held the pirate, he purchased a number of those be thought most likely to suit, and then several good files. Back then to the Sea Wolf he took his way, stopping en route to deliver the note to the man to whom Brandt the Buccaneer had writ- ten to meet him on the river bank with a car- Going on board the vessel he felt guilty, and sbunned his shipmates, while he lived in dread suspense until the time for him to go on watch. last eight o’clock rolled around and he took his post, at the door of the guard-room, nervous and trembling, though, when he “lanced at the pirate chief he saw that he was perfectly cool, and smoking a cigar after his supper with an air of utter unconcern as to what would be his fate, CHAPTER XVIIL THE REWARD, Taw frst hour of his watch, dragged its weary length along so slowly to Jack John- that he seemed to live a lifetime in waiting for it to pass by. At last pine o’clock came and the on to their hammocks. mow Then ten came, and all was silent on the ship, and no sound was heard aye rumble of the wheels over the stone streeta, Stil Brandt the Buccaneer had spoken no , ‘Yord to the raaa, upon wieom hig life depended, / A Merle Monte’s Fate. But, as the ship’s bell struck “four bells,” the pirate chief said quietly: ‘* Well, my man, time flies.” The seaman made no reply, but quietly banded to him the package that held the keys. His hand trembled as he did so, and the per- fectiy coal pirate said sternly: ‘Keep cool, my man,” Then Brandt the Buccaneer took key ‘after key and fitted them in the key-boles to see if they would unlock bis chains. It seemed tbat none would, at first; but a second trial succeeded in opening the padlock that held the chains about his ankles. Next the handcuffs yielded to a key that fit- ted, and Brandt the. Buccaneer was free of his chains, The port had ‘been half raised, at his request, by the former guard, and Brandt held forth his hand and said, with the utmost calm- ness! ‘(The rope.” From where it was coiled about his waist, Jack Johnstone took it, and passing it through one vf the iron rivgs that held the chains, he had treed himself from, Brandt the Buccaneer said: ‘* Now I will go, and you follow.” Noiselessly he lowered himself out of the port into the muddy waters of the river, and clinging to the side of the vesse), waited the coming of his guard. As hé thus waited, he could hear the low voice of the cfiicer of the deck humming a love song, as he paced to and fro not twenty feet from him, and the snoring of some robust seaman forward. At last the deserting sailor appeared in the port, and lowered himself down nearly to the water, when bis nerveless hands failed him, and he fell into the stream with a splasb. Instantly he was seized ina vise-like grip, and dragged beneath the waters, The splash was heard by the officer of the deck, who walked quickly to the side and looked over. But all was dark and still, and he muttered: **Tt was some large catfish doubtless, spring- ing up to see the lights of the city.” Then he resumed his walk and his song, and an instant after Brandt the Buccaneer and tbe frightened seaman arose for air. ‘* Fool! you nearly lost all. ‘*Be calm, and swim Jow in the water, and without noise!” hissed the buccaneer, and the two went down with the stream, until the Sea Wolf grew dim in the distance, Then the two turned shoreward, and at last reached the bank, where a vehicle was visible, evidently waiting for some one, anda man paced near, “Giro!” The chief spoke the name in a low tone, “Senor,” was the prompt response, “I am here.” ’ : “The Virgin be praised!” said the man, as the chief and the seaman staggered from the river, “Spring upon your box now, and drive with all speed to your den.” ‘Yes, senor,” and the two fugitives having entered the vehicle, the man whom Brandt had called by the name of Giro sprung upon his box, and whipped his horse away at a rapid pace, After a ride of ten minutes, the vebicle drew up before a low, dingy-looking house, and Giro threw open the door. “There are cloaks in there for you to throw around. you, senors,” he said. “T have mine, but my friend will net need his,” was the reply. : “It is better, sexior, as you will have to pass through the cafe, aud some may remark your wet clothing.” ‘“T will use mine, Giro, but the one who ac- companied me will not need his, for he is dead.” “ Dead, senor ?” gasped Giro, ‘Yes; I put my knife into his heart, for it was the best thing I could do, Giro, and I am ee ee ee ee eee ee ee Se eer hoe sae too poor a man now to throw away twenty- five thousand dollars. 77 “Drive back to the river, Giro, and throw the body in, and then come up to my room,” “ All right, senor; you have your old quar- ters, and 1 will be there as soon as I have gotten rid of your friend and put my horse up,” and the vehicle rolled away, while Brandt, the Bue- eaneer, evtered the door of the house, anil found himself in a dimly lighted cafe, where were half a dozen men smoking and drinking. Drawing bis cloak around him, he passed on through to an opposite door, and ascending a pair of stairs turned into a pleasant chamber at the top. ‘Well, I am free once more and back in my" old quarters, / ‘‘Ha! ha! ha!’ I begin to believe the hemp is not grown yet to make a rope to hang me,” and closing the door he bolted it, and threw himself down in an easy-chair to think over hie escape, and with no compunction for the man he had slain, and whose reward for serving bim had been death at the bavds of the one he had so well served. : CHAPTER XIX. THE TWO CAPTAINS, Tue man Giro was not gone more than an hour, and his first remark, upon entering the room. where Brandt, the Buccaneer sat, was “‘ Well, senor, the news is abroad.” “Of my escepef” coolly asked the. chief. ‘Yes, senor,” * Doubtless, for at eight bells, when the other guard went on watch, my escape wae discovered.” ‘The city guard has been alarmed and are patrolling the streets, and men from the vessels have been landed and sent out,” The buecaneer laughed at this, and returned to his repast:of cola fowl and wine, which he had ordered, after chauging his wet-elothes for a suit Giro had thoughtfully laid out for him, “Take a glass of wine, Giro, for you have been out in the night air,’ said Brandt, and when his host had drank to his success the, chief continued: ; “Now, Giro, what am I to do?” ‘“ How; senor!” *T am ashore,” “Prue,” “ Stranded high and dry.” “Well, senor, that has happened to you before!” “ But I have no vessel.” “T know that, senor.” “Nor crew.” “‘ Both can be procured, soon.” sal A “Not easily this time, for even row-boats on the river will be watched now.” nas ‘Yes, and the city will be searched most thoroughly, senor.” “JT do not doubt that; but then no one would suspect good, Christian Giro, of harbor- ing a pirate.” ; “ No, senor, I stand well with the commu- nity, and am thought to be poor,” mildly said the man, ““When the truth is, you are a salesman of pirate goods and.are worth a fortune.” ‘©Yes, senor, thanks to you,” ““Then, if you thank me, Giro, aid me." ‘How, senor?’ “T must go at once to sea. “ At once?” ; . “Yes, for I dare not delay.” i “‘ Have you thought of any plan?” “None, Gino,” “ How do you wish to gof” “ Any way in which I can, for once at sea, I can soon find a way to tread a deck as master.” “‘ Your brig might—” “No, it would be impossible to cut it ont now, after my escape.” : “‘ The cutter of Captain Eduardof’ “That could not be dane with any more. success than the brig.” you, senor, other than the cruiser.” “There is no vessel in port that wonld suit —
Page 12
1.3 =——————= — Merle Monte’s Fate. “The Sea Wolf?’ ‘*¥fea, senor.” “ibe is too large for a pirate, and besides, I could not attempt to take ber with a raw orew, for I know Meredith would let every man on his deck die before he would give up.” “Then, senor, how would you like to play second fiddle!” ™ “J donot understand you.” “T have as my guest at present a gentlemar ‘Yor whom I am shipping a crew.” “For what purpose?’ “Piracy.” “Where?” “In the Gulf?” “It he is a new hand he’ll be hanged within the month, for piracy has but a short tace to run now, Giro.” “Yes, senor, the good old days are going flast, before the march of civilization; but this rson is not a new hand.” “ Ah!” “No, be has fought many a battle for plunder, und commands a good craft.” “Then what is be shipping a crew for?” ‘(He wishes to enlarge his crew, aud I am getting the men, but have failed to find him a second luff be needs.” “Second luff?” “Yes, senor, for he bas a well trusted first lieutenant in command of his vessel, while he is bere in the city.” “T see; then I would kave to be third in rank?” ‘Yes, senor; but you know I merely sug- a this as a chance for escape and promo- on. “Ah yes, I can soon promote myself, you think.” ‘From what I know of you, senor, I think you can.” “Well, I tbink favorably of your plan, so who is this pirate?” “Captain Pierre.” ‘Ha! ‘The commander of the Sea Ma- wauder, and who is himself also called by that mano? “T have heard of him often, but never met “He is a good commander and has a fleet @nd stanch craft.” “He isa good man, captain, and his vessel ig a good one.” ; “ Where is he now?” “Tn his room,” “When does he sail?” “To-morrow night,” “In what?” “A lugger he has loaded with heavy guns, and with a crew that go blacked up as planta- tion negroes.” “A good scheme; but is not his craft armed?” BA ca dey a heavy guns as those he car- to her now, and ha is preparing for a par- ticular cruise.” . “ After what?” “The Gold’Ship.” . “Ha! Giro, just seek Captain Pierre, and ask him tomy room to have a glass of wine with me, and bring us up a few bottles of your Abest,” was the prompt order of Brandt, when he learned that the Sea Marauder was to cruise after the Gold Ship. Giro was absent from the room but a few minutes, when he returned accompanied by none other than Captain Pierre, whom the reader is already acquainted with as Pierre Dupont, and whose real name was Dupont Pierson. y “Captain Pierre, permit me to introduce to you Senor Brentano, whom I have engaged to serve as your second luff,” said Giro, who deemed it best not to let Brandt be known just then in his true character. Captain Pierre was pleased with the appear- anee of his new officer, and at once accepted egg opera to pen ‘a bottle of wine with him, and over it, the two captains seemed to become most friendly, ‘* When do you sail, captain?” asked Brandt. ¢ { “Giro promises me I can get off to-morrow night, Lieutenant Brentano, and I hope that is not too soon for you.” “Oh no, I am ready to-night for that mat- ter,” was the indifferent reply, and Giro said: ‘*Tt will be impossible tu get all the men be- fore to-morrow night, as, in these days of sus- picion and treachery, senors, I engage them at the last moment. “Your guys are on board, captain, and I have but half a dozen more good fellows to get for you to-morrow, and then you can sail,” and with this the two pirates seemed content. CHAPTER XX. PEARL, THE PIRATES PRIDE. WueEN Pearl swooned away, at the sad tid- ings brought her by the young pirate lieuten- ant, it wasa long, long time before he could restore ber to consciousness again, When at last she opened ber beautiful eyes and gazed into his anxious face, her first ques- tion was for her father. Again he told her the sad story of the attack and the defeat, and of her father’s baving been left behind, while be held forth the bope that be might be alive, and a prisoner, ‘“No, that woulda be even worse, for he would be taken while fighting with pirates,” she murmured, and, seeing the pained look that flashed over the face of the young officer at ber words, she said quickly: “Forgive me, if I wounded you; but I do not look upon you as a pirate at beart.” “Thank you for those words, sweet Pearl, and I frankly tell you I am not. “To confess to you, I will tell youthat I am a native of Carolina, and was brought up in the navy. ‘« My father was a planter, and he died leav- ing my mother, myself and my sister well off. ‘I entered the navy, and, after a cruise of five years returned to find that my mother had married a man whom all knew to be an ad- venturer and gambler, and that he had forced my sister into’ a marriage with one of his friends, a man as bad as himself. ‘¢ Between them they had squandered our wealth, and well-nigh broken my mother’s und my sister’s hearts, ‘Instantly I determined upon revenge, and I called them out. “They refused to meet me in a duel, they said on account of the relationship they bore to me. “But I was rendered desperate by their be- havior toward those I loved, and I would not hear to a refusal, and forced them to fight me, and both fell “One was instantly killed, my step-fa- ther, and the other mortally wounded, but be- fore be died he said that they were unarmed, _and that I had murdered them. “Some friend of his carried off the pistols they had, and, as I had no wituesses I was proclaimed a murderer and forced to fly for my life. “T had little money, and I shipped before the mast in a small vessel wbich was wrecked, and I alone was saved of the crew by clinging to a boat. i “I drifted about for several days, and nearer dead than alive was picked up by this schooner, and Captain Pierre nursed me most faithfully, and upon my recovery offered me the place of first lieutenant, telling me bis vessel was a Mexican cruiser. “T gladly accepted the cffer, joined him in a fight with a vessel, and then saw that be was a pirate, ‘But the step was taken, and in sheer de- spair I remained with him. : x “This was nearly a year agd, and yet I lin- ger upon a pirate vessel when my manhood i my honor tell me I should give up the life ead.” “ And why will you not?’ asked Pearl, who had listened to his story with such deep inter- est she bad almost forgotten her own sorrows. “I cannot betray the man ‘who bas served me well; but I will soon kave thia hated ves- cite self and I pledge you my honor, Pearl, that for your sweet sake I will give up this fearful life at the very earliest moment that I can, ‘¢And more, I promise that no harm shall befall you from Captain Pierre, if I have to take hia life to prevent it, for since I have known you I have loved you, and girl though you may be, you have wrapped about me the tendrils of your heart, until you have become to me my life, my love, my pride.” He spoke with deep earnestness, dropping upon one knee before her. It was the first confession of love she had ever heard, and it frightened ber, and with pale face ard startled eyes she sprung away from bim, crying: “Oh, do not talk thus to me, for I am a mere child, “I pity you—yes, respect you—but know nothing of what love is.” At cnce ie arose to his feet and said softly: “T was wrong, Pearl, to alarm you. “Do not fear me, for I will be as a brother to you.” “Thank you; now I will trust you,” she said, offering her hand, which he grasped warmly and then went on deck. From bis peon seaman he heard that the Gold Ship was standing off and on along tho coast, and he knew well that his vessel must keep close in her retreat. And there she remaived, until finding that the Gold Ship did not depart, and fearing a more thorough search would be made, he . watched his chance one dark night, and, with his boats and under bare poles, towed out to sea, and sailed away, leaving a word to Captain Pierre, should be return during his absence, as to the cause of his departure. CHAPTER XXI. THE SCRAP OF PAPER, Wuen the Gold Ship arrived off the coast, where it was hoped that the Sea Marauder would be found, a boat was lowered, and into it Basil Branch was’placed in as comfortable a position as was possible, Then, as soon as be got his bearings, he pilot- ed the boat, in which were Merle Monte and half a dozen oarsmen, to the inlet into which flowed a lagoon. Once on the right track, it did not take him long to find the narrow canal-way, which led into the Lost Pond. — As soon as the locality was placed, as they dared not venture by day, the boat returned to the schooner, as though it had made no dis- covery, should the Sea Marauder be in the Lost Pond, and prying eyes he watching. But at nightfall Merle and Mezrak started together in the gig, and rowed’ with muffled oars to the canal. Tben Mezrak landed and made his way along the low shores, to return to the boat after balf an hour and report to bis master that no vessel was visible in the Lost Pond. z. Then the black rowed the boat into the canal that Merle might see, and returning to the schocner, the men were called up, and the vessel was turned sboreward. F Without accident or trouble the schooner got into the Lost Pond, and was safely moored there. With the first break of day Merle was up to view his surroundings, and Mezrak, who bad not retired at all, banded him a scrap of pa- per, which he had found pinned to a tree, on shore. ¢ ‘‘ Well, Mezrak, as usual you have made some important discovery,” said Merle, as ha glanced over tho paper, and then read aloud: ae ked_ the h lay in 1} nesihatke with wy beste a nee eal off. aid ««* Your male prisoner aide@,me; by acting as offi- cer, and was killed. $ * Gold Ship searching the coast so roughi- I tow out to-night, and will return about the fifteenth of Lady prisoner well, but grieved most d i) loss of tir Bathe . ou. i ‘«The Sea Marauder will be back about the tifteenth, he says here,so we will wait right | |
Page 13
in this Lost Pond, Mezrak, to give bim a wel- come, “Poor girl, she grieves_ deeply for her fa- ther, he writes, believing U.m dead, and I feel for her in her great woe, “But I bave hopes that all will come well, for Captain Pierre has not returned to his ves- sel, that is certain, and this pirate lieutenant eeems to bs a good fellow. “ Mezrak!” “Yes, master.” “You must keep a bright watch for the coming of Captain Pierre, for this is the ren- desvous where he was to meet bis vessel, end, as [ have time before the fifteenth, to go up to the city, I will row up the bayous, to some of the Indian camps which are there, and get them t) fake me to New Orlsans.” “Vn will master return?” ‘(As soon as I can see Little Belt, who I hope wil! be willing to return with me, as, * by this time doubtless, Brandt the Buccaneer has been hanged. “Now to tell Mr. Branch and bis wife what this scrap of paper makes known, and give them what hope I can,” and Merle entered the cabin. But, half an hour after he was on bis way up the lagoon in an open boat, which was to leave him at the camp of some Indians, known to live inland a few leagues, and from thence he could readily make his way to New Orleans with a good guide, by way of the network of bayous. , CHAPTER XXIL THE LUGGER, Wren the morning dawned upon New Or- leans, after the escape of Brandt the Bucca- ne-r, it found the citizens’ in a state of great excitement, The news of the daring escape of the pirate eh'ef had’ become known, and while patrols marched the streets and made search of every auspicious locality, guard boats rowed about the river, and overy vessel, from a fishing smack to a clipper. packet ship, was most thor- onghly overhauled, and their crews looked equar ly in the face. To add to the excitement the body of the dead seamzn had been found, with a knife thrust in nis heart, and from censure the feeling turned to pity for him, for few could but believe that’ ‘the bold outlaw had killed him at hie post. One of thé first ofders of Captain Meredith was to hang the most guilty of the pirates, while the’ others werd sent ashore to te city prison for safe ‘Keeping until their fate was weanee teat Wary tter this Guty ‘was attended to Captain Meredith "tought “ie Ga rters Where he knew Little Beit had ‘love’ a herself in the town. rer At amp. ‘had ties visited the ship‘upon learning escape of B the Buconleer, af. she thast have alee that fact’ aroused” his’ puSpicions ‘against the woman, , He remembéred bow she had, when playing eabin-boy, once before set, the chief free; when he schooner that had carried the pirate North $n irons was Tying in the Potomac, and’ some- how, in spite of ber protestations of seeking re- vonge, and wishing te see the bticcaneer hanged, hé could not but doubt her, under ex- isting circumstances. As he had feared, he found that Little Belt he (for he believed the his bill at day- no word; but to see, and glad to'meet “‘That was the met, - “The woman is 8 Meredith, as he went on quarters of thé city officers, been beard of the buccaveer. pirate, and none other, she fraud,” grow! Jed Captain his way to the head- to see if aught had Merle Monte’s Fate. But nowhere did he get any comfort, and he returned on board his vessel, to see that a large crew was put at once on the brig and the cutter, as be well knew the daring of the escaped chief, and did not doubt but that he was concealed somewhere in the city, awaiting an opportunity to seize some vessel, and put to sea in it, and perhaps his own craft, And at last night settled down upon the town and river, and Mayo Meredith paced his deck in no enviable frame of mind, after the day having passed, and no tidings of the re- capture of the bold fugitive been brought to him, as he had hoped would be the case. Presently he heard the sound of voices in song, and beheld a large lugger coming down the stream under light sail, 3 He listened, and heard a plantation song, sung in chorus by half a score of voicés, and knew it was one of the coast’ luggers that traded between the city and the estates below, or perhaps a vessel belonging to some wealthy planter. But he had given orders that no vessel should leave the port that night, and sternly bailed: “Ho the lugger!” The singing of the negroes prevented his hail from being heard, and waiting until there was a pause in the song he hailed loudly again: ‘Ho the lugger; ahoy!” “ Ay, ay, massa,” came back the answer in the dialect of the plantation slave. “What lugger is that?” “Massa Vincent’s lugger, sah, from de Soldier Rest Plantation, massa,’’? came the re- ply. ‘*Do you not know orders have been given that no vessel is to leave port to-night?” “ No, sah, nobody done tole us so,” was the innocent reply. ‘“Well, I tell you so now.” “Lordy, massa cap’n, Y Massa tan our hide well if we don’t git ter plantation ’fore day, ’cause he sent de lugger after s’plies,” Captain Meredith was in a quandary what to do. He could easily make the lugger come to anchor; but then the negroes seemed so anxious to go on, and on their vessel there could cer- tainly be no pirate concealed, that be concluded to allow the lugger to continue on its way, but called oute “ Who have you on board?” “Only us, sah.” “Who are us?” é “Jim, aod Dan, and me, and Bob, and Sam, and—” “Por Heaven's sake hold\ “ Have you no passéngers “Not a one, massa, cause low it.” “ And no strangers?” “Nary one, massa cap’n.” seu tani hel “All right, you can go on ways keep quiet whilo you ate passing through the shippio o We ger went on its way. And °Captain: Mayo pace his deck, little dreaming that there was not a negro’ on the Jugger, but’ only white faces blacked» up, and that- the one who an- Swered his ‘hail ‘andquestions was none other Brandt, the” Buccaneer, himself, while Captain’ Pierre:stood:by bis side, and two score of men, énlisted for “desperate work on the high seas, and plenty of gold in return,” were crouching below the decks, breathlessly await- ing the result of ther bold venture. CHAPTER XXUI. me THE SEA MARAUDER’S: RETURN. afte keep his appointment with bis captain, ie & cruise out into the Gulf, Vance Murell Ley’ ck for the rendezvous at Lost Pond, that wing off the ‘coast, he was glad to see fat the Gold Ship was nm stood steadily in, on boordf” our -inassa don’t Nai will, inased, t’ankee sab,” and the lug. , Meredith continued to, and frightened e in sight, so |. was @ cautious commander, and hence | is TN SNES STS en | preferred night to venture’ in, and Tasted wp until dark, . Then he sent Peon ashore to recdnioites, and see if the captain had ‘returned. Peon launched his light canoé and paddled swiftly shoreward, entered the, inlet, then the lagoon, and ran ashore to bave a look into the Lost Pond. ; As he stepped from the cance he folind bim- self in a grasp he could not shake off, It was a double grasp, for one band wae: upon his throat, and then an arm was thrown around him and he could neither cry out or break away. The Indian was as wiry as a snake, and very powerful; but he bad met bis master, Without seeming trouble his captor bore him to a small hut, made of the branches of trees covered with moss. Within was burning a ghastly fire, yet the moss kept its light hidden from without, Then there were skulls, bones, and many other things hideous to look at. ; But most hideous of all to Peon, was his cap- or. ’ He looked part human, part brute, and ali devil, Out of his forehead protruded huge horns, his body was black, and nude to the waist, while his face was blue, with red streaks across it, é ; Hs was deformed in body and head, an Peon, with the superstition of his race, was assured that the Devil had him, and he lay on the ground passive, looking up in horror at bis captor and making no effort to escape, His captor gazed down upon him an instant in silence, and then said in sepulchral toneg, and in the Spanish tongue, ‘You are a Peon Indian of Mexico?” ‘Yes, senor,” groaned Peon, “Your name is Itzi?”’ “« Yes, Senor Diablo.” <“~ “You sail the sea in an armed craft?” - “| do, senor,” “They call you Peon there?’ “They do, senor.” “The vessel is known as the Sea Marauder?” “Tt is, Senor Diablo,” “ Her captain is away!” “Yes, good Diablo.” Sepa eeaoare ee “HIE "yon Aiobey me, out! ti al /wither, and- 2 Mies “Li : "LRG God! nee Diablos wil bey. * “Begone d beware?’ 4 ~The 7 YP 1S oe Uk th te book : Pra ere a ne ae aoe _, Springing into his canoe, be sent it flying down the ence, ¥- “Well, X sg lea to what Mr. Branch told you, you played your part of we)! and frightened that poor Indian halt out of his wits,” and faespenent Trenor entered the moss but, and almost started at the hideousness of the black’s make up, and his fearful surround- in; me - or He will be faithful, sir,” said Mesrak, calmly. |. ; WY Ido not doubt it, so now to prepare for the coming of the schooner,” and the offteer returned on b the schooner, which was moored to the ahore, and in a short time had his men arranged on each side of the canal, and securely hidden. : ; sas : \!
Page 14
14 _Merle Monte's 8 ; Fate, _——— @bip could not be discovered in there even by aty one forty paces distant. ~ A wait of an hour, and then the steady dip of oars was beard, and Mezrak, who had been reconnoitering in the gig, reported the boats towing the schooner in, and that they were already in the lagoon. . With bated breath all waited, and especially -‘S Me mother and father of Pearl, whom they ‘Mpoged to see, ani yet dreaded to hear what “¢.ight have been the fate of the beautiful girl. Standing upon the deck of the Gold Ship by the side of her husband, who rested in a chair, for he was not yet recovered from his wound, Mrs. Branch listened to every stroke of the oars that brought her daughter nearer to her, and with an anguish which only a mother’s heart ean feel. Nearer and nearer drew the Sea Marauder, the boats headed for the canal, the helm was yub down to point into it, and not one on Loard dreamed of danger, Then the two boats in advauce entered the canal, the next two followed, and then the sharp bews of the beautiful schooner passed into it. “ On board, lads, and remember not a sh t #3 to be jired! Take her with the cutlass!” The cry of Lieutenant Trenor fell like a thunder-clap from a cloudless sky upon the ears of the Sea Marander’s crew, and in obedience to his command half a hundred men sprung with mighty leaps upon the deck of the schooner, their leader, and instantly, almost, the vessel was in their possession, while the crew in the boats, unarmed, surprised and eaught, cried lustily for quarter. At that in- stant a bright light illumined the scene, for a blue Hight had been lit upon the deck of the Gold Ship, and upon the quarter-deck, his hand upon the wheel, plainly revealed, stood Vance Marell, the pirate lieutenant, and by his side ‘Pearl, watching the strange wild scene with ter- ror, “With amazement they had both heard the ringing cry of Merle Monte, and, with two- thirds of his men in the boats ahead, and those om deck at once cut down by the boarders, the oung officer knew that resistance was useless, ‘That pirates were his foes he felf assured, and well knowing in such case what a fate would be Pearl’s, he determined to defend her with his life, or even take her life, rather than t she should fall into their power. Hence he drew a sword in one hand ‘and a pistol in the other, and, as Lieutenant Trenor, who in Merle Monte’s absence held command, advanced ‘vith several men at his back, he cried: “ Back, or you die!” “Surrender, sir, I demand you!” ordered Lieutenant Trenor, sternly, “To whom?” « To the Gold Ship.” “Never!” | was the defiant pibay? “Then your fate be upon your own head. Adv: men, and cut him down, but fire no shot to Wart the maiden.” — _ “Ha! that is your game!” cried the young officer, hearing the words and misunderstand- ing them; and he turned toward Pearl, at the ‘same time placing his sword’s point over her heart. She never flinched, but stood like a statue, mingly preferring to die thus than become ‘the prisoner of pirates—which she supposed the attacking party to be. “God forgive me, but Pearl, my beautiful ' darling, I will drive my sword. through your pure art before their vile hands shall pollute you with a touch!” Vance Muroll said the words in calm defiance of his foes, and he would have kept his word and then fonght until he fell; but suddenly a black form sprung over the stern of the schoon- er, a very demon it looked in the wild glare, the sword’s point was knocked upward, the pistol wrenched from the young officer's hand, and ke was at once in the fearful clutch of Mezrak. “Hold, ‘Mezrak! do not harm him,” cried "Lieutenant Trenor, springing forward just in time to cateh poor Pearl, whom the sight of the aE and aapuicer black had caused to faint away. **Senor, we are no pirates, and mean you no harm. ‘Come with me, for I bear this lady to her father and mother who await her on yonder vessel,” said Lieutenant Trenor; and in a half- dezed way Vance Murell, whom he had ad- dressed, and whom Mezrak had released, fol- lowed his captor in silence, gazing the while anxiously upon the face of Pearl as she was held unconscious in the strong arms of the officer of the Gold Ship. Springing ashore, Lieutenant Trenor crossed the narrow strip of land, and thus reached the Gold Ship; and with a glad cry the mother sprung toward her daughter, crying: “My God! is she dead?” ‘* No, madam; she has only fainted and will soon recover,” assured Lieutenant Trenor, as he placed Pearl in her mother’s arms. And, kind reader, over the scene that fol- lowed, when Pearl revived, to find her mother and father not dead, but living, I will draw the vail, for the reunion of those three, so strange- ly parted, and more strangely met, was too sacred to dwell upon. CHAPTER XXIV. THE TRAP, Tue night passed away in the Lost Pond, and, reunited once more, the fatber, mother and daughter were happy, and sat in the cabin until a late hour. Nor were they selfish in their joy, for they invited Lieutenant Trenor and the pirate lieu- tenant, Vance Murell, who bad proven such a true friend to Pearl, to be with them to talk over the past and plan for the future. Pearl told her story, and Vance Murell had his to tell, and thus the hours passed, while the crew put the pirate prisoners in irons, and got both vessels ready to greet Captain Pierre, come in what shape he might. As for Peon, he was kept near Mezrak, whom he now knew was not really Satan him- self, and consequently feared him less. Merle Monte’s absenca was regretted by all, and the bope that he would return in safety was often expressed. In the mean time, while all was satisfactory in the Lost Pond, with the exception of the pirate prisoners, a lugger was standing in to- ward the lagoon which the canal opened into. Her decks were crowded with men forward, but aft only three were visible, and one of these held the wheel. A close scrutiny of the craft, would show that it was the same lugger which Captain Mayo Meredith had bailed from the deck of the Sea Wolf, on her way down the river, and with the black washed off of their faces, the two men standing near the helmsman were re- cognizable as Brandt, the Buccaneer,)and Cap- tain Pierre, of the Sea Marauder. Captain Pierre was a man of caution in all | things, and therefore,-though he telieved the Lost Pond to be known to only himself and crew, he yet would nof run in without recon- noitering, and’ wher half a league from shore he luffed up, and said: “Tl take a boat and two men.and run in, for I do not care to get into a trap. “Tf I signal with my lantern, stand down for me in haste, Mr. Brentano, and keep the lugger off and on under full sail ready to fly, should there be danger.” “ Ay,ay, sir; lower away a boat there, and two men get into it,” ordered Brandt, in his character of Lieutenant Brentano. ; The boat was at once lowered, and two of the crew promptly sprung to the oars, as Cap- tain Pierre came over the side of the lugger, Away it went, under the strong pull of the oarsmen, and soon disappeared from the view of those on the lugger. Straight for the inlet it was headed, by Cap- tain Pierre, who had the tiller, and crossing ‘this it moved slowly for the mouth of the la- goon, the oarsmen placing their jackets in the oarlosks to muffle the oars. . “My oar will creak, sir, so please let me have your cloak,” said one of the rowers, and the one nearest the stern. Captain Pierre arose to hand it to him, when suddenly his hand was seized with a grip he could not shake off, a pistol muzzle was thrust into his face, and a stern voice cried: “Surrender, Captain Pierre Dupont, or you are a dead man.” The pirate saw that he was caught in a trap, and that death was certain if he resisted, aud he cried nervously: ** Who are you?” ‘‘T am Merle Monte of the Gold Ship, Odp- tain Pierre of the Sea Marauder,” was the startling announcement. * And you, my man, will you let your ecap- tain be seized without resistance?’ eried Cap- taid Pierré, as soon as his amazement would alluw him to speak, ‘Ob, I am Little Belt, the first luff of the Gold Ship,” was the careless reply of the sup- posed seaman, whose disguise, like Merle’s, no one could have penetrated. ‘Then I surrender,” was the cool reply of the man, who had regained his nerve. ‘‘ You are wise. ‘*Hold forth your hands, please,” and Merle clasped irons: upon the wrists, and them dis- armed his prisoner, tied his feet together and gagged him, ‘Now, Belt, I will land yonder and go by shore to the schooner and get ready to greet the lugger, which you return to and tell Brandt the Buccaneer to run in,” said Merle, The prisoner made a sign that he wished to speak, and Merle removed the gag, after threat- ening him with death if he cried out. “Did you say Brandt the Buccaneer?’ he asked. ““T did, and I referred to your lieutenant, Brentano, who is the pirate chief in disguise.” ‘‘Great Heaven! can this be true?” ‘It certainly is, for he bribed a guard to set him free from the Sea Wolf, and my lieu- tenant here, Little Belt, tracked the man, saw what his game was, watched his chance, shipped on your Jugger, through your agent Giro, and meeting me, I joined him, and here we are,” The man groaned, and the gag was replaced in bis mouth, and he was taken. from the boat and tied to a tree for safe keeping until Merle could return for him. Then Little Belt sprung into the boat and started back to tell Brandt that Captain Pierre said';to run boldly in; as all, was safe,. while Merle went along shore toward the Lost Pond. His sudden appearance upon the deck of the Gold Ship. was a startling surprise. But he had no time to explain matters, so gave his orders quickly, got his boats and their crews into them armed with cutlasses only, and with orders not /o kill Brandt the Buccaneer, . Lieutenant Trenor took charge of one boat, and Vance Murell volunteered to coramand another, and, as. Merle heard of his condi.ct toward Pearl, he readily. consented, Then the boats moved out of the canal, and laid in wait under the branches of the trees along the banks. They bad not long to wait, for the lugger came slowly up the lagoon using her sweeps, When opposite the boats, out they darted; their crews threw themselves upon the deck, and, after a short fight, the craft was cap- tured. Brandt the Buccaneer had drawn bis cutlass the moment the boats appeared; but Little Belt was standing by his side, the chief little dream- ing who she. was, and instantly ee the blade from bis hand, she thrust a pistol to his temple, and cried: * Brandt the Buccaneer, you are my prisoner at last!” “God above! you, Belle Denham?’ gasped the pirate chief. “Ay, ay, sir, and Merle Monte too,” and Merle sprung to his side and seizing his hands clasped manacles upon his wrists, | and thus the Dagger wren. coptnaihin She Teath isis trap.
Page 15
CHAPTER XXV. MERLE MONTE’S FATE, Turar was one drawback to the gallant sapture of the lugger, and that was, when Merle Monte sought the placa where he had left Captain Pierre bound to a tree, that un- worthy wretch waa missing. Search was made for bim, but without avail, and Vauee Murell reported that Peon bad been out in his canoe, and had doubtless yet bim free and escaped with him, for the In- tian wes devoted to the pirate captain. With the dawn the Gold Ship, the Sea Marauder and the lugger got under sail, and headed for New Orleans, and the following day the three vessels glided into port, and startled the good citizens, for, swung up in the rigging was Brandt the Buccaneer, who had ati last axpiated his crimes at the eod of a rop-, and Little Beit, had given the order to hang him, for she requested Merle to allow her to do so. The Gold Ship dropped anchor near the Sea Wolf, and the first one to board the beautiful | vessel was Captain Mayo Meredith, and he held in = hands an official document, while he said: “Merle Monte, the Government has sent you pardon, for your gallant services, and in- stead of being hanged your fate is to be a lieutenant in the navy, and my word for it, that when this last venture is heard of you will be made a captain.” Merle thanked the captain most heartily, and returned: “Now that I am restored to honor, and given rank, Captain Meredith, I shall at once resign and ‘settle down to private life, to enjoy my fortune, which has been, so far, such @ curse to me, %» And in spite of all entreaties Merle kept his word, and his pleasure was in restoring to Basil Branch his former home in all its beauty; pede enriching all who had served him faith- ‘ul ‘The Gold Ship he kept for his private yacht, saying that some day he might need it again. Takiog a’ fancy to Vance Murell, he made him bis lieutenant, and Captain Trenor was given a large vessel in his own right, 2nd was thereby made truly happy. or had it that Merle Monte loved Pearl Branch; but as Vance Murell also loved her, al e two. were friends, both seemed to yield ip} vor of the other, and neither asked for her As for, Little Belt, sho throw. off the garb of manhood, resumed. her own attire, and, after long urging, became the wife of Captain Mayo Meredith. And Mezrak the Faithful still remained the pee ag eg of his dearly loved master to the but he seemed grieved that Merle did not make Pearl the Pirate’s Pride his wite, THE END. DIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS AND HOME EN’ TERTAINMENTS. Dialogues, Nos. 1 to 29 inclusive, 15 to 2 wir jogues and dramas in each book. ame pages 12mo, Speakers, Nos. 1 to %4 incom. pane speaker 180 pages 12: 12m, containing from 50 to 75 pieces. YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERIES Dioe Book of Winter Sports. Dime Book of Summer Athlet‘s Sports. Dime Gents’ Letter Writer. Dime Book of Eti Dime Boo us vol. wm books ome eee tan ri tof ore The above sold b: newsdealers everywhere, ailigts 9 post- to any ad- dress, on Bwana tras Pub! iam st., N.Y. | 20 OrPHAN NEW. f Qurer B Thackera: 109 Bregp- SL ieee ee Merle Monte’ s Fate, Waverley Library. 1 Tur Masxep Bripe. By Mrs. Mary R. Crowell. 2 Was Iv Love? By Wm. Mason Turner. 3 Tus Gree Wire. B: Bartley T. Campbell. 4 A Brave Hrarr. By Arabella Southworth. 5 Bessmm Raynor. By Wm. Mason Turner, M. D, 6 Tae Secrer MARRIAGE. By Sara Claxton. 7 A Daveuter or Eve. By Mrs. Crowell. 8 Heart To Heart. By Arabella Southworth, 9 ALONE IN THE Wor.p. By author of “ Clifton,” 10 A Parr or Gray Eyes. By Rose Kennedy. 11 Entanouep. By Henrietta Thackeray. 12 His Lawrun Wirn, By Mrs. Stephens. 18 Mapcar. By Corinne Cushman. 14 Way I Marrixp Him. By Sara Claxton, 15 A Farr Face. By Bartley T. Campbell. e Trust Her Nor. By Margaret Leicester, A Loyan Lover. ye Arabella Southworth. i His Ipot. By Mrs. Mary Reed Crowel, 19 Tux Broken BerrotHaL. By Mary G. Halpine. Ry Agile Penne. 21 Now anp Forever. By H. Thackeray, 22 Tae Bripw AN ACTOR. By the author of * Alone in the World,” ete., ete. 23 Lear Year. By Sara Claxton, 24 Her Face Was Her Fortune. E. Blaine. 25 ONLY A ScHOOLMISTRESS. By A. Southworth. 26 Wrrnout a Heart. By Col. P. Ingraham. 27 Was Sue a by tis. Ann By H. Thackeray. 28 Svar. CHAsE. Mrs. a S. Stephen? 29 For Her Dear t Sara ghaxton, 30 THe Bovguer Grmtt Be eile ne. 31 A Map Marriacr. By Mary A. Denison, 82 MARIANA, THE Prima Donna. By A. Southworth. 33 Tax Tourer SIsTERs, By Alice Fleming. 34 A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE. By age Claxton. 35 Ati Acarnst Her. By Clara Au 36 Sir ArcHER’s BripE. By poe Bouth worth, 87 Tue Country Cousin. By Rose Kennedy. 38 Hrs Own Acarn. _By Arabella Southworth, 89 FirrTation. By Ralph Royal. 40 PLEDGED TO Marry. By Sara Claxton. 41 Burnp Devorion. By Alice Fleming. 42 BEATRICE, THE Bravruruy. By A. Southworth, 43 Tar Baroner’s Secret. By Sara Claxton. 44 Tue Onty Davenrer. By Alice Fleming. 45 Her Hippen For By Arabella Southworth, 46 Tae Lirrte Herress. By M. A. Denison. 47 Because Sue Lovey Him. By Alice Fleming. 48 In Sprre or Hersetr. By S. Sherwood. 49 His Hearr’s Mistress. By Arabella Southworth, 50 Tou CuBan Hetress, Mrs. Mary A, Denison, 51 Two Youne Grris. By Alice Fleming, 52 THe WinGEeD ee By Mary ees Crowell 53 Acnus Hope, V. M. Turner, M. D. 54 Onn Woman's Huaess By George S. Ka'ne. 55 Sux Dip Nor Love Him. By Arabelis Southworth. 56 Love-Map. By Wm. M. Turner, ¥. D. 57 A Brave Girt. By Alice Fleming. 58 Tae Enon Mask. By Mary Reed Crowell. 59 A Wipow’s Wiurs. By Rachel Bernhardt. 60 CrciL’s Decerr. By Ea i Burton, oF 61 A Wickrep Heart. areas Naxton. 62 Toe Maniac Brine. y Margaret Blount, 63 Tae Creo.Le Sisters. By Anna E. Porter. 64 Waar Juatousy Dm, By Alice Fleming. 65 Tae Wire’s Secret. By Col, Juan Lewis. 66 A Broruer’s Sin. By Rachel Bernhardt, 67 Forprppen Bans. by Arabella Southworth, 68 Weavers AND Wert.’ By Mrs. M. E. Braddon, 69 Case. By pone Dumas. 70 Tax Two a "Young W 71 My Youna Wire. by ily Your ife’: pe apm 72 Tux Two Wipows. nnie 73 Rose Micuen, By ude Hilton 24 Crom CasTitemAtne’s Gace, By Ouida. % Tue Buack Lapy or Duna. By J.8, Le Fanu, 76 Cuartorts Tempie. By Mrs, Rowson... 77 CHRISTIAN OAKLEY'S “r= eit, Miss Mulock, 78 My Youre Huszanp. By M. TIA Goma, Amonest WOMEN, OEY. the author of “Dora Thorn.”” 80 Her ran anp Master. By Florence Marryat. 81 Lucy TemPiE, 82 A Lone Time Aao. By Meta we 83 Puayine For High STAKES. 8 Tue Laure. Busy. By Miss Melons 85 Lep Astray. By Octave Feuillet. 86 Janer’s REPENTANCE, By George Eliot. 87 RoMANCE or A Poor Youna Man, By O. Feuillet, 88 A Trrristx Dexp. By Emma G. Jones, 89 A GiLDeD Sim. 90 Tae AvTHOR’S PAvaeaey ay Mary Howitt. Annie Thomas 7 Hvew Metron, By 98 Auick Learmont. By Miss Muloc'! 99 Marsorte Bauocg's Lover. By Mary Patrick. $00 TurovaH Fire aNp WaTER. By Fred. Talbot. 101 HANNAH. By Miss Mulock. 102 Pea Worrtnaton. By Charles Reade. _ 103 A Desperate Dexp. By were Boyd. 104 Suapows on THE Snow. By B. L. Farjeon. 105 THE cae Hoaaarty Diamond. By W. 106 From Duss TO Waness Bra E, Lynn Linton. 107 Poor Zeru. By F. W. Robinso 108 Taz Sap Forronrs oF THE Riv. Amos Barton, By George Eliot. -AND-CHEESE AND Kisses. By B, L, Farjeon 120 Tas Wanperina oar By O. Reade, — eae F. Cartea. 12 A Heao. By Miss 16 V—eeaaaoaoaoaoaaaoaoaoIyuoauaoaoaoao———————E—EEEE 113 Pav. anv Vincinta, From the French of Ber- nardin de St, Pierre. 114 "Twas In TRAFALGAR'S Bay. By Walter Besant and James Rice. 115 Tue Mar or Kriuaena, By Wiliam Black, 116 Herry. By Henry Ki og. 117 Tax Waysive Cross. apt. E. A. Milman. 118 THe Vicar oF WAKEFIELD. By Oliver 119 Maup Mowan. By Annie Thomas. 120 TuappEUs oF Warsaw. By Miss Jano Porter. 121 Tue Kine or No-Lanp._ By B, a Fi 122 Love. Tuz Wrpower. By’ MN 123 Aw Istanp Paar... By B. L, Wardnat 124 Cousin PHILLIs. 125 Lema; or, Tan Sreor or Grenapa, By Edward Bulwer, ( Lord Lytton.) 126 Ween Tue Sarr Comes Home. By Walter io roe and ore ge 5 NE OF THE FAMILY. ye Payn. 128 THE Brerariant, By Mesa 129 Morner.ess; or, The onats haasieies By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 180 HomeLuss; or, The Two Orphan Girls in New York. By Albert W. Aiken. ; 131 peter AGAINST SISTER; OTF, ios Rivalry of Hearts. By Mrs. Mary Reed well, 182 ¢ ee mah g LD; or, Almost Lost. By Mrs. M. ctor. 183 sone Rorn’s Sin; or, Betrothed at the Cradle, y Mrs. Georgiana Dickens. 134 By, He Love Her? By Harées 7 Campbell, 135 Siyvzp Aqarnst; or, Almost in His Power, By Lillian Lovejoy. 186 Was Sux His Wire? By 187 Tue VILLAGE on Curr. Miss ‘vg I jE ON THE 188 Poor Vaueria; or, The Broken Troth. 141 Honor Bounn. By time ian ara 142 FLeeine From Love. Mrs. Harriet iid A Stuani Maneuom By bilian Love GE GE, 145 Two Gres’ Lives. By Mes Mary on 146 A Desperate Venture. By Peetiy 147 Tae War or Hearts, By Corinne 148 Wuich Was Tar Woman? By Sara 149 An Amsrrious Grau. By Frances H. atoms 150 Love Lorp or Au. B Fle 151 A Winp Girn. By Co 152 A Man's Sacrivicn. By Harriet Irving, 153 Dip Sue Six? By Reed Crowell. 154 Hx Loves Mx Nor. By Lillian Lovejoy, 155 Winning Ways. By Margaret Blount. 156 Waar Suz Cost Him. By Arabella Southworta. oh Rett Winwood, y Agnes Mary Shelton. 159 Lapy HELEen’s vow. By the late Mrs. E. F’, Elet, 160 A Farr Martyr. ian Lovejoy. 161 PEARL oF ee y ALP. Mi Jr. A new issue every week. For sale by all Sg five cents each, or sent, paid on recat f six its. nm! » Pomage rn san re ADAMS Ais obi E LN . Half-Dime Singer’s Library 1 Wao, Eyota! and 59 other Song 2 Caprarn Curr and 57 Say: 3 Tue Garnsroro’ | Songs, 5 Pun Stare You With «a eae 6 GrorGEe THE 12 Comin’ Taro’ Tur Rye SS other on, o 13 Tae Rowtiackine De prt a mls a 4 14 Oty Dog Tray and’62 other Songs, ie 15 WHoa, Crariiz and 59 other Songs. . 16 > TH® WHEAT By anp By and other: 17 Nancy Lex and 58 other So sid Bonga. 18 I’m THe Boy THat’s BounD 19 Tae Two OrPHANs. and aoe , 20 WHAT ARE THE Pfam WAVES. Sit, ? and 59 other 21 InpIGNANT PouLy Woo and 50 other Song. S8other Songs, idea ames ‘= - a Ravenna 10 Ge nee 60 others. LUE Bonnets Oyer tHe Bo and 4 of Tur Merry Lavanine Man eS oth ; 31 Swerr Foraet-se-Nor and er Songs. 2 $2 Leerir Bapy Minx and 53 other gS. $3 De Banjo. AM DE INSTRUMENT FOR nenkhseaee. Tarry and 50 other Songs. Just TO PLEASE THE Boys wa and 52 other Son; 86 SKATING oN Onz IN THE Currer and 52 oth Kotorep Kranks anid 59 other engs, 88 Ni. Desperanpum and 58 other Songs,” Tur Graz I Lert Benixp and 50 on =. a 10 41 Prerry Warren and 60 other Songs. 42 GIN THE ze COMPLETE aod 1 ‘ 43H. M.S. Prnarork, COMPLETE, and other Songs, eve! tl H. Sold ne
Page 16
BEADLES [EEBRART. PPtidwood Dek, THR PRINCH OF THE RoAp Bigivan L. Wheeler. is owstone hone pal Jos, EB. Badger, Jr. anges King, ‘alo Bill, ra WhasEnovwe Hunters. am Reid and Captain I’rederick Whittaker. Vagabond Joe, THE YourG WANDERING Jrw. BY Ol! Coomes. | Poitlle Number, 10cts, 1 Biddon, Trapper. by BE. 8. Enis. (Phe ¥lying Yankee. By Col. P. Ingraham. Seth Jones. By Edward 8. Ellis. Adventures of Baron ‘Nat Todd. ByE. S. Ellis. The Two Detectives. By A.W. Aiken, \Gulliver’s Travel«, By Dean Swift. The Dumb Spy. By Olli Coomes, Aladdin; or, THe Wonperrot Lamp. The Sea-Cat, ‘MRobinson Crusoe. (27 Llustrations.) an Bale ohh HRoy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ad the Sailor, His Seven Voyages. 19 The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. 20 The Double Daggers. By FE. L. Wheeler. 21 The Frontier 3 age By Edward 8. Ellis. 22 The Sea Serpent, ear. Lewis. 23 Nick e@° the !? os C. Harbaugh. 24 Diamond Dirk, By Cowie P. Ingraham. 25 The Boy Captain. | By Roger Starbuck, 26 Cloven Hoot, By Edward L. Wheeler. ‘27 Antelope Abe, tar Boy Guipz. Oll Coomes, 38. Buffalo Ben, By Edward L. Wheeler. The Duimb Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. “30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, tHe Keck- . Luss RANGER. By Harry St. George. 31 Keen-Knife. By O/l'Coomes. 32 Bob Woolf. By Edward L. Wheeler. 33/Rhe ‘Ocean Bloodhound. 8. W. Pierce. 4+ Oregon Sol, By Capt. J. F. C) Adams. 5 Wild Ivan. By Edward L» Wheeler. The Boy Clown. By Frank 8: Finn. The Hidden Lodge. By T. C. Harbangh. Ned rt ming HE Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. Death-Face, THE ey pe By Wheeler. Roving Ben. . J, Marshall. Lasso Jack, OW Coomes. The phianeotnt Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. Dick Darling. By. Capt. Fred. Whittaker. Rattling Rube. By Harry 8t. George. ola SG By Edward L. Wheeler. ‘Glass’ Eye. Capt. J. F. C. Adams, Nightin sia phy By T. C. Harbaugh. Black John, Tre Roap-AGert. By maha Ol, By Edward L: ‘etc Burt Bunker, roe Tripper. C. E, Lasalle. The (‘Boy Rilles. By Archie C. Trons, The White dak Pome By C. E. ‘Lasalle. Jim Bludsoe, Jr. Edward L. Wheeler. Ned Hazel, in . F, C, Adams, Deadly ie. uifalo Bill, Nick Whiliiles’ ‘Pot. Capt. J, F. C, Adams. Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. By Wheeler. anh Border King. By Shel Coomes. Hickor By Harry George. The White Midian. capt. J J. te Adams. Wheeler, ‘Goh % Ingraham. 1 Buckhor bt . By W. J. Hamilton. Ggonhe Be ston Bill sce Et Eedeee. di fale ole an er Joe. Phiti Warne. obin “Hoo Rifle. Eaward L. % ob Cap a Bor toe J. ¥ ‘Adams, fentern. 8 B W.J ok tee Shaceah ie i SE Spa Char fe, e, by vA, ‘Wheeler. ‘aon bam jt He fet ts Whcte: oe an era aaiectel aedeheaie SUE ASE SCHID 3 8 3 3 3 3 4 4) 4 4 4 4 4 af 4 4 5 6 5 5 5 5 56 5 5 5 6 6 measset 7 Phe Laks : ale. ¥ eee é¢ Dread Rider, 91 Be: Seneain ° fg ATHLETES, Comedit Chet. Rosey “L Miners. B eo 8. Ellis. t Jack. By valRovers. SCVeVBewmeomw B 30 Deadwood Dick in yy eaavilies or, A Srrance Srroke FoR LIBERTY. By Whceler, | 101 Jack Harkaway in New York, Bracebridge Hem: 102 Dick ‘Dead-Eye, By Col. oy 103 The Lion of the Sea. By Col. 109 Deadwood Edward L. Wheeler 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A Thrilling en Pat Texan pe By Bowen. til The Seas P. Ingraham. 1t2 Khe Mad Hunter, By Burton 0 Saxe, By Captain | By Captain Fred. Whittaker. | 1 | | j i } | | Munchausen. | | 217 Captain Crack-Shot, Jack HO The Blac he Jiad Miner. Wilt-Ed god Dick Te. 4¢055 ustang Sam. By Jos. K, Badger, Jr. he Branded Hand, By Frank Dumont. ‘nnamon Chip. By fdward L, Wheeler. hil Hardy, Tux Boss Boy, By O. Morris, Kiowa Charley. By T. C. Harbaugh. Tippy, THE Texan. By George Gleason. Bonanza Bill, Mrver. By Ed, L. Wheeler. Picayune Pete, By Charles Morris, Wild-Wire, Boss op rH Roap. By Dumont, The Young Privateer, By H. Cavendish. Deadwood Dick's Double. By Wheeler. ) Detective Dick, By Charles Morris, L The Golden Hand. By Geo, W. Browne. 32 The Hunted Hunter. By Ed. 8. Ellis. 33 Boss Bob. By Kd, L. Wheeler. 34 Sure Shot Seth. By Oll Coomes. 5 Captain Paul. By C, a Clark. 36 ing tp me a Kit. By Jos, B . Badger, Jr. 7 The Helpless Hand. Capt. Mayne Reid. 8 Blonde ill. oi Edward L, Wheeler. 89. Judge Lynch, Jr. By T, C. Harbaugh, 40 Blue Blazes. By Frank Dumont. 1 Solid Sam. By Edward L Wheeler, 42 Handsome arry. By Charles Morris. 48 Scar-Face Saul. By Ol Coomes, | Dainty Lance, THe Boy Sport, By Badger. Captain Ferret. By Edward L, Wheeler. Silver Star, THE Boy Kniant. By Coomes. Will Wildfire. By Charles Morris, Sharp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten. A Game of Gold, By Ed. L. Wheeler. Lance and Lasso. iy fe Capt: F. ge hina: Panther Paul. OB. ger, Jr. Black Bess, W me ‘Wi ed CER; OF, Wrsnino Acarnst Opps. By Charles Morris. Eagle Kit, rae Boy Demon. a Oli Coomes. The Sword Hunters. By . Whittaker, Gold Trigger, THE Sport, C. Harbaugh. ra Deadwood Dick of Deadwoods or, Tae PickeD PARTY. By Edward L. Wheeler. 7 Mike Merry. By Charles Morris. Fancy Frank of Colorado, Buffalo Bill. > The Lost Captain. By Whittaker. 0 ‘The Black Lie Rts E. Badger, Jr. New York Nell, E. L. Wheeler. Will Wildfire = the Woods. Morris. Little ‘Texas, Dandy Rock's Fi edge. B Billy Baggage. By Charles Morris. Hickory Harry. By Harry. St. George Asa Scott, Tue Srrampodt Boy. By Willett, Deadly Dash. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Tornado Tom. . C. Harbaugh, A Trump Card. By Charles Morris. Ebon am. By Frank Dumont. Thunderbolt Tom. By H 8t. George. Dandy Rock’s Rival. By G.W. Browee. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9.3 if 25 1 2 a] 3 4 5 6 7 28 9 3C Bob Rockett, raz Boy DoparR, By Morris. Captain Arizona. By Phili a arne. The Boy Runaway. By rry. Nobb ick of Nevada, E. L, wt Wheeler, Old Solitary. By OH Coomes, Bob Rockett, Tar — Rourwer. | Morris. | The Sea ‘frat prs + Edward Lieut, H. D. Perry. Wild Frank, ward L, Wheeler, be Bumledze. By OI ‘Goomes. Hidden Hand. By Chas. Morris. wae Boy 5 tay ag By Badger, Jr. dG Kye. k Damont, ee es By Col. Delle Bara. Ered Walyard.’ By Charles: Morris. Ned Tem oa THE Borner Boy, Harbaugh. Pe ded cs ia ene By Morris, =f Darks. agion t Buta o Billy. heat ty rm, U.S. A. HOapeates Kit. by eae U i Capta nak,” aly, te Gdaaio Bills Be oni in Taylor: Deadwood Dick's neta By Wheeler. Shadowed. By Charles Morris. ‘Little Grit, tHe Witb River, By Ingrabam. 199 Featherweight Tey Hiwand Willett, eathcrweight, Boy Bedouins. By Whittaker, 201 The Black Hills Jézebel. By Wheeler. 202 Prospect Pete. By Oll Coomes. 203"Thé' Boy Pards. By. Jos. EF. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, tHE Boy Bannir. Ingraham, 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Wheeler 206 Dark Paul, rat Ticer Kina. By C. Morris 207 Navajo Nick. ByT.C. Harbaugh. 208 The Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes. 209 Fritz, rae Bouxp-Boy Derrorrve, Wheeler. 210 Faro Frank of High Pine. By Eyster. 211 Crooked Cale. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 212 Dashing Dave. By Charlies Morris. 213 Fritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler. 214 mos ang, THE Rosser or THE RHINE. Captain Frederick Whittaker. 215 eapeais Bullet. By T. C. Harbaugh. 216 Bison Bill, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. By E. l. Wheeler. 218 Viger Tom, THe Texan Terror. Coomes. | 219 Despard, the Duelist. By P. 8 Warne, By Charles Morris. By E. L. Wheeler. By Ingraham. 220 Tom Tanner. 221 Sugar Coated Sam, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport, 223 Ozark Alf, Kino or THe Movuntarm, By ' Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick. By Olli Coomes, 225 Sam Charcoal, By Charles Morris. | 226°Snoozer, THe Boy BHARP. By E. Li Wheeler. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson. 228 Little Wildfire. By Oll Coomes, 229 Crimson Kate. By Ool. P) Ingraham. 230 'The Vankee Rajah. By C. D. Clark. 231 Plucky Phil. By T. C. Harbaugh. 232 Gold-Dust Dick. By E. L. Wheeler. 233 Joe Buck, of Angels. By. A W. Aiken. 234 Old Rocky’s * Boyees. Buckskin Sam. ' 235 Shadow Sam. By Charles Morris. | 286 Apollo Bill.’ By dward L. Wheeler. 237 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain 3 or, Mysterious RancuEro. By P. Ingraham, The Parson Detective. By Oll Coomes. The Gold-seeker Guide; or, Tue Losr Movnrarn. By Captain Mayne Reid. Cyclone Kit, By Edward L, Wheeler. 240 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards, By T. C, Harbaugh. 242 The Two ‘ Bloods’. By Charles Morris. 243 The Disguised Guide. By Oil Coomes, 244 Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Middy,. By Col. P. Ingraham. 246 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam, 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets. By Captain “Bruin” Adams, 248 Sierra Sam’s Seeret. By E. L. Wheeler. 249 WKilo Romer, By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 250 Midshipman Mutineer. By Ingraham. 251 Light-house Lige, By J. F. C. Adams. 252 Dick Dashaway. By Chas. Morris. 253 Sierra Sam’s Pard. By E. L. Wheeler. 254 The Malf Blood. By Edward §. Ellis, 255 Captain Apollo, By T. C. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck. By Capt. Mark Wilton, 238 239 267 The Lost Hunters, By Capt. Adams, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven, By E. L. Wheeler, 259 The Golden Harpoon, ByR. Starbuck. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, By Oll Coomes. 261 Fergus Fearnaught, By Geo. L. Aiken. 262 The Young Sleuths. By Charles Morris. 263 Deadwood Dick’s Divide. By Wheeler, 264 The Floating Feather. By Ingraham, 265 The Tiger Tamer. By Capt. Whittaker. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide. By Ensign Warren. 267 The meleehihis Detective, By T. © 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Tratl, By ‘Edward L. Whi 269 Thée Gold eniyi By Col. P.'Ingriham, 270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. ‘271 The Huge Huiiter. “By Edward & Eis. ‘972 Minkskih Mike.’ By Oll’Coomes. 273 Sumbo Joe! By Kiward L. Wheeler. 274 Jolly Jim. By Charlies Morris. 975 Arizona Jack.’ By Bickskiit Sam. 276 Werle Montes Cruise. © BY Tigraham. ‘977 Deriver Doll.’ By Edward L. Wheeler. 278 The Threé Trappers; ‘By Major Carson. 279 Old Winch; ‘rus*Rivia Kira. By T. C. 280. Merle Monte’s Fate. By Col, Ingraham. ‘281 Denver Doll's Vietory, | By Wheeler. "282 The Typo Detective. By Edward Willett. 283 Indian Joe; By Major L. W.' Carson. 284° The Sea Marauder. By. Col Ingraham. 285 Denver Doll's Decoy. By E. L. Wheeler. oO 286 ¥ Le Moat a? coke fen at on TEE 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, By Col. P. ctinam. "288 The Scalp King. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job. By Charies Morris. 290 Little Foxfire. By Oll Coomes. 291 Turk, the Ferret, By E. L. Wheeler. 292 Sancho Pedro, Tnx Boy “Bixprr.*” By Major E. L. St. Vrain. 293 ong Claw, THE Onr-Eyep Trarrzr. By ptain Comstock. | 2064°Dyhamité Dan. By T. C. Harbaugh. or, THE Kiya or.Quarrz- "295 Fearless Phil VILLE, By Edward Willett, 296 Denver Doll's Drift. By E. L. Wheeler. By Buckskin | 297 The Tarantula’ of Taos, Sam. | 298 The Beach Pirates, By Charles Morris. A nev “eeue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale = ten ge five cents per CED or ee pe m = ADA of six cents each. Publ rs, 98 William Street, New atone