Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 591) (1888 11 20)
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at - sad is Delmonte, the Young Sea-Rover. mansion until up in the ‘ Thirties,” there now stands a handsome house where dwells a de- scendant of a race of duelists, It was just before the close of the last century, along in the seventeen-nineties, that a young girl dwelt at Sea Lands, a lovely home over- looking the Mississippi Sound and the blue wa- ters of the Mexican Gulf beyond. She was the daughter of a wealthy picnter, and an only child; and being possessed of beauty ’ of face and form in a rare degree, it was not to ‘ be wondered at that she had won the name of the ‘ Belle of the Coast.” Miriam Volney, for’such was her name, was no ordinary girl, and her suitors were at sword’s- points to win her hand, and it was a long time before she showed any preference, Her father favored a young planter dwelling near, but it was perhaps because Roland De Vigne was the heir to great wealth, and, withal was a handsome, dashing fellow, whose wild life was overlooked on account of his aristo- cratic family and riches. There had been another son, but he, after be- ing refused by: Miriam Volney, had mysteri- ously disappeared, and many taought that he had committed suicide, though a few who seem- ed to know more of the life he had led, hinted that he had become a sea rover. This disappearance of his brother left the field to Roland De Vigne, as far as his bruther’s rivalry was concerned, and he became more ardent thanever in his devotion to the young girl, and hinted that be was the only heir to the vast estate of the De Vignes, But tbere were others who loved the beautiful Miriam, and several might be classed as danger- ous rivals too. One of these was the son of a widow dwelling some miles from Sea Lands. He came of good blood and had been raised in preegee and to expect a fortune. But when in his twenty-second year his father bad lost nearly his entire fortune, in a game of cards with the father of Roland De Vigue. So desperate had been the planter at his losses, that he put a pistol to bis head and blew out his brains before the eyes of the winner, and thus had left his widow and his son almost to struggle for life, But poor though he was Ambrose Delmonte was a man to win a woman’s heart, and, though frowned upon by rich Planter Volney, he cer- tainly bad made an impression u Miriam. There was a stormy interview, it was said, when Ambrose Delmonte asked the planter for his daughter; but he won the day, as it was soon reported that he was engaged to Miriam. Roland De Vigne was away from home when this ramor went the rounds, He was absent in New Orleans, whither he often went in his yacht to enjoy a week or two of revelry, and which revelry, ending as it did should have made him a wiser man, but it fai in so doing, a Hearing of the engagement he at once re- turned to Oak Mound, his home, sprung upon a horse and was soon at Sea Lands. : ‘* Missy Mi’rum are out on ther bluff, sah,” said the negro whom he saw as he rode up to the mansion of Sea Lands, Dismounting, Roland De Vigne hastened to . the bluff, which was a point that commanded anextended view of the coast, and a favorite spot of retreat with Miriam Volney. The young man found ber there, seated in an arbor her father had had built for her, and she was engaged in embroidery, while a book lay by her side, The face of the young planter was flushed, He felt the effects of a week's dissipation in the city and more he was angry. “What is this [ hear, Miss Volney, about your intending to marry that fellow, Delmonte?” and Roland De Vigne confronted her. The eyes of the beautiful girl flashed at this rudeness, but she said quietly: ‘It is the truth, sir.’ ‘* And do you cast me off for that man?” ‘Mr. De Vigne, as you owe your life to Mr. Delmonte I should think you would speak of him at least with respect.” ‘Tf he did save my life, stealing you from me has canceled that debt,” was the angry reply. “How has Mr. Delmonte stolen what ‘you never possessed ?” ‘* Your father pledged rear hand to me,” ‘* And [ refused your offer, sir,” ** And does your father agres to this?” ** He does,” “Then some underhand reason has been brought fo bear upon him, for he never liked Ambrose Delmonte, ' among the majestic live-oaks where stood a | ‘““Tamto marry Mr. Delmonte, sir, and with my father’s consent, so pray do not interfere in what does not concern you.” ‘** But it does concern-me, Miriam Volney, and I shall forbid this marriage, yes, and you shall be my wife.” Miriam Volney arose to her feet, her face pale with anger, and said: “Mr. De Vigne, you forget yourself, sir, and I command you to leave my presence.” ** I will not leave, and— Stay! do not you de- part, for I can lower your proud head, my beauty, and that your father well knows,” dng had started to leave the arbor, but turned ck, What did his strange words mean? A terrible dread came upon her, for once'she remembered, when her father was delirious from fever, she had heard strange words come from his lips. Could they have been true, where she had be- lieved them but the ravings of delirium? This man’s threat was against her, to “‘ lower her proud head,” ‘*In Heaven’s name, Roland De Vigne, what does your threat mean?’ she asked, almost pleadingly. ee that you will be my wife and all will be well, ‘T will devote my life to your happiness, will no longer lead a wild life, and my love will shield you from every evil, for devotedly do I love you, Miriam,” ‘*T cannot, for I do not love you, and I have been surprised that my father has urged me to marry you, knowing your wild life.” “He dared not refuse me,” was the significant response of the man, and his tone and look told Miriam Volney that he held some secret power over her father which was unknown to her. ** Refuse me, and woe be unto you and yours,” he muttered, savagely. CHAPTER II. THE SECRET TIE, ‘* Do you.dare threaten me, sir?” said Miriam, with anger in look and tone, The man laughed, ‘* Yes, for I hold the winning cards, sweet Miriam, and can win the game by foul, if not by fair means. ‘Tf you refuse, then I shall force you to be- come Mrs. Roland De Vigne, as I have the power to do so.” **T defy you, sir!” ** Ah! do you mean it?” “ I do.” ** You refuse me?” ‘** Yes, a thousand times, yes!” ** And shall marry Ambrose Delmonte?” > Twill” ** Now let us see if you will do so against my threat that you will repent it.” “‘T have nothing to repent.” “You, no, perbaps not, for if I thought so I would not ask you to be my wife. “But the Bible er the-sins of the fathers are visived upon the children, and suppose I tell you— “No, no, I will not listen to you, for—” _- Abt you know the story, then?” “T know nothing, nor do I wish to know.” ‘Suppose it be about your father?” “‘T would not believe it,” “‘ Suppose about your mother?” “IT would believe yo true could come from your lips, Rolaud De Vigne.” “T can give proof, and by Heaven I will force the proof I have upon you. ‘“* You shall not escape me, Miriam Volney, for if you refuse to be my wife, then will I see to it that you marry no one else,” _ ‘* What do your strange words mean?” she paid. pleatlingly, ber spirit for the moment leav-~ ing her. a Will you be my wife?” _ “ No ba ° ; “Then I shall make known to the world that—” He paused, and she entreated: “ hat?” ‘That which will cause you to repent refus- ing my offer,” T will seek my father, sir, and he will bold you respousible for your words to me,” She again started to depart, but he broke forth into a mocking laugh. _ She turned back and said, almost fiercely: ‘‘Have you no manhood, to thus threaten a wort “Will you not tell me what your strange words mean?” “No! I will let the world show you, as you. refuse to marry me,” She felt that the man did hold some terrible secret that was a power over her father, and vat bring disgrace upon her. Whatit was she did not know, could not guess; but she remembered the strange mutterings of her father in bis delirium, She would not let Koland De Vigne go away with the threat to do as he said he would. So she said: “Roland De Vigne, what secret you hold I know not, but I fear you do possess some power over my father, _““Tn my own soul I am guilty of no wrong, so did I act as you demanded, it would be to save my father, ** But I cannot do so, and in confidence, if you i promise to keep my secret, I will tell you why. “* Do you promise?” The man was impressed by her manner and words, and wondering, he answered: ** Yes, I promise.” ** Well, 7’ tell you frankly I knew that father wished me to marry you. ‘Your brother, whom I fear is dead, asked me to be his wife when I was only sixteen, and he went away, I fear never to return, vowing vengeance against me, as you have. ‘*T did not love him, for, since 1 can remem- ber I have loved Ambrose Delmonte.” **Curse him!” ** Don’t say that, for you would now be in your grave but for him.” ** Don’t throw that in my teeth.” “ Well, let me tell you why I cannot marry you, even if it was to save my father from more than death.” ‘Tam all attention, Miss Volney,” said Ro- land De Vigne with a sneer, ‘* When I was at the convent in New Orleans, I often visited a. relative, remaining over Sun- day with her, and as often met Ambrose Del- monte there. “Twas but seventeen then, and we became secretly engaged. ‘* Then, when I came home for the holidays, I discovered that my father was determined that I should marry you. **T could not account for it, as father was so rich he-certainly would not wish your money for me. *T told Ambrose about it, and he too saw what I did, that I was destined to become your wife, ‘““T wrote my father that I loved Ambrose, and he wrote back to me that I must marry you when I was eighteen. ““T showed the letter to Ambrose, and in ‘seven months I knew I would be sold to you and I consented to secretly become the wife o Ambrose Delmonte,.” ‘** Curses!” and the word fairly sp from between the teeth of the furious young dlanter'! “We were secretly married, and two weeks ago when my father told me that I must accept your offer and marry you within two months, I told him that I was already a wife. ‘‘He raved and stormed, as you doubtless will do, but he could not undo what had been done, and so said that he would see you, and let me be married at Sea Lands by our own priest, within six weeks. : ‘*Then we let it be reported that I was en- ed to Ambrose Delmonte. ‘Now you know the secret tie that binds me to another, and will not urge me more to what cannot be, Roland De Vigne.” “You have told me the truth, Miriam Vol- ney?” The man’s calmness fairly startled her, “You swear it?” “ I 0.” ‘Then listen to me vow before High Heaven Mrs, Miriam Delmonte, that 1 will be avenged upon you and yours for this act that divides me from you. ‘“T exonerate your father, for he was de- ceived, as I have , but upon you my hatred fall—upon you, and yours, “ Good-evening, madam,’ He wheeled quickly and walked away, but his fearful vow rung in the ears of Miriam, Hager the blood to surge from heart to brain, an she sunk down upon the arbor floor in a deep swoon, CHAPTER ITI. DEAD. A MOMENT after the departure of Roland De Vigne, and the swooning of Miriam in the arbor, aman came along 3 bluff upon which stood the little rustic retreat. He was dressed in huntsman’s garb, carried @ — the rie shore beneath the me t
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rifle upon his shoulder and had a string of game which his unerring aim had brought down. Tall, straight as an Indian, he possessed a face that was manly and winning. He was a young man, scarcely over twenty- six, and his countenance was stamped with re- finement and intelligence, added to which was a look full of indomitable pluck. He halted beaeath the bluffs, glanced at the steps cut in the hard earth and leading to the grove above, and said aloud: ‘*T will run up with the hope that she may be there.” He ascended the steps and his rifle fell from his bands as he beheld the unconscious form of Miriam upon the floor, ‘*My God! is she dead?” He knelt and raised her in his arms; but the eyes opened and gazed into his own, ‘¢ Ambrose?” ** Miriam, you are ill. ‘* What has happened?” he said tenderly, She shuddered and said: “T am not ill now, so let me sit there on the bench, and collect my senses,” : He obeyed her, while he held to her lips a silver canteen of water which he carried. She took several swallows and then said with an effort: ‘*T fainted, for I recall all now.” ‘* You are not well, so come, let me escort you to the house.” ‘*No, I prefer to remain here, and I am glad that you have come, for | have something to tell you, Ambrose,” ‘* | feel that something has happened. ‘* Has your father—” ‘* No, no, father is most kind. ** But [ had a visitor.” ‘‘Ha! Roland De Vigne, for I heard he had returned from the city, furious at our engage- ment.” ‘¢ Yes, it was he.” ** And bas he dared to say aught to you, to frighten you?” ** He frightened me, yes, for he threatened.” ** He threatened you? ‘* Then he shall answer for this to me.” ‘* Ambrose, hear me, and promise me that you will do nothing in this matter.” “Ttis hard to make such a promise, for I think that Roland De Vigne needs a lesson taught him,” 5 ‘No, you are to have no quarrel with him, for it has ended, at least I hope so.” **Tell me all,” ‘* He came here and asked me if it were true that I was to marry you. [ told him yes. Then he said that I should be his wife—that m father had consented to it, and I must brea with you.” - Ambrose Delmonte laughed at this, He well knew that the tie was not to be ~ broken so readily. “When I told him that I did not love him and had always loved you, from the time I was a little girl, he then threatened that ne would lower my pride if I refused, and said that he knew some fearful secret, about father, I sup- pose, that would force me to marry him rather than have it known.” hold some pete over father, and it is for this reason tha ‘*Nonsense, Miriam, for what care I for clouds? ‘They are all of the past, and may be some indiscreet act of your father when he was young, and which this man has discovered in some way. igh y _ “Your father’s pride is such that he would not wish aught known, if there was a wrong in os and Roland De Vigne bas worked upon his ears, “‘Now I do not care what the charge is, you are secretly my wife and soon shall become such before all ‘* You are all that is good and true, and I love youfar more than F 0 my life, so shake off this feeling and be happ’ ‘*I would like to go to be Vigne and force his words down his false throat; but for your _ sake I will do nothing, unless he wishes to push ” the matter further, “When he threatened, -Ambrose, I told him our secret.” ie ret P? he secret marriage?” ‘*T told him because I wished him to under- stand that when I would have sacrificed myself to save my father, for it would have been, ob, such a sacrifice to become his wife, it was be- yond possibility, as I was already bound to ou ‘** And what said he?” Miriam hesitated, and then as her face flush- ed at not telling the truth exactly, she replied: ‘* Well, he seemed surprised and angry, and departed. ‘*But, Ambrose, I fear that he will be re- vengeful, for it is his nature.” “True, it would be like him, but then have no fear, for he can do us no harm,” was the reply. And Miriam wished that she could only feel as did Ambrose Delmonte; but she could not, and in ber heart there came a dread of evil to come through the threat of Roland De Vigne. CHAPTER IV. THE STRANGE SCHOONER, AMBROSE DELMONTE and Miriam were mar- ried upon the day set, and the grand parlors of the fine old mansion were crowded with the aristocracy of the coast, and all admired the loveliness of the bride and the handsome groom, Since his meeting with Miriam in the arbor, Roland De Vigne bad not been seen, having de- parted for New Orleans, and whispers came that he was indulging in a perfect round of dissipation. Mr. Volney seemed a trifle anxious on the evening of the wedding, and Miriam was also nervous, both father and daughter constantly watching the doors, as though expecting, yet dreading an arrival, Roland De Vigne had been invited to the wed- ding, for it could not be otherwise; but he did not come, and it seemed a cause of relief to both Mr. Volney and the bride that he had not done so, As for Ambrose Delmonte, he seemed to be perfectly indifferent regarding his rival’s com- ing or staying away. Thus time passed away, and Roland De Vigne became the lord aud master of Oak Mound through the death of his father. Since the wedding of Miriam, he had shut himself up in his elegant home, receiving no calls and going nowhere, unless it was to hunt for game or dash along the highways mounted upon one of his fleet racers, which he always rode at a full run. As time went by, an heir was born to Sea Lands, a baby boy that became the idol of the household, and the fond mother began to breathe more freely, for she hoped that Roland De Vigne had given up all thought of keeping his vow of revenge, or the threat had been nails in anger, The little heir was named Volney Delmonte, after his grandfather, and as years passed away grew to be a splendid, bandsome boy, His mother took delight in teaching him all that she could, while his father acted as his tutor, and not only was his educator in hook lore, but also taught him to ride, swim, feace and shoot, and in fact, when he reached his eleventh year, young Volney Delmonte was far beyond his age in learning and athletic accom- plishments, e@ afternoon a rakish schooner, armed well SEY geapned, care slipping into om the n ancbor a mile off Sea Lands, ulf, a opped She was a vessel-of-war, without doubt, for she carried the American flag at her peak, an officers in brilliant uniforms were seen pacing the deck. . Mr. Volney and Ambrose Delmonte were both away from home, having gone back into the interior to a plantation they had there, and Volney, the youth, was seated upon the piazza when the vessel came to an anchor. ‘¢ Oh, isn’t she a beauty,” he cried, with a real sailor’s eye for a fine craft, for the lad had be- come well up in sailing a boat. : He addressed the question to his mother, who just then came out upon the piazza, “Tt is a beautiful vessel, Volney, and her be will denbilews visit g ia am sorry that your father and grand are not at home,” replied Mrs. Delonte, woo was a beautiful woman of thirty. Voluey felt that he would like to have a closer look at the schooner, and so, going to the shore. rung into a boat and rowed out and around the armed craft, He saw that she was of a very rakish build, ars be in the water and carried twelve guns. she spe coed ges aso te cae le a spread of sail, = NOME f Delmonte, the Young Sea-Rover. 3 Se Her decks were covered with men, and they glanced over the bulwarks at the youth as he rowed near, Upon the quarter-deck was an officer in a showy uniform, alternately pacing to and fro and gazing through his glass at the sweep of shore uotted here and there with plantation homes. A fair breeze was blowing, and the armed schooner tugged impatiently at her anchor, as though anxious to fly away over the blue waters, In perfect admiration young Voiney Del- monte gazed at the vessel, and resting upon his oars his boat drifted nearer and nearer. Suddenly the eyes of the officer on the quar- ter-deck fell upon him and he started, bent an earnest gaze upon him and then called out; ‘* Ho, my lad, come aboard, if you wish to,” Volney was delighted at the honor shown him, and, in an instant, was alongside and stood vpon the quarter-deck by the side of the officer, who appeared to be a man of forty, witha dark, stern face and piercing eyes. The officer gazed at the Jad in a peculiar man- ner and added: ‘* What is your name?” ‘‘Volney Delmonte, sir,” was the prompt reply. ’ ‘**Ah! and do you dwell on this coast” “Yes, sir, at Sea Lands. That is my home you see there among the live oaks.” ‘* And your father is a planter, I suppose?” “Yes, sir, and so is na Volney.” ‘¢ What did you say your father’s name was?” ‘* Ambrose Delmonte.” ** And yours?” “*Volney Delmonte.” ‘““Ah, yes, and your mother’s name was a Miss Miriam Volney?” “Yes, sir, but, do you know my mother?” “* T once knew her.” ‘“Mother will be giad to see you, sir, I know; but father and grandpa are away from home to-day, having gone to the a id plantation.” ‘*T see, my fine lad; but bow would you like to be a sailor?” ‘“‘ Oh, sir; I would like it so much,” ‘*Have you any brothers?” ‘*No, sir; but I have a little sister, Violet, and she is just six years old,” ‘*Indecd? and you and your sister are the only children your parents bave?” ‘* Yes, sir.” ‘‘ And she married Ambrose Delmonte?” pate Sel egg “Well, my lad, you are just the one I want to make a sailor of, so I will take you with me,” and the man smiled, but it was an evil smile and caused the boy to shrink from him. ‘Mother would not allow me to go, sir.” ‘We will not ask her, my lad. “Ho there, men! Get up anchor and set sail, for we must be off, now that the game I came for has come into my net without trouble.” The face of the man, as well as his words, struck terror to the heart of the boy, and with a bound he started for his boat, “Head him off!” roared the commander, and several officers and men made a dash for the lad, In despair of reaching his boat, Volney lea upon the bulwarks, ane from them beard bold. ly into the sea, CHAPTER V, THE FIRST BLOW OF REVENGE, Mrs. DELMONTE had watched the departure of her son for the shore with no feeling of dread, for little Volney, was often wont to go sailing alone upon the waters, and she had no fear that barm would befall hin. _ When sbe looked again she saw bim shoot out from under the bluff, rowing leisurely in his skiff and heading for the armed vessel, Still she felt no dread, for certainly no harm could befall bim from an American schooner- of-war. d When he wenton board she was pleased with the honor shown him, knowing that he would not have gone without an invitation to do so. Continuing with the fancy-work she was en- gaged upon, she forgot about Volney until a sunny-haired, lovely-faced little gir] came run- ning out upon the piazza, calling out: *Voley! Vol’ey |” “Your brother has gone out to that vessel, Violet, out there on the waters.” ** Ob, let me go, too!” pleaded the child, Before her mother could reply she heard a loud voice on boaril the schooner, and saw forms running about the deck, Then she heard a splash in the waters, for th wind came frem that direction, and, a moment PE NG, wipe Le aiand FRIESE INE We
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4 after, beheld a boat shoot out schooner’s hull and row rapidly about. It appeared as though the boat was trying to catch something in the water, and, after awhile, it returned to the schooner, which at once got up anchor, sail having been set, and stood away. It was some moments before Mrs, Delmonte could realize that her boy had gone upon the schooner, Perhaps the vessel was only changing her anchorage? But no! it stood swiftly off-shore, and was crowded with all the sail she could spread. Then the poor mother realized the fact that her boy had been kidnapped, and her piercing shriek brought a half a dozen slaves to her aid. ‘¢Susan! Richard! they have stolen my boy! See! he is on yonder vessel and—” The poor woman could say no more but feil back upon her chair, while the frightened ser- vants did all in their power to revive her. A man on aswift horse was dispatched at once for Ambrose Volney, and another went for the doctor. When, soon after nightfall, the two gentle- men arrived, they found Mrs. Delmonte in an agony of grief at the loss of little Volney, and she told the story of what she bad seen, There had been several pirate vessels seen of late in the Gulf, and that the schoouer was such a craft, sailing under false colors, Ambrose Delmonte at once felt assured. The lawless rovers very seldom approached the waters of the Sound; but this one had evidently done so for a purpose, That little Volney bad been kidnapped seem- ed to point toward holding him for a large ran- som, and Ambrose Delmonte cheered his wife with the hope that their boy would soon be re- stored to them, when the pirate, got their price. Since his marriage Ambrose Delmonte had prospered well, and he had become a rich map, independent of the fortune obtained by his wife. He was therefore anxious to pay any sum de- munded by the kidnappers for the restoration of his son; but at the same time was desirous of punishing the lawless commander, and so told his wife that he would leave her in the care of her father, while he went at once to New Or- leans to see if there was not a vessel-of-war there that could start in chase of the pirate. ‘Should there not be a vessel-of-war there, wife, [ will charter a swift schooner, arm and man her and go in search of the kidnapper,” be said, and half an hour after he was on his way to the city in his yacht, going by way of Lake Borgne. There was no war-vessel in port, but there was a merchant brig, armed by Government permit, as she sailed in South American waters and her commander wished to protect himself, and she was at once chartered by the planter, the skipper gladly going for the sum offered, as well as to recapture the boy and punish the pirate. There was a large crew hastily shipped, and in six hours after the arrival of Ambrose Del- monte in the city, the brig Breeze was going down the Mississippi to the Gulf. Weeks passed away and not a sail had been met with answering the description given by Mrs. Delmonte of the kidnapping schooner, so that Ambrose Delmonte reluctantly ordered the captain of the brig to head for New Orleans, erhaps the kidnappers had already commu- nicated with his wife, received the ransom- money demanded, and given up the lad, It was night when the brig neared the mouth of the Mississippi, and Ambrose Delmonte and the captain, who were in the cabin, bastened on deck when the mate reported ‘‘a long, rakish armed schooner in sight, coming out of the river.” ** Tt must be the vessel, and she can but be re- turning from having given up my boy. “But let us make her show her colors, cap- tain,” said Ambrose Delmonte. The brig was cleared for action and a shot was fired over the schooner. But she held on her course and took no notice from the of it. Then another shot was fired, but the schooner held on in silence on the same course, “Tt must be the vessel we seek, captain, for a Government cruiser would certainly have taken notice of our shots. ‘* Suppose you fire a shot into her.” This suggestion of Ambrose Delmonte was at once carrisd out, and, quick as a flash the schooner luffed, as though stung with anger at the blow, and poured a broadside upon the brig. The effect was disastrous in the. extreme, for the foretopmast was cut away, a gun dismount- ed and a dozen men killed. Delmonte, the Young: Sea-Rover. The brig promptly returned the fire, and the action became rapid and fierce. The schooner held on her course, steadily near- ing the brig, and yet holding for the Guif, and her guns were manned with a rapidity and skill that was remarkable, and more, it caused the brig to suffer terribly. In return the brig seemed to do the schooner little damage, and, after one terrible broadside, as she sailed by, the strange craft passed on her way out into the Gulf, leaving its adversary too badly crippled to follow, As she sped by, the flashes of the guns showed that she was a pirate, for at her peak was plain- ly visible the black flag. The Brig. held on slowly ae to the city, and ee elmonte hastened home with all dis- patch. Volney was not there, and he found his wife almost prostrated with grief, for, fastened upon the front door of the mansion, one morning a week before, had been found a letter. This letter was carried by Richard the negro butler, to bis mistress. It was addressed to: ‘* Mrs, MirnramM DELMONTE, ** Sea Lands, ** On the coast.” There wasa black seal upon it and as she glanced at it Miriam saw that the stamp on it represented a grinning skull. Opening the letter she read: ** On board the ‘* ARMED SCHOONER SEA DUELIST. ‘** Off Sea Lands Plantation, ‘*Thursday, Midnight. “To MADAM MrriaAM VoLNEY DELMONTE, * Greeteng;—Permit me to say that one who vowed revenge against you, has, after long years, struck his first blow in kidnapping your boy. “Some day you may again meet your son and heir, youand your husband Ambrose Delmonte, and if you do you will see then how bitter has been the re- venge of A DiscARvED LOVER,”’ Such was the letter that was handed to Am- brose Delmonte by his wife, and when he had read it and re-read it several times, he said in a low voice that quivered with emotion: *‘ This is the work of Roland DeVigne, and his life must answer for it,” —_— CHAPTER VI. THE INSULT. Tut home of the De Vignes was a fine one, and yet the lord aud master of the estate dwelt there like an exile, since he had discovered that Miriam was the wife of Ambrose Delmonte. He seemed, by his thus exiling himself from every one, and dwelling like a recluse at his hand- some abode, to have really loved Miriam, and so the neighbors gave him the credit for it, It seemed tu have reformed him also, for he had not indulged in the wild sprees which he had been wont to in the past. That he had never kept his threat of revenge Miriam had wondered at, as she had deemed him one to stop at nothing to gain his ends, So, when the blow came, in the kidnapping of little Volney, both father and mother, and old Mr, Volney also, looked upon Roland De Vigne as the one at the bottom of the cruel act. Who else could ‘‘a discarded lover” be than Roland De Vigne? So it was that Ambrose Delmonte meant to hit back, and how else to strike but at the life of of Roland De Vigne. Though he could not believe that the "hong craft was in any way connected with De Vigne, he yet supposed that he had used her, through others, as a means Of seeking bis revenge upon him and his wife. Not very far from Sea Lands dwelt a young panier by the name of Desmond Vale, and to im Ambrose Delmonte went on the day after his return home, ‘*Vale, you know of the loss of my boy, of course, and I have reason to believe that he has been kidnapped by Roland De Vigne, or through his agency, so I must ask you to go with me to ee him, for Iam determined to have the man out. ‘TL hope, Delmonte, you are mistaken as to De Vigne, for I could hardly believe he would be guilty of an act so vile; but I will go with you, of course, and we will see if the matter cannot be arranged,” replied Desmond Vale, and ordering bis horse he rode with Delmonte over to the De Vigne Plantation, Since his beginning to live the life of a -recluse he bad allowed the undergrowth to grow up about the house, seeming to wish to wholly shut himself in from the view of every one. The park and grounds were uncared for,. though the plantation was cultivated most a ann thoroughly. The house needed paint, and excepting a few of the rooms which Roland De Vigne occupied, the rest of the mansion was closed up. Seated upon the broad piazza as the two friends rode up, Roland De Vigne looked up with surprise when he saw who were his vis- itors. ‘*This is an honor, I assure you, most un- looked for, and, asITam not on visiting terms with any of my neighbors, I must add, wholly unexpected,” he said, as he arose to meet the two friends, Ambrose Delmonte bowed, for he was always courtly, and replied: ‘*There are circumstances, Mr. De Vigne, when a man’s privacy must be brcken in upon, and this is one of them, for I have come to ask you about the kidnapping of my boy.” ‘“*T have heard from the negroes that you bad lost your son; but why you should break in upon me about it, I certainly cannot compre- hend,.” There was not the shadow of guilt upon the man’s face as he ape ke. He seemed to be surprised that he had been asked about little Volney’s kidnapping. “T ask you, sir, I come to you, Roland De Vigne, because I believe you to have been the man who had my child taken from me,” ‘* What, do you dare accuse me of being a kidnapper?” and the face of Roland De Vigne paled with anger. ‘*T do accuse you, sir, and I shall make you answer with your life for your act.” “Hal! this to me, sir,” and quick asa flash the open hand of De Vigne was thrust into the face of Ambrose Delamonte, The latter did not move, Every particle of color left bis face, and he stood like one suddenly changed into marble. When he spoke his voice was cold, cutting and calm. ‘*T came here, sir, to demand that you meet me for your coward act in stealing my child from me, and you have placed another debt upon me that shall receive full payment, I pledge ed ‘* Hold! I will fight you, yes, when and where you please, and with any weapons you may de- sire; but I wish to say now that I know nothing whatever of your child.” ‘In your teeth you lie, Roland De Vigne!” ‘‘T have. let you feel the weight of my hand, Mr. Delmonte, and we are to meet, 90 other in- sults fall harmlessly upon me. ‘* Am I to understand that Mr. Vale is your friend?” “‘T am, sir,” said Desmond Vale, ‘‘ Well, this is all so sudden that I really have no one now to call upon to act as my second. ‘“* But whatever weapons will suit Mr. Del- monte, I will be pleased with, and the same as regards time and place, ‘ Pray select and let me know, and a friend will be with me on the meeting-place.” ‘*To-morrow at sunset, weapons pistols, dis- tance ten paces, and the spot to be the Live Oak Point on the shore below here,” said Ambrose Delmonte, promptly. . ; ‘“‘T agree, sir,” replied De Vigne with the ut- most coolness. ‘*T shall be there with my second,” and he bowed as though the interview was ended. ‘¢T tell you, sir, that it is to be a meeting that must end in the death of one of us, so prepare accordingly,” and Delmonte bowed and with Desmond Vale departed from the home of the strange recluse. CHAPTER VII. A MIDNIGHT VISITOR. RoLaNnD DE VIGNE sat alone in his library, the night following the visit of Ambrose Del- monte and his second, His face was stern, but there was a look upon it that was sinister and boded no good. Upon the table near him were a pair of duel- ing-pistols, which he had just been carefully cleaning for use on the morrow, There were papers upon his desk, as though he bad been overlooking certain matters it was best not to neglect, standing as he did upon the brink of the grave, for he knew that his triumph in the duel was not certain, for he had a danger- ous Man to face. The library was most comfortably furnished, and the look within was that of a man who loved luxury and had all bis heart could wish. The windows were open, and a balmy breeze stole in from off the Gulf. . But had the eyes of Roland De Vigne been turned toward the full length window opening
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oe pays Lean rend behind upon the front piazza, they would have fallen upon a man, There stood a man attired in sailor garb, with a Cloak thrown over his shoulders, and his face wholly masked. Suddenly he stepped into the room, It was midnight and the master was alone, for the servants had retired, and the step and form startled hiro, Instantly he dropped his hand upon one of the pistols on the table, as the cloaked form and masked face came through the window and con- fronted him. A laugh came from beneath the mask, at the act of hostility on the part of the master of the manor, and then the words, uttered in a deep, but musical voice: ‘*Put down that toy, Roland De Vigne, for it is not loaded, and if it were, [ face too many weapons in the life 1 lead to fear that one even in your hands.” ‘By Heaven! but I know that voice! It comes to me as from the dead,” said Roland De Vigne, excitedly. **-Yes, you have heard it before, true, but not of late years. Whoam I?’ and the stranger, as he spoke, took a seat very quietly, throwing aside his cloak as he did so, ‘You are—” ‘* Yes, Lam, and I have come here to talk a little business with you, Roland De Vigne.” ‘1 believed you were dead,” © **Oh, no, Iam not dead, as you see, but very much alive.” ‘Why, it was reported that—” **Oh, yes, but I started the report myself, as I had reasons for wishing to be thought either under ground or at the bottom of the sea. ** But here I am, and, as I said, we have busi- ness together,” ‘Of course I know what that is.” ** Yes, I want money, and so I came to you,” “ The truth is, I have met with misfortune of late, for I had plenty and sought to bury it on an island where it would be ready for my use when I gave up the sea.” “You are a sailor?” “4 “Yes, and commander of as fine a craft as floats.” ‘* In what service?” “ Well, [ am, I may say, in the mercantile service, for [avoid armed decks and hunt for richly-laden craft.” “ Hal a pirate?” ‘Well, yes, you might so call me.” ‘*That is why you wear that mask, you being ashamed to have your face seen by honest men,” said Roland De Vigne with a sneef. A higg self-confessed pirate laughed heartily at this. , ‘¢ Honest men! ashamed to have my face seen? “Well, I like that, Roland De Vigne; but to the story I was telling you about the loss of my treasure.” peek es,” * Well, I found a hiding-place, and after an- other cruise ran down there to put the booty away until wanted, _ “I was wounded, however, in a fight with an American cruiser, and so had to intrust it to my mate and two men, “They started at night, to go ashore, and a i sudden hurricane spel) down upon us and I - mever saw the men, the boat or the treasure again.” “They went down?” ‘* Yes, for the boat could not have lived,” “ Was the mate a man to trust?” “Yes, as men go; but I trust no man, or woman either.” aif. “The world has imbittered you by the ex- -periences you have had in it.” _ Yes, and you do not look exactly happy.” “Nor am I; but that is my affair.” “ True, but I guess the cause.” * What?” “That lovely woman whom you so madly loved.” “As you did,” ‘True, I admit it; but I have gotten my re- venge.” fist _* Ah! in what way?” “T have their son in my power.” __ ** You, then, are the kidnapper of the nl Yes, and luck placed bim in my hands, “Thad meditated another kind of revenge; but I decided that to have the boy would com- r sate me in part for my sufferings through : ik You did suffer, then?” , im § you, ye8, 88_you did, and now do, for De Vigne.” your sneering face, Roland le Vigne,’ "Well, wbat do you read Delmonte, the Young Sea-R “That you love that woman yet.” ‘*You are right, for I do, and ever shall; but I will torture her, loving her as I do, for to- morrow I fight a duel with her husband,” **Great God! would that I stood in your shoes, for I have wanted to kill that man for years, yes, for long years, and the pleasure is to be given to you.” ‘**] hope su, for I am to fight him at sunset to- morrow, and, by the way, as I have seen no one yet to act for me, suppose you be my second in the affair?” ; ““Gladly; but I will not throw aside my mask,” * You fear to be recognized?” * Well, yes, for you must remember I am dead to the world, and am now known only by a pame [ have won on the seas,” ‘* May I ask the name, for I may have heard it?” **You doubtless have, for it is feared, I can poy you, in the Gulf and in the Caribbean ea ‘*T am known as Despard, the Pirate.” ‘* My God! and you are that monster?” The pirate laughed as though he enjoyed the amazement of Roland De Vigne, and replied: “Yes, lam Despard the monster, and I will be your second in to-morrow’s duel with Am- brose Delmonte; but now let us talk business, for | am in need of money,” and the pirate drew near the table and took his seat, CHAPTER VIII. UNDER THE LIVE OAKS, DESMOND VALE drove up to Sea Lands early in the afternoon, and found Delmonte pacing the piazza, a cigar between bis teeth, He greeted his friend pleasantly, and said: “‘My wife knows all, and is prepared for the worst; but 1 cannot believe that that wicked man will triumph over me,” “I certainly feel the same way; but have you made all arrangements, Delmonte?” ** Yes, all.” ‘* And your father-in-law, what says he?” ‘*He wished to go to the field with me; but I ye Se: him to remain with Miriam, and he will O So. ; “Now let us go in and seeif anything has been left undone, for I must prepare surely for death, though hoping for life.” “Yes,” and Desmond Vale gazed into the face of the brave man before him with admira- tion at his courage. ‘Within the sitting-room were Mrs, Delmonte, her father and little Violet, _The wife was white-faced but calm, and Mr, Volney stern and with a face clouded with grief and anger, Little Violet, impressed by the faces of her mother and grandfather stood near in silence, having deserted her dolls. Delmonte and Vale entered the room almost ae and the man so soon to face death took Violet upon his knee and began to play with her. ee spoke not, but remained silent in her grief. At last the eyes of Desmond Vale turned to the great clock in the corner, and, Delmonte saw the look and rose, *“We must be off, Desmond, and my sweet wife, hope for the best, and pray for me.” He said the last words in a low tone, and his voice had a tremor in it. She threw her arms about his neck, and then he felt her sliding out of his grasp. She had fainted. . An old negress was hastily called, and Miriam was left with her and Mr, Voiney. “Can I go with you, papa, to see you kill that bad man?” F It was little Violet who spoke, and the strong man started and bent his head among the golden curls, 4 : **Come, Delmonte, this will not do, for it will unnerve you. ‘We must be off,” and the white face was raised; but the picture of grief it wore Des- mond Vale remembered to his dying day. «Oz My chiid, you cannot go with me, But you and’ mamma are my guardian an) els, yoursit see my little darling, and go off to as re yo Ips ns oneas uetvan 0 #P6F6 Your pape to e child ran away to obey, her little heart full to overflowing, and the two men sprung in- to the waiting carriage, on the box of which was the negro coachman, and Jack, Delmonte’s arse valet, bearing in his arms the box of ‘To Live Oak Point, Mark,” ordered Del- monte, and the carriage rolled away. over, Through the grand gateway leading into the grounds, out upon the sbore highway it went, and soon came near Live Oak Point, a pretty piece of land covered with majestic trees and carpeted with a sward as soft as velvet, A boat was cruising along the shore, rowed by the negro oarsmen, and in the stern sat two persons, : ‘There they come, Delmonte, and we will reach the spot together.” ‘“Who is the secondof De Vigne, Vale?” asked Delmonte, et cannot see his face, for his back is toward us, “T thought I did not recognize a familiar form, and Delmonte looked closely at the ap- proacbing boat, It soon touched the sandy beach and the occu- pants sprung out, one of the oarsmen carrying a box under his arm, As they approached the spot where Delmonte and Vale stood, the former said in a whisper: ‘* As I live, the man wears a mask.” , “You are right! What does it mean? ‘*Shall we refuse to meet De Vigne with a masked second?” **Ob, no, for my quarrel is with De Me iy not his second; but the proceeding is certainly a strange one,” The two parties now met upon a level spot be- neath the wide-spreading branches of a live oak and coldly saluted each other, The masked second was not in his sea costume, but was attired in a suit of black. The mask completely shielded every feature but the dark, piercing eyes that were seen through the boles. All bowed in silence and Roland De Vigne said Coley: : ‘“Mr. Vale, my second, sir.” ‘¢ Your second seems to be as much ashamed of his name as his face, it appears, as you do not say who he is, Mr: De Vigne,” said Desmond Vale somewhat warmly. . ‘*My second’s name or face has nothing to do with this affair, and his being my friend is proof that he is a gentleman.” A light laugh came from beneath the mask at this, but Vale made no reply and stepped up to the masked second, who had shown no evidence that be bad even heard the remark about his being as much ashamed of his face as of his name. ‘Shall we arrange together, sir?’ he asked, and the deep tones of the masked second re- sponded; ‘*T am wholly at your service, sir.” CHAPTER IX. THE FATAL FEUD. In vain was it that Desmond Vale tried to get a glimpse behind the mask worn by De Vigne’s second. e could not see a feature, other than the i eyes that met his own. Ww ho could the man be he wondered? hy would one of the planters mask himself? Perhaps it was some one wko did not wish to have it known that he had seconded Roland De Vigne. ‘s Witb these thoughts in his mind, Desmond vale went to work to toss for the position and word. Tbe niasked second won both, Tben they tossed up to see which should be used, those of Delmonte or De for both were a apa pair of weapons, Again the masked second won, and the wea- pons of Roland De Vigne were chosen. ‘He bas won word, position and weapons, and now your turn must come,” whispered Vale to Delmonte, who simply bowed. , The two men were then placed in position, and the weapons handed to them, They took them like men who well knew their use and deadly qualities, and meant to use them to the deadliest advantage, — The negroes, with awe in their faces, were grouped togethér apart, waiting for the dread suspense to end. The masked second moved about like one whom the sad affair did not cause to feel in the least, while Desmond Vale was quiet and anx~- ious, for he had a dread of the result. He saw that there was no flinching in the face of his principal, but then he knew how danger- ous a foe De Vigne was, De Vigne’s face was angry and determined, ane at times a malignant look would flash into s eyes, ‘ He did not belittle his enemy in_ the least, for he knew just of what stuff he wa®made, istols igne, The two men were fearless, determined, and. filled with hatred for each other, \
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In a short while the deep voice of the masked second gave the fatal commands, the pistols rose quickly to a level, the reports rung out to- gether, and while one man stepped backward a pace, the other fell heavily to the ground, Desmond Vale sprung forward and knelt by the side of his friend. ‘‘1 am dying,” were the low-uttered words, ““My God! I feared it!” groaned Vale. * And he?” “T thought was wounded, but he seems not to ” ‘¢Yet I covered his heart, as he did mine, I could die without regret could I have killed him; but alas! it was not to be.” There was no need to say hope, for Vale saw the death-ssweat and pallor upon the face. There was no need to send for a surgeon, for he would come too late. Suddenly De Vigne, who bad been talking to his second, came forward and saia: “You have your death-wound, Roland Del- monte.” ** At your hand, yes.” ‘*] have my revenge, so am content; but let me tell you that [ was not the one who kid- napped your boy, nor did I know aught about it. ‘*T was saving my revenge for later, for I had not tired in waiting. ‘“¢- Your bullet was well aimed, but it did not kill. ‘Now, one word in your ear,” and bending over, the man whispered something in the ear of the dying man. . A loud ery of commingled rage, pain and grief broke from the lips of Ambrose Delmonte, and he half sprung up, as though to grapple with his slayer. But the effort cost him his life, and he fell back dead, while with a blow full in the face, Desmond Vale sent Roland De Vigne to earth, while through his teeth came the words: ‘“Base hound! you insulted a dying man.” “‘ And you, sir, shall answer for this insult to me,” replied De Vigne, livid with rage. “T}l meet you now,if you wish, over the dead body of my poor friend.” “« Anotber time, sir, not now,” was the reply, and De Vigue strode away after bis masked second, who seemed to have lost all interest in the affair, and was strolling leisurely toward his boat. Thither De Vigne followed, and the body of Delmonte was placed in the carriage by Vale and Jack, and the vehicle started homeward. As they drew near, Valesaw the wife walking up and down the piazza, her eyes upon the highway at every turn she tvok, He told the coachman to drive slowly, for he wished that she might suspect the truth. The vehicle turned into the gate and was seen by the wife. She seemed to recognize the truth, for she ut- tered no word, but clasping her bands, sunk upon her knees at the head of the steps to the piazza. : “Mr. Volney came out of the house, and Violet held him by the hand. She stepped to her mother and put her arm around her neck. Thus they waited until the vehicle halted be- fore the steps, a short ten feet from her. * Dead?” i She asserted it, rather than asked the question of Vale. “ Alas, that it is so.” “ Bring his body to me.” She rose and staggered into the house, and a moment after she was alone wita her dead. The next day a vast concourse of people fol- lowed the dead man to the grave, in the family burying-ground of the estate. é widow was there, leaning upon the arm ot her father, calm and with no utterance of grief escaping her lips. Violet grasped the band of Desmond Vale and thus they stood while the earth fell heavily upon the coffin, shutting out of sight forever the form of Ambrose Delmonte. And back to her desolate home went the wife to fall in a swoon and then to lie for weeks and weeks at the point of death from brain fever. But at last she recovered, and sad-faced she an her walk anew through life, devoting herself to her child and her father. Her boy had been taken from her, and death had robbed her of the one dearest to her in all the world; but she would bear it all, and hope. And back from the duel scene went Roland De Vigne to his old home, once more to live the life of a recluse, with no friend to cheer bim, and his own thoughts his companionship, for people shunned ‘6 = him like a guilty being, for well | of jewels on the table before them. they knew that he had struck at Delmonte for revenge alone upon the beautiful Miriam, and many believed that he did know who were the esaiey 4 or of Volney Delmonte, and that his hand had been the one to strike at the mother through her boy. When r ould his next blow fall, all wondered, for he wns not a man whose vengeance was easily satisfied. CHAPTER X. FORTUNE’S FAVORITE, THE boat that bore Roland De Vigne and his masked second from the scene of the duel, held along the shore until it came to the pier jutting out from the De Vigne Homestead. Not a word had been spoken by either of the white men, and the two negro oarsmen, awed by what they bad seen, rowed along in deep thought. Arriving at the pier the two white men sprung out and walked toward the mansion, leaving the negroes to follow at will. ‘‘That was well done, Roland,” said the pirate, as they reached the piazza, just as the sun was sinking. . ‘* Well, yes, 1t was just what I intended,” was the cool response of Roland De Vigne, as he took a seat upon the piazza and motioned to his companion to do the same, “*T really thought you were hit,” continued the second. Roland De Vigne laughed and replied: ve I was,” ** And the wound?” ‘““There is no wound other than the shock.” ‘*T do not understand you.” ‘* Well, as you are a pirate I don’t mind tell- ing you what I would not allow others to know, “The truth is the bullet of the late Ambrose Delmonte struck me right over the heart.” ** Tmpossible !” ** Tt 1s true,” “Then it glanced on some object.” “Tl tell you that it did not glance, ‘*See, here is the bullet, although now it is flat,” and he tossed over to the pirate a piece of lead flat and indented. ‘“*Tt did strike something in your pocket then?” ** No, it struck a shirt of steel wire that is bullet-proof, and will check the descent of a knife-blade too. **T had to take the chances of his shooting at my head; but the shirt gives me ten to one to get through all right, don’t you see.” ‘*- Yes, I see, and bad as I am I never acted thus toward a brave foe.” ‘. Perhaps not, but I do not care to die yet, as I have work to do. ‘* Now let us go in to supper.” The supper was placed upon the table, and the servants dismissed, for the pirate would not unmask before them. Then the two adjourned to the library, and for a long time sat In silence, lost in their own meditations, At last the planter said; ‘‘ Are you in earnest about your proposition last night, to risk fifty thousand dollars on a ame of cards against this plantation and its slaves?” “T am in real earnest, and have that sum, and will risk it. **T need more money, but as you say you can- not give it to me | will risk what I have, for some day I bope to give up my wild sea life and this is the very spot in which I will settle down. “You area gambler, and a good one, so we will play fur the stakes I mentioned.” ‘** And your money?” ‘*T have it right here, or its equivalent, for I carry jewels amounting to that sum, as I never wish to be caught away from my ship without get ‘ “Well, put up your collateral, and I will give you ¢ paper covering all; but suppose I should ose ‘* Then vou will have to act as my overseer un- til I can take possession, so you will not have to give up your home.” “Very well, we will begin our game when- ever you are ready,” answered Roland De Vigne who had a perfect passion for gambling. The two seated themselves at a table, a pack of cards was brought out and the game began at nce, .“*Tt is to be three out of five to win,” said the arte Yes,” The men played slowly and carefully, with the paper, turning over the estate, and a leather bag ° Delmonte, the Young Sea-Nover, SS 6S SSR ST mS They were both excellent players, and were quick to take any advantage coming their way. At the end of the first game the pirate was the winner, At the end of the second game the planter was winner. A third game ended in favor of the pirate, and the fourth for the planter. Then the two were most careful, for the next would decide whether the jewels were to become the planter’s, or the estate go to the pirate. The fifth game ended at last, and the planter’s face became livid. He had lost, The pirate took up the paper, sealed and signed, and thrust it into his pocket while he said: ‘*-Yon are to remain here as my overseer, you know, Roland, so do not fret yourself.” ‘*Oh, no, for[ took my chances, and luck renee me; but it is late, so let us go to ed. ‘* Very well, for I must return to my vessel to-morrow.” .““ Where did you say your vessel was?” “T did not say; but she is inasafe hiding- pace on the coast, and, as I have remained onger away than I expected to, my men may become anxious,” ‘* They love you so much,” and the words were spoken with a sneer. ** Oh, no, they love their necks so much, and depend upon me to keep them out of the noose, ‘The anxiety they would feel would be for themselves not for me.” *“*T see; but when Go you expect tocome this way again?” “*T cannot tell.” *¢ And the boy?” ‘¢ What of him?” ‘¢ Where is he?” “ Safe.” * And with you?” ‘* Oh yes.” ** What will you do with him?’ “T have not fully decided.” ‘* Better toss him overboard.” “ Perbaps I may; but I had hardly expected the suggestion from Planter De Vigne.” Roland De Vigne made no reply, but arose and took up a lamp. The pirate resumed his mask and the planter led the way to his guest’s room and there left im. Then he returned to hisown room and took from a medicine-chest a bottle labeled ‘* chloro- form,” the look of a devil came into his eyes. CHAPTER XI. THE CUNNING PIRATE, For some two hours did Roland De Vigne ce his room, after he returned to it. His thoughts were busy, and bis face worked in astrange way; but it was not remorse that he suffered for the life he had taken that day. If he thought of the dead form lying at Sea Lands, it was only to smile grimly at the grief he knew was felt for the loved one, and he felt happy in his revenge. So he turned his thoughts to the future, ig- noring the past, That night the pirate had won from him his home and slaves, Without these he would be a beggar. He had already, in his visits to New Orleans, nearly swamped his fortune in gambling, and he could not beggar himself, He owed considerable money then in the city, all gambling debts, and had given certain due bills which were covered by specified property, the very property which the pirate had won from him. ; Hoping to win the pirate’s stake he had play- ed, for that would pay off all debts, enable him to fit up his home and have a good sum over, But he had lost, : Yet the fifty thousand in jewels was still in his home, so why sbould he not have it, and at the same time save bis estate? 3 Then, too, would he not be ridding the world of a sea monster, the red-handed Despard? It would be but right that he should do so, and then he could go to New Orleans, get an armed vessel and pilot her to seize the pirate hidden. : Such were the thoughts that were busy in the brain of the planter as he paced his room, At length he heard the large hall clock toll the hour of migtere He started, trembled an instant, as in fear, h “This will do the work,” he muttered, and pa craft, for he had an idea where she was lying — but nerved himself bya glass of brandyand
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Delmonte, the Young: Sea-Rover. ‘ then took up the bottle he had taken from the medicine-chest, E He also took a bunch of keys, and a knife with a long, slender blade. , ; Then he left the room and went in the direc- tion of the chamber where his guest was. He softly opened the door and began to sprinkle the chloroform about the room, having tied a towel about his face to prevent inhaling the deadly drug bimself. This he kept up for a long while, and then, feeling sure that the drug had deadened the sen- ses of the pirate, he eutered the room and lighted the lamp, at the same time hastily opening the windows for air. Turning to the bed he was horrified to see that it had not been occupied. . Upon a table lay a note addressed to him. He eagerly seized it and read: “Thinking it best that I should go by night to my vessel, | Gepart now, without disturbing you. “ Accept my thanks for your hospitality, and my regret at not being able to second you in your duel with that fiery young Vale, for of course you must fight him soon. ** Expect me only when you see me, . ** Yours wich farewell, ‘* DESPARD.”’ “Curses! oh curses! I am ruined!” groaned the planter and then he looked at his watch, He has been gone two hours at least, for he did not retire, and I cannot overtake him. ** Besides he went by his boat, as he came, and I am not sure where his vessel lies, whether in the Rigoletts or up in the Pascagoula, **T must await his return, and he said that he always went prepared for acvidents, so will doubtless have the bag of jewels with him, ‘Yes, when next he returns I must make no mistake.” f So saying, and with another little oath, the lanter returned to his room, forgetting the amp, which he left burning in his guest’s cham- ber, and leaving the windows up also. Hardly had his footsteps died away when a closet door slowly opened and a face looked out. It was a masked face, in fact that of Despard the pirate. “T felt that he would do it,” he muttered. ‘* Now to depart in earnest, and upon my re- turn I will understand that Roland DeVigne is an assassin, yes and a robber as well.” He had on bis hat and cloak, and stepping through the window dropped to the ground some ten feet below. Then he crossed the lawn, passed out of the gate, and going out upon the pier entered a small boat that was made fast there, It was the boat in which he bad come the night before, and raising sail he went flying along over the waters of the Sound tnder a ten knot breeze, The course he took was down tbe coast, and now before dawn he ran into a cove, the shores of which were heavily wooded on all sires. Lying close inshore ina bayou was 4 Vessel, and, stilly as did his boat glide toward it, a watchful eve on deck sighted him and hailed sharply: ** Ho that boat! quick, who are you?” “*Despard,” was the reply, and the response came: “6 Ay, ay, sir.” The next moment the boat was alongside of the vessel, an armed schooner, which, with top- masts housed _was lying in hiding in the bayou. *‘ All safe, Mateo?” he asked of the officer who had hailed him. “Yes sir, we have seen nothing, other than the lookout reporting several sail going up and down the coast.” * All right, get the boats out ahead and tow out, for with this breeze we can be well out into the Gulf by sunrise, and I am not anxious to be seen on this coast just at this time.” “Ay, ay, sir.” ‘sand the boy, Mateo?” “Ts in irons, sir, as you ordered while we lay here.” * All right, now get out of here with all haste, Mateo,” and the pirate entered the cabin, while the crew sprung to work with a will and the schooner was soon running out of her hiding- ce. As she was towed out the topmasts were stepped, Sail set, and the schvoner went dashing along in the early dawn toward the waters of the Gulf. CHAPTER XII. WILLING TOOLS. Tre planter came late after ‘his night’s work, and it Fasodh that he had decided upon some plot to play, for he wrote a note and sent a negro away with it. In a couple of hours the messenger returned and said. ‘** He say he be here to-night, massa,” ‘“* All right,” and the news seemed to please the planter. Soon after nightfal] a horseman rode up to the door of the mansion and dismounted, He was met at the door by Roland De Vigne and led into the library. He was a young man, by no means handsome, and yet he showed that he had been well reared. ‘* Dockery, I want you for a particular pur- pose.” **So I judged, Mr. De Vigne, for rumor has it that you see no one of late years, though poor Mr, Delmonte saw you to his cost.” ‘Yes, he insulted me, I slapped his face, he challenged and we fought. ‘* Tt is about a duel I now wish to see you,” ‘‘ With Mr. Vale?” ‘*- Yes; has he spoken to you of what oc- curred?’ ‘* He told me that you whispered something, he knew not what, to Delmonte when he was dying, and it caused him to try and spring at you, but he fell back dead.” ** Yes, and Vale struck me.” ** So he said.” * And I must fight him?” ** Of course.” ‘*Now Dockery, you owe Vale a large sum of money.” **Hal how know you that?” ‘“‘Tt matters not; but I know it, and no papers have passed between you, [ also know. “If Vale died, you would save that money, and of course he would have you for a second in his duel with me.” ‘* He asked me to serve, when you were able to meet him, for he thinks you were wounded in your duel with Delmonte,” ‘*T was struck by the bullet, but not badly hurt: but Vale is the deadest shot I know.” ** He certainly is.” ** Tt would be sure death to face him?” “cc Yes.” “T bave no desire to die, or take such chances.” cr There will be a hundred to one he kills ou. ‘* He always fires at the head, I have heard.” “Yes, in the three duels he has fought he placed a bullet between the eyes of his adversary on each occasion,” “The deuce ke did!” Ves,” “‘ Now, as I said, Richard Dockery, I have no desire to die, and though Tama dead shot, and might kill Vale, he would even more surely kill me,” ‘‘Sure, but you will have tofight him, or back down.” ’ ‘* True, and it is not my nature to back down.” “ Then you will meet him?” “Yes, but on certain terms,” “Well?” ‘You owe Valea large sum, and his death would cancel that. “You are friends now, before the world, but no rman likes one he owes money to, and at heart I believe you hate Vale.” ‘* Indeed I do not.” “Well, I want you, as his second, to serve me, *‘ Serve you also as a second?” ‘* No, but to secretly serve me.” ‘In what way?” “ [ll tell you: side with my second.” ** Against Vale?” $¢ Wag,?? “Not 1.” “Don’t get excited, Richard Dockery, but hear me. **T know that you swamped yourself trying to get clear of the gallows when tried for mur- der. ; ‘** You are out on Vale, and few people believe you to be a murderer, ‘* But I know you to be, and—” “You will not appear against me?” gasped he man. ‘*'You remember that you were arrested upon the charge of a negro, who saw you, he said, ouremember that I came along and did See you, and my word goes in court, Saw you kill and rob the man, and you thus Saved a debt you owed him, I did not appear against you, for I felt sorry for epee: in ms a gar meddle in the affair. Y next tri willa ou do.es I tall you.” ial ppear unless y' f ‘* And what would you have me do?” and the man seemed to be deeply moved, ‘““Why, as you are to be Vale’s second, just leave the bullet out of his pistol.” Tbe man who beard this bold demand sprung to bis feet with a cry of horror, ‘**Don’t get excited, Dockery, but sit down and hear me, ‘““I will bave for my second Norton Shields, and Soy two can put your heads together, put a bullet in my pistol and leave one out of Vale’s, re that I can kill him and he not take me with im, I will do nothing of the kind,” vehemently said Richard Dockery. ‘* Don’t be a fool, for you can make five bun- dred in cash by it, and more, be can save your- self from the gallows, for 1 will not appear against you if you do as I demand.” Richard Dockery sprung to bis feet and paced to and fro, much excited, Roland De Vigne calmly remained seated and seemed to almost forget his existence. At last he turned to De Vigne and said: “T admit that I killed that man, yes, and robbed him; but he was my enemy and I sadly needed money. “But Desmond Vale is my friend, and has aided me, while he does not believe me guilty of the charge against me. ‘*T will be murdering him if I consent,” ms You will be murdering yourself if you do not, ‘*T cannot.” “Then you die on the gallows, lose five hun- dred dollars, and what you have to leave, Vale ‘em : claim as his on account of your debt to im. ‘* Ah, me! I suppose I must consent.” ‘In self-defense, yes.” ‘* When will this duel take place?” “In a few days I shall send a challenge to Vale.” ‘** Well, I must do as you demand.” “Of course you must, and here is half the amount [ promised to bind the bargain.” “Tt ought to be a thousand,” ‘** No, for you rid yourself of several thousands to Vale; in fact, I think your neck being freed from the noose alone should make you act,” The man winced and replied: ‘*You hold me at your mercy, De Vigne, and | I must be your willing tool, ** Good-nigbt.” He pocketed the money handed to him and left the house. He had not been long gone when another horseman rode up to the mansion, De Vigne was upon the piazza and saw him, and, as he came up the steps, said: _ “Glad to see you, Shields, for I was wonder- ing if you were going to let the day pass and you not come to pay me what you owe me.” ‘*My God, De Vigne, I cannot pay you, and so I came to tell you.” ** Ah! come in.” He led him into the library, as he bad Richard Dockery, a clear case of the toe and the fly, ‘Sit down, Shields, and tell me why you.can- not pay me,” ‘*f could not get the money.” ‘Let me see; a year ago when we met in New Orleans, you lost to me two thousand dol- lars, did you not?” Ste eB.” *“‘ Again, here one nigbt I won from you twice as much more, and at different times you have lost, until you owe me eight thousand dollars for which I hold your note of hand, so worded as to allow me to sell you out at once.” ‘* Too true.” ‘““Now, Norton Shields, I will forgive you that debt on one consideration.” ’ **Name it!” gladly eried the young man. **T am to fight a duel.” : “You just fought one and killed a splendid fellow, one who would have helped me out bad I asked him, in this debt I owe you,” “Well, I am to fight with Desmond Vale, and you are to be my second, carry my challenge, when I get ready to send it, and to watch the second of Vale to see that he puts no bullet in the pistol of my adversary,” “‘ Saints and sinners! who is to second bim?"’ “ Richard Dockery,” “ His friend?” “Oh, yes, and he is to put no bullet in the pistol of Vale, and you are to see that he does not. “Tf you do this, then [ ere you up this paper, and forgive you the debt.” “It is a great temptation.” “You must do it, or your mother, sister and yourself shall be homeless.”
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** Yes, I must yield; but poor Vale.” ‘*Don’t waste your sympathy upon other people, but keep it for your own misfortunes.” ‘*T need sympathy in what I will do; but how did you get Dick Dockery to do this— ae this— . *“* Oh, call it by its name, crime.” re So itis; but how did you get his consent to it? * As ] did yours; I had a hold upon him, ‘** Now, Shields, expect to hear from me soon,” and thus was the second tool dismissed, and over the head of Desmond ValJe shadows began to creep. CHAPTER XIII. THE EVE OF A DUEL, THat Roland De Vigne intended to pass over the blow he had given him, Desmond Vale felt assured he would not, for he knew the man’s nature too well to believe he would submit to i such an insult quietly. ; He was sure that Ambrose Delmonte had hh wounded his adversary, for he had noted the manner in which he bad stepped backward and turned pale at the shot; but he had supposed it by was only a slight wound, and the man had e wished to let it go unnoticed, and, as soon as he could do so, would sent him a challenge, For this reason he tad spoken to Richard Dockery upon the subject, telling him he would ask him to serve him in tue duel. The death of Delmonte, and the deep affliction ft that had fallen upon the household, Desmond Vale grieved over as though the de:.d man had been his brother, for the two were greatly at- tached to each other. iy Desmond Vale hod a beautiful house on the coast, not very far from Sea Lunds, and was r; the possessor of considerable wealth, ¥. His mother and little daughter dwelt with him, for he was a widower, baving lost his wife a year before. The summer-time,was passed by Desmond, his mother and sister at the plantation on the coast, Ne while the winters were spent at their lovely aie home in New Orleans. A man of noble nature, Desmond Vale had f many friends, and his mother and little daugh- Pet. - ter Bonita made him their idol, Bonita was but six years of age, and a perfect little beauty. Such was the man and his kindred, who had . seconded Ambrose Delmonte in bis fatal duel, and then resented the bitter words that De Vigne bad spoken close to the ear of the dying Ste man. What he had said Dasmond Vale did not know; but cruel indeed they. must have been =) to cause him to spring up with his last effort of life and try to strangle his slayer, Quickly bad Desmond Vale resented the words to ais dying friend, and he was ready to accept the consequences, and so held himself in readi- ness for the expected challenge. Oakvale was a lovely home and commanded a fine view of the coast, the Sound, distant ion islands and Gulf far beyond. Seated upon the piazza, enjoying the scene he never tired of, and with little Bonita playing near him, he saw Norton Shields ride through a gateway leading into his grounds. He knew that there was a certain kind of in- timacy existing between De Vigne and Shields, and so felt sure that he came with a challenge. 4 - His face did not change color, but he said to ag his little daughter: “lp **Run into the house, Bonita, for papa bas a visitor coming.” The child at once obeyed, and a moment - after Norton Shields was pleasantly greeted by howe : the master of Oak Vale, fr Norton Shields looked ill at ease, and his face J flushed and paled by turns, **Glad to see you, Shields, and I think I can men PSs your errand; but you are welcome just ees e same,” * “tia * This pleasant reception made the visitor still i more ill at ease, mn ‘He was in the presence of one against whom > he was plotting. But-the remembrance of the reward he was to receive made him steel his heart and conscience x against the victim, “My errand is an unpleasant one, Mr, Vale, Tassure you, forI come as the friend of Mr. De Vigne, with whom you had a quarrel I be- lieve?” | ‘*Oh no; he said something to my dying friend Delmonte, which I know caused him deepest pain, and I struck him as he deserved; but I am sorry he did not get his masked friend to second him instead of you.” “* His masked friend?” ST ‘*- Yes; did you not know that he appeared up- on the field to fight Delmonte with a friend, whom he neither introduced by name, or allow- ed to show his tace?” ‘ This was strange.” ‘*T would have resented it, but that Delmonte urged it; but how is Mr. De Vigne’s wound?” ‘* He was not wouuded,” . ‘* He certainly was, but he has kept the fact hidden. ' ‘* But be sends you to challenge me, doubt- less?” ; ‘* That is my errand, Mr. Vale.” ‘Well, Iam at his service through you, snd will send my friend Richard Dockery to arrange with you as totime and place, but, as to wea- pons I have no choice.” — After some further conversation Norton Shields took his leave, and a servant quickly followed him, bearing a note asking Mr. Rich- ard Dockery to kindly come at once to Ouk Vale. That evening Dick Dockery arrived and he, as Norton Shields had- done, showed considera- ble nervousness, which the pleasant manner of Desmond Vale but added to, “Take Live Oak Point, Shields, weapons pis- tols, and time at sunrise to-morrow,” whispered Desmond Vale, as Norton Shields was about to depart, for the motber and child of the planter were present on the piazza, the false friend hav- ing remained to supper, thus being doubly false in breaking bread with the man whom he was going to betray. That night Desmond Vale never seemed so éheerful, for he played with little Bonita until a late hour and seemed most reluctant to let her go to bed, But at Jast he kissed her good-night, and when the nurse had led her from the room, Mrs, Vale said, sadly: ‘*My son, I know why Norton Shields came -here to-day, and—” t “T intended telling you, mother, that De Vigne has challenged me to fight hi:n.” ‘*T feared it, I felt it. Ab, Desmond, if this cruel practice of taking human life fer honor’s sake, would only end—nay, my dear son, I do’ not blame you, for I know that your affairs have never been of your seeking, that you have sought to avoid, in each case, as much as lay in your power, a meeting with foes; but it is terri- ble, and how will it all end?’ The face of Desmond Vale had-saddenedas his mother spoke, and he bit his lip nervously. At last he said: ‘* Mother, when I saw that man breathe something—God only knows what—into the ear of poor, dying Delmonte, and cause his face to become pallid, his whole strength to come to him in a last effort of frenzy against bis de- stroyer, [ could not refrain from striking him as I did, **Thatis the cause of the ducl, and when we meet it is my duty to protect my life from one who will surely kill me if I do not. ‘* Now let us change the subject, mother,” and thus the conversation on a’ topic so near the hearts of both was dropped. : : CHAPTER XIV. FALSE FRIENDSHIP. THE sun was just rising when a carriage drove down the Live Oak Point road and came toa halt beneath the tree where Ambrose Delmonte had lost his life some time before. The carriage contained two persons besides the coachman and a negro valet on the’ box. Those two were Roland De Vigne and his sec- ond, Norton Shields. The latter was really nervous, while the for- mer was perfectly cool. J “Weare first,” said De Vigne, as he sprung from the carriage, while his valet got out from under the box the deadly dueling pistols, ‘* No, they are here before us,” and as Norton Shields spoke he saw standing in the shadow of a tree a few paces distant Desmord Vale and his second. And R:chard Dockery seemed ill at ease, while his principal was as serene as a May morning. The two parties approached each other, and with Desmond Vale was a negro, bearing the weapons. They had evidently walked down from the plantation, for there was no carriage visible,’ zis he saw his foe, he remembered thé blow given him, and the face of Roland De Vigne grew dark and hateful, He bowed coldly and turned away, But his eyes were upon his second and Rich- ard svcimege . He watched them as they walked apart, saw -word, but they had tossel up for it, an them conversing together and let them under. stand that he had -his eye upon them, If they meant to deceive him, then they would huve had to be most cunning about it, for they knew that he saw their every move, On the contrary Desmond Vale had no reason for suspicion, Why he should be the victim of a friend’s cu- pidity he could not understand, so he suspected nothing. And while there was treachery in the air the noble man was gazing out over the placid wa- ters, listening to the singing of the birds and wondering how calm all looked about him when he and one other stood upon the very threshold of death. He was thinking too of scenes of a like kind in which he had been an actor, and then his thoughts wandered away to the grave of the loved wife be had lost, and came back to the little daughter, Bonita, s0 calmly sleeping all unconscious of his danger. His mother, too, he thought of, and at last his thoughts were brought to an end by the ap- proach of his second. . In the mean time Norton Shields and Richard Dockery had walked apart to arrange for the duel. ‘““My God, how I hate this,” said Norton Shields in a low tone, ‘* And I: but I am a slave, for I owe, and you are doubtless in the same boat, and we are driven to it,” said Richard Dockery, ‘Yes; but if it was only any other than Vale.” “Yes, if it only was any other; but see how De Vigne is watching us.” ‘* He is indeed, while Vale stands aloof utterly trustful.” ae ‘*T only wish it was not to be as it is; but we are compromised now and must carry it out, aud then to keep the fateful secret between us toree.” ‘‘- Yes, no one must ever know or suspect.” ‘*No one: but could we not leave the bullet out of De Vigne’s pistol, and, after one exchange of shots, where both missed, it might be ar ranged.” ‘““T wish it could; but you don’t know De igne. He would suspect and we would get into trouble, ‘*Tt must be done as we arranged with our— master.” : ‘** That’s a harsh term.” “Yes, but a true one; but now to do the devilish work, and may God forgive us,” So it was that they set to work, while their | | victim, all unconscious of the treachery, stood “s some paces away calmly musing, and their te master was near, Closely watching their every ie act. wey ‘ ; a” The two seconds soon had the space measured nee © off, the pistols loaded, and all in readiness. eae IRS. Then Richard Dockery approached the man ¥ oe. he was betraying, and his white face showed ey face how deeply he felt his treachery. ae iS 42 ‘* All is ready; but my dear fellow you look ee aye ire, positively frightened. zh gia “Cheer up, for [am not dead yet,” and Des- ays mond Vale smiled. ; ; “All ready, abruptly said Norton Shields as he went up to De Vigne. oe Poy “ Ts all ready?” was the question, and Shields SO understood just how De Vigne meant, oe, i ‘* Yes, and I hate this work.” A re ** And I hate to die.” ay yee “¢ Doubtless.” ian **One pistol has a bullet in it?” “ Yes,” ** You are sure it is mine?” “Tame? he, ae ‘* There is no mistake?” jie aa “ None.” . Pape : ‘“‘ There was no bullet put in the other pistol— eid, tea by mistake you know ?” ; ake’: hen “T see that you doubt me.” ee: (Eas “fT trust no man,” - Ta ‘Very well, you have to trust to us now, for i eS we are all in the same boat together. ae a ‘“‘ But Vale bas taken his place,” Ray eh ‘«T see, and I will take mine, at, ee a3 Come y ¢ . 3 ; : He walked quickly toward his position, took 1 om Lo emi handed him, frowned at his foe and Te “Tam ready.” . : P ; ae nd I,” was the quiet rejoinder of Desmond BAL ale, et Neither guilty second had cared to give the = it fell. upon Dick “ig 2 * His voice was dary and hard as he gave the word, and the pistols flashed almost sogetberlii: yi a. a:
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a K ee ee 7 4 but the one of Desmond Vale a trifle the soonest, When the puff of smoke blew out of his eyes Roland De Vigne saw his enemy upon his knees, and Richard Dockery by his side, “Tam hit hard, but it may not be mortal— ah! there comes my carriage now—what! did I not kill De Vigne?” ‘** This is remarkable.” De Vigne heard these words, uttered in a rambling, half-dazed sort of way, and he saw the carriage from the Vale Plantation dash up, It had been waiting a short distance off until the shots told that the duel was over. From the carriage sprung Mrs, Vale and Doctor Goode, the family physician, for the mother had sent for him to go with her and be near should they be needed, Doctor Goode bent over the wounded man, and all waited in breathless silence, even to Roland De Vigne, ,. Then came the words: “Tt is an ugly wound, but not necessarily fatal, I think; we must get him bome at once,” And the next moment the carriage whiried Pe a _ away with the wounded man, the doctor and Mrs. Vale, while Roland De Vigne with a mut- tered imprecation upon his poor marksmanship started back to his home with Norton Shields. As for Richard Dockery he had set off on foot from the scene, having been like one in a dream since the shots had been fired, and wish- ing to get far away from his victim and his suf- ferings. CHAPTER XV. THE BOY PRISONER. WHEN the pirate craft, which the reader has seen the masked second of Roland De Vigne board and put to sea in, had dropped the land far behind, and was sailing over the blue waters of the Gulf, her commander came on deck and said to an officer: “Go and free that boy of his irons now, and tell him to join me in the cabin at breakfast.” The officer departed forward upon his errand and in the wardroom found a lad in irons. It was poor little Volney Delmonte, who had been kidnapped from his home by the pirate, _~ The face of the lad was pale, but his eyes had a fearless, defiant light in them that showed he had not lost courage, “The captain wants you, my lad, and he is in the cabin, or will be by the time you freshen up. ‘**He expects the honor of your company at breakfast witb him, I believe.” The tone was bantering, but not unkind, and 3 irons were taken off from the ankles of the ad. Volney made no reply, but washed up and presented a better appearance, Tuen he went on deck and glanced wistfully toward the far-off land where he dwelt. Tearscame into his eyes as he did so, but he brushed them away and entered the cabin. Whatever motive Captain Despard the Pirate may have bad for going ashore with his face concealed by a mask, he certainly did not wear it aboard aie. He sat at the table, on which breakfast had just been placed by the cook, and there was a second plate ready, and a chair. ** My lad, sit down there and eat breakfast with me,” and the pirate spoke in a tone of re- carry my Orders, bunk in my cabin markable kindness, ‘*T am not hungry, thank you, sir.” “* Now don’t be silly, boy, for you must eat. “T wish to be good friends with you, and we will pt along well together if you obey me.” ‘*T would like to go home, sir,” “Doubtless, but lads must be made men of, and you will make a great sailor some day, “Do you know what vessel you aye on?” “Its a pirate, I guess, aS you stole me from my bome,” sr mad Despard laughed and replied; “It is a cruiser, under a flag that all nation pay tribute to. But I took you from your home to make a man of you, and your parents were old friends of mine, | ‘IT wrote them that I had you, and that they might expect to see you some day, and you are to go crulsing with me. f ** You are to be a young middy on boees ship, ‘ ere, and the men will treat you well, as I will always do, if you make up your mind not to give me trouble. “What do you say, my Jad?” “T don’t wish to give fs trouble, sir; but it’s wicked. to be a pirate, and it will make my Ors ° .¥ ys <y apie bie cus eee? h oy mother ery her eyes out if she thinks I am on such a vessel, and father will be so angry.” Poor boy, little he knew that the man he spoke to had seen his father killed only the day before. ‘Well, although you are a dangerous young cub, as [ saw when you tried so desperately bard to escape me, I will treat you well. ‘Tf you do not do as I say, why you will simply have to stay below decks in irons, and be treated as I do the men who disobey me,” To go below decks, to have those fearful irons on, was appalling to Volney, and so he said: “Oh, Dll be a good boy, sir, only 1 do not wish to do wrong,” All right; now eat your breakfast, and then go to the ship’s tailor and tell him to fit you out ina handsome uniform, and Dll give you the sword you see hanging there. “Tt isa small one, so will suit you, and it is. worth its weight in gold. , ‘Then, too, I have a handsome little pistol ou can wear, and you will soon be a handsome young officer. ‘*Now my obey orders. ‘© Your name is Volney, you said?’ “Nes, girs? ‘‘ Well, Pll chop the e off of your last name and simply call you Delmont, and so you will be known as Midshipman Delmont, the Cap- tain’s Protege.” The lad bowed, for he knew vot what to say. And so to the sbip’s tailor, Delmont, as the captain of the pirate schooner chose to call him, went and was fitted out in a handsome uniform. Of course, lad of tender years that he was, he was delighted with his gorgeous dress, his gold- corded hat, handsome sword and pistol, and he was charmed with the strange life he saw on board of the schooner. Still the impression did not wear off that he had been roughly dealt with, and that a severe blow had been dealt his father and mother in carrying bim off. He did not respect the pirate captain, for he looked upon him as a wicked man, and he felt revengeful toward him for carrying him away from his home. Still the Jad knew that it was best to keep on the good side of the pirate chief, and he had the tact to do so, 2 Impressions on one so young are not always lasting, but the boy was determined he would never forgive the pirate chief or forget him. The men were a hard lot, and yet they took a acy to the kidnapped boy, and all treated him well, - He held a compromise position as it were, and the crew taught hiin many things, when, with his jacket laid aside, and with it temporarily bis rank, ho went forward with sheer interest and curiosity, a desire to learn all that he could, ¢ The schooner wasa craft of great speed and beanty, a thorough sea boat, and she went bowling along over the waves after leaving the shores of the United Statés, searching for new lad, don’t fret, don’t worry, and prey. The long, to him, confinement below decks, after his capture, caused the boy prisoner to fully appreciate his freedom, and the pirate captain smiled grimly to himself as be said, some ten days after leaving the home of Roland De Vigne: / “The boy will be an easy tool in my hands, for me to mold him as I wish.” Some two weeks passed away, and then the schooner sped away in chase of a sail. The chase interested Delmont greatly, and the capture far more. The roar of the guns, the excitement of battle and then the division of booty all bad their im- pression upon him, but he was too young to wholly divide the good from the bad in the ac- tions of the buccaneers, and soon began to ap- pear as though he was perfectly contented with Mies wild, lawless life that had been forced upon im, ~ CHAPTER XVI. MATE BENBOLT. Prernaps, had it not been for the fact that Captain Despard visited the Mississippi Sound at least once a year, and pass*l each time a week or two with Roland De Vigne, in secret of course, little Delmonte might have forgotten the past more readily. _ But on each occasion, when the schooner ran in todrop anchor, Delmonte Was sent below and placed in irons for the time she was in the waters adjaceut to his old home. . Each time he had seen the shores so familiar Fy seni) ya sch ett ‘ are 5 ph hie ah a st = to him as a little boy, and had gazed upon his own home, With a glass he had, on his second visit to the vicinity, seen his mother and little Violet upon the piazza, And yet, though treated in all things with respect, and the very idol of the men, he had been, by the orders of Captain Despard, sent be- low decks and heavily ironed. This brought back to him memories that otherwise might have grown dim, and set him to thinking bitterly over the action of the chief, and to store up in his beart additional bitterness toward him, Upon the schooner there was one man, the third officer, who had taken a particular fancy to the poor boy, This officer had a great deal of influence with Despard also, for he had saved the life of the pirate chief on a number of occasions, and once, when the captain was a prisoner in Mexico, sentenced toan early death, the officer, witha number of the crew, had boldly cut their way into the prison aud rescued him, The mate’s name was Bentolt, or such he said it was, and he had been the skipper of an American coaster in the Chesapeake, when his vessel was wrecked in a storm and the pirate schooner had picked him up with two others, in a boat, far nearer dead than alive. Upon recovering, Benbolt had said that he would serve the chief, and faithfully bad be done so, and, as upon the occasions referred to he had saved Despard’s life, the latter looked upon him as his best man. Several times be bad offered him the place of first officer, but Benbolt had said he did not care for it, and as be had proven himself to be a man wholly to be relied on, Captain Despard trusted him under all circumstances and found him as true as steel. Benbolt had been two years on the schooner when little Delmonte was kidnapped, and he took a fancy to the boy from the first. Often they talked together, and several times had the lad seen teurs come into the eyes of the pirate officer, as they conversed about his moth- er and little sister. Benbolt was a man of twenty-eight, perhaps, a tall, broad-shouldered fellow, with a frank, fearless face, and an education far beyond bis calling. He had never spoken of his past, other than to say that he had been the captain of the wrecked coast trader, and nothing more was known of him, and in fact his comrades did not care who, or what he was. He was a good officer, always doing bis duty, kind to the men, particularly so to prisoners, and never cruel, while he was never grasping for his share of buoty, ; Captain Despard bad placed so much confi- dence in him that he had been the one selected to go_ with him on several occasions, when he landed at certain points, either on the mainland or upon islands among the West Indies, to bury certain booty. Tbis was done in a secret way by Despard. Ue was wont to hide in some secure Larbor, and then, with the mate, Benbolt, as bis only compenion, to go in a boat under sail to some island or retreat in the mainland, and bury his treasures. These were taken in water-casks or other ways, and the crew never suspected that the booty was being taken away from the vessel. Of course this booty was the shares of Des- pard and Benbolt alone, and they had a right to do with it as they pleased, but they were care- ful that the crew should not suspect them of getting their treasure off of the vessel. A In this way Despard had hidden away, in half a dozen different retreats, a large amount of booty. : When he had first visited Roland De Vigne he had told him the truth when be said that he had had hard luck and lost a valuable treasure, But afterward good fortune had attended him, and some years after the kiduapping of Volney Delmonte, the pirate captain came to the conclusion that he would give up the sea’ and settle down to a life of ease, He was well aware that piracy upon the seas was becoming each year far mote hazardous, for the cruisers of the United States, Spain and England, were becoming most watchful for sea rovers. Despard also bad another motive which will be developed in good time. ‘ Treacherous to all, he meant treachery to his crew, for in sundering bis ties with them, he | wished no living witnesses of what he had been. It would be a very common thing, he feared, for some of his crew to turn up some day near
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ae = ey ah ey Ps sce ‘« i) on J > nS > wn Ff . ye ee + ie he res i Mee eit Ee See 10 > the home be meant to find ashore, and this he would guard against, He could do this in but one way, and that was to sacrifice his vessel and the men, and do it in such a way that he would not be suspected of treachery. Of course in this vile plot Benbolt was tobe his ally. So one night he called him into his cabin to lay the plot of treachery against those who had served him faithfully, even though in a bad cause, CHAPTER XVII. DESPARD’S GAME, ‘* BENBOLT, I wish to have a talk with you,” said Despard the pirate chief, when the third officer entered the cabin. ‘*- Yes, Captain Despard,” was the quiet reply. “Sit down and light a cigar, and in that de- canter is brandy, so help yourself.” The mate did as he was directed, and Despard continued: ‘* Now you bave heard me say of late, that I wanted to give up piracy?” **T have,” “And how do you feel upon the same sub- ject?” ‘*T will be willing, now that I have laid up a certain amount to live on.” ‘* Well, we have seven hiding places for booty, and in one of them alone there is a fortune, while the others are worth as much, ‘In truth, Benbolt, we have nearly three quarters of a million, and over a hundred thou- sand of that is yours, as you know. “You have been with me sme seven years now, and in all that time I have found you as true as steel, and I owe my life to you over and over again, ‘*My intention is to return to my old home, purenase a lordly abode and live like a prince on my riches, letting it be believed that I made my fortune in the East Indian trade. “You can do as you wish, of course, but I would advise that you too give up piracy and seek a home where you can live in luxury. ‘The schooner is old, crippled, and as I have not added to our crew of late, we have less than two-score men, ‘These men,” and the chief spoke in a lower tone, ‘‘ must be sacrificed.” * All of them?” “Why not?’ ‘* I see no reason why not all.” ** As you please, of course, Captain Despard.” ‘* The boy, of course, I also include,” ** He’s a fine fellow.” | “True, asa youth goes; but he is dangerous to me, and he must go with the rest, for in the new life I intend to lead he would turn up to destroy me. **No, Delmont must go, too.” ** As you say, sir; but how will you get rid of the men?” “ That I have thought of, and this is my plan: ‘¢ We are to leave the vessel together, you and I, as upon former occasions, and we are to head for the nearest port to our separate booty re- treats. There I am to get asmall craft, pre- sumably to hunt certain shells, and I will go to six of the retreats and collect my booty, taking but two strange men with me, ** The seventh retreat you went to alone to bury the treasure, you remember, and I wish you to o alone again, and get it, meeting me at the ats of the retreats that I go to, “Your retreat hus the richest treasure, you remember, all of it in gems and gold, you know, and when you join me we will divide, for you have your shares with what I will go after.” rT; Yes, captain,” “Then we will go to the nearest port and make known that the schooner lies in a certain retreat, and a cruiser will be sent after her, or a band organized to capture her. “Before we go we must damage her bull in such a way she cannot be readily repaired, and so she will be there when her captors arrive. «7 will tell them how desperate the men are, and that the schocner is filled with them. : ‘This will cause the destruction of all the crew at once, or those not killed will be hanged, and thus will they be out of our way.” “Yes, Captain Despard; but would it not be as well, after you have collected your booty, to run to the port you have in mind and let me t- you there, after I have gotten the treasure o after?” : ‘It would perhaps be better, and I will map out all plans we are to follow.” “ Yes, and I would suggest that should you leave our young third officer, for you have now made him such, on board, he will tell how he — 40% A Nas es ae W's a: Delmonte, the Young Sea-Rover. was taken and thus be let go free, while the men, loving him as they do will vouch for his story, and thus he will turn up against you.” ‘* By Heaven, Benbolt, I had not thought of that, ‘““You are right, sol will take him with me and thus get rid of him.” ‘* Perhaps I can suggest a better plan.” ** Ah! I will simply throw him overboard at night, when I am visiting the booty retreats.” “* But you will have two strange men with you, and you wish to do nothing to arouse their sus- picions.” “That is so.” ‘* Now [ am to go alone, and it will be noeasy work to handlea boat without aid, and I so found it before, as I told you, you remember?” Vieg,?? ** Well, sir, when I have gotten the treasure I can, on nearing port, tap the youth on the head and drop him into the sea.” “ You are right, and shall do it. “*T had had, when I kidnapped the boy, other plans regarding him. “But [ have changed my mind now, and will be glad to have him out of the way, “You can take charge of him, Benbclt, and within a couple of months we will meet at Ja- maica with fortunes for each of us, and no dread that the discovery will be made that we got them by piracy upon the high seas,” and the pirate chief laughed in a way that showed how much he enjoyed the anticipation of hiding his crimes and living a life of luxury upon his ill- gotten gains, CHAPTER XVIII. THE DEPARTURE, SomE days after the conversation between Captain Despard and Benbclt, who had become first officer by the death of the two who ranked him, the schooner was found to be leaking badly. It was necessary to run ber to some place where she could be beached and repaired, The place chosen was an island of the West Indies, where there was a secure harbor and good beach, while it was a retreat so secluded that no danger would be expected there. It was, too, within some fifteen leagues by water from a port where all that was needed could be obtained, and to this port the captain decided to go, In looking over the ammunition and stores of provisions it was found that they had become damaged in some unaccountable way, doubtless by the leakage of the vessel. Ammunition must therefore be obtained, and so the captain decided to take Delmont with him tothe port, and have him, pretending to be a middy of the American Navy, purchase what was needed, and sail with it in a chartered craft for his vessel, which he was to pretend was lying at a certain point awaiting him. While he did this Benbolt and the captain would be getting stores, canvas, spars and paint Dene and return with them in another little vessel, Not a shadow of suspicion had the crew that all was not right. The schooner was to be left in command of her second officer, and they would have ample work to do in putting her in perfect repair against the return of the captain. _ So the life-boat set sail one morning, carrying in it the pirate captain, Benbolt, and the young third officer, Delmont. The lad had grown to be a dashing-looking, splendid youth in his seventeenth year. _ His form was tall, graceful and developing into splendid manhood, while his face, bronzed to the hue of a Spaniard, was as handsome as an Adonis, fearless and resolute in expression. He was certainly a protege tobe proud of, and yet, in spite of his kind treatment of him, Captain Despard, for certain reasons known only to himself, hated him,and had marked him for a victim of his revenge. Since he bad been kidnapped, except to go ashore in some uninhabited island, to fill the water-casks, or to gather wild fruit, Delmont had never been on the land, If the schooner was near a port at any time, and communication was ant vith the land, Despard or Benbolt went, the youth never. Benbolt had brougnt him books, from which to study, and to read, and the officer had taught the unfortunate youth much valuable information, and thus kept his mind busy and improved. he men had therefore been surprised when their captain had taken Delmont with him to the port; but they saw that he could the betier the others pretend to be an American naval officer, come to’ purchase stores for his vessel, The boat was well rigged for a short cruise and sailed away out of the little land-locked harbor, leaving the schooner beached on the sands, and the men at work upon her. Her topmasts had been housed, her guns taken off, and she was otherwise lightened to get her high up on the beach at a full tide, so that each time the waters ebbed the men could work all around her, Delmont held the helm, when the life-boat- left the secret harbor, and he was attired in the dress of an American midshipman, while Cap- ~ tain Despard and Benbolt wore the attire of common seamen. Delmont was a perfect sailor, and be could be trusted, young as he was, in any weather with the schooner, He knew her from keel to truck, and could fight her as well as he could sail her. He held the boat along over the waves, and then Captain Despard told him of a change in his plans, as he called it, “T will look after the stores at the port we are heading for, Delmont, vbiie you go with Benbolt after ammunition to Havana,” “ Ay, ay, sir,” was the prompt response of the young officer. It was night when the little boat ran inte the port, and Despard, who was well acquainted 4 yey went to a sailors’ inn, and got lodging for all. He furthermore obtained a boat and two men, the following day, for himself, and late that afternoon saw Benbolt and Delmont set sail in a well-provisioned little sloop, to start for the re- treat where the pirate officer had buried the treasure intrusted to him by the chief, ‘*Within the month I will expect you, Ben- bolt, to join me at the rendezvous appointed, though of course both of us may be delayed be- yond that time. “But [ will await you, as you will me, and don’t forget what you are to do, and there must be no mistake about it.” As he uttered the words Despard glanced with a significant look at Delmont. ‘TT will not forget, Captain Despard, and there shall be no mistake,” was the reply, and the little craft with her crew of two, bound on an errand so strange, sailed away in the dark- ness, leaving the pirate chief standing on the pier, and watching her fade in the distance, ‘*Now that is done, for Benbolt will not fail me, the accursed boy will be done for, and the treasure will be mine,” and this man, treacher- ous himself to all, yet trusted the one man Ben- bolt, against whom he also meant to turn traitor in the end, for self-preservation was the strong- est law that Captain Despard the pirate knew. CHAPTER XIX. THE TRAITOR CAPTAIN. Havine seen the little sloop depart on her errand to get the treasure which Benbolt had h‘dden on an island fifty leagues away. and to end the days of the youth, Delmont, Captain Despard returned to the inn where he bad put up, and the landlord of which was little better than a pirate himself. In fact Bunco, as he was called, was the receiver and disposer of pirate booty, and in this business Despard had given him much to do. **Bunco, now for a talk with you,” said Despard, when the two were seated in the host’s comfortable quarters at the inn. “ft am ready, for you have not come here to, sell booty this time, T am sure, Captain Despard.” re- sponded Bunco, who was_a low-browed. evil-faccd man, an Englishman by birth and a rascal by na- ture. ‘“*T have goods to sell, yes, for I brought a choice supply from the schooner, end yet they are not for sale either but asa grenent to you.” ’ You want work done?” Vege “1 havea couple of thousand dollars of yours now, from last sale I made.” “T know it, keep the money.” ‘ ‘“Ah! the work must be important you wish me todo.” “ You have done a part of it in getting the sloop mg my two men.” “ You will of course charge no charter money for that, and nowI want a like craft, with two men whom you can trust wholly, and yet who, if lost at sea, you’know, you would not grieve over.” ‘“You are to take a short cruise. too?” “Yes, IT wish to look up a secure retreat, and visit certain islands where I hcpe to find a good harbor and safe hiding-place, “T wish two men, gond sailors, to go with me, and if accident should befall them, so that I have to bring the craft back alone, then T bope you will not love them so dearly as to mourn for them, you see, “Yes, I see, c pein. and I will find you the men.” **Good! when?” sé To-morrow,”
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é a: ri - N32 + . wa 4 Bose eee bea ‘ eel rm sae ae Bae Te. it au pa el Oe id ‘ ie re ae Ay Grass y «. > Pog an ot a lass b en 4 ¥ z r 7 a ay =) i * Mae + rf ht Ra } Rk vt & oe Delmonte, the Young Sea-Rover., “T must sail to-morrow night, so have the men and craft ready, and let her be supplied with pro- visions for a month’s cruise.” ** It shall be as you wish, Captain Despard.” ‘* Now, there’s another thing, Bunco.’ “ Yes, sir.”’ ‘*My men are getting very ugly of late.” “Indeed!” “Yes, they say the seas have more cruisers afloat than prizes, and they are very mutinous, “Of course they know you as my agent, and they have threatened me, and to also tell on you.” **The dauce!” and Bunco lock »d very seared, The cunning pirate chief saw that his plot was working well, so went on: “T knew I would have trouble with them, soT sprung a plank forward, aud had to run for a place I knew of, where the schooner could be beached. ‘*T told the men to repair the craft while I went for stores, to this place, and that I would get money from you and pay them a large bounty ag my ro- turn, if they would go with me into the Atrican slave-trade, giving up piracy. “They consented, but the rascals would take my money, if I was fool enough to take it back, seize the ship hide the booty, and sail here to deliver the vessel, my Officers and myself up to the authorities, you along with us, thus getting their pardon for so doing.” “Great heavens!” ° ** Don’s get alarmed, Bunco, for I am no fool. “‘[@ame here with Benbolt and Delmont for a purpose. “They have gone after a treasure that Benbolt alone knows the hiding-place of. ‘On his return they boy, whom we cannot trust, is to be knocked on the head, when in sight of port and tossed overboard. “Then, when [ have the treasure safe, with what I go after, you and I can get rid of Benbolt, and I will pay you well for your work, and then go to Havana, ot a suitable craft and go into the slave-trade my- self.’’ ‘*A money-making business too it is, and I don’t mind going as your first mate, for! can sell out here; but about the mutineers on your schooner?” “Ah, yes, they must be silenced.” “T should think so.” “There is no cruiser in port?” “None.” ‘*Then you go to the governor, tell him you have informa'ion that Despard the Pirate, with his vessel, is lying in hiding at a certaiu island, and ask him to give you an order to arm and man a vessel to go and capture her. “You can pick your own men, promise them booty and see to it that not a prisoner is taken, “You can take Officer Monet, who looks like me, for Despard, and tell the governor you banged him, which you van do. you knw, thus getting the five thousand pounds offered for my head, “But remember, not a man of them must escape, or we will be ruined. “You must keep up the fight, hang Monet even should he be killed before you can do so, and you will leave none to tell the tale. ‘“* Now, Bunco, what say you?” » “Tl do it.” ‘* When?” ‘* When shall 1?” e. *The sooner the better,.’’ * jhen Igo to-morrow to see the governor, and will get away the day after. for I know the craft L want, and the men I can get,” “They must show no mercy.” “Trust them for that, for they'll work for the booty on the schooner.” “Well, get me away to-morrow with my two men, and then | leave all in your hands, “ within the month I'll be back, and then, Bunco, we will alone possess the secret of our fortune,” and Despard smiled in triumph at the way in which his treacherous plot was starting, for the reader has doubtless seen te falsehoods he told to get Bunco to allow no man from the schooner to remain alive. CHAPTER XX. THE PIRATE PLAYS TO WIN. Capratn DESPARD Sailed in the little sloop, procured for him by Bunco, and with two men to go as a crew. : In his own miod Despard had already condemned these two men to death. He was as cunning asa fox, and fearing that the two men, in spite of bunco’s trust of them, would be more than anxious to do away with him, when he had secured the treasures, he was determined to play a deep game against them, The little sloop sailed well, the two men under- stood their duties, and, with his charts before him Captain Despard headed for the first of-the hiding- places of the treasure It was an island, deserted and by no means easy of access; bat an anchor'ge was found, and wit his map and digging utensils the pirate went ashore in the boat, accompanied by one of tke men. Near a large tree they halted, the distance, ac- cording to the map was stepped off, and at a cer- tain point the man began to dig. It was not long before his spade struck something hard, Ports twenty minutes after @ cask was un- earthed. “Tt contains a lot of booty, some gold, silver, jewelry, watches and odds and ends.” explained the pirate. and the cask was rolled to the shore and put mto the " : Arriving on board the sloop it was placed in the eabin and the little vesge} headed away for another hiding-place of treasure, SR se es ag es The two men eyed the treasure cask longingly. They were outlaws full fledged, and they were the best of friends : They had worked hard and risked their necks for gold, and here it was in their very clutch. But they were avaricious, for why not have all that the pirate chief bad? They could go from island to island with Captain Despard and then by simply killing him, become possessors of a fortune they had never dreamed of, If they returned with him their share would be a mere song,in comparison to the value of all the booty. They said nothing, but looked at each other ina way that both understood And Despard the Pirate looked at them and read their inmost souls, H» did not seem to be alarmed at the plot that was forming in their minds against him, for he ' smiled to himself in a way that it was well that those two men did not see. So the sloop went to the next booty hiding-place, and here a box, iron-bound, was found. Tt contained silver and gold images, taken from a Mexican church, the pirate said, and was worth a small fortune, The third retreat was found and opened, and here were boxes of valuable booty of all kinds. most securely packed to prevent being ruined by having been put in a rocky cavern, So it went on until six places had been sought and found, and the sloop certainly had a most valu- able cargo. ae “The next one, lads, is the last, and it is the most valuable one of all, for it has gold and silver money, with some precious gems. “Tt is near our returning point too, and we'll not be out of our way,’’ said Despard. The men had been out three weeks treasure-hunt- ing, and were wild with delight. The next treasure was tue last, and it was the most valuable. Once they had it on board the pirate captain must be done away with and the sloop would bear them far away where they could reap the reward of their treachery. They had talked the matter over, and had ar- ranged their plans accordingly. The pirate captain seemed wholly unconscious of their perfidy, and the sloop was headed for the last of the rendezvous, Now this last one did not exist, as far as Despard was concerned. Or ra'her this was the one which Benbolt had gone with Delmont to find, and the chief knew not of its locality. He however remembered a certain barren island, of rocks and sand, nut more than half a day’s sail from the port where Bunco dwelt, and this must be used to carry out his schemes. He had once touched at the island, and knew that the sloop could run close inshore and find an an- chorage, He did not wish to get there by night, so timed his sailing so as to arrive in the morning and thus be able to run to port the same day, running in after nightfall an pretending to be a fisherman, The sun was just rmsing when the island was sighted, and as they neared the place to drop an- chor, Captain Despard said: : ; ‘*We’ll all go ashore here, for the box is a heavy one, and, with this light breeze there will be no need to lower sail.”’ The men readily acquiesced, and socn after the sloop came to anchor a short distance off shore. The boat was lowered, the sails left up, and the party of three started shoreward. Despard found a spot near the beach, and then, with an impatient imprecation, said: “Thave brought the wrong map; but this is the place, I think, and while you dig I’li return and get the paper.” The men saw nothing to awaken their suspicion in this, and so, while they dug, Despard returned to the sloop. Had they seen that what he returned for was a couple of rifles, their faces would have blanched with fright. He put the weapons into the boat, unseen by those ashore, aad then seizing the oars, pulled to within fifty feet of the beach, “Tsay, lads, I happen to know of your intended treachery to me,” called out Despard, ‘so I will eed you at your own game, for I shall shoot you both. As the poe captain spoke he leveled one of the rifl s at the treasure-diggers and pulled trigger. A wild yell of fury and fright con-mingled broke from the two men, but the bullet from the pirate’s rifle pierced the heart of one, and~he fell heavily to the ground, The other had started to bound BRAY. as though to seek safety behind a distant rock, not seeming to realize that death by the bullet would be more mer- ciful than to remain on that barren island and starve to death, , But he had not gone far before the pirate’s second rifle cracked, and he fel! heavily upon his face. “T donot think Lecould have Missed him, and he be playing the fox; but I’ll make sure,” and the pi- rate loaded the weapon in his hand, and taking aim at the prostrate form lying upon the sands, drew trigger. There was a convulsive MOVement of the form, and then all was still. ‘* Now fora shot at the other one,” and the rifle was reloaded, and a bullet sent into the body of the man who hat first fallen under the unerring aim the pirate. Then he rowed back to the sloop, made the boat Lines eet vest t ‘ a Vie ry fast astern, got up anchor and stood away for the ort he had left some weeks before, having played is game of deviltry successfully thus far, CHAPTER XXI, BUNCO’S WORK. TrvE to his word. Bunco, the landlord of the Sail- or’s Inn, and secretly the agent of outlaws, went to tbe governor of the island and made his report, He had heard, he said, he coulu not tell how, that the famous pirate, Captain Desperd, was at ac r- tain island where his vessel was undergoing repairs, and he asked permission to arm and man a craft at his own expense to go and capture the noted rover. The governor was delighted—and only regret- ted that there was no vessel-of-war in port. If the affair was a success, he knew it would bring fame u:on him; but if a failure, then he could readily wash his hands of the whole affair. He would have to, of course, claim a certain amount of booty for the Government, and Mr. Bunco should have all the balance and the glory. so the permit was given, and that very night a, schooner sailed out of port with eighty men armed to the teeth and under command of Bunco. The schooner was not armed, for there would be no need of that, as the blow was to be struck by the crew, and not by heavy guns, Bunco had all of his directions from Despard the Pirate, anc so managed to reach the island the sec- ond night after leaving port. ‘ He rowed in with muffled oars, while the schooner rem ‘ined outside, and found that all was about as the pirate had stated. He saw that the pirates, feeling perfectly secure in the retreat, had not kept a guard on duty, or if so that he must be asleep. The schooner was upon the beach, held bye by stanchions and the crew were doubtless below decks asleep. “‘T wil come in in the boats, with muffled oars, and let the schooner follow when they hear the fight open. ‘ Rt We can land yonder on that point, and go on foot to make the attack.” So said Bunco, and he gave the order to return to his vessel. An hour after four boats moved slowly into the harbor, their oars muffled and making no sound. Astern was the schooner, under shortened gail, and with twenty men on board ready to aid their comrades if needed. Landing at the point he had indicated, Bunco led his men skirting the shore until they stood under the shadow of the schooner. If any one was awake on board there was no sound to indicate it. There was a staging forward that led up to the decks of the schooner, and the men had finished their work upon the hull that day, so that the craft was ready to go into the water again. Noiselessly Bunco mounted the staging, and close behind him followed his men, with cutlass in one hand, pistol in the other, ** Ho, lads. turn out!’* shouted Bunco, as all bis: men reached the decks. There were startled cries heard below, a few excited forms sprung from the deck where they had been sleeping, and then followed a rapid dis- charge of shots with a ‘hud, thud of cutlasses find- ing a victim. The pirates were taken wholly by surprise, and in waking up to face death as they did, they believed their foes outnumbered them ten to one. - They cried for quarter, but the reports of pistols and clashing of cutlasses did not abate an instant. Some fought desperately and the attacking force met with a strong resistance here and there on the deck. but the carnage still continued. Bunco had surrounded the schooner, and so if any threw themselves over on the sands, they were met by those awaiting them. The officer incommand fought with desperation, and he was seen by Bunco, “ That is Despard the Pirate. Seize and hang him, men!’ shouted Buneo. “Have it so. if you wish, that lam Despard, and come on!” shouted the pirate officer. The men rushed upon him. Bunco had a rope convenirntly near and, wounded as he was, the outlaw lieutenant was dragged pH in mid-air. This demoralized his few remaining followers, but- though they cried for quarter Bunco rushed upon them and they were cut down mercilessly. Soon, for want of victims the cracking of firearms ceased, and the schooner was in possession of her captors, “It was a most desperate fight, for those devils would not surrender,”’ cried Bunco, his words giving the bint that the pirates had been sacrificed because they would not ask for ge f ; ‘ The schooner had run into the little harbor, and placing his watch on duty, Bunco retired to await the dawn of day, when the fruits of their victory ould be seen, : With the rising of the sun they were all tip, the bodies of the dead were pitched ov . the wounded among the assailants were sent on board the schooner and arrangements begun for getting the pirate craft afloat with the next full tide. This was accomplished during the day, and the guns were put back upon her and a prize crew placed on board, Bunco of course being the com- mander. : The body of the lieutenant of the pirates, and which a number vowed they knew to be Despard himself, was ent down and buried, and just at sun- set of the second day after reaching the island, the
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two vessels set sail for the port which the victors had left. Bunco, a perfect hero, sought the governor at once and made his report, and if it was not a truth- ful one it at least pleased that official, who at once gave orders for the gale of t e pirate schooner und eae DRY OP ig ORE BI OY her booty, and the distribution of the prize money, . reserving a fair share for the Government—that was himself. There seemed to be no one to Coubt but that the man hanged was Despard, for where else should the pirate chief be but upon board his vessel, and so the order was given tothe Government treasurer to pay the reward for the capture of the noted chief, * dead or alive,” to Landlord Bunco, who at once divided it with his crew. very wisely keeping the lion’s s1are for his own coffers, Having had his venture turn out so well, Bunco bezan secret arrangements to dispose of his prop- erty, and be ready for his departure when Captain Despard should return, for it will be remembered that the pirate chief had said they would together zo into the African slave-trade. But in this Despard was playing another deep game against Bunco himseif, CHAPTER XXII. ALL ALONE. A BROAD smile broke over the face of Bunco one night, as he suddenly beheld Despard, the Pirate, enter his tap-room, Since his capture of the pirate vessel, he had been such a hero, his business increased ten-fold. The days passed by and he was growing anxious ’ about the chief, when he suddenly saw him before him, just as he was preparing to close his doors for the night. With great haste he got rid of those present and sent Despard off to a comfortable room, where soon after he found him, ‘**Welcome back, my friend, weleome back, and what success?”’ he cried, as he grasped his hand. ‘*] can guess of your. success, for I saw my schooner at anchor in the harbor as I came in,” “Yes, she is there, and the thing was a perfect success,” * And no one escaped?” **Not a soul,” “Was J hanged?” “Th splendia -your head,” ‘*Good! but you are sure that no one escaped?” ‘Not one,”” ‘* And my officer, Benbolt?”” ‘*Has not put in au appearance yet." ** This is strange.” ‘There is time enouch.” ‘* He should have been here before this.” * What kind of weather did you have?” “Fair but there have been some storms since.” “ And we dodged several severe blows by being at the islands.” “And you were successful, captain?” “Yes, 1 accomplished all I went for.” * Got much treasure ?”’ “ Yes.” * And my two men?” “Ah! they did not returs,”’ “Indeed?” “They went the rounds of the treasure-islands with me, but I heard them plo ting, when the last hooty was obtained, to get rid of me and take all for themselves.” ‘The traitors!’ and Despard laughed. style, and the money paid over for ** So I let them think there was yet another treas- ; ure, put them ashore to dig for it, and then lay off in my boat and gave them lead instead of the gold they coveted,” * Ah, came ge : “Their life or mine, Bunco, and when I shipped the men I told you that I wanted two who could be spared.” “True; but what is to be done now?” ** Await the return of Benbolt.” “* And the you.h?” “The youth will not return.” ** Ah! he will be landed elsewhere?” ** Well, yes.”’ * He seemed to be a fine fellow." ‘*He was just as much in the way, Bunco, as were the men on my schooner and the two who went with me to the islands,” 7 ze pees. and Benbolt is to get rid of him?” *Yes,”” “You can trust Benbolt?” “He is one of the few men I can trust; in fact, besides yourself, I know of no other, “Thank you, captain, and your trust in me shall not be betrayed,” “ T know that, and besides it is to your interest to serve me, for the booty that Benbolt has gone after is worth equally as much as what I have gotten.” “If he gets rid of the youth he will have to sail the sloop alone.” **As1 did my craft, and he can do it for a short while.” “ Oh.yes; but when he comes?” ** .@ will sail in his craft for Cuba, and there get a vessel as a slaver.” “His booty is mostly in gold, silver and gems that can readily be made use of. “The treasure I have we will have to turn into gold and be all ready by the time Benboit returns,” * We can do that, captain, for there are mer- - chants here who will pay you well for coe booty.” ‘Well. bee on the morrow, forI must re- do not wish to leave turn on board the sloop, as I Despard took his her unprotected,” and soon after leave, accompanied by Bunco. sloo *s deck, the former said: Dpeianiicine Ps ae te Rl ili t The little sloop lay rot far off from the tavern and in a secluded part of the harbor, and the two friends in crime were soon on board. With lanterns, Despard showed Bunco just what his boory consisted of, and the next morning the landlord went a.ound to find purchasers, It was an easy task, and that wight the treasure was changed from the sloop to the hotel. \ The next day certain casks anu boxes heavily packed were sent from the tavern to the different shops, and Bunco followed them, collecting the amount of the sales. That night be sac in the cabin with Despard count- ing up the results,'and with which both seemed much pleased. But several days passed away and Benbolt did not return. The incoming vessels reported severe tornadoes, Foes Captain Despard began to grow very anxious ndeed. Not so much for the loss of Benbolt’s life, if harm had befailen him, as for his treasure, He was more and more anxious as time passed, and one day as he stood on the deck of the little pass he saw a brig comiog into port, towing a wreck, The vessel passed near to where he lay at anchor, just as Bunco came off in a skiff. ‘*Do you see that bulk, captain?” he asked, as he drew near. ; “Yes, and it looks like the sloop Benbolt sailed in. “It is. for I recognized the craft by her red paint- ed breast. ‘* Now to go and see if she was wrecked before or after the treasure was gotten,” So they rowed out to the brig and saw the hulk of the sloop. Her mast had been broken off ten feet from the deck, her bowsprit was g: ne, and she had evidently been caught in a tornado at sea, her decks swept of those on board and the craft ieft a wreck, The landlord, to get possession, claimed the wreck and paid the brig’s crew salvage money for her, But a search of the craft showed that she had no treasure on board, and, as the spades and other utensi's taken out to dig up the treasure, had not been disturbed from where Bunco had placed them, . oem that the treasure had not been taken on oard. \ ‘Lost, utterly Jost, for I know not where it is.” groaned Captain Despard, and then a wicked light came into his eyes as he remembered that both Benbolt and the youth were lost, snd Punco was the only remaining one to bear witness that he was, or had been Despard the Pirate.” “The accursed sea has robbed me of half of my treasure, but I have yet an immense fortune, and Bunco goes with me with all he possesses, so after all [am not so bad off. ‘*No, I see hope ahead,” muttered the pirate. Then, as it was no use to await longer in port, he told Bunco to get his gold on board and they would sail for Cuba the following night. Buneo was more than willing, and with vbe re- sults of his sales of his property on board, one with all that Despard possessed, the sloop set sai for Cuba, it having been agreed that the two would purebase a vessel and enter into the African slave- trade, which at that time was as lucrative us piracy. “To-morrow we will sight Cuba, Buneo, for but for the darkness we would now see the land,”’ said Despard, one night, some ten days after having left port. “T am not sorry, captain, for it has been hard work upon us both, and then the anxiety of having this treasure has beep great,” repli:d Bunco, who was lying down on deck as.the sloop glided along, while Despard sat at the helm, é “ Well, get what sleep you can, so as to relieve me at midnight,” the pirate said, and Bunco dropped into a deep sleep. If the darkness had not hidden the face of Des- pard, Bunco would never have gone to sleep, But it did hide the look of malignant joy upon the pirate’s face, and the man siept on, all unconscious of danger, Peering ahead, the pirate at last saw the dark out- line of the Cuban Coast. The skies were clear, the wind light, so he would have no trouble going the rest of the way alone, and he knew the port of Havana well Now was his time to act, to free himself of the last one who could appear against him in the new life he intended to lead, a life of luxury, fur not once had he thought of becoming a slaver. This was but a bite which he meant Bunco should bite at. And Buneo did, for when the sloop ran into the port of Havana the next day, Despard the Pirate was alone on her decks. Bunco, s'unned by a cruel blow, had been dropped overboard into the sea, and the treasurs became Despard’s alone, and happy the thought made him, for no remorse wasin hs heart when he droppéd anchor in the harbor of Havana. CHAPTER XXIII. BENBOLT’S STORY, WHEN Benbolt set sail from bd with Delmont, the youth who had been forced to become a pirate. there was not a shadow of fear in Despard’s mind that be would not carry out his intentions to get rid of the !ad after the treasure been secured and the little sloop was nearing her destination, so that one man could bring her in. As the two, Benboit and the youth, sat on the , do you know what Despard is about?” “ He is up to some deviltry, I am sure.” Delmonte, the Young Sea-Rover. Siete ee a a ee Ee — ee — ———eeeE——eeee————E—EeEeEeEEeEeEEEEEEE——_—_———__ =) ** Of course, for he lives by it; but let me tell you that this last plot of his is the most diabolical I ever knew man to go about.” ** Indeed?” ‘1 hinted to you aboard ship that you should know all when we started on our cruise, and I will tell you now that the schooner’s plank forward was started, that we might run her to that island re- treat and beach her. “This carried Despard, you and myself away pre- sumably after stores and ammunition; but the schooner was deprived of her guns, to lighten her, Despard said, but really to render her defenseless, ‘*Upon arriving in port, he secured from Bunco this sloop and one other, the latter for him to go after lis treasure in. ‘Then, while we were away, Bunco was to go in an armed vessel, attack the schooner and kill all on board, sparing none as witnesses against Despard, while the officer in charge was to be hanged and re- portedto be the chief, and the reward was to be gotten for him.’’ ‘You surprise me,’’ said Delmont. ‘Doubtless; but Despard was to secure his treas- ure, and, when near port. take the life of the two men who went with him.” “That put them out of the way.” ‘‘Of course, and Bunco was to sell out and, upon my return, go with Despard and myself to Cuba, ** At least so Despard said, but in truth we, Des- ard and myself, were to get rid of Bunco, and thus fave all the treasure for ourselves.” ‘* And what was to be done with me, Benbolt?”’ “Oh! I was to kill you you after we got the treas- * And I suppose,in fact I feel sure, that when Despard got near to the fort he intended to run to, he would have killed me and thus buried. his secret of piracy and had all the treasure for himself.” ** Would he do this foul deed?” ; ‘“Why not? Is he not capable of anything?” “Very true; but you are to kill me?” and Del- mont smiled. “Such were my orders: but I have a better plan,” “Tam glad to hear it.” “T have always been your friend, Delmont, and have tried to keep you from forgetting your home, and those you loved, for you were so young when kidnapped that it was but natural that you should.” ‘* You have been most kind to me, and but for you Ifeel that Iwould have forgotten much that you have kept me in remembrance of, ‘* Now Lrecall my name, my mother, father, and little sister, and when J ean go to them once more I shall be happy.” f **The time is not far distant when you can, Del- mont. * But now to the plau which is better than killing u. ‘* Yes, let me hear it.” ‘* Of myself I have never spoken; but let me tell you now'that I come of good stock, was well raised, and my father was rich, * But at his death his wealth was swept away and, a poor man, my engagement with arich and beauti- ful girl wes broken off by her father. ‘* But we loved each other and were secretly mar- ried, and for some time the secret was not known. “Phen my wife had a little daughter, and we were hap , though poor, ¥ But my wife’s father was revengeful and he laid a trap for me and into it I fell. “Tt was said that I stole alarge sum of money from my employer, and I was arrested and tried, the result being that I was sent to prison. : “JT was innocent and made my escape, going to sea and even getting command of acoaster, for my father had been a shipping merchant and Ti ad often cruised in his vessels, f J ‘Tt was my intention to send for my wife and lit- tle daughter to join me, as soon as I had a home for them, but I was captured by Despard. and then I de- termined to one day capture him and his vessel, and returning home with riches, defy those who had made false charges against me, for I knew thatI could with money, prove my innocence. “But nothing cccurred to give me the chance, and then you came, and I did not wish tu leave you. “Now the chance is ours. for we will get this treasure, sail for the United States, put it into gold, and both be very rich men. “As for the pirate scbooner, it will be taken b Bunco, through Despard’s trap, and the chief wi seek a foreign land in which to ney his ill-gotten riches, and so will not cross our path. “We were both by force made pirates. the booty belongs to us. as much as to any one else, and so, oo: we leave the past behind us and the future be- ore us, “You can return to your home, and I will go back to my wife and cbild, and if we are not happy it will be our own fault “T have never done a lawless act unless forced to it, nor are you responsible for what you have been made to do. i! * What say you, Delmont? é “Tam with you heart and hand.” “Then ho! for our Treasure Island,” was the ree ly of Benbolt, and the little sloop seemed to feel BS spirit of her crew, and went flying along over the waters, toward the island where was hidden the pirate treasure. CHAPTER XXIV. STORM DRIVEN. It was a week's sail to the island, and as there had been rough weather, which gave little rest to either of the two on Moeted” sloop, they were in- s ; deed glad when it was ule * *~ ~" aA Bf Sem AOI TEN SE A >
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“The harbor is not of the best, Delmont, and we will not remain long; but as all is wet and uncom- fortable on board, we will go ashore in the boat, build a fire and dry our clothing, while we also get a good night’s rest.”’ ; © said Benbolt, as near sunset the sloop was hardly half a league from the island, The anchor was let fall off-shore, and the two went in the boat to the land. A fire was built of driftwood, and the two were soon quite comfortable after their late experience with the rough weather in the little sloop. At an early hour they Jaid down to rest. and so utterly worn out were they that the lightning and thunder, the warnings of a coming storm, did not awaken them. Not until a terrific crash of thunder came, follow- ed by the wind rushing over the island in a hurri- cane, did they spring to their fect, : They gazed about them an instant, and the light- ning, which was vivid and incessant, revealed the sloop bending under the fierce tornado. The sea was already too wild to venture off to her in a boat, to let fall another anchor, or to scud away before the gale for safety. ‘*Who would have suspected this?” muttered Benbolt. ‘**T certainly did not,’’ replied Deimonf, The wind grew so fierce that they had to run down to their boat and make it fast by hauling it up on the shore behind s.me sand dunes. Their fire had been blown into the sea, and they were compelled to seek refuge under the lee of some rocks. ‘* There goes the sloop!”’ cried Benbolt, as he saw the mast snap, and the behavior of the craft at once showed that the cable had parted, Away she went, flying out to sea before the tem- pest until lost to view, * We are in for it, Delmont,”’ said Benbolt. ‘We surely are, and there is no escape.” “We have the boat, which will do in calm weather, but we would not dare to take the treasure off in it, as we might be robbed if picked up.” ‘We can leave it, get another craft and return.” “Yes, if we get away all right; but we have only what provisions we breught ashore with us last night.’’ ; ‘ ** How large is the island?” ‘It isa couple of miles long and one wide, and tvers is some game upon it, and certainly fish- ing. ‘Fortunately I have my lines and hooks in the boat yonder, and then we have our pistols, so we are not so bad off after all.”’ “You are a plucky feilow, Delmont, but let us see if we can get some more sleep and to-morrow will tell us what is in store for us.’ They again Jaid down to rest and were soon fas‘ asleep, for the storm had done its worst and no longer Cisturbed them, The day broke clear and beautiful, but the sea still Reanded the island severely. A light breakfast of coffee and crackers was eaten and then the two started out to see what was in store for them, The istand was rocky, sandy, wooded in places and a few birds were visible. Delmont was a crack shot, for he had spent hours shooting at gulls hovering over the ship. when at sea, and he quickly brought down two birds that were good to eat. Then they fished and caught a number of fine ones, and these were salted away with the birds, for fortunately they bad brought a sack of salt ashore the night before. The hiding-place of the treasure was found, and Benbolt showed the youth just where it was as he said: “Should anything happen to me, Delmont, you will know bre ap find the treasure, and I will show you how to run to this island.” The treasure was not disturbed, and then the two castaways devoted themselves to perfect rest. The next day the sea was still a little rough, so they felt that they could depart on the next morn- ing, when it would be calm enough, and after the severe storms they had met of late the weather would doubtless be calm for some time. "Fish were caught and salted down, also birds were chot and laid away, and the cask in the boat was filled with pure water from a sp 2 The little boat was overhauled and put in the best condition possible, and some sand and rocis put in her forward on which they could cook their meals at sea. The next morning a four-knot breeze was blowing and favorable for them, the sea was comparative} calm, and the sail of the little skiff was hoisted and away went the adventurous voyagers out upon the waste of waters. . en the sun set the island was out of sight, and nowhere visible was there a speck of land. The night passed away quittly, the little boat still held on 5 course; but the morning dawn showed an ane sky. Another twenty-four hours of good weather and they would reach a haven of refuge. But it was not to be, for a fresh breeze swept over the waters and they were turned from their course. Fortunstely it did not turn into a tempest, for the - poat aever could have lived in much rougher weather than they had, : ‘Bet the half gale had blown them far off their course, and they knew that no land or help was near. ‘Thus days passed, the provisions were consumed, _ the water cask was almost dry, and they saw death 7, staring them in the face, * | Delmonte, the Young Sea-Rove —$ He was half-stunned by the fall, wild with rage, and his right arm had been broken above the elbow. He made his way slowly toward his home, while Desmond Vale walked after him and said: Permit me tosend you home in my carriage, for you appear severely hurt.” I will go as I came, upon my own horse, sir. and as soon as Tam able 1 will let you hear from me,” was the response, hissed through the shut teetb. r. “Tam very much at your service, sir; but at least allow me to aid you to mount.” As it was impossible for him to mount unaided, he was compelled to accept and a moment after he was riding homeward, his heart filled with fury, while hw suffered great physical anguish, Of course this became known, for the servants had seen their master take hold of De Vigne, though they had not heard the words that caused him to do so, Norton Shields went over to see De Vigne, when the rumor reached his ears, and was told that it was true, but what he had: aid to cause Desmond's burst of anger he did not make known. “You will have to. act for me again, Norton,” said De Vigne, as he writhed with pain. “It will be months before you can fi bt.” “True, but we mnst fight him when 1 am able.’” **On what terms?’ “The same as the last!’ ‘* How do you m:an?”’ “Why just as you arrangcé the shots before.” “That is for your safety; but what is to be done for my benefit?” “You owe me several thousands in gambling debts?” ; “ Yes.” “Tl cancel them.” ‘* Allright; I'll act as before.” ** And Dockery?” “* Does he owe you anything?” “Yes, as much ¢s you do,” “Then he is safe too. “Send him to see me and hold yourself in readi- ness for a call.” ‘ “Not for a long time, for your right arm is broken, you seem to forget.” “T don’t forget it; but I am to cha'lenge, and we must have it so arranged that when you go to chal- lenge Vale, Dockery must be there, and then there will be nofear of his not having him for a second, where otherwise it might be.” “Allright, Pll be ready, when you are,”’ was the reply and Norton Shields took his leave, ——- CHAPTER XXVI. DE VIGNE’S DEMAND, Prope wondered that after the daring visit of Roland De Vigne to the young ss esmond Vale, that bis sogagement with Mrs. Miriam Del- monte should be broken off. But so it was, and yet no one could understand why it was so. After the departure of De Vigne on his horse, suf- fering from the injuries he had received at the hands of Desmond Vale, the latter had startei at once for Sea Lands, Miriam was seated in the arbor, where the reader first met her, and her beautifully sad face was lighted u with a smile of welcome as she saw Des- mond Vale approaching. She arose to meet him, and extended her hand, while she said: “Tam glad you have come, Desmond, for Violet has grue driving with father, and | am all alone,”’ ‘*tam sorry, Miriam, thet I have not come upon a. pleasant mission, but I have not.” “Oh, tell me what has happened?" she pleaded, turning pale with dread, “Thad a visit from De Vigne an hour age.” . - visit from De Vigne?” * Yes. \ “And ees killed bim?” she cried, her voice full of an hs ; ** Not so bad as that, though I am sorry I did not. “The truth is, he boldly came to visit me, said that he had heard rumors of our engagement, and said that it was false, for you dared not marry apy man without his consent.’ “*T dared not marry any man without his con- sent?’ she asked, almost in a tone of horror, **So he said, Miriam,” *“ And you, what said you?” ‘ “Tt was on the piazza he said it, and seizing hiny by the throat, I dragged him down the steps to the gravel walk below,’ ‘* You did not kill him?” “Unfortunately, no; but his right arm was broken, and he was so badly hurt, I offered to send him home in my carriage. ‘He refused, and yet had to accept my aid to help. nme Scented ill rows never end? : , Desmond, will my sor C ‘*My poor boy, then my husband taken from me, and now I must give you up. “Give me up, 7 “ Alas, yes. se ‘““What do you mean? “Do not ask me now, for I cannot tell you; but some other time, when I know just what Roland De Vigne will do, I will let you know all that I ean tell; but I fear me it will end in parting us.” “He will challenge me, of course, but I may be more fortunate next time,” i “No. no; I only wish that I was dead and at rest. ‘Leave me now, Desmond, for I must be alone, I must be alone.” He obeyed her wish, and rode slowly his heart full of forebodings and grief. Weeks passed away, and one afternoon Miriam was again in the arbor when suddenly she started, for a man stood before her. It was Roland De Vigne. meeting there, and his She recalled their last threat of revenge : ; wet? remembered how cruelly he had avenged him homeward, : 11 betas aap lalla aA 13 my aes $ ’ e —— = a Fiee Cath Cage AS fw 45 You ae
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His face was pale, but he was handsomely dressed and wore his right arm in a sling. ‘*Mrs. Delmonte, we meet again!" “It wo ld be better for me did you never cross my path, sir,’’ she said, haughtily. se { have heard that you meant to marry my enemy, Desmond Vale?” ** Does that concern you?” ““It does.” ‘*In what respect?” “1 forbid it.” “se Yes.”’ * And how dare you interfere, sir, in my affairs?” ‘Let me tell you, and see if I cannot make you feel that I have at least the power, if not the right, to prevent this marriage.” . **I cannot but-hear you.” she said, resignedly. ‘* Once, in this arbor, I forbade your marriage with Ambrose Delimonte. “T was too late, for you had been recently mar- ried to him. “ But [ had my revenge, asI told youI should, — “Now I tell you that you shall not marry this man, Vale, for if you persist in doing so, I will bring disgrace upon you, your father, your child, as I nave the power to do. “See, here are certain papers I wish you to | read, ‘When you have read them I will expect you to break your engagement at once with Vale, and I give you fair warning now that [ expect you to be my wife.” “Your wife! the wife of the fiend incarnate who murdered my husband? ‘Beware, Roland De Vigne, or you will drive me to desperation!” * Let me see. for I can offer some inducements. “When you read those papers, you will know if ou already do not now know, the disgrace I can ring upon you and yours. _ “If you become my wife I will give you the orig- inal of those papers to destroy, for those are but copies. * Your husband has now been dead seven years, and when another has passed, a year after your broken engagement with Vale—vou see 1 am gen- «rous—I will expect you to be my wife.” ** Never!” : “Oh, yes; and as an extra inducement, I will pledge myself to restore to you your boy.” **My boy! you know of him then? ‘For the love of God tell me of him!’ and the poor woman dropped on her knees. ‘* Listen to me,’ * Yes, yes.’’ “J had no hand in the carrying of him off, as you suspected, but I discovered why it had been done, and I know where he is. “TIT am told that he has grown into a handsome youth, and that he is all right, and I'll pledge you my word to restore him to you when, one year from now, you become my wife. “| love you still, Miriam. and I will be a good hus- band to you, a kind fatuer to your children, “If you consent on the terms 1 have offered, write me one line: ‘***T consent—Miriam.’ ‘Tf you refuse, put the word refuse in the place of consent, ; “If you are to marry me the secret shall be kept until the day of our marriage. ‘if you refuse then you will never see your son and more, you, and your fair daughter Violet will go down in disgrace before the world. “*Good-by, Miriam, I shall await your answer,”’ and the wicked man left the beau iful woman alone with her grief. CHAPTER XXVII. WHEELS WITHIN WHEELS. Wuen Roland De Vigne returned to his home it was dark, and he appeared in ill-humor, so his slaves thought. _Seated in his library after supper he heard a car- riage halt before the door. and soon after a servant ushered into the room a visitor. _ De Vigne sprung to his feet, and his face became livid as he recognized the stranger. He was a tall, fine-looking man of thirty-five, with a face bronzed to the hue almost of an Indian, He bowed in a courtly way, and said: “So long a time has passed since last we met, I suppose I must introduce myself as your brother,” * Arthur De Vigne!”’ gasped Roland. “Oh, yes,” and as the servant bad left the room, he threw himself into a chair and said: “Well, my last visits to you were made at night, and then I was Despard the Pirate, “Now I come openly, no longer as Despard, but as your dear brotber, for I have given up the sea, a large fortune, and shall settle down and en- oy it. X OF course you hoped that I had been killed or hanged, so that you could have the home I won from you that night, and to which I was half-heir, | anyway. “But I'll not be hard on you, and we can live to- gether until I purchase an estate and build a villa to suit my extravagant tastes. *Then I shail marry che fair Widow Miriam, ard no one will suspect the rich Vigne, of having been once the red-handed pirate Despard, and I will give out that I made my fortune in India, you know. arm, 1 see." look badly‘used up, and bave a broken Delmonte, the Young i] planter, Arthur De | Sea-Rover. a Roland De Vigne was white with passion, and for a time could now speak. He knew that he had not a dollar outside of the estate, and he bad mortgaged that, though be had given it all up to his brother in the paper he had written for hiin. Then came the promise he had made to Miriam, to restore her son. He would be friends with his brother, until he Laie a time to strike his blow, and then all would nis, “IT am glad tosee you home, Arthur, for I am tired of living alone. **We can fix up the mansion and it will be grand enough, and T am most glad that you have given up your lawless life; but tell me, what of that boy — me you had kidnapped, and had with ou hi] **Oh, he is dead, went down with my vessel and I alone escaped.”’ *Tam so sorry, for it would have been a stron thing in your favor with the mother to have restore her son to her.” “T never thought of that.’’ said the pirate, but he sr glad that the b.y was dead, as he believed him to be. : Then Roland De Vigne told bis mother of all that had occurred of late in the neighborhood, and then began to fret about his arm, which he said had been aor badly fractured and was in a wretched condi- on. _The next day a man rode up to the De Vigne man- sion and left a note. It was addressed to Roland De Vigne, and read: “T consent on the terms you offer, to destroy the accursed secret, and restore my boy, ‘** MrrIAM.” Roland De Vigne smiled with triumph at this. His brother also knew the secret he held, and he felt sure had intended to use it against Miriam. But he would see that his brother was put out of the way all in good time, and after he had made Miriam Delmonte his wife, he could tell her of the death of her boy. But the arm of Roland De Vigne continued to give him more trouble, and, after months had passed, the doctor decidec that it must be broken over again and reset. This was done, and brain-fever followed, so that when at last be was able to begin his pistol practice, with a view of meeting Desmond Vale, the year had abou’ passed that he had given Miriam as the time of probation Of course the return of Arthur De Vigne had created considerable excitement in the neighbor- hood, and it was soon seen that his coming had oesapiepety metamorphosed the old house, for it had been fitted up and refurnished without regard to money. 4 The pirate, however, had kept pretty closely at ome. He wished to get used to his new mode of life, be- fore he launched forth, and he felt confident that Roland was going to play some game against him, and so kept a close watch on him. ‘Roland must die, and the time for it is when that duel comes off with Vale. : *‘T’ll see to it myself that no bullet goes in his pis- tol and one does go into Vale's, for those two fellows, Dockery and Shields can both be bought up and I’ve got the gold to tempt them,” Such was the pirate’s plot to get rid of his brother, and Roland was also plotting to get rid of him, Thus matters stood when at last Roland De Vigne was able to go in the field of honor, and so sent a challenge to Desmond Vale to meet him and give him the satisfaction he demanded for the grievous injury put upon him. And Desmond Vale promptly accepted, for he felt that it was to Roland De Vigne that he had lost Miriam, for between them there was now only the coldest courtesy, and he wished to avenge himself and Ambrose Delmonte as well. _ CHAPTER XXII. AN INTERRUPTED DUEL. Tae hour na for the duel between Roland De Vigne and Desmond Vale was at sunset, on the Live Oa!: Point. + When De Vigne and his party arrived there, for the pirate accompanied his brother, they were sur- prised to see what appeared to be a trim-looking yacht anchored in the cove near. And more, a boat from the yacht had come ashore and the men seemed to be enjoying a walk through the grove. Desmend Vale just then arrived, and he was ac- companied only by Richard Dockery. The sailors seemed interested and drew nearer, pv = course th ir presence would not prevent the uel, Yet, just as the seconds were loading the weapons, another party appeared, landing from a boat and evidently from the armed yacht. The pirate looked uneasy, for he always had a guilty conscience, An officer walked up to the party, and made assign to the dozen men who accompanied him, and who were armed with cutlasses and muskets. The men at once surrounded the duelists, and the officer called out: _ “ Hold! I have something to say here!” All gazed upon him in uiter astonishment. He was darkly bronzed, wore a full beard and was dressed in uniform. ‘IT have to say, Mr. Vale, that you are to bea victim of hate, for these men intend to murder ou. f “That man, your second in your former duel, was in the pay of Roland De Vigne, and he put no bullet in ycur weapon, and Norton Shields aided him in the cheat, “The same thing was to be done again, and your death wouid have been the result, “The vessel you see yonaer is an armed craft, and she is under my orders, * For severat months, in various disguises. I have been in this neighboihood, } laying the part of a de- tective, and Ihave gleaned all the information I need for the punishment ¢f these men. “This man, Arthur De Vigne, is the famous pirate Despard, and his brother, the murderer cf Ambrose Delmonte and persecutor of his wife, is scarcely less wicked. ‘*Despard, the Pirate, Roland De Vigne, Richard Dockery and Norten Shields, you are my prison- ers!’ “In Satan’s name, who are you that accuses me of piracy?” yelled Arthur De Vigne, thrusting his hand into his bosom for a weapon. “Volney Delmonte, the kidnapped boy, at your service, Sir Pirate,” was the startling r sponse, and a false beard was dashed from the face of the youth as he spoke. ; All started back, cries were heard in amazement, and Despard, the Pirate, tried to draw a weapon. But the sailors were upon him, and in an instant he and the three other villains were bound se- curely. * Take them out to the schooner, men, ‘“*Mr. Vale, you can return to your home and re- port that some kidnappers landed and took these gentlemen, while you escaped. * As to who | am say nothing; but soon T hope to see you, and you may, if you will, prepare my mother for my return, by saying you have had news of me. ‘‘ More do not say, for this day’s work is a secret, and these four men will not disturb this neighbor- hood any more, I promise you. Pray depart now. In silent wonder, but with a glad heart, Desmond Vale turned away and went homeward through the gathering shadows of Sg nt As the intended duel had been kept secret, and was not know to any one, he determined to say no- thing of the kidnapping affai ; but he watched the little vessel through the darkness as she stood out toward the Gulf. CHAPTER XXIX. CONCLUSION, Ler me account to the reader for the appearance of Volney Delmonte upon the scene of the duel. After the death of Benbolt, his boat had been picked up by a vesscl and he had been carried to far- away Para. whither the ship was bound, He returned by coasters up to Havana, and there, for he had ample means, fitted out a craft in which to go after bis treasure. This he got, paid his crew handsomely, and, then soled for Massachusetts to find the family of Ben olton, He found them in poor circumstances, and told the eed of Benbolt’s death, and gave over to them nat of the treasure, while pretty Effie Bolton claimed eart. Then he went to his old home and ae detec- aye, for he had an idea that Despard ad. returned there. He was most successful, and having an armed yacht of his own he determined to punish the pirate and his brother, along with Richard Dockery and Norton Shields. whose confidence he had secured while they were under the influence of wine. Ten days after the sailing of the armed yacht, a vessel landed a passenger on the shore of the Vale Plantation; it was Volney Delmonte. He went up to the mansion and related how he had hanged Des- ard and Roland De he at the yard-arm. and set ockery and Shields free on condition that they should never be seen in the United States again, ‘Now, my story is that I was forced into a lawless life. could not escape, and have come home to live. But, what of my mother, Mr. Vale?” | ‘She knows of your coming end is happy, as is also Violet and your grandfather.” __ “And so am I happy; but now drive me over to dear old Sea Lands.’ This Desmond Vale did, but the meet between those thus restored is too sacred to describe, so L let fall the curtain, Some days after Volney’s return, his mother made a discovery, and tha was through some papers sent to her father from New Orleans, These papers gave the Jie té the secret which the De Ne Se had feld ainst Miriam, and which was that she was the child ofa quadroon slave; but the dying confession of the quadroon woman showed that she had accused Miriam of being her child, hav- ing been paid to do so by old Mr. De Vigne, the father of two unworthy sons, yet sons worthy of their father. Thus the secret held no sting for Miriam, and scon after she became the wife of Desmond Vale, while Volney, when he became of age made pretty Effie Bolton his wife, and never di husband had been a pirate, THE END. . as et? —— e learn that her
Page 15
BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME«[_IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Isswe Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, —————ee BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 ©Gaptam Arizona; or, Petent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leether Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duelist; cz, The Mountain Vompires, 888 A Tough Boy ; or, The Dwarfs Revenge. 868 Little Tornados or, The Outcasts of the Glen. 878 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. 888 Little Oh-nry 3 or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly ; or, A Race for a Ranch. 408 Little Leather-Breeches ; or, Old Jumbo’s Curse, ABL Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood, 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the olines. 480 Three Jolly Pards. 5617 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. 527 The Jolly Pards to the Reseue, 547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down. 556 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. 574 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs, 598 Keen Clem, the Ranch {mp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout, 648 Happy Harry’s Big Find. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER. 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb X ages, 0 The Doge’s Daughter. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 The Lost Captain; or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise to the a Polar Sea. 200 e@ Boy Bedoultns}; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World Wanderer. 265 The Tiger Tamer; or, The League of the Jungle. 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider, 895 Oalifornia Joe’s War Trail. BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 284 Old Rocky's ** Boyees; or, Benito, the Young Horse- reaker. 246 Giant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range, 275 Arizona Jack; or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Tavs; or, Giant George’s Revenge, 807 The Strange Pard 3 or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo}3 or, The Tarantula of Taos, 827 Creeping Cat, the Caddo} or, The Red and White Pards. $82 Frio Fred: or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. 844 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. 849 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. 357 The Ranch Raiders s or, The Slege of Fort Pargatory. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. 875 Chiota, the Creek} or, The Three Thunderbolts. $81 Bandera BIL; or. Frio Frank to the Front. 892 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. 404 Little Larlaty or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 The Daiay from Denver. 427 The Three Trallers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona. 4 455 Little Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo. | 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Giant }e BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy, 199 Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum, 228 Ozark Alt’; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzyille. 811 The Roving Sport}; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp. 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. 840 Olip the Contortionist: or, The Montana Vigilantes. BY J, ©. COWDRIOK, 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 44 ahastng the Gold King Jot yo wate, Tee Deets e Detective’s rentice; or, 0 ‘ 424 Cibuta m P 3 or, Rai Hot Times at Ante Bas, pan tame 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 606 Redlight Ralph, the Prince of the Road, 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle, 524 The Engineer Detective. 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘Difikilty.” 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective, 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 671 Atr-Line Tahe the Young Engineer. 579 The Chimney Spy3 or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party, 592 The Boy Pinkerton. 605 William 0’ Broadway; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, 615 Fighting Harry the niet of Chained Cyclone. 628 Broadway '* Dead’ Act. 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle. 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. BY JO PIERCE, 897 Bob o’ the Bowery ¢ or, The Prince of Malberry Street 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 Hotapur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The awyer's Shadow; or, Luke’s Legacy. 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. cot Surly Sim, ie a Ferryman Detective, v nte . : 509 Taek 7 gers, the Butcher Boy Detective, 516 Tartar Tim: or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerte, 526 North River N #ty, the Pier Detective. 588 Wrestling Rexs the Pride of the Sixth Ward, 641 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective. 551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, avement Pete, the Secret Sifter. atkeo’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, OR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. j 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 4 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlen Hummer. ’ 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger} or, Scooping # Slippery Set, BY MAJOR IWENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Scout. 806 Neck-Tie N or, The Dug-Out Pards. 846 Rapier Ra Resae'es The Swordsmen of Zacatecas. Bot Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies. 898 Kid-Glove ie and Pard; or, The Gold King, oak Med an-Hunter; or, The Mystery ef Golden 505 Powell’s Pard; or, The One-Armed Giant. BY WM. &. PATTEN. 489 The Piamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, tain Myste Sat eee pate she Sport rey oo 581 Daley bashell, the Boe, Old Bore, the Stan of mise” Detective $ or, The Double Grip Witness 61 e Boy Tramp De 9 Vic @, the Velvet §; 62 m4 olet Vane Dana 232 0 812 Red m 8 itt E Ebo i 6 L289 Th BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 7% Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 288 Joe Buck of Angels and His Buy Pard, 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham. 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling. 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 ‘Taos Ted, tae Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective. 518 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDU BROWNE, 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas, 90 ‘The Drend Rider; or, The Texan Duelist, 99 The Tlger of Taos; or, Dandy Kock’s Angel, 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rogk’s Doom. 1Bi The Golden Mand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge 3 or, Hunted to Death. 178 Dandy Kock’s Rival; or, The tiaunted Maid of Taos, BY CAP1, J. F. ©. ADAMS, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. 564 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper, 56 Nick WhiMies’s Pet; or, Ir The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scovt of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Woods, 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Bueckram ; or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Od Grizzly and His Peta; or, The Wild Huntress, 251 Light-house Lige; or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 57 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp. 288 The Scalp King; or, Th BY ROGER STARBUCK. 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. 259 The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floes. 848 Fire-Heels; or, Old Skinfling, the Death-Shadow. 854 Big Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Pards, Sul 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 BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Sea; or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler’s Big Game, 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 Vankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. BY GEORGE C. JENKS. 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 59s Flute, the Singer Detective, 608 xhe Fitcher Detective’s Foll; or, Double Curve Dan’s ouble Play, 616 The Ocean Detective: or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear. BY OAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR U. 8. A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. BY CHARLES E. LASALLE, 50 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. 52 The White Buffalo. A Tale of the Northwest. BY JOHN J. MARSITALL, 40 Roving Ben. A Story of a Young American, 97 The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harpes. BY HARRY 8T, GEORGE, 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. 44 Rattling Rube; or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky, 59 Old Hickory or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. HE pastes Sect Sateen ekory Marry; or rappe : 172 Thunderbolt ‘hom or, the Wol-Herder BY MAJOR E. L. ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit, 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport, top Rube, the Vigilante Prince, 888 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand.” 859 Duranusro Unuve, the Youny Chamysion Wrestler, 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Yung Hard-Shell Detective, 880 Avalanche ALf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line. BY EDWARD 8, ELLIS. 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper. 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier, 310 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sloux Captive, rne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. e Human Thunderbolt. 182 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horsemas, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The Three wrap era; or, The Mountain Monster, £38 Indian Joe; or, fe White Spirit of the Hills, BY FRANK DUMONT. 0 The Branded Hand ; or, The Man of Mystery, ~ Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road. ® Blue Rlasess or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rosky Bar, im an or, e Rival Leagues. 185 Evil Eye; oe The Vultures of the Rio Grande, seaa BY CAPT, MARK WILTON, oung Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso. 270 Blizzard B The Riot at Keno Camp, $88 Sek ths Bey venreeee BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG, 89 Island Jim: or, The Pet of the Family. 91 The Captai . Th 101 Jack Markaway tn Woe Sorks Athletes. ae ihe CAPTAIN MAYNE REID, ue Dick: or, The Y hiefs V. 87 The Land Piratens Tis League of Dorit lands 18% The Helpless Hand; or, Backwoods Retribution. 9 The Gold-seeker Guide 1 2r, The Lost Mountaia. 12 12 1 BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The ho 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat 65 MUurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Par, 119 Mustang Sam} or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-lkawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, 168 Dendly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire, 184 The Boy Trailers ; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks, 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City, 810 The Barranca W olf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League 885 Old Double Fist; or, ‘Ihe Strange Guide 855 The King of the Woods: or Daniel boone’s Last Tralh 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood ; or, The Twelve Avengers 66 Single Hand; or, A Life for a Life. 72 Mad Tom W eatern, the Texan Ranger. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop, BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIEUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8, N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bays 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Yow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines, 829 Red-Skin Tom; or, The Demon’s Trail, $42 The Mountain Devils or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw, BY COL. A. F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckekin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyom 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Glants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Lack. 5387 Old eS the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veterun Detective. 620 Little Lightning’s League; or, The Myatery of tne Island, 688 Plucky Paul, the Boy Prospector. BY FREDERICK DEWEY. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shots, 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 5642 The Canyon Parda. BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid, 558 The Sure-Shot Pards, 621 Truthful James, the “ Pecooliar” Man, BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock, 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocg, 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules, . 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Ivan’s Great Comblae. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-HNorse Hunters, By Capt. Mayne Reid and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift, 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe, (27 Iilustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven CA coe 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinsom Crusoe, By Juaa wis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees, By S, W. Pierce. 86 it Boy Clown; or, The Queen ofthe Arena, By Frank in e nn. BS Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 61 The Boy Rides; or, The Undergronad "Camap, By Archie C, Lrone, The Rival Rovers Th fsstent OO ee Lame cCol, Haxaiiog, 7? ne Presbooters'et the Bitedieatayt, 90 en Pel shears mr ear 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captaln Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, ‘Ihe Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 ‘Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George @ nm. 128 = Young Privateers or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By arry Cavendish, 148 Biarp eam 3 or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J, exander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, ws rv: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- owstone, v war erson. 261 Fergus Vearuau ht the New Y ork Boy. By G, L. Alken. 266 Kal rar, the Gu de; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked ‘l'rail, nsign ©, D, Warren. 298 Red Claw Re Oneeree Trapper; or, The Maid ot the Clift, Japta! 2or . 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Liew tenant Alfred Thorne. “ 828 The, Sky Detectives or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honote aor CK, J 850 Hed Kalph, the (Biver Rovers or, The Brothers Re venge. y Ne “J re Ren the Bootblack Detective, A, P. Morris, Sta Bald Dust Tom} or, Ben’s Double Match. By George H, Morre. 876 California Foe's First Trail, By Colonel Thomas H Monstery. ais Billy Hombshell, ths uf Clin et, By F. 8. Winthrop, ‘he ae . By er. 455 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinelblea, By Wisard-Arm. thor F. Holt, 528 ard-Arm, the D Arthor F. Ho! BS2 The Cowboy Duke. hy havin Brooke Forrest, 552 Artel the Athlete. By David Druid. 685 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H. Enton. 682 The Dead Detecttve’s Double. By Gerald Carlton, ic A New Issue Every “ono © Half-Dime Library !s for sale 1 newsdealers, conte per copy, OF Bee Oey recorpt of six comtarcecn, 7” BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 2 eee ss oS Se eee 98 William Street, New York
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BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela, ' 3 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance, 28 Buffalo Ben; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise, . 85 Wila Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 42 Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, (3? Omaha Ol; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. 57 Deadwood Dick's Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. %8 Deadwood Dick on Deck} or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine. %? Corduroy Charlie; or, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 poner ood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s auicn. 188 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. 149 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Dead wood} or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreams; or, The Rivuls of the Road. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Deadwood Dick’s Ward. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Ad- venture. 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. 221 Sugar-Coated Sam; or, The Black Gown. 282 Gold-Dust Dick, A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deals or, The Gold Brick of regon, 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. $47 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- gings. 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City, 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 448 Nickel-Plate Nedj or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Defiance, 458 Sunflower Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Fall Hand. 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- ye 465 ¥ ile Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at ‘aim 10, 471 Bozeman BIII1}3 or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Corral. 476 Humboldt Harry the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Dog Detective. 481 Moll Mystery; or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Deadwood, 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Compact. 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.z or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick’s iepings $ or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop. 5608 Deadwood Dick’s Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Diek’s Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick’s Three, 529 Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks, 544 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt, 6389 Deadwood Dick Jr, in Texas, 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr. the Wilc West Vidoeq, 549 Deadwood Dick on Mis Mettle. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr. tn Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Philadetphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Chicago, 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr's. Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick Jr’s Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Cincinnatl. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in No Man’s Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr. After the Queer, 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Buffalo, 48 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Chase Across the Continent. Other Nevels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Py the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or,The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The pos Detective, 860 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. $4 Idyl, tho Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. $8 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearanee, 92 Canada Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye ; or, Arabe nnd Angels of a Great City, 18 Jack Hoste the Young Speculator. 17 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective, 21 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 25 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Boss ob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective, 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, 81 Wild Drank, the Buckskin Bravo, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. | 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The V entellogais Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo Bil, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’s Seeret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sain’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol: or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen, 281 Denver Doll’s Victory. ‘ 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 6 Denver Doll’s Driit; or. The Road Queen, 9 A No. 1, the Dashing To!]-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Sir! Miner; or. the Tron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 880 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggeraville. 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. 848 Manhattan Pa iy ibe Howery Blasts 4 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Lomery of Life. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 87s Nabob Ned er, The Secret of Slab City, 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, B85 Yreka Jim’s Joker}; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bieyele Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Baee Ball Detective, a Sam Slabaidea, the Beggar-Boy Detective, Jim Beak ond Pal, Private Detectives. : Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. Be m, the Sparkler. a pk pk pe - BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, ? The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccancer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk hee The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship}; or, The Rival Lieutenants, 75 The Boy Dnelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 02 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 1 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy, 6 The Mussar Captain 3 or, ‘The Hermit of Hell Gate, Z Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 4 Gold Plume} or, The Kid-Glove Sport, 216 Bison BIL, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Orimson Kate 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy ; or, The Freelance Heir, 250 The Midshipman Mutineer 3 or, Brandt, the Buecaneer. 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure Island. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned, 276 erie Monte’s Cruise; or, The Chase of “The Gold mpip. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy 3 or, Benito, the Boy Bugler, 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Mysterlous Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Long Tall. 877 Bonodel, the Buy Rover}; or, The Flagless Schooner, 888 The Indian Plilet; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath Will, the Boy Phantom. p44 ccarat, ate. Boy Maneae ate sodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Taeecwente or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtaman 3 or, The War-Cloua’s Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefly ; or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Haphazard Harry; or, The Scapegrace of the Sea. 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts, 462 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard,. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Wil!’s Last Case, 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy +; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman. 511 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow, 525 Brothers in Buckskin, 580 The Buckskin Bowers, 585 The Bue skin Rovers, 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rie 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son, 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BIL, the Prairie Shadower. Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 5680 The Outcast Cadet; or, ‘The False Detective. 5S6 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte., the Young Sea Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions, 617 Falp » the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Raiders and the Red Riders of the Kio. 644 The Hercules Highwayman, 2 pat pk pk pk st or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, BY BUFFALO BILL (ion. Wm. F. Cody) 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom eg or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout, order Robin Hoody or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado}; or, The Trapper’s Trast. BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective, 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Handsome Marry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 1 wat Wildre in the Woode. A a e, the roa ry. ITO A rater’ ant or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, 74 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 79 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. 88 The Hidden Mfand}j or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 87% Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 89 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 96 Shadowed 3 or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the are Detective. 220 Tom Tanner}; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway: or, A Dakota Boy in setae 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective, 298 The Water-Hound}; or, The Young Thoroughored. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad In the Quaker ye (ooh pr ph pe, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe} or, A Boy of the Times, - 879 Larry, the Leveler$ or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firefly Jack, ihe River-Rat Detective, 428 The Lost Finger}; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective, 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Joily Vagavond, 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, 79 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty, 488 Wild Dick Racket. ; 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman ; or, Too Sharp for the Sharper. 566 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves, 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolf in the Fold. BEADLE’S« H ALF- JIME*] JBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY OLL COOMES, & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies, 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 68 The Border Ripa s or, The Secret Fee, 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Hawk-eye taney the Young Trapper Ranges, 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Riflemas, 148 Sear-F ave Saul, the Silent Hunter, 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight, 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 178 Old Solitary, tlhe Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain, 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters 208 The Boy Nercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle, 228 Little Wildilre, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger, 248 The Diaguised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranges, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger, 272 Minkakin Mike, tle Boy Sharpshooter, 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon ; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger, 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero, 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur, 457 Wingedfoot Fred 3*or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac _ Tom, the Big Etapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper, 5 BY T. OC. HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o’ the Night}; or, The Boy Spy of 776. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Little Hunter, 47 Nightingale Nat; or, Tne Forest Cantnluk 64 Dand ‘ack 3 or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trait. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack 3 or, The Boy Trapper. 06 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queem, 28 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 89 Judge Lynch, Jr.: or, The Boy Vigilante, 55 Gold Tr er, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger, 69 Tornado Tom} or, sajun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Tempie, the Border Boy. 198 Ae iameaw Hy ‘or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Bavtets Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Cragade, 281 Plucky Phil; or. Rosa, the Re! Jezebel, 241 Bill Braves or, The Roughs of the Rockies, 255 Captain Apolics te King-Pin of Bowls, 267 The Buckskin Detective, 279 Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperadees. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountcin Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Buliy- 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror of Take-Noties, 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasse. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderbelt’s Secret, 856 Cool Sam and Pard; or The Terrible six, 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, The Brecaneer’s Girl Foo, 896 Rough Rob}; or, The Twin Champiens of Bhee Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Rebia, 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter, 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler, 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Red Relfe’s Pigoes, AGI One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bae, 470 The Boy Shadow}; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt, 47? The Excelsior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter, 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 612 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detestive, 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 628 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows, 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret, 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Betestives, 558 Dodger Dick’s Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq. 578 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective, 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp Guard. 626 The Champion Pards, 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. terfly Billy, the Pony Rider Detectives or, Buffale te Bt Boy Para. By Col. Pren 38 Ingraham, ¥ 661 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detestive. By Wm. G, Patten, 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, By Oll Coomes. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. By T. C. Harbaugh, 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Among the Smugglers. By Edward L. Wheeler : 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculater. By Charles Morrie. Ready February 11. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. By Col. P, Ingraham. Ready February 18. . Will the Mountain M y ost Vertis ws A New Iasue Every Taesday: The Half- Dime Library ‘8 for sale by all newsdealors, five cents per copy, Or sent by mail on receipt of six conte each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. see eS