Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 555) (1888 03 13)
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SECOND EDITION. ) fy MMM, NAMI UK SER, ~. (Ae i Yl SiN Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mai) Rates. Vol. XXIL DES ee = & = ER ——— $2.50 HE STOOD THERE, AMID A DEATALIKE SILENCE, AND THEN CAST AN APPEALING LOOK TOWARD THE SON OF LAFITTE, PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. se a lt a aot li a la tS Copyright, 1888, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, 5 Cents. The Golden Wings of the Gulf 4& Romance of Buccaneering after the; War of 1812, and Companion story to ** Lafitte’s Legacy.» BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR OF ‘‘THE ROYAL mippy,” ‘‘ THE SEA RAIDER,” ‘‘ THE FLYING YANKEE,” ‘‘ MERLE THE MIDDY.” ‘THE INDIAN PILOT,” “TEE WILD YACHTSMAN,” ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. FOR AND AGAINST, “THe young buccaneer should hang.” “T say the same.” “Let us investigate further, gentlemen, into his case,” said a third speaker of a group of
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« 2 ES a ee a fhalf a dozen gentlemen who sat in council in the Government quarters in New Orleans, a few months after the battle of the 8thof January, which beat back the British advance upon the ‘Crescent City. Those who were gathered together were in deep consultation upon a most important mat- ter, and they were the “ committeemen ” who | then ruled over the destinies of the city and its | surroundings, The subject under discussion was the fact that one, Leo Lafitte, son of Lafitte the Pirate of the Gulf, had brought into port a British brig-of-war as a prize. Lafitte and a number of his men had been pardoned by the President, under recommenca- tion of General Jackson aud Governor Clai- borne, on account of gallant services rendered in the defenss of New Orleans, when he had come to the aid of the Americans, after refus- ing a most generous offer from the British to ally himself with them. At that time Lafitte’s power was great in the - Gulf of Mexico, and he had under bis command a@ number of vessels which did great damage upon the sea to the shipping of all lands. After his services to the Americans, bis strong- hold on the coast had been destroyed by a United States fleet, and but Lafitte’s own vessel, and that of one of his captains bad escaped, Th> latter had kept up bis piracies, while Lafitve, m bope of pardon, and lying wounded at a convent in, New Orleans, bad escaped to sea when he heard that the ‘‘ City Fathers,” or committeemen, wanted him banged, in spite of his services. He had determined to run down his former captain, Ricardo, as an earnest of bis sincerity, and hoped that would prove his good faith to give up piracy; but bis vessel had met the Gritish brig Vulture, which, greatly his supe- rior, had sunk the pirate schooner, for Lafitte would not haul down his flag. His young son, Leo, and his slave, Coola, had escaped, by swimming to the shore, and after numerous adventures, the young outlaw had otten possession of a new vessel, which had just been built for the pirate fleet, and in it had sought to avenge his father’s death. ; @ had. in this vessel, captured the British brig Vulture, and carried her into New Or- leans, surrendering her as a prize to the authori- ties, and asking - for a commission to run down Ricardo. The surrender of the brig had been made to Governor Claiborne, who had proven the stanch friend of the youth, and he had placed the mat- ter before the committee, to have it coldly re- ceived, for the name of Lafitte had so long been a terror in the Gulf, and bis Jawless acts had made their purses suffer so that they were un- friendly to all concerued with bim, Thus it was that one of the members uttered the words that open this story. “Gentlemen, | ask you only for justice for the youth,” said Governor Claiborne, who was present as the advocate of Leo Lafitte. “State your case, Governor Claiborne,” said one. “Well, gentlemen, you know that Lafitte, and those who fought here with him so bravely, were certainly = Se and this included his handsome son, Leo. “Now, the youth came to me, after his father’s death, and asked for a roving commis- sion to run down Ricardo, and other pirates; but, of course, I could not give it to him, ‘*He departed, and in some way got a fine vessel, armed her and ae a crew. “Tho result was that he avenged his father’s death, at the hands of the British commander of the brig-of-war Vulture, by capturing that vessel, with a craft, too, that was much smaller, and had a crew but half the size of her foe. “This brig-of-war_ he has brought into port and surrendered, while he has again asked for authority to go pirate-hunting, and once more has been refused, **Now, gentlemen I leave the case for you to decide upon its merits.” “ He is a pirate beyond doubt,” said one, * Yes, he is the son of Lafitte, ana was born at sea, and raised upon his father’s vessel.” * Which has done more damage to American aneeins than all other pirates put together |” another of the committeemen remarked. “True, and yet Lafitte refused gold, rank and pa from the British, to fight for us with not even a pledge that he would not he hanged when the battle was over, and a cer- tainty to hang if the English beat us, * He did much for us, and he and his men are pardoned, and this youth therefore is no pirate, and asks simply a commission for his services ' The Creole Corsair. | | rendered, with every prospect of freeing the sea from the buccaneers,” said the governor. ** He was not agony to put to sea again, ' and in doing so be bas again placed upon bim- self the brand of pirate.” “‘ But be captured the British brig-of-war.” n - entlemen, that I am. the only friend of young Lafitte present, in spite of bis services; but here comes CaptainDe La Tour, of our navy, and his views may be valuable.” A. the governor spoke a man of fine presence ente!ed, clad in the uniform of @ captain in the navy. He bowed in a courtly manner to those present and was greeted with marked respect, while tine governor said, ‘Captain De La Tour, we were just discussing the case of Lafitte, and seek your opinion,” “ Lafitte!” and at the name the captain sprung to his feet while his face turned livid and every feature worked with intense emotion. CHAPTER II. ITS CATCHING BEFORE HANGING. ALL present were surprised at the great emo- tion exhibited by Captain De La Tour, at the mere mention of the name of Lafitte, and he, seeing their looks of amazement at once became calm, and with remarkable coolness said: * Lafitte, you spoke of Lafitte, governor?” ‘Yes, Captain De La Tour,” and all were as much surprised at the sudden change in the captain’s manner as they had been at his emo- tion of a moment before. % ‘¢ Yes, sir, we have under discussion Lafitte’s son, Leo Lafitte.” ‘* His son?” “Yes, a youth of superb pearing, handsome face and brave as a lion,” “IT knew not of bisson,” and the captain’s thoughts seemed to revert to the past. “Yes, the youth was his father’s lieutenant, and received any with him, for services in the Battle of New Orleans. “ He put to sea with his father, for you know that Lafitte lay wounded at the convent, and learning that he was to be arrested and his vessel seized, set sail in his schooner,” ‘My dear governor, I have been absent on a cruise and knew only that Lafitte’s wound was not fatal, as I had hoped, and that he had again gone to sea. “¢T intend to run bim down, for, outside of his piracies, there is a. personal debt which I have to settle with him,” and the officer’s eyes flashed fire as he spoke, and all present felt. that be had indeed some cause of quarrel with Lafitte, this accounting for bis emotion previously shown. “Pray tell me what you. know of Lafitte, gentlemen,” he asked, after a moment. The governor made known all that the com- mittee knew of Lafitte’s going to sea, to escape being put in irons, his chase of one of his former captains, Ricardo, who had been treacherous to him, tne meeting with the British brig-of-war Vulture and the sinking of the schooner Destiny with ber chief on board, and who would not surrender to 2 foe double his strength. “And you say that Lafitte is dead” asked Captain De La Tour, evidently deeply moved. “ He is, sir.” ‘“*T cannot believe it,” “ Still it is true.” “‘ And your source of information, governor?” ** His son,” . “Ah! thisson!” . “Yes, he was with his father but escaped, with a negro slave, to the shore by swimming. ** Describe the boy, please, governor.” “He is tall, commanding in form, with broad shoulders and neat carriage. “He is about twenty vears of age. I should judge, and has-a face that is strikingly hand- some and attractive, ‘*He looks strangely like his father, and yet his eyes hold not the look of stern resolve, of bitterness, which Lafitte’s had, but are pensive. rather, and very large and brilliant.” “Yes, he is the one I saw—he is her son.” The officer spoke aloud, but to himself, and, starting, as he thought his words might have betrayed him, he resumed: ‘* 1s this boy in the city, governor?” ‘‘He is, and we were. as I said, discussing him, for, after his escape from the schooner, he made his way here and reported his father’s death to me, and asked for authority to hunt down Ricardo, and other Guif buccaneers. “1 could not give it to him, and so he de- parted, and, it seems, got a vessel and crew, set ' “That does not palliate, in my view, and he : did that as a rap for us, while he continued his | ! “ eail, captured the British brig-of-war Vulture, and— “What! that boy captured tho Vulture” ‘Yes, Captain De La Tour.” “What with?” ‘His schooner.” ** Impossible!” “The Vulture is a prize now in port as proof.” “Then he is indeed like his father; bot pray continue, for your story is of deepest interest to me, | ‘He brought the Vulture here, and again | asked authority to go on a cruise aiter pirates.” * And your answer?” ** A refusal, of course.” ** And this young Lafitte?” **(s now here.” ‘* With his vessel?” % ‘No, he did not bring bis vessel inte port.” ‘** Ah, he is wise for his years.” ‘“ And I bave urged that he be allowed to go pirate-hunting, but my colleagues here refuse sanction.” “And justly, for the boy should hang,” said the captain, almost savagely. “Bur he bas a pardon from the President.” “True, for his piracies prior to the battle / here; but he bas been again at sea, and with no authority, while be was witb bis father when he fled from port the night Lafitte was to be ar- . rested. “The boy should bang, gentlemen, or we will have the name of Lafitte ugain a terror upon the seas. All seemed to be of tbhis‘opinion, with the ex- ception of the governor and one «ther, and they — urged that the youth should be given a chance for bis lite by surrendering his vessel and giving such information as to the haunts of the pirates as would enable the cruisers to capture them. This was the decision of the committee, and the governor volunteered to visit the young out- cast and make known the decisivn. If he refused, be was to be hunged for going te sea with his father after having been par- doned, and then cruising in an armed vessel under the black flag, for it was supposed that he had done so. All waited in the council-rooms the return of the governor. He returned, and his face bore a look of sad- ness. “Gentlemen, we are too late, for young La- fitte has gone.” ** Gone!” cried half a dozen voices, ** Yes, he has left the quarters where he was stopping, and the landlord said he bad gone to sea, for so he said. ““T went where bis men had been quartered, and they, too, were gone,” Then I shell fellow and run him down, for no Lafitte shall flaunt bis fleg over the seas as long as I have a deck beneath my feet. «Gentlemen, I sail 'o-night, so bid yon edieu,” and the naval officer departed, a strange look upon his handsome, stern face, which contained both batred and firm resolve. CHAPTER III, LEO LAFITTE, . A A Few hours prior to the meeting of ‘the committeemen, who seemed to be so anxious to hang Leo Lafitte, ® young man was pacing to and fro in a pleasant room, which, from indications, appeared to be bis temporary quar- ters. His face though youtbful, for be could not be over twenty, were yet stamped with a charac- ter beyond his years, Resolution, daring and intelligence marked his features, while there Was an a rance about him of one wbo had seen much in his young life. He was dressed in a sailor suit, that fitted his fine form well, and paced to and fro with the air of one who had learned the step on the quar ter-deck of a vessel-of-war. Now his face wore & clouded look, and in his hand he beld a letter. which had caused him to be thus lost in deep, and perhaps painful _ thoughts, ‘ “ And this is their gratitude for what I have done?” he said, bitterly. “ Once a pirate, always a pirate, it seems, — “They accepted my father's Services to de- fend them, and then, while be lay would bave thrown him in irons and seized bis vessel, pretending that he should be under guard while awaiting the coming of his pardon. “But thanks to that beautiful nun, Sister Mercedes, I had warning, and we escaped to sen. ee “Now, after I have captured, a British brig. wounded, - get aims tatiedreygepl Sen EE, on
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i > Gy, ig os ~~ 60 See See > soy eee! f 5 ror os? : > k- ¢ . . . 5 .* 5 Set ee One . ‘ t ~y _ Felicite seems ever beside me, and [ _ Gouble the size of my vessel, and brought her inte port as a prize, they refuse to allow me to go on a cruise after Ricardo, but intend to ar- | rest me too, and perhaps hang me, for so says this letter from good Sister Mercedes.” Raising the letter be read aloud: “*T have it from the best of authority, Father Felix, who is the particular friend of the committee men, that you are to be arrested, and this is why I write you as I do ; * * Father Felix urged against it, so I heard him tell a brother priest, ana they would not be guided, but sa\d that you should be put in irons, perhaps be hange |, tnat the name of itte might perish from the seas. % “*T feel that you are guiltless of all wrong in the matter. “** You were born upon the sea, reared on a pirate craft, and hardly knew right from wrong. “ «Your father, though pardoned, was to be put in | ou fled with him, and you have proved your- self a hero by capturing the British bne. : “- You bring her in as a ay and the gallows is eld up before you as a reward. ° 4 ‘Thee you, ther: fore, to fly, for they are bitter here against the name of Lafitte. “ *Wy, and win new laureis, to, in the end, com- mand hair admiration and full pardon. “*T write you thus, Leo. for the sake of your father, whom I knew in the long ago, and because I "know you to be true as steel. ***You saved the life of that sweet girl, little Mademoiseile De La Tour, who, in thanks to the Virgin for her happy rescue by you, from the out- laws who had kidnapped her, changed her name to Felicite De La Tour, and your modest nature would not let it be known that you were the hero who had saved her from perliaps worse than death. **T reco inte you, though, and only my promise to you, ed my lips, When her father sought to find cut who it was tuat had been the rescuer of his child, his idol. . **Did he but know that it was the son of ‘Lafitte? “What then? . de lakes ‘Again you proved your noble nature by ng into my hatin when I asked it, the story of your father’s life, with the seal unbroken, and which he had given you before his death, as a part of his legacy. fan But I must write no more, for I have no right to do so, and Heaven will forgive me the sin, when it is for the sake of another’s good, “*Tf t should — without again seeing yon, in the hands of Father Felix, will be left a package addressed to you, **Tt will be the confession of your father, re- turned to you, and mine, and then you shall know all; but, while I live, let the vail of secrecy rest upon his part and mine. « ily from here et once for the shadow of the gallows is upon you, as those narrow-minded men will seek to destroy you, because you are Lafitte’s irons, son, * * Farewell, Leo, and Heaven guide you, is the prayer of > “*Mrrcepes, THE Nun.’ ” Having again read this letter, Leo destroyed it, and then said eloud: | “She is rmght, t ey will destroy me; so I will not remain tu be banged. “Tney tear the name even of Lafi and angels’ tears, it seems, can never blot out the crimes of my poor father—yes, and mine—for have I not been a pirite from infancy? ‘* My beautiful schooner awaits me at the old ruined stronghold, the retreat of Lafitte’s fleet, and I will get my men and go there this night. ““T will then set sail and hunt down that traitor, Ricardo, and perhaps when I have further proven my goo@ faith, I may win the 3 ¢ aud position I crave, “Had I not met that beautiful nun; had [ not rescued that sweet little maiden, pretty Felicite De La Tour, I would have been bitter, for the conduct of those men would have begot bitter- ness and recklessness, and I would have still cruised the seas as a pirate. ‘* But the prayers pf Mercedes the Nun have softened my beart, and the lovely face of little Ang will try once more to win honor, and live like an honora- _ ble man. . _“ But now I must depart, or else it will be too “ate.” CHAPTER IV. THE GOLDEN WINGS. “ Trere’s a sail in the offing, sir.” The words were spoken by a young Officer, y “s who had just come from the shore and boarded _a schooner that lay at anchor in a sm all, land- locked harbor. ne The scene was upon the coast of Louisiana, and in the harbor of the island now known as | Lafitte’s Island for it was, in the yoeed the preseut century, the stronghold an of that famous sea chief, Theisland apresned to have suffered from the _ visit of a foe, for the two forts, one on the ridge, the other guarding the entrance to the harbor, retreat The Creole Corsair. ) | had both been destroyed, and the guns were | tumbled down the hillside and spiked. Then there were the charred remains of a | number of cabins, and desolation rested upon all, | ‘Tae harbor was a safe one, and the schooner | referred to was one of two vessels at anchor | there, the other being a sloop, evidently a coast- ing craft. ‘The large schooner, which the officer had boarded, had her topmasts housed as though net caring to have them show above the tree-tops, and be seen by a vessel passing outside. The craft was a most beautiful model, from her razor-like Lows to ber narrow stern, and her | rig was the perfection of graceful lines, Every sail was neatly furled and the schooner seemed to be new and in splendid trim. A few men only were upon her decks, the bal- ance being camped out ashore upon the sloping, natural lawn that ran down to the sandy beach, For a vessel uf her tonnage, which was about two hundred tons, the schooner carried a very heavy battery,,and all of them were splendid guns of large caliber. while ber sail area, judg- ing from the length of her spars, was simply enormous. The bulwarks were ee and very massive, which would afford a good breastwork against small-arms in action, and, from the sharp point of her bowsprit to the end of her mainboom, from the keel to the truck, there seemed to be nothing wanting to make her a perfect vessel. No flag floated over hr decks, but the officer addressed and the one who boarded were both dressed in uniform, though one not known to auy of the navies of the world. he senior officer was a handsome young man | of twenty-five, with a devil-may-care look in his eyes, and the appearance of one who had been born a gentleman, | The other was a man of short. stature, with a resolute, fearless face, and looked the thorough seaman that he was, Upon the caps of each officer was a pair of | golden wings, and the men’s skull-caps of scar- let also had the same design upon them, | ‘*What kind of a craft is it, Lomax? asked the senior officer, in response to the report of the one who came aboard, ** A small schooner, which I supposed might be Captain Lafitte’s, though we did not expect him so soon, and I had not my glass to make her out with.” ‘*Then we have nothing to fear if sheisa small craft. ‘*T will take my glass and go to the cliff fora look at the stranger,” and Lieutenant Lester, first officer of the armed schooner Gulden Wings, went ashore. ' | Ascending to the ruins of the old fort which | bad commanded the entrance to the harbor, be beheld a vessel about a league distant from the | island. / It was a small schooner, coaster build, and was heading in toward the harbor. glass he said: & Captain Lafitte, for besides recog- | nizin the schooner I sent after him, on my ar- rival here, I see the Golden Wings flag with its red field. ‘ ‘Still I must be cautions, as if barm has be- | fallen our gallant young captain, this may be | some trick to capture the Golden Wings.” So saying he retraced his way down the hill and going to the camp ordered the men on board | the schooner, which at once got up anchor, set | sail, and stood across the harbor on atack that would enable her broadside to command the en- trance to the’ haven. _A moment more and thestrange sail appeared in sight, running into the harbor, and at once there went up to the peak of the armed craft a large crimson flag, in the center of which was a pair of Golden Wings, spread. : Toster.sent up signals which . Then Lieutenant read: ‘* Prove who you are, or I fire a broadside in- to you.” ‘* Lester is on the alert, I am glad to see,” said a young man in sailor garb, who stood upon the deck of the little schooner, ‘Signal bim. Carona, that I am on board and -all is right, for we don’t wish to get one of the Golden Wings’ broadside.” The er was he who had been seen pacing the room in bis quarters at New Orleans, and | whose warning of danger, sent by Mercedes the Nun, had caused him to leave the town the same The signal was given and the Goldcn Wings stood back to her anchorage, while the little schooner came boldly into the Larbor and drop- ped anchor not far away. A-boat from the Golden Wings met her, as | » Leveling his * Yes, it is days of | .nig 3 she let fall her anchor, and Leo Lafitte entering it ‘Steen stood upon the deck of bis beautiful ves- Se. ‘‘T am glad to see you cautious, Senor Les- ter,” he said, as he grasped the hand of bis lieu- tenant. ‘“‘I was not sure, sir, that you might not have been held, and a large force be on the schooner to run us aboard and capture us,” “You are right, Lester; but though I got away, had I remained they would have banged me perhaps,” and the young man spoke bitterly. ** After the capture of the Vulture?” “Oh, yes, for they wish to sacrifice some cne bearig the name of Lafitte. to satiate their greed against pirates in general.” ** And the Vulture?” “I left her there as their prize, got my men on board the schooner, as soon as it was dark and set sail.” ‘And now, sir?” ‘“‘We have but one course to pursue, Lester, if we wish to command respect and pardon,” ‘* Yes, sir, and that course?” “Ts to hunt down Ricardo the Rover, who I learo is making himself a terror upon the Gulf.” ‘It would be a good thing to capture him, if only for bis treachery to your fether.” * Ricardo was always the foe of my father, Lester, though he appeared his friend. “Tt was from sumething that happened years ago, but just what I do not know. ‘* He came to my father, wita his vessel, and asked to become one of Lafitte’s League, and trusting bim, my father took bim in as one of the fleet captains, and be rose to be next in come man to the chief, ‘When we went to New Orleans, to fight for the Americans, Ricardo was left in command here, and it is said, got drunk and was thus sur- prised by the American fleet, who ruined all, as you know. “ Certain it is that the stronghold was taken, with all the fleet, excepting Ricardo’s schooner, for be escaped in her, and this vessel, which you had gone after up to Baltimore. ‘* Ricardo hoisted bis own flag and is cruising as a pirate, and it was while pursuing him my father lost his life, as we ran upon the Vulture. ‘**Captain Dick, who was the pilot of the American fleet, and my father’s foe, I killed as you know, and the Vulture, who sunk him, I cap- tured, making two blows to avenge Lafitte. “ A third will be the running down of Ricardo, and upon that duty we sail at once, leaving the little schooner and sloop here with half a dozen men on board. . ‘Now get the Golden Wings ready for sea, Senor Lester.” The lieutenant left the cabin, and asthe sun sunk that day, the islend was left astern of the Golden Wings, which was bound upon the hunt for Ricardo the Rover of the Gulf. CHAPIER V. FELICITE. Ir was the evering of the meeting of the com- mitteemen in New Orleans, and soon atter the return of the governor to report that Leo Lafitte was gone, and therefore had to be caught before he was hanged. The naval officer, Captain De La Tour, had decided, as is known, to go atonce to sea in chase of Leo Lafitte, who he seemed to feel assured would hoist his black flag and turn pirate once more. He believed that he could capture him, and, as tbe schooner of the young outlaw bad not been brought up to the city, she must therefore be in hiding near the Delta upon the coast, And where would there be a better place than the old retreat of Lafitte? So there at once would he go in pursuit. But before Captain De La Tour departed from port, he had a duty of love to perform. That was to visit his daughter at the convent where she was receiving her education, So up to the convent be drove, and ringing the ate bell asked to see Mademoiselle Felicite La our, He was ushered into the parlor, and seon there tripped into the room a perfect fairy of girlish loveliness, She was scarcely more than fifteen, and yet her form was grace itself, and her large, liquid blue eyes seemed to be wells in which slumbered most ardent love. : A wealth of golden hair bung about ber shoulders, and she was certainly a most beauti~ ful child, just upon the threshold of woman- hood. ms. # “Oh papa! bow glad I am to see you. “*It was so good of you to come,” she | Was Said speaking in French, for Captain De La : Tour be-
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oe ee fu 4 aap ; my 2 ff longed to an old French noble family, his father having settled upon the coast as a planter two- score years before. The mother of Felicite, asshe had been re- named, had died leaving to ber husband the infant daughter to care for, and the father’s heart had been wrapped up in his child, A man of vast wealth, he possessed a band- some home upon the coast: but could not enjoy it until his daughter had left school, so be con- tinued bis services in the navy, as captain of a brig-of-war, which he had named Nemesis. “1. am eome, my child, to say good: b , for I start upon another cruise to-night,” said Captain De La Tour, seating himself upou the sofa and drawing Felicite down beside him. **So soon, papa?” ‘‘ Duty calls me.” “But you have only just returned.” “True, but must be off again; but tell me have you heard aught more of your gallant young rescuer?” + 0, apa.” “You have tried?” “Yes, sir, and Father Felix, and Sister Mer- cedes have also tried to fiud out who the brave youth was, who rescued me from those fearful men, “ But it seems that they cannot, and I feel so sorry about it.” ‘Doubtless some rich young Creole planter who feared he might be iusulted by offering a reward.” ‘*No papa, he was no planter, I am sure, though he was a gentleman. “* He was dressed as a sailor, and, as well as I could see in the darkness, so very handsome. “Then he was coming up the river, as I told you, in a small sloop, and had overbeard the men on the schooner at anchor speak of their captain being up the river to kidnap a girl. ** He saw the t coming, hailed them by the name he had overheard, and then came along- side and he rescued me, ‘‘ When he brought me to tke convent here, I threw myself into dear good Sister Mercedes’s arms, and the youth departed, unthanked and unseen.” “It is strange; but I would give much to find him, for I would reward him most liberally.” ‘Papa, he is not one to offer gold to, lam sure, for he was a ar pene B ‘Well, try and find out who he is before my return; but now tell me why I can never see this beautiful nun, Sister Mercedes, whom you seem to love so dearly?” ‘‘T do not know, papa; but she always makes seen not to see you,” said Felicite, thought- ully. ‘And sees others?” « Every ene, sir.” “This is strange; but will you go now and ask her to see me, for I wish to give into her hands a sum of gold for charity, and also to have a talk with her about you, my child.” Felicite disappeared, but soon returned and said that Sister Mercedes was not well and asked to be excused, but that Sister Salome would see Captain De La Tour. : “Papa,” added Felicite, ‘Sister Mercedes really seems determined to avoid you, Lam sure, ‘Do you know her, sir?” “J have never seen her in my life, te my knowledge,” was the reply. “ Well, papa, it is strange, but I am sure she knows you.” Captain De La Tour seemed annoyed at this, but made no other reply upon the subject: just then, and rose as Sister Salome entered. “Tam sorry I could not see Sister Mercedes as my — seems to be under her keeping,’ he said to Sister Salome, who replied: ‘“ Sister Mercedes has a headache, monsieur, so bade me represent her.” ‘Is she a native of New Orleans, may I ask?’ “‘T know not, monsieur.” ‘*Could [inquire her name the vail?” “T believe it is not known to any one bere, monsieur.” “T ask, as I think I must have met her at some time in my life,” And Captain De La Tour bit_bis lips, vexed at his want of success in seeing Sister Mercedes, or finding out who it was that had rescued his daughter from her kidnappers. Soon after he took his leave, and Felicite before she took ed: ‘‘ Where are you going on this cruise, papa?” “To hunt down the son of Lafitte, the Pirate of the Gulf, that he may not stain the sea with Dlood, as bis father did,” was the response, the voice showed suppressed emotion, which did ee a Ee ER OS ———n—“—“v—X?OOOaoawa—ooaoaoa—— ne cee ae ae =< noted corsair commodore. yn ete pares, meh Fe ASE; = eee pea! . ' 7 not escape the ear of Felicite, who said to the good nun: “Sister Salome, I thought Lafitte and his men had been pardoned for their bravery in the battle here?” ** So they were, my child; but Lafitte is dead, and it is thought that bis son will again turn ae and so your father seeks to capture im. *‘] hope he won't catch him, for from what Sister Mercedes told me of this young Lafitte, who came here often to see his wounded father, 1 ao not believe he is wicked at heart, or will again sail under the pirate flag.” ‘And with this boldly-expressed opinion, Feli- cite sought Sister Mercedes, to try and find out if she had ever known her father. But in this she was unsuccessful CHAPTER VI. A PIRATR’S MUSINGS, A-GRIM, cruel-faced man sat iu the cabin of a heavily-armed schooner that was gliding over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico one afternoon some months after the sailing of the Goldeu Wings from the ruined island retreat of the Buccaneers of Barrataria, The craft was % stanch one, and yet graceful withal, sailed with great ease and speed, and had a very heavy armament for a vessel of her tonnage, Fully a hundred men were visible upon ber decks, and a hard-looking set of humanity they were, Taoere were Portuguese, Spanish, Cuban, Mexicans, French, English and negroes, and the faces of all were indelibly stamped with the lines of crime they had led, for they were pirates, and of the worst cut-throat order, But they looked like good sailors and splendid fighters, and that was their only virtue, and a virtue in a bad cause, for the vessel was the Firebug, the pirate schooner of Ricardo, Ricardo the Rovar was the stern, cruel-faced man seated in the cabin. He had been, as has been stated, the senior captain in Lafitte’s flotilla, but had fled from the island, where he held command, when it was attacked by the Americans, and had raised. bis own flag over his vessel, a skeleton form in a black field. His nature knew no mercy, gold was his god, and so he began bis wild life of crime upon the seas, He wished not hard knocks, but took them bravely if dealt, and. sought only to prey upon merchantmen, Now and then he “ caught a Tartar,” but his crew fougbt like demons and had often beaten off a cruiser much stronger than was the schoo- ner in guns and men. He had seen Lafitte’s schooner sunk by the Vulture brig-of-war, while be was far off upon tine sea, aud bad admired the pluck of bis c ief for dying at his guns and going down with hs colors flying, though feeling glad that he bad his revenge in witnessing the Soateoction of the “] had never forgiven him for taking the fair Senorita Mateo from me when I held her cap- tive, and now I have my revenge in seeing him die; but’ it. would have been sweeter had ho perished at the yard-arm. So he had said, when, by the flashes of the guns, he had seen Lafitte’s schooner go down, Then he had run away from the scene with all speed, and soon Ricardo the Rover became feared upon the Gulf and ite shores for his merciless cruelty to all, So it was months after, that the dreaded pirate was Gag ar that pleasant after- noon, while the lookouts kept bright watch for the glance of a sail. And, in the midst of his booty, for the cabin was half-full of piratical treasure, Ricardo sat alone, smoking a pipe, a decanter of brandy on one hand and a silver goblet in his grasp. And Ricardo was doing something which he seldom allowed himself to do—that is, he was communing with the past. It might bave been the rare old liquor that meliowed his thoughts; but he certainly was thinking of a fair maiden who had once been his captive. e had stolen her from her home on the coast of Jamaica, when ber father, Don Marco Mateo, a wealthy Spanish exile lived in bis sumptuous villa, with his beautiful daughter and his ver vants, He could have gotten a large ransom for her, he well knew; but her beauty had won his love such as he could feel, and he was in hopes ot winning her as bis wife. But, lo! a vessel had loomed in sight, and it Fre at the fect of the stranger, had appeal roved to bea small schooner commanded by fitte, then a young man, for: Ricardo was musing of a time twenty odd years before. That vessel, commanded by Lafitte, had rum down near him and the two captains bad recog nized each other. Lafitte had been a slaver captain, a year or so before, aud Ricardo bad been his first officer. Then fitte had given up the trade of a slaver, because it was brutal, and taken to piracy which was :ruel, and Ricardo had been made captain in bis stead. But Ricardo had turned the slaver schooner into a buccaneer, and began to rove the Gulf, Then they bad, the former captain and his lieutenant, met at sea, in command of a pirate schooner, Lafitte had gone on board the schooner of hie old officer, to make bim a visit, when out of the cabin glided the fair captive of Ricardo, the Senorita Juaquita Mateo, and, throwing herself to him for protection. It had been frankly given and Lafitte was: proud to disarm Ricardo upon bis own deck and then spring into the sea with the fair captive. His boat bad picked him up, be had gained his own deck, and a duel had followed, in whick Lafitte beat Ricardo off. The captive bad been wounded, but Lafitte had tenderly cared for her, and then taken her to her home on the coast of Jamaica. Pretending to be in the Mexican Navy, Lafitte had won the love of the fair young Spaniard, who was pledged to an American naval captain, and, denduuced by her lover, as. apirate, the daring chief had, sheltered by Juaquita, beaten back his foes and gained his. vessel. Juaquita Mateo hed loved Lafitte too devoted- ly to give bim up, and so had become @ pirate’s bride, and she it was who bad been the mother of Leo, dying in giving him birth. Long years after Ricardo had joined the fleet. of the famous sea chief, who bad risen to the position of a pirate admiral. But Ricardo bad never forgotten nor forgiven the taking of Juaquita Mateo from him by Lafitte, end hence was glad to see him go down into the Gulf, sunk by the guns of the Vulture, Such were the thoughts that went through the brain of Ricardo, as he sat in his cabin that pleasant afternoon, musing over the past. For over a score of years he had been a pirate, and, though he had vast treasures laid by, bie greedy soul longed for more, and he meant to struggle on yet awhile in his hfe of crime te ~ add more riches to his treasures. “‘ Another year and I will leave the sea and enjoy my riches,” muttered the erime-stained man, “Strange that Lafitte never gave up his life. of piracy, for he must have possessed vast wealth. But he has gone, and with him sunk bis son, and her son, for he was the child of Senerita Mateo, “Well, [have the field to myself now, for I fear none of the smaller pirates, and anether year should make me rich, yes, very rich. “Then I will quit and live the life of luxury I have longed for. “T will—” “ Sail hol!” The ery of the lookout reached Ricarde in his cabin, and stopped his musiugs, for soon after an officer appeared to report that a schooner-of- war, evidently an American cruiser, was stand- ing er from an inlet, a league and ® half away and crowding on all sail in chase. “We want gold and. silver, Senor Midas, not irov and steel, so crowd on #1 sai] and run for it,” was the reply of Ricardo, who again settled down to his musing. But only for a few moments, for he was again interrupted by the officer, who reported: “The vessel is gaining rapidly, Captaix Ricardo.” ; ' “Have you full sail. sir” All that she can stand, sir,” ‘And she still gains?” “Rapidly!” |. “ Hal this won't do, Midas, for no ermiser should be able to catch us, “ T will come on deck,” But if Ricardo felt that his going on deck would: help matters, be was mistaken, for sohooner still gained. CHAPTER VIL. __ A TIRELESS PURSUER. he Tre sail sighted from the deck of Ricardo’s vessel, the about’ equal in tonnage to the buccaneer craft, bug, proved to be a schooner = Se
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Her points were however finer in every way _ than were tkose of the Firebug, and she carried * Bae sail much as the pirate was able tc spread aloft. . Her number of guns were counted and found to be equal; but there seemed not so large a crew upon her decks as could Ricardo boast of, She had evidently been, at anchor in the inlet ‘when she had sighted the pirate sailing along ‘the shore and at once had started in chase, As she sailed out of tbe inlet the pirate crew were loud in praise of her beauty, and, fee1ing no anxiety as to her catching them, knowing the speed of their vessel, they watched her with deepest interest. Then she squared away in chase, with the wind abeam, bending over gracefully to the seven-knot breeze, yet standing up better than did the Firebug. : ba BPs is gaining, sir,” said Senor Midas to his chile, 5 Ricardo had only to take a short look through dhis glass tc convince himself of that fact. ‘* Yes, what is the matter with the Firebug?” ‘**She is doing her best, sir.” ** Well, set every stitch of canvas that will Se and see if she cannot throw the fellow off. The order was obeyed, and jibs, topsails, squaresail and fore and mainsail were all soon drawing well, But still the stranger gained. ‘“*T don't understand it,” muttered Ricardo, **Nor I, senor,” Nor did th crew. But the fact remained that the vessel astern "was certainly gaining. ‘*Wehave just had the schooner overhauled ‘too, from keel to truck, and she never was in etter trim,” said Ricardo, “ No, senor, never.” **Chaugze her course, Midas, for we are out of _ ‘fange, and put her on her best point of sailing.” ‘This was done, but the stranger also changed his course, and so rapidly gained that the pirates “saw the pursuer was at his best point of sailing - whan going to windward, A curve of the coast now gave the pirates a chance to square away before the wind, and the _ ~order was given to do so, Almost instantly, as though working by the ‘same command, the strange schooner did like- wise, “Sho still gains, senor,” said Midas, after a short while. “I can see that, sir,” snappisbly retorted Ricardo, _ Then, as he saw that the stranger had gained less with the wind abeam, he put the schooner eback upon her first course of sailing, ' The stranger followed promptly, and now was bardly a league astern. ; ithin three hours he had gained half a Jeague, ** This.looks bad, senor, for she steadily walks ‘up on us;” said Senor Midas. “I thought the only craft that ever floated, to outsail the Firebug, was at the bottom of the Gulf with Lafitte’s bones in her; but it seems yonder craft is much fleeter,” remarked Ri- cardo, ; ) Yes, sir, I neversaw a craft sail like her,” returned Midas, — * Well, outsailing us is not whipping us, Midas,” grimly said Captain Ricardo. “No, indeed, sir,” ~~ : “We will hold on as we are, only keep } nearer shore, so if We are beaten we can escape in our boats.” ** Yes, senor.” z “But that does not mean we are to be beaten, Senor Midas.” ie °4) ; oe s ” Mi eases iay, sent, es, captain” Fi I should like that craft.” ‘7 h, senor!” She would be a treasure, and you could com- mand the Firebug.” _ Thank you, Senor Ricardo.” With tio such vessels we could do double he work that one ean,” yo a“ Yes, exptain,” ' “dT shall take her,” seen : “TI shall capture that ad “Fight her, sir The Creole Corsair. ** Let her fight me, and in the end board and carry her. ‘Tt will bea bold game, senor,” ** Yes, and one that I will play to a successful end, so go forward among the men and let them know my game.” Midas obeyed, and Ricardo turned and eyed the persist-1t pursuer coming swiftly along in the wake of the Firebug. CHAPTER VIII. ‘THE FIREBUG AHOY!” THaT the craft in his wake was now gaining rapidly upon him, was a cause of great delight to Ricardo, who was glad to note how rapidly his tireless pursuer could sail. He quietly ordered his schooner put in per- fect fighting trim, told the men that as they had to fight a cruiser they might as well know that victory meant the capture of an armed craft, far fleeter than their own, and therefore con- siderably safer for them to sail in, as no vessel afloat could catch her. ‘‘They cannot build a fleeter craft, men, and so she must be ours,” he ended his little speech wich, and the pirate crew cheered him to the echo, In the mean time the pursuer had crept up steadily upon the pirate, and was now within good range. But she had not opened fire, and the thought suddenly struck Ricardo that he was not certain as to her nationality. ‘She looks American, but then the English have a number of American-looking craft, and there are privateers belonging to both the United States and the British Ravy,” said Ri- cardo, while Midas rejoined: ‘* Then, senor, she may be French or Spanish, syou know.” ‘True, and if either, our work will be easy, ** But if English or American, we will have to fight bard. ‘**T only wish she would show her colors.” “* Yes, sir; but see, the wind freshens, and she gains more rapidly.” **You are right, and in the forty knots we have logged since sighting her, she has gained four miles, “T didn’t think it could be done with the Firebug, Midas,” ‘** Nor [, senor; but would not a shot make her show her colors?” “Try it.” One of the stern guns was then sighted and fired, and the shot cut dangerously near the schooner in chase, But no reply came, and no colors went up to the peak, ee a shot was fired, but with like result. *Tcan hit her squarely this time, sir,” said the gunner. “You do, and [ll have you hanged,” was the angry retort of the pirate captain. The gunner looked amazed. He had been be- low when it was given out that no harm should be done the beautiful schooner, more than was necessary. “Don’t you want me to hit her, sir?” he asked, in surprise. **No, you fool! I want to capture her with- out ascrateh, if Ican.” . ‘IT see, sir,” and the gunner fired again, this time sending his shot far wide, for he had no desire to hang, and he knew Ricardo was a man of his word, as far as all cruel threats were con- cerned, ‘* Show the American flag, Midas!” .The order was promptly obeved. But no response came from the stranger. Run up the British ensign, Midas!” This was done, with like result. ‘“* Now we'll convince him that we are Span- ish, for show the flag of Spain, and luff sharp and give him a broadside, but mind you, not a shot is to strike him.” “Ay, ay, sir,” and the order was given by nee Midas. ba vita lown came the British ensign, up in its place wig A me flag of eg and Taffing antl ber Oadside bore upon ® pursuer, the ns flashed forth. : ; ae _ Not a shot touched the beautiful craft, as was intended, and yet. when the smoke of the guns had blown off, and the schooner was once more on her course, the stranger was still serenely pursuing, and no flag had been set, Ricardo looked at Midas, and the latter re- turned the look, Both wondered, and the other pirate officers ami the crew wondered too. lf it had been night the pirates might bave begun to dread the craft. ut they saw her in broad daylight, though many regretted that the sun was nearing the horizon, The schooner had set no extra canvas, since she had run outof the inlet, but bad ary followed in the wake of the Firebug, and stead- ily gained the while. ‘ Her crew were visible upon ber decks, anda man sent aloft with a glass reported that he could count but twenty-two men upon her decks, including an officer and the man at the wheel. Did her commander think he could capture - Seabee with a force so small, Ricardo won- aered, Still he was determined to stick to his resolve to do the beautiful vessel no barm, could he avoid it, and relying upon his terrible boarders, he did not doubt but that he could readily cap- ture the craft, even did her crew prove to be larger than his own, which he was assured was not the case, as he never went short-handed, and, in fact, carried a third:more men than ves- sels of the tunnage of the Firebug were wont to oO. And so Ricardo gazed upon the splendid craft in his wake with interest deepening each mo- ment. He was vexed that he could not make her show her colors, though it made no material dif- ference what flag she floated. Still it was a great satisfaction for him to know just who he was fighting. As he meant to board, he did not keep up his fire upon the stranger, feeling that the two ves- sels were as near equal in close action and boarding as they would be, if torn witb shot. He was rather glad, too, that the enemy did not fire, as he wanted all of bis crew for board- ing, and had a broadside duel been opened, many a man on each deck he knew would have gone down, As the pursuer neared the Firebug, her won- derful beauty of outline was noted the more, and won great admiration among the pirates, from forecastle to quarter-deck. Her rigging seemed perfection itself, her sails fitted without a wrinkle, and her spars were slender, graceful and very long. The amount of canvas she carried was re- markable, and the manner in which she carried it, standing well up under the pressure, was even more remarkable. The stranger was now not more than a quar- ter of a mile away, and it could be seen, without the glass, that she had hardly more than a score. of men upon ‘her decks, The breeze was now blowing a good ten knots, and both schooners presented a beautiful sight as they sped along over the waters of the Gulf. The sharp bows of the stranger forced no foaming crest, a ‘‘bone in her teeth,” before her, and her wake was a clean one, The Firebug on the contrary drove a wave of foam before her, and left a foaming wake. Both vessels were crowded with canvas, and looked like flying clouds. : Nearer and nearer drew the stranger, and just as the sun touched the watery horizon, a voice was heard hailing, Like bugle notes the words rung out, sharp, distinct and penetrating, and every man on board the pirate schooner heard them and won- dered, for it proved that they were known to the stranger, The hail was: ** Flo the Firebug, ahoy !” CHAPTER IX, | A DUEL AT SEA. THE fact that the pirate was known to those on the strange schooner, as the bail proved, was a great surprise to Ricardo and his men, The bail was in English, and Ricardo thought there was a familiar ring to the voice, But he answered prom ptly: ‘* Who hails the Firebug?” 4 ‘¢ Lafitte’s son. and it is to he war to the bitter énd, Captain Ricardo!” was the reply of Leo, as he sprung upon the bulwark and grasped the mizzen shrouds. Then, ata wave of Leo’s hand, the red flag wita its golden wings floated out from the peak of his schooner, and still standing upon the bul- warks, the young commander gave the order to fire. As thoroughly prepared as he was for actio Ricardo was tales aback. . mt
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a Re I NRTA eee AID The name of Lafitte he both hated and feared, and he had believed Lec to have gone down on the schooner. The thought that Lafitte himself might have survived was a terrible one te him, and he for ¢ moment seemed at a loss what to do, when he suddenly found himself confronted with a youth whose prowess he knew but too well, and with a vessel that was certainly the superior of his own as far as speed went at least. He knew that all along in the tireless chase Leo had known who he was, having recognized the Firebug, and that he had not come unpre- pared for a hot fight he felt assured, So it was, in his moment of hesitation and un- certainty that Leo got the first blow upon bim, and the broadside of the Golden Wings was a fearful one. The guns had been loaded with grape, for close quarters, and as the iron tore through the hulwarks of the pirate craft, sending shcewers of splinters on all sides, men were cut down like grass, and adozen lay upon the decks, But Ricardo had been too often in action, when all depended upon bis nerve, to lose his head for more than an instant, and he quickly gave orders to his helmsman to lay aboard the Golden Wings. But Leo had no intention of allowing him to board, at least just yet, and, with the fleeter craft, and one that worked like machinery, he avoided the Firebug and poured in a second broadside, which was as deadly as the first. Captain Ricardo now saw that, asif by magic, the decks of his enemy were full of men, and knew that Leo had @ force nearly equal his own, so he gave up all idea of boarding the vessel just then, and felt that be had to resort to his guns, much as he hated to harm the beautiful craft. Leo watched every movement of the Firebug, and saw that he was to get a broadside, so he gave the order to fire at the very moment that Ricarde did. The guns almost flashed together, and yet the Golden Wings hit hardest, for the pirates had like their leader, temporarily lost their nerve. The change from assured success, as they had felt, to a great uncertainty as to victory, at first demoralized them, But, once they began to fire, they did their work well, and a hot duel was begun hetween the two schooners, The Golden Wings certainly was handled best, for her sail-tenders were at their posts. Officer Lomax held the helm, and Leo was watching =e move of his enemy with the eye of a hawk. The guns of the Golden Wings, too, seemed to be manned more rapidly, notwithstanding the long experience of the crew of the Firebug, and Ricardo soon discerned that he was suffering three to one in comparison with his foe. So once more he determined to board, and _— end the battle on the decks of the Golden ings, Before giving the order, he called upon his men to pour in a volley of musketry, hoping to greatly thin the crowded decks of his enemy. But the very thick bulwarks of the Golden Wings caught the leaden hail and held it, and but a few men were hurt by the volley. Leo had given orders to fire only grape, and Ricardo saw that he was thus aiming to cut down his crew and harm the schooner no more thar was possible. He, too, had also given orders to use grape- shot, but here agaiv the massive bulwarks of the Golden Wings seemed well to protect the crew. Having decided to bourd, Ricardo took the helm himself, end headed for the Golden Wings. But his intention was skillfully thwarted by Lomax, who quickly avoided the blow, and working with great ease and rapidity the Golden Wings wasswung around, and ere Ricardo could veeeet, had been brought alongside of his ves- se Again had the skillful maneuvering of the young commander placed the experienced pirate ata disadvantage, and when he bad his men grouped to board the Golden Wings, Leo, with his crew came pouring upon his decks in an in- scrutable avalanche of maddened humanity. CHAPTER X, LEO’S THREAT. IN vain was it that Ricardo strove to stem the rss of humanity, which set resistlessly against im. He had fought and won on many a deck, but new he felt that the tables were turned. He several! times tried to kill Leo with a pistol- shot; but the youth seemed to bear a charmed - . ec ees pt LS SS SSS sss sss The Creole Corsair. ! lif, and fought his way toward the man against “Hang you?” cried Lafitte’s son, in & voice whom he sought revenge. The pirates were swept back, hurled over- board, thrown into the hold, or sprung through the open porte into the sea in the mad fight for mastery. As solid as a line-of-battle ship, the men of the Golden Wings pushed forward, their young leader in the front rank, and his cutlass doing terrible execution, , At last the cry of quarter was heard, and ir dismay, for he saw all was lost, Ricardo, curs- ing tc the last, sprung forward with upraised cutlass and shouted: ‘*Leo Lafitte, let us end this fight with our swords, the victor to have both vessels!” The pirates ceased their cries of quarter, for they well knew the prowess of their terrible chief, while the Golden Wings, with victory in their grasp, did not wish to let their young cap- tain face a man such as Ricardo, and they cried out loudly against it. ** Silence all!” It was Leo Lafitte who guve the command, and at once there was a silence on the vessel. ‘* Ricardo, you are beaten, and with your cun- ning you seek to win what now is lost. ‘But [ accept your terms, * Clear the deck here for this man to meet me! A look of diabolical hatred passed over the face of Ricardo. He saw triumph already in his grasp, and was eager for the fray. Then the men of both vessels divided, leaving a space amidships, The dead and wounded were thrown aside, and the reddened, slippery decks were ready for the duel to be fought upon them. The few moments of preparation had rested both Leo and Ricardo, and they faced each other in fairly good condition for the contest, though the youth had a slight wound on the forehead from a cutlass point. The men were deeply interested, the crew of the Golden Wings anxious, for tbough they knew their young captain wasa splendid swords- man, they dreaded the man who was his adver- sary. But Leo never hesitated, and advanced to the attack in a manner that showed he was in dead- ly earnest, The blades crossed, and at once they seemed like twining serpents of silver in the light of the battle-lanterns, for night had fallen upon the sea. Ricardo was forced back, step by step, from the very outset, and was compelled to act upon the defensive wholly. He tried in vain to get in a cut or thrust to kill the youth; but the son of Lafitte fought with wonderful skill and an earnestness that showed he would not be beaten, Back against the mizzenmast Ricardo was driven, when almost iustuntly Leo Lafitte struck the pirate’s cutlass from his grasp, “ Disarmed, and by you, boy! No, no! La- fitte’s son, you shall die!” and ‘Ricardo drew a pistol from his breast and thrust it into the face of the youth, The treacherous foe pulled the trigger, but as he did so, Coola, Lafitte’s African slave struck up his arm and Leo’s cutlass point covered his heart, “T have won, Ricardo, but I will not run you through, but now spare your life—to hang you !” said young Lafitte, calmly. Ricardo uttered a wild cry of rage, and would have sprung upon the youth had not the African held him fast in bis strong arms, and dragged him among the crew of the Golden Wings, “Men, do you submit or shall the fight begin again?’ and Leo turned to the pirates, who were now completely cowed. , With on voice almost they cried for quarter, and instantly they were thrown into irons, “Now rig a noose for that man, and [ will have completed my work,” sternly ordered Leo, referring to Ricardo, who stood silently by, his face pallid, and his hands and feet in irons, He started at the command and asked in & hoarse voice: ‘Roy. would you hang me?” ** Yes.” ‘* How have I wronged yon?” ‘ His words seeme’ to arouse & slumbering devil in the beart of Leo Lafitte, for, wheeling upor him, he answered in a voice that quivered, while his eyes burned with hatred: ‘You ask how you have wronged me, Jean Ricardo? ‘*T will tell you.” “T should like to know, and also why you would bang me?” a a that quivered with emotion. ‘'No, I will not hang you, but load you with chains and force you to walk the plank into the sea!” CHAPTER XL AVENGED, At the threat of Leo Lafitte, a cry of horror escaped the lips of Ricardo. He had forced others to ‘‘ walk the plank” to their death, and well knew the fearful nature of the punishment. . ‘ He glanced about him like a wild beast at ay. is men were grouped together, but all were heavily ironed and could no nothing to save him from his fate. In fact, the chances were that they would hang for their crimes, : So he again turned to Leo, who had just countermanded the order to rig a noose at the yard-arm, and prepare & plank on which Ricardo should walk to his death, ‘* Leo, again I ask you how I have wronged ou?” And for the first time in his cruel life of crime, Ricardo spoke in tones that were plead- ‘ ing. Others had pleaded to him, but in vain. Now would such be his fate? be wondered. ‘Captain Ricardo,” and Leo spoke in a low, but distinct tone: ‘* You pretend to be ignorant of the wrong you bave done me and mine, so I will refresh African slave, who prevented your sending a ] ‘* My father told me that you once served with him as first luff of a slaver.” “*T did.” “*Tt was while a slaver that he got Coola here as his faithful follower, for you, angered with him, threw tbe poor fellow into the sea one night, and my father rescued him. *“ Again, Commodore Lafitte told me that when eS gave up the infamous life of a slave- trader on the African Coast, you became cap- tain and turned your craft into a pirate, event- j ually joining him as one of his fleet captains. } * But Coola has told me more, for he said that ‘i my father, also becoming captain of an armed . i schooner, hoisted bis outlaw flag and met your Ans vessel, A “He visited you on your craft, and while there, a lovely captive, the daughter of a Spanish ye" exile living in Jamaica, ran from the cabin and appealed for his protection. **My father rescued her from you, beat off ? our vessel, and your captive afterward became ‘ nis wife, my mother! * ‘In all the time that you bave been a captain of Lafitte’s League, you have been the chief’s foe, and, trusted with the commend of the stronghold, you plotted to become the leader ‘ and kill my father, but your love of liquor pre- * vented and lost us the island, you escaping in oe your vessel here. : yg “It was while pursuing your vessel that we wr ran upon the British brig Vulture, which sunk 5 our schooner and Jost my father his life. * Since then you have been the cruelest of the cruel upon the seas, end I vowed to hunt you down and avenge the capture of my mother, my father’s death, and punish your treachery, “TJ have taken your vessel, and your crew shall go to New Orleans in irons, excepting a few that I know would have been true to the Golden Wings fleg of Lafitte. “Those I will ship upon MY Vesse], “Now, Ricardo, prepare for death, for you have but ten minutes to liv>.” The calm manner of Leo seemed to impress the .t- oS outlaw captain. as He felt, and knew the truth of all that the aSayei: young captain of the Golden Wings said to ed im, but he loved life, and wculd make an ap- ~ ae si peal for merey- ; , : He had intended leaving thesea in another © bi fig and enjoying the riches he had gotten in nea & is life of crime. ; 13 Now he saw all hope fading from him, and in i Bas agony of spirit he turned to Leo and said: AYE “Captain Lafitte, I have beena guilty man ES for long years; I have wronged you, your ah , father and your mother, and I am sorry that L co.) Mee did so. ioe “ But I am rich—rich beyond your belief, a8@ a : i have recently hidden away 4 vast treasure. ae:
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‘wounded bed at the convent and mg pare my life, land with me and go to where that wealth 1s buried, and I will give you one-half of it. : : ‘| know that your father lost his all, in the burning of the stronghold, and that you have that vessel to gain riches by. : ‘* But I will eurich you without your going to piracy, if you will only spare me.” “You plead in vain, Ricardo, for I have ample riches, or that which will bring gold, and I would not spare you, bad I not, for all of your treasure. ‘* You must die.” : Ricardo groaned, and again pleaded for his life; but Leo was deaf to all pleadings, and watched the rigging of the staging up to the plank that Ricardo was to walk. “All ready, sir,” announced Officer Lester, saluting politely. ‘ ‘“Muster all hands to witness punishment, Senor Lester.” ‘Ay, ay, Captain Lafitte,” and it was done. “« Now load that man in double irons!” This was also done, Ricardo standing with bowed head and trembling form. ‘* Al) ready, sir.” * Ricardo, will you show that you have some manhood left, and walk to your death, or shall { order my men to carry you up and throw you into the sea?” A moment of silence, and then came the ques- tion: ** Are you not merciful?’ “Tam utterly merciless.” “You will not spare me?” at No,” “Then I will walk to my death.” . As he spoke the pirate captain lifted his chains about him, walked boldly up the staging and stood on the plank, which would tip with an- other step and launch him iato the sea. ‘ A moment he stood there, amid a deathlike silence, and then cast an appealing look toward =e son of Lafitte; but the avenger was merci- ess, In that stern face, removed by the battle lantern, Ricardo saw that there was no mercy, und with a bitter curse upon his lips he took the fatal step and plunged into the sea, the chains dragging hiin rapidly down into the dark op seee | . which be bad so often crimsoned with the b of his fellow-beings. CHAPTER XII. CONDEMNED FOR A FATHERS SINS, Tue Governor of Louisiana, in whom great bed was invested after tha Battle of New rleans and during the continuance of the War of 1812 with Great Britain, was yet cramped in his authority by the body of committeemeu who held the right to veto his acts by a two- thirds majority. It was, therefore, these committeemen, some of them with contracted ideas, and bigots, who had stood the way of the governor where Leo Lafitte was concerned. : Lafitte the pirate chief of the Barratarians, had sent his son to the governor, and to Gen- eral Jackson, ‘telling of his offer from the British General, Packenham, and that he not only re- fused it, but tendered his services to the Ameri- cans without asking reward. Both General Jackson and the governor had been pleased with the handsome, fearless youth, and through bim his father had come to New Orieans and fought against the British, with only the promise of a pardon, The reader is already aware how the com- mitteemen, when again in power, after the bat- tle, sought to throw Lafitte in irons, seize bis vessel and perhaps hang him, prior to the coming of his pardon, and how, through Leo’s being informed by Mercedes, the Nun, of this in- tention, the outlaw chief had risen from his ut to sea, to the British meet his death under the guns 0 brig-of-war Vulture. hrough all the governor had been the stanch friend of Leo, who had returued and reported his father’s death, and then bad taken the Vul- in as a prize. ; be But the committeemen, or the majority of them, had bated Lafitte and refused to believe € honesty of his son, even after all that he one, ee of them had suffered in their fortunes, from the ravages of Lafitte upon the high seas, and they were revengeful, and so meant to visit the sins of the father upon the son. It will also be remembered that L2o was to be on board the American brig-of war, under com- ere an eset De La Tour, and ae ics PY upon all pirates in the Gui; bu he had again been warned by Sister Mercedes ‘ ee ee nn EERE a eae = Fa ee aR es ee pia a a te a eal a The Creole Corsair. - and Es saver d left with his men, who had brought the Vulture into port, and returning to his old island home, had put to sea in the Golden Wings once more, down Ricardo. Captain De La Tour not knowing Leo as the rescuer of his beautiful daughter, but knowing Orleans in chase of the schooner which it was known the young sailor had left in hiding some where while he came in on the Vulture with a prize crew. The general, the governor, and in fact all others who bad heard of the wounding of Lafitte the day uf the battle, had supposed that it had been received in action from a British musket. But Leo and others in the pirate crew man- ning the heavy battery on the bank, knew that a boat bad landed in the din and smoke, and an officer had sprung out within a few feet of where Lafitte and Leo stood. Those who saw him supposed ‘him an aide de camp, vntil, seeing Lafitte be bad raised his pis- tol and fired. Lafitte had fallen, and the officer had sprung into bis boat and gotten away, though, but for the command of the wounded chief, he would have ben shot down, or pursued by Leo. The command of his father to let the officer go unbarmed, and the remark that he had reason for his shot, Leo never forgot, and it told him that private revenge had instigated the act. In the moment that he had seen him, Leo had memory, and felt that he should know him again, meet him where he might. The man who had thus tired upen Lafitte was Captain De La Tour,:and with a hatred for Lafitte, the cause of which will be known ere this romance closes, he visited his hate upon the son of the pirate chief, and strongly urged the committeemen to be merciless toward the i = aide —_" youth, That. he had the pardon of the President for the past, Captain De La Tour and the council well knew; but his having gone to sea with his father, without permission, his having fought on the high seas, and his being then in com- mand of an armed schooner had, in their spin- ion , outlawed him again, and canceled the par- don, no matter what service he had rendered the Government. If Leo, therefore, would consent to go on the Nemesis, De La Tour’s brig, and hunt down pirates, he might be forgiven for the sins of bis father; but otherwise, be must still be held as an outlaw, andas such they regarded bim, speaking of him in their consultations as the reole Corsair. But Leo had esca seen had run down and made the cruel buccaneer plank ” to his weli deserved doom, Having repaired damages upon both vessels, Leo set sail, shaping his course for the Delta, when a sail hove in sight which proved to be a brig-of-war, d to sea, and, as has been icardo, captured his vessel “walk the ———_—_——_ CHAPTER XIII. ¢ THE STRANGE SAIL. Tr sail which had been sighted from the foretop of the Golden Wings, as she and her prize, the pirate schooner Firebug set sail for the Delta, was discovered to be an armed brig. headed toward them, there was much to be done on board of each, so, after his execution of Ricardo, Leo had or- dered the wounded to be first cared for. and then all bands were set to work repairing damages. it was considerable, Leo divided among his own crew for their good services, taking nothing for himself, The booty, arms and all else, with the pris- oners, excepting @ Score of men who he knew had ever been faithful to his father, and whom he added to his crew, he determined to turn Claiborne. Since his mingling With others, outside of the buccaneers, Leo had begun to feel the enormity of piracy, and, though he loved his father de- votedly, yet he felt that his career had been a most evil one. For himself be had felt the ambition to lead an honorable life, and he hoped to win the posi- shim only as the son of Latitte, had left New | Rail: Sak 9 titans indelibly stamped the face and form upon his | over with the schooner as a prize to Governor | tion, which the governor had held out to him, of an officer in the navy of the United States, His ideas of law were crude, and he saw no his purpose being to hunt | harm in sailing under his new flag, witb its red field and golden wings, so long as he did not commit piracies under it. He bad taken the Vulture, and captured Ri- cardo and his vessel, and hoped to yet run down other pirates, though smaller game, and thus win his “te to fame and an honorable career in life which would make people forget that he was the son of Lafitte. With these feelings he had started for the Delta with his prize. Ths repairs bad taken time, so it was several hours after sunrise when the brig-of-war was sighted. A long look at the stranger convinced Leo that she was grently his superior, What nationality she was be did not know though she looked American from ber build an rig. Sut then so many vessels had changed hands of late, between the British and Americans, that it was hard to tel] unless he saw her colors, and these she did not show, She was a beautiful craft, he saw as he went aloft and examined her with his glass, and she sailed very rapidly. There was a good breeze, and her position was such that, if he held on his course as he was for the mouth of the Mississippi, she would get within less than a mile of him within a few hours, But sheuld he put away, as she then was, he could throw her several leagues astern. Yet Leo determined to bold on to his course. If she was British he would risk a fight with ber with both of his vessels, promising the pi- rate prisoners freedom, if they captured her, though the chances were against bim, for the stranger was greatly superior in guns and men to both of the schooners. If she should be Spanish or French. he kad not much dread of her, yet would beat ber off, for, the United States being at peace with those countries, be could not take ber as a prize. Should she prove to be American, he would signal who he was, and hold on his wey, unless the commander of the brig, considering him a pirate, tried to capture him. in which case he would keep bim at bay with bis guns, With this decision formed in bis mind. Leo returned to the deck, and orders were given ta crowd on all sail on both schooners, The Firebug sailed well, and yet the Golden Wings would have forged ahead, but that sail was shortened upon her, so that she kept upen even terms with the prize. The brig had set every stitch of canves that would draw, and, seeing that the schooners meant to hold their course, was pressing on toward the point where she must be nearest to them when crossing their line of sailing. Watching the speed of his schooners, and gauging it with that of the brig, Leo said: ‘Senor Lester *—he had been so much among Spaniards he genera:ly used the word senor— “we will throw the brig just abouta mile astern of us, 1 think, holding on as we now are, and it will be just about sunset.” ‘Then it will be a night chase, sir, and at that distance her guus can do us much dam- age. , ‘Yes, if she means to fight; but I shall sig- nal her if she isan American, that I am La- | fitte’s son, carry my pardon from the President, Sbe had been sailing on a soutberly course, | have been pirate-hunting, and my prize is Ri- but when sighting the two schooners at once | cardo the Rover. “Tf she still is in a fighting mood, I shall fire Both schooners bad suffered in the action, and | to cripple her and then escape.” ** And what will be the result of it, sir, when you reach port?” “T shall report that I beat off an American: This duty being done the dead were buried | brig, who attempted to take me.” ** May they not sieze your schooner, sir?” “They may seize the Firebug, ves, Lester; What gold was found on board the prize, and | but not the Golden Wings, for I'sball not take | her into port,” | ‘A good idea, sir.” “Yet I hardly think that even those hateful | committeemen will be so revengeful as to withb- | hold justice from me, when I surrender | Ricardo’s vessel to thei. if they should be, i fear I will lose faith in honorable dealings among men and fee] that | I can be little worse as a pirate,” end Leo spoke | bitterly, “And shall I go with the schooner to the old retreat, sir?” “No, for should anything turn up to give me trouble they would look for ber there. ‘*You can head for the Pascagoula, and then ! I will come to you.”
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The day dragged its slow length along, and, as it neared the sunset beam the calculation of Leo, as to the distance between the schooner and the brig-of-war proved correct, for hardly more than a mile divided them, and, as a puff of smoke came from a gun on the cruiser, a shot flew over the Golden Wings and up to the peak went the Stars and Stripes. #8 American, [ am sorry,” said Leo Lafitte, and he gave orders to raise his colors and dip them in honor of the cruiser’s flag. CHAPTER XIV, BEATEN OFF, WaeEn Leo ordered his colors shown, and that they be dipped in salute to the brig-of-war, he hoped that would cause the cruiser to let him go on his way in peace. But, the moment that the beautiful scarlet flag, with its huge gold wings fluttered out to the breeze, another shot came from the brig to heave to. Leo did not obey the iron command, but in- stead sent up his signals, to the effect that the schooner was the Golden Wings, an armed craft, commanded by Lafitte’s son, and cruising for jirates, while his prize was the vessel of icardo, the Rover, which he had captured the night before, He furthermore stated by signal, that he was on his way to New Orleaus, to deliver up to the authorities the schooner of Ricardo, and the prisoners and booty on board. The signals were carefully read, and then came one in answer: ‘““You are at sea cruising without orders or Jegitimate flag, so surrender your vessel an your prize, or I will attack you.” Leo’s face bocame stern at this, but resolve was written upon every feature, and he replied by signal; “*T shall surrender my prize to the authorities at New Orleans, whither I am bound. ** Follow me there, if you wish; but I will not surrender to you.” Then came the signal: ; “Lay to both of your vessels, or I will sink you. Lso’s response to this was to hold steadily on his course and to call his men to quarters, The commander of the brig awaited to give Leo ample time to obey his command, and then, seeing that he held steadily on his course, he fired a shot over the Golaen Wings to heave%to, But the Golden Wings kept serenely on her way. Then the brig luffed sharp and poured a broad- side upon the pretty schooner. One or two shot struck her, another hit the Firebug, and both beld on as before, But Leo heiled Officer Lomax, who was in command of the prize; ** Ay, ay, sir,” responded Lomax, ** Press on with all speed, and if [ do not over- haul you, surrender your vessel to Governor Claiborne at New Orleans, with a full report of my cruise.” ann ay, sir, but we can whip that brig, | ‘Do as I order you, Lomax.” “ Ay, ay, sir,” and the Firebug held on her way, while the Golden Wings dropped in her wake, “ The brig sails about equal to the Firebug, so is very fast indeed; but we could rua away from her, did I not wish to protect my prize, Senor Lester,” said Leo. ** Yes, sir; but there comes another broad- side.” As Lester spoke another broadside came from the brig, and the maintopmast was cut away, a oe) ee and half a dozen men cut wn, o ** This is too bad, **I will cripple her, though I do not wish to take a life on board,” and Leo turned to the handsome pivot-gun mounted aft on the Golden Wings, and which was a long eighteen, He sighted the gun himself, with the utmost coolness, while the brig’s shots were now flying constantly about them. As the gun thundered forth its brazen de- fiance, in striking back, all watched the result with deepest interest, It just cleared the foretopmast, to starboard. Again Leo fired, unheeding the shots now crashing about him, and the foretopmast of the brig was cut away. A cheer went - from the crew of the Golden Wing, anda third time the young captain fired. The shot struck the fore cross-trees and the foresail came down with a run, Again the crew cheered, while the brig seemed to be momentarily thrown into confusion. But she soon held steadily cn, while men went aloft to repair the damage done, Firing rapidly, yet with precision, though the shot from the brig was punishing his vessel and crew, Leo heard a wild yell from his men, and, as the smoke drifted away from his eyes, he saw that he had cut down ber foremast. “She is out of the chase, Lester; but I hope I have harmed none of her crew.” ‘“* There were half a dozen aloft, sir, when the mast went over—see, siie has broached to, and yet is spiteful, for she gives us a last broadside!” But the broadside was fired almost at random, the wreck of the foremast causing the brig to hold no steerageway, and not a shot struck the Golden Wings, Watching the brig those on the schooner saw that boats were lowered, to pick up some of her crew, thrown from aloft by Leo’s shot, evi- dently, and soon after twilight was followed by darkness, and the Gulden Wings swept on her way in the wake of the Firebug, while the cruiser spitefully sent shots flying after her foe from the only gun that could be brought to bear, as long as she was in range. CHAPTER XV, THE SURRENDER, GOVERNOR CLAIBORNE had been attending a meeting of the commi'teemen, and returned to his mansion to learn that there was a sailor awaiting to see him, and who said that his busi- ness was most important, “* Well, my man, what would you say to me?” said the governor, addressing a mau in sailor garb, who was waiting out upon the piazza. ““T am Leon Lafitte, your Excellency,” was the reply. ‘*Ah! I didnot recognize you, Mr. Lafitte, in the darkness. “Come with me into my library, and let me know why you are here, for your life is in dan- ger, I frankly tell you, young man.” As the governor spoke he led the way, and Leo following, they were soon alone in the brary, “ Be seated, Mr, Lafitte,” said the governor politely. Leo sat down, and then said: ‘*Tam sorry to know, your Excellency, that my pardon from the President seems to be of no avail.” ‘* Had you remained here, my young friend, it would have been; but going to sea as you did seems to have set the City Fathers wholly against ou, and they are unfriendly toward you, when am anxious to befriend you,” ‘* Perhaps they will be more willing now to be my friends, your Excellency.” “* Ah! that means that you have done more service for us?” *T have captured Ricardo’s vessel, sir.” * By St. George! but that is good news. “ But where is the craft?” * Anchored above the city, sir.” “You brought her bere then?” “* Yes, sir.” “ To-night?” “But an bour ago, your Excellency.” “This is indeed good news, my young friend, and I congratulate you.” **T thank you, sir, and I would surrender the schooner and prisoners into your keeping.” **T will gladly accept the charge, but tell mo of your capture?” “I sighted the schooner, your Excellency, a week ago and gave chase, . P ** After a chase of some hours I came up with him, and won the fight.” “Youare modest indeed, but your vessel is a very smart craft to catch Ricardo’s, for [ have heard it said that the American brig-of-war Nemesis was the only one that could hold her as » vith the pirate, and she could not catch im. “My Golden Wings is fast, sir, the fleetest craft [ ever knew.” , “Golden Wings, youcall your vessel—a pretty name,” ‘ ‘* Yes, your Excellency, after my flag.” * Your flag?” ** Yes, sir, for my father had as his private flag a blue field and golden wings, and for the ship’s or as you know, a black field with wings © gold.” _ ‘Yes, its sable folds were well known in the Gulf,” said the governor dryly. Then he added anxiously: * You did not fight under that flag, I hope?” * No, sir, it wont down forever, { trust, with my father, “‘ But I kept the little blue flag, and in piace of the sable, for my fighting flag have a field of scarlet, with the wings of gold.” “‘ And you fought Ricardo under this flag ” ‘* Yes, sir.” “‘ And he fought under the skull and cross- bones flag?” : “‘ Not exactly, sir, for his field was black, with a white skeleton form for center-piece, the bony hand clasping a red dagger,” ‘* A hideous emblem certainly, “But your action with him, was it a severe one?” “‘ Exceedingly, your Excellency,” “‘And the cruel monster is now your pris- oner?” ‘* No, sir.” ** Was he killed?” ‘*T executed him, sir,” was the cool reply. The governor looked surprised, and asked: “ How was that?’ ‘“‘T was revengeful and forced him to walk the plank.” ‘ The governor felt that the young sailor before him was no ordinary person, and be could not but gaze upon him with admiration. But he said: ‘**] am sorry you did not bring bim here.” ‘He was a tricky fellow, your Excellency, and I took no chances of his escape, so made him walk the plank to his death, ; ‘But bere is my report, sir, of my cruise, which [ have written out, and if you will send an officer on board with me, I will surrender the schooner into his keeping.” “T will doso, Mr. Lafitte; but where is your vessel?” j ‘**T did not bring her into port, sir.” ** Indeed, and why not?” **I did not know just how the committeemen would treat me,” “T see,” and the governor laughed and gave Leo credit for seeing pretty far ahead. ** Well, I hope tney will now feel that you are honest, and be willing to sign my application to the President for a midshipman’s berth in the navy for you, and if you do not rapidly rise, it will be a surprise to me. P ** Now, I will ask you to go over this report for me, so that if there is anything to explain to the committee to-morrow, I will understand it. “But first I will order an officer and men to be ready to go with you to the schooner you have captured, and have word sent my col- leagues to meet in council at noca to-morrow,” So saying, the governor rung a bell and gave the necessary orders, when Leo, at his request, read his report in full. When he read of beating off the brig-of-war, the governor’s face jockeed grave. . “I fear, my young friend, you will find you have placed another stumbling-block in your way by that act,” he said. t ‘“What was I to do, sir; let him take my vessel and my prize?” ‘It is a difficult point to decide, and yet I feel that you thought you were doing right, “* Did you know the brig?” ** No, sir.” i “You are sure she was American?” “Yes, sir; or she fought under false colors.” ‘* And she held her own with Saat you say?” ‘She held her own with the Firebug, tut the Golden Wings was under shortened sail, and could have dropped her, bad I wished” “It must have been the Nemesis, and if so, she is now beading for this port in her crippled condition, and just What the result will be is hard for me to determine, f “But the officer is here, and into his bands you can surrender the pirate schooner. Leo arose and departed, accompanied by the officer, into whose hands, half an hour after, he surrendered the prize, ‘ * But-the words of the governor had set bim to thinking, and he was determined that his men should not be caught in a bad scrape. So he said to Officer Lomax: ‘ ** Senor, you and the men must depart at once for I somewhat dread trouble, so I will find some coaster which can be chartered, to carry you back to the schooner; but you must get away as soon as possible,” A search for a vessel was made, late as it was, and for a snug sum in gold a coasting captain was found very willing to defer waiting for a cargo, and ready to sail at once with passengers, Leo saw the craft depart, and then, with a lighter heart, and Coola, the African, as his only stopped when in the city. CHAPTER XVI, IN TRONS, Ir was a surprise to the City Fathers to be called to council so unexpectedly by the govern-
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~ SEIT OEE NONI PELE + 44 r CARS ERY REF ‘or so soon after their last meeting, and they wondered what could be the matter. The pirate schooner had anchored above the city, and as she had come in at night, those who saw her supposed she was an American cruiser, which idea was further carried out by the fact that daylight showed tie Stars and Stripes waving over her, The governor was a trifle late iv arriving at the council and all the City Fathers were there, some of them in quite a fever of curiosity. At last the governor came in hastily, aud all felt that he had some important communication to make to them, and were at once on the qui vive of expectation. ‘Gentlemen, I have called you together to report the capture of Ricardo the Buccaneer,” said the governor. _ This was a startling announcement, and one that gave great pleasure, ‘** Can it be true?” asked one, ‘The vessel is anchored above the ei ‘Indeed! Avd the prisoners?” asked a City Father. ‘* Are on board.” ‘* And the booty?” questioned one who had an eye to business. “Ts on board.” ‘* And Ricardo himself?” ‘Ts dead.” ** Killed iu action?” “No, executed by the one who captured him; ‘but I have here the report of his captor, and I desire to read it to you, for it is explicit and you on understand the whole situation by hear- ing it. hen the governor read the resort, given him . by Leo, and, supposing it to be from a naval officer, a great many words of praise were heaped upon the gallant commander of the Golden Wings, which was thought to be a new American cruiser. But when the governor reached the part that told of the coming of an American brig-of-war, and the result, the City Fathers at once broke ‘forth in denunciation, for they then discovered that the son of Lafitte was the captor. That fact changed the entire situation, and quickly opinions were expressed which must have made Leo’s ears tingle, ‘* He is but a pirate.” “He has so proven himself by firing upon a vessel-of-war.” ‘** He should have surrendered.” ‘* Of course be should.” - ‘He has branded himself by this act.” “ The idea of his doing such a thing.” ‘It is just like Lufitte, his father.” ‘This will hang him, sure,” ** And wipe out the name of Lafitte,” The governor listened to this run of ideas patiently, and then said calmly; ‘Sirs, let us look at this affair calmly, for there is need of it.” : All gave him their attention at once. “This youth was born on a pirate vessel, and reared there, “He knew no other life, so bis is not the blame of that, ‘When pardoned he endeavored to lead a better life, and, leading the career of lawlessness that he has, he did not deem it wrong, doubt- less, in bunting down pirates, though bis vessel bore his own flag only, and was not in Govern- ment service. — “We have his gallantry in tho battle of New Orleans, bis capture of the British brig Vulture, and now the taking of Ricardo and his vessel, all in his favor. “Against him we have his running to sea with his father, but that was before his pardon was received; his fighting the Vulture under his own flag, bis cruising 1 418 Own vessel and cap- i yey Ricardo, ee the sratare is his _ firing upon the Nemesis, for such must h been the vessel he beat off. ‘ ote “The question, therefore, is whether he is to surrender his vessel, and we ask pardon for him ree offenses, or we arrest him as an out- w? \ : ane isfor us to decide, gentlemen,” «, Where is his vessel?” asked one. ‘He did not bring her into port.” Ab!” and the word was uttered in a regular chorus, ranging from deep basso to high tenor, according to the voice of the speaker. “ Where is she, your Excellency?’ I do not know.” : oe rg oral i ” “ And his na in the city. _'-He brought the pirate schooner in with a prize crew, and I suppose the latter are also in quarters here, for the craft was turned over The Creo last night to Lieutenant Winston, of the navy, and a score of seamen.” ‘* Aud the booty?’ queried the business man. ‘ies ds all on board the schooner and very valua- e. _“* Well, I say that he must be arrested, and his men with him, to await the coming ef the emesis, ‘‘ Then his fate shall be decided, and quickly.” “Yes, arrest the young Creole Corsair,” cried one. This was the general opinion, and so papers were made out ordering the arrest of ‘One Leo Lafitte, termed the Creole Corsair, and commander of the outlaw armed schooner Goiden Wings, lawlessly cruising the Gulf, aud committing piratical acts upon the high seas; said Lafitte to be put in irons aud held iv the city care.1 until his fate was decided by the august body of committeemen.” An hour after the issuing of this document, which the governor and several of the City Fathers regretted, under the ¢ircumstances, Leo Lafitte was arrested and taken to the prison of the town, where he was placed in closest con- finement, and with irons upon wrists and ankles, CHAPTER XVII. CONDEMNED. THe City Fathers, with a few exceptions, hugged themselves with delight, when the brig- of-war Nemesis came into port under a jury foremast, and Captain De La Tour made his report of his action with the Golden Wings, which clearly set Leo Lafitte down as a pirate. He had defiantly held on his course, when sighted by the brig, and the Golden Wings had dropped in the wake of the prize to defend her. Captain De La Tour was an honorable man, and a just one, in spite of his personal hatred for Lafitte and all of his name, so he gavea truthful account of all that bad occurred, and stated fairly that Leo had seemed to fire only to cripple the bri¢. But, in the fall of the foremast one man had been drowned, and another killed, and this had certainly been sufficient to condemn him as a corsair. He had run in under a jury foremast, and at once set men to work, repairing damages, so that he could again go in search of the Creole Corsair, as the City Fathers called Leo, and was surprised to find that he had brought bis prize into port, and surrendered her, as he had said that he meant to do, He had not expected it, and so bad endeavored to seize the vessel. His not having brought his own vessel in, the beautiful Golden Wings, seemed to look very suspicious, Captain De La Tour thought ‘*Sbe is the most beautiful craft [ ever be- held, and, fast as is my brig, can sail three miles to her two, ‘*T must have that craft, gentlemen.” The councilmen thought so too, and said so, ‘* Where is he?” The captain asked the question as though there was but one he. : All understood him, for in chorus came the response: ‘In jail and in double irons.” eantt was right, of course; but where were his en : That little point the councilmen had over- looked. Messages were sent out hurriedly to look up the stopping-place of the crew of the Creole Corsair, while papers committing them to prison and putting them in irons, were made out, signed and sealed, and 1n it they were spoken of as: ** Any and all men belonging to the lawless of the ) irate schooner Golden Wings, commanded by one Leo Lafitte, known as the Creole Corsair,” But the documents proved to be so much waste paper, for not one of the men could be found, in spite of the most diligent search for them, and the reason the reader well under- stands, as Leo’s strategy had already gotten them out of reach of the law, It did not take the news of Leo’s “capture,” as it was cailed, long to spread over the town, and a curious crowd gathered about the carcel, and stood with open-mouthed wonder, hoping against hope for a glance at the noted ‘ young Pirate,” the son of the famous buccaneer com- modore, Lafitte. Captain De La Tour was most anxious to cet bis brig at once in trim, and so the men worked day and night, putting in a new foremast, while alterations were made to hull and rig, which it was thought would increase the speed of the a « brig. Hor Spars were lengthened and larger sails bent qn, while her bows were sharpened and her ballast replaced to bring her upon a more even keel. Thus a week and more passed away, and Cap- tain De La Tour was about ready for sea. He believed that he would find the Golden Wings somewhere in the neighborhood of the pot retreat of Lafitte, and thither he meant to sail. But the councilmen wished him to delay his start fora few days, that his vessel might be used in a certain ceremonial that was to take place, and which was to serve as a warning for all men inclined to lawlessness upon the high Seas, That was no more or Jess than the hanging of Leo Lafitte, to the yard-arm of the Nemesis, The City Fathers had put their heads together = decided upon the doom of the young out- aw. The governor and a few others had urged to spare him, but the majority held their own, and his fate was sealed. He was brought before the august tribunal, and faced them without flinching. He looked them squarely in the face, told his story, since the day of the battle, and did it fearlessly, yet modestly. He asked no mercy, and bowed and smiled when the sentence of death was passed upon him, “The bravest fellow I ever saw, and how strangely like his father he is, ‘* Were he other than:a Lafitte I could beg for him, ¥ ““As it is, I cannot,” said Captain De La our. To those who asked him about bis men, he frankly said that he had sent them off. ** And why?” ‘*Because the governor said that I had done wrong in fiiing upon the brig-of-war, and I feared that the men might suffer if IT did, “They bad come into port placing confidence in me, and so I sheltered them from harm.” * And wheredid vou send them?” ** To rejoin my vessel.” ‘* Where is your vessel?” ‘$I decline to tell you.” ** You will be forced to do so.” ‘“A man who is condemned to die, threats cannot frighten,” was the calm reply. “Tf we spare your life will you deliver up your vessel?” “*T will not.” ‘Why, do you not love life?” “e Ob yes,” ** And you will not deliver up your vessel and men, to seve your life?” ‘*T will not, for my men have trust in me which I will not betray.” ‘* But if vou are hanged?” ** They have officers to look after them.” ** Who will at once become pirates?” “They may,” was the cool response. ‘* Well, you are deomed.” “I felt that, gentlemen, the moment I gazed into your faces,” and Leo bowed to those who sat in judgment upon him and was led back to his prison, condemned to die, at the yard-arm of the Nemesis, withiu three days. CHAPTER XVIII. MERCEDES THE NUN. ‘“‘THey bave comdemued him, Sister Mer- edes.” “To death?” “Yes.” ** How?” ‘““Atthe yard-arm of the American brig-of- war, Neniesis,” ; ** When, Father Felix?” * At sunrise on the third day from this.” *‘ Heaven have mercy upon him.” ** Amen!” The speakers were Father Felix, the good riest at the convent, and Sister Mercedes the un, The priest had taken, a deep interest in Leo, when he was visiting his wounded father at the convent, and, in looking over the testimony against him, had felt that the crimes laid against the youth bad not been intentional sins, He was the confessor of men of the City Fathers, and so was told freely their views, and he made known his, ; A manof prominence in the community, his word had much sway, but not enough to save poor Leo. i : To Sister Mercedes, whose deep interest in the outh be well knew, he had told all that he new of Leo’s case, trial] and condemnation, ** Where is he now, Father Felix?” asked the nun,
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' if 4 { { , oe een? oX J . je ' 10 “In the careel.” ‘s And will he be taken from there at once?” ‘‘Not until midnight of the day before the execution.” * And then?” “He will be taken on boerd the brig-of-war epoorny he prepare for his execution, and I am to meet him there at that hour.” “T am glad that you will be with him in bis last hours. “TI will give him what consolation J can, Sister Mercedes.” : “Will not bis removal through the streets at midnight cause a crowd of jeering men, who hate tho name of Lafitte to follow him from the carcel to the shore? “T would that he could be spared this, good Father Felix.” “It is not known to the pubic when he is to be removed, and an officer and two marines will be sent for him in a carriage, as, heavily ironed as he will be to the moment of his exe- cution, there will be no fear of an escape.” “Poor boy,” sighed Sister Mercedes, and she turned away and sought her bedroom, There she knelt in prayer for a long time, and when she arose her beautiful face was full of sad serenity. “T will do it,” she said in a low, firm voice. That night the keeper of the carcel saw a car- riage roll into the court, and from it alighted a vailed woman. Tho keeper saw that it was a nun of the cburch of Rome, and being a good Catholic, he saluted her with reverence, She presented a permit, signed by the gov- ernor, for her to visit the condemned Creole Corsair, Leo Lafitte, in his cell. No onc had thus far been permitted to see the prisoner, other than Father Felix, for orders were most rigid; but the nun was admitted, Leo was fast asleep, and yet arose promptly at the call of the keeper. ** A holy nun to see you, monsieur,” said the keeper of the carcel, who was a Frenchman e throw 6 gp the door, set his lantern upon the little table and took his leave with the re- mark: “ T shall have to lock you in, good sister, but I will return within half an hour.” ‘ Sister Mercedes, in spite of your heavy vail, I know you. ‘This is kind of you,” said Leo, as the nun stood trembling before him, after the departure of the keeper. “'Sh—! do not breathe my name here, or say who it was that came, for I am not known, nor is it known that I have come here to a soul.” “{t ig more than kind of you to come and visit the young pirate, who, after repenting of his sins and getting Bo ponies , is to be hanged for his honesty,” and Leo spoke bitterly. ‘My son, your name has so long been a terror to men, that your accusers will wipe it out “ But I believe in your honesty of purpose and your actions have proven that you meant no harm. “Thera are palliating circumstances in your case, which those who hate you will not con- sider, and the governor, Father Felix and a few others think as [ do.” “It is very kind of you, Sister Mercedes, but Iam doomed, and I will meet my fate as my father would have done, without flinching.” “Ah! L know that well; but teil me, Leo, were you free, what would you do?” “T hardly know.” “You have a vessel?” “Yes,” “ Armed?” “Yes, and well manned, while I believe she is the fleetest craft afloat.” “Why would you not enter some foreign service, and thus win fame?” “TJ would, were I free, for it would be to my ae: now that ] have avenged my father.” * Xnd Leo, after you bad won a name, it would be well to Seek one who is your nearest of kin, and claim that which is by right your own, « Going to him in a few years, when you had won an honoradle name in foreign service, he would be glad to acknowledge you, 1 am sure, and you would be honored among men, for no longer need you be known as Lafitte.” he nup spoke earnestly, and Leo gazed at her ir, amazement “Who do you mean?” ttt ,cannot say more; but you will know in | me. “But I am condemned to die, good Sister Mercedes.” ‘Many men have been sentenced and never executed,” was the significant response, “ What can you mean!” Nee 5 A eR RT Ee Rr RON SS ae ee Cy "ee ane eee eS ae > os ine NT a ee a5 r xe The Creole Corsair. : “JT can say no more, but do not despair— ope! os. Now farewell, for the keeper comes, but again, Mercedes, the Nun, bids you "A moment more and Leo was alcne, and in his heart there was a forlorn hope. CHAPTER X1X. THE MIDNIGHT VISITORS, “« No, there is no hope for me. “Good Sister Mercedes merely told me to hope, that } would not despair. ‘ “Night has come, my last night on earth, and with the morning’s dawn [ will be taken from my cell and run up to the yard-arm. “So be it! I am Lafitte’s son, and know no fear. “ Now to get what rest ) can.” So saying, Leo threw himself down upon his humble cot, and in a few moments was fast asleep. So soundly did he sleep that the keeper called him thrice ere he awoke. 5 “Ah, keeper, it is you, is it?” he said, pleas- vac ‘Yes; the guards have come for you, mon- sieur, to carry you on board ship.” * Ah! has the night passed so soon? “ Why, { have bad a delightful sleep!” “You are the coolest one I ever saw under the shadow of a death-sentence,” said the keeper. “Why, it is only death, and that I have been trained to face coolly. ‘“‘T am ready, Monsieur Keeper, and I thank Fy for your kindness to me,” and Leo held out is hand “God bless you, monsieur!” and tears came into the eyes of the keeper. Brushing them away, he said: “ Here is the officer and bis guard.” Leo beheld, just outside of the cell, an officer in naval uniform, a sergeant and two marines, the latter carrying their muskets. He saluted politely, and said pleasantly: **T am ready, sir.” “Where are the keys, monsieur?” asked the officer. The keeper took them from bis belt and band- ed them to him, with the remark: “This one unlocks the ankle-irons, and this one the handcuffs.” “Thank you. Now, prisoner, step between those two men, Sergeant, you fall in bebind. March!” Leo promptly obeyed the order of the officer, = they marched with slow step along the cor- ridor. A carriage, with the blinds closed, stood in the court, and a driver sat upon the box. One of the marines got in first, then Leo, then the next guard—the two sitting on the front seat facing him—and the sergeant sprung upon the box by the side of the driver. Then the officer gave orders to drive to the shore, off which ley the Nemesis, and entering the vehicle, took a seat alongside the prisoner, while the keeper of the carcel closed the door with a bang. Away rolled the vehicle, and in twenty min- utes’ time drew up on the river-bank, Leo saw that they were above the town proper, and in a grove of live oaks, “Come, sir, dismount,” said the officer, and the marines sprung out, Leo following as well as he could with bis heavy irons. The marines then walked away toward the river, the sergeant following, and, to the sur- prise of the prisoner the officer grasped his wrists and unlocked the handcuffs, and then the ankles. Raising the chains he placed them in the car- ies and simply said: ‘ +O. The driver at once departed, and Leo said in @ voice that showed bis amazement: “« Does this mean that | am free?” * Yes, sir. “ But who—” “Tecan answer no questions now; but come with me, for yonder in the woods borses await us, and your way lies toward the lake,” ‘Leo silently followed and soon they came upon a man holding two borses, “Ah, Coola! you here my faithful friend” said Leo, as he recognized his African sluve. “Coola here, Master, and you here 00—not in jail,” was the reply of the negro. * So it seems, if 1 am not dreaming. * You wake, master, “ Come.” Leo turned to the officer, and said: “1 do not know you, sir, but you must be my triend, for you bave saved me from death,” eee eee eee ‘ pocket, and grasping said earnestly: “I act for another, one who bade me give you this package “ You will find that your slave knows where to take you, and I hope you will not delay, for the real guard from the Nemesis, will go to the carcel for you within two hours’ time. ** Good-by, sir, and luck to you.” Leo thrust the package given him into his the band of his rescuer “From my soul I thank you, senor; but let me beg that you accept this as a souvenir of him whom men are pleased to call the Creole Corsair.” ‘1 have been well paid for my services, sir.” “ By whom?” “The package may tell you, for I do not now.” ‘¢ Describe him,” ‘Tt was a woman.” “Ab! but accept this as a souvenir of me at least,” and Leo took from his pocket a ring in which a gem of rare value was set, and handed it to the pretended officer, who accepted it with fervent thanks, and then again urged Leo to de part. “ Yes, master, better go; this no good place,” said Coola. Thus urged, Leo mounted one of the horses, Coola sprung upon the other, and they rode away in the darkness. CHAPTER XX. FREE AS A BIRD, “ Wert, Coola, what does all this good for- tune mean?” asked Leo, as, having left the town the negro led the way along the read leading to the lake. “ Know that lady come to Coola and tell him master must not die.” ** Who was she?” “No see her face.” ** Was she a nun®” : ** No, master, she dress like other leddies.” ** But was vailed?” **'Yes, master.” “And what said she?” “ She told Coola go to lakeand get boat, and offer him money, but he tell her he have plenty, “She tell him to pick out fast fishing smack, hi two men, aud have it at point Coola thinks st. “Then she tell him to have some provisions op board, but to work at nigbt, so no one see bim, for nobody know I was Lafitte’s slave. “So { did what she tell me, master.” “ Well?” “Then she say I was to come to the woods to- night and meet man holding two horses, and he would let Coola take them, and was to wait for ou, me That is all I know, master.” “You have done well, Coola, but Iam sorry I cannot find out who the lady W&s, for if she was not dressed as a nun, it could not have been Sister Mercedes.” * Coola don’t know.” “ And you have secured the boat?” “ Boat waiting now.’ ** What is it?” “ Fishing sloop of teu tons.” ; “She will do well to run to Pascagoula in, but the men?” e “Men come back in boat after we Teach schooner.” “ T:ue; but about these horses?” . ‘Man at shore to take them back to city, so must ride fast, for when rea] guard £° to carcet and find you gone, make big fuss.” - « You are right, and the whole town will be alarmed, so we must give the men time to re- turn witb his horses. r “Thisisa well-planned plot, Coola,” Yes, master, leddy have much good sense.” So on they dashed, Coola, who bad been over the road before, leading the Way, until they at last drew rein upon the shores ot Lake Borgne. There, off-shore a cable’s-length, lay a small sloop at anchor, ber mainsail hoisted, and upon the sands was a small boat, while two men rode as the riders dasbed UP. suppose?” said Leo, * We are paid to walt for some one, sir.” T am the one; but who is to take these horses back?” > “] am, sir,” and one of the men stepped for- ward and gras the reins. ‘s Here, My man, take this,” and Leo gave hiny a handful of gold, ‘Qh, monsieur, you are most generous; but f have my pay.” “It matters not, take what I give. you and Jose no time in getting your horses into their “Well, my men, you are waiting for me, I
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Z —— =irgl 5 ae = - — Sares4 E Sheri ay PR ert viet st t- © ns ¥ ~ Sah : Bias > em ez ated ae’ ie a ee ee eS ae Raa ass a — oa ra F stable, while, I suppose it is unnecessary to tell you to keep silent upon this night’s work?” ‘*T will be dumb, sir.” ** Now tell me who engaged you to serve me.” ‘¢ A lady, sir.” _** Who was she?” **T do not know, sir.” “Young or old?” ‘‘T did not see her face, for she was heavily vailed,” ‘“* Ah, and you could not tell me if I gave you | thrice the amount of gold you have there?” ‘No, sir, for I do not know.” “Well, my man, I thank you, and bid you good-night.” So saying, Leo stepped into the boat the man, mounting one of the horses and the other, rode away at a rapid gallop, The other man, who belonged to the sloop, pushed the boat off and gave a shrill, long whistle. No answer was returned, but it was without doubt a signal to some one on the sloop, for the jib was at once run up, and as the boat ran alongside the anchor left the bottom. There was but one man in the sloop, and that ali had been made ready for an instant ‘depar- ture, Leo saw, A goou breeze was blowing, and the sloop, under topsail, mainsail, jib and jibstaysail, went flying down Lake Borgne toward the entrance to the Sound, when she would have an open run to Pascagoula, where Leo had ordered Lester to go with the Golden Wings and await his coming. The wind held fair and it was just after sunset of the following day when the sloop dropped anchor and Coola took the boat to row into an inlet in search of the schooner. He was gone about two hours, and then the beautiful vessel was seen emerging slowly from the dark sbadows of the land, her boats out ahead towing her, for there was no breeze in- shore, She ran down near the sloop, and Leo, after ying the two men of the sloop most handsome- y, went on board the Golden Wings, where be was greeted by his officers and crew, for Lomax had arrived with bis men some time before. While lying in hiding, the Golden Wings had been made as good as new, and was headed for the pass between Horn and Turtle Islands, when she reached the waters of the open Gulf. ‘Now what course, Captain Lafitte?’ asked Officer Lester as they dropped Horn Island astern, : “To the Caribbean Sea,” was the answer that surprised Lester, and after giving the com- mand, Leo went into his luxurions cabin, and, taking the package from his pocket which the while leading pretended naval officer had given him, he broke | the seal and glanced at its contents, CHAPTER XXI. - & TRAITOR IN CAMP, A PARTY of soldiers marched into the court of the carcel and rung for entrance some two hours after tae escape of Leo Lafitte. An officer in naval uniform and six marines composed the party, and the keeper of the carcel | opened the door, ‘“¢‘{ am Lieutenant Dana, of the Nemesis, and have come for the condemned prisoner,” he. said, ‘The prisoner? the keeper echoed. “6 -Yes, sir.” “ Which prisoner, sir?” ‘* Lafitte, the pirate,” “ Why, he’s gone.” “Escaped?” “Oh, no sir, be went with the officer and guard sent from the brig for him,” ‘¢T am just from the sbip, sir, anq——” “Ts he not there?” gasped the keeper, “ He is not.” - ** And you were sent for him?” wy was,” “‘T know you, Lieutenant Dana, but I did not know the other officer. My can a trick have heen played upon me, for the prisoner Jeft two hours ago?” ' ‘He has escaped then,” cried the officer, and he had the keeper tell bim the exact particulars of the departure of Leo from the prison, Then Lieutenant Dana hurried back to the ship and made his report to Captain De La Tcur, who had retired, But the captain hastily dressed and sought the governor and made kuown all that had hap- n glad at the escape of Leo, and pene. bese —— wondering how it had all happened, the gov- ernor did his duty promptly. fend a general alarm was spread, ~ The Creole Corsair. The town was at once patrolled by soldiers, ard-boats were put upon the river to check he sailing of any craft without being thorough- ly searched, and the Nemesis set sail down the it eA overhaul any vessel that might have sailed, But the day dawned, and the escaped prisoner was not found, as is already known to the reader. An early call was made for the City Fathers to meetin council, and there were many dark faces when they did so, The facts were made known by the keeper and the lieutenant, and all wondered how it got out that the prisoner was to be removed at night to the brig, and by an officer and marines, The keeper could not be blamed, for one in the uniform of a naval officer, accompanied by a sergeant and marines certainly was reason enough for his believing that all was mght. He had not seen the driver’s face, nor noticed the carriage particularly: but he was sure that Leo did not suspect an escape when he was | taken from the prison, | Such was the report of the keeper. | *¢Has any one visited the prisoner, sir?” asked the governor. “No one but Father Felix, your Excellency, and the nun, who came witb your permit.” “A nun who came with my permit, sir?” asked the governor, “s Yes, sir.” **T gave no such permit,” ‘* She certainly had a permit signed and sealed by A Sat your Excellency,” he governor’s private secretary was sent for, and he also knew nothing of a permit being given, other than to’Father Felix. Father Felix was sent after, and he stated that he had lost, or misplaced the permit, This seemed to give a clew that it had been stolen by some One, and the name of Father Felix erased and another one placed on the paper, and the idea was advanced that it was not a nun who bad called, but one in holy garb, and the conspirator, or conspirators, who had plotted the release of Leo Lafitte. Father Felix showed the utter impossibility of any one from the convent visiting tho prisoner, without his knowledge, and certainly of having plotted the escape. No, the suspicion did not fall upon any one from the convent, but, knowing the hour at which the prisoner was to be removed to the brig, and taking all things into consideration, it was felt that there was a traitor in camp, right among the City Fathers, and each looked upon the other with suspicion, | It seemed evident that Leo’s pirate gold pur- |.chased his pardon, but who had been the bribe- taker no one would say, if they had any direct suspicions upon the subject. There was one thing certain, and that was that Leo Lafitte, the Creole Corsair, had escaped, and there was to be no hanging that day. The governor returned to his mansion sorely puzzled. : It was certain that Leo had true friends in New Orleans, and those who could plan a bold gume and carry it out, Who they were he could not guess. : And what would Leo’s course be now, for his treatment by the City Fathers bad been such as to drive him to piracy in earnest, he fearcd. He knew that the Goldeu Wings was not far from New Orleans, a splendidly armed, manned and equipped vessel, and the fleetest on the se as, Where to look for the one who had befriended Leo, no one seemed to know, and all were puz- zled and anxious, knowing that suspicion might fall upon any one of them, Father Felix also put his thinking-cap on, for the keeper of the carcel had said that a nun had visited the prisoner, and then his pass was gone, and where, or how, he could not tell. He wished to talk the matter over with Sister | Mercedes, but the good yun had been confined to her room for some days, from severe indij- position it was said. " And so the matter rested, with the two facts staring all in the face that the young Creole Corsair had escaped, and that there was cer- | tainly a traitor in the camp who had befriended him, CHAPTER XXII. * Agatha, HIS WAY. HE Carthagevians were strugglin ainst a powerful foe, fighting for frecdam, = os prey upon the commerce of their enemy, a number of fleet ailing vessels had been armed, manned, and sent furth to sail the seas. One of them, the pride of the Cartbagenians, 5 Ser Sep St SM Re raat had captured several prizes of value, and was: running for port with them, when just at sunset a Spanish cruiser came in sight and gave chase. The plucky little vessel that was gg. ber prizes, wished to save them, and so h them stand on together while she remained to Gaye the enemy, though with the chances against er. Just as the action was begun, another enemy, a small schooner, hove in sight and sped away in chase of the three prizes, Then, to the eye of the commander of the Carthagenian cruiser, it looked as though he was to sacrifice his vessel for the sake of saving his prizes, and that they should also be taken. It was a gloomy outlook, but he began the fight pluckily, and the flashes of the guns illum- ined the sea for along distance around the ad- versaries, and soon, in the distance other firing was heard and the Carthagenian sailors knew that their prizes had also been attacked. Lying at anchor in a sheltered cove, at the time the lookout on the Carthagenian cruiser sigbted the enemy, was a vessel which the reader cannot fail to recognize, for, once seen the Goldem Wings could not be mistaken when again met with, She had come thus far upon her southerly course, and the port of Carthagena was her des- tination. Not wishing to boldly enter the harbor, untib he knew that bis offer would be accepted by the patriots, Leo Lafitte had sought an anchor- age inshore, determined to make his way in a small boat to Carthagena and there offer the services of himself, his crew and vessel. He had intended starting the following morn- ing, when the lookout reported a Carthageniam cruiser in sight, convoying three large vessels, evidently prizes, and a Spanish brig and schoon- er in chase. Leo at once saw his a tinadigmry of command- ing terms with the Government he scught, and so, just as the three prizes had hove to, under the fire of the Spanish schooner, the Golden Wings shot out from her anchorage and headed for the Spanish schooner. The latter was taken by surprise, but pre- pared to fight; but the Golden Wings went into action with a rush, her first broadside dismount- ing two guns on board of the Spaniard and do- ing deaily work as well among her crew, The Spaniards fought well, but Leo Lafitte’s crew were cool, fired with fatal effect, and the Golden Wings was handled in a masterly man- ner. The prize-crews on the captured vessels look- ed on with the deepest interest, and wondered what the result would be, for they looked upon the strange vessel] as a friend, though they could not make out, from the flashing of the guns, the flag that waved over her decks. : But the action did not last long, as the Golden: Wings, after delivering a few of her fearful broadsides, swept down to board, and the Span- ish captain hauled down his colors. Throwing a prize-crew on board, Leo at once headed for the two combatants fighting so fiercely a league away. He saw that the Spanish cruiser was vastly inferior to the plucky little Carthagenian, whose crew he knew must be reduced from the mep put upon the prizes, and he felt that the un- equal combat could end but one way, So allsail was put on the Golden Wings, the few dead thrown overboard, the wounded cared for below, and her decks put in trim for another fight. PAs she neared the two vessels, Leo saw from the flashes of the guns that the Cartbhagenians’ resistance was rapidly growing weaker, and he headed for a position that he might open upom the Spaniard, Just as he did so the fire of the Carthagenian ceased; butere her colors could be navled down, a broadside from the Golden Wings told of help near, and the Carthagenians, with wild cheers of delight, renewed their fighting, Both vessels had been so taken up with their own combat, and the roar of their guns had been so incessant, that the Cring that had reached their ears from over a league away was supposed to be the Spanish schooner trying to capture the three prizes. : Now, when on the very eve of victory, the Spanish cruiser received a well-aimed broadside from a new foe, it carried consternation to every heart on board, But they bad seen their new enemy, and recog- nizing that it was only a small schooner, felt able to capture another prize. But the Spaniards had not counted upon the very rapid and fatal fire of the Golden Wings, and her masterly handling, which caused then
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’ 3 ‘d Se TSR er Tata NITE ‘to receive a third broadside before they got a chance to hit back at their daring foe. With the Carthagenian cruiser alsc renewing the fight, the Spaniard was placed between two fires, and the resulc was contrary to their expec- tations, for within a few moments the Golden Wings forced the enemy to strike his colors. Sending Officer Lester er board to take pos- Sessiou of the prize, Leo signaled the commander of the Carthagenian to come to him on the Golden Wings, and not long after a boat trom the brig ran alongside, It contained the commander of the Cartha- geuvian cruiser, a handsome man of fifty, whose head was bound up with a handkerchief from a wound received im the action. * Ah, Senor Captain, you have saved my ‘vessel ana my prizes, or have you simply cap- tured all for yourself?’ he asked, as Leo met him at the gangway. * No, Senor Captain, I was on my way to ‘Carthagena, to offer the services of my vessel in your cause, and was glad to strike a blow for you, we I am a Creole sailor, own rry craft, and wish to sail under the flag ot Carthagena, rather than the one that now floats above my decks.” The Carthagenian glanced curiously at the red flag and its Golden Wings, as the light of the battle-lanterne fell upon it and said: ‘“* Were it a black field, senor, then I would say that it was the flag of Lafitte, the Pirate of the Mexican Gulf.” **Such was his flag, senor, but the red field is mine, and [ am Lafitte’s son. ‘* Are my services any the less welcome to Carthagenians?” *’ Ob, no, senor, and you will be most welcome by tha Government, while your services this night alone would have won you recognition and high rank in our service.” ‘*I thank you, senor, and you are at liberty to give orders to suit you, for your prizes are safe, and a pretty fair armed schooner is another priz for you, which will, with yonder cruiser, add two more vessels to the Carthagenian navy. Re Give your orders, Senor Captain, and I obey.” The Carthagenian gazed upon the handsome face of the young victor, and said: *T thank you, Senor Captain Lafitte, and you may rest assured that a warm welcom: awaits you from my people, when they know that you have not only saved us a cruiser and three most valuable prizes, but added two armed vessels to our navy, besides your own beautiful craft. “We will sail, senor, as soon a* we can secure the prisoners and repair damages,” - CHAPTER XXIII. THE NUN’S LETTER, THE services of Leo Lafitte and his Golden Wings had been accepted by the Carthagenian Government with a great deal of delight, at gaining such a feariess young Officer, and sc splendid a craft to add to their navy. The story told by the Carthagenian captain, and he was loud in Leo’s praise, caused a grand weleome to be extended to the young hero, who had changed a defeat into a glorious victory,and every honor was heaped upon him, Les bore these honors modestly, and, anxious to be at sea, winning fame in the new field he had chosen, set sail from port a week after bis arrival, It was not very long before he returned to port with several valuable prizes, and the Car- thagenians vied with each other to render him homage. Unspoiled by flattery, he did not remain long in port, to be the lion. of entertainments given him, but once more put to sea, and, ere he had been a year in the service of Carthagena, the Golden Wings and its young commander had ‘won undying fame. One night, as the Golden Wings was cruising nloug under shortened sail, not far from the coast of Jamaica, Leo descended into his cabin and sat down at a table, apparently lost in deep meditation. “One year ago to-night my father lost his life, and how strange it is thet I, with the papers he gave me telling me all I would know, that I have never opened the package, which good Sister Mercedes returned to me unopened. “T will again glance over her Jetter to me, and I believe to-night I will break the seal and read what my father wrote to me” He arose, and going to a secret locker, touched a spring and it opened. ithin were revealed a number of odd things, 4%} ‘ Corsair, ' 4 —_ ir The Cr ia but Leo passed these over, and took up a roll of ae hey consisted of the package handed him by his father, and that which had been given him by the pretended officer who had aidea him tc escape from the carcel in New Orleans nearly a year before. The latter package had been opened, the seal being broken, and this he took up. It consisted of severai sheets of paper, written in a bold though feminine hand, and he read aloud thé contents, It was dated at New Orleans, the day before Leo’s escape trom the carcel, and was as follows: “ LEO:— ‘“*T return to your keeping, with seal unbroken, the package given you by your father, and which at my entreaty, you gsv» into my hands, “It was wrong for me to ask it of you. and when, in the quiet of my room, I felt that it was a message from the dead, which I had no right to keep from you, I decided that I would not open it, but return it to you. * Now I do so, and the story it will tell, will make known to you much that has seemed mysterious to ou: will tell you of your father, of Mercedes the un, of ot ers and yourself. “That T would atone for aught that may stand recorded against me in the past, I will prove by my determination to save you from tke cruel fate which those in authority have decided should be yours, ‘I feel that your father acted from the nobleness of his nature, never wholly contaminated by his life of crime, when he refused the offers of the British and voluntarily offered his services to America. * He hoped, by securing a pardon, to remove the stain of piracy from you, I am sure. “Fate fought hard against him, and inspite of your noble deeds to win pardon, a cruel destiny has held you back, and even now you are under the shadow of the gallows, for crimes of which in your heart you are guiltless, ~ Feeling as I do, and wishing to atone for the past, I now determine to save you. **My plot is a good one and shall succeed. * Father Felix has a pass, duly signed and sealed, permitting him to visit you in the ecarucl. * This permit | seeured secretly, and erasing his name, wrote another, thatof a supposed nun, and thus 1 was able fo see you and bid you h: ‘pe. * Peigning sickness—and I acted with deceit only to save life, your life—L took into my confidence two sis er nuns whose sympathy was mine and yours, “TI pretended to be ill, ¢ nfined to my room, and thus was enabled to leave the convent at night, ina disguise, “I sought a hotel, and in the garb of a lady in mourning, wen” to a man who was suspected of being a spy for your father, for so I remembered seeing once in the newspaper. “L had an interview with him and felt that he would serve me well, for gold, as well as from a de- sire to help the son of Lafitte. * Ah! the deceit that L practiced, and which it will take many a prayer to gain forgivencss for, and which [ confess to you. “One of these days [ shall confss all to Father Felix but it will be when the shadow of . eath is upon me, “Timplied that I was your mother, and he pity- ing me, did all that he could. “1 teld him that I had found out how you were to be taken on board the Nemesis, and’ when, and thus was enabl-d to pian your rescue, *‘ [saw your slave, ani ha: py wes he to find me enlisted in your behalf, for the faithful fellow was pianning your rescue by force, and was gathering a number of men for that purpose. “T gave him my plan and _he gladly yielded to it, and it was his suggestion to have a vessel in waiting out in Lake Borgne. * The man that was your father’s friend did all that | could wis), for he secured men to act as an officer of the Nemesis. and a guard of marines, proce ed acarriage with a faithful driver and hired orses to await you and bear you to the lake. “fhe gems you gave me from your father, to pay for prayers for the rest of his soul, procured me all the gold needed, and they are disposed of in a good cause—to save your life. “Now you know all, Leo and when you read these lines. I feel that you will be free and far away from danger. * That you need expect no mercy here, you know. so go far away and build wp for yourself a career of horor, for the world is before you. “The Virgin protect and Heaven forever bless you, is my prayer. * Now allis ready, and T must retura to the con- vent wall and leave it to others to carry out the plans J have formed to save you, “Farewell, and again I pray may Heaven guide you to an honorable career, ‘Mercepes tex Non.” _. CHAPTER XXTV. GOLDEN WINGS T0 THE RESCUE. For some time after reading the letter of Mercedes the Nun, Leo sat in deep thought, - Every line told bim how great the sacrifice she had made to serve and save bim, and yet how anxious she had been to do so. The unopened package of his father would tellbim only she had done so, and upon this nigbv one year after the death of Lafitte, he — would solve the mystery. He wou'd learn the secret of the past. His hand was upon the package, to break the seal, when the deep boom of a gun fell upon his ears, ; Then there came other thundering reports in uick succession, and Officer Lester called orn the companionway, as Leo sprung to his eet. ‘*There is a sea combat going on, sir, two leagues away.” : “Ay, ay, Lishe, Iam coming,” was the re- sponse, Hastily gathering up the papers, along with the sealed package left by Lafitte, Leo returned them to the locker and went on deck. : The thunder of the guns was now incessant, and told of a hot fight for mastery. ‘ Upon reaching the deck Leo turned his glass upon the scene, where a red glare illumined the sea. ; Far off over the dark waters he beheld two vessels engaged in action. One was a sloop-of-war, and the other was a brig. There was a disparity in tonnage, guns and crew of the two vessels and the battle could end but one way, the capture of the brig. But the captain of thesmaller vessel was not going to strike his colors without a bold fight for it. If he had to surrender, it would only be after he had severely punished his enemy, The night was dark, the sea quiet, and a seven-knot breeze was blowing. The Golden Wings’ course had been directly toward the scene of conflict when the flashing guns revealed their position. ‘* Crowd on all sail, Senor Lester, for I recog- nize the American flag on that brig,” said Leo, ** Yes, sir, and her foe isa British sloop-of- war,” answered Lester. eZ True, and must not capture her.” ‘¢ Would you interfere, sir?” “ Certainly.” ‘“‘A Carthagenian making war on England?” and Lester smiled. “This craft is the Golden Wings, Senor Les- ter, and to-night must fight urder ber old colors, so run the gold-winged flag up, end we'll strike another blow for dear old America.” Lester was delighted at this, being an Ameri- can himself, while for the rest of the crew they were willing to fight anything their young cap- tain wished them to, independent of what flags they carried. The night was very dark, as IT have said, for clouds obscured the starlight, and it was on this account that the American brig-ef-war had run so close upon the British vessel before she was seen, When the sloop was discovered, the brig’s commander ordered her hastily put eway; Lut too late, for she bad already been sighted by the Englishman, The American therefore had only to prepare for action and make as good a fight as was possible. ‘ Upon the deck of the brig, at the first call of danger, came an cfficer from the cabin whom the leader will recognize as Captain De La ‘Lour. , His brow was clouded when he saw the peril his vessel was in, and yet so dark was the night he could not blame the lookout, as the English- man had shown no lights until the Nemesis was sighted. ‘ : ‘Turning to his first lieutenant, Captain De La Tour said curtly: : « Well, Dana, we are in for it, and if we are sunk, or captured, we bave only to blame that accursed young corsair, Lafitte, for I only cruis- ed down here because I felt. sure the vessel re- ported so like the Golden Wings was his craft, and that he had transferred his piracies to these waters.” “Well, sir, by a running fight we may be able to ovtfoot the sloop,” said Lieutenant Dana, “1 only hope so—now Jet us open the fight,” aud the’ men having gore quickly to quarters, the brig opened fire upon her large foe, The Nemesis, when the sloop-of-war was dis- covered, had at once stood away 10 flight, and ' the Enolishman began pursuit, and following De La Tour did not believe; but he hoped that > the first shot from the brig the battle began in deadly earnest. ‘ But finding thac the raking fire of the English- man was most severe, Captain De La Tour turned at bay, and not half a mile apart a fierce duel was begun between the plucky American and hi» large foe, That there was a chance for victory, Captain “e CA a ba A ‘ Ag y Be Be a, Oh eg he v2 Mew Pee Ae Oe. =) a t Be is a i eg / mrect weet he 7 ‘Siew | x 4 J ve Nd
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i ae he might cripple his enemy and thus escape, and to this end he determined to fight until the very last. ; But the British sloop was not crippled, and the American brig suffered more and more un- | them back. der the heavy fire, until at last Captain De La Tour was about to give the order to haul down the colors, when suddenly out of the dense dark- ness to windward burst a line of flame, and there came the deep roar of a broadside which was poured into the Englishman with telling effect. Help had come in the moment of despair—it was the Golden Wings to the rescue! CHAPTER XXV. THI VESSEL THAT STRUCK HER FLAG, Tue sudden broadside from the Golden Wings, poured in upon the Englishman from the dark- ness to windward, was as much a surprise to the commander and crew of the sloop-of-war as to those on the American. The Englishmen were just ‘congratulating themselves upon a victory won, even though over a smaller foe, when into their midst tore the iron hail from the schooner, And the broadside was delivered with terrible | effect. The flashing guns revealed to all eyes a small schooner, and then came darkness for a moment, But once more the sea was illumined, and another broadside was sent into the sloop, The result was almost a panic, caught as the British were between two fires. But the gallant commander of the sloo soon restored order, and prepared to fight bis new foe, The coming of the Golden Wings gave cour- age to the brig’s crew, and while cheers rung out from the American tars, they renewed the combat with hope of victory, for all recognized the schooner now and knew that she had come to their rescue. ee The men of the brig did not feel toward Leo Lafitte as did their captain, and they were sure that he would be able to beat off the Englishman, So was the fight renewed, and the English commander found himself between two fires, | and so swiftly did the Golden Wings maneuver, | so deadly was ber fire, that it seemed that, pow- erful as she was, the sloop would not be able to win the gaat F Captain De La Tour was amazed. The vessel he was looking for came suddenly before him, not to do bim harm but to aid | him. There was no mistaking the craft—it was the Golden Wings, for the fire of her guns lighted up her strange flag. , That she had come to bis rescue there was also no doubt, Leo Lafitte, whose father he had hunted down, and to whom he had been merciless, was there to save his vessel from capture. . The splendid handling of the schooner won the admiration of Captain De La Tour, while the reckless daring of the young Corsair made bim feel that he had been wrong ip his pursuit of him. ; Seeing that the brig was badly crippled, Leo had thrown his schooner into a position to do the sloop the most damage possible and prevent ss Seine pobee shot than an oc | The fire of the Golden Wings was wonder- fully rapid, aot a shot was thrown away, and, as the brig also began to deliver a telling fire | upon the sloop, the Englishmen felt that the | battle was going against them, Rither one would have been an easy conquest, they thought, but both together they were a thatch for their powerful foe, ii A PR gO RS ~ i shake v nreebancctAs: theta elt te Voce ‘ a ree eae, n the American any more | ig the Englishman, and those on the brig seemed ‘True; and, wounded as I am, I think I amazed at the boldness of the young corsair, for | | old friend, a Spanish exile who dwells upon the And board the Golden Wings did, to the sur- | they could see that he meant to board. prise of the British, who in vain tried to beat Seeing that Leo had gained a foothold upon the sloop, the brig’s commander ran down near, | lowering bis boats and throwing his men into them as he did so, and in a short while more | half a bundred American tars clambered up | the side of the English vessel and joined side by side with the Golden Wings in the hand-to-hand | fight upon the decks, The British had already been forced back by the fierce onslaught of Leo and his men, and the | coming of the Americans told them that they were beaten, and upon their own deck, Resistance further was useless, and the order was reluctantly given to haul down the flag. It was done, and the Golden’ Wings had snatched a victory out of the jaws of defeat. ‘* You have saved us, sir, and the sloop is your prize,” and the lieutenant stepped forward and grasped the hand of Leo Lafitte. ‘‘T am glad to have served you, sir, for Iam an American; but Lam not at war with Great Britain, so the sloop is your prize, not mine; but I fear your commander was slain?” ‘“« He is severely wounded, sir, and if was when he fell that the crew were momen‘arily upset, but your hail gave them courage again. ‘* You are a remarkable man, Captain Lafitte, and have a splendid boat and superb crew. ‘¢ But Captain De La Tour wishes to see you.” into one of the brig’s boats and rowed to that craft to see Captain De La Tour, who had, when the firing ceased, at once had an officer hail the deck of the Englishman and request the young corsair to vi-it him, CHAPTER XXVI. THE GUEST OF A CORSATR. WueEn Leo Lafitte entered the cabin of the Nemesis he found Captain De La Tour lying there on a cot, seriously wounded, for his left arm bad just been amputated by the surgeon of the brig. A cigar was between the teeth sof the plucky commander, to keep back the groans that an- guish would force from his hips; but he was doing well, the surgeon said, and would come around all right, for the wound had been dressed and no serious results were feared. ‘* You are Captain Lafitte, I believe, sir?” said Captain De La Tour, gazing into the handsome face of the young corsair. “Tam Leo Lafitte, sir, asonof Lafitte, the pirate,” was the reply. “Towe you my vessel, for you saved it by your noble conduct.” ‘** I saw by the guns’ flashes that an American brig was pluckily fighting a British sloop, and so came to your aid,for I aman American, or | claim to be, for I was born at sea.” “This act will certainly get you a pardon from the United States.” ** Captain De La Tour, I ask no pardon, for I hold one, and have intentionally done no wrong | since I received it. ‘*T beat your vessel off, true, but I would not yield my prize or my schooner to you, and the result showed I was right, for I was sentenced to be hanged as it was. ‘Tam, and bave been since my escape from the yard-arm of your vessel, in the service of the Carthagenians, and, as I had no right to use their ensign in a combat to save your brig, I hoisted my Golden Wings flag and fought the British sloop under it, “The prize is yours, and I shall now go my way and hoist my rightful colors once more; Suddenly the brig almost ceased firing, and | only I ask that you keep secret the fact that a Leo felt that something was wrong. The Englishmen observed it and cheered loud- | | Carthagenian vessel saved you.” ‘“‘Gladly will I do so, Captain Lafitte. and I ly, and Leo feared that the sloop would win af- | appreciate all that you have done, and the Goy- ter all, for alone his schooner would be no match | for the sloop. _ But he was determined to make ® desperate will have full peri for having beaten me’ off | effort to win, and sailing down between the | as you gallantly kept up America. sloop and the brig, while his port gun~ a hot fire, he haile |: _ Ho, the Nemesis!” “ AY, ay, sir.” ps ‘‘ Don’t give up, for the battle is almost won. Ay, ay, sir, we will renew the combat at once,” came the reply of Lieutenant Dana, and, as the Golden Wings swept by, the brig pou a broadside upon the sloop. __ Then again the fight waged with fearful fury, * ae £. ye and the thunder of the was ling. _ Neare: and nearer the Golden Whose drew to ernment shall know of your act as the Creole Corsair, not as a Carthagenian cruiser, and you “1 confess to having hounded you down, but, oung sir, it was for a reason of which you now nothing; but I have no right to visit ‘the sins of the father Sy the son, so here is my hand, the only one I have, and I offer it in friendship,” and Captain De La Tour smiled sadly as be glanced at the bandaged stump of his left arm, P Bons oa ~ te “may I ask your wishes regarding the 0 s ame g the prize, for you are in dan- gerous here, near Jamaica.” | fitte, and let Lieutenant did, and I hope will return to either side a TE is would the more rapidly recover could I visit am coast of Jamaica, but I suppose 1t cannot be,” ‘““If you wish, sir, I could take you there in my schooner, while your brig and her prize the sloop go on to New Orleans, ‘“My Carthagenian flag, you know, can enter ' the ports of the Euglish islands here, and I could land you at the home of your friend and come for you when you are able to leave, for L cruise when and where I please.” “You are very kind, Captain Lafitte, and I am tempted to accept your offer. “*T have been run down of late in health, and was thinking of secretly visiting my old Spanish friend, who wrote me to do so, as be had import- ant matters to discuss with me. ‘*Of course, as we are at war with England, I could only visit bim in secret, not as an Ameri- an. ‘*T will ask my surgeon what he thinks.” The surgeon was sent for, and gave it as his opinion, if Captain De La Tour was willing to take the risk it would benefit him greatly to have a rest ashore at the magnificent villa ef the old Spanish exile. “Then I will accept yooE offer, Captain La-- ana go to New Orleans with the brig and her prize, and make a full re- port of your noble act. “But, do you knew that your face fairly haunts me, Captain Lafitte, with its reminder of the past, and I do not refer whoijly to your like- | ness to your father, which is most striking, but a ‘*] will go on board the brig, sir, and leave | you to take charge of the prize,” and Leo got | likeness to another. “T cannot solve the mystery of the resem- blance, sir,” and Captain De La Tour passed bis hand wearily across his face as though to shut | out some haunting memory. Leo then left the brig to get bis schooner in. order, for she had suffered under the sloop’s fire, and he had lost heavily in bis crew, The prisoners were already secured on the sloop, excepting the officers, who bad given their paroles not to attempt to retake their ves- sel, or an escape, and Lieutenant Dana bad placed a prize crew on board, With the losses the brig bad sustained, and‘ having to divide her crew with the sloop, it lett but a small force on either craft, so that it was: necessary to run for port with all haste and avoid meeting any British cruiser, to which they might fall an easy prey. By sunrise the repairs were made, and all three vessels were once more in ship-shape, and. ready to sail. Captain De La Tour, wholly useless with his wounds, for he had been twice wounded, left Lieutenant Dana in command, and to make alk reports, letting him into the secret, however,. that he was toreport that the Creole Corsair,. Golden Wings, had come to their rescue, and: not a Carthagenian corsair. So the three vessels parted oer the sloep and brig standing away for New Orleans, the former with the Stars and Stripes floating over her decks,* The Golden Wings, with Captain De La Tour a guest in her cabin, sped away for the coast ef rempmesa once more flying the Carthagenian ag. CHAPTER XXVIL STRANGELY MET. Captain De La Tour told Lee just how te head, to find the harbor near the home of Don Marco Mateo, the Spanish exile who had found an abiding-place on the coast of the island ef Jamaica, “T know the place, master,” said Coola, whe heard the words of the American officer, * Ah, yes, my slave knows the home of Don Mateo, Senor Captain, and how to run in to an anchorage,” said Leo. _ Under the pilotage of Coola the schooner ran into the little baven, soon after nightfall, and dropped anchor. . Coola had told Leo that the villa bad been the home of his mother, and it had been from that very little bay that Ricardo had carried her off, when she had been rescued by his father. It bad been from that home she had fled with Lafitte to become his wife, and the young rover was not anxious to visit the scenes of bis mother’s girlbood. : Don Marco Mateo, the Spanish exile, he knew *In those days, when there were no steam-vessels, no telegraphs, news traveled slowly, and even after the declaration of peace between the United States and England, a number of vessels were taken by conte severe naval fights occurred—— Rett! war ©
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on ee -was his grandfather, and Leo wished to see him to know bow he regarded his mother. So be landed with Coola and walked up the steep path to the grounds above on the cliff. Coola told him of his mother’s flight with his fataer, and how bravely Lafitte bad fought for his wite; but the slave did not tell all, for there were other things that he might have made known yet did not, as be was aware that Leo had never opened the package left him by his father. Don Mateo was seated in his luxuriously-fur- nished library when a servant announced Leo, as an Officer in naval uniform, ** His name, Ponto?” ‘He gave no name, senor.” “« Admit him.” Don Mateo was a man of three-score years, and his once black hair had turned snow-white. He had the look of one who Lad known much sorrow, and was willing that the end should come. ‘* Senor, I am glad to welcome you. ‘* Be seated, please, and say how I can serve you,” he said in a courtly way. ‘* Don Mateo, I have put into your harbor to bring a friend of yours, who is now on board my vessel and seriously wounded, “Tf refer to Captain De La Tour,” and Leo gazed with the deepest interest into the face of the Spaniard. ‘‘Hal De La Tour! He has come at last! ‘¢ How glad I am, for he comes to find me yet living; but you say that he is wounded?” “Yes, senor, ho was wounded during an action his vessel had with a British vessel, and I brought him here and came on to advise you of bis coming.” “*T will at once send my servants for him.” “No, senor, my men can bring him, and, as he is in citizens’ dress, it will n«~ compromise you, though it is best to keep is coming a secret.” “True, senor, though peace has heen declared between America and Great Britain.” ‘* Ah! this is news, indeed.” ‘The tidings came to-day; but, senor, pardon me for so staring into your face, for it recalls to me features which I can never efface from my memory. ‘*T believe you have not told me your name.” ** Leo Lafitte, senor.” “‘ Lafitte? Maldito/” and the eyes of the old Spaniard flashed. ‘*Do you know, senor, why that name recalls to me bitter memories?” ‘¢ How should I know, senor?” ‘* One of that name—Lalitte, the Pirate of the Gulf—took from me my only child, my beauti- ful Juaquita, «Tt was more than a score of years ago, senor, but the memory of that sorrow is here to-day as though I had lost her but yesterday. ‘+ | jdolized her, and [ ey A her, senor; and yet, death took her from Lafitte, from me, so that she could never return. ‘*Oh, senor, how strangely alike my poor Juaquita you are, or is it because your name is Lafitte that I fancy I see a resemblance?” ‘*No, Don Mateo, my mother was Senorita Juaquita Mateo—my father was Lafitte, the Pirate of the Gulf,” said Leo, calmly. The old exile started, a cry broke from his lips, and he sunk back in his chair, while he said eagerly: ** Tell me what you know of your mother?” “TI know that she was rescued from Ricardo the Rover by my father, Lafitte, ‘‘T know that she loved Lafitte, believing him to be a Mexican officer, and that he told her who he was and she still loved him. ‘*T know that she fled with him, became his wife, and died soon after I was born at sea, Lafitte, my father, is dead; and dying, he left me the story of his life, which | have not yet had the courage to read, ‘“*Wkat I know I learned from my father’s faithful friend and slave, who is now to me all that he was to Lafitte. ‘«T, senor, am now in the Carthagenian ser- vice, and Captain De La Tour, who was my father’s foe, and mine, is now my friend. “As for Ricardo, 1 hunted him down and avenged my father my motber utting bim to death, ate " Poder orn upon a pirate vessel at sea, reared un- der the black flag, I knew no other life, until at last I became convinced that I was committing crime in the career that was mine, and I have since tried to blot out the past and win fame un- der an honorable flag, to the words of Leo with The exile liste breathless eagerness, Then he arose and approached him, i The Creole Corsair. Laying a hand upon each shoulder he said; ‘“My son, in your face I see that of my lost child, your mother. ‘Tam an old man, tottering into the grave, aud having forgiven your mother, I forgive you. * Come, be my son, leave the sea, and bless by your presence my declining years, * Will you, my son?” a will do all that you ask me when I have iven up my position in the Carthagenian Navy,” was the reply. . “Thank God! Now go and let De La Tour be brought bere. “Then sail to Carthagena, resign your com- mand, and come back to me as my son. ‘* Shall I so hope that y u will? ‘* Yes, senor; gladly will I do so.” An hour after, Captain De La Tour lay in one of Don Mateo’s most comfortable rooms, with the now RO PEY Ove Spaniard by his side, while the Golden Wings was flying over the sea to- ward Carthagena. CHAPTER. XXVIII. LAFITTE’S LETTER. ONCE the Golden Wings had set sail from the little harbor, Leo Lafitte entered his cabin and sat down to read the letter which his father had written him. It was dated at sea, on board the schooner Destiny, and was as follows: ‘My Lovep Son:—It is no easy task for a father to lay bare a guilty heart toason; but 1 know that when you read these lines I will have passed into the land beyond Death and feel that you will not condemn me as others have. **IT was born of good parents, who were wealthy, and our home was upon the coast. **My mother dicd when Iwas only a few years old, Ilecaving myself and a younger brother to the care of our father. “My father was a stern, cold man toward me, yet ever gentle and loving to my brother, who re- minded bim of his wife. while I, it was said, was the image of a twin brother that my father hated. “*T loved my brother devotedly, until one day a shadow came between us. ‘It came in the shape of rivalry ir love, for my father became the guardian cf a niece, his sister’s child, and she was brought to our home to live. **Sne was beautiful, and is still, for you know her as Mercedes the Nun. **S loved her from the first, as did also my brother; but I felt that she loved me in return. and in fact she was soon pledged, young as we were, to be- come my wife. “One day 1 left bome for a few weeks, to attend to some business for my father, and when I return- ed I was met by an old slave who tuld me I was not expected so soon, and that my brother was to be married that pight to Mercedes, who had consented to wed him. **My son, Mercedes was my idol, and if drove me mad to hear this, and I s nt ‘he slavein to ask my brother to come out of the mansion to see a visitor. He came, avd I threw his perfidy into his face, — in my madness drove my knife iito his Ss ‘He fell, as I supposed, dead, and [ fled, going. to sea in my little yacht. ‘Tt matters not what I did, so that [ tell you that I drifted about the world until I became a slaver, then a pirate. Hl “For a long time I believed my brother déad, and I learned to the contrary only after I uad again wronged him. “I learned that my father, wielding a great in- fluences over him, had urged him to marry Mercedes, and that she had been made to consent, believing that I had deserted her, as she was told I had, ““My brother recovered from his wound, to find that Mercedes refused to marry him, and he en- tered the United States Navy. My father lived but a few years longer, and dy- ing, left all of his vast property to my brother. “After my father’s death Mercedes entered a convent, taking the vail as a nun, and a strange fate led me t) that sacred abode where she dwelt. ** But to my brother, “He saved the life of a Spanish Don and his daughter, dwelling upon the coast of Jamaica, and loving the beautiful girl became engaged to her. “That same maiden I saved from Ricardo, loved her, not as [had Mercedes, yet loved her dearly, as she (id me. “T knew not that she was betrothed to my broth- er, and one night he arrived, denounced me as La- fitte, not knowing me to be his brother, and I fied. taking with me the maiden, who became your mother. Then it was that ' knew how I had wronged my brother, and J, knowing him, though as Lafitte he knew me not, did not let you kill him when he sought my life the day of the battle and gave me a wound that so nearly proved fatal. Now, my son, you know the story of my life, and I would tell you that iny nome was Achille De Tour, and my brother is Captain Henri De La Tour of the American Navy. ‘Steer wide of his course, Leo my son, for he has since married, I learn, and th-ugh he has lost his Wie bees lovely — to love him. ould you meet him. tell him who you are, and tell him that I ask his forgiveness for the wrong I did him in the past, now knowing that it was our father’s act, not his. that was forclng him intoa_ marriage with our cousin. Mercedes. ‘** With this confession, my son, I will end my let- ter to you, praying only for your happiness and prosperity in life. “Your father, ** Aci inte De La Tour, * P.S.—I send you within a paper telling you of our mother, and where dwells her father, the Span- ish Exile. **T aiso inclose otber paper's that may be of ser- vice to you, and a miniature of your mother.” Many times did Leo read this letter over, and then be said in a low, earnest voice: ‘Captain De La Tour, not knowing Lafitte as his brother, had indeed come to hate him, and eeepc not now that his hatred fell upon me aiso. = ‘* | have found in him an uncle, and this letter will prove it. ‘He believed my father dead, for he told me he had had a brother who had committed a crime and put to sea in a little yacht, which had been lost ip a storm that broke upon bim. ‘* How strange all this is] “ But I will return to Jamaica, place those reper in his band, and then hoisting my Golden jings flag over my schooner, will surrender it to him as an officer of the United States Gov- ernment and take my chances,” CHAPTER XXIX, CONCLUSION, Tue Golden Wings reacbed port in good time, and Leo resigned his commission in the Cartha- genian Navy, against all entreaties to remain, He had a large fortune coming to bim, as rize money, and with this set sail again for amaica, Paying bis crew off, he went ashore, after dro ping enchor in the little harbor near the exile’s home, and was welcomed by Don Mateo, who was greatly improved in health, and by Captain De La Tour, whose wounds were almost healed. Then, to the two, Leo read the confession of Lafitte, and most deeply was the American captain moved at the sad story of his brother Achille. ‘* Ah Leo, my son, happy indeed am I to know that [can atone to you for the past, for I was weak indeed to <llow my father to urge me to wrong Achille, whom I most dearly loved. ‘* He was mad when he struck the blow at my heart, and I forgave him. “In the tall, dark-faced, bearded man who stole from me Don Mateo’s daughter I little dreamed of meeting my brother, whom I be- lieved to be dead. ‘No, I saw only Lafitte, the pirate, and it hurt me most Ceeply to feel that dosage: your mother should become, as 1 believed his victim, and loving her.as I did, I relentlessly pursued him, as you know, end sought, in a moment of madness, to take his life at New Orleans, “Thank God I did not succeed, and now I gladly greet you as I would a son,” It wasa glad momeut for Leo, and he deter- mined to make known a secret which only be and Sister Mercedes knew. That secret was that he bad rescued his little cousin, Captain De La Tour’s deughter, from the kidnappers, that night upon the Mississippi. ‘And you kept this to yourself, you noble fellow, while I was to hang you at the yard-arm of my vessel? ¢ “But there is no stain now upon you, and I will see that you receive full honor for your gal- lant deeds.” ; A week after the Golden Wings sailed away from the little harbor, bearing the exile and Captain De La Tour, the former going to find a home in America, where Leo bad promised to dwell with him. ; At the peak of the Golden Wings floated the Stars and Stripes, Leo’s flag having been lower- ed forever. ; In good time the beautiful schooner reached port, and was surrendered to the Governmen while Leo, with the brand of corsair remove from bis name, went to live with Don Mateo, and became a respected member of society, no one condemning bim for having been a a eeninat his will, when the story of his life was nown. Having ample money, from his Carthagenian cruises. for himself, Leo gave over to Sister Mer- cedes the gems left him by Lafitte, asa gift to the church. A few years after he led to the altar Felicite, bis little cousin, Whom he had rescued from the kidnappers, 40d never did she have cause to re- + that she had become the wife of one who was once known as the Creole Corsair. THE END. aes a ee a orm te te ae ek. eae ag F ve ray ck tin ' y , ? 7 fae *
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at Re gs cca daca ar a ‘ — 4 —e 7 neo 4 “ wher Sige J Rg “Peers? BEADLE'S«H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY PHILIP 8. WARNE. 6T Patent-Leather Joe: or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Caprain Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask ; or, Patent-Lenther Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duellat; or, The Mountain Vempires, B88 A Tough Boy ¢; or, The Dwart’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen, 878 Livtle Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. BSS Little Oh-my ¢ or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly 4 or, A Race for a Ranch, 408 Little Leather-Breeches 3 or, Old Jumbo’s Curse, 4381 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood, 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the olines. 480 Three Jolly Parda. 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. H27 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue. 547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down,» 556 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER. 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Domb Page; or, The Doge’s Daughter. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance und Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco, 154 The Sword Iunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 The ee Sarees or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Crulse to the Open Polar Sea. 200 The Boy Bedoutns; or, The Brothers of the Plamed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 249 Milo Komer, the Animal King; or, The Rornd the World Wanderer. 265 The Tiger Tamer; or, The League of the Jungle. 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. 695 California Joe’s War Trail. BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 284 hve Rocky’s ** Boyees 3” or, Benito, the Young Horse- reaker, 6 Glunt Georges or, The Ang’! of the Range. 7% Arizona Jack ¢ or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge. 807 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo; or, The Tarantula of Taos. 827 Creeping Bat, the Cuddo; or, The Red and White Pards. 882 Frio Fred: or, The Tonkaway’s Trast. $44 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. 849 Wild Wolf or, Big-Feot Wallace to the Front, 857 The Raneh Ralders; or, The Siege of Fort Purgatory. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. 875 Chieta, the Creek or, The Three Thunderbolts. 881 Bandera Bills or. Frio Frank to the Front. 892 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 The Bal«y from Denver. 427 The Three Tratlers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 fF Bills or, The Lynx of the Leona, 405 Little Lone Star; or, The Belle of the Cibolo, BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Scott, the Steambont Boy. 199 Featherwelght_ the Boy Champlon of the Muskingum, 228 Ozark Alf’; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp, 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzville, S11 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp. B22 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon's Vendetta. 840 Clip, the Contortioniat; or, The Montana Vigilantes. BY J, C. COWDRICK. B60 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 869 Shasta, the Goid ls insr 3 or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a ame. 424 Cibuta John: or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 9 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Pude. 490 Brondway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo, 506 Redlight Ralph, the Prince of the Road, 514 Broadway Rilly’s Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective 586 Broadway Billy's ¢ Diftikilty.” 548 Mart, the Nicht Express Detective. 557 Broadway Billy’s Death Racket. BY JO PIERCE. 897 Bob o’ the Rowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob's Hotspur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer's Shadow ; or, Luke’s Legacy: A72 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. 504 Five Points Phil, 509 Jack Jounersy the Butcher Detective. biG Tartar my; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie. 526 North River N at, the Pier Detective. BSS Wreatling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward, BAL Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective, 551 Niek Netcle, the Boy Shadow, 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective, BY CAPT. MARK Winton, 1k: or, The Red Lasso, gee posse Taterts Shunt 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot, - ’ BY CAPTAIN MAYNE RE, 8 BI k The Yellow Chief's Ven q 3 The Land Piraten: or, The League of Devil’s Island, 187 The Helpless Hand ; ¢r, Backwoods Retribution, 289 The Gold-seeker Guide ; ot: The Loss Mountain, BY MAJOR NENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-8cout, $06 Neck-Ti The Dng-Out Pards. 846 Rapier Bashaks sce The Swordsmen of Zacatecas, $98 kiacgere fete ee Randy of the Rrcklen “sss weve Hit a: a r, The be en4 Mud Man-lunter; or, The Mystery of Golden 505 Powell's Pard ; or, The One- Armed Giant. : BY BRACEBRIDGE NEMYNG. 89 Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. 91 The Oaptatu 401 Jack Marl dh A LT or. The Rival Athletes, Th | 288 Indian Joo; or, BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. ZY Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 2583 Joe Buck of Angels and Hi« Boy Pard. 447 New York Nat, A ‘Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham, 458 New England Nick 3 or, The Fortunes of a Foundling. 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 ‘Tnos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal!-Breed Detective, 515 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 ‘The Drend Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Tuos; or, Dandy Rock's Angel. 115 The Mad Miner: or, Dandy Rock’s Doom, 181i The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death, 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The | \aunted Maid of Taos, BY CAPT. J. F. ©. ADAMS, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffies’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whiffiews Pet; or, Ir The Valley of Death, 60 The White Indian; or, The Scout of the Yellowstone 70 Old a a Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Wooda, 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Buckram 3 or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets; «r, The Wild Huntress. 251 Light-house Lige; or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp, 288 The Scalp King? or, The Human Thundervolt, BY ROGER STARBUCK. 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Danghter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk. the Old Tar, 259 The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floes. 848 Fire-Heela: or, Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow. 854 Big Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Pards. 861 The Phantom Light-house, 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner. BY WILLIAM ©. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke} or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards, BY COLONEL DELLE SARA. 108 The Lion of the Sen}; or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler's Big Game * BY HARRY &8T. GEORGE. 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. 44 Rattling Rube; or, The Nichthawks of Kentucky. 59 Old Hickory 3 or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. 108 Daring Davy ; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf, 166 Hickory Harry ; or, The Trapper-Brigade’s Spy, 172 Thunderbolt Toms or, the Wolf-Herder. BY JAMES L. BOWEN 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, The Abandoned Forest Home. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, A Story of Texas, BY ©. DUNNING CLARK, 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. 280 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereet. BY GEORGE C. JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar enor" Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. 8. A, 191 Ruffale Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed rleen. 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, The'Gambler Guide. BY CHARLES FE. LASALLE. 50 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. 52 The White Buffalo, A Tale of the Northwest BY JOUN J. MARSHALL 40 Roving Ben. A Story ofa Y American. 97 The Outiaw Brothers; ee, The Captive of the Harpes. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sport Rock 519 pod fg Mystery’: or, teva tat Geng 581 Dalsy Dare, the Sport from Denver. BY MAJOR E. L. sT. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit, 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport, 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince, 888 Brimatone Rob, and His Lightning Horse 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand.” B59 Durance teeve. the Yo omy cnaneion Wrestlers B71 Kiagholt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective. B80 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountsin Mail-Line. BY EPWARD 8, ELLIS. _6 Bill Biddon, Trapper, 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. 10 Nat Todd: or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. 21 The Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 82 The Nunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman, The Half-Blood ; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Muge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, e Three Trappers or, The Mountain Monster, 278 White Spirit of the Hills, BY W. J. HAMILTON. 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers, 66 Single Handy; or, A Life for a Life. 72 Mad Tem Western, the Texan Ranger. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop. BY JACK FARRAGOUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. B20 The Sen Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Rranded Hand; or, The Man of Mystery. 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road. 140 Blue Rlazes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rosky Bar, 171 Ebony Dan} or, The Rival Leagues. 185 Evil Eve; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande, BY LIFUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway: or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. 180 The Sea Trailer: or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Myster: of Mentauk Point, BY HARRY WAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. 829 Red-Skin ro or, The Demon's Trail. 842 The Mountain Devil; or, YeHow Jack, the Oatlaw, BY COL. A. F. MOLT. 899 Black Buckskin: or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Giant« ef Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man trom Hard Lack. 5ST @ld Ruckeye, the Sierra Shadow, 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner, BY FREDERICK DEWEY. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shots, 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 542 The Canyon Pards. BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowle Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Pards, BY LIEUT. A. K, SIMS, 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters, By Capt Mayne Reid ead Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean >wi 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Iilustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinsex Cruses, By Juana Lewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By S, W. Pierce. 86 Te Boy Clown; or, The Queen ofthe Arena, By Frank S. Finn. 8S Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 61 The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By Archie C. Irons. 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters ef the Mississippi By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Vutiawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube. the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunters or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By Georg leeson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stromghold. By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Bey, By J Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper; or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward erson. 261 Fergue Fearnaught the New Y rk Bey. By coon L. er. Killb’ar, the Guild Davy Grocxett’s Creoned Tralt. aes By Ensign ©, C Waren eer Z 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyen Trapper; or, The Maid ef the Cif By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Lice tenant Alired Thorne. 828 The Sky Ieteetivet er, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honor By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother’s Re venge. By Ned Bun tline. 865 Baltimore Ben the Bootblack Detective. By A, P. Morr, 874 Gold-Dust Tom}; or, Ben’s Double Matcl.. By George H. Sioree, 876 Californin Joe’s First Trall. By Celomel Thomm Hoyer Monstery. 418 Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F, S, Winthrop, 475 The Black Ship. By John S. Warner, 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invincibles, Bp Henry J. Thomas. 528 Wizard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arther F. Holt, 582 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Broeke Forrest, 552 Ariel, the Athlete.. By David Druid. A New Ivaue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for snle by a1! newsdealem Sup conta per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Strect, New Yes®
Page 16
¥ oe . « i *F7 bee * BEADLE'’S+ H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. i : : ~ BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM. BY OLL COOMES, ; Deadwood Dick Novela, 7 The Flying VYuankee; or, The O¢ean Outcast. BY fo 4 \ 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 17 Ralph Roy, the bey Buccan er; or The Fugitive Yacht. 18 reesbond re the Young: Wandering Jew. D4 20 Double Daguers } or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance, 24 Dinmond Dirk | or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide, : | 28 Buffalo Ben; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise, 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. B1 Keen-Kuife, tie Prince of the Prairies, . 85 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 75 The Boy Drelist 3 or, The Cruise of the Sea-Woll, 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 42 Phantom Miner} or, Deadwood Dick's Bonanza. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggter. 58 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe, 49 Omaha oul or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. 111 The Sea-Devil $ or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 1 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 5 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles} or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 116 The Mussar Captain; or, ‘The Hermit of Hell Gate, Hawk.-eye Marry the Young Trapper R .ngex. ; 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or. Calamity Jane, the Heroine, | 19% Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 88 Rollo, the Roy Ranger. @7 Corduroy Charlie; or, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act. 20-4 Gold I lume ; or, The Kid-Glove Sport, 184 Sure Shot eth the Roy Rifleman, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, 216 Bison BIL, the Prince of the Reins, 148 Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter. 104 Dendwood Dick's Device; or, I'he Double Cross Sign. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 229 Crimson Kate 3 or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 129 Deadwood Dick's Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 158 Eagle Att, the Bey Demon. i 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. ; Gulch. 245 Merle, the Middy ; or, The Freelance Heir. 178 Old Solitary ‘ f A 188 Blonde Bll; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. 250 The Midshipman \ utineer 3 or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. | 182 Little Hurelonme, she Bos Captain , 149 A Game of told; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike, 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure | 202 Prospect Pete 3 or, The Youne Ontlaw Hunters. . e 1566 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. ating 208 The Boy Hereules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 4 195 Deadwood Dick’« Dreamy or, The Rivols of the Road. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror iy 201 The Black Hilla Jezebel ; or, Deadwood Dick’s Ward. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, The Chase of “The Gold | 224 Dashing Dicks or, Trapper Tom's Castle 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Ad- Ship. ~ 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. venture, 280 Merle Monte’s Fate ; or, Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride, 288 The Parson De tectives or, The Little Ranger 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. 284 The Sea Marauder}; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 248 The Disguised Guide or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. : 7 221 Sugur-Coated Sam; or, The Black Gown. 287 Billy Blue-Kyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 7 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughe, $04 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler, 272 Minkakin Mikey the Boy Shurphester 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divides or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake, | 8093 Keno Kits or, Dead Shot Dandy's Double. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. d See aot pa | a meg | Lae *, 814 7 Mysterlous Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Long | $00 The Sky Demon ; or, Rainbdolt, the Ranger eadwoo ek’s eal; or 6 Go . hip- he 5 : i Oregon. Mees: Ae Droit: of 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rover}; or, The Flagless Schooner. aoe | eat param he Die 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats, | 838 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- | 88% Warpath WIL, the Boy Phantom, ginys, 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, | 402 Inodor, the Young Consptrator; or, The Fatal League. 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Fare 407 The Boy Insurgent; er, The Cuban Vendetta, Flats. “412 The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Cloaa’s Cruise. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds; or, The Mystery of Jonn 458 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, Tne Corsair. 417 Webfoot Mone, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, 444 Little Bueckakin, tne Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedfoot Fred; or. Old Polar Saul, 8 Tamarac ‘Tom, the Big Trapper Roy, 78 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River tyidemie, % 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Troiwn. s 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper, Porter. 487 The Seca Ralder. 421 Deadwood Bick in New York; or, A “Cute Care,” 441 The Ocean Firefly ; or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand, 446 Haphazard ee or, The Seapegrace of the Sea, » . 448 Dead wood Dick, Jr. m 450 Wizard Wilts ae, ‘he oy Ferret of New York. BY T. C. HARBAUGH, Nickel-Plate Ned; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's De " ar «a Street Scouta, ~ c, oi os . 458 Sunflower Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Dek ies Puli | 462 The Born Guide}; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 28 Nick o” the Night; or, Th» Boy Spy of "76. Hand. 4658 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Litt) Hunter, 4 47 Nightingale Nat; or, Tne Forest Captains, ¥ 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Bi . | 474 Floray or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard, 4 Matar etihtian thi ee Bega 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Wiis Last Case, Up. 64 Dand ack or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Tra. d : 465 Philo Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at | 437 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hiawk. q Claim 10, | 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 94 Midnight Jack ; or, The Boy Trapper. a : A471 Bozeman Bill; or; Deadwood Dick Jr’s Corral. | 497 Buck Taylor, King of thy Cowboys. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen. R P 476 Humboldt Harry, the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's | 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. Dog Detective, | 507 The Hunted Midsh\pman. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr: or, The Bey Vigilante. 481 Moll Mystery; or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Deadwood. 511 The Outlawed Middy, 155 Gol Trig er, the i re or, The Girl Avenger. y 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick | 920 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. 169 Tornado Toms or, Injun Jack From Red Core, Jr's Compact. tr pretnotada Buckskin. ry re Temple, "rhe Gee Bs ah 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.: or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Inheritance. a3) The Buckski: Bowers, Arkanaanw 3 or, The Quen of Fate’s Revenge. 500 Deadwood Diek's Digging ; or, Dr. Death-Grip'’s Sweep. 535 The Buc askin Rovers, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Geld Hunter. yi 5608 Dendwood Dick’s Deliverance, 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rie, 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Tonknot’s Crusade, :¥ q 515 Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. 545 Licutenant Leo, the Sn of Lafitte. 231 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Re! Jerebel. f 4 522 Deadwood Dick's Three. 550 Latitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. 241 Bill Bravoy or, The Roughs of the Rockies, 4 P 629 Deadwood Dick's Danger Ducks. 555 The Creole Corsair. 255 Captain Apoli«, the King-Pin of Bowie. q 584 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt. 560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadewer. 267 The Buckskin Detective. ’ 589 Deadwood Dick Jr., in Texas. 5665 Kent Kingdon, the Curd King. 279 Old W teels or, The Buckskin Desperadees. Jans; or, The Bowle Blade of Coehetepa. 544 Deadwood Dick, dr., the Wild West Vidoog. 549 Deadwood Dick on Mis Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, BY CHARLES MORRIS, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boaton. 8 Wis the Bor D #67 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadetphia, > Phil abe tet Pa oe Peprcters, Other Novela by E. L. Wheeler, 6 Pleayune Pete; or, Nicodemns, the Dog Detectire. 0 Detective Dick; or, The Hero tn Rags. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Pemon. 2 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 82 Bob Woelf; or, The Gel Dead-Shot. z= Will Wildfire, the rt Yaseen if ok » Yili] Wildtire’s Racer. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. Black Beas, W ill s Re 45 gid Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigama, Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. & im Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 294 Dynamilie 1% 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully, s 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona. $ $26 The Tén Parday or, The Terror of Take-Noties, i“ 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the La-so. : $45 Pitiless, Matt; or, Red Thanderhol:’s Seeret. - ‘a B56 Cool sam vnc Pardy oo The Terrible Six, @ 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutiaes; or, ‘he B ceuneer’s Girl Fee. 896 Rough Rob; or The |! win Champiens of Blue Biases 411 The Silken Lan~ +o; or, The Rose of Raneh Rebs. : 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. a 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. : 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. ~7 7 deed Mike 3 Will Wildfire in the Woods. res! Baggage. the Railroad Boy. Vine : eae 2. y ® A Trump Card ; or, Will Wilitire Wine and Loses, 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeen. +4 ptr ere Bag cota ang Ay end =A pene 4 Bod Rockett ; or, Mysteries of New York. 461 One Againat Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, f 84 Idyl, the Girl Hiner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 9 Bob Heckett, the Bank Runner, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hant. q ; 88 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance ? Fred Hosen | Cahn The 477 The Excelsior Sports or, The Washington Spotter. . 7 y # pee © alyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The S love. “Ingle § the One-Eyed Spors, . 92 Canada Chet}; or, Old Anaconda tn Sitting Bull’s Camp. 9 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. ciwantes 502 vended tol the Night Ferret, d 6 Shadowed ; or, Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life, | BLZ Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 4 Leal aeleelenlanlerlaalpalanlaalralenlaelerkardaen’ SRELAINATST TA eS 118 Jack Moyle the Young Speoulator. 08 Dark Paul, the Ti 4 . Ld ok, the Sport Detectiy . rer King, 521 Dod », . Pr i : jai pl Rdgod Mtok, cba ae, 8) ere 212 Dashing Daye, the Dandy Detective. 528 Wes nnd Palenas Oe Rowen Shadows. ) ‘ 125 Bonanza WS Nines er 220 Tom Tannor j or, The black Sheep of the Flock. 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. ‘ q 188 Boas Bob the King of Bootblacks, 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Bey Detectives, 141 Bolld Sam, the Boy Rond- Agent, ges Broder Sait te Monnens. Bohs ai 558 Dodger Dick’s Deaperate Cane. y - Sey ST Ohy the Hee ame inaneteen ot, Bont Bebe 252 Dick Dashawuyi or, A Dakota Boy In fide bse noe OE Dodger Dick, Ss Sey Tae ; : 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, . be Tdvada: ‘or 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice, 18 Wild Frank, the boca onve. B49 Jolly Simin Jobs ov. The Yours Detective LATEST AND NEW ISsvES q 209 Fritz, the Bound Bey Dataclive, ‘ | 298 The Water-Hound ; or, The Young Thoroughbred. . “4 7 ae g18 Frits © the Front; or, The Vontriloguist Heater. 805 Bite net of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker 570 Camille, the Card a ol b ois Prentics Ingrabems j ceenie the Minne ta the nak teen 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detecti 71 Air-Line Luke, the Young Engineer. By.J. C. Cowdrlek, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado, alph Ready, the Hotel Boy clive. Bik Air-Line Lara gey tn Obicane.. bon wiede. x 2 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective, 3 rhe Toe dhadaws. By T.C. Eeshocnt hooler f 40 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator, 858 Th , i © Reporter-Detective ; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizeara, ; 2 ® 867 Wide. Awele Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, B79 7 ‘™ y rf ne Bloods of vard, ,) 258 Sterra Sam's Pard; or, cm Angel ot Big Fate 408 Pires decks ter River Rat Detective ene Ingraham. ; . 258 Storra Sam’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride, 428 The Lost Fin ers or, The Entrapped Cashier. 576 The Silver Sport. By Lient. A. K. Sime. A : 275 Jumbo aoe the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 428 Fred Flyer, the Re ter Detective B77 Pavement Pete, the Seoret Sifter, By Jo Pieree. 1 e B7T Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 482 » eporter De 5 B7R Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. B Edward L. Wheeler, Invinolble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 281 Denver Dell's Victory. 456 Billy Brick, the Joily Vagabond. 4 wos 579 The Chimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Serprise-Party, j 2X5 ver Doll'« Decoy { or. Little Bill's Bonanza, 466 Wide-Awake Jerre, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, 7.€ Ry J. ©. Cowdrick. ‘ a 580 The Outcast Cadets or, The False Detevtive. By Ge}, P ie ; 06 eee ne oiies BbeAeL Sar The Road Quees. 479 Detective Dodge} or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty, ina Ingraham i. i 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker 48% Wild Dick Racket, owl Ou ; Detestive. By @ we ; B08 Liza Jane, the ‘Zirl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Spert. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman ; or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 581 per e-Ourve Dan, ine, Piteher "1 Na, Saeege + ; B25 Kelley, Mlckey &€o., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 566 The Secret service Boy Detective. 582 Dodwer Dick's Drop, By T. C.Harbangh. t 3 +4 Little Gu ok Shot es Me —_ of Daggeraville, 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow. gts rp A. K, Sime.” : b3 ngaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. J ndwood enver. By Ed. L, x a e a9 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 4 Will Watere ny Jr ee outage attan Mike, the Bowery Blood, B58 Firet-Class Fred, the Cant trom Gopher, Yellowstone Jack}; or, The Trapper. 2 a 586 The Buckskin Avenger: By Col. Prentieg Ingraham. 865 Tyeke dim, the Gold-Giatherer; or, The Lottery ef | 48 Black Jobanit Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Rotrent, BST Old Bomba the Ranger Detective. By Wm. G. Patten, a BSS J ecko Lantere, ahs Under-Sea Prospector, By Jo Pieree. ) % Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, B89 Tom-Cat The Dead § ri vy : < and Puards “: et at Silver Clty. Br e F 38 Bhee Vea? EHS sccret of Slab City ey Mustang Sam or, Th King of ie Plaine: Denn he we” reeves ¥. ; BS2 Cool Kit, the Kine of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 186 Night-lMawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. 590 endyood Dick: Jr's, ee. By E. L. Wheeler, 5 885 Yreka Jim’s Jokers or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 144 Dai ance the Boy Sport, AE a sung Sea-Rover, 3 : + +44 ee ll egy ie tie oe of Lightning Lode, 151 coil ale : or Faint Lance to. the Reseue. Pee Relmontey the aa, . By J By Cm F penne : reka Jim o uba Dam, Roy . » "he On. oC, . . - shy BS a the ag a 9 Detective. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 592 The Boy Pinkert y Cewdrick ‘ | =) pr OS ae et ratte AGS Dendly Daath be, Wishitig ¥ieg wiih Fins, BOs Keon tikememer |e *Y?. Sees iu 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 184 The Boy Trailers} or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. 594 Litite ton the Street-Singer Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. wk 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks. Ready Deeember 11. ; 456 Seulskin Sam, tho Sparkler. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. A Now Issue Ever . y Tuesday. : 4g BY BUFFALO BILL (Ion, Wm, F. Cody), 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy- - : % 8 Kanans Kings or, The Red Right Hand, 819 The Black Rider}; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. The bpncrgt 75 wes ae eich Cae ‘ A 19 The eam Thay Lor, 1 te Pilot of the Prairie. 885 Old Double Fiat} or, The Strange Guide. conta per copy, oF 8°! DY mail on receipt of six cents each, m Be b Borde Robin Hoody cr, The Prairie Rover. 855 The King ofthe Woods: or Duutel Boone’s Last Trail, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, ; 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; ot, Tho Trapper’s Trost, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Doy Detective. 98 William Street, New York. 3