Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 33) (1878 03 12)
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
Sm | » ——s SS ee 2 = | |=) || (|p |p | | | le hy 1 NINN YG UMD < — B-OBR=co . aS TIN oy 1 x \ f ’ \Y b\ y E \ a. rien mit Toes \ Copyrighted in 1878, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. MMMM RY. wie No. 33. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, Price, 5 Cents. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. Single Number. | such as was seldom gathered in the hold of one ves- The Ocean Bloodhound; | The Red Pirates of the Caribbees. BY SAMUEL W. PEARCE, Author of **The Boy Detective.” CHAPTER I. THE STRANGE SCHOONER. Like a vail of fire, the sun was slowly sinking be- low the western horizon. Homeward bound, after the completion of a most profitable trading cruise, the brig Nancy Jones lay nearly becalmed in the West Indies. Overhead, the heavens were serene and beautiful, with never the smallest sign of danger. And yet the keen, gray eyes of the Yankee skipper, Captain Zeke Jones, wore an anxious and uneasy look—a fact not long in attracting the attention of his mate, Job Rone. “What's in the wind now, Cap?” he asked, with a curi- ous air, “So far as I can see, every- thing is straight enough except this tarnal light breeze, and that’s dyin’ away with the sun yonder.” Very marked was the con- trast between the two men as they stood there together. tain Zeke—as he was usually called—was a raw-bon- ed Yankee, fully six feet in hight. His skin, roughened by years of exposure, could be ikened to nothing better than a piece of sole-leather, both in color and texture. Over fifty years of age, he had followed the sea from his boyhood up. With his ripe ex- rience, he read the signs of the heavens as if they were an open book. Generally speaking, he was a man of few words; but, let an epportunity arise for action, and—to use his own expression —‘the old man was right thar.” Sociable and friendly with his crew, who were all Down- Easters like himself, he still managed to enforce the most ttt \ exact obedience. There was TN not a man among them but | 1 would have implicitly obeyed his every order. NRT The brig Nancy Jones—so named in honor of the skip- per’s wife, now awaiting him at home—was a strong and well-built vessel, with a good capacity of parep and pate respon sacrifice to ed . she had for the past year been ti along the western coast of Afriea, taking in ivory, skins and other valuables in exchange for cheap and showy gew-gaws. From there she had crossed to South America and com- pleted her cargo with what would sell at an amazing profit, in the “ States.’’ When at last she sailed from Rio Janeiro, homeward bound, tt was with a store of valuables sel, Job Rogers, the mate, was also an American; but he hailed from the State of ‘* York.” In hight he was not over five feet. Broad-shoulder- ed, yet not too stout in frame, his every movement denoted the bull-like strength for which he was noted. Yet with all this, he was a remarkably quiet man in general. Never seeking to provoke a quarrel with any one, he was never known to turn his back when one was forced upon him. in a manner that showed the speaker to be in earnest, “Sho!” exclaimed the mate, carelessly; “guess ye’ve made a mistake fer once, cap’n. Thar used ter be a few nests of them scoundrels in these parts, I'll allow, but they war all cleaned out a few years | ago.” | slowly. “*Tain’t so much the weather, Job,” said the skip- | per, sto’ oping to take a fresh bite of his favorite . ae ’ “T’'d be glad enough if this breeze would on'y freshen up a bit, that’s sartin; but that ain’t | what I was thinkin’ on.” ** What then?” The a rolled his huge quid under his tongue thoughtfully, and looking eyes, he replied: “* Pirates |” The word, spoken in a low tone, was uttered / 2 i —— sas = At ae ae SANTILLEZ, is mate squarely in the | “T’ve got sartin intelligence,” said Captain’ Zeke, “‘Just afore we cleared Rio, I got a line from our consul thar, sayin’ that Pedro Santillez— may he choke to death on a hot potato—had taken up his quarters among some of these islands.” ‘Pedro Santillez?’” repeated the mate, slowly; “that’s the name of the scoundrel that cleaned out and destroyed so many vessels. He ran away at last her ye or three cruisers that tried to capture 1im. “That's the same infernal shark,” assented the captain. “‘ But, Cap, there’s a flawin your story, somewhar. “He never spared a living soul ‘thout it might be a woman that he wished to carry to his den.” “True again, Job: but this news came from a chap that sprung overboard with a plank when his ves- sel war boarded by Santil- lez. He was picked up twenty- four hours arterward by a Brazilian bark, and carried to Rio. No one knows for sartin where the fellow has his ‘rendevoo,’ but it’s some- whar in this neighborhood that the affair happened. I ain’t thinkin’ so much of my- self, though the cargo air purty valuable an’ this air my last cruise. We've plevér of arms aboard, an’, with the help of our gun for’ard, we might give him as good as he sent if he should tackle us. It’s the thought of Kernel Sanders's lady and her child, down thar in the cabin, that bothers me.” “ Bad luck in having a petti- coat on board, anyhow.” re- marked the mate, who, like all sailors, had unlucky omens to go YY: “You're right thar, Job, I'll allow; but, you see, the ker- nel was called home to the States so suddintly that he had to leave em behind. He hails from my own place, you know, an’ so when his wife met me in Rio, an’ axed fur a passidge, I couldn’t refuse,” “You'd been a hog—beggin’ yer ee gy fer the word—if Sai pa,” replied Job, prompt- - oe 1 ad “Sail ho!’ came the cry at that instant from the look-out stationed in the foretop-mast cross-trees. “Whar away, you lubber?” cried Captain Zeke, as he snatched his telescope from its brackets. “Two p’ints off the lee quar- ter, sir. Looks like a schooner.” aptain Zeke adjusted his glass and gazed long toward the point indicated. ‘“* Wall?’ asked the mate, in- quiringly. ’ ““T can't see very well for *.2 sun,” was the reply; “but I don’t like the chap’s looks, You've seen ce in these latitudes afore; let’s have your opinion of that ng ll Job Rogers was less time in coming to a conclusion. “Bare poles,” he muttered; “low in the water, an’ built fer
Page 2
5 “ a big spread of canvas. Anchored, too, I should judge. She’s got a kinder wicked look to me, cap'n, an Consarn it all, thar goes the sun, an’ it’s on- sartin what that chap ralely is.” “At any rate we're safe enough from him for the present,’” replied Captain Zeke, ‘That chap’s a rood piece to leeward, an’ if I ain’t mistaken we'll ie another breeze afore eight bells. Best say nothin’ yet to the crew about what we think until the deck, un y watch- — oceasionally w ing for Ze. e paused at length beside the sailor who held the wheel. *Steerageway on yet, Tom?” “Barely, sir; she. keeps her head, and that’s all. Bicep yer pardon fer the question, ‘Vir. ers,’’ he , “but, what war that craft to leeward?” “Don’t know, Tom. Some coaster between these in a r of top-lights. mate,;dryly; and fearing the inquisitive man might in dangerous waters, but that was Nothing but the flapping of the sails against the yards served to denote her presence in the darkness. The mate, lighting a pipe, had perched himself upon the weather-rail, and was busy revolving in his mind the subject of the strange craft they had sighted, ‘On deck, the crew on watch were listening to a yarn, spun by one of their number, “1 precrage ways gone now, sir,’ announced Tom Longstreet, the helmsman, in the course of another half-hour. “Tl just take a smoke myself while we're waitin’ for a breeze.” He filled his pipe carefully, and struck a match. As he was about to apply it to the tobacco, his keen eye—for he could almost see in the dark like an owl —sudde lanced over the rail, * Sail on the weather-beam!” he shouted, as the match dropped unused from his fingers. ‘*T er! she'll be into us if they hain’t careful.” CHAPTER II. THE PIRATE’S PRIZE. “‘Sye’s bringin’ the wind with her!” he added, uickly, . Then, raising his voice, he yelled: “Sheer off, you lubber! Are you drunk? You'll be afoul of us in another minute!” : r e mate, who had been sitting with his back to- ward the spot, turned suddenly to see an immense spread of canvas slowly but surely bearing down 4 on them; but, even then he did not suspect the truth ring until the stranger rounded up and shot along- e. The next instant a crowd of swarthy villains were over sides, “Defend yourselves, men! We're boarded by pi- rates!’ rung out. the deep voice of Job Rogers. os Hold the deck for one minute and I'll bring you help! Down with the pirates!’ cried Tom Longstreet, seizing an iron belaying-pin from the fife-rail. As he mpoke, the first villain in his reach dropped to the deck with’a crushed skull. Alas! the alarm had been given just five minutes too late. Like a swarm of angry bees, the pirates poured over the side of the brig. Brave Tom Lo street went down under a savage blow from a lass. Job , the mate, had placed one foot upon the companion-way to give the alarm, At that instant the leader of the villains struck him over the head with the butt of a pistol, but not be- fore he had managed to yell out—* Pirates a ri Cap!” less time. than it takes to narrate the affair, the Brig Nancy Jones was in full possession of the pi- motley faces. eir pis- tols and cutlasses still eitared is their murderous rin of sardonic satisfaction resting — his as partly ¢oncea around head. a hai 2 FUUSCLUAE CRS tanned by exposure. pas i the core, he was none the fom a hardened scoundrel. “Well done, my brave lads!” he exclaimed, in somew, thick tones, as if he was already under the uence of liquor. “Well done, I say! Have you finished the crew, Carlos? “They're barred in the forecastle, sir,” replied the sailor addressed. “Haw! haw!’ roared the pirate; “caught. like _ Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. rats ina trap,eh? By all the saints! we'll have some rare sport with them before we leave this craft. Some of you jump on board the Isabelle and get fen- devs out that sbe may not rub all the paint from her wretty sides. The rest of Fs can guard those tricky | ankees, until I see what kind of a prize we’ve stum- bled on this time.”’ So saying, he returned his cutlass to its sheath and descended the companion-way. Two of the pirates had already been before him to clear the way. As he entered the cabin, his eye fell upon Captain Zeke, whose arms were now pinioned —, behind him, There was a ghastly wound in his left temple, from which the blood was still flowing. “A crack in the skull, eh, Cap!” exclaimed the oad | with a coarse laugh, as he leaned against be xin table and eyed the bound man with a sa- anic grin, “Sorry to make you so much trouble,’ he added, coarsely, ‘‘ but, you see, we’ve been somewhat out of luck lately, as you Yankees say, and so we had to take up with even such trash as this, although it ain’t what we deserve.” “You'll get it yet, never fear—a ro villainous neck,” said Captain Zeke, defiantly. “Keep a stopper on your jaw-tackle, shipmate,” rowled the villain, deliberate ape a stream of ebaeeo-juice in the face of his helpless victim. Talk a little more civilly to me or I'll'‘toss you over to feed the sharks; Where’s your papers?” Wounded as he was, his arms tightly pinioned to his sides, and at the mercy of the cutthroat before him, it would have been madness to refuse an an- swer. ‘“You'll find them in my desk in the state-room yonder,” he said, reluctantly. oa pirate turned on his heel and proceeded to the spot. The first article upon which he laid his hands, was a heavy canvas 2 ~ “Gold! he nyattered, exultantly, as he shook it around your up to listen to the musical jingle of the coins. ‘ Not such a bad haul, after all! Now, then, to see what there is below hatches.” the carelessly upon the cabin table, he next drew ye of papers and sat down. to | peruse them. He was a poor, hand in deciphering the English language, and it took him seme little time to study out the articles enumerated. ‘*Not.a bad cargo,’ he exclaimed in satisfaction. “Tt's a long time since I've seen so much capital be- tween one vessel's decks. By all the saints, here’s a enger list, as I’m a sinner! Mrs. Colonel San- rs and—a petticoat aboard,eh? That's better yet! That is, I mean, if she happens to be young and good- looking. I say, skipper, whereaway have ye stowed this bit of cargo?” The old captain's face was as pale as death. ‘For God's sake, spare her/" he gas “Take the brig and all that’s in her, if you , but spare the from your clutches.” Y “Oh, ho!" chuckled the pirate; “ho mes it that you're so deeply interested in the taaiter? Maybe the woman is a widow and Sab 1 after her yourself? However, you'll have enough to do to take care of yourself, just now, I fancy.” There was a dangerous gleam in the rascal’s eye as get _ last the - ee ls eye nad cw of a door w e rightly conjectu lod £0 the lady's quarters. : No sooner was his back turned than the two scoundrels who had remained to come the skipper, proceeded to help themselves to liquor, ir rov- ing ee had been ck stood in the captain's state-room, So sudden and complete had been the capture of the brig that even the watch below had not been disturbed in their slumbers, Nor was it strange that the a eee sound sleeper and ignorant of er—had not been disturbed. The knob of the state-room door. e. In no way disturbed by the fact, the pirate drew off fora moment, Hurling the weight of his pow- erful the obstacle, the door gave way with a crash. As it flew open, the lady up suddenly from a sound slumber, with a ery of ter- ror. : The swinging lamp above her threw a dim light on the scene : lig + of ator God's sake, =! boy!” “* Bother take the ve not laid eyes on him yet,”’ exclaimed on the woman before him, Blind to all be not be neticed the cot of the sleeping c close be- ae Dim. « ‘Ah, there he is,” he added, as the child awoke mma.” A sudden thought darted through the pirate’s evil eart. g the terrified child from his couch, he eyed him with a sa scowl. the villain released the child and arm around her. Ora beauty!” he said, ‘giv kiss fro .- Lh) e i “ ve us a m those and you—" rey hip Ra rere” BOE ; a door a e@ 0 i e cabin flew open with a crash. : With one a dark object was u him, and an iron first struck the a blow that sent him —- against the wall, half-blinded by the sudden attack. CHAPTER IIL ; 4 SUDDEN INTERRUPTION, In another instant, the pirate had recovered his scattered wits. r. “Ha, curses on me, but who is this?’ he cried, as NE ae ot a eet vontblect “Jo 1e mate oO ou black- hearted scaanael!” was the cool reply. 77 5 It was indeed the courageous " wines recover- ing from the gory blow, and findi qa deck deserted, had crept around en I cabin by the forward door, to be on hand at a most critical moment. the pirate; “you'll be shark’s meat in another ent.” b Rogers stood watching his enemy with a gleam of defiance in his eyes, but he made no re Seeing that his enemy was unarmed, the rate ut- tered a contemptuous laugh and shoved the pistol back in his belt. Confident in his own strength, and scoundrel, as he again made a movement as if to snatch the child, But, even as he did so, Job Rogers was upon him like a thunderbolt. - Ere the pirate could fairly realize Ba fact, the iron fingers of the mate were clutched in a viselike gripe around his throat. “Help!” led from his lips, as he strove in vain tor lease ig pistol from his belt, 'y It would have been all up with him in another mo- ment, not the two~raseals from the after-cabin hurried to his aid. A strong blow from the butt of a pistol caused the mate torelax his grasp. © & : Seeing his danger, and before the pirate could col- lect his scatte senses, the mate turned upon his new assailants. Striking out right and left the clear- ed his way, and with one bound reached the, deck. Thethree men were close behind him. As the first one touched the deck he received a blow from that iron fist that laid, him bleeding and senseless at the mate’s feet. Quick as a the latter seized the pistol that had fallen from the ruf- fian’s grasp: ‘Turning it full in the face of the second scoundrel, as he touched the deck, the resolute de- fender pulled the trigger, and the man dropped dead, his bri scattered around him. ie leader at that instant leveled his own weapon and fired. Job Rogers felt a sti g sensation in his left arm, but in his excitement he heeded it not. me ag ag out = —— => otic es = — my in his powerful grasp, and poising the bulky form for an instant in the air, he hurled him over the vessel's stern into the sea. The rest of the pirates, taking the alarm, came rushing aft in a body to their leader's aid. A storm of bullets began to whistle around the head of the co eous mate; pulling the slide of the compan- ion-way, he sprung into the cabin and closed the doors, then he sprung to the captain's side and hur- niephy peeeen him. “y p a stiff upper lip, Cap!” he said, coolly. ‘* We kin held our own ag’in’ the whole pack of ‘em, now.” “ Ah, if we could only get a chance to arm the crew!’ sighed the old man: * As it is, the scoun- drels will only scuttle the ship and drown us like rats in a cask. ank the lady is spared from these wretches, at least. ter go down in the old craft, like brave sailors, than die like dogs at the hands of such rascals.”’ While this scene was psig ae al gt a no less important one was taking place above. e wind had gradually risen, though still light. Glancing to windward, one of the te’s crew ut- tered a cry of alarm. e moon was slowly rising, and in its faint light they could see a large ship bear- me come upon them. sudden panic seemed to seize them at the sight. Like a of frightened wolves, they hurried pell- mell on the schooner. As t reached her deck, they saw the form of their | stan amidships. Drenched from his recent an on each side by the arms of two 0 followers, his eyes shone like those of a den The spot where he stood was red with “= sot the ates? dutivaty issing! e rate’s feet was missing og Sop mie pe Bab Paes the master of his men. “Bring the woman with you, lads," he cried, “Too lal te, senor,’ was the “The mate has taken the odd trick by barring the cabin doors, and yo comes a fellow that means us mischief.” — pirate glanced over his shoulder at these wo Then he cxjod suddenly: “Pass sone of and cu e fuse nutes. hea and bundle on vely!" now, for their experi- enced eyes had shown them that the ship approach- was a man-of-war and meant fight. quickly as ble the brig’s hatches were lifted and the powder-keg lowered among the goods, with the Then the e holding’ the schooner to the brig was ping astern, the te t up her ? rst fell over before the ae ett er huge spread of canvas and light draught en- abled her walk rapidly away in the rising breeze. shee Pereuing vessel had at first only ed some ig wrong from the manner in which the two craft were yawing about, As she approached near _——-
Page 3
The Ocean Bloodhoun es er, however, her commander realized the truth, but by this time the schooner was well clear of her vic- The cruiser began piling on her canvas from truck to water’s edge. ‘Curses on our luck!"’ ground pe pire leader, writhing in agony upon a coueh p on deck so that he could watch his purser. The cause of the strange catastrophe that had be- fallen him is soon explained. He who had lately threatened to make shark’s meat of his enemies, narrowly escaped that hor- rible death himself. The pirates on the schooner were lifting him from the water, when there was a rush, a snap of a pair of voracious jaws and one of the pirate’s feet had drop into the gullet of a monstrous shark. terrible curses on his misfortune, the pi- rate was still game to the last. Supported by his men, he had actually determined to board the second time in order to take terrible re- venge upon his victims. At all hazards he had de- to secure the woman, The sight of the cruiser, however, caused him suddenly to abandon his purpose. “At any rate,” he growled, “they'll meet their dea!h in another way.’ He glanced at his watch. “‘One minute more,” he hissed, ‘and I shall see my revenge. Only a minute more,’ keeping his eye fixed upon the silent brig astern—“ then the accursed Yankee craft yonder will be blown to atoms. Keep our eyes on her, my lads, and you'll see some fine hreworks. Curse them all, I say.” CHAPTER IV. SAWBONES IN A NEW ROLE. Nor long did foe Pirates have to wait to be assured of the character of their pursuer. There was a sudden flash, but it was not the ex- pected explosion. No, the round shot that whistled over their deck was proof Pia mig that the ship in had opened her batteries. eo ge under the brig’s stern, the pirate schooner’s helm was suddenly put hard-a-lee, and the next instant she was heading close up in the eye of the wind. A thorough sailor was the man who commanded er. The cruiser was unable at that moment to follow his example without eolliding with the brig. She could do nothing until she had run to leew of the Nancy Jones. Then it was too late, for the schooner now had the weather gauge and was making the best of it. It was the very thing upon which the pirate had calculated, and thoughts of the cruiser’s ability to harm him seemed to trouble him but little now. Another important matter claimed his attention at the time, “Two full minutes the time and yonder craft is still above water. Pedillo, come here!” cried the ay tent ty 8 hed th pi 8 a e reclining pi- with oe rif oo “You hor aie b pa as I told you?” de- mers the chief, a darken scowl, “ senor. 9 “Tt was to have how many minutes to explode?” “Five, senor.” “Tt is now three minutes Pee the time, you dog. Take that for your infernal > As he uttered the words he snatched a pistol from his belt and fired point blank at the wretch before im. The man dropped dead to the deck, without a A low angry mrormutr broke from the pirate’s crew as they witnessed the act. “Avast there, my hearties!’’ shouted the pirate chief, his e& shooting fire. “The first dog that grumbles s have the same dose.”” Well had these savage wretches cause to titude. The man shot dowh had short- human brute, the leader was deaf to all feeling of gratitude; indeed, he even blamed his it pit ee have saved him the sistance, awful mutilation. “Send John Frazer here!” said he, as the crew slowly scattered, anni man alluded to presently appeared before the ra! Pile formed & strange contrast to the rest of the crew. Tall and well-built, he had an air of quiet self-con- trol about him that marked him as no common per- son, Nor was there anything in his face that betrayed — traces of cruelty in his nature. ut of he certainly was, and yet, how came he there for orders fore” “a at me for wled that’ T'm I ti A my stump? pe pape at once and Rave Vous tp “Up with you, boys, and clear away the wreck!” ordered the pirate, coolly. ‘‘I fancy he’ll give us no more trouble for we’re leaving him behind fast, and it ers his headway to use that gun.” le he was speaking, the man known as John Frazer was making a critical examination of the pi- rate’s wounded limb. “Well?” asked the latter, in uiring| : “The will have to come of just Siciw the knee, 3 bing! soon found that the man before them was a born leader. To their muddled and rather contradictory —_— he pedi a brain quick to see the practicab! and discard the reverse. John Frazer showed them, in a few words, that the schooner at that moment carried treasure enough to supply all their wants for a lifetime. He also cemented their confidence in him by stat- sir,’’ was the cool reply. ing that his share could be divided among them, for “Murder me a second time, eh?” replied the pi- | he had sufficient wealth of his own if allowed to rate. “‘ Well, if there’s no help for it go ahead!’ and | reach it. He showed them that it would be an easy the pirate sunk back w) the couch. matter to run into some small port, take their trea- No keen were brought into service; | sures to other countries, and spend them as they surgical neither was the patient stupefied with chloroform to deaden the pain. He merely took a huge draught of rum, and then lighting a cigar, he watched the operator while the flesh was cut away with a sharp- sheath-knife. An ordinary handsaw was brought into requisition to sever the bones. Notwithstanding the rude instruments, the o tor evidently understood his business tho hy With dextrous rs he tied up the ex - vessels, and ended task by tightly the se eaptte the coin th te must ha uffered, h e m ve s e did not allow his died to Bo out during the whole ON vig looki his i f. could © one, ooking at m ive face, a puemdat what a terrible struggle the effort cost Courage, even if it is only of the brute kind, will always win admiration. At the sight of their leader’s iron nerve, his men stood yet more in fear of him. His temper, however, had suffered by the ordeal he had ps through, Under his cool exterior, a desperate and savage mood was Furies!’ he muttered under what will the captain say when I make a. report? Curses on my lu: I'd rather have lost the other leg than Yo go back to him with bagel ig ne spar mis- sing. Nearly half the crew, too, lost since this unlucky cruise! How was I to know that cruiser was around in these waters? I believe it's our old enemy, the ‘ Vixen.’ I’m pretty certain I -" re vil reath, “and er rig. However, we’ve shown a fy tical pair of heels again, and by daylight not be seen, I f Au It was even as he said. When the sun arose the next day, no trace was to be seen of their late pur- suer upon the distant horizon. Not until he was certain of this fact, did the pirate direct his men to convey him below. Then, for the first time since the cruiser’s attack, he turned over ae Froud t sche pakdaare h said, gruffl, but n: or rén ous,” he ly; “bu if, you happen to see any sail in the meantime, let me know at once.” “Si, senor,” was the reply, and closing the doo upon wounded chief, the man regained the deck. eanwhile the pirate crew had gathered in a knot nm forecastle Spanterds, Portuguese, H iat a motley crowd hey seemed by daylight! The gabble of their various to seemed a bel of so to the | tiated ner. Most of their conversation was carried on in the Spanish tongue, understood by them all. “T call it an infernal shame,’ said one of them. “T feltlike putting my knife throned, him for it,” The conversation was upon the subject of Pedillo’s death at their captain’s hands. His shipmates nodded assent to the boldly spoken words, mysterious individual, John Frazer, stood witte teoughtruly upon the’ ral not ten feet dis- strustful of him as the pirates were, there was no attention paid to his presence from the fact that Were ene. to understand nothing of the tongue ey we fe ad they observed the twinkle in his eyes, they might have had doubts of his ignorance. Re. w of the ruffian crew agony in favor a inflict- summary ve: ce upon leader, e ma- jority, howeeet soba Rigas in awe of his cour- age to make attempt. It was almest certain eath to him who should undertake the task. It was agreed between them that the whole matter should rest quietly for the present. Should a favorable opportunity arise, however, it was to be seized at once. They were about to separate, when the cool voice of John 7 excellent Spanish d F knives with deadly precision of aim, rance that the man them ang these knives man Peeote eee Undismayed by it all, with ible sneer on his ips John inaat cee. “IT will aid your side hy you purpose, men, if you will vy all means in ny wer, in a undertone, : ns. Phat think yout The picture he drew of their future was a most flatte: one to the pirates. They had become ra- ther tired of the discipline to which they had so long been siay ca eneze Supplied with all the wealth neces- or needs, what wonder that the bait was 20 highly attractive? Before John Frazer had finished his they had fully resolved to follow him to the dea if need be. No other man in their number co have exercised such a wonderful influence and con- to hed boldiy declared his purpose of killing their e rs) enemy with his own hand; aaa they had seen enough of him to know that he was as brave as their own leader. In his ee ey =~ oe Me A a easily upon couch, ting ow to make wot sy favorable as le to the captain ashore, whom even he dreaded. On deck, his crew had just finished a plan that, n if successful, would render such a report out of the question. CHAPTER V. THE HUMAN TIGER IN HIS LAIR. Own a small rock-bound island, distant but a few miles from the spot where the brig was so lately at- tacked, stood the — rendezvous. To all out- ward appearance t seemed nothing more than a barren, deserted pet, eres oe rae pane te dangerous reefs, over which the long billows dashed pense A Viewed from seaward, it seemed an in- accessible island and nothing more. For all that, there was a channel leading to it by pa paths pee Se 7 pg so submarine 73 reefs—a channel barely wide and deep eno admit the pirates’ schooner, and which ended in a smooth rock-bound basin, which a ju cliff effect- ually screened from any prying eyes seaward, should any such chance to pass the ti. bagi d up that steep ledge, and hollowed in the itself, stood the quarters of Pedro Santillez, the dreaded pirate chief. A window, giving a wide view seaward, and easily concealed if desired, opened from the pirate’s lithe 'p -room. lace was reached by a succession of narrow stairs hewn in the face o foot, an armed twenty feet square. With the exception of a small turkish in the center, the rocky floor was bare. The rest of the apartment, however, was furnished in the most costly manner. The choicest treasures of every clime had been brought into service to satisfy the pirate’s fastidious taste. Maj and weapons of every descri from Rae Mo with Rts ramGn like edge, re more modern blade of civilization, were upon the w e center of the apartment was occupied by a small handsomely carved table, while the rest of tne furniture was in with i From the main apartment two doors led to rooms nderneath the brightly colored rug was a small by a secret staircase to the treas- ure cave below. In those quarters no man of his crew ever ventured. huts on the open ausee behind the cliffs. It was early in the morning. Sea now spread with a poral po and oii cating hls silver Megas, ef was quiet breakfast. ose pirate him stooda iTS aweling his masters. orders. e . He was clothed in a rich suit of velvet, ornamented with buttons 0’ Aro waist beneath the His vy w place a small ant poniard. ' His black wavy hair matoiiny is aah ae by a close-fi cap ees suit and sur- : feet. “A fine-loo ” would be the ver- a ag aya ter His too, were easy and l like those of one accustomed to the best society. Still, a phy- actrees Git Mts ipa ta tha ose cal un- in e, to ti eyes; and in truth his was a nat finer emotions of the human heart. Selfish-
Page 4
$ Havi cigar. looked out. A sail tiie hed the neighboring headland imme- diately attrac his eye. Snatching a atte ke from its bracket, he gazed long and earnestly at the appro craft. cruel, vindictive smile spread over his face as he did so. “So, ho!” he muttered, savagely, ‘“‘ my burly Trux- illo has been in a fight with the schooner, it appeata| My pretty ‘Isabelle ’ has lost her main-topmast; and there’s a couple of shot-holes in her canvas. But never mind, my beauty, you shall be amply avenged for it all, never fear.” He touched a call-bell as he _—— and instantly the dwarf appeared before him, Terribly boi. he nevertheless, a frame as powerful as e that of a gorilla. finished his meal, Santillez carelessly lit a en he strolled over to his window and “Baba, my beauty,” said the pirate chief, grimly, | “go down and tell the men below to stand by to give the ‘Isabelle’ a hand in picking up her cable; and as soon as the schooner is secured, I wish Truxillo to come to me.” “Si, senor,” responded the dwarf, as he hurried off to obey his master’s orders. Very impatiently, with a quick, cat-like tread, San- tillez paced his apartment, Often he would stop to again criticise the schooner, now working her way into the channel, At length the ting of the blocks, as the. sails were lowered, told him that the schooner was at an- chor in her usual place. A few moments afterward, the burly form of Trux- illo was seen hobbling ashore with the aid of crutches, * Ah, ha!” sneered the pirate, with a demoniac smile, “So it seems that my drunken lieutenant has received his own share of bad luck! Never mind, my man; it’s only another item in the long list I’ve got against your name.” and laboriously made his way up Truxillo slowly the steep stairway. At last, after many muttered curses at the pain the effort cost him, he reached the narrow ledge | Sgn the pirate’s quarters and knocked at the door. “Come in, Truxillo!” said the chief, in a hard, metallic tone. ‘‘ You’re rather a stranger to these parts. Let me see; I believe, three months since, we left us for a cruise. Lost a leg, too, it seems? | po’ ell, it might have been your neck just as well. Take a chair yonder, and let me hear how enjoyed yourself with my preety schooner, he words were spoken in a mock-humorous tone that foreboded mischief; and the lieutenant realized that his master was in one of his dangerous moods. He waited sullenly for an opportunity to speak; but, still running on in that same strain, the chief continued: * Been in a bad blow, too, I se? I see the main-topmast is carried away. great pity, too, for it was a shapely spar. By the way,I noticed a couple of patches in your canvas. They looked as if they t have been made with round-shot, but that can hardly be.” “What's the use of growling over bad luck when it can’t be helped, senor?” retorted the late com- mander of the schooner. “ Bad luck, eh?” retorted the chief, with a danger- ous curl of his thin lips that showed his gleaming white teeth. ‘‘ Has it come to pass, then, that my Isabelle has escaped so often under my charge begin it in your hands?” “So it seems, senor,” replied Truxillo, sullenly. “A man ean only do his best and if luck is against him —why, that’s the end of it.” “1'don’t like to hear of bad luck,” replied the chief, with a wicked glitter in his dark eyes. ‘‘ How did you lose that leg? Did you tumble down a hatch- way in a drunken fit, or how?” “Tf you'll only stop Pe chaffing I'll tell you all about it, senor,” growled Truxillo. ‘“Thefactis, we overhauled several craft on the start without getting anything much worth our trouble. I didn’t care to come back empty-handed. Yesterday afternoon we sighted a brig, which looked as if she might be worth the risk. As soon as it was dark we ran down to her with a gentle breeze. Afore they knew it, we had full possession of her deck, She wasa trader from ‘Rio’ and in lookin’ over her papers I spied the name of a woman passenger.” “You jt od her along, of course. Where is she —.. asked the pirate, his scowl relaxing, some- what. “T tried to,” was the reply, “‘ but to tell the truth, I was interrupted by the mate who was a regular devil. He got clean away from three of us. We chased him on deck but he turned as quick as light- ning and settled two men. Afore I could fire but one pistol, he had picked me "p in his arms like a jeegf and flung me clean over the stern. The boys in the schooner pulled me out but not afore an in- fernal shark grabbed my leg.” “So you came short by a foot,” said the pirate with a harsh laugh, wnt is getting interesting, it A fine revenge you must have reply. back on the trig what should we see but a Griiser bearing down upon us. ’ our look-out?’ th the rest of the boys, I believe; at you have “On deck wi any rate, the first we knew the cruiser was close | aboard.” “And you ran?” “Not dtore we es a keg of powder aboard the brig with a five-minutes fuse,”’ replied Truxillo, growing nervous as he spoke. | the two that ng CHAPTER VI. PIRATE AGAINST PIRATE, Tue burly lieutenant knew that what was to come would anger the chief far more than anything he had yet told. . “You see, senor,”’ he continued, “the brig’s crew had retreated to the fo’castle and barred themselves in. The mate I was telling you of had got clear of our men, and diving into the cabin, shot the bolts. There wasn’t time to smoke ’em out, so we just lighted the fuse and left.’’ **So all you ed by the attack was the loss of a keg of powder and the blowing up of the brig, it seems," snarled the chief. ‘‘ And th down with the vessel, of course. Was she old and as usual?” 7 As retty a craft as ever I laid eyes on, senor,” replied Truxillo, his eyes glowing with the recollec- tion of her beauty. ** Bad luck was with us all through the affair. We hadn’t time to scuttle the craft as usual, and some- how or other, the powder didn’t explode.’ “What!” cried the chief, with a sudden start that made the lieutenant jump. He saw the dark storm gathering in his leader’s face, and yet there was nothing left him but to make a clean breast of it all. | So he proceeded to describe the chase and the man- ner in which he had at last evaded the enemy. “That isn’t all, senor,”’ he added; ‘for that same night the crew laid a plan to kill me and seize the schooner, ”’ The chief’s eyes flashed lightning. ‘‘ Why should ou see, senor,’ began the lieutenant, un- ag" fe that?’ he asked. “ e easily, ‘I shot the man who bungled the job in blow- ing up the brig. It happened to be Pedillo, one of ulled me out of the water. The crew seemed to think I ought to have spared him, for that, I believe.” “How did you find it out?” ‘*Through one of the crew, senor. Hecame to me and told all. I clapped the ringleaders in irons at once and locked ’em up. The fellow, John Frazer, that you’ve allowed so much liberty to, was at the head of it all. You see, the crew didn’t suspect who had tek ho ‘em, so they was sort of confused.” ** John Frazer was the ringleader, you say?’ asked the pirate chief, who had now recovered his com- sure. ‘*Yes, senor; I had a notion at first to st him up at once, but then I thought I'd better wait til I seen you.” ‘* Lucky you did,’’ said the chief stérnly, in tones of mingled scorn and passion. Then suddenly check- himself, he said, nes & Go down and assemble the men on shore at once; then bri Pg prisoners ashore and wait till Icome. I will join you as soon as possible.” With these words and an expressive glance toward the open door, the pirate chief closed the interview. A very short time afterward he appeared in the pi- rates’ quarters, where his coming had been awaited. On the left arm of the pirate chief, rested a long coil of snowy white cotton rope, light but strong. In the end of it was fixed a running noose. Across a stunted palm tree standing’ close by, | there hung a short, stout spar having a block affixed | to one end. “Up, now, and reeve our halliards!’’ exclaimed the P tossing the coil to the man nearest him. The prisoners, four of them, and still tightly bound, stood silently watching the proceedings. John Frazer, the man who was to have been their leader, was as cool and collected as-if he was only to be a witness of the scene. He, at least, was pre- to meet his death with the same brave front e had always shown. As the long rope came twisting and squi round to the ground, the pirate chief stepped midst of his followers. ere were black looks gath- ering upon the faces of the pirates, as, with low- ering brows, they. watched the procestt 4 The pinioned men were watched with looks of co- vert sympathy, They looked like men who only awaited a leader to break out into open revolt—all of bie did not escape the sharp eyes of Pedro Santil- eZ. Striding fearlessly among them, he held up his hand as a for silence. ‘*Men,” said he, in deep, determined tones, “you all know that the late cruise of the Isabelle was a most unlucky one. Only afew paltry ounces of gold has been added to our treasure store, while, to offset that our gallant Isabelle has been battered up until she looks like an old drogher. But, as if that was not sufficient for one trip you must plot to get up a — on board.” Darting a terrible glance upon the pinioned men, and from them to the dan, rope, he proceeded: “Ido not pro to be unjust, and hang a man Write vetetane te bapa your aeaiee eomaube rst our § ‘e conauct, The man nddrensed fixed his eyes quietly and calmly upon those of the pirate. “If you hope-to hear an excuse from me you will A eae ” said he. “I only regret that we “ You admit the fact then,” said the pirate, with a sneer; ‘‘ have you no defense?” “Not a word that could influence your cruel heart, you _monster,’’ was the defiant A “T have, though,” said another of the gang, stand- ing next to him; and very volubly he p ed to narrate the cause of disatt the particulars of Pedillo’s death: A low murmur of anger ran through the crowd as they listened, and many were the black looks be- stowed upon the lieutenant standing by. be “Tt was a piece of ingratitude, I admit,” said e woman went | Library | the other end and ran him up to the ection among them, and | the chief, sternly; ‘“‘ but even that was no excuse for mutiny.” Turning toward the ig oe eee he said: “Now, my brave lads, Is make you the judges in this case. Shall you string up these men alone, for wishing to avenge your companion, or ’’—with a lance full of malediction on Truxillo—* shall we rst run up the man whose drunken and care less management has been the cause of all the pp f al brok cry of surprise and approv: roke from the throats of the siearthiy aoe The bull-dog face of the lieutenant presented a picture of rage and terror. The cry broke into a roar. “Hang the lieutenant, senor chief! Hang the lieutenant!” ‘You hear the verdict, Truxillo,” said the pirate, addressing him in tones of mock regret. Your mates have heard the case and decided t you. Well, so be it. It will be only the end of your usual bad luck, you see.” The cowed villain made no reply to these taunts. His right hand slipped to his side. Then he quickly snatched a pistol from his belt. He raised the weapon to avenge himself upon the chief, who had really been instrumental in securing his death sen- tence. But, the quick, keen eye of Pedro Santillez had no- ticed the stealthy movement. Quick as lightning, almost, his right hand described a circle in the air. There was a flashing of bright steel in the sunlight. The next instant the poniard of the chief, flying with prey # recision through the air, buried its point deep he villain’s wrist. Roemer dropped his pistol with a howlof rage and n. “Seize him, lads, before he tries any more tricks,” said Santillez, coolly. In another moment the doomed lieutenant was bound and helpless in their hands. “Up with him,” ordered the chief, in the same hard, cruel tones. ‘‘ Careful, there, of that injured leg, though it will not long trouble him now.”’ espite the terrible struggles of the villain, the fajal noose was slipped over his head and drawn ith a fiendish yell, a dozen of the pirates grasped € 1 lock, his body bringing up against it with a sharp jerk. There weré a few despairing struggles, a quiver of the massive limbs, and then the ened scoundrel was dead. The only pity was that his executioners who so a. ee the same treatment, escaped the same fate. Satisfied that life wa extinct, Santillez directed the body to be lowered. Once more the noose was readjusted in prepara- tion for the next victim, CHAPTER VII. SANTILLEZ’S DARING GAME. Nor one of the pirates but was certain that John Frazer would be the next man to pay the penalty for his rashness. “Release all but John Frazer,” commanded San- tillez, sternly. ‘‘As for you,” said he, to Frazer, ‘I have a word to say. Yot saved my life some two months ago, and I owe you something for that, Mu- tiny even among pirates deserves punishment by death, Still I am not the ungrateful dog that Truxillo was. A life for a life, says an old maxim, and I spare yours this time.” A cheer broke from the pirates’ lips, for John Frazer’s courage had now the sympathy of all. ““Remember,” added Santillez, sternly, “‘ we stand tsnow. The first suspicious move on your Rope | will be the signal for the death you have this time n e | so narrowly escaped. Release him, men." This order was obeyed with alacrity. It looked like a most magnanimous act on the part of their bold leader. Little did they suspect that the crafty Santillez had decided Ysa the ge very result, the instant the lieutenant had his report, As for the man, John Frazer, he took his release from death as qui as he had prepared to meet it. Nota muscle of face had changed through- out the whole terrible scene. As the cords dropped from his wrists, he gave the chief one undaunted glance and walked quietly away, without a word. “Sancho,” said the chief, turning to one of his men, “from this moment you are next in command. Ferdinand, I appoint you second lieutenant of our crew. Tell Carlos that my men are to have a double allowance of liquor, to-night... Ah, here he comes now. eg wonder what brings him hither, in such The pirates, who had begun to scatter, quickly re- gathered as they saw the man stationed of en Poe out hurrying toward them. Out of breath nearly, from his rapid haste, the fellow managed to gasp, as he hastily touched his “A vessel in the offing, senor chief, and she looks = the cruiser who us off Jamaica, two T's ago,’’ “It’s the same one that chased us last night, then,” remarked one of the men, who had formed one of the Isabelle’s crew. your pow a "e <oall ip the chief. e look-ou once and see if Carlos is right. cho, you will get ready the carronades on the cliff. We'll give yonder chap all the work he wants if he grows too inquisitive,” So saying, the pirate strode with rapid steps to his quarters on the . Taking up his most powerf1i telescope, he leveled it at the sail visible in the dis. tance. “Full-rigged and carrying royal-masts,” he mut- eee Ss — od 4
Page 5
tered savagely. ‘Can it be that the drunken scoun- drel I have just hung has betrayed the character of the Isabelle in some of his carousals ashore? Yes, that is the Vixen, as I live! Ourses on the Yankee! He is heading straight for the island! he insists upon it, we will give him a warm recep- tion.” It was late in the afternoon before the distant sail ag a near enough for her hull to_be plainly sible from the island. The breeze was but a light one, unsedueney the cruiser was able to make but slow progress. the island, she fell off a few points, until her whole length was visible. From his post of observation, the pirate saw that their glasses were leveled on the island, but San- tillez’s foresight had already provided for this emer- ency. "i The vines trained over his window effectually con- cealed him. As for the schooner, screened as she was behind the bold bluff, she was as effectually concealed as if she had not existed. Neither was a trace of human habitation visible from. the sea, while the dered to remain out of sight, to investigate the island still more closely. In a short time she went about again, Bak, aa! d fell he dashed ‘ and fell as she on. a course parallel with the reefs beyond. ‘““He means to stand off and on until titre muttered the pirate, “‘ Well, if he does that, the chances are he will be far enough from power to harm us by that time, If I’m not mistaken in m reckoning, and the barometer is not a liar, there be an old-fashioned hurricane in these parts before morni Those reefs yonder would make a fine end of the reckless Yankee. By all the saints!” he added, suddenly, “she shall bleach her bones there, if it’s in my power to make her!” A sudden lm | resolution had taken possession of the pirate chief. Summoning Sancho to his side, he gave him a few hurried orders. ‘* Have the schooner’s heavy canvas bent at once. | Make everything secure on her decks, and _be ready to slip the cable at a moment’s notice. By the by, you can countermand the order for a double allow- ance to the gang, at present. We will need clear iene 208 steady hands for the work before us this 5" he new lieutenant had been conducted through the secret . In turning to depart, he was about to pass out the other door. “Stop! you fool!” cried the pirate, fiercely. ‘‘ Don’t qos know that there’s a dozen glasses watching this sland, every moment? Take the secret stairway, by which you came, and caution the men again, not to show so much as a head to those Yankees yonder. Away with you at once.” The red sun sunk in the ocean with an glare. Far off in the horizon a a small cloud, jd arowine, hen geo and ominous of mischief; then darkness clo bs a the scene, with the cruiser still hovering near the island. Already the schooner had been pre for ser- vice. The sails, so recently reefed by his orders, were set when he reached her decks. Her bows pointing toward the sea. In a very few moments the cable was slipped that —_ thon, hen she began to gather headway for her tas Santillez seized the wheel. With his black eyes seeming to pierce the dark- ness, he steered toward the opening. The wind had been Sain TAPS. blowing in a manner suggestive of etly. In a few moments the crew were assembled ore him. “My brave men,” said he, coolly, “ you have seen the A ypnd yonder, watching our islandallday. She is suspicious of the place for she seems to be bbe ong until to-morrow’s sun to make a closer exami- nation. In spite of all our security, the Yankees number us two to one, so it would never do to give them a foot- ing on the island. This is the third time yonder ves- se has been on our track and it shall be the last. Be- fore the m dawns, this infernal Yankee shall be crushed to pieces on the reefs or our brave “ Isa- belle” shall herself go to the bottom. The ocean is not wide enough for both of us. Once for all it shall be settled between us. What say you, men?” A hoarse cheer was his answer. “Good! And now to your posts. Let no man flinch from his duty this night.” CHAPTER VIII. THE SEA RACE. Tue wind an to whistle omino through the Tsabelle’s as she gathered headway and rounded the ‘that shut her off from the sea. The darkness of the night was ‘intense. It looked as if no mortal eye could pierce the gloom that surround- ed them, Stan his muscular hands grasping the spokes of he whe, the ae stood resolutely G) deed able ia few swift turns of the wheel and th m a ; ts) w an e would glide safely by the dangerous obstacle. : irate’s crew had been or- | Well, then, if | de | speak when I call on The cruiser, however, acted as if she had resolved | | the ————————————————————— The Ocean Bloodhound. Holding their very breath in fear, the crew stood firm to their posts. With all their confidence in their leader’s nerve and skill, they felt that they were engaged in a most daring and desperate un- The adhd les of a schooner’s breadth from that narrow channel, would dash their light vessel like an hell on the treacherous rocks. he silence of the scene was unbroken save by an occasional sharp order from their leader as he directed a pull on the sheets to turn her course. ‘ At length after what seemed to be an endless half- hour to the waiting crew, they heard the roar of the breakers disappearing behind them. They had run that dangerous gantlet in safety, thanks to the iron nerve of their leaGer. “A narrow shave,” he muttered coolly; “but a miss is as good as amile. Now then, to see whether that cursed Truxillo has left his bad-luck as a | y to the schooner. Slack off your sheets, men,” he eta as he allowed the schooner’s head to fall off a le. “$6 then! Belay all! Now, off with that cover from the long-tom gine 7 Get him to him! k to the carronades for’ard, and see them in order.” The schooner began to dart ahead with increased in the rising wind. Buoyant as a bird she rose Surrendering the wheel to his lieutenant, Sancho, irate chief strode forward to the bows. There he stood with his hand to his ear, straining forward to catch the slightest sound. For some time he remained motionless. ““Ha!’’ he exclaimed, ely. as the quick rat- tle of sheaves in the blocks and the flapping of reef- points against the canvas was borne to his ears. ~ Vixen’ has gone about, I ee, Rat? be “ The across her bows in ten minutes more. he long- ” ve the order, Ferdinand! We'll make that Yankee think he has stirred up a hornets’ nest before we're through with him,” Still, nothing could be seen in the darkness to de- note the presence of their enemy, which as a meas- Bre Pg precaution, had omit to show her side- ut, the sharp raet of the pirate had seen more than his men. glimmered through the port and officers’ wardroom revealed to Santillez’s eyes the position of his ene- my. % Luff a little, Sancho,” said he, striding aft. “There, steady you go!” On rushed the saucy schooner in a direction cal- culated to carry her tly across the bows of her enemy. One of the pirates, with a burning fuse concealed under his tarpaulin, stood by the breach of the long- tom amidships. * Ready !’’ cried Santillez, in the same low tone, as the wash of the water under the cruiser’s bows be- came plainly audible to their ears. ‘* Fire!’ he cried the next moment, as a dark ob- ject loomed up on their lee-beam. There was a loud report and the iron messenger went crashing into the bulwarks of their enemy. “Well done, boys,”’ cried the exulti ngly. “Hard up your helm, Sancho! ell the - kee another dose before he wakes up.’ The schooner, careening over until her lee-rail pwept the water, swung sharply on her keel and made for her antagonist again. But the pirate had mistaken the time it would take for the Yankee to “ wake up. ” Before the schooner could deliver her second at- tack and take to her heels, the keen, shrill whistle of a boatswain-pipe came to the pirate’s ears. ** All hands to quarters! Clear away your guns!” The next moment, the Yankee's pos dro as nf by aes and dozens of battle-lanterns gleamed through the darkness like so many fire-flies. The pirate saw that he had made a mistake; but there was nothing left now but to carry out his man- euvre and take his chances. Again his long-tom spoke as they swept under the enemy’s stern. As she did so, the cruiser’s head fell off until her broadside was brought to bear. “Ready! Fire!’ came the quick, sharp tones of her commander. A dozen iron throats belched forth their missives of destruction at the same instant. Unfortunately for the cruiser, the schooner had at that instant sunk into the hollow of a h wave, and the iron messengers meant. for her destruction, passed through her rigging with little By this time, the moon to show her face pcs the scudding clouds, by which the two an- tagonists were enabled to get occasional glimpses of each other. As it stood, the cruiser had the weather-gauge, a fact that her commander was not slow to \ Contrary to their e tations the pirate wore short round on his heel, and with his sails wide spread , like a flying bird, he darted on with a free Ww “What think you of that maneuver, Mr. Jones?” asked the cothmander of the Vixen, addressing his first-lieutenant, who stood beside him. aon jo Fay Paget = most can nage ‘The fellow is eviden: re for work,”’ averred Captain thong “*T see he is reefed down as if he 5 we 5 weather, and I would not be right.”’ . 5 ~- , ek so, too, sir,’ the young officer responded, uietly. rr Me. Jones,” remarked the captain, slowly, “‘if you were in command of this ship what would you do under the circumstances?” “Do?” was the prompt reply, “‘I’d run that scoun- drel to the bottom, or carry away every mast in the attempt.” “Bravo!” said the captain, with a quiet laugh. ““You’re a man after my own heart, sir. Well, that is just the decision J came to from the moment that fellow showed his teeth. It bothers me, though,” he added, ‘‘to see how he managed to track us so suddenly. We are evidently mistaken in the charac- ter of the island we’ve been es day. Even had a vessel been concealed behind those rocks, she could not have run out through those reefs in this darkness.” ; “Tt certainly does look impossible, replied the offi- cer. “It strikes me, sir, he has got news of our movements through gue ere at some of the islands we have lately ited ou know, the majority of these islanders are in sympathy and collusion with these scoundrels.” con- fidently. ‘‘Some years ago I was in pursuit of this , we ran down in that direc- tion only to find that he had irae his followers, eft. We did get upon but he had too much lead for us to capture him. T learned later that a Spaniard on a neighboring island wt whose house we had been well received, was the traitor who had be- trayed our gh si to the buccaneer.”’ a: ng of traitors, sir,” responded the you officer, “reminds me that I have pretty good on dence there is one among the pirates.” “‘A traitor among the pirates?” repeated the cap- tain, in amazement. “ Yes, sir.” “What grounds have you for making such a beta a declaration?” “Very good ones, indeed, sir. You remember those fellows tried to blow up the brig when we sur- prised them s0 suddenly?” “Yes; but what has that got do with your state- ment? I remember that we were the gainers by u keg of powder in that transaction,” said Captain es with yours smile. “Nothing, sir!’’ was the reply; “ only Ihearti- ly wish that all the power a the Wiats's tangasine was of the same q if a? “You awaken my ; eee curiosity, sir; please speak out at once and keep me no fe te sus- “Well, sir, in plain words, the keg of to wit up the brig was in reality only a sand.” wder left ig of black CHAPTER IX, A DARE-DEVIL CHASE. THE commander of the “‘ Vixen” uttered a low wi How did you ha ke this discovery “How ou to make disco , Mr. Jones?” he euked. sides ‘Well, sir, one of the men told me that the fuse had burned completely up before our second cutter reached the brig. It puzzled me some to see how it had failed to ignite the powder. Afterward I exam- ined the keg and became convinced that it was really black sand, In order to assure myself that there could be no e, I took a small portion and touched a match to it. It failed to explode, and I afterward w another small quantity in the cook's galley, with the same result.” “That is a eer discovery,” 1 Captain ough’ (ox “One ti hing is scoundrels are not given to pla ical jokes.” oe ¢ sir,’ remarked the Roukopont, ou a all have a traitor on board; or, rather, some n who is fying to thwart them by eve possible iisahe It sige 1 Mey ss hd ay le influence also, or he would no he o} ity to mak SORT siete cota, ses ses < ”? cri he captain, once more toward the schooner, “were geining ra 4 on the rascals. Ah! the pirate is headi or the so end of the island. It must be there is a passage somewhere through the reefs that he is ted with. If he gets into the open water beyond he will be very apt to slip thro our — Well, we will soon see whether he is able to trick us so easi- ly. The wind by this time had increased almost to a gale. The ‘“ Vixen’s”’ masts bent under her heavy ress of canvas, for, as yet, not a single reef had m taken. Her massive shrouds straightened out under the strain until they stood rigid as iron bars. Every moment it seemed as if something must give way under terrible force. And still the comman- der of the Vixen watched the chase, his eyes oye f pe eae apg on the straining masts wi looks anxiety. All been duly — se afing-wales preven' wear on ri , and every t ssible to bone were lo anaes Their ay pidly the heavy lighter-heeled but more cautious adversary: K men now, in: of the usual two, by the heavy double wheel. Even then it was no easy mat- = to keep control of the rudder in that heavy wind and sea. Suddenly a sound from aloft broke upon their ears like the rt of a cannon. SIT Oyen were teiseent upward on in time to see a mass of white disap
Page 6
6 Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. pear in the darkness ahead, like a flying cloud. . The oretopsail had been blown clear out of the bolt-ropes. “Twill catch the pirate before we 9, at t rate,” said Captain k, grimly, “‘but we can af- ford a dozen such if we can only run down our game.” He then gave orders to get a new top-sail from the sail-room and bend it at once. In a very short time the empty yard was crowded with daring sailors. It was no. child’s play they were now called upon to ac- complish. And yet, in twenty minutes’ time a new Dy er had beén sheeted home and mast-headed, by a hundred powerful arms. “Every moment tells now,” said Captain Clark, joyfully. “Tf it wasn’t for deadening our headway, *d be tempted to send him our compliments from the bow gun. Never mind, though, let us once got near enough and we'll give him a dose that will still more effective. Ah! there he goes, as I expect- ed! He is heading his vessel through that narrow opening in yonder reef. Go for’ard, Mr. Jones, and watch his course if youcan, The Vixen shall follow him through there or go to the bottom in the effort. It shall never be said that a Yankee has been out- done in daring by a scoundrelly pirate.” Even with a moderate breeze, and by daylight, the rur through that long, winding, narrow passage was a most desperate undertaking, then, what nerves of It can be easily bap Sree - steel were required to a eee a itin the dar ‘ Overhead, the wind howled and shrieked like de- mons clamoring for their prey, and the black clouds scudding across the heavens onally shutting out for a moment the moon’s fitful light. On dashed the pirate schoonér, however, through the narrow opening, which, a short distance away, was scarcely perceptible. Pedro Santillez had determined to run that gant- let, at all hazards, Too well he knew the de- termined character of the cruiser’s commander be- hind him. It was on that same reckless dionecard of danger that he had counted from the start, He knew that there were but seventeen feet of water in the passage at high tide, while the cruiser astern drew eighteen, at least. At that moment—by his calcula- tion—the depth was not more than sixteen feet, scarcely sufficient to clear the keel of his own vessel. Should the cruiser then attempt to follow, she must certainly be dashed to pieces upon the cruel recks, Away like a bird, the pirate schooner dashed dirongh the entrance. On either side of her, the , black rocks reared their angry heads, while the surf breaking over them was thrown high in the air in crested foam. Hardly a cable’s length behind her came the gal- lant chile, her captain watching everything with a critical.e e. Far ole on her bowsprit, wet to the skin with the dashing spray, the brave young lieutenant watched and a every turn and twist of their slippery enemy. On! on! rushed the frigate like a creature of life that seemed to have caught and shared the excite- ment of the chase. She, too, now has entered the narrowest part of the — “Starboard!” cried the young officer, in clear, ring- ing wosds, which are passed from mouth to mout to the helmsman, for no human voice can be heard far in that gale. The huge ship changes her course a. trifle, just in time to avoid a sharp section of the reef. So narrow was the escape that a broad strip of on scraped in an nt from her painted es. “S$ 1’ and she is off again in the chase. And so quic and surely came the orders from the look-out t the huge cruiser doubles and bends safely olen, the tortuous channel. Far beyond, n sea, the they could see the clear int for which the pirate chief washeading. Stand- by the wheel, the latter individual was keenly every movement of his determined adver- sary, and every moment he expected to see her dash- ed to pieces upon the rocks. But, minute after minute and yet the expected catastrophe came no “ Curses on her luck!’ he muttered. ‘She seems to bear a charmed life. May her helmsman’s arm be paralyzed, but I fear she will run through, after The pirate had left out one most important item in his calculation. He had not considered the fact that the strong gale was driving the waters in to an unusual depth. His o Bo now was that his adversary ht make nad jeast mistake; for the smallest ‘gviation iC- from that narrow channel meant instant. des' tion. “ At least we shall give him a pretty chase,’’ he snarled as he glan toward the open sea just ahead. Still onward came the cruiser, her bows answe promptly to the rudder. Once only her keel grat on the rocks beneath as she ed over an wupnenelly Sbetlaw, spot; but, never for an instant did she lose way. The schooner’s knife-like bows emerged into the open sea. **Good!’’ muttered the pirate; ‘‘ we are safely out w of that acres S last. The next instant his helm was put hard down, As he Isabelle’s head came up in the wind, the sheets were flattened aw. e flew, caree over with the force of the and heading well up in the wind’s eye. CHAPTER xX. THE ILL-OMEN. On, swept Vixen, istless,as fate. She too the ly his trumpet, ‘‘ round in the lee braces! Aloft, some of you, and—” . ut before he could complete the sentence a gust of wind struck the devoted ship with the force of an avalanche. Away went her canvas, torn into ribbons, and a went the fore-topmast broken short off at the ca e race was lost / : A cry of triumph, swallowed up in the shrieking storm, broke from the line of the pirate’s crew. Their own craft had heeled far over under that blast, but righted instantly and dashed gayly on. There were heavy hearts on board the ‘ Vixen” at that moment. “That ends the ¢ for this season,” said Cap- tains Clark, “How those scoundrels must etly. enjoy this ihe Yonder they go, as saucy and de- flant as ever, and I dare not even cast loose a gun in this heavy sea.”’ Under nothing but bare the cruiser’s head was put before the wind, while the crew were busil engaged in.getting new sails bent.on the yaw Quietly and rapidly they worked at their ‘ik. Then the new canvas was close-reefed, the staysail set and they once more headed up in the Captain Clark still held a faint hope that some- thing might, meanwhile, happen to disable his oppo- nens and give him a chance to overtake her. e wreck of the foretopmast, wen was cut adrift, for it was impossible en. Sea after sea struck and broke over the cruiser’s bows, but the ship was strong and stanch, and it did no other injury than drenc her crew. And still the wind increased in violence until they were at com to take in the mizzen to already closely reéfed. It was indeed a regular hurrican quan as the pi- or. shut out all light, rate had counted upon.and pre: . The, clouds by this time ees his course impossible to be noted by the “ en. ~ flying pn as lightly asa bird. ‘Then that pall of in. on as ly asa en. of in- tense, darkness was drop on the scene. _ “Pipe down the watch below!” shouted Captain Clark,. when the last traces of the wreck had n cleared away. .“‘Let the watch on deck examine the and see to it that they are securely lashed. Let life-lines be'stretched along thedeck. We will be able to do no more with that rascal until we have to lee- save it into us in that lively manne his trumpet to the officer of the deck as he. spoke, and, with a sigh of regret, descended the bo apnea ts to his cabin, Meanwhile the crew of the Isabelle were jubilant Close-hauled on the wind, they uare-rigged v' could hope to er. Pedro Santillez was alone disa; ted with the re- sult. The marvelous escape of cruiser in running that narrow gantlet troubled him. Notwithstanding the calamity that had afterward overtaken her, he looked upon it as an ill-omen. e, his ene was temporarily disabled from pursuit, but then, the broken spars could be replaced Mid it tere tn aire Be he ht of what ensue, Any other man in tion would have at once resolved to leave the locality which had grown so w to continue his career where he would meet with less persistent enemies: out. he grow “Tl beat that infernal Yankee bottons in the attempt. At least,” ded, as he descended into his cabin, “I can blow the schooner to atomsif the worst comes to the worst. It shall never be said that they captured her. If I must be conquered, I shall die a death be- fitting my name.” He. glanced, as he toward the end of a fuse projecting through a hole in the cabin b ead, ‘all on hoard, Pedro Santillez the other end of that fuse connected with the a- zine, and there was Soli bitne ot therein to blow them all to atoms in the t of an éye. The thought seemed in a measure to his un- easy feelings. Going to his locker, he took oft a brandy bottle, and tossed a huge bumper down his throat. He was beginning to recover his confidence, At that moment there was a tap at his door, and he turned to see the crafty face of his lieutenant Sancho, peers into the room. ‘‘ What now?” demanded the chief, grufity. “Pardon, senor,’’ was the reply; ‘‘ but one of the men. has. just been washed down in the rs by the heavy sea that struck us. We got out as soon as possible, but he’s badly h Some of his ribs are mashed in, and I think his left arm is broken. “What's all that to me, that you should trouble me about it?” demanded the. pirate, in some irrita- tion. ‘Couldn't you send to him at once, without disturbing me?” “‘ John Frazer, senor?” “ Cer } M A red flush of the Swept over te’s face. His. eyes tered with a. us. ous, con- trolling by an effort, he said, sharply: “Surely, you must be mistaken, Sancho. I my- self told you to see to it that every man except Baba should be on board this night, and you have never disobeyed me before.” “ Nor did I this time, senor. John Frazer was on board when we raised our sails. I myself saw him while we were cutting the cable, and so did the rest of the crew.” “Then he must be here now, unless he has been washed overboard,” said the pirate, decidedly; but as the recollection of the individual’s courage and daring came over his mind, he chan; color. What if John Frazer were at that moment en- in some Pap to disable the vessel, and throw er in the hands of theirenemy? And there was the unguarded powder- ine! ““Let the schooner Soneny. searched at once,” the pirate sternly ordered. ‘‘ Not a place bi enough for.a rat. m be You will fin him, never fear, and when you do, tie him securely, ane. bring him a ae ‘1. “a ncho turned awa; ive the necessary orders, while the pirate chief 1 hastily srasped the end of the pootending fuse, and drew it through into the ca A dozen yards of it lay at his feet as he finished. “T nearly forgot that,” he muttered. “It would etd do to tare he, men Ba puted what a jolly fate I ve prepared for them goes wrong.” He threw the coil out of sight in his state-room, and sat expectantly waiting for the missing man to be brought before him. A full hour passed ‘slowly by, and the pirate was beginning to grow impatient. t he would not §° on deck to inquire, and thus betray his anxiety. At , ly face of Sancho reappeared. 6 was alone, “Where’s your prisoner?” demanded the pirate “Pardon, senor; but the man is not tobe found. I'll stake life he is not on board the schooner.” Yes, the mysterious individual known as John Frazer was missing, Had he been washed overboard in the gale unno- ticed, or what had become of him? “Another ill-omen,” thought the pirate as he swallowed a iy SF lass 0 béandy to steady his nerves. Then he said: “You men are as blind as bats. I will look for him myself.” CHAPTER XI. WAKING UP JOB ROGERS AGAIN. zee more aes than he Py ge to paredh, the Pp proceed ou Se matter of etientiun he abtashied himself that his feat were in order before starting. Then, conceal- mac up his sleeve he proceeded with the search, Only the usual water casks and Foyt aes took wu the room in the hold, together with oun ein Hein bay lead en up VY. rs) and serving as Date lose by the cabin bulkhead, stood the magazine, built of heavy timbers and covered with sheet lead. It was closed by a peculiar lock and the key to it was in the pirate’s own po on. ’ The heavy ribs of the schooner, plainly visible, offered no p. of refuge. So the search was tless. “Who was the last man that saw him?” asked the But all his keen questio elicited was that Frazer had been seen just previous to the run from their retreat. There had been too much excitement since then to pay heed to who was around them and Frazer never was very sociable. “He a oy ley tek ano then instead of caring 3) m in our com lads,” said the pirate with a harsh laugh. Well, I am glad we are well rid of him, anyhow.” The pirate returned to his cabin with a heavy scowl darkening his face. A thought flashed across his. mind that swum ashore at perhape the man the last moment. t, even if that were possible the dwarf would discover him e could do no so long as the powerful dwarf was there to cE taaiiy,, however, bi diamine’ thie. th ’ e0) as impossible, and settled down to th th an ad x, re ptin t a tied, | e more recourse to the bott thre himself on his bi and was soon. ~ poundiy. At daylight the next morning hin St tats late 4 ss m “So,” the pirate “he’s concluded to haul off and repair damages, it seems. We shall have for a couple of weeks at least. It willtake him fully that time to get such a spar as he needs. Meanwhile, Sancho, you ean keep the schooner head- ed as she is. Tell the look-out to keep his eyes open. We will have plenty of time. to pick up a few prizes and get back the island before. that Yankee can abated get us again wae wilt sone ogi! Sameee ng eased own, o eno eee met er reefs tha i ooner Bocsn -§ dates Toward six bells (11 o’clock) in the forenoo eaamraangieee, esis mais “Broad in the bow as a tub,” he muttered. “Ww who knows that. she may be worth our J Been badly haken up in last night’s gale, too. Keep ere : @ closer look at e., led vessel, most. of her to ried away, y was staggering slowly on under a light
Page 7
— read of canvas,and within an hour her hull was Plainly visible from the pirate’s deck. “Send all the men below but a half-dozen,” San- tillez ordered. As he spoke he disappeared in the cabin. When he returned he was c in the rough garb of an or- dingy seacrapsaln. ntly a flag fluttered out from the main-mast of the merchantmen. As it unfolded to to the breeze 4 displayed the well-known Stars and Stripes, union own. * Another Yankee, and he wants assistance, eh?” hissed the pirate, savagely. “‘ Well, they owe us peti gag or the run their cruiser gave us last ight. Hoist their own colors, Sancho; I don’t care to have them suspect us yet. You can lay our own where it will be ready when we want it!” s the well-known ensign fluttered from the schoo- ner’s peak, a gun was fired to windward from the brig in recognition. ‘*So they are armed, too, it seems?” wled the pirate. ‘They must have something, then, worth our trouble, ey shouldn't waste their powder so carelessly, though, for they'll need it pretty soon.” While he was speaking, cho was surveying the vessel through the glass. “Pardon, senor,” said he, “but that’s the same craft we boarded when the cruiser came down on us so suddenly.” “ Are you sure of that?” ~ “ Ay, senor, that I am. I noted the fellow’s rig bach cag ape theyll recognize us and give us a lively t 7 “No, senor, we boarded her in the darkness. They had no chance to notice us before we were on them.” “So,” muttered the pirate, his eyes gleaming with a new light. “I am in luck after all, it seems. Truxillo told me that she carried a heavy treasure, and then there’s that lovely beauty he was telling about thrownin,. The last petticoat that fell in my hands was an old crone as homely as Satan. It was unfortunate for her, for she had to walk the plank with the rest of them. Well, I shall soon see if the dead rascal was right in his description.” The brig, meanwhile, had hove to and was waiting for the schooner’s arrival. Captain Zeke was standing aft, watching the schoo- ner through his glass. ‘““A handsome craft,” he exclaimed, admiringly. a het a dollar against a sixpence she’s Baltimore built.’ ‘*Looks so to me, too,” responded Job Rogers. Less than a quarter of a mile intervened between the two vessels now. Suddenly the Stars and Stripes dropped from the schooner’s mast, and the next in- stant the black flag shot up in its place! “Pirates again!” excitedly exclaimed Captain Zeke, but in a moment he had regained his cool- ness. “Serve out the arms at once, Job,” was his quick order, “‘and pass up the shot for our gun for’ard. Lose no time, for that feller is coming fast. Fight like true Yankees, boys, for yonder rascal ‘gives no oes 19 it’s death to every man of us if they take e brig.’ No need of further urging. As rapidly as possible the forward gun was loaded. “Tl take keer of this shootin’-iron, boys,” an- swered the mate, ru his eye over the sine as he spoke. ‘‘ Give a pull on that port tackle! ere, stand back!” Grasping a handspike he lowered the breech until he had gained the necessary elevation. His sharp gray eyes once more ran over the sights and then he applied the match. There was a flash and a stunning report, followed by a puff of smoke. As the wind swept the latter away all eyes were fixed upon the schooner. bie shot!” cried Captain. Zeke, spony ly. “You've knocked his jib-boom clear thunder, Mr. Rogers! Give him another dose of the same.” In fact the shot had carried ig § most of the pi- rate’s head-gear and considerably impeded his pro- Santillez was not slow to return the compliment from his long-tom amidships, but the ball went wide of the mark. Now that tee eare had thrown off his mask, his decks were filled with villainous faces. “There's a better mark for you,” exclaimed Cap- tain Zeke, as the schooner fell off a couple of points. “Give ’em Hail Columby this time!” “ Here she goes, then,’ was the reply, as the gun was again discharged. This time Job was still more fortunate in his aim, for the shot raked across the pirate’s forecastle, f a breach in her bulwarks and sending death to a half dozen pirates who were engaged in repairing damages, Ren the goes kept pony 4 on a ap. de- termination, while again her gun spoke—this time sendi ie shot across the brig’s decks but injuring none of her crew. he “Wait a bit, my hearties,” shouted the mate, cheerfully, “we'll give you another dose.” Bang! went the gun as he spoke and a roar of de- light broke from the brig’s crew, for that last shot struck the carriage of the long-tom, knocking it to splinters and killing the man who was at that mo- ment about to a: ply the match. “ Hurrah!” cried aptain Zeke; ‘‘ afew more doses like that cy t t chap will feel like dropping Captain erstood not the determined character of the man he had to deal with. rate kept on as unconcernedly asif nothing had hap- = ers to your places!’ was shouted from his ———— — The pi-" The Ocean Bloodhoun A deck and back before the brave mate could again bring his weapon to bear, the sharp bows of the pi- rate schooner grated against the brig’s side. With a fiendish yell, the pirates swarmed on the New Englander’s decks. Desperate indeed was the odds against the Yan- kee crew. CHAPTER XII. THE NIGHT PROWLER. Wuart had become of the mysterious man whose disappearance had caused the pirate no little un- easiness? Sancho had spoken the truth when he declared he had been seen on board the schooner at the moment of her departure; but, that was before the vessel had begun to gather headway for her run through the channel. No eye was upon John Frazer as he quietly lowered himself over the bows, and silently swam away in the darkness. the excitement of the danger ahead and sur- inded by darkness his absence passed unnoticed. He had at last eluded his watchful enemies. Before the schooner had rounded the cliff and en- tered the channel, he had clambered up the sloping beach and disappeared. “So much peed. at least,’ he said, in deep satis- faction, “I had almost begun to fear that I should never be able to evade their suspicious eyes. Oh, that the vengeance of Heaven might overtake those wretches and scatter their bones upon the reefs yon- der! Must I be compelled to drag out a weary ex- istence in this horrible spot while my friends mourn for me as lost? No. Heaven is merciful! There must be some means by which I may yet outwit my foes.” As he spoke, he walked slowly on to the foot of the staircase eading to the pirate’s quarters. He was about to ascend, when he suddenly paused with the remark: ““No, I must not take unnecessary risk. I forget that Iam not yet the sole inhabitant of this island. The dwarf still remains to keep guard over his mas- ter’s treasures. Well, I shall have to be doubly cautious in my movements until he is rendered harmless, that is all.” He passed around the foot of the rock to that part of the cliff facing the sea. Proceeding but a short distance, he again paused. It was intensely dark, yet he acted like a man who understood thoroughly what he was in search of. “This is the spot from whichT have seen the dwarf emerge when he fancied no one was watching his movements. There must be a secret spring about here somewhere, and now to find it.”’ To all outward appearances, however, there was no sign of a door, All before him was apparently the solid face of the cliff. pee eo down, he began carefully groping over the surface. It was a half-hour before he found anything to rew his search. Finally, his hand rested upon a small iron knob. almost concealed by the rank sea- that lined the shore at that point. Pressing his foot upon this, a small section of the rock slid k, followed by a rush of cold air from within. The space thus revealed to him seemed scarcely large enough to admit a human bony; but, mocping down, with much exertion he forced is way throug the aperture. As he did so, the door slid back into its place with a sharp click. “Tt is lucky I thought to provide myself with a candle,’ said the man, quietly, as he produced it from his pocket. This, after a few trials, he suc- ceeded in lighting, carefully shielding it with his hand from sudden draughts. He found himself in a long and very narrow pas- sageway. The marks still plainly visible upon its rugged sides showed that it was the work of man. h cautious steps he proceeded until he found his further e barred by the solid rock. A careful search for hidden doors failed to reveal any. **Am I to be baffled at the very outset?” he said, sadly, as he slowly retraced his steps, carefully ex- amining the walls on either hand. ie pg uttered an exclamation of satisfac- tion. He had solved the mystery. On one side of the wall were a number of niches cut in the rock and barely sufficient for a foothold. ng his feet in these, and bracing his back against the opposite wall, he slowly ascended, and emerged at length upon a narrow shel rock. Another narrow p e led from this; but, unlike the other, this was a natural cleft in the rock. Lge through this a distance of about fifteen feet, he found his further advance barred by another door; but found the spring without difficulty and pushed it open. A surprise was in store for him. He found himself in a small apartment nearly fill- ed by a bed, upon which lay the huge, misshapen body of the dwarf! He was soundly s eeping. Shutting the door behind him as lightly as possible to avoid disturbing the sleeper, the man passed through another door and left him. “ Baba sleeps unusually sound to-night,” he mut- tered, softly. “I little thought that I would stum- lance.” The room which John Frazer had entered was the pirate’s main apartment, already fully described. On the table lay a number of papers thrown care- lessly down. Rng 4 were the same ones brought in b Peaxillo when he made the report of his luck which afterward proved his death. John Frazer stuck his candle into the neck of an empty champagne bottle upon the table. Then he stepped to a carved swinging book-rack and carefully examined the volumes it contained. A pleased smile spread over his face as he selected a small volume whose sides were covered with sheet lead. Ghancing at the title he read: ‘‘ United States Navy Signals.” Phe volume was thus bound to insure its sinking if thrown overboard to escape the enemy's hands. “Good!” exclaimed John Frazer, coolly, ‘‘I had begun to fear that I might be unable to find this, af- ter all. I wonder how he managed to secure two copies: for I know thereis one on board the schooner. Pedro Santillez must consider his quarters very safe from intrusion at all events, or he would not allow such valuables to lie around so loosely. Now, then, for pen, ink and ye ice e required icles were very soon found and placed upon the table. Drawing up a chair beside them, John Frazer sat own. He was careful, however, in doing so, to choose a sition giving, him full view of the door leading rom the dwarf’s bedroom. Cautious toa d , he also carefully examined the pistol which he took from the wall, and laid it down upon the table within ene h of his hand. : en, opening the book, he began rapidly to copy the signals from its pages, ic A he remarked, shonghiay as he jotted down the corresponding number. ‘I'll need that sig- nal, by all means. I wonder whether I will be as lucky with the next? Let me see now. P—i— Ah, here I have it, sure enough! Pirates—No, 734. There, I have that down. Those two signals will be all-sufficient for my purpose. Even if I should suc- ceed in my intention during the pirates’ absence, it will be no easy matter for a strange vessel to find her way through the channel. However, I'll see some way to get over the difficulty if that emergency should arise. “The next t on the pocareme is to hunt up some bunting with which to make the rea eae signals. I wish there was some way to - cade Baba’s door,” he added, eying it distrust- fully as he spoke. “This place seems to be full of rape on every hand. The first thing I know, I ma; find myself caught in one, and then my long-looked- for opportunity will be thrown Bray. It would have sii an easy matter to have ended the dwarf's career orever.”’ Many aman in John Frazer’s place would have done so as a measure of self-defense; but the mys- terious and sering individual was repu t to tak- ing life if it could be avoided. He glanced at the door again, but there was no bolt from the side to- ward him. ‘Never mind; I must run the chances, I sup- pose,”’ said he, coolly, as he again picked up the candle, He opened another door, leading to the pirate’s bedchamber. “A pretty nest for such a scoundrel,” said he, uietly, as he surveyed the handsome bedstead, with its rich silken ha: ; “itis about as appropriate as putting a hyena ina Se Pete every hand were scattered treasures and knick- knacks of immense value, thrown down in a state of indescribable confusion. band one gee me oan er : small ebo: 3 e, inlai mother-of-pear ying n was a small, handsomely-mounted pistol. edi John Frazer picked this up, and satisfied himself that it was loaded before thrus it in be gee ae Then, Ley ute ee sudden noise, he wheeled quickly around and cocked the weapon. THE UNWILLING SLEEPER. His alarm, however, was groundless. The dwarf started up in his sleep, but that was all. The articles John Frazer was in search of were not in that room, as. he soon discovered. tisfied of this fact, he retraced his steps to the 1 apartment, Two more doors were opened, but proved to be closets. “Strange,” muttered the searcher, peering thoughtfully around. “I know that there is an eee to the treasure from this spot, if I can but nm Shad The Turkish rug in the center of the floor canght his attention. He pulled it hastily aside, and there before him lay the secret to the passage—a small trap-door let into the floor. reaping an iron ring secured in its face, he threw #t open. Holding down his light, he could see a flight of steps leading downward. ery cau Oey ans man began his descent. There was no telling what pitfalls might lie concealed be- fore him. At the foot of the stairs he was confront- ed by an iron door, which was closed with heavy bolts from the inside. It was but the work of a moment to slip these heck. The door ayane g p, giving him Sarees to a cave half-filled wii boxes 2 and bales of costly goods, for the pirates never troubled themselves with anything but. the choicest of what fell into their hands. After a short search, John Frazer came across & number of rolls of various-colored bunting. With the aid of his knife, he cut. off such a quantity of each as he moran. would suffice his seal ey er bundling them ther, he prepared to. nto Oraranately, he het tion to shoot ortunately, he taken the precaution to shoo out the bolts of the doer b which he had entered, We say fortunately, for it was built in such a man- ner as not to be discernible from the solid rock of the cave whenit closed. , ‘ ‘ through, he secured the door as he found it and ascended again to the room above. Every- ey
Page 8
thing there was as quiet as when he had left it, but a a minutes before. his ear to the door leading to the dwarf’s room, he listened intently. A ore regular breath- et es. showed him that Baba was s tisfied on this point, he again seated his attention. “Ship’s papers,” he muttered. “This is part of the result of xillo’s cruise, I suppose.” He picked them UP. one after the other, and glanced over their contents. “The last clew that exists of their fate,” said he, sadly. ‘I must take a note of these vessels’ names in case it might some time serve to clear up the ‘Wrecked at sea,’ will be the mn verdict when we fail to arrive. Ah! how lit- e will they suspect the horrible truth that they have fallen victims to the cruel hands of the ‘ terror of the seas.’ Could I have succeeded in my plan to soon have to bring justice upon the heels of this > higher than his own to his heart to save my life when he was about to have me executed. As for his Sg e n- ble of such a feeling. Well, while life remains perish, after all, that I have left no means untried to thwart him in his plans. Little did any of them suspect why that powder-keg failed to n @ in jotting down the names and destinations of the fated ves- sels, 2. eye d aye Sopenay§ No seoe ney me face as e. 8 of surprise an n y Ran lips. It CST the mnpiifeet of the mystery of their fate. capture the fleet Isabelle, I should ve: eo be wa : monster. Surely, some power must have put it in x ed feeling of gratitude for saving his life, I continue to hope. If I must I will die the easier for knowin blow up the brig.” While thus a he had bee broke from brig, Nancy Jones. In answer to that ringing cry the door before him flew open, and the face of the dwarf, lit up with an ion of demoniac rage and surprise, confront- ed The long, sinewy fingers were clutching the air vely, and the body convulsiv crouched for the fatal Unfortunately for John Frazer, his usual self-com- mand seemed swept away for the moment by the terrible shock he seemed have received that mo- ment; but _ for a single instant did his wonderful presence of mind desert him, The next, he was the same cool, quiet individual we have seen before. The misshapen dwarf looked like an enraged wild beast whose lair had been invaded. His eyes burned like coals, and a hoarse, savage cry issued from be- tween his clenched teeth. John Frazer rose slowly to his feet, his eyes glow- ing with a deep, peculiar light. They fixed them- selves full upon the fiendish face of the dwarf. As the lion-tamer keeps bis beasts in subjection by the magnetic power of a deep, unflinching gaze, so did this man seem to bring the human brute before him into subjection. A thrill shot through ey nerve and fiber of the dwarf’s body. His furi- ous looks began slowly to gt leaving a blank, expressionless stare upon his hideous features. A mysterious power was acting upon his savage na- eo ae he was compelled to submit to a master. making Mtv. qineatel passa is the: cir D WwW, passes in the air, erne suddenly seized upon the frame of the wi Like a fascinated animal, his eyes were now fixed in astony stare upon those of the master before him. His body become as rigid as iron—the very impersonation of a rage. x onal cried John Frazer, in a deep, command- e. ty of the dwarf’s body slowly relaxed; and in a moment more he sunk unconscious to the floor, his eyes still wide open and fixed upon va- cancy. John Frazer stepped forward and took the dwarf’s hand in his own. “T see—her—now, but the—darkness it is great—”’ he said, with an effort. The ous man made a few more impera- tive pees over the dwarf’s body. “You must see!’ he said, sternly. “What make ye ahes Pare—sig en the long-tom amidshi ‘ e ~— e x m ” came in epascn c = from lips. ‘‘ Ah, Gore is a ship on her lee m.”” indie bones to Lave odught tae apcltemedh of te seem ave caug ex: en scene he was describing. : “What now, slave?” “They have fired the gun— There are lights flash- Pa ship's decks— She answers with a broad- nn Perdition! it is a ship of war and the schoon- er 4 ‘Proceed!” cried John Frazer, impatiently, his heart beating high with hope. Slower ote, taal at long intervals the words cee SRE ans ADt 1 @ seems 7 e schooner issheaded for the lower sodege & will take ow she has entered.” the see © Gan it'be that the scoundrel is fated to escape } again?” muttered John Frazer, under his He stooped to listen again for the dwarf was speak- once more, The ship is still in pursuit— Ah, she intends to mself at the table. The papers lying scattered upon it caught 8 , Beadle’s HalfDime Library. try the channel, too. Good! she will be dashed to pieces on the rocks! Furies! no. She has made the run safely, and is in deep water .—Crash! what was that?—The full force of the hurricane has struck her.—There goes her fore-topmast over the side!— She loses headway! The Isabelle is flying off in th darkness. My master has triumphed ceain.* CHAPTER XIV. THE WILL-SLAVE. A GHASTLY P mee began to overspread the face of the dwarf. e terrible strain upon his newly-used powers was beginning to tell. John Frazer read those signs with a practiced eye. Again his hand moved in those passes as he released the subject from the trance and said sternly, ** Awake!” Like a man suddenly roused from a sound slum- ber, the dwarf stirred uneasily and opening his eyes sat up with a confused air. “What has—” he began, then his eyes fell ag the silent form of the man beside him and he trem- bled violently. He remembered nothing of the scene he had been so lately describing. Still he realized that he had been overcome in some mysterious way. Tenorent to the lowest ew he was correspond- ingly superstitious. A loo of undisguised terror over his evil face. . There was a gurgling, choking cry. He sprung to his feet only to fall back, the next moment, his body writhing in terrible con- ons. *“ Bad!’’ muttered the mysterious man; “I did not mean to punish the wretch thus. He possesses less will-power than I thought.” Pa oe iz to one of the closets as he spoke and glan n. ‘“*Ah, I am in luck!” he exclaimed, taking from a shelf, a small and handsome case. tting it down upon the table, he threw open the lid and hastily lifting the bottles, glanced at their labels. Selecting one of these and a small horn spoon, he ane poured out a few drops as he Bpgecestes the dwarf, still writhing in agony before a The sufferer presented a terrible appearance. From between tightly clenched teeth. issued a mass of bloody froth. John Frazer looked unusually grave as he kneeled by the sufferer’s side. “Horrible!”’ he cried in deep pity, as his eyes took in the whole truth. Yes it was horrible. In one of his to e between twain. romerigers - his head, his every look tinged with t, an a wig John -—in an interval of re- hel --stie6 n pouring the liquid down the throat of the tortured creature. It acted like magic. In a few minutes more the stiffened limbs began to relax their tension. “Be quiet now, slave!”’ ordered the man sternly, as he saw that the dwarf once more recognized him. “Listen tome, You have bitten off your tongue in your unlucky fit. Unless you keep very quiet and allow me to do what I can to relieve you, you will surely bleed to death. Do you understand me?” Sitting up and spitting out the blood which filled his pt the dwarf uttered a guttural sound of assent. John Frazer once more had recourse to the medi- cine-chest, In a short time his skill had succeeded the flow of blood. * Now. ! said he slowly and impressively. “from this moment you are my slave. No secret 0 your heart can be hidden from my know . You are thinking now of reve upon me, are to move a hand and I will strike you dead as quickly as the forked lightning shoots from the skies. The dwarf turned pe at these words, and a look of terror swept over his face. Right well had the man before him read what was the in his evil heart. He was not slow to fol- advantage. “So long as A a, obey me implicitly you shall re- main unharmed,” he continued. ‘“‘ Attempt any act against my life though and you shall die. Now to your room and let no living mortal know what your eyes have seen.” The dwarf rose slowly to his feet like a man weak from a long illness. He turned to reach his room, en a half-dozen steps away; but, ere he reached it, and while his back was still turned toward the mysterious man, the latter suddenly made a sweep- ing downward gesture. Not a word did he utter, et the dwarf was arrested as suddenly as if stricken y a thunderbolt, For a full moment he remained there, as motionless as a statue. Then, with another quiet move of his hand, John Frazer released him and said: “Go!” It was Pi Fear lent strength to the limbs of the dwarf. He leaped into the room at one bound, and slammed the door behind him. “T guess he will not dare to attempt any tricks upon meafter that,” said John Frazer, lightly, and an air of confident assurance. Then in a mus- ing tone he added: “ What a terrible power human magnetism may become when properly handled. I never thought of it as a bog the dwarf until I saw by his eye that he was a good subject. Much amusement have I caused in the past by the exhibition of my power; but, never did I imagine that it would one day answer me such a good purpose. I Ba though, were a better clairvoyant,” he sper tone iy. as he proceeded ¢0 return the —- = pede place, and again seated himself at the E ‘Had he possessed more vital power, I might have ms, the dwarf had caught his teeth and actually had bitten it in learned more of this cruiser; but he will take an- other twenty-four hours at least to recover from his exhaustion. The ship he described must be the same cruiser that has been watching the island to- day. Ah, I begin to see through it now. That dar- attack upon her was made to draw her on in pur- “ Santillez must haye ho that his enemy would follow his daring lead and be dashed to pieces on the reefs. But, Providence has thwarted him in_his wicked d , and for once the pirate has made a mistake. r his late narrow escape, he will be disposed to give the island a wide berth, for a few days at least. It remains to be seen yet whether the cruiser will return to examine the d, or run off to repair the she had received. May Heaven guide her footsteps here, is as rayer!”” His head dro upon his ds and he remained for a moment in silence, Suddenly he raised up and his eyes fell upon the paper which had caused him such trepidation. “Ah, my brave friend, Captam Jones,” he said, sadly, “little did youor I dream how short was the distance that separated us in your moment of peril! Truly you esca) the hands of your enemy as if by a Pp But I am Men # ue yi he = claimed, starting up su Si a carry ou my plans at once if I would succeed.” Making a quiet aa in the direction of the dwarf’s room, he said in strong terms: “Slave! you are wanted!’ The next instant, the pallid face of the dwarf ap- peared in the doorway. “ Bring me sewing materials at once!’ command- ed John Wraser. Like a figure impelled bd hidden mechanism, the dwarf obeyed. Entering the pirate’s sleeping-room, he soon returned with a dainty work-baaket which ke more eloquently than words of some fair vic- tim. oa pe sat it down upon the table, his master said, e : ‘4d You oe go, now, and sleep. Iwill summon you when I need you.—I shall have a treasure in that fel- low, hereafter,”’ he mused as the dwarf disappeared. “T’m sorry the poor wretch has lost his power of speech, but that was no fault of mine, It may in the end prove of great advantage to me. orant as he is, he will be unable to communicate what has ha ned to his master, should I fail. It looks like the er of an ove Providence, Ah, could I but use the powers I possess to read the future as Ido the past and present; but, alas, that is impossible!” XV. THE PIRATE'S CAPTIVE. Nosty indeed did the Yankee crew rally to defend their lives. At the head of his men, the daring pi- rate leaped upon the Les deck. As he did so, a slash from a cutlass, in the hands of Captain Zeke, laid his right cheek open to the bone. Point-blank the pirate fired his pistol at his antagonist. Shot through the shoulder, the brave coptem drop- ped like a log to the deck, w: over his on body Mey at yaneing, pirates. “Tn em, men roared tillez, fiercely. ** Let not a man esca ou! Death to them all!” The crew of the b gathered near the main- mast as the pirates clambered over the side. mies. But, it was fate; they must ba compelled. bo goes at i Just at the critical moment when all hope seemed to have fled from their h ice from the bow & VO! ed them like an electric shock: . “Death to all pirates |” Clear and distinct rung out that stern cry. Santillez flashed his eagle eye in the direction of the sound. Even his bull-dog courage and nerves of steel falt- ered at the sight w met his eyes. “Flat on your faces, men!’ he managed to gasp, dropping as he spoke. words came too late for many of his hardened wretches to take in their > atoell; It was indeed a sight to ap the stoutest heart. by the bow-gun load- shot, ed to the muzzle with grape A emails of avenging umph rested upon his bronzed features as his right hand applied the match to his terrible weapon, Before half the irates could obey their leader’s warning, a tremendous report shook the brig from stem to stern, and as the smoke lifted, a sickening sight was revealed, Nearly half of the pirate’s crew had been blown to atoms. Only those who had heeded their leader’s sudden warning escaped. ‘ Line an enraged tiger, Santillez sprung to his ee ** Follow me, lads !” he shouted, The crew of the brig, red for that terrible catastrophe, had sprung opposite side of the deck at the sound of that warning from the mate’s lips, and escaped unharmed. mm PO MSY cee, OR are mew ine, Pe OF left of eir number. Two of them went down before the pirate’s terrific onslaught. The others were coy swegs to ie deck and trampled under the feet of fol- °Straight for that terrible gun th and with good need, for brave Job Roger was at that ramming home another Cantridge He stooped to yong round of grape, when saw that he was too : Already the pirate chief was within six feet of
Page 9
him, his pistol raised to fire. Ducking his head to avoid the expected shot, the mate snatched up the match and applied it. It was only a blank cha it was true, but it served to ncert his enemies for a moment. A dozen pistol-bullets whistled around him at the same instant. Santillez’s aim had been truer than the rest. His bullet struck the brave sailor full in ee Al is lost he gasped. ba lost!” he superhuman effort, he staggered to With one last the rail, and threw himself headforemost into the sea. Better, at least, death from such a source than slow torture at the hands of his enemies. The smoke of that last discharge hid his move- ment from the pirates’ eyes. Instinctively they guessed the truth. A dozen devilish faces red over the rail, ready to finish their victim if he still showed signs of life. But the deep waters beneath gave no sign of the victim they swallowed up in their depths. The form of the stricken*man rose no more to the surface. “ He’s gone to Davy Jones’s locker at last!” ex- claimed the pirate chief, with a savage oath. ‘‘ What very devils these Yankees become when their tem- perisup! Ah! if I had but fifty such men under me well, xo 7a added the irate, as h wi “We att e pirate, as he coo! Blade n the ei of his ay, ys his reeking uy have had a harder fight than I expected to take the brig. Perdition seize me; but I don’t remember to have ever been in a ae spot in my life. I gave myself up for gone when I saw that gun covering us and that cool Yankee applying the match. Luck is with us, after all, you see. e’ve lost half of our brave boys; but, there'll be the fewer of us to divide the treasure ryee Well did the crafty leader understand how best to reconcile his men to what had happened. A grim look of satisfaction swept over the face cf the crew at his words. Then, like a flash, there came to the pirate’s mind the remembrance of the woman his lieutenant had spoken of. A demoniac smile of triumph shot across his face as he wiped the blood from his wounded cheek, s Stay on deck all of you!” said he, addressing his men. “If any of the brig’s crew are still alive, you can a cord aro their arms; but do them no harm. I have a fate in store for them worse than death. Sancho, you will see to it that a keg of pow- der is placed in the main hatchway. If there is anything in the ho cularly valuable, you can ything in the hold particular] luabl pass it over to the schooner’s decks.”’ Turning on his heel as he concluded, the pirate strode to the brig’s cabin, and disappeared. “Now to have a peep at the pretty bird in her cage,” he muttered. ‘It’s caused me no little trouble to secure her.”’ g the companion-way, his eagle eye took in everything at a glance. The victim he was looking for was not there. ‘** Could it be possible,”’ he asked himself, ‘that the woman had thrown herself into the sea to escape his But the look of c accom gee: Spey is noticed the door leading to nished. His Pres forward cat. With a quick stride he laid his and threw it open. u the The ight that greeted his eyes was sufficient to have moved the heart of ademon. Kneeling prayer- fully before him, her right hand raised appealingly to ) Anoomarg the other hand thrown protectingly around the waist of a lovely boy, was the object of the pirate’s . No thrill of pity crossed the flinty heart of the wretch as he on the scene. No; only a look of gloating triumph that he had gained so rich a prize. She started up at his turned pleadingly apon him in a look of supplica- tion more ent “Spare us! in Heaven's name, spare us!” she “Nobody shall harm a hair of your head, my beauty,” replied the pirate, with a glance that made her shisdder we Thang I afford to lose half my crew to gain such a as you.” ; “Have you no grain of a in your heart?’’ cried the woman, pl ngly. The pirate interrupted her with the coarse re- mark: i “Ay, my oun Tye plenty of heart when there's such dainty c as you to be had for the taking. Pity? Ay, I pity he too much to send you to the bottom in thts old hulk. You shall be my own sweet lass; never fear. You have still many years of life before you yet AP pee but make the of it.” of fixed, terri ble despair crept into the ph ane CS) those A “ All is lost!” she cried. “Father in Heaven, for- give me for this act!” CHAPTER XVI. LOOKING DEATH IN THE FACE. man uttered those des wo Ps Fa he a keen stiletto from the Folds of Another moment and she would have accomplish- ed her purpose, but with one bound the stalwart pi- rate sprung ay tl wrested y aye tne her cutting fingers badly in . « Rot 50 fast, my pretty bird!” he cried, angrily; “what are you a “T would take re bravely, ‘ ed: The Ocean Bloodhound. “Take my advice and don’t try any more such foolish tricks,” said the pirate, with a wicked glitter in his eyes. ‘“‘I am the master, now, and you are todo as please. There'll be time enough for that when—”’ He was about to add, when he was tired of her com y, but he suddenly checked the words. “And now,” he add “*you are to employ your time in Speen up such things as you thin E you will need. You will have fifteen minutes given you for that purpose. It will take me that time to what spoils there are in the after-cabin. though *’—with a look full of savage menace—“ re- member I shall keep an eye on you.” What a wave of terror surged over the woman's heart as she listened. Slowly and like one in a —— she proceeded to obey the pirate’s sugges- ion, The child at her side, unconscious of the terrible calamity that had befallen them, gazed into his mother’s despairing face with looks of wonder. All hope had fled from her heart at last. She could do ——, but obey the bidding of the human monster, who. — a wary eye upon her movements through the open oor, Was enyiag him- self in gathering up the ship’s instruments, the bag of treasure and all else that seemed to him worth the trouble of taking. These he thrust indiscriminately into an empty bag. “fhen throwing it over his shoulder he again ap- proached the lady’s state-room. “Ah! you are all ready, eh? That is well, for I like promptness. By the way, you'd better throw a vail over your pretty face. I would not care to have my Own men see what a pretty prize has fal- len into my hands. They t become jealous, you see.”’ That was not the real motive that actuated him. Of all the victims that had fallen into his hands, none of his men had ever seen their faces; but no one ever knew what was the reason for his queer precaution. The woman obeyed him without a word. ther up No tricks, Her hand was still tightly clasped in that of her | child as if she feared for his safety, “Never fear for the little chap, m Lounty ” said the ey carelessly. ‘I’ve no particular o jection pe noel remaining with ‘you, so long as you sen ley What a terrible threat was implied in those few deeply-emphasized words. e face of the woman turned deadly pale as she heard them. It was only by a strong effort that she retained her senses. How long would her brain stand against that fe strain before she would go Slowly, and with faltering steps, she fullowed her captor to the deck, and soon Santillez saw his victim a, in ie" myn = the angen inh watind ‘earing she m esca, m aga © p her into a state-room, and Bolted the door. Then he again returned to the brig and looked around him. Three of the brig’s crew, though badly wounded, were still alive. her late com- Added to these was Ca Zeke, mander. A bullet-hole in shoulder, pale as death from weakness, he was still watchful and defiant. The pirates had bound the prisoners’ arms tightly behind them. Santillez surveyed them coolly for a moment, and then said: “ Bring them here to the hatchway, and lash them fast around it.” The hatches had already been removed, and the keg of powder lowered in the hold. e 0 out until the bottom of the keg was only a few feet from the keel of the doomed vessel. Santillez eevee goberayd coil of fuse lying on the deck. Determined there should be no chance of failure this time, he descended into the hold. Remo the cover from the keg, he oe coiled the fase upon the open powder. Then he lit | the end and h edly sprung out. Pat Back to the schooner, boys!” he cried, as he led e way. Well he vers -t ane risk 7 aed A le stra; oe m the fuse drop to the powder he low them up at any ieee ag to the here such a tion that they could easily see the fate in store for them, the wounded survivors of the peek vengeance looked for instant annihilation. terally ‘vere they com- ed to stare death in the facé. With a fiendish malignity, worthy of such a hard- hearted scoundrel, had the pirate carried out his infernal plan. A half-dozen yards of fuse lay coiled upon the open powder. Slowly, but none the less surely, the fatal spark crept on its mission. e pirate schooner, with all sail set to catch the light breeze, moved slowly away from the spot. ith what superhuman strength the wounded wretches tugged at the cords which confined them; but, all in vain! The pirates had done their work bag Bey well. ith one accord they saw the hopelessness of the anon’ ceased their ey oe Their lips move er in prayer to Father of all me Oh, that the Heavens would open in a second de- luge to drown out yonder fatal spark. ith pated breath they waited for the dreaded momen Instants of time became hours, and minutes years. The spark still crept slowly on its murderous way. Fans one coil now remained upon the open pow- | 2 f | out to his companions a 9 Two minutes more, and the explosion would hurl me t that instant, thing ped harsh! ust a ins some’ sera y in the ok ar boa brig, their da they heed e aw inte 0 e A - nr ‘heard it Slowly clambering over the side, came the power- ful form of Job Rogers, the mate. Ca; Zeke gazed upon him as if he had seen an apparition. Then in an instant he saw that the form before him was in reality flesh and blood. instant death himself, he resolved to make the effort to save one life at least. “ Over n, for your life!” he shouted. “We are doomed men.” The rest of the crew, unheeding the mate's pres- ence, were gazing with fascinated eyes upon the powder beneath them. With one bound, Job Rogers sp to the hatch- combings and looked down. The nent haatnat he had nto the hold. carefully he picked up the lighted fuse then ch short of contact. but a quarter of an : ing out the tiny spark in his hands, he tossed tu n the deck above. eakened as he was, the exertion had been too great for him. For the first time in his life, the strong man fainted—his body falling across that fa- eg. A cry of thanksgiving broke from the lips of the witnesses. They laughed and cried by turns like men crazy with joy. Heaven had indeed answered their prayers, when all human aid seemed impossible. There was still one drawback to their be | of hay ——- Secured as they were, they could do ng to aid their brave rescuer. What if that act was the last of his life? Their fears were soon brought to an end. Nature came to the relief of an iron constitution. In afew moments the brave mate regained his consciousness. Slowly and ly he dragged himself to the deck above. He gave one cautious glance in direction of the retrea’ ooner. By this time the latter was disappearing in the dis- Drawing a keen poniard from the belt of one of the dead pirates, the mate quickly severed the bonds that confined his companions. He worked paiufully as if the effort cost him a hard struggle. Then descending into the cabin he soon reappear- ed with a bottle of brandy, from which he served good allowance. The fiery liquor—valuable indeed at,such a time— served to ulate and put new spirit into their weak- ome tiff li hearties; ali is not lost “Keep as upper lip. es; yet,” sald the mate, Répebaiey: CHAPTER XVIL. AFTER THE CONFLICT. Despite the mate’s brave words, there was a hel i viothne payee tere cluter h = aad si =r} elpless m e 8 clute! iors fate far worst Chon doetic ie ie Severely wounded as were the survivors of the brig, there were hopes of life yet, and the Yankee skipper was not a bad doctor. Unh his wounds, Captain Zeke at once proceeded to attend to the wants of his com ons. Bringing up the vessel's medicine-chest, which luckily the te had paring bandages. Job was assisting in this task, when, all of a sudden, he was noticed to turn pale; and then, tha , he sunk to the deck. For the second e ng man fainted, ar ke dropped his work with a startled “Help me strip him, men,” said he hurriedly. “I fear he must be ey. hurt.” It may seem a little strange to the reader that this fact was not sooner noticed, 1t must be remembered, though, that the plunge overboard had washed away all traces of blood from his wet clothing. Added to joe the salt of the ocean had partly checked the ow. It was the violent exertions the mate had after- ward made that started the bleeding afresh. Still, like a martyr of old, he had preferred to keep his suffering eg until the of the others had been supplied. With trembling hands, t! tore ee his shirt and bared his boshin. The pi Fig? ace was very grave athe saw the ragged where the bullet en Very close to the mate’s heart it was. Ah! little my eop hd had they of his recovery. Foo made a hasty examination of the wound, - We can but ease his last moments, I fear,” he Suddenly # great flash of joy spread over his rug- ged features. Lg has spared his lif # ina gtd Canktulnees ees ene ceit he ndded, potuting to. hand, sell “ ” n a ee “The bullet has struck a and glanced aside. F "Hand me that stiletto, Dick! Hurry, before he mes co le Taking the keen weapon, the captain—his hand now firm as steel—made a t incision over the spot, and the next moment he the leaden bullet in his hand. “He has fainted from loss of blood,” said he, as he proceeded to bind up the mate’s wounds, and PS aes
Page 10
| | 10 while he was thus engaged, Job Rogers slowly opened his eyes. ‘*T’m weak as a cat, boys,”’ he apologetically mur- mured. ‘“ Ain’t it queer, though, that I should drop off that wa; ain like a great lubber? Ah, cap- tain,”’ he as he saw what was being. done, “Tm afeared it’s all of no use. I’ve hung on hard, but I’m afeared those rascals have given mea settler this time.” “ You'll live lo hope,” replied Cap after they're in their graves, I Zeke, with tears of quiet joy “ Here’s the bullet runni own his bony cheeks, that did all the mischief. It missed ay heart by a ae only. Your life will spared to us r ” Job Rogers glanced from one to the other as if to assure iself that they were not trying to encour- age him with false hopes. Satisfied on this point, he replied: EThen I may yet have the pleasure of seeing that scoundrel bang. Td oy something for that sight. Ah! it would be worth a dozen years of my ‘lotted life to see them rascals swinging in the air with a good piece of half-inch stuff knotted around their necks. Poor Mrs. Sanders!. It riles me when I think of her being in the clutches of that beast of a Seaniend. Pass me the bottle, boys; I feel weak when I think of it.’’ : Captain Clark turned away to hide the emo- tions that swept through his honest heart at the wo “The breeze is freshening up once more,” he said presently. “‘May Providence grant that-we may be speted another hurricane in our disabled condition. ‘om,”—addressing one of the three sdilors—‘‘ do you teel strong enough to take the wheel a bit?” ‘Sa de cap’n,”’ was the brave reply. Tt will remembered that, the brig had a few sails set at. the moment the pirate appeared in sight. Bringing the wheel into service, she began to slowly | forge ahead, “Ugh!” exclaimed the mate as he glanced at the | decks littered with the dead men, ‘it wasa terrible | ga’ a. What shall be done with these pirates, cap’n? ey don’t deserve Christian burial,” ‘We're too short-handed to give it to them, any- how,” replied Captain Zeke quietly. “ We'll toss the bodies overboard at once. As for our own five brave lads, we will at least bury them decently. La: them side by side in the main gangway. Poor fel- lows! I little thought they would leave me thus.” Pausing only to themselves of the dead aie weapons, they proceeded with their sicken- en the dead crew of the brig were tenderly laid side by side on deck. Over their silent bodies was stretched the flag un- der which they had fought so nobly. There they must wait until the enfeebled survivors could perform the last solemn rites over their re- mains before consigning them to their last home. This unwelcome task ended, they threw a few buckets of water over the deck to wash away the last traces.of the frightful scene so lately enacted. The mate, still weak, but firm of will as ever, pro- ceeded to light a fire in the galley for their srening meal, for the cook was one of those now lying de under the national emblem, While the water was heating the mate rejoined his com ons on the quarter-deck. “How was it you managed to slip out of their pes, Job?’ —— the captain. é, y ‘3a See myself, cap’n,”’ was the reply. “You see, [had just rammed the powder home for a second dose afore the rascals were on top of me, so to speak. It wasn’tatime for foolin’ just then, so I hn touched off the powder slap in their faces. The ullets war flying around me then thicker’n hair on adog. The fst thing knew I felt something hit me kerslap in the chest, an’ that war a bullet. It war certain death to face the rascals longer. ‘ Well,’ thinks I, ‘better go to the bottom at once than ter wait fer them devils to send me there.’ ith that I jumped over . You know I was allus a good swimmer. I didn’t feel hurt much in the excitemen and when I went under I staid as long as I could. came a tee last, on the other side of the bows. From what I heerd ‘em say, I knew they'd given me up fer a gone coon, so I jest kept quiet. Lucky for me, the end of the main-sheet was overboard, sol jest hi on to itlike grim death. From where I war I could overhear that scoundrel in the cabin. The way the lady pleaded with him went straight to my heart. She might as well have axed a favor of the iron anchor for’ard. Thunder! but it made my blood boil to hear the villain tell her he war her mas- ter. I'd have given anything to hev bin in the cabin, est at that minnit. Howsomever, that warn’t possi- le. Thar was nothing left for me to do but lay low so long as them bloody war on deck. It seemed like a mighty long time afore I heard him give the order to leave. “I expected of course, to find you all dead and the ship scuttled. Still, I darsn’t show my head on deck so long as they war around, you see, I *t the least notion, though, of what the scoun- drels had really done. “Why, that was a wuss torture nor I ever heerd tell on among the Inguns, an’ they don’t purfess to be kin that a sail yonder, cap’n?’’ exclaimed Tom Longstreet. His long, Romy Shige vose polates Sirtamecer ss Sra a ) Ca: caught up his telescope and gazed in ung diresion indent : ou're ..Tom.”’ % What do you make her out, cap’n?” asked the mate. “ ing we ain’t goin’ to be visited by any more pira' Mae ‘Not this time,” was the reply. “It is a large Beadle’s | hev we been thinkin’ on all this time? | them! It may ship. Her foretop-mast has been carried away and some of her head-gear gowe. Hurrah!” he added, in another moment; ‘‘it isa man-of-war (I can see her ) and she flies our own colors!” Our signal of distress is stilly flying, and she will be sure to see But, one hour, and still another passed by without a sign of recognition, In fact the two vessels were every moment draw- ing further apart in their course. ‘They'll miss us, after all,’ said Captain Zeke, sadly. bs Thunder!” exclaimed the mate, suddenly; ‘‘ what We can make ” her see us by firing our bow- He rush heavy disappointment. The piece was split from end to end. CHAPTER XVIII. A MOTHER’S SUBLIME THREAT, Pepro SanTiLLez, after getting safely clear of the brig, stood watching her with eyes as the schooner slowly gli ed away. ‘Ah, Sancho!” he remarked to his lieutenant, “that was a lucky thought of mine. How those fel- lows must enjoy the amusement I’ve prepared for e, too, that a stray spark will send | them up at any minute. That was the reason I was in such a hurry to leave her.” Sancho laughed in unison with his chief. It was rarely that the latter was in such a wonderful good humor. ‘How long before the fuse will burn out, senor?” ‘Perhaps an hour yet. We'll be too far away to | see the fun, but the report will reach us.” | ent. | laugh. Ah, little did he dream that his deep-laid and in- pomene plan was destined to be so wonderfully frus- rated. Soon afterward, the man on look-out reported a sail in sight. It was but barely visible from deck. The pirate seized his glass and ran aloft to investi- te. “Tt’s the Yankee cruiser in,” he muttered, with an oath. ‘‘ We’ve nothing to fear from her, just now; but I don’t care to have them see me, at pres- I must not have my lady-bird below disturbed a ee more excitement,” he added, with a grim e. “*On deck, there!”’ “ Ay, ay, senor.”’ ‘Keep her off a couple of points.” “Two points off it is, senor.” The pirate watched the cruiser a short time lo . Then, feeling assured that the latter had not no’ | him, he descended to the deck. “ Now I must go down and see how my beauty is getting on,” he muttered. ‘I must keep a oe eye on her, too, or she will give me the slip. Ah! have a plan.” Descending to the luxuriantly furnished cabin, he saw that the door of her room was locked from the inside. “Thinks to lock me out, eh?” he said with a light “ Asif bolts and bars could keep me from her! Open the door, my beauty,’ said he, speaking as soft and gentle as possible. But no sound greeted his listening ears. “T hopeshe hasn’t done herself an pomagy = was the anxious thought that flashed through mind. “Come, my birdie, — that door and save me the trouble of in.” Still no answer. The pirate drew back to 7 his threat in execu- tion, but paused and eeling his kets. “Whatafoollam! I forgot I had a key.” Producing it as he spoke, he inserted it in the door and a turned the knob, ‘* Ah, she is asleep,’’ he muttered; “that is well.” He spoke truly. Worn out with excitement and fatigue, the woman had thrown herself upon the cot and was soundly sleeping. Nature had come to blot | out, for a while, her troubles. ow the pirate’s eyes gazed in admiration upon her lovely form! Her hair, golden as the sun, escaped from the comb, and lay in rich masses uporm her pillow, The left arm with its delicately molded t and shapely hand upon which glittered | a heavy gold wedding-ring, was extended: while up- on that arm, nestling close to her side; was the beautiful child she loved so fondly. Lovely as the mother who bore him, he seemed. He slept the sleep of innocence, little dreaming of the savage whose gloating eyes were fixed upon the mother he adored. ‘““Ah!” muttered the pirate softly. ‘ Fairer woman than that my eyes have never seen. My drunken lieu- tenant was right when he described her beauty. Never would my eyes have rested upon her, though, if he had captured the prize. Luck is with me again. I could find no better c peso. rid of arow. T'll just take the little brat out of the way before she wakes. She will be all the easier to manage when the your r is in my hands.” So oe he stooped over and very softly raised the little sleeper from the bed. The mother stirred uneasily in her sleep; but did not waken. Moving for- ward on tip-toes the pirate crept toward the cabin with his burden. Just as he reached it, the child stirred as if to awaken. ck as thought the pirate’s huge paw was clap over its mou Ascen to. the deck he said hurriedly: ‘“Here, Sancho, e this brat forward and tcll one of the men to e good care of him. I may want him ror, so wild, so piercing very life-blood in their veins. *“Quick, Sancho!” exclaimed the pirate, tossing Half-Dime- Library. gun. . toward it as he spoke only to meet a the child to his lieutenant. ‘* Out of sight with it, at once; the woman has wakened!” Ay, the mother had indeed discovered her terrible loss, and as the pirate chief turned, he saw that his prisoner had qulned the deck. In one glance she took in the whole scene. “Men!” she cried wildly, “if there be human hearts in your bosoms, give me back my child!” She — e in clear, fluent a The little fellow, now wide awake, was crying lustily to be restored to his mother’s arms. The crew gazed entranced upon the woman’s face, ont from that to their chief, as if uncertain how to “Out of sight with the brat, I tell you!’ cried the pirate, fiercely, as he started forward to secure the woman. She divined his pu , and with one bound reached the low rail at the stern. Her eyes flashed with a deadly purpose. ““ Bring back my boy!” she cried, in clear, ri tohes; “ or, as true as there isa God above us, throw myself in the seat” e . Min! mat a, she pe upon the power er beauty made upon the pirate’s feelings, for heart he had none. Pedro Santillez hesitated. She placed her right foot upon the low rail for the mere oe unge. “Hold! I yield to beauty,” exclaimed the pirate, with a forced laugh. ‘Ho there, for’ard! —_ brat to me,” He raised the frightened child in his strong arms, and approached the mother. $ kk!’ she cried, seeing his purpose. ‘Come not near me, monster, or the child shall see his mo- ther’s sacrifice.” ’ The pirate ted his teeth in nage. “Ah, my lady,” he hissed, softly, “you will lose much of that fiery spirit before I am throweh with you,’ Aloud, he said, in pretended indifference: “You are n essly alarmed, my sweet one. However, you shall have it as you please.” He placed the little fellow upon the deck. The child scampered to his mother’s arms. “Can I oblige you in anything further, my dear?” =, the pirate, yo “ c= conciliation. Yes; go away, t I may reach my room undisturbed.” . “Certainly, I will oblige you in that,’ replied the pate; with wee for he was far m ong as she remained in her present position. mes w what a desperate woman is capable of ng. As he strode forward a few yards, the woman stood gazing thoughtfully after him. Then she glanced for a moment into the blue waters below. “ Would it not be the best for us both, child?” she murmured sadly. ‘ Ah, my boy, you little real- ize the dangers that surround us. No,” she added, with a sigh; ‘‘ Heaven’s will must not be defied. God sees the terrible danger we are in, We will pray to Him together, my darling.” With these words she disappeared in the eabin. “Ah! but that was a most narrow escape!” ex. claimed Santillez, breathing freer. ‘She had half a notion to ‘slip her moorings’ and leave me, after all. I'll see to it that she does not give me another so fell fright like that.” “Senor,” said Sancho, approaching him, “it is ht. Whither we hi our course?” “To the land,” was the quick . “Make the channel by morning, if i ye Tia With these words he disappeared in the cabin. ‘*He’s clean gone on his prize,’”? muttered Sancho, with a scowl. “ He’s like a youngster with a new toy when he hold of a D mere lass. Perdition seize me; but I wouldn’t mind making love to her If. What a sereech she gave when she missed her brat! Ugh! It makes me nervous to think of it,” and -_ ing his shoulders uneasily, he again turned to s duties. Once more the pirate found himself baffled. The ed of the prisoner’s room was bolted from the in- e. “Well,” he muttered with a look of rage and dis- appointment, “ there’s no use in raising another row ust at present. I'll let things rest quietly, as bo andl morning. Perhaps she roa a take humor by that time.” So sa , he threw himself heavily upon his cot and was soon soundly asleep. His trusty lieutenant awarenel him at Hrifa oM ‘Pardon, senor; but the island is in sight. ere are some queer flags from the 8.” The te was wide awake in an instant, and perce up his telescope he sprung on deck ata und, CHAPFER XTX. INFERNAL DEVICES, Joun Frazer took up the sewing materials laid be- fore him and was soon busily engaged upon the vari- ous-colored bunting at his feet, and long in the night he continued his task. At length it was. completed. Before him lay ten curiously sha) ags, each one of which re nted a , from one to naught. By their various combinations, aided by the informa- tion already gained, he could cignal the truth to any ship belonging to the American Navy. f “There! he remarked. h as he laid aside his work, “I've made a better job of it than’ ex- pected. Ihopethat my plans may not fail in their . There is work still ahead of me before daylig t. I must be careful that the dwarf does not suspect my so ea So saying, he hered up the and iharas only long enough to assure himself that t dw was sleeping, he out of the front entrance. Descending the 6 p stairway he picked up a light
Page 11
designed thock and light line from the crew’s quarters, he pro- ceeded to reeve halliards, the block to the end of the pole, he wrapped the line along its length. Then raising it to his shoulder, he again ascended the stairway. He reached the narrow ledge leading to the pirate’s quar- ters, Leaning the pole against the face of the cliff he cleared the haftards the end of these in his hand and wrapping the flags around his body, he began the steeper ascent, . pat footed as a chamois, he gained the summit at last, and then, pulling on the rope, he raised the pole to his side. After a little search, he found a narrow cleft in the rock upon which to plant his flagstaff. The wind whistled around his ears with violence. It was no easy matter to raise the pole to its place; but he did so, at last, and wedging the foot of. it se- se bes a place with fragments of rock, he un- s Betectiti three of these, he attached them to the halliards and hoisted them to the peak. “There,” he exclaimed, in satisfaction, as he pisces 9 Deed me upon the remaini and n descended, “I fancy that even the dwarf’s 8 ayes will fail to see what is directly above his head must be on my guard to-morrow, too, for should Santillez take it in his head to return, his eyes must not rest upon what I have done in his absence.” So saying he re-entered the pirate’s quarters. The task he now set himself to perform was no easy one. It was none other than to remove the pi- rate’s gold and jewels to a hiding-place known only to himself. It was laborious work, indeed, but he kept stubbornly on at his task. Xt daylight he awoke the dwarf and ordered him to prepare breakfast. is was soon placed before him, but as he sat down to the table, he noticed that the dwarf seemed fearful and uneasy. Knowing well the latter’s revengeful and treach- erous disposition, he watched him be Fay As he raised a cup of fragrant coffee to lips, a uliar light glittered in the dwarf’s eyes. He set the cup down without tasting. “Baba,” said he, very quietly, but with a sepaet ous flash in his dark eyes, “ you will force me to ki ou, yet. Take away the coffee and bring me a bot- e af wink instead. I do not care to be a gen The dwarf trembled in ve limb at these words, His craftily-laid scheme had failed. Doubly true did it seem to him now that. this terri- ble master was indeed able to read his very thoughis, For the present, at least, he was staggered in the hope of being able to outwit the man he hated. e mind of the dwarf was racked with conflict- ing fears. On the one hand an invisible and power- ful influence compelled him against his will to serve the man he ha Se a tremor seized him as he Go of what would be his punishment when his h master returned, ow was he to reveal the truth when the only means of doing so—his tongue—was powerless to perform its duty? It was death to defy his present master, and most the same from true one. e seriously to think that the only way out of the mma would be to throw himself into the sea and thus escape them both. “That was a narrow escape for me,” said John Frazer, thoughtfully. ‘‘Had Baba been a little less ignorant, and more able to conceal his emotions, I should have swallowed his dose, without suspicions. Danger on every hand. I seem to be t ng the verge of a ang Would that I could but see my way clear m the labyrinth that surrounds me! Ah, my loved ones, how little you dream of the dangers that avin me at this moment!” He pushed back chair and rose to his feet. Se- lecting a r from the pirate’s store, he lit it and approached the door. Glancing cautiously around to assure himself that the dwarf was notin sight, he ao up a telescope and ascended to the top of he cliff, from which he could sweep the horizon in aay! direction. Adjusting the focus of his glass, he gazed long and earnestly over the sea. Not a sail in sight. “The cruiser must have abandoned her search for the present,’ he sighed. “Ah, if she would but come this way before that villain takes it into his head to return! It may be months before such an opportunity will ain occur. “Suoyed with hope he remained at his post the livelong day; but no sail appeared to reward his eyes. "hs the sun began slowly to sink beneath the wa- ters, he sadly descended from his post. eo Supper slave, at once!” he said, peremptorily, coming suddenly apps. the dwarf. The r hurried to obey. Keenly on the alert as usual, John Frazer noticed that a handsome arm-chair had been drawn to the head of the table for his accommodation. He glanced at it with suspicion. * N like being upon my rd,’ he mut- tore he proceeded to examine it critically in the dwarf’s absence. “There may be @ trap in this thing, for all Iknow. I'll wait and see.’ caste afterward the dwarf reappeared, loaded with mpting dishes. As a re them down his body came directly in ont of the chair, Standing behind his back John Frazer reached for- ward, grasped i by both shoulders and foreed him back e seat. It was all done so quickly the dwarf had no chance The Ocean Bloodhound. to save himself. He fell back with agureling cry and then the mystery of the chair was revealed. From cunningly concealed sockets, there suddenly sprung out long curved bands of steel, and the oc- cupant of the chair was a helpless prisoner. Feet, arms, and neck were encircled in their grasp in such a manner that it was im ible to escape! “ Foiled in, Baba!’’ said John Frazer, coolly. “You see it is of no use. I hardly think it will be | worth my while to spare your life. However, I'll consider the matter while I’m eating my supper. Meanwhile I shall allow you to occupy the chair you so kindly provided for my accommodation.” And, eat his supper he did, watching the terror- stricken face of the helpless dwarf with undiszguised entietnction. Having finished a hearty meal, he said, quietly: ‘* Now I will see what can be done for you. In the first place you must tell me the secret of the sp or I’m afraid I shall have to leave you there un your scoundrel of a master returns.” The dwarf’s eyes rolled violently. He made a backward motion with his head and uttered a gur- gling sound. i ‘‘In this neighborhood, eh” said John Frazer, | coolly. ‘* Ah! this must be it, then,” pressing asmall round knot as he spoke. As he did so the steel bands shot back into their hiding-places with a sharp click. “Tve a it. all over, Baba, and concluded to spare your life ¢his time,” said John Frazer, as the dwarf sprung to his feet. ‘‘ Beware, though, how you uy any more such experiments on me again! ow clear away the table.” So saying he picked up a book from a handsome rack hanging against the wall and pretended to be interes in its contents, but in reality, was covert- ly watching the dwarf’s every movement. The latter proceeded with his task, with marked trepidation. There was evidently something preying upon his mind. Moving back the fatal chair against the wall, the dwarf next took the one that Frazer had lately oc- cupied and carelessly set it over in one corner of the room. He was unusually longin clearing away the dishes. Even then he soon after returned tothe room. In one corner, close to the spot where he had placed the second chair, a handsome swinging lamp depended from the ceiling. This the dwarf lighted and then proceeded to tidy up the apartment. “Tll change my seat while he’s tidying up,” thought John Frazer, as he started to rise. In doing so, he rested his weight somewhat heavily upon the corner of the table, There was a sudden crash and then a section of the floor underneath the lamp, just lighted by the dwarf, sudd disappeared |! The unoccupied chair standing on the spot was in- stantly swallowed up out of sight! eons its fall, came the sound of wood upon steel. Me number three,” said John Frazer, his face 8 y pale. e loo. around for the dwarf; but the latter had disappeared in the darkness of the night, and walking over to the spot, he looked down. A shud- der ran through his veins as he did so. The light overhead revealed a deep well-like cavity, some five feet in diameter. Its sides were lined with i ae cao delet blades, their points projecting outward. CHAPTER XX. FRIENDS IN COUNCIL. Tue cruiser “‘ Vixen’ was pursuing her way with her bow pointed toward the nearest port where she might be enabled to replace her lost The faces of her officers were sad and despondent. Fate seemed to have aided their enemies, when victory was almost within their grasp. “Well, there is no use in erying over what can’t be helped,” said the first lieutenant, with an attempt at cheerfulness, to the officers seated around the ward-room table. ‘What makes it worse,” continued the er, “is to think that he boarded that brig right under our n as it were, and yet we missed him. By the way, Mr. Wilson, I forgot to ask you her name.” Not a very poetical one, I ‘must confess,”’ an- swered the second lieutenant, with asmile. ‘She was the Nancy Jones, from ‘Rio’ to New York, with a mixed cargo.” But te latter part ae a Yn = si ry, . Every eye was turn wu the = lieutenant: P 8 en ng to eet, his every nerve quivering with excitement, he said, hasti $ ri ~ “ There was no one killed, I hope?” No,” was the reply. “The captain had a hard rap on the head or something of that kind, and I be- lieve the mate was hurt; but nothing serious. Why “natant il eanihain se use, the cap’ of that vessel is m ther/ Oh, to think of the danger he was suspected nothing of it at all!” ‘* All the better for us, Ishould say, Paul,” remark- ed Captain Clark, who had been listen oy con- Temsanion “Had ‘ t che ana There was a general laugh at sally, then Mr. Wilson gaide guna “yong = rp —_ “Mr. Jones comes of good old figh’ stock, that is easily seen. [had a rt of the air from the mye: of the brig. He a = that the captain defi- enemies even w plessly bound and in their power.” aren 11 Yes, brave Job Rogers had fully extoJled his cap- tain’s courage; but he said never a word of his own heroism on that occasion, Like all true heroes he was very modest in sounding his own praises. “We ted the chap in®the very nick of | time,” said the second lieutenant, contin his story. ere waste lady car bourawyes’ the illanee tried to capture just as the yess us, but they left the brig in such haste that they even forgot to take with them the bag of gold they had thro wn on the table.” If will be seen that the story was far from being ers had given him correctly told; but then Job the outlines. “ At any rate, Paul, es can now rest easy in your mind,”’ said Captain eZ. “You're right there, captain,” chimed in Mr. Wil- sir,” g in she may carry a that we can borrow.’ “She seems to be in distress, sir,’’ said the officer in charge, as the commander of the Vixen step) upon the bridge. “T can make out a flag flying; but a —_ distance it is impossible to nguish the colors.’ “Bring me my telescope, youn r,” ordered the eo to the boy who attended him. t wasa costly and powerful instrument. Hardly had he glanced through the tube before he id: “Itis a merchantman in distress. Put the ship orfmenpeapenep ind uickly carried out. e@ necessary orders were y ou The huge ship swung found on ee heel and head- ed directly for the strange sail. ‘Will you allow me to take that glass for a mo- ment, tain?’ asked the first lieutenant, with a tremor of agitation in his voice. “Certainly, Mr. Jones. What! are you still ner- vous about your father’s safety? He must be many miles away ere this.”’ , “You forget the storm last night, sir,’ was the re- spectful a as the P harrag man took the glass. “Ah!” he added, suddenly, with renewed excite- owes] Ms : am not mistaken; yonder craft is my fa- er’s brig.” “Never mind, Paul,” said Captain Clark, with a quiet smile; “ we'll run down to her just as quick as wecan. Inever a vessel in distress.” Very impatiently did the officers of the Vixen watch the vessel they were pate 4 sopenceas. “She has been roughly handled the storm, I see,”? remarked Captain Clark, to the sailing-master beside him; ‘“‘most of her top-hamper is carried away.” Lowering his tone,so that his lieutenant should | not overhear him, he added: “‘T can only see five men on her deck. The rest of them must have been washed overboard in the last night, else they would surely be on deck when they know we are coming to their aid.” A half-hour later, the Vixen was hove to, within a short distance of the brig and a boat lowered, the first lieutenant in the stern sheets. “Give way strong, men,” he cried to the crew. “I have a deep interest in yonder vessel.” Little need had the men of ureing. The young of- ficer was well liked by them all. eir broad backs were bent to their oars until it seemed as if the tough a wed his tte = a = cra As the cut- r ie scra: e , the young officer grasped the rope thrown him, an ng on deck. The first man to receive was his own father! The old man’s face was pale, but the indomitable spirit he possessed still sna) in his 4 “ Jerusalem!” he exclaimed, deligh ; “Ide- clare if it ain’t my own Paul.” The next moment father and son were me te in each other’s arms. As the young officer released | himself from that embrace and glanced around, he said, hurriedly: “What has happened to you? You all seem to be hurt; and what has become of the rest of the crew?” “Dead, my lad,” said the old man solemnly. “For Heaven’s sake what do you mean?” *Pirates!"’ replied Captain ke. ‘‘ We've hada most wonderfu $ But I thought—that is, I heard you did not lose a il escape.” ‘“*Nuther we did, Paul, the fust time.” _. The young officer started’as if he had been stung. ‘What!’ he gasped, “ you don’t mean to say the scoundrel paid you a second visit?” “Not the same chap; but I’m pretty sartin now, that it was the same gang. “ “When did all this uppen? “As trim a schooner as ever I set eyes on, Paul, and sailed by as big a scoundrel as eh went un- h ‘ believe all that,” replied the young officer quick- ly, ‘for we've met him before. 7, , it was © last night that we chased the vil and ¢ Te our foretopmast without being able to over- haul him. You must go back 0 the ‘Vixen’ with me and tell Clark the whole story.” e’re short- suspected something wrong i “Well?” he asked inquiringly as the second boat
Page 12
+ y. Clark’s compliments to the first lieuten- ant and he wisheg you to return with Capt. Jones,” rattled off the middy rapidly. ‘‘ I am ordered tore- mah here with the second cutter’s men until further orders.” ‘You see, I was ht, father,’ said the young man with a pleased a “4 In a few moments more, the first cutter was pull- ing, hls to the ‘ Vixen.” ot long afterward, the brave Yankee skipper was shaking hands with the officers on board the cruiser. Passing down into the wardroom they took seats around the table and listened in mute wonder while in png) Zeke detailed the exciting events his vessel had so lately through. This time the mate’s bravery and lion-heart came shot along side and a young middy climbed over the rail & agile as a monkey. “ p out in its true colors, told by the captain’s truthful | lips. As he went on to describe the pirate’s cannes with his victim, and the terrible fate planned for the brig’s survivors, a cry of horror broke from the listeners’ lips. Their fists were clenched and their eyes flash The ‘‘ Vixen’s ’” commander was no less excited. “Oh that I could but catch sight of him once more!’ he cried in righteous r. ‘*Heshould not long live to triumph in his wickedness. I'd give every dollar I am worth for a new foretopmast.’ “You can take the brig’s, cap’n,”’ said Paul's father. ‘‘It will answer your purpose, I guess, and it shall not cost you a cent. y, I'd give the whole craft, cargo and all, to see those fellows’ bodies dangling from a yard-arm.” “Ah,” said Captain Clark sadly, ‘‘it is enough to say what we should so much desire to see. In our excitement we have forgotten a most a question, and that is, ‘“‘ where shall we find m al “In his lair, sir,’ replied Paul Jones reey, with an air of conviction. ‘“ His satiated with what he already has gained, t assured he will retire to his den and glut himself, content for awhile with what he has in his possession.”’ The majority of the officers agreed with him in this opinion. “TI do not ae you, Paul,’’ said the captain, slowly; “ but, where shall we find his rendezvous ?” CHAPTER XXII. CAGING HIS PREY. As the pirate eee through the glass at the three small flags fluttering from the highest peak of the island, a muttered curse escaped his = 8 “What can have happened now?” he cried, ‘‘ and what does Baba mean by that, I wonder?” The next moment a cry of unbounded rage broke from his lips. “What am I thinking of, anyhow? Baba knows nothing of signals, and couldn’t tell one letter from another.” As he spoke, he sprung down into the cabin, to re- turn presently with a book similar in appearance to the one he had left ashore. Over this he ran his eye swiftly, down the page. Suddenly the moving finger stood still. All the wicked ons of his nature seemed to rise to his face at the discovery he had made. eM man show, ena Sach at is what mean those ” he hissed between his clenched teeth. ‘‘An enemy is on the island, and would betray us. Who can it be? Surely not Baba, for itis out of his power to read. And yet, how happens it that he has allowed that to be raised over his head? Well, we shall soon solve this mystery. Crowd on all sail, Sancho, Every moment is precious while yonder bunting is On sped the swift vessel, while the impatient and angry ae walked the deck with muttered curses upon his lips. Often did he raise his glass and sweep that portion of the island visible from the in the hope of getting some clew to the mystery. But, his keen eyes saw nothing to reward their vigilance. Not even ce dwarf’s familiar figure could be dis- At last, the schooner shot into the channel, and, steered by the steady hand of the pirate, soon reach- ee her usual mooring-place be the sheltering cliff. Hardly had her sails been low before the irate ordered his boat, and was has ded. Up The narrow rocky staircase he mounted with surpris- i lity. na inside the door of his quarters, he saw at a glance that they had been visited in his absence. Nor could it have been the dwarf. He was quick to read and the open book lying on the table, with a few other circumstances he noted, told him Peanuting Open the doer of ie iadaara epantacen— open the door of the "s al men which had been bolted from within—he saw that Baba was sou sleeping. mn “May tion seize you, you dog!” he cried, grasping dwarf in his vigorous clutch, and - ging to the floor. ‘* What has happened here in my absence? and how comes it I find you asleep, in- stead of being on watch for my return? How came thone Bags Sying tot tae to of the cliff?” Black lightning from the pirate’s eyes as the shot uestions came thick and fast from his excited tps dwarf eyed his master with terrified, rolling eyes. A low, gurgling sound, dreadful to hear, is- sued from his lips. “Will you ?’ cried the pirate, laying his hand fiercely on the hilt of his dagger, ‘‘or must I use persuasion first?” The dwarf dropped on his knees. Still uttering Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. that horrid sound, he opened his lips and displayed | his mutilated tongue. ‘* Ah!” ejaculated the pirate, his anger against his | slave somewhat abating. ‘‘Who is this that has dared to take such liberties in my absence?”’ The dwarf’s features worked convulsively. His lips moved; but no articulate sound came from them. “T shall have to solve this riddle in some other way, I see,’’ muttered Santillez, ae. Le pony Pe look of disgust upon the dwarf, he turned on his heel and strode into the openair, His first act was to scale the cliff and tear down the ob- noxious signals. ‘** At least they have been discovered in time. Now to look into this mystery.” Descending to the beach, he joined the rest of the men who had just landed. a few words he related all that he had discov- ered. “Scatter at once, men,” he ordered, ‘“‘and search the island from end to end. When you find your _— take it alive and bring it before me at once. © no more injury than youcan help. Pedro Santil- will show you it is no child’s play to trifle with im,” The words came from his lips like the hiss of a serpent. e pirates hastily scattered to do their bidding, while tillez returned once more to his quarters. Every nook and corner of them was thoroughly searched by the pirate. The dwarf joined him in the task with alacrity. He felt confident that his master would be more than sufficient to shield him from the man who had so strangely controlled him. Even the secret passages were thoroughly ran- sacked, lest by any chance the mysterious individu- al had n acquainted with the secret of their ex- istence. But all their search was powerless to solve the mystery. No thought of the missing John Frazer entered the pirate’s mind. He had long ago settled into the ar that the man had been washed overboard that n - nluckily, too, the dwarf, naturally stupid, could see no way to give the chief a clew. It was past noon before the pirates began to straggle into their quarters again. Every part of little island had been thoroughly ex- plored; but nothing search. Their faces bore a look of perplexity, and their superstitious fears.began to be awakened. *Tt’s all the woman's do: mates,” averred one of their number, in a low guarded tone. “ We'll have no more luck until we’re well rid of her. There was a shark following in our wake from the time we parted from the brig, and you all know what ‘hat means. It’s bad luck every time.”’ “We will have to shoulder it, then,”’ replied one of his companions with an uneasy air. ‘‘There’s no use telling the chief what we think. Too well I —_ what the messenger would get for his trou- e,”’ “We can but make our report and have the job off our hands,’’ remarked another. Santillez received the news of the men’s failure with no of the uneasiness that troubled his mind. Unlike the rest of the gang, there was not a cle of superstitious fear in his nature. What he id dread was that some human mortal ht steal upon him unawares and plunge a knife in heart. tting the best face possible on the matter, and watchful as a hawk, he sat down to his dinner. Then he started out to see that his vessel was prop- erly moored and to bring ashore his beautiful vic- Finding her state-room still barred from within, he — it open and roughly ordered her to accompany To refuse was worse than useless. Without a word the lady lifted her child in her arms, and fol- lowed her captor to the deck. Then she took her place in the boat and was landed on the beach. With alook of calm resignation upon her lovely features, the woman slowly ascended the steep s ay with her burden. True, the pirate offered to relieve her of it; but with a look of intense loathing she pushed aside his outstretched hand, shuddering at the instant con- “Never mind, my lady,” thought the villain, grim- ly; ‘‘a few days will be sufficient to take the spirit out of you, I fancy.” Reaching the main apartment of his quarters, he touched a spring - the wall. wh concealed ee) swung open, revealing an apartment excelling richness Bf interior his own luxuriant one. Opposite the door, on the side toward the sea, were two -sized windows which served to give light to the apartment. These windows were con- cealed from without matted vines. Notwith- the luxury of the apartment it was a pris- on, Crossing the windows were heavy iron bars whose wane was obvious. is is to be your own quarters, my beauty,”’ an- nounced the pirate, with a triumphant smile. “I shall often come to keep you company; never fear. I’m sorry I can’t stay longer, just now; but you see aman in my position has a good deal on his hands. However. ‘eo will not be out of my thoughts. Your meals will be supptied to you at the proper time without the aid of hands. To-morrow morning i shall again have the pleasure of calling upon you, so look your prettiest when Icome. All you want is to be had for the . You shall dress like a queen sae, pas gems by the bushel. Surely no woman could ask more.” So , he retired with a mocking bow and closed the door behind him. had occurred to reward their | “Supper for three to-night, Baba,’’ he ordered. “Sancho and Ferdinand are to sup with me.” Soon afterward the two alluded to a , and | the party sat down to a table loaded with delicacies. “Any news yet, of our strange enemy?” asked the chief. ‘ “None, senor,” was the reply. ‘‘and the men are uneasy. They say the island is haunted.” ‘* Nonsense, ’ retorted the pirate; “show me some sign, and—”’ he words died out on his 4 waan as he was, a sight met his eyes that made him mble. CHAPTER XXII THE WRITING ON THE WALL, Goop cause indeed had the iron nerves of the pi- rate to quail. Even as the bold challenge trembled on his lips, the three candles ranged around the walls flicke aud expired at the same instant. Over on the rocky wall in letters of luminous light, appeared these warning words: “ Pirates, your days are numbered !” 5 hless with terror, with staring eyes, and teeth rattling like castanets, the pirate gazed. in dread fas- cination upon those Mir twp Bote : His challenge had indeed n promptly answered. “Lights! Baba!” he shrieked, hoarsely. ‘ By all the fiends, bring lights at once!’ The terror-stricken dwarf with shaking limbs has- tened to goes; fresh candles were produced and meses, but attempts to make the old ones burn, ‘*More of them !"’ cried the pirate, and candle after candle was added to the number, until the room was a blaze of light. Then, and not till then, did the human sea-tiger be- gin to breathe easier. Every moment, while the arkness envelo him, he had expected to feel the oot of his mysterious enemy upon his throat. Fil his glass to the brim, he tossed its contents down his capacious throat. Another and another followed until the fiery stimulant had re- stored his sen, il His twosubo tes were even more terror-strick- en than himself. “Ha! ha! a pretty joke, my comrades,” ex- claimed the pirate with a laugh, terrible in its hollow mockery. ‘‘ Nevermind what you've seen, though for I’ve a plan in my head that will set things all right again. The fact is, our a igh here are get- rather uncomfortable. You'll agree with me in that, no doubt. Well, the world is large and there’s as dens for us as this has been. In brief, I've decided on gathering up our traps and leaving the island. How those Yankees will rage when they come back and find we have flown? What think you of the yon “Nothing would suit us all better,” said both men inabreath. ‘ Besides, senor,” continued Sancho, “so long as the men are troubled with the dread of spirits they will be no better than a pack of cowards, 1’m gi they haven't actually seen anything to upset em as yet, so they are still mianageatin. Think, though, what would have happened had words of fire ine ut before their eyes. Let us once more be clear ts) be a and they will be the same brave men as of old.” Very suddenly, indeed, had the pirate chief come to his determination. Had the suggestion been made to him five minutes before his eyes were stag- gered by that warning, he would have laughed it to rm. sco to a degree he was still shrewd enough to a a appear that his resolve had been slowly ‘ormed. “Yes,” said he, “I have already arranged my plans. The cruiser will doubtless return as ny as ible. Once our hiding-place is surely known aad oe will be around our ears as thick as hor- —_— e shall find his game has once more slipped “We will to work at once to load the Isabelle with our choicest goods. The balance we will bury until there is a pos chance to return for them. You, Sancho. take half the men and work till midnight. Ferdinand will relieve you then with the remainder, and by daylight we leave this place or é leaned back in his chair with the air of a man who felt that he had made a great concession. His lieutenants looked at each other uneasily. There was evidently some subject still on their minds which they had as yet failed to introduce. Pedro Santillez was not slow to note the fact. “You have something more to tell me,” he ex- claimed, . “Out with it at once.” “Tt is your duty, you know,” remarked Ferdinand, in a low tone to his com ion, mate an ugly one it is,” muttered Sancho, in re- ply. en aloud, with an air of bravado he was far from feeling, he said: ““The fact is, senor chief, the men have got a queer idea Jo A as heads,.”” _ e bh) “They've made up their minds already to leave the island to-night.” ‘“* Have they?” roared the pirate. ‘That shall be as I please. Go on with what you have to say!” he commanded, with a sneer. “Tt was all talked over among them, this after- noon, senor,” continued Sancho, rapidly and eyin;; his chief nervously as he spoke. * They coun on your consenting to the of course, but—"’ “Out with it!” the chief. “Well then—they say—the woman must be—/,' behind.” : The secret was out at last. , “ Do they?” snarled the chief, with flashing eye: ;
Page 13
The Ocean Bloodhound. a regaining his temper by an effort, he said slow- vicphey are very considerate, indeed, to arrange my plans for me. Perhaps as they’ve been kind enough to do that they will choose another to lead them—yourself perhaps.” The words were spoken lightly but there was a deep recy Reg h them. e pirate evidently fancied that chief officer had been working to = him in authority, and distrusted him ac- cordingly. Shea had got safely through the most difficult part of his task. He had greatly feared that his life would pay the penalty for telling the chief the men’s determination. The rest of the task was compara- tively — re the man’s faults he was still loyal to his ief. “No, senor,”’ he replied, ‘‘ you cannot mean that. Rest assured they would fight under no other leader but yourself, They say, though, that the woman's ery when you robbed her of her brat, still disturbs their dreams. She has brought a curse with her, and no good luck can come of it while she is with us,’ ‘Probably, they would be content if I should throw her over the cliff!’ the chief suggested, with evident scorn. “They might, senor; I cannot say,” rented San- cho, not heeding the sarcasm that lurked beneath his chief’s words. ‘‘Shall I see what they say to the proposal “No, you fool! Think you I have ruled this band so long, only to. be dictated to now? When Lleave the island, the woman goes with me. Tell the dogs that is my answer. They can accept it if they choose or stay where they are un oomsday. Go em tay th til a sday. Go to th and report my words, and let me hear their answer at once.” It was folly half an hour before the burly lieuten- ant returned. “They refuse to listen to it, senor,’’ said he grave- a fs ever have I seen men so determined as they.” Then they can stay where they are.” “Pardon, senor, but they swear they will not re- main on the island until daylight.” ‘“Ha!” gasped the pirate, sprin to his feet, this is are | The devils shall not defy me thus.’ 4 CHAPTER XXII. THE PIRATE’S HOARD. THE Fant hand of the irate pirate rested upon a cocked pistol, “It is no fault of mine, senor,” said Sancho, dog- edly. ‘No mortal man can say aught to turn them rom their purpose.”’ For a full minute Santillez stood undecided how to act. His burly lieutenant expected instant death at his hands. At length a crafty, cruel smile crept over the pirate chief's face. Thrusting the pistol slowly back in his belt, he again seated himself, “Very well, Sancho; n must go when the devil drives. Tell the men that I grant their kind request. It is the first time I have been called ge for such a sacrifice, and they can rest assured it will also be the dast,”’ No mistaking his meaning, now, Well they knew oe a menace lay beneath those quiet-spoken words, The two men touched their caps in salute and re- tired. Glad enough were they to escape unharmed from the presence of their angry and excited leader. “T wouldn’t go through such a job as that again for a handsome sum,”’ remarked Sancho to his com- panion when they were well out of the pirate’s hear- Ing, “f Nor I, either,”’ was the laconic e- “At any rate, we have done. better than I expect- ed. Rest assured, though, he means to have satis- faction upon us. Wait until we are safely in our new q rs and you will see I have spoken right- Meanwhile, Santillez was ing the floor of his apartment iS cramed beuat, She men he had ways looked upon as merely slaves to do his bid- ding had ac y defied his power! Turn in what direction he would, the chief could see no way to re- gain his lost power. “It is useless for me to fight them now,” he muttered, with an scowl. ‘Let them be- ware of the future, thoug Pedro Santillez neither f nor forgives. And now I suppose I must see to it that my gold is ready for removal.” So saying, he turned and entered the room he oc- cupied ‘as a bedchamber. “Here I was safe,” his a ran, his mind still brooding over his troubles. “It will be before I can find a spot with so many accommoda as I have here.”’ Walking toward a small closet, he opened the but only to start back with a loud cry. “What!” he gasped. “Js (oer Yes, he had spoken truly. of the heavy bags of end the glittering bars of the precious ~~ eyes fell upon—emptiness! 2. is the gold I left in your eres at The dwarf glanced for a moment at the empty closet. Then he dropped on his knees at the pirate’s feet in abject terror, “Ah, he knows nothing of it, I see!’ muttered Santillez, giving the poor dwarf a contemptuous kick. ‘Who, then, is this mysterious person that steals gold when he can by no means carry it away? I cannot tell the men this, else they would tear me to pieces. They would declare that I had hidden it for my own use, for spirits are not in the habit of performing such tricks. Baba, leave me!” ““Tsee my way out of it, at last,” said the pirate when he was again alone. I must tell them it is too much to risk all our treas- | | his identity. ures at once in the schooner. The gold, then, is securely hidden until we can re- turn for it without fear of our Yankee enemy. That story ought to satisfy them and it must. He saw that if the crew believed him to be the sole possessor of such a secret, they would be | far less liable to do him an injury. Feeling anxious to know how much influence he still possessed over his desperadoes, he prepared to go down among them. A wicked smile crept over his scarred face as he took up the deadly poniard he could throw with such skill, and thrust it up his sleeve. He found the men busily en in the task of removing their valuables from the cave. They worked on moodily and in silence. He strolled carelessly in among them. Not an eye met his own; but a look of grim deter- | mination rested upon the faces of all, and turning | on his heel, he returned toward his own quarters. As he ascended the rocky paw something glit- tered at his feet in the moonlight, Actua by mere curiosity, he stooped and picked it up. menor J his whole manner ¢ to one of in- tense excitement and surprise. He hurried back to his room to examine the article more closely by candle-light. It was a small and curiously-shaped pocket- knife mounted in silver, which he had more than once seen in the ssion of one of his men, and that man was John Frazer, whom he had be- lieved dead. He saw his mistake now. The truth of the whole mystery came to his mind like a flash. The individual who had invad- ed his quarters in his absence was the man whom he once so nearly hung. This, then, accounted for much that ‘had ap- peared mysterious. All but the late handwriting on the wall, and that at least could hardly be pro- duced by human agency. “Ah!” hissed the pirate, between his set teeth, “he thinks to measure skill with me, does he? But he shall not escape from me thus, Nor shall the Isabelle hoist a sail to leave the spot until he is found. With him alone rests the secret where the gold is hidden. He shall reveal it if I have to tear it from him by slow torture, I to see my way clear at last.” Let us the pirate doing. For once in his life, John Frazer had been caught off his gerd. oe out gy ref penta in carrying away the pirate’s to own ig- piece, his body was yanbls to stand the strain. J th = ed en n ies Met fae peed rest. ie e e of gold among fellows, he sat wearily down to rest, and in a mo- ment more he was soundly sl Little did he calculate how long would be t' ture at last held full sway, and kept it was satisfied. g0 back to the man now uppermost in s thoughts, and see what he has been ten gold was safely lying. | ants as they When John Frazer again awoke, the sun was | well up in the heavens. He groped his way to the | narrow crevice that formed the mouth of hid- ing-place, and looked out. rom this spot he had a clear view of the chan- nel. To his unbounded dismay, he saw the pirate schooner-approaching the c¢ el under a full ac ce eeod as signal and taken the alarm, “He seen the an en a d Frazer, coolly. “Fate seems to be me still,” he remarked; ‘but, while there is life there is ho At any rate I have taken all due precautions. Ere long he will see something that will make even his nerves trem- ble, I fancy. It is a fortunate thing that I secured that case of chemicals. They may prove to be of considerable value to me yet.’ \ Let us pause for a moment to explain to the read- er the meaning of his words, Among the pirates’ stores he had found a valuable case of chemicals. As the epee knew mine of the nature of the contents, he had probabl en the case for the fine workmanship on it. In this case was a vial of phosphorus. With this substance John Frazer had t upon the wall of the pirate’s room the warning which had caused him such terror. With another substance he had painted a ring around each candle at the same distance from the bottom. All this had been accomplished in the dwarf’s ab- sence, so he was ignorant of it. At the time he had merely done it as an act of precaution, little think- ctor it would actually be of service. ow was it, bare go that the daring man had so | cunningly contrived to escape the prying eyes of his enemies The answer is soon given. Well up on the face of the cliff, with an entrance so narrow that it seemed a mere crevice in the rock, was the spot he had chosen. So narrow was the en- trance that it was with difficulty he could force his way through it. So smooth was the face of the cliff be.ow him that it seemed impossible for a man’s foot to scale its sides. Not a man save himself knew of its existence. Situated as it was, it formed a most admirable place for his purpose. Within, the care) wes nearly three-sided, and about six feet in ts part. In that spot every particle of the pirate’s ill-got- | ment, he came suddenly u ’ ; ) | . Beside it was a quantity of provisions sufficient to last the occupant for a few days at least. ‘ai ek nite ke ng prone upon omach, een, eyes peering ugh the entrance, he had seen ticod. thirsty enemies beneath him in their search. From the words carelessly dropped from their li he gathered the information that they were - ing blindly. He saw that they did not even pa pA This surprised him not a little, and he resolved to use the information to good service. Motionless as a log, he remained until darkness closed in upon the scene. Then slowly and cautious- ly he emerged from his retreat. There was little fear in his heart now of being discovered. The cliff faced toward the sea, while the pirates’ quarters were upon the other side of the rocky wall As light-footed as a mountain goat, he proceeded to make his way up the steep face of the cliff in a di- agonal direction. He intended, if possible, to gain the spot where the windows of the pirate’s a ment opened on the face of the cliff. He co see the place clearly-in the faint light of the rising moon. Foot by foot, he crept on his gee way. One careless step and his body would be dashed to pieces on the rocks below. Every line of his features be- trayed astern purpose. He was within a dozen feet Of Sudent he stopped, and, bending forward, listen enly he sto and, ben orw: - ed with bated breath. CHAPTER XXIV. SANTILLEZ DEFIANT, Ir was the voice of the pirate chief that had thus arrested his attention. @ was ing impera- tively to some one, and that one evidently a woman. John Frazer had gained the spot at the moment San- ee Bria ushering his victim into what was to be er prison. The listener strained forward to catch her reply; but the woman remained silent. As the pirate uttered his threat, the steely gray eyes of John Frazer flashed fire and his fist clenched tightly. Again he reached forward to listen, for the woman was <r earnestly enough now. Ah, yes! She was upon her bended knees, praying earnestly to Heaven for deliverance from her ene- mies. “That prayer is heard and will be answered,” was the thought that crept into John Frazer's heart. “ Heaven —- me for the instrument that is to thwart the vil in his eal Now lI to see wey my former plans have allowed to fail.” e listened again, but all was now silent, “If it lies in my power, I will gladden her heart pea the knowledge that a friend is near,” said he, firmly. Unfortunately for his purpose, the t from whence the sound procediad: was beyond the win- dow of the pirate’s room. More than that, the face of the cliff at that point was absolutely inaccessible. No chance there to find a foothold he saw ata glance. No but a few Soe Tee ne Gi Re Pe wee, Orel elicate ten- He slowly made his way forward until he had gained the pirate’s window, and again listened. He could hear the voices of the pirate’s lieuten- greeted their chief. He was also a de- lighted listener to the Pes” terror at the sight of that strange handwriting on the wall. His eyes glit- tered with pleasure at the success of his plans and the turn affairs had taken. . He reasoned in a moment that the pirate would not wish to take his victim’s life. On the contrary, he would [probably contrive some way to return for her after his men’s fears had been to rest in their new retreat. He at last understood thoroughly the nature of the villain he was endeavoring to outwit. Should his reasoning but prove true, he could release the prisoner the moment the island was abandoned. It puzzled him some, though, to think how he had semagen to overlook the apartment whose existence he had now, for the first time, become aware of. While the pirate was his luck and hurling anathemas upon the head of the man who had stolen his treasures, the thief—if such he could be called— was enjoying his discomfiture within a few feet of where he stood. join his daring plan he had ales cone Fire pomaring himself t his way was clear, he pushed aside the vines and cre’ from the bedroom into the er apart- nm the dwarf. The latter was now completely te as a ginel Peep ea ye of strange mysteries aro’ him. He SO eee ded gishee tn the ce of the man be- and on his knees in an attitude of mute entreaty. He had survived all fear of his mas- “To your room, slave!’ he cried sternly; “I need ou . yWith an expressive glance of relief, the dwarf obeyed. i Opening the trap-door in the floor of the apart- ment, John Frazer descended the narrow steps Toad. ing to the secret entrance to the cave. prey em bottom, he could distinctly hear the pirates as they busied themselves in bases em | the treasure. For a long time he motionless, for every scrap of conversation that dropped from their lips was valuable. From them he gathered the informa
Page 14
14 Beadle’s Half-Dime — Library. tion that the majority of them were in favor of leav- A terrible fear had seized upon them all. Their | of them were in favor of attempting to reach the ing the island at the earliest possible moment. * A few of their number, however, were still coura- geous enough to face the mystery for a day lon- ger. The reason for this was that they did not care to run the channel by night a second time if it could be avoided, While they were thus busily e ed at their task, aa ety, mony startled by the stern command: “ epa sy) The voice, low, deep and powerful, seemed to emerge from the very ground at their feet! With a yell of terror, they dropped the goods they abst - and with oné rush gained the open air eyon eir lieutenant, Sancho, was sitting outside calmly smoking a cigar, The mysterious voice had not reached his ears, *“What now?” he demanded, uneasily, as the men, recovering a little, began to assemble in a group. One of their number stepped forward and briefly told what had trans The recollection of that handwriting on the wall was still fresh in the lieutenant’s min He could not doubt the truth of their words. A ic seemed to have seized upon the hearts of the former dari scoundrels. Human foes they would have faced bolaiy:. but nothing could induce them to face what a lieved to be an avenging ht abe o threats or persuasions could compel them to step foot again in the cave. Stay!’ exclaimed Sancho, suddenly. ‘It wants but a half-hour of midnight. Say not a word to the rest of what has happened, It will be but a short time pam before Fe ogi pebeye us with his gang. ey, too, receive the mysterious warning Wo shall know it is advisable to leave the island at once. In the meantime, you can take these cases around us and carry them down to the schooner,” The men grumblingly assented to his proposition. There was no division of opinion among them now. The boldest among them was ready, ay, and anxious to be gone from. the spot that held suc es. Promptly, at midnight, they were relieved, as upon. edro Santillez, who had gone on board the schooner for some errand of own, had been in ignorance of what had Lies yg As Ferdinand’s men busied themselves at their task, Santillez strolled toward the cave. Suddenly, he was startled by a rush from the entrance. In the excitement of the moment, he fancied his life was to be apemed, and laid his hands upon his weapons. be ee glance, however, showed that he was un- ec . The expression upon the faces of the men, as they rushed past fie was absolute fear. It was some moments before he could gather from their frightened lips what had happened; then it tra: red that, they: too, had received the same ghostly warning tha had alarmed the others. “You have: been fooled by. your imaginations,” said the pirate, sternly, “Send Sancho hither, at ponce. If his men haye heard anything unusual, I shall be inclined to believe you.” His face paled slightly, however, as the lieutenant told his tale. It agreed exactly with what he had heard from thelips of those around him, Still, the pirate stubbornly refused to admit its truth. He bet standing close to the entrance of the cave, as he “Men! if you are cowards to be frightened at nothing, I am not, This is a plot among some of your number to hurry us away from the island. Are there five men among you that will volunteer to help me search the caye?”’ 0, there was not even one man to respond to that challenge. “Very well,’ said the pirate, coolly, as he laid his hand upon his weapon; ‘then I will go alone.” As he finished , and turned to enter the cave, a deep rich voice issuing from the solid rock above said sternly: ** Enter here at your peril /” CHAPTER XXYV. EVIL FOR EVIL. A DEATH RACE. ae ery cheek paled as gg eo, Mah fell upon ears. rave as he undou was, he feared to face that terrible and mysterious voice. His followers drew hastily back and watched their chief with intense eagerness. Would he still dare to brave those hidden rs? Santillez read the thoughts that chased over their countenances. His own face suddenly assumed a look a firm unfaltering step. At that instant a Peirtal —~ shook the very. beneath their feet, ge volumes of blae jhurous smoke came rus m out the mouth of cave, enveloping them all in its thick folds. Well indeed its ! had that mysterious voice ed beyond measure, blinded by the smoke, with one accord rushed for the schooner Heedless were they now of the rich goods ying seattered along the 1 bars of go! passed ore! Had th or gli diamonds, they wo by unnoticed. been have only thought now was to fly from the spot that held such horrors. : Their Lieutenant Sancho hurriedly gave his orders to get the schooner under way when informed by Ferdinand of what had pSDAes There was little need of his words. The crew were already madly working to that end. And foremost among them was Baba, the dwarf! Never had he been known to step foot upon the schooner’s deck since his first arrival among them, Frightened at the sudden meeting with his mysteri- ous enemy, he had hastened from his old quarters. Uncertain at first what to do, he had finally joined Ferdinand’s gang. . His eyes had also beheld the awful fate of his master, Very swiftly did the pirates do their work. | With- in ten minutes’ time from the moment of the explo- sion, the schooner’s Sails were spread, her cable cut loose, and she began to gather headway. Sancho seized the wheel himself. There was a wild light in his eyes and his brawny hands were a trifle unsteady. e scenes he had through that night had caused him to drink deeply and often. He showed it plainly enough, too; but the men were too much frightened to pay heed to him then. The moon was y hidden behind flying clouds. Occasionally its light would disappear al ther, and then the pirate at the helm was compelled to trust to luck., Outside, the wind was blowing heavi- ly, throwing the spray high in the air, as the waves broke over the reefs, The schooner, as if possessed with the same wild frenzy that had seized her crew, reeled uns on her course, for her helmsman was unfit for the task he had undertaken, Ah! well did she need the strong sinewy arm of her former commander at that critical moment! Had he but heeded that terrible warning, he might now be with his followers, instead of lying a black- ened corpse in, the cave yonder. But there was no time then for vain regrets. Half a mile distant was the open sea; but the most dan- gerous J part of their task was still to come, ” The schooner’s side rasped against the black rocks with a grating sound { threatened to tear the timbers from her frame. Every tongue was mute, Then the schooner dashed madly on her way again. like a drunken man, she struck the rocks on the other side witha force that nearly car- ried them from her feet. Clear once more and. rushing on; but by this time the crew has realized the truth. “Aft with us, boys!” cried the second-lieutenant, who stood among them. ‘That drunken fool will send us all to the bottom in another minute,” hs lone his lead, the pirates made a rush for the w For an instant they hesitated. The helmsman, now literally maddened with liquor, leveled a pistol at ther heads. * Back, you fools!” he cried, in thick, husky tones. “ T com this vessel now, and I'll stand no non- sense.”’ Only for an instant did the crew hesitate. Then, with one desperate rush, they were upon him, There was the sharp report of a pistol and Ferdinand dropped to the deck shot through the heart by San- cho's hand, In an instant more, the hting with desperate sap bay had been. forced from the wheel. It was instantly seized by one of the pirates, while the rest strove to disarm their leader. Thrice did he break from their united grasp and strive to reach the wheel; but, foiled in this, he seized a handspike, and swinging it around as a club, mowed down. his nearest enemies. Before he could red raise his terrible weapon, the crew were upon hi With one wild rush they bore him to the deck. eR ty ecard knives in the moonlight. In another moment ey had found a bl sheath in the heart of the fallen comrade. en, seizing the pM g Bec pn sk aia it over the side, with a yell of ernal triumph. “Revenge!” they c little thinking in their ex- civement oF the 0 ie stil earian dine tee. It was to be a night filled with terrors. The pi- rate at the wheel had glanced over the side as the body of the madman was swept astern. t short interval of time was fatal. He did not notice that black rock raising its head just before him. Once more the struggling schooner struck heayily against her hidden enemies, Away went the main-boom, broken short off at the neck, and away went both topmasts at the caps. The gallant vessel recoiled heavily from the shock; then pping away from the shelving rock that obstruc er path, she darted on again like a wounded bird. A dozen contradictory orders fell from as man different lips, The crew were wildJy demo . There was no clear head among them now, to assume command, and bring order out of co oc. No man among them now believed the timbers would hold together after that last terrible collision. Some one, more thoughtful than the rest, sounded the pum A foot of waterin the hold and still the open sea was not yet reached! A scene of indescribable confusion reigned 0s. She deck of the doomed craft. The schooner’s days were fast drawing to a close, The fact of her going to the bottom was only a questionof time. It migh be an hour or it might be but ten minutes. ey knew not, What wonder then that they stoodappalled. Many island again. Their mysterious foe could hardly be as much dreaded as the certain fate that awaited them there. They had not even a boat to depend on. In the excitement of leaving the island and gaining the schooner’s decks, no one had thought of securing the painter and so that was lost. Even had they od it, not half their number could be placed within it, While they were still hurriedly debating the — tion, the schooner had going’ the open sea. sently the moon emerged from the clouds, with re- newed brilliancy. “The cruiser /’ they cried, in a breath, as the saw a huge ship bearing down toward them. “ must run for it now.”’ No one had noticed it before in their excitement. Half a mile distant, with every sail set and flying like the wind, the avenging cruiser bore down upon them. She had sighted her foe and her nerves - ready ke her = No desire had the pirates, now, of being hunted into their holes like rats. Bet- ter at least to take the desperate chance of escaping by flight, even though they knew that their g: t vessel had received its mortal wound. e CHAPTER XXVI. THE MISSIVE AND THE MISSILE. WHERE was the pirates’ rendezvous? That was the question that puzzled the officers of the Vixen to answer. Right quickly would they have entered upon their vengeance did they but know where to find their daring foe. While they were debating the question, and trying to get at some tangible clew, a young tar appeared in the doorway. “Second ‘cutter has returned, sir,” he announced, respectfully, ‘“How’s this?” demanded Captain Clark, a little angrily. ‘‘I told Mr. Jackson he was to remain on board until further orders.” “Mr. Jackson is still on board, sir,” replied the messenger, ag yg “He told me to put this no and this. bottle into your own hands immediately.” As he spoke he handed a _ note to the captain and — an unsealed bottle upon the table before im. A. a his eye over the missive, the captain read oud: “CAPTAIN CLARK, OF THE VIXEN: “Dear Str—I have the honor to report that the accompanying bottle—tightly sealed— just been picked up by one of the cutter’s men alongside. ‘As soon as I read the contents I concluded to send it to you at once, as it contains news of t importance, if true. As I cannot retura myself, un- til further orders, I place it in the hands of the cox- swain for delivery. “Very respectfully, “ ARTHUR JACKSON, Midshipman.” With a rather shaky hand, Captain Clark snatched unite second paper protruding from the neck of the e. It ran as follows: “To any honest man in whose hands this may chance to all : itis is to inform the world that I am a prisoner in the hands pf nicates. Six months ago I was a pas- senger in the Albatross, bound from Rio Janeiro to New York. While in these waters we were cap- tured bbe Sierignay ty: pirate, otherwise known as the Bloodhound of the Seas. Of all the souls on board, I am the only one surviving, and my life was spared by the merest chance. Under great difficulties T have learned the secret of the pirates’ retreat. It is a small, rock-bound island, surrounded by reefs, and entered by a narrow channel running between two tall cliffs. This is the tenth missive I have cast into the sea in the hope of making my situation known to some kind heart. Please forward it to the United States Government, to which country I belong. My every movement is closely watched by the scoun- drels, so that it is with the greatest difficulty I write this. Even now—” The writing ended abruptly with a long scratch of the pencil, as if the writer had been suddenly startled and compelled to leave his task unfinished. The faces of the officers were a study as the cap- tain finished his reading and glanced toward them. Surprise, delight and exultation were expressed upon them all, e must except one, and that one was their new acquaintance—the father of their first lieutenant. @ arms of the Yankee skipper were resting upon the table, and his face was buried in his bronz- hands. He seemed as if stricken with some great calamity. “What now, Captain Jones?” said the Vixen’s commander, in some astonishment. ‘Here the very information we've been wishing for has suddenly dropped into our hands at the right jolene! and yet you do not seem to share in our re- oc. . “Tt is the will of Heaven and the hand of Provi- dence that has done this,’’ answered the old man, reverently. ‘It is wrong for me to repine. When I tell you why I am_sad, you will wonder no 4 My late passenger’s husband was suddenly ed home, as I have already told you. I believed that he was safely there, before this; but, the letter you have just read tells me I am indeed mistaken. He was one of the passengers in that fatal ship.” A deep silence fell upon them all at these startling words. Captain Clark was the first to speak. * Allis not lost yet,” said he, kindly, ‘‘ May it not
Page 15
be possible that the writer of this letter and Colonel Sanders are one and the same person?” “Tm ie!” said the old man, sadl “T know his determined nature only too well. e a drop of blood was left in his veins he would use it to fight his enemies. The pirates do not spare the lives of such men ashe. There were two other passengers on the “ Albatross,’ I know. Colonel Sanders tried to rocure a passage for his wife in the same vessel, But her captain refused. He had a belief that it would bring him bad luck to have a woman on board his vessel. As the colonel could not wait longer, he was compelled to leave her behind him. Well, Pro- vidence is merciful in this case. The colonel would not have survived the loss of his wife and child, for he loved them to distraction.” “Then that same Providence shall use us as its in- strument to avenge them both,” declared Captain Clark, earnestly. ‘*We know now where to find our enemies. Our anchor shall not again rest on bot om until the whole nest of cutthroats are swept from the sea.” The looks of warm approval that faces of the officers at these words their feeli ee “You will need my foretopm now, cap’n,”’ said the Yankee skipper, rousing himself to action. ‘‘ My craft yonder is but little more than a wrec ew “rahe want to see those villains hung p’int for home again.” : “T accept your offer with pleasure,’’ replied Cap- tain Clark. “*If there is any thing I can do in return for your kindness, let me know at once, for we have no time to lose now.” “Nothing, except to send your doctor aboard to _ us up a bit,’ was the ly, “for we've been spread over the fully expressed any- ore I nocked to pieces nearly as bad as the old brig. I’m not much good at patchin’ up a man, either,’’ he ad- ded, with a smile. His request was promptly granted. Five minutes later the second cutter was back to the brig. She was closely followed by the Vixen’s launch, wi a crew of sailors in her to remove the loaned fore- topmast. Not an hour afterward it was safely hoist- ed alongside the ‘‘ Vixen.” Then the cruiser, without losing a moment of her valuable time, forged slowly ahead, her crew, busy as bees, engaged in fitting the new spar to its place. The brig slowly followed behind. The second cut- ter’s crew had been placed on board to relieve her own. They had naught to do but look on while the new-comers, with practiced skill, proceeded to re- store her ing to its a shape. A 4c spar from the frigate served in place of the one lost. Making the best use in their power of the materi- als at hand, the ‘‘ Vixen’s’’ men soon restored things toa presentable shape. Under the circumstances, the old. bas he. getting along mony aren Sen The two vessels were. but a few miles from the spot where they expected to find their foe. The officers of the ** Vixen” had recog- nized the very island described in the letter as be- ing the same one they had before watched in suspi- cion, On board the ‘‘ Nancy Jones ” the eruiser’s surgeon proceeded to examine the extent of her survivors’ wounds.» He pronounced none of them serious, if they were careful to keep as quiet as possible, As for the victims of the pirate’s wrath, lying be- neath the flag, they were quietly sewn in hammocks. A round shot was placed at the feet of each, Captain Zeke self read the solemn service over their remains, while the tears coursed silently down his cheeks. Then the bodies were committed to their deep and last pestnerpiane: By midnight the Vixen had approached close to the island she was in search of, Half an hour after- ward, her crew were awakened to excitement by the cry from the mast-head. ‘Sail ho!” ‘“Where-away?” cried Captain Clark. * Dead Prdely f sir!”’ The captain seized his glass and hastily mounted rigging. All ears were ready to catch his words. ; s “Set to'gallant sails and royals! ** Aloft, sail-loosers!” The men flew to their posts at the word. Very quickly the cruiser began to gather renewed speed as the sails were sheeted home. “Gentlemen,” announced Captain Clark, as he re- joined his officers on. the quarter-deck, “ yonder vessel is the pirates’ schooner and she’s running out of the channel. Beat to quarters at once.’ The long roll of the drum, slow at first, then in- éoenaen a rapid tattoo, sounded over the ship. The gallant sailors were hurrying in every direc- tion, half a minute every man was at post and awaiting the next order. “Ulear away the bow-gun!” * All clear, sir!’ “T want you to put a hole through the hull of yonder scoundrel. Are you all ready?” * Ready it is, sir.” “Then, fire /” . ———_- CHAPTER XXVII. THE BLOODHOUND’S DOOM. Sony ee was John Roe we carrying hay his sche: ngeance upon Say: ene As the reader has doubtless aenay surmised, it was his agency that had caused those Sees ng warnings. He was an accomplished ventriloquist. Standing at the foot of those stairs. and separated from his foes by a partition of thin rock, he had cau- sed his voice to appear as if it came from the ground at their feet. From bis position, he could even over- The oo Bloodhound. hear much of the frightened pirates’ conversation at the mouth of the cave. . As Ferdinand’s men fled, at that second warning. John. Frazer opened the seeret door and-e the darkened cave. He moved like a man who thoroughly knew his ground. For a few moments he busied himself in the dark- ness, and then, with a low exclamation of satisfac- tion, he hurried back to his place of concealment. It changed to one of dismay and irritation as he heard Santillez utter his bold resolve. It was then that he uttered the words: “ inter at your peril |” — ty he will heed the warning in time,” he muttered. “I have a different fate in store for | He paused only long enough to assure himself that | pirate was still determined. “His fate be upon his own head, now,’’ said he as he hastened up the narrow stairway. He had barely reached the top before that muffled ee rae — heard. fully ada e powder he so care repared one its work and with it departed on hfe of his bitter enemy. Then he raised the trap-door, and re-entered the pirate’s quarters. The dwarf was nowhere to be seen. Assuring himself first that the latter was not in hiding somewhere around, John Frazer walked to | the door and glanced down in the moonlight. He could dimly see the forms of the terrified pirates be- low, as they fled like frightened sheep toward the schooner. A smile of intense delight and triumph shot over his face at the sight. Taking a night-glass from thewall, he could clear- ly distinguish his enemies’ faces. ng and keen | was the scrutiny. But that of the daring chief was missing from among them. “Well, the world is at last rid of one great villain,” said he, quietly; ‘* but I should have preferred to see him swinging m a yard-arm. ow I will run | down to the carronades at the mouth of the harbor. If Providence will but aid me, I will sink the schooner before she clears the channel.” He turned, and snatching up a lighted candle, hur- riedly descended the secret stairway to the shore. } Alas for his plans! . The explosion in the cave had ruined the also. He returned to the other entrance, e moon, shining full upon the rocky | stairs, would reveal him to his foes. There was a chance that the pirates might nize him, me his ners fg what had Tapentred, and return. He possessed much wisdom to take a risk that might ruin his carefully-laid plans. So, | with a sigh, he abandoned his purpose. Then, peering through the glass, he watched the schooner as she began her perilous passage through the channel. ‘*She is badly steered,’’ he mu in surprise, at, they will - mh ial are not more careful n ==) ha The exclamation that broke from his lips was caused by the schooner scraping sharply against the rocks at that moment. Suddenly, there came to him the recollection of the woman imprisoned near him. Witha wild de- sire to share his joy with her, he determined to seek the entrance to her room, Knowing that the secret door must open from the main apartment, he began a hurried search, While he was thus engaged, a dark object bounded into the apartment, with a howl of rage. It was the form of a man that showed in the dim light; but the face was blackened and begrimed with powder, and the velvet clothing hung in rags. The pirate had escaped with his life, after all; but too late to-rejoin his crew! With a fiendish yell, he sp at the throat of the man who had caused his terrible punishment. One bound and he was upon him. Over and over the two men rolled in that terrible death-grapple, John Frazer was still cool and wary. Watc a favorable’ unity, he seized his enemy Wy. ie | head, and dashed it upon the stony floor, and thus the-pirate was knocked senseless. Springing to his feet, John Frazer's eye fell upon the arm-chair that had so nearly caused his own destruction. It was a quick way to secure his foe, he thought, as he picked oP the pirate and forced him within its strong clutches. Nor did he notice at the time where the chair was standing. Then he hastily resumed his search for the seéret door, In a moment more he touched the spring and the door flew open Then, with one glad cry of “‘ Papa/” he sprung in- to the dutatretchad wha " % The spell was broken. Yes, it. was true. The man and woman so sudden- ly brought face to face were husband and wife! All thoughts now of the flying pirates were drown- | ed in the great joy of that meeting. Little had he dreamed, when he heard the woman’s voice in pray- er, that it belonged to one so dear to him, | ness. Held in that vise-like | and all I : ery ES Seny, she — her story. n return, the man, no longer a mystery, related how he had come to be the only pa of the fated | ‘* Albatross.” The ship had’ been nobly defended | by her crew to the last. Feeling that his own death was shortly to come, he had yet humanely s' to relieve the agony of a wounded pirate. The ter, grateful, demanded that. his life be spared and Santillez granted the favor to him. Not so much, though, because his follower asked it, but because he saw that the man was likely to prove of value to | him, His judgment in this case was good, for Colo- | him if necessa’ | known only 15 nel Sanders had been an army surgeon before gaining his present title. Not caring to hear his onored name soiled by contact with a pirate’s life, he had called himself john Frazer, and as such was known among them. Not ee in attack- ing another ship, the pirate c' was badly wound- ed, and to John Frazer’s skill he owed his life. It was in consequence of that same wound, compelling him to remain quiet for awhile, that he intrust- ed the command of the schooner, for a short time, to his lieutenant. John Frazer had been sent to ac- company them in case his professional skill should be needed. It was he who had ed the keg of ep ag by means of chemicals until it was as harm- ess as black sand—which it much resembled. Little | did he think at the time that the act was destined to save the life of the woman he loved so dearly. So engrossed were they in their joy that neither of them Leard the distant guns which told that the ‘pi- rates were still surrounded by difficulties. Pedro Santillez had once more regained conscious- grasp, and unable to stir, he had heard every word of that joyful meet- ing. He gnashed his teeth in impotent as he listened. His bloodshot eyes protruding from his blackened face, made him a sight fearful to behold. He would have given all the wealth the island con- tained for one more chance at the man who had so completely beaten him. With all his ous strength, he tugged at the springs Which tenth him. Itwas hopeless. He was | but as an infant in its grasp. Horror! the chair was standing upon that fatal trap lined with sharp knives. An accident might — that. secret spring that would hurl him into ose awful depths below. Ah, Pedro Santillez! Did you remember at that moment the slow torture you prepared for those poor wretches on the se : Then you must have felt something as they did when they saw that tiny spark slowly creeping down | to that deadly powder. Great beads of perspiration stood out on his be- grimed face. ““Mercy!’’ he shrieked hoarsely; “spare my life, ave is yours!” tered the ment. The other hand was — in that of his child. ; “Do you ask mercy, scoundrel?” he asked, in a voice of terrible scorn. ‘‘Was you ever known to grant it to others, you bloody monster? You shall have justice; I shall surrender Phan into the hands of the law you have so long defied, and you shall hang as a dog at the yard-arm.” A sigh of intense relief broke from the pirate’s lips. It was like a reprieve to a sentenced man. Just at that moment the curly-haired boy espied the telescope which his father had laid down on the table. He broke from his father’s grasp and sprung forward to reach it. As his little hand rested upon the of the ta- ble to grasp it, there was a sudden cry of terror from the pirate’s lips. th that wild ery upon his hardened lips, he dis- —e from their sight! pe e en inulie ree sm innocent er of m all. w bearing upon spring had sealed the pirate’s tate. —— CHAPTER XXVIII. HOME AGAIN, UnFortTUNATELY for the schooner, her enemy was approac! from windward. the other side thay were shut off by those black, rocks that had already done them such ae ci Still, like brave scoundrels as they were, they held out against such heavy odds. Their vessel was leaking rapidly, and the injury to her rs retarded her speed. The ¢ was fying down toward them, her guns held in readiness to deliver an effective broad- side. Nearer and nearer came the Vixen, like an avenging fate. Her gunners prec J by their were impatiently awaiting the order to fire. Captain Clark had just delivered it when he be- | held a sight that made the gunner pause. A thick mass of red flame shot up from the schooner’s decks, followed by a deafe roar. As the smoke ¢leared away, traces of pirate’s vessel had disappeared! The Vixen’s boats were hastily lowered i rowed to the spot in order to rescue any that might have escaped that fearful explosion. One gasping wretch, and a few blackened ies which the hungry sharks quickly seized upon, was all that rewarded their search. But one man of all the pirate’s crew re- mained to tell the story, and death soon afterward relieved him of his sufferings. But, it was not the crew of the schooner that had as the commander of the ue to the malice of their former When Sancho had informed him of the men’s in- tentions to leave the island that night, and without , he had sworn a Perrtble revenge. on "d the schooner, soon afterward, he deliberately Hehted the fuse whose existence ‘was to himself. “There,” he had muttered, with a grim smile of satisfaction, “if they go without me they shall pay the penalty. If I conclude to go with them,—w. t is easy to put out the fare, at any time.’ It was the last 'y act of as desperate and cold-blooded a villain as ever cursed the earth and sea with his presence. ’ No; that act was | chief.
Page 16
16 Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. The crew of the Vixen were piped down, and the watch below retired to their hammocks. There was nothing to be done until daylight now, and all dan- ger was over. 2 As the sun’s ~ once more climbed up the east- ern horizon, the Yankee ny hove insight. Signal- ing to her, the commander of the Vixen telegraphed the single word,—*‘ Done.” Soon afterward, the Nancy Jones was hove to, and the second cutter, carrying the Yankee skipper and his mate, pulled alongside the cruiser, ith mur- murs of satisfaction they listened to the details of the chase and its end. “ Thank God! the lady is still safe, Ihope!’’ exclaim- ed the Yankee skipper, for the dying pirate had told them what the er already knows. Five minutes later, two of the Vixen’s boats left her side and pulled toward the channel. It was a lovely pore am the sharp rocks on either hand were clearly ble above the smooth waters. As a matter of precaution lest the dying hero had permeely. misled them, the men were ly armed. p h — pees _ narrow aamaeie ny a strange-looking object floating upon the water, “eat Captain Clark’s attention. Directing his coxswain to steer toward it he was startled to find that it was a dead man confined to a chain. The body was so thoroughly hacked to — that recognition was snips ble. Not even tain Zeke—sitting beside the Vixen’s commander — ed that they were gazing upon all that re- mained of the once dreaded pirate. Yet it was even so. The bottom of that terrible trap communicated bg Bae sea, and the tide had borne its victim into e light. Puzzled to account for the mystery, the boats again headed for the still waters beyond. Close to- gether, the two captains ascended the rocky stair- case. No living soul greeted their sight as they entered the late pirate’s quarters. ‘‘ We shall find the —/ hereabouts, I reckon,” remarked Captain Zeke with a quaver of doubt in his honest voice. As he spoke he pushed open the door leading to the te’s sleeping-room. e scene that met their eyes held them spell- bound for a moment. Lying upon the bed, their arms lovingly clasped around each other, Colonel Sanders and his wife were sleeping, in blissful ignorance of the surprise in store for them. At their feet lay the innocent child. His golden curls shone richly in the rays of the me sun stealing through the vines at the win- ow. Wel—I'Ul—be—blowed /’’ burst out the honest Yan- kee with a roar of delight. At that explosive sound, the sleepers awoke. Astounded they gazed upon the scene before them. ——— indeed were the greetings exchanged between em all. It was long before they had each finished their bende h, that the pirate had not bee ts) at the pira no n reget of his victim's comfort. Her meals had ‘been delivered to her through a concealed trap in the floor. When it was fi ed the table contain- ing it sunk slowly out of sight. This then was the ' * curious way ’’ to which the pirate had alluded. It transpired, afterward, that these remarkable pieces of mechanism were designed for him bya inan who had fallen into his power, and who had contrived them all in the hope of getting the pirate’s favor and securing his ownliberty. The pirate’s pa- pers, however, revealed the fact that the man had suddenly disappeared soon after his work was com- pleted—probably by that same manner in which the pirate met his fate. On examination it was found that the pirate’s trea- sure ted an immense sum, of which the brave colonel and his wife afterward received a good- ] . Y The gold was immediately transferred to the Vixen’s cabin with the exception of the bag taken from the Nancy Jones, which was returned to him a da ed in transporting th early a was consum e re’ valuables to the decks of the cruiser. Late in the afternoon the task was completed. Then bark a traces of the pirate’s resort were demol- Having completed their work to their satisfaction, the two vessels headed for the nearest port to repair damages before proceeding homeward. Nearly two months afterward Colonel Sanders re- ported himself for duty and related his strange story. Shortly afterward at his wife’s earnest request, the gallant colonel tendered his resignation and retired to enjoy the remainder of his life in peace. The brig Nancy Jane arrived safely at her destina- tion at last. With the profits of that cruise the Yan- kee skipper forever abandoned the sea. His last act in connection with his vessel was to make her over as a gift to the brave mate whose courage had saved his life at a critical moment. Captain Zeke’s son, the young lieutenant, after- ward carved out a name for himself that lives in his country’s history. The daring pirate and his deeds have almost passed into oblivion, Only the musty records stored away in the secret receptacles of the govern- ment, remain to show something of the deeds of him who was once the noted Bloodhound of the ocean, THE END, | BEADLE’S Half-Dime Library. Deadwood Dick, Tur Prince or THE Roap; or, THE BLACK RIDER OF THE BLACK Hits. By Edward L. Wheeler. Yellowstone Jack; or, Tar TRAPPER } OF THE ENCHANTED GrounD. By Jos. E. | Badger, Jr., author of “ Pacific Pete,” etc. | Kansas King; or, THe Rep RIGHT Hanp. By Buffalo Bill (Hon, Wm. F. Cody). | The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Capt. Frederick Whittaker. InG Jew. By Ol Coomes. 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper; or, Lire In THE NorrHwest. By Edward §. Ellis. The Flying Yankee ; or, THe OcEAN Outcast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. be Seth Jones; or, THE CAPTIVES OF THE | W. Aiken, 1 The Adventures of Baron Mun- Frontier. By Edward §. Ellis. 9 chausen. 10 Nat Todd; or, Tae Fate or THE | Srovx Captive. A Sequel to “ Bill Biddon, Trapper.’’ By Edward 8. Ellis. 1 1 The Two Detectives; or, THE Fortunes oF A Bowery Girt, By Albert author of ‘‘ The Spotter Detective,”’ etc. Gulliver’s Travels. A Voyage to Lilliput, and a Voyage to Brobdingnag. 1 3 The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes, author of ‘‘ Vagabond Joe,” etc. 1 4 Aladdin; or, THE WONDERFUL The Sea-Cat; or, Toe WitcH or Darien. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 2 neer; or, THE FUGITIVE Yacur. ages. From the Arabian Nights. The Double Daggers; or, Drap- el, A Romance of The Sea Serpent; or, THe Boy 23 t: or, THz Boy Spy or 76. By T. C. Harbaugh. 1 qT Ralph Roy, The Boy Bucca- By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 1 by Sindbad the Sailor. His seven voy- The Phantom Spy; or, THe Prior OF THE Prarrig. By ‘alo Bill. 20 woop Dick’s DEFIANCE. By Edward L. Wheeler, author of ‘‘ Deadwood Dick.’ 21 Frontier Kentucky Rangers’ Life. By Edward 8. Ellis, author of ‘* Seth Jones,”’ etc. Rosrson Crusog. By Col. Juan Lewis. Nick o’ the Tigh 24 Diamond Dirk: or, Tue Mystery OF THE YELLOWSTONE. By Col, Prentiss | Ingraham, author of ‘The Flying Yankee,”’ ete. 2 5 The Boy Captain: or, THE Prratr’s Daveuter. By Roger Starbuck. Edward L. Wheeler, 2Q7 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. es, 28 Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol: or, Deapwoop Dick In 29 The Dumb Sag oR, THE DoGE’s Davenuter. B apt. Frederick Whit- 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, Tux Reckiess Rancer. By Harry St. George. 31 Prairies. By Oll Coomes. or, Toe Girt Deap-SHor. By Edward L. Wheeler, author of “ Deadwood Dick,” éte., ete. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEES, By Samuel W. Pierce, author of ‘‘The Boy Detective,” etc., ete. Boy Spy. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. Ready March 19th. or, THe BrornerHoop or Draru. Dead- wood Dick Romance No. 4. By Edward L, Wheeler. A new issue every week. Whe Half-Dime Library is for sale by all receipt of six cents each. LE & ADAMS, Pub 26 Cloven Hoof, the Demon. By By Ol! Coom Diseurse. By Edward L. Wheeler. taker, author of ‘‘The Wild-Horse Hunters,” etc. Keen-Knife, THE PRINCE oF THE 32 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian: 33 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, THE 34 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Wairrtes’ 3 Wild Ivan, Tur Boy CLaupE DovaL; Ready March 26th. Newsdealers, five cents per co RT sg by mail on rs, 98 William Street, New York. 5 Vagabond Joe; THe Youne WANDER- | | OLD TRAPPER OF THE Robinson Crusoe. His Life and | Surprising Adventures, (27 illustrations.) Beadle’s Dime Library. 1.A Hard Crowd: or, GEnTLEMAN Sam’s Sister. By Philip 8. Warne, author of “ Tiger Dick,” ete. 3: F, 2. The Dare-Devil: or, THe Winerp WircH or THe Sea. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, au- thor of ‘Flying Yankee,” etc., etc. 3. Kit Carson, dr., THe Crack SHot or THE West. By Buckskin Sam. 4. The Kidnapper: or, THE Great | SHANGHAI OF THE NortTHWwesT. By Philip S. Warne. 5. The Fire-Fiends: or, HeRcuLes, THE Huncupack. By A. P. Morris. 6. Wildcat Bob, Tue Boss Bruiser: or, THE BoRDER BLooDHOouNDs. By Edward L. Whee- ler, author of ‘‘ Deadwood Dick,” “ Double Daggers.”” 7. Death-Notch, THe Destroyer: oR, Tue Sprrir LAKE AVENGERS. By Oll Coomes, au- thor of “‘ Vagabond Joe,”’ ‘* The Dumb Spy,” “ n- Knife,”’ etc., ete. 8. The Headless Horseman. A strange story of Texas. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 9. Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 10. Vidocq, Tue Frencn Po.uice Spy. Written by himself. 11. Midshipman Easy. By Capt. Mar- | ryat. 12. The Death-Shot: or, Trackep TO DeatH. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 13. Pathaway: or, Nick WHIFFLES, THE ORTHWEST. By Dr. J. H. Rob- inson, 14. Thayendaneges, THE Scourcs ; or, THE WAR-EAGLE OF THE MonAwks. By Ned Bunt- line, author of ‘‘ The White Wizard.” 15. The Tiger-Slayer: or, Eactx- HEAD TO THE Rescur. By Gustave Aimard, author of “‘ Red Cedar,” “The Bandit at Bay,” ete. 16. The White Wizard: or, THE GREAT Paopns oo oe Fmarwoane B Nee bag - or of “ yendan » “The Whi izard,”’ “The Sea Bandit,” “The Red Warrior,”’ ete. 17. Nightshade, Tur Rosser PRINCE oF HounsLow Hratru. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 18. The Sea Bandit: or, Toe QuEEN or THE IstE. By Ned Buntline, author of ‘‘ Thayen- danegea,’’ “‘ The Red Warrior,” ete. 19. Red Cedar, Tur Prarriz OuTLAW. eee Aimard, author of “The Tiger-Slayer,” “The Bandit at Bay,” “ Trapper’s Daughter,” ‘‘ Prai- rie Flower,” etc. 20. The Bandit at Bay: or, Tue Pi- RATES OF THE PRAIRIES. By Gustave Aimard, au- thor of ‘*The Tiger-Slayer,’’ “Red Cedar,” “* ‘Trap- per’s Daughter,” ‘‘ Prairie Flower,” ete. 21. The Trapper’s Daughter: or, THe OvTLAw’s Fate. By Gustave Aimard, author of “* Tiger-Slayer,” es Cedar,’’ ‘The Bandit at Bay,” “* The Prairie Flower,” etc. 22. Whitelaw: or, Natriz or THE LAKE Snore. By Dr. J. H. Robinson, author of “ Patha- way,” “ Nightshade,”’ ete. 23. The Red Warrior: DELORME’S COMANCHE Lover. By Ned Buntline, au- thor of ‘‘ Thayendanegea,” ‘‘ White Wizard,” ‘Sea Bandit,” “Red Warrior,” ete. 24. Prairie Flower. By Gustave Ai- mard, author of “ iger-Slayer,” “Bandit at Bay,” ‘“Trapper’s Daughter,” ete, 25. The Gold-Guide: or, Sree. ARM, tHE ReguLaTor. By Francis Johnson, author of “The Death-Track,”’ etc. 26. The Death-Track: or, Tax Ovt- LAWS OF THE Mountain. By Francis Johnson, au- thor of ‘‘ Gold-Guide,” ete. oR, STELLA 27. The Spotter-Detective: OR, THE Grrts or New York. By Albert W, Aiken, author of ‘Phantom Hand,” “Heart of Fire,” “Overland » ee, 28. Three-Fingered Jack, Tur Roap- AGENT OF THE Rockies; or, THE Boy Miner oF Harp Luck. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr., author of ‘‘ Gospel George,’”* Old Bull's Eye,” ‘Jack Rabbit,” ete. 29. Tiger Dick, Tux Faro KING; or, | Tae Casnrer’s Crue. By Philip 8. Warne, author of “A Hard Crowd,” ete. 30. Gospel George; or, Fiery Frep, Tue Ovrtaw. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr., author of “ Three-Fingered Jack,” “Old ull's Eye,” ete. Ready = * A new issue every week. Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of twelve cents each, BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.