Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 361) (1884 06 24)
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THIRD EDITION. = Cy y BS ta i a Copyright, 1884, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol. XTV. Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 361. THE PHANTOM LIGHT-HOUSE; "“*4°% 200m ROGER STARBUCE, AUTHOR OF “ THE BOY CAPTAIN,” ‘‘ THE BLACK SCHOONER,” “‘ FIRE-HEELS,” ‘“‘ THE GOLDEN HARPOON,” ETC., ETC., ETO. THE YOUNG SMUGGLERS UTTERED A CRY OF SUPERSTITIOUS TERROR. REVEALED FOR A FEW SECONDS, IN A TRANSIENT, LURID GLEAM OF SUNLIGHT, THERE IT WAS AGAIN—THAT WONDERFUL PHANTOM LIGHT-HOUSE, bias ¥]
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2 The Phantom Light-house. “Black Rock,” the Smuggler Spy. BY ROGER STARBUCK, ABTHOR OF ‘BIG HORN IKE,” ‘ FIRE-HEELS,” ‘*THE GOLDEN HARPOON,” ETC,, ETC, CHAPTER L. A FOE. ** WHAT are you doing here, boy? Is this the way you attend to your master’s business?” The| tone and mauner of the speaker were haughty and insolent to young Robert Brown— the person he addressed—a fine-looking Ameri- can youth of seventeeu—one of the clerks em- ployed by John Carlos, shipping goods merchant of New York. Carlos was a wealthy Spaniard, who, besides his residence in this city, had a beautiful home in Mexico, about ninety miles north of Tampico, to which be sometimes re- sorted. Having also 2 storage agency near Tampico, he usually took young Brown with him to his Southern mansion, to there look over the accounts on piles of ledgers, which often were sent to him from the warehouse. On the day of which we write the boy had been told by bis employer that he might have a holiday of ten hours, and he had then strolled along the bank of the\Santander river, which swept past the extensive grounds of the Carlos mansion. Finally he had noticed seated under a tree, on the river-shore, the merchant’s daughter, Isabel—a beautiful brunette of fifteen. Instantly, on seeing this lovely vision, he had paused, and taken a position behind a clump of shrubbery, through an opening in which he could watch the girl without ber observing him, He had seen ber many times before, and on several occasions she had spoken to him, To tell the truth, he loved and admired her; but he had been careful not to make this known, for, besides his having received no encouragement from her, he knew that Carlos, who was a proud man, would be indignant and would discharge him at once, were he to even gutss at his poor clerk’s sentiments toward his daughter. While he stood behind the sbrubbery, several hundreds of feet from the maiden, observing her round, lithe form and lovely face, some one touched him on the shoulder, and turning, he beheld Captain Philip Cardinas, who command- ed a small, armed Mexican sloop—a cruiser against the smugglers that sometimes ran up the coast. Cardinas was about twenty—a slender young man of dark complexion, who might have been handsome, but for te uneasy, shifting glances of his black eyes. He had known John Carlos and his daughter since he was a mere child, and Brown had not unfrequently seen him walk- ing out with Isabel. He had never before this noticed the lad, except by a brief supercilious lance; but now, as he put the question, he ooked at him fiercely and intently. The youth at first was so surprised by the words of the speaker that he made no reply. ‘Come, answer me,” repeated the captain, sternly. ‘‘What are you doing here, neglecting your master’s business?” Robert’s eyes flashed. “) would advise you to mind your own and not to speak. to me in that way,” he replied. **We Americans are not used to having our em- ployers spoken of as our masters !” ‘Be careful there, fellow! you forget who you are mponking to. I am of the Cardinas family ! sar that in mind, and apologize to me at once,” ‘No, I do not forget that Iam speaking to a fellow named Cardinas. Americans do not apologize to people on account of their rank or family.” . ‘‘Impudent rascal, beg my pardon, or I'll fiog it out of you!” hed he raised a small cane he held, as if intending to bring it down across the boy’s back. Robert instantly pulled the cane from his grasp and broke it in two. ‘* Miserable little whelp! you shall bave a thrashing all the same!” cried the Spaniard. He grasped him by the throat, but ere he could strike him, the lad dealt him between the eyes a well-directed blow, which nearly stunned bh causing him to let go his hold. ‘‘Furies!” shouted the other, as soon as he could speak. ‘‘ You shall suffer for this!” The Phantom Ligh-hoose Just then a shriek from Isabel diverted the attention of the two disputants, and both saw | the girl struggling in the current of the river, which was bearing her further from them every moment, Tbey ran swiftly along the bank, and, when opposite to the imperiled maiden, Cardinas threw himself upon a log, drifting near the shore, and, pushing it before him, swam toward the young lady, who, having risen after sink- ing, was about going down for the second time, Robert, who had kept on a few yards further than bis companion, leaped ‘far into the river, and, striking out vigorously, was fortunate enough to head the girl off, and seize her as she was again sinking, while Cardinas was still some yards distant. Putting a hand under her shoulder, the boy raised her face above the sur- face. ‘*Don’t be afraid,” he said. “I will save you. The tide will help us to the rock, only a few fatboms off, and the water between that and the bank is shallow enough for wading.” But Isabel could not hear him; she had fainted. A few minutes later Robert reached the rock and got upon it with his lovely burden in hi- arms, Heedless of the shouts of Cardinas for him to await his coming, he forded the water, gained the bank, and moved on with the sense- less girl toward the mansion. As the weight was heavy fora lad of bis years, he was soon obliged to pause to rest. He laid Isabel on the ground, and, at the same time, catching sight of a smelling-bottle, which bad dropped from her pocket, a few yards behind him, he ran to obtain it, hoping to thus restore his charge to her senses. Just as he turned, Cardinas, who had come up, emerged from the shrubbery through which he bad been running, lifted the girl, and hast- ened on with her toward the house. Looking behind him at Robert, he called out: “T am not done with you, yet! I am going to make you suffer for the blow you gave me!” As he spoke some servants were seen ap- proaching from the mansion. They assisted the young captain to convey Isabel into the house. She was placed upon a lounge, and, restoratives being applied, she opened her eyes, just as her father came into the room., “* My child—” he began, anxiously, when Car- dinas seized his hand. ‘‘Shevis coming to,” he interrupted, ‘‘ pray, don’t excite yourself,” ‘Thank God!” cried Don Carlos. ‘‘To you, then, from what I have beard, 1 am indebted for the life of my daughter!” Cardinas bowed. ‘Tt was fortunate,” he said, “ that I happened to be on the bank. The first notice I received of Isabel’s peril was her shriek, uttered probably at the moment she fell into the river!” “You have acted nobly,” said Don Carlos. “Depend upon it I shall never forget the great service you have rendered ‘me, and,” he added, lowering bis voice, ‘*1 shall not fail to speak cf it to Isabel.” Again Cardinas bowed, and looked grateful, while be inwardly exulted at the fortunate turn which affairs bad taken, “Isabel probably was too far gone, when that boy reached ber, to know who it was that saved her life,” be thought. ‘* Therefore I will get the credit of having rescued her, as the ser- vants did not see the little ruffian at all, but only me as I approached with the girl in my arms. This will win me great favor in her eyes. There is nothing like a bold rescue to touch the beart of a woman!” Isabel was soon sufficiently recovered to tell how she came to fallinto the river. She had reached too far over the edge of a bank to pluck a flower she saw there, and bad lost her bal- “ance, s Excepting a slight headache, I now feel as well as ever,” she remarked, in response to her father’s anxious look. Then she arose and left the room to change ber attire. The moment she was gone, Cardinas turned to Don Carlos: “You have a clerk here—a little ruffian named Brown?” ‘*T employ a boy of that name,” answered the merchant, looking surprised. “T think you would discharge him if you knew bis true character.” “Discharge Brown? Why, I have always found the boy good and faithful to me.” “The fellow imposes on you. He is at this moment lounging on the river bank, instead of attending to his duty.” ‘““You are mistaken, Philip. I gave him holiday.” all right so far, but I don’t think you would like to hear that I caught bim watching your daughter from behind a clump of shrubbery, in a very impudent manner.” Don Carlos frowned; then he smiled, ‘*Oh, as to that,” be said, ‘‘ you know heis a mere boy. I have no objection to bis admiring Isabel—at a distance.” ‘Have you not? Well, I did not like his looks, and I merely requested him to move aside to let me pass, when tle little rascal bad the audacity to call me ‘fellow,’ in a wey which made me angry. I raised my cave and would have given bim a flogging bad not your daughter’s shriek at that woment diverted my attention.” ‘You mean tosay that he had the impudence to insult a friend of mine?” ** He did so, and more than that, he doubled up his fist, and would, I have no doubt, have struck me, bad I attempted to thrash him.” **T will speak to him about this, and induce him to apologize to you.” The young captain’s eyes twinkled, He knew that Brown would not consent to do this, and be also knew enough of Don Carlos to feel sure that he would discharge the lad from bis em- ploy for refusing. ‘*The fellow will probably tell you some lies about the affair,” continued Cardinas. ‘ He would readily do so, J have no doubt, for the sake of retaining bis situation.” The merchant looked thoughtful. He had al- ways found Brown honest and faithful, but be was of a suspicious nature, and the words of the captain had their effect. ardinas, socn after, departed to repair to his vessel, the St. Mary by name, anehored near the mouth of the river, CHAPTER II. A SURPRISE. A SHORT time after the young captain was gone, Don Carlos sent for Robert Brown to come to the apartment which he used as a sort of office in bis mansion. By the time he ar- rived, the boy’s clothing had dried, and showed no traces of his late manful struggle to save Isabel. The moment he entered the room, the lad was a igea by the stern look on his employer's ace. ‘Strange he should look at mein that way,” he thought, “after 1 have saved his daughter from drowning.” ‘* Robert,” said the merchant, “I learn that you have insulted Captain Cardinas, one of my best friends.” “On the contrary, sir, he insulted me. I merely defended myself.” ‘Silence! the captain would not lie.” ‘* What did he tell you, sir?” ‘*1t does not matter. You insulted him by calling him names without provocation.” . “ If be told you that, he lied,” replied Robert, oldly. Thon he went on to give a frank and truthful account of the whole affair. ‘* You see, sir, [ did not ‘ punch’ him, until be took hold of me,” tbe lad continued. “Your accounf differs from his,” said Den Carlos, ‘‘ You were too hasty. I have always found you faithful and industrious, but there are other boys equally so, and unless you are willing to apologize to the captaiu, you must leave my employ. Take your choice.” “1 will then have to leave you, sir,” an. swered Robert, ‘‘ for I will not apologize for ds- fending myself.” . “ Here,” said Don Carlos, taking out his pocket-book, ‘‘is your salary for this month, which ends to-morrow.” Robert bitterly regretted the unfortunate af- fair which had brought about his dismissal, for Don Carlos paid him good wages. Moreover, on leaving his employer, he would probably never again see the merchant’s beauti- ful daughter. : Having taken the amount due bim, be re- paired tobis room and proceeded to pack up bis a gg He had not been gone a minute, when Isabel, who had changed her dress, eu- tered her father’s room. The merchant’s grave face lighted up at once. ‘*Glad_ enough I am you were saved,” he said. ‘‘How can we ever repay him for the gallant deed?” he continued, smiling, not with- out much satisfaction, as he noticed the blush which overspread the girl’s cheeks. Cardinas, ‘*Ob, did you? Well then of course that is.
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’ queath to him a large fortune, and the mer- chant would have been glad to see the youth become the husband of his child. “Tt was a noble deed,” said Isabel. ‘‘ He is slender, and it must have been very hard for him to hold me and swim at the same time.” ‘That is true.” After a thoughtful silence, he continued: “Tsabel, I—I—think I am not mistaken. fe like this young fellow?” ' - erto required of ‘‘ Like bim?” said the girl, opening her eyes wide with surprise at the question. “Why—yes. You need not be alarmed. I have no objection, He is both handsome and noble.” “Father, what do you mean? Of course I have never thought of him, in that way, and I am naturally surprised that you should.” ‘“Why surprised? He is handsome, brave, and of good family.” “Of whom are you speaking, father?” in- uired Isabel. “What a singular question—I allude to Cap- tain Cardinas, of eourse!” “Then you have been talking of one person and I of another,” cried the young girl, laugh- ing merrily. Don Carlos stared. | | | ““T have been speaking of the young fellow | who saved your life—of Captain Cardinas.” “It was nut the captain who saved my life— it was Robert Brown !” “ Robert Brown? Why, Cardinas said, or, at least, permitted me to say that he rescued ou.” “That was dishonest on his part. That he tried to rescue me, I know, for I saw him en- deavoring to swim to me, but it was Brown who reached and saved me. I was conscious long enough to see and recognize him. Car- dinas was too far off to even render him any assistance. I cannot imagine why be should pretend—” ‘Mind, I do not say he told me he rescued you; only he—he—did not deny it, nor did he make any mention of tae boy, Brown,” Isabel’s lip curled. “T never thought him particularly honest,” she said, ‘‘and now I am sure heis not.” “You must not let such things influence you. Doubtless it was the interest he takes in you which made him use a little deception. It is excusable in a young fellow of his age.” ‘Is it? I differ with you, father; but Jet us say no more about him. What are you going to do for Robert Brown?” Don Carlos colored. “Well, really, I suppose he does deserve some sort of recompense.” ‘*T will tell you what to do,” said Isabel, put- ting an arm about her purent’s neck, and look- ing with a bright smile straight into bis eyes, “Well, what?’ ‘* Double his wages.” ‘* Impossible.” “ Why?” ** Because he will no longer be in my employ. Three minutes ago I paid him what was due, and discharged him!” ‘Discharged the boy who saved your daugh- ter’s life?” “T did not know it at the time.” ‘Why did you discharge him?” Don Carlos informed her, giving both the captain’s and Brown’s version of the story. ‘And you believed the captain?” “*T did and do.” “Well, Ido not. It is Robert Brown who tells the truth. Come, father, call him back. We have detected Cardinas in one falsehood, and of course he would therefore tell more.” “ Ashe has saved your life, I will reinstate him in bis place; for, as I said, he deserves some recompense, and I will also increase his wages,” ‘IT think it best tosay nothing to him about your reason,for doing so, as, in that case, he would be sure to refuse the increase.” ‘*Upon my word, you seem to know this boy pretty well!” Isabel colored slightly. ‘One can read him almost at a glance,” she replied. ** Well, L will have to hit upon some pretext, especially after the way I served him. The fact is,” he added, after a moment’s reflection, “I have long thought of sending him to try and in- vestigate the mysterious theft of my goods at the Torneo warehouse. I will send him there on this mission, and tell him that, as it is a harder and more per lous duty than I have hitb- , I will increase his salary.” The Phantom Light-house. pesides beloning to a good family, was the son | ‘Could you not think of some other plan, of a wealtby planter, who would eventually be- | father? As you say, it will bea perilous task. Remember, you have already sent on that er- rand two persons who have mysteriously disap- peared.” “Yes, Henrique and Jason—twoof my clerks. I imagine, however, that they were drowned, as they went out boating together, instead of at- tending to their duty, as they should have done. They were last seen in a skiff, just as a fog was coming up.” ‘“*T know there was a report to that effect, but I have always thought,” she added, with a shud- der, ‘‘ that they were murdered,” ‘“Pooh! I don’t think so,” Isabel tried to persuade her father not to send Brown on the errand he had spoken of, but all to no purpose. ‘* Brown is careful and prudent,” he said, ‘“‘ as | well as courageous, and he is just the person I can rely o:: for this business,” The young girl withdrew, and Don Carlos lost no time in sending for the boy, The moment he entered, the merchant said to him: , **T have concluded, after all, to retain you in my employ, if you are willing to stay.” **T sbould only be too glad to stay, if you do not ask me to—’ “No, no,” interrupted the other, ‘‘ we will say no more about your apologizing to Cardinas. My principal reason for keéping you is because I have just thought of something—a task for you, which | would scarcely trust to any other per- son. As it is a harder and perhaps, a more per- ilous one than I have ever required of you, I will, from this moment, iacrease your salary fifty per cent.” Robert stared.’ He could scarcely credit his good fortucs. The pleasure depicted on his face pleased his employer. “The question is,” he continued, “ whether you are willing to undertake the duty I would require yon to perform. You are aware that, for several years path, my warehouse at Tam- pico has frequently been robbed. How it is done is a mystery to me, as well as to my agent there, who has good watchmen posted both inside and outside of the premises. Well, I am going to send you to try and ferret out this mystery. Tt may be perilous work, but I think I can rely on you.” **T will do my best,” answered Robert. “I shall be glad and willing to go.” “You can theo prepare at once to set out in the morning. I will furnish you with a good revolver, and also with funds for your mainte- nance while in the city. First, on your arrival, you will take a letter to my agent, Leon Rupo, who will give you a packet of money, which you will immediately send on to me by express, e will receive the money just before you reach the warehouse, so that he will be ready to hand it over to you. As it isa large sum, I would not like to trust Rupo with it, for I believe the thieves have spies to watch him, as he has been twice waylaid and robbed of cash he was going to send to me.” ‘**So I have heard, sir,” answered Robert. “Of course the robbers will not know of your having the money, and therefore I can rely up- on its safe arrival.” _ Having given his young clerk further instruc- tions, he dismissed bim to prepare for bis jour- ney. On the following morning the lad set out, taking passage aboard of a schooner which would land bim within a few miles of the city. At four o’clock P.M. the schooner, which was a fishing craft, dropped anchor off the coast a league above Tampico, and Robert was taken ashore in a boat. As he was passing a rock, after leaving the boat, on his way to the city, he beheld a youth of his own age crouched behind a ridge, where, with a spy-glass, he had evidently been watch- ing the schooner from which the merchant’s clerk had landed. The moment the two saw each other, Robert recognized him as John Lormo—a young fellow employed as a custom-house detective at Tam- pico. As he had often met Lormo at the custom- house, when he went there on business with bis ewployer, the boys had become acquainted. ‘*‘Halloa!” cried Lormo, who was a small but resolute-looking young Mexican, ‘‘me much lad see you. Where you come from?—from im scboon’?” And he pointed toward the craft. ‘Yes, Iam going to Tampico.” **Good; me go there too, now. Been watch schoon’. Think might be smuggleum, but see now only fish catcher. Plenty smuggleum been go on of late.” “T should think Captain Cardinas, with his craft, ought to prevent that.” ‘*Only ove vessel not enough. smuggle git past him.” The two boys, journeying on, were soon near the warehouse, which was within a stone’s throw of the city. Here Robert parted from his companion, after which he entered the building. It was a large, stone house, which had once been an abandoned convent. It stood near the edge of a pier, that projected into the water. The structure was almost a ruin, when Don ool purchased it and ficted it up for a ware- ouse, Entering it, Robert ascended a flight of steps and passed into the office of Leon Rupo, the agent. The latter, a Spaniard with a thin, swarthy face and keen, black eyes, read the letter deliv- ered to him. “Tf you hurry, you will be in time for the six o’clock express,” he "said, as he gave Robert a package, directed to Don Carlos. * Be care- ful and let noone see this except the express- agent.” ‘““You can depend on me,” answered the youth, as he deposited the package in an inside pocket of his coat. He then burried off toward the city. On the way be was obliged to pass a gully, half-concealed by thick masses of shrubbery. He fancied, as he moved on, that he beard a slight rustling in the shrubbery, and turning quickly, he beheld a swarthy face, surmounted by a broad-rimmed hat. He also caugbt the gleam of a pair of glittering eyes, and fancied he could detect the flash of a knife. ‘*No you don’t!” he eried, drawing his revol- ver and facing about. The person, whcever he was, bad evidently intended to steal upon him from behind, and stab him with his knife, but, finding himself discovered, he sprung backward, and soon dis- appeared in the underbrush. bert hurried on, keeping a good lookout on all sides of him as he went. He finally reached the express building, but he there found everything in confusion. The bouse had taken fire, and vain efforts were being made to put out the flames.. On inquiry, he learned that nothing could be sent by the company for several days. He then repaired to a lodging-house, and hav- ing hired a room, he locked himself in the apartment, and carefully sewed the valuable package in the inside lining of bis vest. CHAPTER III. THE CAPTURE. HAVING partaken of a frugal repast, Robert set out for the warehouse. ‘“We will see what sort of a watch they keep there,” he muttered. He took a different direction from that in which he bad come to go to the express office. On reaching the building be found that Rupo bad gone bome for the day, and had lett his watchman in charge of the place. There were four men in all,two of whom were posted outside—one on tbe pier and an- other at the front of the structure. The others were inside. All the doors except one were barred and bolted. The moment Robert ap- peared at the one which was unfastened, a stout man, witb a pistol in one hand came for- ward, and gruffly asked him what he wanted. “Tam going to sleep in the warehouse to- nigbt,” said the boy. ‘“No. What is your name?’ * Robert Brown.” “ All right, then. The agent told me to let no one in except you. If you came, you were to be allowed to come in, but besaid nothing about your sleeping here.” **He can have no objection,” answered the boy, as he entered. He found himself in a large, long room, in which was packed a mis- cellaneous assortment of goods. The apart- ment now contained but one large lamp, which afforded only a dim light. ‘‘T see a door at the other ena of the room,” said Robert. ‘* Yes, that opens 9 another storage-place,” was the answer. ‘‘ There isa watchman there, Somehow him ‘* There are other storage-rooms in the build- ing, are there not?” ** Yes, up-stairs.” “And is there no watchman there?” “No, because to reach them any person would bayve to pass through the room in which is the watchman. The stairway leads up from that room.” *‘T will go and look at it.”
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The man scowled. ‘I know you are one of the merchant’s clerks, but that,does not give you authority to come here and jnterfere with us, We understand our business.” ‘* Don Carlos seve me orders to come here, if I wanted to, and look into things.” “Oh, he did—eh? Well, why didn’t you say so before, youngster. Of course that aliers the case.” Robert moved forward to the door, opened it, and entered the room, which he found light- ed like the other one. As he appeared rather suddenly before the surprised watcher there, he detected a suspicious-looking bottle, which the man was thrusting hastily into the breast pock- et of his coat. ‘Ho! ho!” thought the poy. ‘So this fellow takes his bitters while on duty!” “It’s all right, Antolo,” cried the other wat¢h- man, putting his head through the doorway. ‘*This young man is one of Don Carlos’s clerks.” “You have no right to drink, while you are on watch,” said Robert to the person with the bottle. ‘ “*Me rheumatiz,” was the reply. much take—only a little.” As he spoke, however, he staggered, and the boy could not help observing that his nose and his eyes were very red, He looked care!ully around him, “Is the door through which I came the only one opening upon this room?” he inquired. ‘*Oh! of course. Him only one door.” Robert went up the stairway and entered a room above. Here there was also a dim light, The apartment was one of several in this part of the lofty building. ‘It is true that no one could come here with- out passing the watchman below,” thought the boy. -‘‘ lt is plain that the fellow gets drunk, but the other man appears to be steady and sober, In fact, I have heard the agent speak of him as a good, reliable yelgeee It is a mystery, therefore, how any robber could enter without being seen by him. Hours passed. Robert resolved to remain awake all night. He kept a vigilant lookout moving from room to room above, and now an then going down-stairs to see how the watch- men were conducting themselves. It was about midnight, and the youth was walking to and fro ix one of the upper rooms, when he fancied be heard a slight creaking noise in the stone wall, against which some val- uable goods were piled. He instantly concealed himself in a large, empty cask, over which he placed a piece of canvas, picked up from the floor, The open bung-bole of the cask afforded him a view of that part of the wall in which he had heard the mysterious noise, He lq his gaze upon it, and finally, to his surprise, he saw one of the squares of stone above the pile of goods swing noiselessly back, revealing an opening at which a dark, swarthy face now appeared! This face, dimly lighted, was evidently that of a Mexican youth of seventeen years. A fierce, desperate-looking visage it was, with bright, fala Yi eyes, a low forehead, thin lips, and Jong black hair, the latter streamin down from under a _ broad-rimmed Spanlth sombrero. The fellow thrust bis bead through the open- ing, took a careful survey of the store room and then sprung lightly in on top of the pile goods. He had a lithe, active figure, and wore oose, sailor-like trowsers, confined about the waist with a sash, Kneeling, he turned and silently beckoned, as if to some other person or persons, and the next moment half a dozen men in semi-nautical at- tire sprung through the opening and joined the youth, who had now descended to the floor. Upon one of these fellows the gaze of Robert was riveted with the closest attention, for he felt almost sure that in spite of a light cloak he wore and which partly concealed his face and form, he could recognize Captain Cardinas. This person pointed to the door, which ope of the men now cautiously shut and locked, Then the Mexican youth whom the boy had first seen said something in a low voice, and all the persons there except the one Robert believed to be Cardinas, who sprung back through the opening after taking a careful survey of the room, commenced to help themselves to the most valuable of the goods and to pass them through the secret aperture toconfederates who wers there to receive them, “ Ho! bo!” thought the concealed boy. ‘‘ How finely it is all done! There must of course be some secret entrance outside leading toa hidden steirway, by means of which these rascals have ** Me never The Phantom Light-house. come up. The mystery is solved at last and now, then, for putting a stop to the sport.” His intention was to spring from the cask, give the alarm to the watchmen below, and with them, rush outside to head off the robbers. He had not taken two steps, however, efter leaving the cask, ere he was seen, when the whole party, with drawn knives, bounded to- ward him, and from their position, got between him and the door. ‘No noise!” said the young leader, bis eyes blazing like those of a wolf, ‘‘or me quick blow out brains!” . And as he spoke he pointed a pistol at the Oy. Robert drew his reyolver and at the same time, resolved to do his duty, was about to shout an alarm, when something descending on his head laid him senseless, The person whom the lad bad supposod to be Cardinas had returned through the opening and it was he who struck down the youth with a blow from the pommel of his sword. As he looked at the prostrate lad bis face, fully re- vealed, was shown to really be that of the St. Mary’s captain. Half a dozen knives were instantly raised above the fallen youth, but Cardinas prevented the blows from being dealt, **No, he must not be killed here,” he cried, “Take him to yuur craft, Pedro,” be added, turning to the young leader, ‘‘ and then—” He smiled meaningly, instead of finishing the sentence, ‘** Ay, he shall go to keep company with the mercbant’s other two spies— Henrique and Jason,” said Pedro. ‘“Good,” replied Cardinas,.“‘ better so, than for his blood to stain this floor. There must be no clew to bis disappearance.” “Three men are enough to tee him away, for he is not heavy,” continuea Pedro, The hands and feet of the senseless boy were securely fastened with cords; then he was car- ried off by three of the men, who passed with him, through the opening, while the others re- mained to continue their piundering. There was a light, secret staircase in a hol- low space between the thick walls of the build- ing, and down this the outlaws descended with their burden. There were about twenty steps leading toa water-cave to the left of the pier. The bottom step of the staircase was, in fact, merely a rugged shelf on one side of the rock, concealed by long, flowing weeds. The outlaws had only to roll a bowlder over the opening above it to eonceal the existence of the secret stairway. The convent having, in fact, been built at a time when the Spaniards were at war not only with the fierce natives of the country but were also threatened with attacks from French bucca- neers, doubtless had otber hidden ways of egress and ingress besides those just described. In the cave, which opened directly upon the sea, was a large boat, containing the goods which bad already been conveyed to it from above. There were. several men in the boat. The three who bore Robert laid bim aft, near the stern sheets, and, in a whisper, explained about his capture to the others in the vessel. Then they returned to the store-room, where they assisted their companions to remove some more goods from the apartment, When they had nearly loaded the boat with as many of the stolen things as it could bear, they pulled the vessel seaward, baving first left Cardinas on shore. ‘Don’t fail to drown that accursed boy!” whispered the St. Mary’s captain to Pedro, ere be parted from bim. ; ** Me see to him,” answered the other in Eng- lish. “Take bim out near ‘Black~ Rocks,’ where me sure he never can come up again.” ““Would it not be as well to tie a weight to him, and throw him out of the boat when you are a few fathoms from the shore?” ‘No; ’fraid rope part when fish gnaw with teeth, and him body come up again, Out at ‘Black Rocks’ plenty shark come soon, and nothing of him left!” And as he spoke, Pedro grinned, showing his white teeth. ‘“Perbaps you are right. So long as you make away with the rascal, I don’t care how you do it, but be sure and drown him, for it is likely he saw me in tbe store-room with you and of course, if ho should get away, be would tell Don Carlos!” “ Never fear; him not get away from sharks,” replied Pedro with a borriblo laugb. A quarter of an hour later the boat was ulled alongside of a small sloop, lying about lf a league from the shore, CHAPTER lV. BERTA, ““Wuere is Berta?” was Pedro's first ques- tion to his mate, as he came and looked over the gangway. The mate, an English youth of twenty, named Bronson, answered rather sullenly: “She’s in the cabin, just now. She made me take this watch on deck, although it ain’t my turn,” ‘Never mind. Whatever she order you do, ou must do, That was the agreement me een make with you when me ship you. Berta is my own sister, as me bave told you, and sho is as good a sailor as me, Me hope she stay in cabin, though, till we get near * Black Rocks, for me got some one bero to make iood for sharks, and you know Berta was never for kill- ing. You remember what trouble we had with her, when we went to thr:w Henrique and Jason in water.” “ Ay, Idon't think I'll be likely to forget it, She fastened her nails in my face, as | was flinging one of the boys over, andI have the sears yet!” He then called the men of the watch, a few of whom proceeded to take from the boat the plundered property, while others lifted Robert to the deck, The boy was recovering bis senses as he was carried aboard, Le opened his eyes, when he was Jaid on deck, and stared wonderingly at the evil faces faintly revealed to his gaze in the dim light. } ; ‘““Who are you? Where am I?” he inquired, as Pedro bent over him, “You ask too many question. where you are, bum-by.” The youth attempted to rise, when he per- ceived that bis ankles and bis arms were tied. Suddenly the memory of the robbers in the warehouse flushed upon his mind, and he at once realized that he was in the power of the thieves. ‘“What are you going to do with me?” he said, as he was now raised and borne into the hold. The men did not answer. They placed him on the flour, returnod to the deck, and fastened the hatches over him. “There,” seid Bronson, who had superintend- ed this task, ‘‘I don’t believe your sister has a shadow of a suspicion that we have that fellow in limbo.” Pedro, to whom he spoke, looked well pleased. ‘We must keep it secret from her, till after we throw boy overboard,” he said. Bronson was about to reply when Pedro laid a hand on bis arm. “Hist! here sbe come!” he whispered. In fact a light step was heard, approaching from the direction of the cabin, and the next moment Berta appeared. Seen by the light of the sloop’s lantern which, as the vessel sped upon her way, had been hung up in the rigging aft, the girl was shown to be about sixteen, of tall stature, but well formed and graceful, with a wealth of black tresses sweeping over her shoulders, dark eyes, and a firm, self-reliant cast of counten- ance. Although of masculine nature, so far as courage and many of ber tastes were concerned, yet sbe was a person of strong, womanly feel- ing. Hier face, of the brunette type, was beautiful, and the hardy sort of life to which she had been trained as ber brother’s assistant, had given her splendid health. ‘So the load has come off,” she said, glancing at some of the things, which bad not yet been taken below. ‘‘ Did you make a good haul, Pedro?” ‘©-Yes, I did.” Berta laughed, showing her white teeth. At the same moment a pitch of the vesse} caused the girl to stagger, and Bronson, who was near, stretched out a hand, as if to save her from falling. She pushed his arm violently away. “I want none of your help to keep me up!” sbe cried, “I’m as good a sailor as you are, any day!” The mate shrugged his shoulders and walked You know off. Pedro laughed at his repulse, “‘T bate that fellow, and I wish he would never come near me,” said Berta, in English. “He is a good man, at any rate, and we can copes on him, for be escape from prison, and, if he leave us. he be caugbt and hung.” “Tt was a brutal murder,” continued the girl, shuddering. ‘ To think of his killing a deferise- less Indian child, just to possess himself of a — gold bracelet she wore.”
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“You think too much of such things,” an- swered Pedro, ‘‘too much for a smuggler and robber.” ““We can smuggle and rob without killing! Where are the rest of the goods?!—in the hold?” ‘* Ye—yes,” stammered Pedro, “T will take a lantern, and go down to look at them.” **Better wait till morning,” said Pedro, who knew that if Berta entered the hold she would discover the prisoner there. ter then.” The girl directed toward her brother a quick, | flashing glance. Evidently her suspicions were aroused, : ‘* | will go now,” she answered decidedly, Pedro threw himself before ber, and was try- ing to frame some excuse for her not to go, when she pushed bim so violently that he fell down. ‘* Hah! she very devil!” muttered the youth, as he rose. Meanwhile Berta, procuring a lantern, en- tered the hold, fastening the door in the bulk- head bebind her, so that she might not be in- | truded upon, for she knew Pedro had some rea- | son for not wanting ber here, and sbe was re- solved to fathom the secret. She had not taken many steps when she came upon Robert, lying, bound hand and _ foot, on his back, The boy’s Jight brown hair baving fallen away from his forehead, revealed, just above his lett temple, the contusion from the blow he had received. ‘What a handsome young fellow,” mentally exclaimed the girl, the moment she could re- cover from her surprise. ; Then she advanced near enough for him to see her, and meet the gaze of his blue eyes. | ** You have been burt,” she said, gazing down at the cut on his forehead, ‘‘How came you here?” She knew very well that he must have been brought here by ber brother, but she wanted to lexrn all she could, Robert then related to her what he could re- member of the affair in the warehouse. } The girl’s eyes flish d indignantly. She \stooped down, and picking up a cup of water ‘lying on a barrel near, she proceeded to bathe the boy’s wound. As she again met the gaze of ‘his eyes, she felt attracted to hin more than she had ever before been to any human being. She unfastened the lashings from his feet, and | as she helped bim rise, she was about to con- | duct him tothe cabin, when the batch above | | boat was about two leagues from land, when opened and Pedro sprung down into the bold, ‘** Enough of this nonsense,” hecried. ‘Why have you freed tbat boy?” Berta sprung between her brother and the prisoner, her eyes flashing, ; “T will not have him harmed,” she said, reso- lutely. ‘‘ You would serve him as you did Henrique and Jason!” ‘ Come, now, who command here? You or ‘‘T have my right here, as well as you. part owner of the craft!” ‘Don’t be a fool, Berta! If you let that boy 0, itis all up with us. He is one of Don Car- os’s clerks, and he saw us rob the warehouse!” ““T did not say I meant to let him go, but Ido mean to prevent your murdering him.” ‘*We see about that,” cried Pedro, and, as quick as thought, he pulled a pistol, which he was about to aim at the youth, over the shoulder of the girl], when the latter seized his arm. “ Hold!” she cried, firmly. ‘If ever you kill that boy, you and I will be enemies hereafter, and, as true as there is a God above us I will be- tray you and your band, and our hiding-place to the authorities!” Her eyes literally blazed, and her womanly voice rung like an organ through the vessel, as she thus spoke. ; Pedro cowered before ber, for no person knew her temper, when she was aroused, better than be. ‘¢What do you mean to do with him then?” ‘*We can keep him withus. Perhaps we may induce bim to join our band,” ‘*T will never do that,” answered Robert, firmly. , * Silence!” cried Berta, turning her magnifi- cent black eyes upon the youth, but her voice now was not at all stern. ‘‘ You may think differently, after awhile.” * JT am sue I never will!” “You hear him,” said Pedro. ‘* Come, Berty, this is fool work. Besides, Cardinas told me to lam _ be sure tomake way with him,” he added, in a Tr. * r don’t care for Cardinas,” she replied, also ‘*You can see bet- | | than a league from land, and the current would oo | bim wine and refreshments, The Phantom Light-house. ina whisper. ‘‘He need not know that the boy is with us. He does not often come to our rendezvous, and when he does, it will be easy enough to keep the prisoner out of his sight.” Pedro turned, and sullenly left the bold. As soon as he was gone, Robert said to her: ‘*You will help me to escape? We are not far from land. I think I could swim ashore, if you would let me drop overboard,” Then Berta smiled upon bim, **You could not swim sofar. Weare more be partly against you. Come with me.” She conducted bim into the cabin and gave She appeared to take great pleasure in seeing him eat. When he had finished, she opened the door of a neat littie room, and pointed to a berth. “You need rest. Gothere and sleep,” she said, gently. The moment he had entered the room, she closed and locked the door. It was her own bed which she had given up to him. She resolved to watch by the door to prevent her brother, or any of bis crew from barming the boy. CHAPTER V. THE SPY. AxsouT the time Rubert entered the ware- house, the boy Lormo, with four men, all wear- ing thick pea-jackets, were pulling a boat past Pedro’s sloop, which, as stated, luy at anchor half a league from the shore. Tbree or four men aboard the craft were leaning over the rail, with fisbing-lines in the water. ‘*Ahoy! there!” shouted Lormo. ‘“ What luck?” ‘*Not much yet,” answered Bronson, who was one of the men with lines, ‘*Hah! bah! fisherman’s luck! Don’t think you get much here,” said Lormo, laughing. ‘We go fish, too, but we going further out!” “Well, good luck to you,” suid Bronson. The boat was kept on, for Lormo had no sus- picion of the sloop’s true character. In fact this craft, the Maria by name, often seen cff the coast, was supposed to be merely an innocent fishing-craft, as Pedro and his sis- ter fre quently brought to Tampico a cargo of fish, The young people, well known to the custom-house officers, always paid for any mer- chandise which at any time they brought to the dock with them, and were therefore supposed to be strictly honest in this > Lormo and his companions kept on until the they dropped anchor behind a mass of rugged rocks that rose a little above the surface of the sea, Gradually the gloom of night closed about them. Then they got out upon the rocks and crouched behind a ledge where they lay fora long time peering into the darkness, ‘*Here she comes!” whispered Lormo, speak- ing of course in Spanish, as his companions were all Mexicans. The men slightly elevated their heads to be- hold the dim outline of a small sloop. ‘“How do you know she is the one?” ‘* By the shape of ber mainsail. See! itis the very One our spy described as belonging to the suspected craft. I'll wager she now bas the cargo she is going to smuggle in on this very night! Quick! Now is our time.” All entered the boat and Lormo crouched down in the stern-sheets under some canvas by which his small figure w’s well concealed. The others pulled out from behind the rocks and one of them instantly hailed the craft. ‘* Anoy! What sloop is that?” oe The fishing-sloop WINHO, bound in to Tam- ico! ‘* Lie to and let us board you!” A gruff oath, not intended to be heard was uttered by the person who had answered the hail. ‘““Who are you, and what do you want to come aboard for? We are in a burry and can’t stop!” . At the same moment the sloop came shooting on swiftly and would bave passed the boat had not one of the men therein flashed a lantern, which showed three companions with revolvers pointed toward the saucy skipper. ‘* Heave-to, in the name of the law!” cried one of the party. ‘*Custom-house officers! Why didn’t you say so before?” growled the captain. Then the canvas rattled as his craft swung up into the wind, and in another minute the boat was fast alongside with a rope, and all its occu- pants except Lormo, who remained hidden, were aboard. ——————— EE EE SST EEE TEES ESSE EY SEO TTT RR = “Come, now, what do you want of me—a poor fisherman?” inquired the captain. ** How is it you showed no light?” said one of the visitors, va ee : ‘“* Because my lantern is out of order, and I must have it repaired before I can burn more oil in it,” : ‘Hah! Well, please to let me see your cargo,” “IT have none, at present; but I should think you might tell by the, smell what it bas been, unless your noses are stopped up.” ‘You will find that our eyes are not stopped, at any rate,” was the answer. ‘Off with that hatch, and let us see what is below there,” The captain ordered a mnn to take off the hatch, and the officers sprung into tbe bold, This was found to contain nothing except some empty barrels, ome coils of rigging. etc. The cabin was next examined, and afterward the forecastle. Meanwhile, while the attention of the crew was directed toward the officers, Lormo had clambered about with the agility of a cat, and bad dropped into the hold. He got into an empty barrel, behind some coils of rigging. ** Now, then, we will see what else besides the smell of fish the little Winho will take into Tam- pico to-night,” he muttered. ‘* Well,” the captain at length said to the offi- cers, “‘are you satisfied? I don’t think youll again trouble yourself about a poor fisher.” ‘““We may often do so. Of late we have heard that, in spite of Captain Cardinas’s craft, a good deal of smuggling is going on, One vessel is not e.ough to guard against that busi- ness.” ‘Right there,” said the captain, his eyes twinkling. “It seems to me ti.ut Cardinas lies too near the coast, as he even now is doing, not half a league below the city. We passed him far enough off in the dark for him not to see us,’ ‘“*Ay, ay! there should have been another Government vessel further out.” With these words the spesker, followed by his companions, descended into bis boat. minute later the Winho was speeding on her way, ber captain having no suspicion that a young custom-house detective was secreted in his hold. Lormo in the barrel disposed himself as com- fortably as possible, His short stature and slender limbs enabled bim to sit down in bis quarters and rest his elbows on bis kuees. About an bour had passed when be heard a rough buil on deck, and by the noise which fol- lowed he knew that the sloop had met another craft, and was being hove to. He cautiously emerged from the barrel, and stancing on a pile of rigging, pressed one ear against the hatch, ** You are here in good time,” was said, in a voice which he could not hear plainly enough to recognize, but which ip reality was that of Pedro, ““Yes,”answered the other captain. ‘I sup- pose you bave the goods ready for me to take?” ‘“‘T bave. Land them in the usual place be- low the city, and there you'll find a wagun to take them to ——.” Lormo could not bear the name, which was spoken in a low voice. The noise made by bales and boxes being transferred from one vessel to the otber was now heard, Footsteps approached the hatch, and Lormo scampered back to his hiding-place. Hardly was he there concealed when the hatch was opened, and the Winho’s crew commenced to lower the goods into the hold. ““Good-by, captain!” shouted the Winho’s commander. ‘ Success to you!” *“Good-by!” answered tbe other skipper. is best wishes for the little Winho!” All the goods were finally in the hold. Then several of the Winho’s crew sprung down through the bate’ ay, and carefully covered the articles to be smuggled with coils of rigging, spare blocks and planks. ‘“Humph! Very well done!” thought Lormo, who pow and then took a peep over the edge of the barrel. The men finally went on deck, and the boy could hear t' ) sloop forging swiftly on her way. He remained in the hold half an bour longer, when he stole cautiously toward the forecastle, which he entered through the bulkhead. As he had se eg was the case, all the men were an deck. He ascended the ladder, and, looking through the hatchway, he discovered that the
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¢ —$—$ The Phantom Light-house. sailors were amidships. He crept up, and got over the forward rail, into the knighthead. The vessel was heading straight for land, which, not a quarter of a league distant, faintly show- ed through the darkness. Lormo pulled a cigar from his pocket, lighted it and placed it in his mouth. **They’ll see it if they look sharp,” be mut- tered, keeping the lighted end toward the shore. Scarcely had the words escaped him when a heavy club-hammer descended toward his head. Had it struck him, the boy would never have made any more secret signals, as the iron must bave crushed his skull. It chanced, however, that a roll of the craft, at that moment, caused him to move to one side, so that the implement dropped from the band of the man who beld it. This man was a stout seaman who had been sent foward to keep a lookout, and had espied the stranger, fully revealed by the phosporescent light from the water. “Dog of a spy!” he now cried, leaning over and aiming a furious blow with his knife at the voung detective. ‘‘ You'll never leave the inho alive!” Lormo nimbly avoided the blow, and struck the sailor on the temple with the butt of his pistol. It was a heavy stroke, and the man who had bent down very low over the rail, fell headlong. striking against Lormo as be went, knocking him from his position. The boy dropped clear of the sloop’s bow, but the unconscious man struck the water, directly beneath the bobstay and the craft passed over him. He was never again seen alive, ‘* Now for shore!” thought Lormo, as the yves- sel rushed past him, The land was not more than two hundred feet distant, and the boy, who was a good swimmer, finally reached it. As soon as be had rested he hurried toward the city, which was about a quarter of a mile distant. On the outskirts, looking seaward, he upon half a dozen stout men, ‘*Halloal it is Lormo!” cried one, when he was near enough for them to recognize him. “Did you see my signal?’ inquired the boy. ** No.” was the answer “You saw the craft? That with a cargo of goods.” And he went on to explain, ‘« We'll have them yet, if we keep the craft in sight. -Come on!” Followed by the men, Lormo hurried along shore in the direction which he supposed the vessel had taken. But all that night he and bis companions vainly searched for ber. ‘We are too late,” said Lormo. ‘The goods have been landed and carted off—where to | cannot even guess,” ‘‘They are cunning rascals—those smugglers!” said one of the party. ‘‘ You will earn no re- ward to-night, my boy!” ‘*No, but I will earn one scme other time,” replied the youth, ‘I will not rest until I have found the smugglers’ secret rendezvous!” CHAPTER VI. THE WELL. Rosert BrRowy, reclining on the bed in the locked apartment, tried to think of some plan for making his escape. While he was tbus reflecting, an irresistible drowsiness’stole over him, and he dropped to sleep. He was aroused by Berta. **Come,” she said, ‘* you will have to go with us now.” The youth soon recollected his situation. ‘So I have slept?” be said, ‘““Yes,” answered the girl, smiling. ‘‘ You must be a brave boy to sleep, witb men around you thirsting for your life.’ “‘T could not he pit,” he replied, as he sprung from the berth. ‘ Where are your people go- ing to take me to?” “That | must not say. You will have to be blindfolded.” As she spoke, Pedro appeared with several of his men. ne of these tied a bandage over the boy’s eyes. Then they fastened his bands behind his back. ‘*Now, mark my words!” said Berta, as she drew a small pistol from her pocket, ‘ The first of you that offers to burt this boy will get a bullet through him!” ‘*We have promised,” said Pedro, sullenly. ** For your sake we will not hurt the fellow.” Robert was made to go on deck, and was helped into a boat alongside. He finally felt the boat strike the beach, and he was then led on. After proceeding a short distance he heard a grating noise; then be became aware that he came was the smuggler, was descending a flight of steps. He was con- ducted on, and when at length the bandage was taken from his eyes, be found himself in a large + sel oc with cemented walls and a stone oor. The room contained, at present, about a dozen villainous-looking fellows, in some re- spects differently attired, but all wearing broad- rimmed hats and loose sailor trowsers. A sort of fierce “‘ grin” met the boy’s gaze, | & i when he was permitted to use his eyes. One group of men were gathered round a table provided with glasses, and were drinking beer obtained from a keg which was placed there. Some of the younger fellows laughed, as Robert stared confused)y about bim. “Don’t be frightened,” said Pedro. ‘‘ We won’t hurt you.” Berta was not in sight. ‘‘T was not thinking of that,” said the youth, ‘but I cannot imagine why you want to keep me here.” “To prevent you tell tales, of course,” said Pedro, ‘*- You do not mean to keep me long, I hope.” “That will depend on yourself,” answered Pedro, significantly. ‘“ What do you mean by that?” ‘* You know before long.” Berta now appeared from an adjoining apart- ment—one of several partitioned off from the room in which the smugglers were col- lected. Pedro then addressed the band. “Men,” hae said, “all but four of you can now go to your bomes, The late affair will cause some excitement, and there will be a search for us. Meanwhile we must keep quiet and venture on no more expeditions for the present,” As the majority of the party were Mexicans, these words «era spceken in Spanish, of which | language Robert bad knowledge enough to understand most of what was said. A few minutes later the dismissed outlaws departed. after which Pedro locked the one door leading into the apartment, and put the key in his pocket. Berta now brought refreshments, and re- quested Robert to sit down at the table and have breakfast, The youth complied, and while he was eating, Pedro and bis men withdrew to the further side of the room, where they held a conference in a low voice. ““T hope you feel well this morning?” said Berta to the boy. ‘Well enough in body, but notin mind. My employer, Don Carlos, sent me to Tampico on important business, and my absence will be un- accountable to him, and give hima great deal of trouble.” “Why should you want to go back to bim?”’ inquired Berta, giving him an arch glance. ‘““Why not stay witb us?” ‘“What? with smugglers and thieves? Ido not like such men for company.” ‘‘We would make you rich in a few years. Sometimes our profits are very large. Ido not believe that even Don Carlos realizes such large profits.” ‘ ? “ He certainly will not if your friends keep on stealing bis goods.” Berta laughed. ‘| know it is wrong,” she said, ‘‘ but there is a good deal of excitement in the business, and I really think that a boy of spirit like you would enjoy it.” sy Thank you for your good opinion of me,” said Robert. ‘I ean tell you that no induce- ment whatever eould tempt me to lead a life of dishonor.” “Pooh! what is smuggling, after all? That is our principal business. Your employer, Don Carlos, if he could have his goods smuggled without detection in port, would do so quickly enough,” “You wrong him. Don Carlos is an honor- able man. No. person whatever can accuse him of unfair dealings.” “Oh, yes; that’s what they all say; but I don’t believe it. By joining us you will eseape death, and in no other way.” “JT will not join you on that account. I can die like a man, if I must,” Berta’s black eyes flashed admiringly upon the speaker. They were bandsome eyes; but Robert had noticed from the first that they lacked the depth and softness of Isabel’s. “You may change your opinions in a few days,” she said, tossing her head with a con- scious air of power. But if she hoped to fascinate the boy into joining the smugglers, she was disappointed. Robert hardly seemed conscious of her charms. His whole mind was concentrated on the thought of making his escape from this den, But it was so well guarded, night and day, that he could imagine no plan for eluding the keen watch kept up by the smugglers. Either Pedro or some otber person was always near the door when he moved toward it. Mean- while he would often place bis hand, at night, on his vest, to make sure that the package he had received at the warehouse from Rupo was still safe. Its being under the padding of the garment was what bad prevented its discovery by his captors. One morning Berta persuaded Bronson—Pedro being absent—to permit the | bov to go out and walk with ber. Robert’s heart bounded at the proposal; for he hoped he would at last find a chance to escape. Tue girl unlocked the door, and leading the way, the two passed out, to the surprise of the boy, into a large, beautiful garden, Robert now threw a quick glance around him, and divining his thoughts, the young girl smiled. As their glances met she slowly shook her head. ‘‘You see there is no chance of your getting away from here,” she said. ‘‘ Besides the men you see in the garden, the walls also keep you from escaping.” In fact, on four sides of the garden the boy beheld a smooth, lofty wall, which could Lot be scaled without a ladder, “Still,” he argued, mentally, ‘‘there must be a door in this wall—a concealed door, by means of which the smugglers enter the garden from without.” Feeling sure he was right, be scrutinized the wall as he passed along beneath it on each side with Berta, but he could not trace the smallest crevice to sbow the presence of a secret door, Taat through which be had come was the only one to be seen, and this being large aud massive, was plainly visible. Berta plucked a rose, which she gave to her companion, s £ it not a beautiful flower?” she said. $* Vas,’ ‘‘Did you ever see anything so lovely be- fore?’ she continued, with a evquettish toss of her head, Robert did not know she was trying to win a ecmpliment from him—that she wanted bim to say: ‘* Yes, you are lovelier even than this rose,” and so he answered: “ Llike pinks better.” “Have you made up your mind about joining us, yet?” ‘1am of the same mind I was in the first place.’ ‘*Stay with me,” she said, softly. ‘‘Do not let them take your life. Is there then no at- traction for you in this place?” “None,” answered Robert, bluntly. “What? not—not even in me ?” Robert looked at ber in surprise, “Yes, in me!” she added, bitterly; ‘‘ most men think I am attractive.” ‘Ob, yes, you area handsome girl,” said the boy, frankly. A look of joy flashed across her face. grasped his bands, with both her own. ‘Promise to make me your wife,” she con- tinued, burriedly, glancing ubout ber to assure herself that no one except Robert heard ber, ‘‘and—and—we will go togetber, far from this lace, ' Her black eyes were looking into his; she stcod close to him, and he could feel her fra- grant breath upon his cheek. “I donot want to marry you,” he said. “T have never thougbt of marrying.” “So you tell me you reject me?” she cried bitterly. ‘“ No,” he replied, not wishing to wound her feelings. ‘‘I said J] do not want to marry.” “ You will think better of it when I tell you that vour death is planned for to-morrow.” ‘*My death?” ‘“'Yes,. I would save you if I could, but they will contrive to kil] you, in spite of me.” **You spoke of going away from here with me. Why not take me away now?” ‘IL can only do so by your marrying me, and saying you mean to join our band, which weuld throw Pedro off his guard, so that we could go away together,” “You can leave this place, at any moment?” ** Alone, yes, but not with you.” As she spoke the youth noticed that she glanced toward a well, a few yards off. A bucket, suspended by a winch, bung over the opening. She
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ee “Can it be,” thought Robert ‘‘ that there is some underground passage from this place, and cart may be reached by going down into that well Presently, bidding him wait where he was for her, Berta re-entered the apartment the two had left, saying she wished to speak to Bron- son. Searcely was sbe gone, when Robert resolved toexplore the well. He sprung to it while the backs of the men in the garden were toward him and got into the bucket. Down went the latter, with great velocity, and the boy struck the bottom of the well with a loud splash, He clung to tbe rope, and climbing it, tried to scan the walls of the cavity. But so intense was the gloom, that, several minutes passed ere he was able to see the sides of the well. Mean- while, above him, he could hear the voice of Berta, as she called him, thinking he had con- cealed himself in the shrubbery and soon the tones of Pedro were blended with hers, As the boy became more used to the darkness, he could see a cavity in the left side of the well. He swung himself into it without hesitation, and crept along a passage before bim. CHAPTER VII. THE COMBAT AND RESCUE. Some days after Rovert’s ceparture Don Carlds, not baving received the expected pack- age, repaired to Tampico, to learn from his agent, Rupo, of the boy’s strange disappear- ance, The watchmen were questioned, but they could not explain the mystery. They had dis- covered that the upper store-room had been robbed of scme goods, but whether the young clerk was in that room or in some of the others at the time, they could not tell. They were sure they did not bear him give any cry of alarm. ** Well,” said the merchant, ‘‘ here is the third person I have sent to look into the robbery of my goods vanished like the two others, al- though in a more unaccountable manner. You did not see Robert come down or go out after he went up-stairs?’ be added, turning to the watchmen. looked so confused that the suspicions of Don Carlos were aroused He seized him by the collar and threatened to bave him arrested if he did not tell bim more about the affair, for he was sure that he kept something back. The Phantom Light-house. chant still could glean no tidings of Robert, he believed he would never see him again. Isabel resolved to make inquiries, as well as her father. While doing so, one day, she met the little custom-house detective, Lormo, whom she had occasionally seen conversing with her father, on his visits to Tampico. **] wish you could find Robert for us. I be- lieve he was a friend of yours,” she said, as they talked about the missing youth. ‘* Robbers are not in my line, you know, se- norita,” ‘* Robbers?” ‘Yes, I think it is robbers who have made | away with my poor friend,” ‘*Why do you think so?” ‘*Because the store was robbed on the very night he was on watch. Of course it was to the interest of the thieves to kill him and conceal bis body wheau he detected them robbing the store.” “But my father thinks he may have left the store before that.” ‘I don’t believe be did, I will look for him as much as my duties will allow, but I am afraid he has been killed.” Lormo, on leaving Isabel, went in a direction opposite to that taken by the girl. She wan dered toward the outskirts of the town, in a thoughtful mood. The truth was that she took much interest in Robert, and, since his disap- pearance thougnt of little eise, day or night. As she now marched on, she tcund berself approaching the ruius of an old stone fort. To the right of this fort, which stood on a slight elevation, there was a high wall of stone, one | side of which was built against the bill, The ground inclosed by this wall bad once belonged | { to a wealthy Mexican, wbo baving been de- | tected im treason and peculation, was obliged to leave the country—tr flee for bis Jife. A mob had burned his handsome residence to the | ground, but they had not thougbt it worth Antolo, becoming alarmed, then confessed | { gasped. that he was drunk on the night in question, and that Robert might therefore have passed him without attracting his attention. The merchant was angry and he gave orders to Rupo to discharge the fellow and hire a better man, Then he returned to his lodgings. “Well, father, what success?” inquired Isa- bel, who had accompanied her parent to Tam- ico. ® r Don Carlos told ber all be could learn. His daughter turned pale, and there was on her face a troubled look, which she vainly strove to conceal, ‘*Did I not say you should not have sent him on such an errand?” she said. ‘lam afraid he is lost.” ‘*T hope not, both for his sake and for mine, as he had in bis possession a package he was to send to me, and which should have reached me yesterday had he delivered it to the express company. He was unable to do so, I learn, as their place bad taken fire. Now I havetoinfer either that he bas been murdered or that be has absconded with my package, which contained about twenty thousand dollars in bills and checks,” “No, he would not bave gone off with your money,” said Isabel, quickly. ‘You know you have trusted him with larger sums of money than that, and have always found him faithful and honest.” “That does not prove he did not conclude to keep the money on this occasion. Still, I will not accuse him of it, as I am not sure,” ‘‘No, you are not apt to come to conclusions in a burry, father, and I do not believe you would have had a suspicion like that you } we just expressed bad vot some person suggested to you that Robert bad probably taken your money.” ‘*] will own that it was Cardinas who put that thought into mv head, He appears not merely to think that the boy has absconded with the amount, but to feel sure of it.” “Of course he would think so. I believe he dislikes that boy ” ' When caeere’ days had passed, and the mer. while to molest tae garden wall. In a clump of shrubbery on the outside of this wall, three or four croucting figures now were watching the girl. One of these was the smug: ' gler, Pedro, a few yards from whom, bebind a | | tree, stood Captain Cardinas. Antolo said he had not, but as he spoke he | All at onee, as Isabel approached, Pedro, fol- lowed by his companions sprung out at the girl, leveling pistols at her head. ‘‘ Don’t attempt to run or cry out!” cried the smuggler. ‘If you do, we will kill you,” Isabel was too much terrified at first, either to move or to speak. ‘What can you want of me?” she finally ‘You have a gold watch,” said Pedro, ‘We will take that, and also the pearl necklace about your neck!” Isabel surrendered these things. ‘** Now you will let me go,” she said, turning to leave. as No, senorita, you cannot Jeave us, yet. You are rich, and we intend to get a ransom for you.” _ As he spoke be made asign to his compan- ions, who were advancing to seize her, when Cardinas came rushing from bebind the tree, brandishing his sword. ‘‘ Away, ruffians!” he shouted. ‘The first who lays a hand on that girl, dies!” Isabel recognized bim and ran toward bim. The smugglers followed’ ber, but Cardinas hon So himself between them and the young ady. ‘Come on!” he cried, fiercely, as the aused. ‘* You shall walk over my dea efore you offer barm to this sweet girl!” As be spoke he pulled a revolver from his breast-pocket, and there was a rapid exchange of shots. All the smugglers except Pedro went limp ing off, apparently wounded. The outlaw sprung at Cardinas, sword in hand. The wea- pons crossed each other and a fierce struggle ensued, until, by a dextrous stroke, the captain broke the weapon of his adversary, who then took to his heels, to soon vanish after bis com- panions in the shrubbery. Isabel, with clasped hands and anxious gaze, had been watching the unequal fray. Seeing Cardinas now in pursuit of his last an- tagonist, she called to him: ‘*No, no, let him go! You imperil your life by following him. He may lead you }into an ambush.” ‘‘But he has robbed you of your necklace and watch. I saw it all x6 I approached. He shall surrender these things or die!” And heedless of her entreaties, he kept on bis way to soon disappear in the shrubbery. There, when out of Isabel’s sight, he met Pedro, now body | } ‘* Here they are,” said the latter, suppressing a laugh, as he surrendered the necklace and the watch. Cardinas smiled. “It was well planned, was it not?” said he. “To her dying day the lady will believe that I rescued her by the most desperate courage.” ‘*- Yes, the senorita cannot doubt that the combat was real. She has no suspicion that | the rescue was a mock one,” “ And, now,” said Cardinas, ‘‘ you will show me the crevice in the wall, through which Isa- bel and I can look into your garden. You are sure that Robert Brown is there, at this mo- ment?” ‘‘He is there with my sister, and when you look, some of my men, the same who attacked you, shall be there, too.” ‘*That is good!” answered the captain, exult- ingly. *‘* Go, Pedro, and work quickly. After we have seen the boy, you must—” He made a significant sign. ** He shall not live an hour afterward,” said the smuggler, ‘** But you have told me that your sister would not allow you to kill him.” ‘‘There is more than one way to kill a dog. One grain of a certain powder in his coffee will carry him off with the cramps, and my sister be none the wiser, as to bis having been poi- soned.” “It is well, If you make way with that lit- tle wretch, all the profits from those stolen goods are yours. I will not claim anything.” ‘*We understand each other,” said Pedro, “You will receive word, before to-night, that there is no longer danger of Robert Brown’s telling tales against you.” The two then separated, and Cardinas return- | ed to Isabel. *I overtook the rascal, and forced him to surrender the things be robbed you of,” said the youth, as he gave her back her jewelry. * You have done me a great service, both by rescuing me and obtaining for me tbe watch, which is especially prized by me, as it was @ present from my mother, before she died,” an- swered Isabel. “What would I not do for you?” replied Cardinas, warmly, ‘‘I would risk my life a thousand times for your sake! Believe me, Isa- bel, you are dearer to me—” ‘‘Sball we not now returp to the city?’ she interrupted. ‘ You can go with me to father, and I will describe your noble conduct to him.” ‘* Wait a few moments,” said ber companion, ‘1 can do you yet anotber service. 1 can show | to you, in his true colors, one in whom ydu ap- pear to take a friendly interest—one whom you were probably searching for when you were as- seulted by the robbers.” The young girl looked at him in surprise. ‘‘Surely you do not mean Robert Brown?” “Tt is to that little rascal I allude.” * Rascal?” ** Don’t be indignant; I would not cal] bim a rascal unless I could prove to you that he is ope. Your fatber bas told me that the fellow was intrusted with a package of money for bim, and I will own tbat, tora pérson like this boy, it may have proved a great temptation. Come with me, and | wilisbow you what 1 bave dis- covered, while searching for the man who took your er Isabel followed him to a certain part of the garden wall, where there was a large creyice, between the stones of which it was composed. ‘Look for yourself,” said Cardinas, pointing to the little opening. Isabel, gazing through the latter, bebeld to ber surprise ber father’s clerk, Robert. Brown, strolling through the garden by the side of the handsome smuggler girl, Berta!” In another part of the inclosure was Pedro, with J-he same men who had assaulted her, Robert seemed to be on amicable terms with the girl, as thetwo were conversing together in a low voice, ‘*'You see,” whispered Cardinas, ‘“‘that this isa rendezvous of the thieves, and that they are probably the same persons who robbed your father’s warehouse. The boy has evidently joined them of his own accord.” ‘* We are are not sure of that,” she answered. ‘‘ Not sure¢ See there!” As be spoke, it was the moment when Berta gevethe youth a ruse and laid a band on bis sboulder. Isabel drew back, ber black eyes flashing, a deathly paleness upon her face. ~ **Come,” said Cardinas, taking herarm, ‘1 know now you have seen enough to satisfy you. {t remains for your father and me to entrap the whole gang.” 5) ror’ 5 a Sig) Mele Ai ih Lae eee y ) a
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co ———. Isabel answered not a word, but all the way to the city, Cardinas could feel her tremble upon his arm, CHAPTER VIII. THE PURSUIT. CREEPING along the passage he had discovered in the side of the well, Robert finally reached what appeared to be itsextremity. There was before him a rock, a sort of bowlder, having crevices at the edges, saowing that it was placed over some opening. He tried to move the rock by pushing it, but he was unsuccessful, Looking round him, be espied a beavy piece of wood, shaped like a club, lying on the ground. Putting this under the bowlder, and using it in lieu of a crowbar, he contrived thus to move it from the aper- ture. Emerging from the passage, he now found himself among a mass of shrubbery, consisting of briers and vines, so thick that be couid searce- ly force his way through them. When, at last, he disengaged himself trom the entangling mass, he perceived that be was at the bottom of a gully—the same, he now believed, in which he had seen the crouching figure, on the day he passed with the package of money he had re- ceived from Rupo, ‘** Free, at last!” be cried, joyfully. ‘‘ Now all I have to do is to make my way to the city, and take passage aboard some fishing craft bound to the part of the coast near which Don Carlos lives,’ But he was mistaken. He little dreamed of the perils and dangers which still menaced im. Although no one had seen him enter the well —Berta, as stated, having gone into the rendéz- yous just before he descended by means of tue bucket—the voice of the girl, the moment sbe came back to the garden, brought Pedro and some of his companions there, They instantly commenced to make a diligent search for the youth, and finally looked into the weil. .. ‘““The bucket was not down at the bottom when we were here before,” said one. “ Are you sure of that?” inquired Pedro, “Yes; for 1 felt thirsty, and was going to draw up some cool water to drink, whem you came and tiid us to go back ‘into the cave, I noticed the bucket hanging in its place.” ‘“Why did you not speak before? The boy has evidently discovered the secret pessage leading to the gully, and has made his escape.” **T did not notice that the bucket was missing until just now.” ‘+ Well, in future keep your eyes about you.” Then he gave orders to his men. “Four of you hurry tothe gully. You will get there, if you go quickly, before he has time to come out of it. Meanwbile | will go through the well-passage, with another of our men, to look for him there. Shoot him down the instant you see him!” he added, lowering his voice so that Berta could not hear him. He might as well: have spoken out, for her keen black eyes were upon him, and she guessed what he had said. * Let no one barm the boy!” shecried, ‘The first one who does so dies by my hand!” Tbe men knew she meant what she said. **Don’t hurt Aim, then,” said Pedro, ‘but when you capture him, take him to the new rendezvous, as this one is now of no use to us. The dogs of the law will soon know of this place.” The men then departed, but Berta followed them closely, determined that the boy should not be harmed. As the smugglers drew near the gully, they saw Robert Brown’s head thrust through the shrubbery, on the edge of the cavity. The youth, after leaving the passage, bad climbed the side of the hollow, thinking he would find his way clear to the city. To his dismay he now beheld the gang who were approaching, with Berta coming up in the rear. Robert threw a hastv glance about him, but, as usual, the vicinity of this place was deserted except by his foes. He saw not a living sou! to eall upon for assistance, and his captors had deprived him of every instrument with which he might defend himself, even to his pocket- knife. True, he had the club with which he had moved back the bowlder, but of course this would be comparatively useless before men armed with daggers and pistols. He therefore drew back into the gully and crept among the thick sbrubbery, hoping that, when his pursuers came to search for him, he might find a chance to slip away from them un- observed, wa? *< , ‘ ala d=) tT ie Eisen eter tiae a ytsemg es re ENE Ian EI IEInInISSEnI SSSR eeneeneeeeee eee aE SNPs See er tS Lying motionless, he finally heard the party enter the gully, and commence to beat down the brush. The noise they made enabled him to elude them by dodging from place to place, and at length, be reached tbe furtber end of the cavity. Up this he crawled, and contrived to draw himself out of the hollow without being ob- served. He vow moved off in the direction of the city, but he had not proceeded far, when, on looking behind bim, he saw the party in pur- suib. He changed his course toward the sea- shore, keeping among some sand-bills, which concealed him from the gaze of the smugglers. The shades of night were falling, and the boy thought he might possibly escape the outlaws by hiding bimself in some hollow. He was about creeping into one, when his gaze tell up- onasmall skiff tied to a stake, alongside the veach. He sprung into the light craft, loosened it, and finding a paddle in the boat, worked it away from the land. ‘*We see you! better come back!” shouted Pedro, as be and his party reached tne shore, ‘If you don’t, we will fire!” The youth did not heed the threat, but kept on, and finally beaded the skiff, toward Tana pico, Several shots were fired at him, but they did not take effect, and soon he heard the angry voice of Berta ordering them to desist. It was now sodark that the youth could see little more than the outlines of the gang, as they moved along the beach. Ahead of him he could dimly desery the hull and spars of a schooner. “It is likely she will prove to be a friendly craft,” he thought. He had discovered that the skiff leaked badly, and that he could not keep her afloat much longer. To go ashore would be sure to bring in the power of the smugglers, and he therefore determined to make for the craft ahead. ** Boat ahoy!” came a hoarse voice from the deck, as he approached. ‘‘ Ahoy! there!’ answered Robert. “ What schooner is tnat, and who commands her?” ‘*The Maria, Captain Cardinas!” was the re- sponse. ‘The last vessel, then, that I should board,” muttered the boy. ‘‘I am not going to put myself in any such trap as that.” e changed bis course, beading past the ves- sel, but, as he did so, he heard a boat lowered, and could distinguish the voice of Cardinas, as the latter ordered his crew to give way. In fact, the captain, who had been on deck when the hail was given, bad thought he recognized Robert’3 voice, which, being peculiar, was one that could not well be mistaken. Perceiving that he was thus pur:ued by water, and, knowing he would soon be overtaken, he made directly for a cluster of rocks, which he saw looming abead. : Cardinas gained on him, but, while he was still some yurds from the fugitive, the latter glided among the rocks, and, leaping out of tbe skiff, concealed himself in a hollow, among the rugged masses. The captain seeing the skiff gliding on, be- yond the rocks, thought that its occupant was lying down in it, and so kept op after the craft. Before he reachel it, however, the vessel hav- ing filled, bad gone down in a little whirlpool, a few fathoms from the rocks, Cardinas then returned to his schooner, which be bad scarcely done, when he saw a light ashore, evidently being waved asa ss ag He again lowered bis boat. and made for the beach, on which he found Pedro and some of his men. ‘“‘What are you doing here?’ inquired the St. Mary’s captain, as he and Pedro walked to one side, ‘“‘ Looking for that little rascal, Robert Brown, who has escaped us!” ‘Then it’s all right!” cried the young cap- tain, rubbing his hands. ‘So it was he, as I thought?” ‘1 don’t understand you,” “ My first officer hailed some one approaching in a skiff, and I thought I recognized the voice of Brown. I gave pursuit ashe passed us, and he and his skiff went down in the whirlpool, near the Off Shore Rocks.” **- You are sure he went down?” “Tam sure he was ying in the skiff, for I could just make out bis hat in the darkness. He must have sunk, and glad enough I am to be rid of bim.” Pedro seemed much relieved. ‘‘How about the search for us?” he inquired. * Did you tell the authorities about our rendez- vous?” The Phantom Light-house. ‘Yes, and guided them to it. I did not wait long to witness their discomfiture when they found the place deserted, but same straight back to the beach and boarded my schooner.” ‘* How long ago was this?” ‘About half an hour, They have probably reached the place by this time, and found it empty.” ‘* And are now searching for us, I suppose?” ‘it is likely.” “ Well, we will go to our new rendezvous, which I would defy all the revenue officers in the universe to find.” ‘*Take care! those fellows have sharp eyes.” “They would never think of looking under the sea. Hab! bah} to think that part of this ocean dungeon is directly under the warehouse! The Jesuits knew what they were about when they built that convent.” ‘“You cannot enter the warehouse from the water dungeon?” ‘“No, not now, owing to the alterations made by Don Carlos. The planks of the lower floor cover the secret door, which used to open into it. The entrance to the dungeon is through a passage in an old, disused graveyard vault, far back of the building. No one would suspect there was a secret door there, as the wall of the vault looks like one even surface of stone.” ‘* How, then, did you find it? You have not yet told me that.” 4 * An old sexton, who bad once been a friend of my father, told me the secret, just before his death, which happened a week ago,” The twain now parted. Cardinas returning to the schooner and Peuro, with bis companions, hurrying off in the direction of their new re- treat, Meanwhile Robert Brown was_ overjoyed with the success of his strategy. He watched for some passing craft, wbich should come near enough for him to hail it, but he watched in vain. Toward morning he resolved to endeavor to reach the shore on a plank which was among the driftwood that had collected between the openings in the rocks, Straddling the plank, he paddled with his bands, and finally gained the beach. The light of dawn was just beginning to break, and as the youth looked about him, be fancied he saw a female figure approaching. He crouched bebind a bank, and the young woman passed so near bim that he was enabled to recognize Berta. The girl was walkirg rapidlv, with bowed bead, and with hands clasped before her, and as she passed Robert beard her say: ‘*T am afraid the boy is lost' The skiff was a leaky one and must have filled before he got far from the sbore.” It was evident that the girl had remained all night on the/beach in the hope of seeing some- thing of the fugitive. ; Scarcely was she out of sightin the gloom, when Robert started toward Tampico. As he moved on he did not notice a form which was swiftly and stealthily following bim. This was Cardinas, who, having been on deck while the young clerk was paddling shoreward on the plank, had dimly descried bis figure. A suspicion of the truth had at once flashed across his mind, and he had sprung into bis gig and sculled it toward the beach, first having told his second officer, who bud the watch, that he was going ashore to meet a friend with whom be bad an appointment. As it was not uncommon for bim to thus go off alone in the gig, the cflicer thought nothing of it. As soon as he reacbed the shore he secured his gig by means of the warp to a rock and started, as shown, after Robert. As he bad kept among the sand-hills, be had not seen Berta, who had passed on the other side of them, CHAPTER IX. WOUNDED. “ Ay! as 1 thought, it is Robert Brown,” the captain muttered, as the increasing light en- abled him to recognize the figure of the youth. ‘‘T would not have believed I conld have made such a blunder as | did. I could have sworn he went down in the skiff.” Stealthily approaching the hoy, he pulled hia pistol from his pocket as he drew near bim. Robert bad now reached a part of the shore which formed a small peninsula projecting into the sea. Not twenty fathoms from this tongue of land lay an old sloop, partly keeled over on its side, with its topmast broken off near the truck, and its mainsail carelessly furled on the im. a IR a a
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| Cardinas, more than once, glanced uneasily toward this craft. **I don’t believe there is any one aboard,” he thought. ‘‘The sloop has been laid up there for several weeks by the pearl-divers who used it, because it needed repairing. Still, there might possibly be some one aboard, and I will wait until the boy passes behind that sand-bill just ahead before I attack him, as I could not there be seen from the craft.” A moment later Robert passed behind the sand-hili, when taking aim at his head, tbe cap- tain pulled trigger. The weapon did not go off, and hearing the click of the falling hammer, the boy turned, to behold Cardinas, now within two feet of him. Before be could speak or raise a hand the cap- tain struck him a heavy blow between the eyes with the stock of the weapon, causing him to stagger back, half-stunned. Rvubert, ¢onfused though he was, quickly recovered himself, and as Cardinas made a lunge at him with his sword, he knocked it aside with bis club, which he still had in his possession. * You young dog of an American,” cried the captain, ‘Your time has come, I told you I was not done witb you.” ; And he made another thrust at the boy. ‘*T am not done with you, thief and rascal as you are!” answered Robert, as he again parried the keen weapon, Then be dealt Cardinas a sounding whack with the club on the back, as the captain half- turned to avoid the blow, which was aimed at his head. ‘“Curse you—you rat,” said Cardinas, as he made a third lunge at the boy. The latter endeavored to parry it, but was only partly successful. He felt a cold, sharp ain, as about an inch of the weapon penetrated is side. The next moment bis enemy would have run bim through the body, bad not the young clerk struck him on the wrist of bis sword-arm a blow which benumbed his hand, so that his weapon dropped from his grasp. He icked it up with bis left, but, ere he could use it, the sound of quick footsteps appr ouing was heard, and Cardinas burried off, soon disap- pearing among the sand-hills abead. Meanwhile Robert felt the blood gushing from his wound, and as it made him weak he sat down, The footsteps which had been heard drew nearer, and, a minute later, Berta appeared from behind one of the sand-aills. * You are hurt!” sbe cried, anxiously, ‘‘ Tell me where.” The boy had already loosened the clothing about his side. “Tt was Cardinas—was it not?’ continued Berta, ber eyes flashing. ‘Yes, it was he who gaye me the wound, but, after all, it is only a mere scratch!” “It is bad enough to weaken you for some time,” she said. ‘‘ Coward! coward! that he was to attack an unarmed boy! I will pay bim for this!” As she spoke, she tore a strip of cloth from a mantle she wore, and proceeded to tightly bandage the wound. ; Then she pulled from her pocket a small flask containing liquor, and made the boy drink it, ‘* Do you feel better now?” ‘“Yes, I think I can keep on my way to Tampico.” He rose, and was surprised to perceive that he was almost too weak to walk. “You will help me on my way to the city?” he said, ** No, you are not fit to go. Exertion of that kind would ba the death of you, in the end, You need rest. Your wound is worse than you think,” a “What, then, am I to do? Will you go to the city and get a conveyance for me?” ‘““What! leave you here for that cowardl rascal to come back and murder? No! I will stay with you, I willcure you. You need to lie now in a reclining position, but not here on ya beach, in the sun, which will soon be very ot, As she spoke, she bathed his head with some of the liquor, tenderly pushing back bis hair as she did so. He started back as if to move away from her. ‘*What! are my touch and presence then disagreeable to you?” she nemilaa sadly. 6 “Ob, no,” he answered, not wishing to hurt her feelings. He was really grateful for her attentions, and believed that, although she was amember of a gang of smugglers, she wasa friend to him, for it was of course plainly evi- Pa ty: dent that, had she not interfered in his behalf, SSS SSS 7 Py he would have been killed by the outlaw band The Phantom Light-house. soon after his capture “Come,” she said, ‘you shall lean on me, and I will take you tothe craft yonder, in the shallow water, just beyond the peninsula.” ‘ As she spoke, she pointed toward the pearl- sber. ‘* Will the people there be friendly to me?” “There is not a soul aboard, The craft bas been abandoned for the present, until it can be repaired, if it ever is, which | think is doubtful, as the pearl fishers who sailed it are now using another vessel,” She assisted the youth to his feet, and, put- ting an arm around him as he leaned on her, she helped him to the end of the peninsula, aud thence into the shallow water beyond. Within afew fathoms of the cratt, the water was too deep to be waded. ‘‘ Wait here,” said Berta, and, plunging for- ward, she swam like a mermaid. Gaining the lower side of the sloop, she climbed to the deck. A moment later x of launched overboard a stout plank. Pushing this before her, she re- turned to Robert’s side. Then sbe helped him on the plank, and getting on herself, worked it alongside of the vessel. She nextsprung aboard and lowered some gangway-steps, by means of which she finally got him to the deck. ‘fT am a great deal of trouble to you,” he said. “T would do much for you,” she answered, her black eyes flashing with love and tender- ness. ‘It is no trouble, it isa pleasure. Be- sides, I feel that I owe more than this to you for the way our band has made you suffer.” She helped him down into the bold, for cabin the craft did not have, Here there were some chairs, a couple of bunks with mattresses in them, a table, a few c ils of rope and some old canvas. In the center of the apartment a large object, shaped like a bell, with strong glass lenses fitted in near the top, riveted bis atten- tion. “ What is that?” he inquired. “Tt is a divimg-bell.” ‘*T did not know that pearl-fishers used those things.” “They are not in the habit of it. The cap- tain of this craft was persuaded to try one by a person having one to sell. The sailors used it once and never again, for they did not like it, preferring to go down in the usual manner,” Robert was helped into one of the bunks, where he lay on his back as Berta advised him todo. This gave him great relief from pain, and he was soon able to walk a little. ‘“*Now, then, I think lcan make a start for Tampico,” he said, The girl shook her head. “Not yet,” she answered. “What makes the craft rock so? I thought she wasin shallow water, her keel touching bot- tom. “So she was, but the tide has risen higher than usual and she is afloat, though held by an anchor,” As Berta spoke she ascended the ladder lead- ing on deck to take a look at the water and the sky. When she descended, Robert noticed that her face wore an anxious expression. ‘“* We are going to have a gale,” she ssid. ‘It will be upon us ina few moments. Don’t at- tempt to come up, but stay bere while I go on deck again.” As she spoke, there was a deafening roar, fol- lowed by a wild rush of waters, which latter threw the craft down almost on ber beam-ends, CHAPTER X. WRECKED. BERTA now burried on deck. The moment she reached it, the first object that met her gaze was Captain Cardinas, now on the after part of bis vessel, spy-glass in hand, watching the damaged sloop, which it was evident be had seen the girl board with Robert. “Rascal!” she muttered, between her teeth, her eyes flashing, ‘I will be even with you for burting that boy! Don Carlos shall know from me your true character. He shall know that you are the thief, who, from the first, planned the robbery of bis goods with my brother—that you allow him to pass you and smuggle bis cargoes into the city, sharing the profits with him.” The wind was now blowing with terrific vio- lence, and great sheets of spray were driven over the vessel, fore and aft. She was near! on her beam-ends, nee ae against the sand- bank, on which sbe Iey with a violence which threatened to soon break her to pieces. Berta running to the round-bouse aft, found esti i - - > LMR te ROPE ES NPR TURN I a an old ax, with the help of which she intended to slip the cable. It would be impossible now to take Robert ashore through the raging waters, and unless the sloop could be got adrift, it must break up. ‘*T will save Robert or die!” cried the brave girl, her eyes flashing. ‘Our only hope is ia getting the vessel adrift. She will be carried off Tampico, and I trust that some craft will come from the city to our relief if I make a signal!” Sbe soon had the anchor clear off sbore, and the gale bore the sloop seaward, With some ditf- ficulty, she partly loosened the mainsail; and then, lashing the helm amidships, sbe thus kept the craft directly before the wind. Bending on to the after halyardsa strip of blue Lunting, sbe hoisted it half-mast as a signal, but scarcely had she done so, when the rack of the storm was driven between the vessel and the city. ‘*God help the boy!” cried Berta. *‘ They can- not see the signal from Tampico!” On went the damaged craft further out to sea every moment, Through the driving sheets of spray, Berta, springing on the bow, peered ahead, *¢ All is lost!” sbe exclaimed, as a mist in that direction lifted, ‘‘There arethe ‘ Black Rosks,’ not fifty fathoms abead, They extend in a line so that I cannot escape them. unless I can beat to windward of them, which I believe to be im- pssible in such a blow!” She loosened the rest of the mainsail, sheeted it as well as she could, and took her post at the wheel. A momentery lull in the gale inspired ber with hope. sSne jammed the wheel hard-a-port, and shooting close up to the wind, the sloop pointed her bow a little to windward of the line of dangerous rocks, Berta’s whole face lighted with joy. She had begun to think sbe would pass the rocks, when, all at once, the gale roared with redoubled vio- lence, and the sloop’s head swung off, pointing straight for the rugged masses. “She is gone! No hope now!” muttered the irl, She lashed the wheel, and compressing her lips, with a look of determination, she descended into the hold. ‘“ Well,” said Robert, ‘how did you find things?” ‘‘Bad enough. In ten minutes from now we will strike the rocks and go to pieces, when in no way can you save yourself, in yuur present disabled conoition.” ‘*] don’t suppose I could swim much.” ‘No, and if you could, I doubt 1f it would do you much good. We are close upon the * Black Rocks,’ and the breakers there would interfere with the best swimmer. Come bere, sbe added, as she walked to the diving-bell, ‘“‘ you must get into this.” ‘‘In the diving-bell? How do you know it will go down straight when the craft breaks up? If it does not, I would be worse off than if I did not get into it!” “T think it will go down straight, J will try to make it go so.” ‘How will you do it?” Berta seized the end of a strong rope attached to the top of the bell, and secured it to the muin- boom on deck. Then sbe returned to the hold. ‘Tt is time you were in the bell,” she said to Robert, taking his arm. Tove instrument was raised on blocks, so that any person could creep up under it, and get into it. Berta assisted the boy to one of the shelves in the metallic chamber. ‘¢ How will | breathe under water?” inquired the youth. A rubber hose is attached to the rope and to the top of the bell, If that does not get under water, it will, I think, give you air enough to keep you alive, until you are discovered. At any rate, the instrument is your only alterna- tive, under the circumstences. It will, at least, give you a chance for life. You will find a lan- tern and provisions in the bell. God grant that you may be saved, but tbere is no certainty about it, and you must be prepared for the worst.” ‘“Are you not also going to get into the bell?” “No; Lam goin best to keep the swept overboard too soon, ceed.” “So, then you are risking your life for me?” ‘‘T would risk it a thousand times for you!” was the reply. ‘‘Good-by!” And as she spoke, the impulsive girl p’ her beautiful lips to those of Robert, The next moment she was gone. to stay on deck, and do my ll straight. If I am not think 1 will suc- oA yy St
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10 “Tye half a mind to get out of the bell agein,” muttered the boy. But just then a violent roll of the craft caused the instrument to slip off the blocks, and the youth found himself imprisoned in the hollow vessel, Meanwhile Berta had returned to the deck. She took ber position by the diving-bell rope, and securely fastened the upper partof the hose to the boom, ‘*This spar will be the first to go when we strike,” she thought. .‘‘ Neither the rope nor the hose will be dislodged from it, and it will serve as a sort of mark for Robert’s situation.” The sloop was now within a few fathoms of the rocks. A huge breaker came rolling along, and in a second the vessel struck, with a loud erash. She parted amidships, the mainmast at the same time going over, dragging the boom with lt. Brave Berta clung to the boom, and, even when among the rushing, whirling waters, she put her hands on the hose of the diving-bell to make sure it was firm. As she did so, a huge breaker struck her and swept her from her hold, She endeavored to swim to a rock near her, when another sea dashed ber against a rugged mass, depriving ber of her senses. For a mo- ment ber dark hair streamed out on the foam- ing water, Then she went down to never again rise in life. “Do you seo her, now? inquired Cardinas, who from his sloop bad, as stated, been watch- ing the damaged craft. He spoke to his first officer, an evil-looking personage name Bango— some years older than himself. ‘*No; the craft has gone to pieces, and it is not likely we’ll ever see that girl again!” Cardinas still scanned the water with his glavs. ‘The fragments of the sloop were borne out to sea, and only the rocks and white water were visible where she had broken up. The young captain breathed a sigh of relief. ; “The boy is gone, sure enough, now,” he thought. ‘* He can never tell tales against me, Neither can that girl, Berta, who I believe, had she lived, would have told everything out of spite!” ‘Those are bad rocks,” said Bango. ‘ As they are about balf a league trom shore, they are in the way of in-bound craft. There is at times a sort of whiripool among them, and there is a legend that the spirits of people who have been drowned there, have been seen flitting among the rocks,” **Nonsense!” gasped Cardinas, turning as pale as death. ‘‘ You don’t mean to say tbat vou think the ghosts of the two young fellows, edro drowned there ever come up again.” ‘“*Santa Maria only knows,” answered the first officer, crossing himself. ‘‘ 1 shouldn’t like to see the ghosts of Henrique and Jason, as we bad a band in having them drowned!” Cardinas, who, as well as his first officer, was superstitious at beart, shuddered, as he said ina low voice: * Be careful bow you speak about that. Our men are true, so long as we can give them extra wages, but there is no knowing what they might not do for the large reward that has been offered for the explanation of the dis- appearanee of those two persons.” ‘““You can depend on me. The men shall never know about the effair.” “That is right. Now, then, as soon as the storm is over, 1 must go to the smugglers’ ren- dezvous and tell Pedro that bis sister and that boy are both lost.” Three hours later the gale went down. Cardinas was then rowed ashore, and be hurried to the secret retreat of the outlaws, ; Pedro merely shrugged his suoulders when he learned his sister’s fate. * She was a good helper,” be said, ** but her foolish attachment to that boy would, I think, have got us into trouble bad she lived,” “ Fortunately, be is gone, tuo, so that we have now nothing more to fear.” “I suppose the custom-house fellows are hunting us up by this time.” ** Yes, but they can never find you if you keep close. The person most to be feared is that young detective, Lormo. He isa shrewd boy, and for that reason he is paid better than any of the ‘ force’ employed.” **] will balk him. If he comes near enough to me and I have a good chance—” Here Pedro significantly tapped the handle of a dagger protruding from under his jacket, ‘Taking life is risky. I would not do so if I were you, unless I was sure that the deed could be done without the body ever being found.” The Phantom Light-house. **Come this way,” said Pedro. Cardinas followed bis conductor through the | vaulted apartment until the two reached a paved archway. Then Pedro held up thelan- tern he carried, showing a pit, at the bottom of which could be heard the wash of water. ‘A body thrown down there,” he said, ‘* with a weight tied to it, would be carried out to sea by the under-current, and would never rise to the surface.” CHAPTER XI, THE RENDEZVOUS. WHEN Isabel returned to her lodgirgs, on that day when Cardinas pretended to rescue her, and afterward showed her Robert Brown among the outlaws, she went straight to her room, leaving the captain with her father. ‘ Itis very strange,” the young girl muttered, as she bowed ber head upon her hand. “I would not have believed it had not I seen him there, He really bad the appearance of one who had voluntarily joined the gang.’ It must have been that wicked girl I saw with bim who induced him to become a member of the band.” Her eyes flashed as she said this, and the color forsook her cheeks. ‘*She is not a beautiful girl,” thought Isabel, as she glanced at a reflection of ber own brigbt face in the mirror. ‘*Sbe is bold and showy iv appearance—that is all.” Meanwhile Cardinas was giving an account to the surprised Don Carlos of his rescue of his daughter, and cf his discovery of Robert Brown among the outlaws, ‘You saw that boy with those rascals, you say?” “T did; your daughter saw him, too.” ‘** A prisoner, of course.” **No, be had the air of one who bad joined them voluntarily. He was with a girl belong- ing to the party. They were evidently on ami- cable terms.” “This is very strange. You think those are | the persons who robbed my warebouse?” cf have no doubt of it. They robbed the place, and induced your boy-watcher to join them.” “They must be smugglers as well as thieves. There has been a good deal of smuggling going on lately, Captain Cardinas, in spite of your watchfulness,” The young captain colored. ‘Upon my word,” he said. ‘The Govern- ment would need a whole fleet. of vessels on the | coast to entirely prevent smuggling. With wy little craft I do the best I can,” “‘T have no doubt of it,” said Don Carlos, heartily. ‘And now, about this boy, Robert. Do you know what you have told me bas almost destroyed my faith in any human being?” **Poob! never had much faith in that fellow!” “I had. I supposed I could rely upon his honor.” “It is easy enough to be honcrable where there is no temptation to be otherwise,” sneered | Cardinas, ‘‘Remember the boy never befcre had so large a sum of your money with bim.” ‘‘For that very reason I should not have sup- | posed that the smugglers could have bribed him to join them.” ‘There was a girl in the case, you know, and | it is often in the ‘power of bad women to per- : suade our sex to do wrong—especially when the | wrong-doing will fll our own pockets!” added | the speaker, As already stated, Don Carlos was naturally | of a suspicious nature, and as appearances were against Robert, Cardinas soon persuaded him ! to believe that Robert was a dishonest thief. | ’ The two lost no time in repairing to the quar- ters of the Vigilantes and also to the castom- house, where they gave information of what bad happened, and where Cardinas carefully described the location of the rendezvous in which be had seen the outlaws, It chanced that Lormo was lounging near when the captain and bis companion were talk- ing to the chief. When the former spoke of Robert Brown, having voluntarily joined the smugglers, be could detect the air of satisfac- tion with which this part of the statement was made by Cardinas, **] never liked that fellow,” thought Lormo. ** People who are fond of accusing others of do- ing wrong, are often mean, contemptible scoun- drels themselves, He will bear watching !” And the shrewd boy resolved, from that mo ment, to keep a carefu) watch upon Cardinas. With a number of others and also with a party of Vigilantes, escorted by the young cap- tain, Lormo was sent to the rendezvous. Ladders being brought, the*walls were scal- ed, anda careful search was made of the va- cated cavern, but the smugglers were gone, “1 thought so,” said Lormo, loud enough for Cardinas to hear him. The young captain turned quickly to meet the clear, steady gray eyes of the speaker. * You thought what?” inquired Cardinas. “That you wouldn’t find any of those fellows here.” ee Why (id ‘** Because they must have known beforehand that we were coming, and so they had a good chance to get off!” The captain looked relieved, and this did not escape Lormo’s attention. ‘Tt almost looks as if he thought I was going to accuse him of having warned them,” chuckled the lad, as soon as be left the premises. ‘* Well, I do more than half think he did, but I won't say it 7s so, for people are sometimes mistaken.” A few hours later, Lormo, with others de- tailed for that purpose, was making a vigorous search for the smugglers. The boy bad disguised himself so that his own mother would not bave known him. He had changed his attire, and had so blackened his face with a burnt cork that he looked almost like a negro. Separating from the rest of the party, he placed himself bebind a sand-bill, whence he could watch the schooner of Captain Cardinas, It was now just after the storm had subsided, and Cardinas had lowered bis boat to be taken ashore, As the captain moved off, Lormo kept nearly behind him, shielded from observation by a ridge of land along the base of which hc crept. At length, arriving where there were | trees and shrubbery, the youth walked upright, | keeping bimself screened by the foliage. He saw Cardinas finally enter the tomb in the graveyard, and without hesitation, he moved on after him. Just asthe captain disappeared, however, in the vauit, the boy felt a band on his arm. ‘‘Where are you going?’ came a low, stern voice in his ear, and turving, he beheld a ruffian ly-locking teilow, with a deep scar between the eyes. ‘*T have lost my way,” answered Lormo, dis- guising his voice. '‘‘ Where do you want to go to?” “‘o Tampico. I am half-starved, and dm looking for work,” ‘What kind of work? ‘* Anytbing I will do. Are you particular?” I don’t care what it is, | so long as [ can earn money.” ‘‘ Where are you from?” ‘*T don’t like to tell you.” “Why?” “1m afraid you might have me arrested,” ‘Ho! Sao! I believe you are some prison- bird.” ‘‘ Now you know it, for God’s sake don’t tell.” ‘“‘Have no fear. What were you put in prison for?’ ‘** For—for—stealing.” ** Would you like to steal again?” ‘‘Try me; but first give me something to eat.” ‘*T think you'll do,” said the man, ‘Come is way.” He opened the door of the vault with a key taken from bis pocket. Lormo followed bim to the bottom of the vault, looking keenly about bim as he went. ‘* Now you wiil bave to let me blindfold you,” said the man. ‘** All rignt,” answered the boy. Taking a kerchief, the smuggler fastened it about the eyes of the youth; tben he led him forward, and a moment later the young detec- tive heard a grating noise in front of him, like that of a door being opened. Lormo was conducted some yards ere the bandage was taken from his eyes, when be found bimself in a large, bricked apartment, with a cemented floor, and lighted by lamps in niches on toe walls. There were about twenty smugglers present, some of them seated on benches, playing cards and others conversing together, ‘*Here is a boy who wants to juin us,” said Lormo’s companion, One of the band called Pedro, who wasat that moment showing Cardinas the pit in the outer passage. Followed by Cardinas, who, bowever, was so closely muffled in his cloak that Lormo could not recognize him, Pedro came in and looked at the boy. **So you want to join us?” he said. “I do,” answered Lormo. ‘You have escaped from prison?’ continued Pedro, scrutinizing the garb of the youth, th
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**T have.” ‘Be careful,” whispered Cardinas in Pedro’s ear; ‘‘make sure he is nota spy.” Lormo looked at the cloaked figure. ‘**] wish I could see his face,” be thought, ‘'I believe he is Cardinas.” But the latter now passed on and soon left the apartment. **You will swear to serve us faithfully if we take you?” continued Pedro. *T will.” The boy was then made to take an oath, which he did in a firm voice, At the same moment a noise was heard of footsteps and voices approaching, and a minute later several smugglers entered, dragging with them a man in the girb of a Vigilante. The latter looked pale and frightened, Lormo was sure be bad never seen this person before, ‘“Who have we here?” queried Pero. ““A Vigilante—one of the cursed people who are trying to hunt us down,” was the an- swer. “ We found bim lurking outside of our grounds.” “What shall be the fate of this man?’ in- quired Pedro, addressing bis band. * DEATH!” replied the smugglers in chorus, “Itis well. #repare for your fste!” said the leader of the gang, turning to the Vigilante, “ Have mercy!” groaned the latt~r, piteouslv. ‘Remember I bave a family depeadent on me for support.” “You must die. Having discovered the loca- tion of our rendezvous, you canuot be let off to tell whepe it is ” ‘*For God’s sake, spare my life!” cried the Vigilante. ‘You waste your breath,” cried Petro, sternly. ‘* And you,” turning to Lormo, ** shall be bis executioner. Hereis a cuance for you to sbow your zeal ia our cause, Také this,” he ad ded, preseoting a dagger to the boy, and stab the prisoner to the heart.” Lormo felt his biood run cold. He was asked to murder one of his own friends, as it were, ** 7 did not engage to kil| people,” be said. “1 took you for smuggiers and robbers,” * You have sworao to serve us in any way we might require.” ** And the oath included murder?” “Tt is so understood.” ‘I do not like to Aill any oae,” said Lormo, shuddering. ‘The penalty for refusing will be death!” cried Pedro. ‘* You will be cut to pieces if you disobey.” Suddenly the boy’s eyes flashed. He com- pressed his lips firmly. and tben said: ** Vern well, 1 will do it 2” ° The Vigilante was beld firmly by several of the gang. Lormo raised his knife, aiming it at the breast of the prisoner, and sprung toward bim. Ere he could strike; however, Pedro seized his arm. ‘* Enough!” he cried. ‘'' This was done to try you! I see we can rely on you!” Lormo returned the dagger to the speaker. * I have hoodwinked him nicely,” thought the boy. ‘‘I sew a look exchanged between him and the pretended Vigilante, and that sbowed me just bow things were.” Toe man who wore the garb of a Vigilante, now divested himself of the uniform, revealing attire similar to that of the rest of the gang. Meanwhile, Lormo looked about bim in vain for his friend, Robert Brown. ‘He is not here, that is plain.” mused the lad. ‘Can it be that they bave killed bim. It is likely 1 will find out before long.” CHAPTER XIl. A STARTLING VISION, THE custom-bouse officers and the Vigilantes vainly searched for tue secret retreat of the smugglers, It was now believed that the boy, Lormo, who had not been seen by his comrades since he parted from them, had been killed by the outlaws, The truth was that the lad bad found no chance to leave the rendezvous since be en- tered it. Cardinas had informed Pedro of Lormo’s disappearance, and he shrewdly advised him to sharply watch tbe youth who had lately joined his band. ‘* Who knows but that he ma self,” he remarked. ‘‘Heis a that fellow.” be Lormo tim- ut the size of i i The Phantom Light-house, it That, I own, looks as if he is all right, but he is a sharp fellow, and may have guessed that you were playing him a trick. As to his being black, it is easy to make the skin that way with a burnt cork. Have you seen bim wash bis face since he joined you?” ‘' No, but he shall do so this very day before me. If the black does not come off, I sbal! have Bo doubt of his being what he appears to be. This conversation took place two days after Lormo’s dis»ppearance aboard Cardinas’s vessel —tne St. Mary. Before night, Pedro returned to the rendez- | vous. Rho, seeing the black boy, he inquired for im, ‘** We sent bim to cur craft to help work her,” said Bronson—the Englishman—Pedro’s first officer. ‘Why did you do that? I told you I did not want him to leave the place, alone.” “* He has not left it alone. our men with bim.” ““Toat alters the case; but I shall be glad enough to see him back here.” At that moment Lormo, with his companions, was abouta mile from tbe rendezvous, approach- ing that part of the const off which the Maria, Pedro’s craft, now ley »t enchor. Tbe boy watched for a chance to escape, but the three men with him kept close to him. Finally they drew near a small, stone house, about balf a mile from the city. This bouse was a sort of tevern, the proprietor of which was well known to the outlaws, from whom he bad received many a bottle of smuggled wine, ‘*T am thirsty,” remarked Lormo, “So am I,” said one of the men. am when we get near that house.” ** A little wine would not burt any of us,” continued the young detective, ‘** No, indeed, but old Bosce, who keeps that place, will not trust us any more. He hasa long seore against us, already.” ‘Lam willing to treat,” said Lormo, rattling some silver in his pocket, ‘‘! don’t drink my- self, but we can goin, and you can call for what you want at my expense,” “ That’s fair enough,” was the reply. “‘T always With Lormo the three entered tne Casino. | It was getting dark, and a lamp had been lighted. The boy sat down on a bench, while his com- panions called for what they wanted. The moment their backs were toward bim, Lormo darted through the open docrway. The men bad just raised their glasses, “ Hold, there!’ cried Bosco. ‘I think vou said your black friend would pay! He bus rup out!’ “The deuce he has!” ejaculated one of the three, in consternation, but they all gulped dowa the liquor ere they darted off in pursuit. “Pay me first!” sbrieked Bosco, but he shrieked in vain. Awsy went the trio, the dim form of the fugitive faintly visible in the gloom, e few yards abead of them. They did not guess the truth, but thought that the black boy had merely played them the trick of running off so as to escape paying for the wine, “Come back, there, or we'll break your head when we catch you, you little imp!” sbouted one, Lormo, however, kept on. Closely followed by bis pursuers, who were good runners, he finally found himself ona projection of Jand, .emmed ia on three sides by the water. * This is bad,” he muttered, ** No chance now for me to get to the city. But there is the light of a craft abead, und 1 bope it may prove to be a friend—one of our custom-house boats,” He sprung into the water, and struck out for p44 light, which was not more than forty yards re) Ere long he could dimly make out the bull and mast of tbe craft. which was a sloop. ‘‘T believe it is the smuggler-craft, the Maria, after all!” he thought. He approached the vessel cautiously and finally gained the bow unperceived. At the same moment be heard a hail from the shore, |! ** Maria. Aboy!” ‘‘Aboy,” was answered from the sloop. “Send usa boat, and look sharp for a black boy who has just escaped us and must now be somewhere near the sloop!” Lormo hastened to clamber into the bow and There are three of | | of the men, | by one of them.” vessel’s rail, having first made sure there was no watch forward, and skulked down the fore- hatchway which was open. ‘Good, so far,” he thought. ‘* My next move is to swim ashore and get to the city, after the boat comes back.” In half an bour the boat returned and Lormo could hear the voices of his three late compan- ions on deck, He waited in vain fora chance to leave the vessel, The men remained near the fore-hatch- way and finally he beard the hatch as it was pvt over the opening and fastened. Preparations were being made for getting | under way. A couple of hours latter the boy who had ensconced himself bebind a pile of canvas, heard Pedro, with his gang, come aboard, His angry voice rung sharply through the vessel when the three men informed hin: of the escape of the black boy, and Lormo could hear what was said, ‘*Evervthing is lost!” cried Pedro, ‘ with that boy!" ‘lt is likely he was drowned,” answered one “The last we saw of bim he was in the water.” “Tf he was the person I think he was, he is too good aswimmer to be drowned. I now be lieve that he was Lormo, the custom-house de- tective in disguise.” ‘Oh, no. I think you must be mistaken! He was just what he seemed.” * Why, then, did be run away from you?” ** Merely to escape paying for the wine.” ‘Pooh! be would not bave taken so much tronble for a little silver, You may be sure be Was » spy, ** Well, then, even if he was, I am confident he was drowned. There are svarks in plenty off the coast, and I believe he has been nabbed ‘*T hope so. as discovered,” The craft now wasunder way. In a few minutes Lormo could fee} her rolling and rocking violently, which indicated that she had been struck by a gale, ‘**Ligbt ’O! suddenly sbrieked a\ men, who If not, our rendezvous is as good | had been put on the lookout. **Whereaway?’ shouted Pedro. . *“ 4 couple of points abaft the weather beam, not half a mile cff!” was the answer. ‘‘ Santa Maria! it comes from a LIGHT-HOUSE!” added the Sane a moment later, **No,” said Pedro. ‘*Impossible! That light comes from the ‘ Black Rocks,’ and there is no light-house there !” The captain said this as he emerged from the cabin, but the moment be reached the deck and took a keener survey of the light, be drew back with a cry of borror, ‘God help us! THERE IS A LIGHT-HOUSE THERE, BUT THERE NEVER WAS ONE ON THOSE ROCKS BBFORE! What can it mean?” Lormo beard those words, **[ must try to get a look at that light,” he muttered. He crept cautiously forward, and entered the forecastie through an opening in the bulkhead, There was no one there, all hands being now on deck. The boy ascended the laduer, and looked through tbe scuttle-opening. The wind was blowing a gale, and the night was very dark, except when it was now and then relieved by a flash of lightning. Looking toward the *‘ Black Rocks,” Lormo suw tbe light which had been ailuded to. Soon ao elec- tric flash revealed to him an object projecting from one of the rocks, ‘Sure enough, there is a light-bouse!” be mut- tered, in astonishment. At the same moment he heard a cry of scur- | prise from the crew, who were coliected amid- ships. By the gleam of a lantern in the rigging, be could see Bronson and Pedro gazing toward the | singular vision with pale faces sud wiid eyes. The young captain shock in every iimb witn | superstitious horror. hat could it mean—the presence of that light-house on. those rocks, where it bad never been before? Pedro clutcbed Bronson’s arm. ‘It is near the v+ry spot where we drowned Henrique and Jason!” ‘*Pshaw! what bas that to do with it?” said the Englishman, who wus not quite so super- stitious as the other. “It is a sort of judgment upon us!” gasped Pedro, . he? * But then he is almost black; and, again, we | crouched in the knighthead. ‘* Nonsense |” Ra have tried him. ; He beard the sound of a boat being lowered. | Nevertheless be was much agitated by the ie: ig You mean about that pretended Vigilante?‘ As soon as it was gone, be clim over the | sight of the singular apparition, as there cer~ f ts ‘ 7 i Te Bab. ‘ , ’ a bal ta eee z : ee % ue ’ £4 ‘ wom RR Bid ‘4 ¥ is. ae ta a: Par / te *) . eli K ‘ = ry . m 2 BE J ; iis 4 : pm 7 bd S ; i ea cs : “9 SMB ; et og 3s
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12 The Phantom Light-house, tainly seemed to be something supernatural | black boy bas escaped from us, He ran away about it. ‘See! the light moves!” continued Pedro, as it was seen swinging to and fro. “It is strange enough!” cried Bronson. “ When we come this way again we must lower a boat and go there.” ‘‘7 will never go there!” answered Pedro, shuddering. that rock is apt to break any boat to pieces.” ‘‘Tcan go near enough, at any rate, to look into the mystery. As the sloop receded further and further from the rocks the light gradually disappeared. The mist and rack of the storm now hid the PHANTOM LIGHT-HOUSE from view. CHAPTER XIII. SUSPECTED Lormo returned to the bold, where he again ensconced himself bebind thecanvas. <A couple of hours later the gale subsided, Not long after, the young detective could hear the rat- tlin made for anchoring the craft. of cart-wheels fell upon the boy’s ear. again made his way up the forecastle scuttle steps, and, cautiously looking through the scuttle, he saw lights ashore—not twenty fatboms off. ‘¢] must look into this thing,” thought Lormo, He glided on deck unseen by the men, who were busy preparing the boats for lowering, Looking over the rail from behind tbe windlass, which, in the gloom, served to conceal him from the gaze of the sailors, be bebeld a couple of wagons, loaded with cases—evidently of wine. ‘* Ho! ho! my fine fellows!” thought the lad. ** You will not find it quite so easy to get those things into the city as you did the others—that is, not if I can prevent it.” He was about to return to the bold gvhen he saw a boat coming round tbe bow. This boat must bave been pulled witb muffled oars, as he had had no warning of its coming. Ere he could retreat from the rail, some one in the stern-sheets held up a lantern, the light of which flashed full upon his face, He at once recognized the, features of Car- dinas, who also saw the boy. ‘| must get away from bere, now,” thought the latter. He was about to move toward the other side of the rail, when he beheld Pedro approaching, The lad then crouched bebind the windlass. “Is that you, Captain Cardinas?” inquired Pedro, advancing to the rail. ‘* Yes. I came to tell you to keep as near to the coast as you can, and to show no light, as | have passengers aboard who may suspect some thing.” ** Passengers?” ** Yes, Don Carlos and bis daughter, waiting | for me to sailin tbe morning. They are goisg iback to their mansion.” “* Are they not below? Would they be likrly to see me? And even if they did, would they suspect that | was a smuggler whom you were ‘allowing to pass you?" ‘“*Tbe deuce take them, yes. Don Carlos is ‘suspicious at all times, and although he was be- low when I came away, be may be on deck when you pass, as be has kept popping up out of the cabin ever since coming aboard. The moment he should see you he would want me to speak you, and might even take a notion to board you, with his daughter, and she would be sure to recognize you as the person who attacked her the other day.” “True enough; and even if 1 could keep out of sight, the old fellow would probably scent something wrong, as be is very sharp, or else he would report having seen me, and finally Jearn that I had not received the custom-house ins pretors. 4 ** Of course be would.” ‘*So, my fine Captain Cardinas, I have in a trap, at last?” thought Lormo, * game is up now for certain,” * You think Don Carlos will not see me if I bug the shore?” continued Pedro. “Not it Ican belpit. By the way, I see you bave your black boy aboard. Keep your eye op bim, as I warned you before. T don't like his looks. Just now, when I saw him, there, at the rail, it seemed to me that some of the black had disappeared from his face, leaving it a lit- tle streaked !” Here Lormo shrugged his shoulders and crept along nearer to the opposite rail. Cardinas bad spoken in a low voice, but the boy had good ‘@ars and had heard every word. “You are mistaken,” said Pedro, ou our of the cable, as preparations were being | The creaking | He | | | ‘Besides, the strong surf near | | ‘The ! | from some of my men ashore, about five hours since,” “T tell you I saw him—either him or his ghost—not ten minutes ago, by the rail where you now stand!” ‘* Are you sure?” ‘“-Yes—as sure as that I now see you.” ‘* The little imp must then have swum to the vessel and got aboard without my knowing it. This must be looked into,” ‘*T will help you search for him. After what you have told me, I feel certain that he is that rascally Lormo in disguise,” As he spoke, Cardinas, seizing the fore-cbains, lightly sprung aboard. Lormo climbed over the opposite rail and dropped into the water, but not vefore he bad been seen. Cardinas was back in bis boat in a moment, and heading it for the other side of the vessel, be pursued the swimmer and overtook him ere he bad proceeded far. ‘‘Bring him aboard!” shouted Pedro, as the lad was hauled into the boat. ‘*Let us have a good look at you, my fine fellow,” said Cardinas, as several of the wen held the boy down on his back. Enouga of the biack had now, owing to his submersion in the water, left bis face fcr the captain to recognize Lormo. ‘As 1 thought!’ he cried. ‘‘ Pedro!’ he ad- | ded, raising his voice, ‘‘itis that rascally imp of a detective, after all.” ‘‘ Bring him aboard!” repeated Pedro. But even as he spoke, the noise of another boat approaching was heard, and to the c n- sternation of Cardinas, he saw that it contained | Don Carlos and bis daughtex. “Captain Cardinas!” cried the merchant; ‘‘ what is the meaning of all this? 1 see wagons ashore loaded with goods, I fear that things are not exactly right bere. Your first officer told me, when I[ came on deck, and asked for you, tbat you were not aboard at present, and that was all I could get out of him. I saw the lights asbore, and at once-copcluded you had gone to investigate the matter.” “ You were right,” said Cardinas, ** Seeing the lights, I feared that smuggling was in prospect, but IJ find tbat I was mistaken. ‘‘T have come on purpose to hear about it,” said Don Carlos. ‘ Yur officer would not take me in.one of his boats, so I concluded to take myself,” and got into one alongside, with my daugbter, who insisted on going with me, As you see, I have sculled the boat this way. You say there is no smuggling intended, I must own that to me it looks like it. What vessel is this, near which we now are?” ‘*It is the Maria—a fishing craft. The thinge you see ashore, are cases of wive destined for the bouse of Martinez & Cp, in Tampicc.” ‘**Humph! those fellows I bave beerd, are not over honest. You are sure the wine is vot to be smuggled?” ‘*Certainly. I have looked into the effair. and found it is all right.” Meanwhile Cardinas had whispered to a couple of his men, who, in spite of Lorzwo’s struggles, held the boy down in the tettom of the boat, while one kept a band over his mouth to prevent bis crying out, “So you aresure it is all right?” ‘* Yes, sir, lam sure.” ‘What is that commotion in your boat? you bave some one there a prisoner, buve you not?” ‘*{t is nothing. My men ara ‘skylerking’ that is all.” ‘* A strange time for sport, it seams to me.” As bespoke Don Carios sculled bis boat to- ward the other. “Give way!” said Cardinas, in a low, quick voice to his crew, All except those who held Lormo down, then took to their oars, and soon the boat, leaving Don Carlos many yards astern, was alongside of the St. Mary. In a few minutes Lormo was dragged aboard of the craft, and thrust into.the hold. When Don Carlos arrived, he found Cardinas and his men bauling the boat round toward the starboard gangway, looking as if nothing un- usual had happened. “Why did you pull away from me?” inquired the merchant. ‘‘ You might have waited and taken my daugbter and me into your boat,” *T thought you would like the exercise of sculling, as you said you did,” “T don’t like tod much of it,” answered Don Carlos, panting. He and bis daughter were soon after below in tine cabin, Mitt DSR 3 Ne SSS A few hours later the St. Mary got under way and stood to the southward. It was not quite dawn when the vessel ed within about two leagues of the * Rocks.” ‘Is not that a light?” inquired the first officer, pointing toward the rocks. Cardinas, to whom he spoke, uttered a ery of surprise. Then he looked through a night- lass, x ‘Santa Maria!” he cried. ‘‘ There is a LIGHT- HOUSE there! What can it mean?” The first officer, looking through the glass, also saw the object. ‘‘There never was one there before,” he said Cardinas turned pale. He thought of Hen- rique and Jason—also of the reports which he had heard of the *‘ Black Rocks” being haunted. Although not so superstitious as Pedro, still he was easily alarmed by any apparently super- natural event. He stood watching the light until a thick mist finally bid it from view, He could think of little besides the PHANTOM LIGHT-HOUSE, which certainly was a strange mystery. A few bours later the breeze fell away toa calm, As the wind had been very light, the Sv. Mary was still not more than seven miles from the ‘* Black Rocks.” ‘““We will go there to lock into this strange vision we saw,” whispered Cardinas to his first officer. A boat was lowered, and the young captain was soon speeding toward the rocks. When he was witbin half a mile of ‘them the fog cleared, There was the white surf roiling and breaking as usual over the rugged messe: which now, at higb tide, were mainiy ucder water, but there was no sign of the PHANTON LiGHT-HOUSE--tbat strange vision whica bed been seen on the night before! Cardinas shuddered, There certainly was something supernatural about the affair, and i% occurred to tke viliain that perheps the appari- tion had appeared, and would again appear, to mark the spot where his and Pedro’s two vic- tims, Henrique and Jason, with weights attacb- ed to them by chains, bad been burled into a watery grave! Aass- lack CHAPTER XIV. 4 FRIEND IN NEED. Ty the hold Lormo vainly struggled for some time to free himself from his bonds. At last, however, bis hands, as he rolled over, came in contact with the edge of a piece cf iron, which he concluded by the feeling was the blade of an ax. He tried co bring his cords over the edge of it, and at last, he was successful. Drawing the ropes to and fro until they parte¢, he first severed those about his wrists. Then h+ unfastened the gag fiom his mouth, after which re untied the rope arcund his ankles, He acvanced toward the forward bulkhead, but ts fcunc no opening here as aboard the other craft. Turning, he went to the after bulkhead, which, abvard this craft, separated the hold from tie cabin, Here he found a door, tightly closed auc lucked, Ke fancied be heard the breathing of soms person on the other side of tbe partition. He en his ear to the boards and listened. Finahy € nas some broken words, evidently uttered Ly 2 girl. “Itis the merchant's daughter Isabel, talking ia her sleep,” thought the boy. “this pert of the partition sepai ates me from her recom. Now, can | make her hear me?"’ He picked up a piece of wood. the fragment of a broken block, and rapped gently on the partiticn. in a few moments a gen'le voice inquired: “Whatis that? Who is there!” “It is l-Lermo, the detective,” There was a slight cry of surprise, followed by the noise of the girl leaving ber berth. **Meke no noise,” said Lormo, ‘I am here a pris- oner,”’ and he went on to explain. “You shall be saved,’’ answered Isabel. “ Now that / know you are thers, no ove shail harm you.” “Have you the key of the door?” * The key is in the lock,’ was the answer. ‘] will let you in.” She unlocked the door, and the boy entered her room. “You say that Cardinas tied you and put you down there in the bold?” a “ Yes,” * What was his motive?” “He did not want me to tell tales. Doubtless he is only waiting for a chance to make away with me. I have discovered that he is in league with the smugglers—that he assists them for the sake of a share of the profits.’’ “Can this be true? Can it be that the one who acted so nobly in rescuing me from the thieves, is such a villain, after all?” * It is my opinion that that rescue was a planned affair. He rescued you from the very man with whom he is in | (=) ha A light seemed to break **T don't know why it is- red to me more than once, a the girl’s mind. —but that thought occur- Ihave known Cardinas
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since he was a boy, af@ have heard of his being of many mean and despicable actions.” culty é “ Believe me, senorita, a greater villain does not | walk the earth.” “T think so, too now.” **T am sure that he slandered Robert Brown—that the boy did not join the smugglers of his own ac- cord, but was a prisoner among them,” “I don't know,” said the girl, coloring. thought that it must have been so. added, quickly changing the subject, “you must escape from this vessel,”’ ““T have * Yes, and I request you not to say a word to Car- | divas or any other person of what I have told you, for that would enable him to escape me, and I wish to lay my plans for his capture. Believe me, he knows what has become of my friend, Robert, Brown, | who is not now among the smugylers, and when he | isa prisouer, and not before, will we be able to force him to tell where the boy is—if indeed he be alive.” ** How will you get ashore?” “isnot there a boat, alongside?’ “IT don’t know. I will go and see.” Isabel then went on deck. She soon returned, to report that there was a boat alongside, under the counter.” ** And who is on deck, aft?” _‘* Cardinas and his first officer. They are on one side of the deck, and the boat is under the other.” “It is dark is it not?” “Yes, very. You could easily get into the boat without being seen by the two on deck, The man at the wheel would not see you either, for there is a piece of canvas hanging from the wheel-house, and it would hide you from him.”’ “Then I will go at once. Many thanks, senorita, for your kindness.” He ascended noiselessly to the deck, and as Car- dinas and his first officer now were busy examining the light on the “ Black Rocks,’ he contrived to | slip unseen into the boat alongside, the same one which had been used by Don Carlos. Unfastening the boat, the boy allowed it to drift off some fathoms in the gloom, ere he used the oars for sculling. Two hours later, just at dawn, he gained the shore, within half a mile ot Tampico. lt was not until after Cardinas had gone to inves- tigate the strange affair of the Phantom Lighbt- house, that his first officer missed the boat which had been lying under the counter. At first he thought the warp-rope might have be- come Joosened from the pin, but, on questioning one of the men, he learned that it had been too securely fastened to give way. Now a suspicion that Lormo had escaped crossed his mind. e opened the hatch, and, entering the hold, found that the prisoner was -not there. The on of parted rope lying near the ax, showed him ow the boy had freed himself, but he could not imagine how he got out of the hold. The moment Cardinas returned he informed him of what had happened. The young captain was much excited over the | event, .“ We should have made away with the fellow, last night, Bango,” he said. ‘* Now he will go to the au- thorities, and tell everything !”’ * But how do you think he got out of the hold?” ‘In my opinion, either Isabel or her fatber had a hand in helping him off.” “Then they must now know everything.” *] fear so.” “What are we to do?’ “They must not be allowed to go ashore on this coast.”’ “ You don’t mean to make prisoners of them?”’ “For the present—yes, We must go to some out- pc rt dad place, disbaud our crew, and burn the craft.”’ “You are right.. I am afraid it is all up with us now. Who would have thouzht that such a mite of a boy could have caused us so much trouble?” Half an hour later, as Isabel was preparing to come up, she found her door locked. Don Carlos | also found himself shut upin his room. He pound- ed at the door and shouted, but no attention was paid to him. * How long is this accursed calm going to con- tinue?’ said Cardinas, impatiently, as he looked around him. Mw It may last all day,” was Bango's consoling re- Vv. Suddenly, glancing at the barometer, Cardinas clapped his hands. * We are going to have a gale,”’ he said. “If it only comes from the right quarter, it wili | good for us,’’ answered Bango. Botb anxiously watched for si All at once, heavy black clou south and west. “It couldn't have been worse,” said Cardinas, gloomily. ‘The wind may drive us ashore.” Roaring and. shrieking, the gale, soon after, s of the gale. were seen in the pounced upon the craft. ‘ aS ar was driven straight toward the ‘‘ Black — by dint of hard work, the young cap- tain contrived to weather them. As the sloop went rushing past the white breakers, he fancied he heard a strange, wild cry coming up from the roaring waters. Bango heard it, too, and both men ex- were ee glances “Curse the place, it 1s haunted!” cried Cardinas. PD ow nos a it was from one of those w wretches © sooner we get away from here, the better!”’ -) s eit ba bad een he aid. “Fi “Itisa » hesaid. “ First that Phantom > rl and now that ghostly cry, We are Now, then,” she The Phantom Light-house, 13 “Stop your cra&king!” exclaimed Cardinas, but he i te as pale as Geath, and he trembled in every imb. The gale raged for hours, Finally, Cardinas con- trived to run the sloop into a bay, where headlands sheltered her from the wind, and dropped anchor. Tt was now afternoon, and the young captain ordered a good watch kept, ‘*T will blow up the craft,” he said, ‘sooner than have her fall into the hands of the custoim-house officers.” Pedro also had been obliged to seek shelter for his craft, the Maria, in a bay below. | He went ashore with Bronson to see if any gov- | ernment cutter was in sight. The two ascended a promontory, but no sail could be seen through the drifting fog and rack. All at once Pedro clutched Bronson’s arm and »ointed to where the mist had fora moment lifted rom one of the “‘ Black Rocks.” The young smugglers uttered a cry of superstitious terror. Revealed, for a few seconds, in a transient, lurid gleam of sunlight, there it was again, that wonderful PHAantom LiGuT-HOUSE. CHAPTER XV, THE CHASE, Leavrnc the boat, Lormo hurried to Tampico, and soon reached the custom-house, where he described his late experiences to his chief. A cutter named the Petrel, provided with four guns, and a good crew, was kept in readiaess for service, near the dock. Orders were sent to her captain to get under way, when the gale blowing shoreward came up, with | clouds of driving mist and rack, putting off her de- parture, _“ How long is this going to last, Captain Bancos,”’ inquired the boy, Lormo, who had come aboard to join the expedition. “For some hours. You had better go and get some sleep while we are waiting.” Lormo went below, threw himself into a berth, and, in spite of his late exciting adventures, he was soon in a profound slumber. In the aiternnce the wind changed, and the cutter was got under way. Lormo was on se alert. He climbed to the mast- head, to scan the waters and the land along shore. “What do you see?” cried the captain. “The weather is foggy, but.l see two vessels, standing to the south. 1 can’t make them out very well, but I suspect they are Pedro’s craft, the Maria and the St. Mary.’ “ Good ”? As much sail as she could carry in the wind now blowing, was put upon the cutter. She was a swift craft, with a bow like a needle and a clean run. She gained upon the vessel astern, which was dis- | covered to be Pedro’s. The latter was heading straight for the “ Black | Rocks,”’ and the gathering gloom of night almost | concealed her from the gaze of the watchers, | ‘He is going to run his craft on the rocks!’’ cried | Captain Boncos. ** Don’t be too sure of that,’’ said Lormo. In fact the Maria now was seen to sheer away | from the rocks, and head further out to sea. Bang! went a gun from the cutter’'s bow. The smuggler paid no heed to it, but sped on. Anotber shot whistled on its way from the cutter, and the Maria’s topmast went by the beard! The crew of the Government vessel cheered. ‘* We have the fellow, now,” cried the captain. “It is so dark, I cannot see him,” said Lormo, peering through the gloom. The cutter kept on, for many hours, backing and | filling, but no sign of Pedro’s craft was discovered. ‘Light ’O!” yelled the man on the lookout. Sure enough, there was a lantern, apparently shining on the ** Black Rocks,” which were about a mile abeam. | ‘*The rascals have sunk their craft, and taken to | the boats,” said the captain, to his first officer, | Porsino, “but they have stoven on the Black Rocks, | and are signaling to us for assistance. It may be a ruse, and they may show fight. Clear away the quarter-boat and man her with about twenty men!”’ Lormo buckled a cutlass to his waist, and thrust a pistolin his belt, With the armed crew of the boat, he also sprung in and took his place forward. “Give way!”’ was the order, and the boat seemed | | to fly. j ! As it drew near the rocks, a cry of surprise es- caped Porsino—the officer in the stern-sheets. The cutter had sent up a rocket, which describing a curve, went hissing far above the boat, lighting up the sea for some distance. In this transient glare. a light-house was distinctly revealed on one of the ‘*Black Rocks,” and from this shone the lantern which the crew had mistaken for a-signal from the smugglers. “Did you see it?” inquired the boat’s officer of Lormo. “Yee, but not for the first time. I saw it from the smuggler’s craft last niglit. It appears to be a ha hy LiguT-HOUSE, for there never was one there ‘fore !”’ ** How is it that you said nothing to us about this wonder?” **Because I thought you would only laugh at me, and so that it was best for you to see it yourself.” “What can it mean? There is something super- natural about it!” **So it seems.” “Santa Maria protect us!" The crew had what was said, and, turning, as a second rocket went flashing up into theair, they also saw,by the ghastly gleam, that Paanrom LigHT+ HOUSE on the Black Rocks! Instantly. with cries of superstitious horror, they stopped working their oars. **Pull ahead !”’ yelled the officer. **No! no! The light-house! the light-house!” was uttered by many terrified voices. * Fools, I_am not going there!’ said Porstno. ‘*There are those smuggler rascals, new, pulling along shore,” As he spoke, he pointed toward the coast, on the left of the ** Black Rocks,” and whirled the boat’s head round in that direction. i The crew pulled with a will, and the boat rapidly gained on that of the smugglers. When within speaking distance, Porsino shouted: ‘* Hold up, or it will be the worse for you!”" The smugglers’ boat, almost a barge in size, and crowded with men, had evidently been injured while it hung from the davits of the sloop, by one of the shots fired at the vessel, for several of its crew were busy bailing it out. Pedro sullenly folding bis arms, ordered his men to stop pulling. : A minute later the cutter’s boat came sweeping alongside of it, and Porsino pointing a pistol at the — of the smuggler chief, ordered him to surren- er. “We cannot do otherwise,” answered Pedro, gloomily, as one of his foes now lighted a lantern, revealing a swivel in the bow of the Government boat, with a man by it, ready to discharge it at the outlaws, in case they offered resistance. a ** You are wise there,.”’ said Porsino. ‘* We could cut you to pieces in a few minutes.” “It is all up with us, I suppose,”’ said Pedro. cursed prison for us now.’ F ‘* Ay, my man, and the gallows,too.” cried Porsino, “for we have learned from Lormo that it was you who drowned the two young fellows, Henrique and Jason, near the * Black Rocks.’ Reseor-=i¢ turned pale and cast a spiteful glance at ormo, ‘‘Own that it was you who pretended, as a black boy, to join our band.”’ “T own that cheerfully,’ answered Lorsao. “ Now, then, be so good as to tell me what you and Car- dinas have done with my friend, Robert Brown,” * He escaped from us, and we afterward learned that he was drowned while with my sister aboard a damaged craft, wuich was wrecked off the ‘ Black 7 2) ’ “A “ Who told you that?” ** Cardinas.” The news of his friend's loss surprised and sad dened the boy. ; ““Yousay he escaped from you. So then he did not voluntarily join your gang?” “No. We could not Ps him to do that, al though my sister tried ard to induce him to become one of us.” a Lormo felt much relieved, for here was_ positive roof that Cardinas had slandered the youth to Isa- Bel and her father—that he had been true and faith- ful to the last. rf ‘* What do you think is the venir of the light and light-house yonder?” inquired Porsino of the smuggler, as Pedro’s boat, with its crew as prison- ers, were being towed toward the cutter. ‘God only knows,” answered Pedro, turning very ele. ‘*Thisis the second time that strange vision as appeared there, and I knew from the first,” he added, gloomiy, * that it boded us no good.”’ The band were finally aboard the cutter, ironed andin the hoid. When asked what had become of his craft, Pedro said that he had scuttled and sunk her. “Captain Cardinas was ahead of you. Have you any idea of bis destination?” ‘ ' “No, He will escape you. His vessel is a swift one, and you can never overtake him.” “We will see about that,’’ was the reply. The cutter was kept on in pursuit of the St. Mary which could no longer be seen through the gloom. All at once, however, the voice of the lookout was heard: “Sail 'O' right ahead!”’ The cutter’s captain sent up a rocket, and by the gleam the St. Mary was discovered not half a mile off, with only half of her mainmast standing. The truth was, Cardinas, in his eagerness to es- cape, bad crowded too much sail, which had result- ed in the loss of his topmast. A shot was sent toward the fugitive craft, which sent back one 1n return. “Curse the fellow’s impudence! we will give him all he wants!”’ cried the commander of the cutter. Bang! went another gun from the latter, to which Cardinas replied by sending a well-aimed shot at his pursuers. This shot passed through one of the cutter's port- holes, and Bronson, Pedro’s first officer being in ee of it, received the missile straight in the fore. ead. He fell, stone dead, by the side of Pedra, who coolly remaiked: “No gallows for him; he has met a better fate than he deserved!” The cutter a banging away, but Cardinas no longer responded. About five minutes later. a broad, lurid flash light- ed the sea, and the fugitive vessel blew up with a deafening report, its ents flying up in a stream of fire to the very clouds. “There's the’ last of the St. Mary!" said the cut- ter’s eoghale. ** By the flash, Isaw her boats making for shore!” “Don Carlos and his daughter were prisoners aboard that craft. 1 hope they were not left to their fate. Cardinas is villain enough to do it!"* cried Lormo,
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14 A search was made for the St. Mary’s crew, but they could not be found, although one of their boats was discovered near some rocks ashore, “ They have run off, but they cannot long escape the law. They will be found before many days,” said the captain of the cutter. “Hark!” said Lormo, who was in the boat with the captain. ‘‘] thoughtI heard a voice, ashore.” Seizing a lantern, the captain sprung to land, fol- | lowed by Lormo, nut he had not proceeded many steps, when two forms were dimly seen approach- ing. They soon were near enough for Lormo to recog- nize Don Carlos and his daughter. “ Thank God! we have escaped the rascals,” cried | the merchant, as he came up. **So you know now, senor, that Captain Cardinas is a villain?” said Lormo. “One of the blackest kind,” answered Carlos, em- wey seen * Just before blowing up his vessel, he set Isabel and me adrit't in a small boat, which I had the greatest trouble to prevent from capsizing. At last, as the wind was toward the land, we struck the shore, a few hundreds of yards below here, but we might have been drowned in so rough a sea.”’ “I hope now, father, you do not believe any of the statements which Cardinas has made against Robert Brown,”’ said Isabel. *“Humph! I don’t know. It seems he was seen with the smugglers. You saw him yourself.” ** Yes, but | believe he was a prisoner there.”’ “It has been proved that he was!” cried Lormo. ** The chief of the smugglers has been captured, and is now aboard the cutier. He will tell you about it.” “And is Robert there, too?’’ inquired the mer- chant, eagerly. ‘**No,” replied Lormo, sadly. ‘IT wish he was.” “You have learned what has become of him?” said Isabel, turning pale. ‘He has been drowned,” replied the boy. * Drowned!" gasped the young girl. ‘ ‘yg staggered so that her father feared she would ‘a ** What is the matter, Bell?’ inquired Don Carlos. **Why should the news of Robert's fate affect you in this manner?” With a powerful effort the girl recovered herself. “Tt was so sudden,” she gasped. ‘On the way to the cutter she said not a word. aboard the vessel, which now headed for Tampico. From Pedro Don Carlos learned all the particulars of the robbery of his warehouse, The detestable villainy of Cardinas, from first to last, was thus brought to light. When the merchant returned to the deck, he found his daughter there listening to Lormo’s account of Robert's fate as it had been related to him by Pedro, Ere he could say a word, the voice of the man on the lookout was heard: “ Light 19!” “Ay, there it is again—that light on the Black Rocks!” cried Porsino. * You say you saw a light-house there?” remarked the captain. ** Yes, sir, not only [, but Lormo and all the men saw it, too.” “*A light-house?” said Don Carlos. ‘“ How could jae be? Come, there must have been some mis- take!” “No, sir, there was none,’’ answered Porsino. “So many eyes could not have been deceived.” “What does it mean?” “God only knows, senor! Lieut-Hovse!”’ Don Carlos laughed incredulously. . “Such things don’t happen nowadays,” he re- marked, ‘How far off is that light?” “ As we are now a good way out at sea,”’ answered the captain, ‘it is about five miles off!” res Could you not send a boat to look into the af- fair?” ‘“My men would be afraid to go.” *T will go with you,” said the merchant. ** And I will go, too,” rejoined Lormo, * Be it so,’’ answered the captain. He headed the cutter toward the rocks, and when she was within half a league of them, he lowered a boat provided with a mast and sail. Don Carlos and Lormo were soon in their places, “ May I go?” inquired Isabel. Her father consented, and she entered the boat. The mast was stepped, the sail sheeted home, and away went the boat, bounding along on the star- board tack. The mysterious light could not now be so distinct- ly seen as before; as the boat approached it, it seem- ed to become dimmer every moment. The roar of the part dashing against the rocks was distinctly eard. “That surf is dangerous,” said the captain. “There is a whirlpool among those rocks, and so we “must not go too near them.’ * We are close enough to see the light-house,”’ re- marked Don Carlos. ** Where is it?’ The captain held up his lantern, which shed a lurid glare over the rocks, but no light or light-house mow was visible! It must be a PHANTOM CHAPTER XVI. PRISONERS, “Tris is very strange!” cried Don Carlos. ** There certainly was a light here.” “Yes,” answered the captain. ‘“‘ You will now own that there appears to be something super...t- ural about the affair.” : “Tt does seem so; but I have no doubt the thiog will be explained in time.” “I believe we have been drawn into the surf!” ried Isabel, in alarm. The Phantom Light-house. The captain sprung to the sheet and slackened it. | **T will have that heartless scoundrel arrested if I ** Pull—pull for your lives!’ he shouted. Don Carlos could handle an oar. He and Lormo pulled manfully, but the boat could make no head against the whirlin rush of white water. All at once, with a crash, the frail craft struck a rock and | capsized. | | heads of the captain and Lormo. | when the boat was capsized. sabel clutched a spur of the ‘rugged mass near her and drew herself upon it Ghe heard the voices of her father and his companions, but she could no longer see them, as they had been swept, with the everturned boat, from her sight. ‘* Help! help!” she called. ‘‘ Save my father!” In her excitement, she forgot that + could not be heard by the people, so far off, aboard the cutter. Meanwhile, Don Carlos, Lormo and the captain clung to the capsized boat. **My child—my Isabel is lost!’ cried the merchant, babys in the gloom, had not seen her climb upon the TOCK, Lormo, however, had been near enough to the girl to catch a glimpse of her form as she drew her- self up by the projecting spur. ** She is safe."’ he said, ‘‘oa one of the rocks.” “Thank God!” ““We may find it hard to save ourselves,” said the captain. ‘* We cannot right the boat, which you can see is going down as it fills.”’ “How far are we from land?” inquired Don Carlos. ** About a mile, * A little.” “If we can once leave this current, then, which is drawing us toward the whirlpool, we may contrive to reach the shore,”’ They soon let go the half-sunken boat and struck out for the land. Lormo and the captain, on each side of Don Car- los, helped him to get out of the current, which was not very strong at this place. “T am afraid I cannot keep up much longer,” said the merchant, when he was still about haif a mile from the shore. The captain, having slightly sprained his arm ized, was unable to afford Can you swim?” him any assistance. “Cheer up, senor,” said Lormo. “I will do my ; best for you.” Both Isabel and her father were kindly treated He was a good swimmer, and he exerted himself bravely to help his companion. At last the three, in an exhausted condition, reached the shore. ‘*Can you not signal the cutter?’ inquired Don Carlos. “Yes; we can make a fire with drift-wood, and light it.’ Some drift-wood was soon after collected, and the fire was lighted with a match from the captain’s waterproof safe. Before the blaze could spread, however, about half a dozen men rushed from behind some rocks, near the beach, and while one of them stamped out the fire, two others pointed pistols at Don Carlos and his companions. Held firmly by some of the gang, the three could not have offered resistance even had not the charges in their pistols been spoiled by the water during their swim. ‘* Follow us, or we will blow out your brains,” said one of the men. “These are Cardinas’s fellows," remarked Lormo, “We have got into a horvets’ nest.” They followed the ruffians, who led them to a thicker about half a mile from the beach. In a hollow there were some more of Cardinas’s crew, and the young captaiv himself was there. ‘‘Ho! who have we here?”’ be cried, as the gang appeared with the prisoners. “ Rascal!’’ cried Don Carlos, as soon as an account of the bas dea bad been given, ** what are you going to do with us?” “Have no fear. We will not harm you, but these other two wretches must die!” “You would not dare to kill them!"* “ Yes, I would,’’ answered Cardinas, coolly; ‘* and that I will do, unless the cutter’s captain promises to wait three days before sending the hounds of the law upon my track!” “1 will not consent to that,’ said the captain, spiritedly. “Then I will kill you, and this little wretch, tco!”’ cried Cardinas. ‘ Now, men!” he added. A ring of raised cutlasses gleamed about the But the two stood firm. ** Will you promise?” continued Cardinas, “No!” both the cutter’s commander and Lormo answered, simultaneously, Cardinas made a sign the gang, who replaced their weapo: a . which it was evident they had so threateningly raised only to force the two to make the required promise. The hands and feet of the three prisoners were now bound with cords, and they were dragged into a small cavern, the mouth of which was ea hidden with branches and leaves. “It will be more than three days— perha before you are found, as few people this way,” sad Cardinas. "Had you given the promise, would have set you at liberty.’ ‘Villain!’ cried the enraged Don Carlos, * are yov going to leave us to starve?’ ‘Here are your rations,” answered Cardinas, as a man thrust a small bag of sea-biscuits into the eave. “ You cannot use your hands. You wiil have to eat as the pigs do. Good by, Don Carlos!” And with these wores, the youth turved away, laughing, and the receding footsteps of himself and co ns were heard, a week, ——— have to search for him to the ends of the earth!” cried Don Carlos, enraged. *’*I am so sorry this has happened. It will give the fellow a chance to make good his escape.” ‘*When they perceive. that we do not return, my men will send a boat for us.’’ said the captain. “*They will look for us till they find us.” Hours passed, but no sound was heard to indi- cate the approach of any person to the relief of the | three. Meanwhile Lormo, by working his arms and legs vigorously, had contrived to draw himself out of the cave, He had so loosened his cords by these movements that he was able to creep still iurther, and finally he arrived upon the edge of the hollow. He looked seaward, but to his surprise he could no longer detect the light of the cutter, A stron wind was blowing shoreward. and it finatly occurr to him that Porsino had stood further out to sea to give the shore a wide berth. “ He will wait for a change of wind before he ap- proaches the coast again,” thought the boy, The sky was now overcast, and an bour later, flashes of heat lightning darted along the clouds. Suddenly Lormo uttered a cry. ** What is it?’ inquired the captain, from below. “The mysterious light and the Pranrom LicHT- HOUSE again!’’ answered Lormo. In fact the strange apparition was again become visible on the * Black Rock.” Neither the bonds of Don Carlos nor of the cap- tain had been very tightly drawn, They exerted themselves for some time, and finally gained the boy’s side, “Sure enough! it is a light-house!” cried Don Car- los, in amazement, as a flash revealed the appari- tion on the rock. ‘‘ What can it mean?” “Thope we will learn in time,” said the captain. ** Unless it is really, as it appears to be, a supernatu- ral affair, we certainly will be able to solve the mys- tery.” The three watched the singular spectacle of the Phantom Light-house for some time. Atlengtha gathering mist hid it from their view. “Your men have not come to look for us, yet," remarked Don Carlos. “No, but we will probably see them in the morn- ing. The wital is this way, and Porsino has been obliged to give the coast a wide berth.” Now and then the three made efforts to work themselves clear of their bonds, but without success. **T hope Isabel has not come to harm,” said the merchant. “By the way, as she is on the “ Black Rocks,”’ she must have a good view of the PHanrom Ligut-HOUSE, as you call it, and will probably be able fo tell us something about it, P-rhaps she has been able to get close to it—near enough to touch it.’ “Tf it isa phantom affair, of course she would not be able todo that,” said the captain. ‘‘I long to see her to hear what she has to say about it.”’ ** | suppose she would have been able to reach it from her position?” ‘*That depends on where she is. If she is on the end of the chain of rocks, at the extremity of which the vision makes its appearance, I think she might reach it by stepping carefully.” “T am worried about her. Remember we have not seen her by the flashes of lightning, which I think should have revealed her to us.” “ The rocks have many hollows, Probably she has kept behind some ridge, which has hidden ber from us. CHAPTER XVII. THE METAL TOMB, As already stated, the damaged pearl-divers sloop, when it struck on the “ Black Rocks,” in the gale, parted amidships. Between the gap in the riven timbers, the diving-bell, held in an upright position by the rope attached to the main-boom above, wert down in the roaring waters. * Halloa! what a racket!’ muttered Robert, when he heard the crash of the breaking craft, and felt himself descending with the bell. Through the glass windows on each side of the upper part of the instrument, be could see the dark, reen waters of the ocean, and multitudes of Jong, Eleak weeds, which were swaying about like livin creatures, All at once, the beli stopped. It ha evidently landed upon an under-water rock, not many feet beneath the surface, “Good!” cried Robert. “I don't believe I've goue down far encugh for the top of the beil to be submerged. It will be seen by some passing craft, I hope, when I will be helped out, of these narrow quarters._ Poor Berta! I worder what has becomo of her! I fer the girl has sacrificed herself for 1) e. He called, thinking she might hear him if she had saved herself. but there was no reply. Suddenly he uttered a ery of horror. Through the glass window he beheld an enormous shark darting past with the form of Berta, beld by the ribs between its teeth! The long, black hair of the dead maiden streamed out from her head, which was partly turned toward him, so that he caught a glimpse of her glazed, staring eyes, to which the motion of the water gave almost a lifelike expres- sion, “No doubt about her fate, now,” the boy mut- tered, —- Although his quarters were rather close, he was at present able to breathe without much difficulty re he knew by this that the hose which Berta ha attached to the boom, was still above the surface of the water, so that some air could come through it, and reach him. In fact the boom, after it was car-
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The Phantom Light-house. 15 ried away, had been driven and jammed into a clett, ina rocky hollow, so that the part to which the hose was attached was raised. keeping the rub- ber tube, so that the wind entered its mouth. Before long, however, the mouth-piece was blown | to one side, and was also choked up with particles | of sand and weeds, His brain seemed to whirl, his vision became dim, and he knew that he was suffocating. Suddenly his gaze fell upon a pronged piece o* iron, on the shelf, where it had evidently been.placed for the use of the divers. Seizing it, Robert struck vigorously with the »lunt end, one of the glass lenses or windows, which, as stated, were in the upper part of the bell, and which remained above the surface of the water, the apparatus not having sunk far enough for them to be submerged. The boy’s efforts were fina!ly successful. He suc- eeeded in breaking the window—in making a small opening in one pers of it, and thus obtained a con- stant supply of fresh air. He was unable, however, to enlarge the ~~ ied as the pronged iron was now bent nearly double. He felt very thirsty, and, from a water-keg which was on the shelf, he took a deep draught, after which he helped himself to a couple of biscuits, “Thank fortune,” he muttered, as he passed his hand over his vest; “ through all my trouble, I have contrived to keep possession of Don Carlus’s pre- cious package.”’ Hours passed. The boy became drowsy, and, in Spite of his efforts to remain awake, he fell asleep. When he opened his eyes and recalled past events, he looked about him in surprise. “What does this mean’’ he muttered. ‘I am still in. the diving-bell, but I am no longer under water!” In fact there was light enough outside, although it was night, for him to detect the line of rocks ex- tending along the sea, and also the surface of the water for some distance. the light of a passing vessel! ‘Halloa! what mysterious power has all at once lifted the diving-bell from under the water?’ he cried aloud. Bony he reflected, however, the truth broke upon im. “1 understand,’’ he muttered, with asmile. ‘ /¢ 43 now low tide, and asali of the bell was not under the surface, the water receding from it, has left the whole of it exposed. Thisis good for me! Surely the bell will be seen, and I shall be taken out.” Then he remembered that it was night, and that probably the craft whose lantern he could see through the glass windows of the bell, was not near enough to detect the instrumentin the gloom. Suddenly a cry of joy escaped him, He remem- bered that Berta had puta lantern in his quarters. _ “I will light it, and no passing craft can help see- ing that signal,’ he thought. He placed the lantern near the window, and oe matches from a safe in his pocket, he lighted i “Ho! ho!’ he cried. “Here is a patent light- house! Ishall be seen before half an hour longer!” But he waited in vain for his rescue. When an hour had passed, he began to think that for some reason, owing, perhaps, tothe mist or to the clouds of spray flying up from the surges near the rocks, neither the light nor the bell could be seen While still hoping that he was mistaken, and that d would yet reach him, he resolved to explore his uarters. ‘The receding of the tide had left under im adark cavity, on the edges of which the bell rested, for its mouth had descended directly over this hollow in the rock, which at high tide was full of water _ The cavity cannot be very deep, and i will s0Wer myself into it,’’ thought the boy. ere was a small coil of rope near him on the shelf, and, attaching one end of this to a hook, he fastened the other part about his breast under the arms. As already stated his wound was not a very severe one, and, thanks to the care Berta had bhe- stowed upon him, he now suffered little pain. With- out much difficulty he therefore lowered himself into the cavity with his lantern over one arm. The hollow was about six feet deep, and in one side of the rock, near the top, there was a crevice which would admit the water when it should again rise, As he looked about him, he was suddenly startled by the horrible spectacle of two ghastly skeletons, m by alt rift, which held them nearly upright, side They were in ene corner of the cavity, and as Robert tock a nearer view of them, he perceived that heavy iron weights were attached by chains to their legs! Tnstantly it flashed on his mind that these were the skeletons of Henrique and Jason, drowned by Pedro among the Black Rocks. “Yes. 1t must be so,” muttered he, “These are all that remain of those veraee who were sent by Don Car ‘ee a z0, he ware s robberies.” probe the mystery of t rehouse ere was nothing else of interest in the cavity, and after the boy had gazed for along time at the unsightly objects he had discovered, he seized the % to climb back to the shelf of the diving-bell. t was, in fact, full time he should do so, for the water was rapidly rising, and was trickling through little openings in'the rocic. In Jess than an hour after he had reached the shelf of the bell, the water had risen to withina few inches of it. It came up no further, for the shelf was about on @ line with the surface of the sea outside, at high tide, the bell having sunk about two-thirds of its length ere it lodged on the under-water rock. © waves, however, kept breaking over ff, and could hear them rar aud diss around Afar off he could even see | Then the boy was nearly stifled. | “T wonder if any one would hear me if I shout- ed,’’ thought the boy. He called until he was hoarse, but there came no reply. One circumstance made him uneasy. He knew that there were breakers and a strong surf outside of the line of rocks, and he feared that no boat would venture near enough for its occupants to hear his voice. Through the window he could see long masses of black sea-weed, which seemed at high tide to hang about that part of the bell which was above the surface. “TI hope the weeds do not hide the top of the bell,’ he muttered, anxiously. “If they do, no person would perceive the instrument, but would suppose that it was merely the summit of a rock rising above the water.” It was low tide again at about two o'clock the next day, and Robert saw below him, as before, the cavity ove which the mouth of the bell rested. Somethiug resembling smoke now rose from it, and the boy kuew it was the fog, which was very thick outside, finding its way through openings in the rock. “| had hoped that the bell would be seen in the daytime, but it seems I am doomed to disappoint- ment. No person can see it in the mist.” The tide was up again at dusk, After munching some of his biscuit, and taking a drink of water, the youth fastened one end of his line about his breast, so as to make sure he would not fall from the shelf, and dropped to sleep, He must have slumbered unti! the next ebd of the tide, ere he awoke, for he could now plainly see through one of the wiudows, the lantern of a boat some fathoms off. He called, hoping to make himself heard. but in- stead of approaching, the boat rapidly receded. **Ob, when will I be taken from this place?’ he cried. impatiently. He kept his lantern burning until near dawn, when, the tide having again risen, he put out the light, which could not have been seen through the thick masses of weeds hanging outside over the windows, To his chagrin, this day also proved to be foggy, but he hoped it would clear up on the next. When pight came, and the tide again fell, he re- lighted his iantern. CHAPTER XVIII. CONCLUSION. At the time when Isabel, Den Carlos’s daughter, clambered up on the rock, after the boat in which were her father and his companions, had capsized, = + gn the tide had just reached its highest evel. The young girl ascended to the summit of the rock, and peered through the gloom, vainly looking if she could see some sign of the overturned craft and its occupants, Unable to do so, she gazed in the direction of the eutter’s light. “Tf 1 could only make a signal!’’ she cried, de- spairingly, “but that cannot be done here, in the dark.” Soon after, the wind came on to blow almost a gale. toward the rocks, and the fair watcher saw the light of the cutter receding. She crept along the rock, and finally reached an- other in which there was a hollow sheltered from the wind and spray. Here she sat down, feeling very uncomfortable in her wet garments, with her back resting against the side of the rugged alcove. This alcove faced the further extremity of the chain of rocks, over which the girl could see the spray and the breakers, as they swept high up on the | jagged masses. Hours passed when, all at once, the gleam of a lantern directly ahead of her, near the end of the line of rocks, caught her attention. She called, thinking the light was that of some boat from the cutter, but there was no reply. * They do not hear me on account of the roar of the surf,’’ she thought, ," but, as the tide is falling, I think I can creep along to the light.” She found it very difficult to make her way over the slippery rocks. covered, in many places, with tong, trailing masses of seaweed, and finally she. paused, hesitating whether to proceed or not, for she could now perceive that the light, which she had supposed was a boat’s, appeared to be station ary, and resembied a great round red eye glaring angrily at her from the water. ‘“Can it be that this is the eye of some sea-mon- ster?’ she muttered. ‘1 have heard of luminous fish—but no,’’ she added, quickly. **No fish could look like that:”’ The eye seemed to grow larger, and gradually the girl could make out, by the lurid glare, the upper part of something resembling a light-house! As the tide continued to fall, the form of the lighc- house showed more distinctly until every part of it looming up from the top of a rock, which the ebb of the water fad left bare became Visible in the gleam of the lantern: Y “Yes, there it is!” gasped Isabel in surprise, and not without a feeling of,superstitious terror. “ There, sure enough, is that PHantom LigHT-HoUsE!”’ For some time she stood gazing toward the singu- lar apparition, not daring to approach it to obtain a nearer view. Suddenly the lantern moved, and, the window facing her, the girl now face. : She saw it only for a moment; the next, a thick mass of fog drifted about the light-house, almost hiding it from ber gaze. “IT will solve this mystery!’’ cried Isabel, who al- ering through held a human s SS ae PsSs at rg Cm though not entirely free from superstition, pos- sessed a very resolute spirit.” A She crept along toward the vision, avd when with- in a few yards of it, she fancied she heard a cry. ““That voice sounds familiar,” she theught, * al- though it is partly smothered.” She was soon Close to the object, when, the fog having drifted to one side of it, sne again obtained a view of it As it was but a few yards from her, she could see it plainly enough to perceive that it was not a light- house, after all, but merely a huge diving-~-ell. At the same moment the face again appeared at the window, now near enough for isabel to recog- nize it in the bright light. * Robert Brown!’ she cried. ““ Who calls?” came the voice of the boy from the inside of the bell. “Tt is I—Don Carlos’s daughter!” she cried, in ong ringing tones, which could not fail to reach 1im, “Thank God! then I shall be taken out at Jast!" responded Robert, “and your father will get his packet of money, which I have here safe with me!" ** How did you come in thissituation?”’ . The boy made a full explanation through the glass window “The wonder to me.” he continued, “is that the bell has not been seen before, as | have lighted the lantern every night since I have been here. I sup- pose your father is near, with some men. Please to call them.” Tbe girl now explained about the accident. “I think my father bas been saved,”’ she added, anxiously, ‘for he could swim a little, and those with him were good swimmers.” “T have no doubt of it, if Lormo was with him, for he is like a fish in the water, and is a brave boy, too. Yes, senorita, you can be sure that he is safe" “If so, I am glad that the accident happened, since it has been the means of your discovery. Seen, at low tide, rising from a rock, the diving-bell looks larger than it really is, and has the appear- ance of a LIGHT-HOUSE. I don’t believe any sailors could have been tempted to go near it, as they imagined it was a PHAnTom LIGHT-HOUSE, and were terrified at its appearance.” The girl remained near the bell until dawn by which time the rising of the tide had completely hidden it from view. Although only two-thirds of the bell was under water yet, when the tide rose, a rift in a rock near the instrument, was filled, causing a huge mass of seaweed to stream out and hang over it, thus con- cealing it, and giving it the appearance of being merely the top of a rock, projecting from the sur- face of the sea. The wind had now changed, and the girl saw the cutter pot a league distant. Looking toward: the land, she saw another spectacle which gave Luv great jcy--three human forms evidently seated ona rising point of Jand. These persons, she rightly jucged, were her father and his two compenionrs. She signaled the cutter with her kerchbief, and half an hour tater, Porsino, with a boat's crew, ar- rived, to hear, with surprise, the «tory of the diving- bell. in another hour Don Carlos . . 4 his companions were also picked up, and freed from their bonds. The merchant on hearing explanations, was much pleased witb Robert's courage and fidelity. Before night, with the help of tackles and ropés, brought to Che rocks, just at the ebbing of the tide, the beil was hoisted sufficiently for its occupant to craw) out from under it. Robert's first movement was to rip open the lining of his vest and present to the merchant the valuab!e packet he had so long kept there. You are both brave and honest, and I think more of you than ever, my lad!” remarked Don Carlos. “ He is as true as steel. I always said so!” cried Lormo. The party returned to the cutter, which now sailed for ‘'ampico. A week later some of Cardinas's crew were arrest- ed, but their captain escaped. A few montus after- ward, he cied of yellow fever in Cuba. Don Carlos finally took Robert Brown into partner- ship with him. and permitted him to woo akan: who eventuel.y became bis bride. She had long loved him, and her father had at last wisely concluded not to keep the youug peopis apart. We have to add that Robert’s experieuce in the diving-bell and his previous adventures are often mentioued on the Mexican Gulf coast, where they have won for him the appellation of *** Buick Rock,’ THE SMUGGLE: Spy.” THE END, ee THE Sunnyside Library 1 Latta Rooxs. By Thomas Moore........,..-. 10c 2 Don Juan By Lord Byron 8 Parapise Lost. By John Milton. .... ....... We 4 Tae Lapy or THe Lake. By Sir Walter Scott.. 10¢ 5 Lucite. By Owen Meredith................. -. We 6 UnpvIne: or, THE WaTeR-SPrrit. From the German of Friederich De La Motte Fouque.. 10c For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postage paid on receipt of twelve ceuts for single numbers, double numbers twenty four cents. ADAMS, VICTOR AND CO., 98 William street, New York.
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ai pee a exer arr > é; ii. re pe ile, eagie: a BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwoed Dick Novels. 1 Dendwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. . 20 Double Daggers ; or, Deadwood Dick's Defiance, 25 Baffalo Ben; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. Wiid Evan, the Boy Claude Duval. Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, Omaha Os or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. DPendwood Diek’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar, Pendwood Diek on Decks: or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine, 7 Corduroy Charlie ¢ or, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act, Deadwood Dick in Leadville, Deadwood Dick's Device: or, the Double Cross Sign. Dendwood Dick as Detective. Deudwood Dick's Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch. Blonde Bills: or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. A Gumase of Gold or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike Deadwood Dick of Deadwood} or, The Picked Party. Deudwood Dick's Dreamy; or, The Rivols of the Road. The Black Hilla Jezebel; or, Deadwood Dck’s Ward. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity June’s Last Ad- venture, 9t? Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. ¥21 Sugur-Coated Sam j or, ‘The Black Gown. 252 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Rongh« and Tougha, 2455 Deadwood Dick's Divides or, The Spir.t of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trall, 509 Deadwood Dick’s Big Veal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. B21 Deadwood Dick’a Dozens; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flata, 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducuts; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- gings. $51 Dendwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta. b62 fr aha tei Dick’s Olam; or, The Fairy Face of Faro Mate. 405 Deadwood Dick tn Dead City. 410 Pondweod Dick’s Diamonds ; or, The Mystery of Joan Porter. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “ Cute Care,” 430 Deadwood BDick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand, 4:48 Dendwood Dick, Jr. 448 Nickel-Plate Neds or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Defiance. 453 Sunflower Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’e Full Hand, 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deailwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- Up. 465 Philo Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at Clatin 10, 471 Bozeman Bll; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Corral, 476 Humboldt Marry, the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Dog Detective, 481 Moll Mystery; or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Dendwood. 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Compact. 496 Monte Oriato, Jr.: or, Dendwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance. ., 500 Deadwood Dick's Diggtings 3 or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop. Deadwood bick’s Deliverance, Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. Deadwood Dick’s Three. Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducka, B5S4 Deadwood Dick’sa Death Hunt, 589 Deadwood Dick Jr., in Texas. 541A Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoeq. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. &2 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Drad-Shot, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Lite in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 5S Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix, 61 Buckhorn BILL; or, The Red Kifle Team, 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy. Detective, 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miners or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch-Eye3; or, Arabs ond Angels of a Great City. 18 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. 17 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 21 OClunamon Chip, the Girl Sport, 25 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 88 Bose Bob the King of Bootblacks, 41 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 45 Caotate Ferret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s ose JOD. 61 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. z Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, rank, the Buckskin Bravo, X ROY Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo BAU, the-Trail Tornado. 240 Oyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret. 245 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Ange! of Big Vista. 258 Sicrra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 251 Denver Dolls Victory, 255 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or, Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen. 209 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. £08 "Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. B25 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, Little Qu!ck-Shot ; or, The Dead Face of Daggeraville, Kangaroo Kits or, The Mysterious Miuer. men, neo Kit’sa Racket. Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. Are dim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Lottery of ate 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. B78 Nabob Ned or, The Secret of Slab City, BRS Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 5 Yreka Jim's Jokers or, The Rivals of Red Nose. Bicycle Benz or. The Lion of Lightning Lode. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 6 Sam Slabaldes, the Becgar-Boy Detective, 434 Jim Benak and Pal, Private Detectives. 458 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 456 Seulskin Sam, the Sparkier. a pe el et BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm, F. Cody), 4 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. ‘hantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scent, 68 rder Robin Hood ; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, ee ekene BEADLE’S*H ALF- [)IME* | IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Isswe Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 7 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccan-er; or. The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk: or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship's or, The Rival Lieutenanta. 25 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea- Wolf. 02 Dick Dend-Eye, the Boy Snmuggier. 11 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 16 The Hussar Captains; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate, 97 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 04 Gold Plume; or, The Kid-Glove Sport. 16 Bison BU, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson Kate 3 or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain, 245 Merle, the Middy ; or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman M utineer 3 or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure Island. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 merle Monte’s Cruise; or, The Chase of “The Gold Ship. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pearl, the Pirate's Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Buy Bugler. $08 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. $14 zee Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Long rail, 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rover? or, The Flagiess Schooner. 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 8S7 Warpath WILL, the Boy Phantom, 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Consptrator; or, The Fatal League. 407 The eey Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yacht ans or, The War-Clouu’s Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy's Luck; or, Tae Corsair. 487 The Sea Ralder. 441 The Ocean Firefly 3 or, A Middy’s Vengeance, 446 HUaphazard Marry ; or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard Wills or, The Boy Ferre: of New York, 454 Wizard WIL’ Street Scouta. 462 The Born Guides or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 465 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard WIIl’s Vagabond Pard, 488 Ferreta Afloats or, Wizard Wil!’s Last Case, 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger. 495 Arizona Joe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy: or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 511 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin BILL, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 53830 The Buckski« Bowers. 585 The Bue skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rio. 645 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. QOS et et et et BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 WII Somers, the Boy Detective. Phil Mardy » the Boss Boy. Picayune l’cete 3 or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, Will Wildfirc, the Thoroughbred. Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. Will Wildfire in the Woods, 165 Billy Baggage. the Railroad Boy, 170 A Trump Cardy; or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 79 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 88 The Hidden stands or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 87 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smuggierm 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed}: or, Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. 206 Dark Paud, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 Tom Tanner ; or, The Black Sheep of the Flack. 25 Sam Charcoal the Premiom Darky, 245 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy, 242 The Two ** Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang, 252 Dick Dashaway ¢ or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps? or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’« Jobs or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. 805 Pashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker ity. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote) Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective ; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry. the Levellers or, The Bloods of the Boulevard. 408 Firelly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 42% The Lost Finger} or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagabond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman ; or, Too Sharp for the Sharper. oo BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jack} or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat 65 Marricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 Mustang Sam; or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-HMawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue, 160 The Black Glant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Trallers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Patb, 208 The Boy Pards; or. Dainty Lance Unmasks, 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fiat; or, The Strange Guide. 855 The King of the Woods: or Daniel Boone’s Last Trail, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective, _ BY OLL COOMES. Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. The Dumb Spy. A clope Abe, the Boy Guide. Keen-Kulfe, the Prince of the Prairies. Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. Hawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger. Kollo, the Boy Ranger. Sure Shot eth, the Boy hifleman, Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter. Silver Star, the bov Knight. Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. a Lonmost Pete; or, The Voiake Outlaw Hunters, The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Traunps, Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad, The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. The Disgulsed Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger, Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. Little Foxtire, the Boy Spy. The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. W hip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webtoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckskin, the Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedfoot Fred3 or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Frapeer Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. BY T. C. HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of ’76. $7 The Hidden Lodge; or The Littl. Hunter. 47 Nightingale Nut; or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trail. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight tack ¢ or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide: or, The White Queen. 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr.z or, The Boy Vigilante. 155 Gold Trigger, the ‘port; or, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tomy; or, nfm Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkansaw: or, The Quen ol Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Bey Gold Hunter, 215 Captain Bullet 3 or, Little Topknot’s Crusade. 281 Plueky Phil; or, Ross, the Re Jezebe). 241 Rill Bravo: or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoll , the King-Pin of Bowie, 267 The Buckskin Detective, 279 Old Winehs or, The Buckskin Desporadoes, 294 Dynamite Dan? or. The Bowle Blade of Cochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Buily. 816 Old Eeltpae, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Parday or. The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Rig Benson: or, The Queen of the La-so, 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderhol:’s Secret. BH Caul sam of Pane’ go The Terrible Six, 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective, B86 Captain Cutlasa; or, ‘he B ccaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob: or, The !win Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso: or, The Rose of Raaci Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump, the Herder Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vamptres; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, A470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 477 The Excelsior Sport: or, The Washington Spotter, 499 Sinele Sight, the One-fyed Sport. 602 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Vodeer Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. B2S Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows, B88 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 ‘Dodger Dick’s Doubles or, The Rival Boy Detectives, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. AE Saetua, the Chaparral Cock. By Lieut. A. K. Sims, Fe Cer ays or; A Good Man Down. By P.S,. W arne. &48 Mart, the Nicht Express Detective. By J. ©, Cowdrick. 549 Deadwood Dick on Mi« Mettle. By E. L. Wheeler. 5BO Lafitte’s Legacy; or- The Avenging Son, By Col. Prentigs Ingraham. ; bb1 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. By Jo Pierce, B52 Ariel, the Athlete, By David Druid. B58 Dodger Dick’s Desperate Case. By TC» Harbaugh. BhA Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, By E. L. Wheeler, bbb The Creole Corsair. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 656 Lariat Lily or. The Cast fora Life. By Philip $ Warne. BS? Rroadway Billy’s Death Racket. By J. C. Cowdriek. 56S The Sure-Shot Parda, By Arthur C. Grissom, bSY Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective, By Jo Pierce. 560 Pawnee Rill, the Prairie Shadower. By Col. P. Ingraham, B61 Deadwood Dick tn Boston, By Edward 1, Wheeler. BE2 Riundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Paper. By Ol! Coomes. 568 Dodger Dick. the Boy Vidorq. By T. C. dar augh. &64 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. By John W. Osbon. 56S Kent Kingdon, the Card King, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 566 The Seeret “ervice Boy Detective. By Charles Morris, 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadeiphia, By Edward L, Wheeler. 5E8 The Dandy of Dodge. By Lient. A. K. Sims. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective. By Jo Pierce. &70 Camille, the Card Queen. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. B71 Alr-Line Luke, the Young Engineer. By J. C. Cowdrick, B72 Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. By E, L. Wheeler. B78 The Two Shadows. By T. C. Harbaugh. Reaty July 17, B74 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs. By P. 8. Warne, Reaay July 4. BTS The Surgeon-Scout Detective, By Colonel Prentiss Ingerman. Ready July 41. B76 The Silver Sport. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. Ready August 7. B77 Pavement Pete, the Secret Sifter, By Jo Pierce. Ready August 15. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. By Edward L, Wheeler. Ready August 22. A New Isaue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy or sent by mail on receipt of alx cente each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,